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Publisher, Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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Frightful Folio
Something wicked this way comes!

Designer: Michael Welham

From the amusingly quirky (such as the spiderbear and vorpal rabbit) to the deadly serious (like the dark tendril and dread kraken), every creature in the Frightful Folio will bring something new and interesting to your game. Over 50 monsters are featured, ranging from CR 1/2 to 22, and all for free.  First created for the popular blog, Mythopoeic Rambling, now you can download the best and most popular in one 60+ page PDF.

If you like what you see, be sure to check out Michael's weekly feature, Frightful Fridays, for even more monstrous fun.

Frightful Folio Download

Publisher, Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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Okay, there is now a PDF of all of the A-Z monsters and some additions from previous entries available at the Clockwork Gnome Publishing site.

Frightful Folio Download

Thank you, Mike and Derek for giving CGP permission to compile this PDF!

Publisher, Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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Clockwork Gnome Publishing's latest offering is now available at the Paizo store. Michael Welham (2012 Paizo RPGSuperstar) presents the first in our new line of books, the Player's Toolbox.

Player's Toolbox 
Arborlings
From the heart of the primordial forest.

Cousins of the treants and guardians of the woodlands, the arborlings are a plant-like race of humanoids that stand outside the boundaries of civilization. They are deliberate and straightforward creatures who remain the constant enemy of those who seek to despoil the world or unduly tax the resources provided by nature's bounty. While arborlings are an isolated race, remaining safe in their ancient homelands, a few have heard the call of the adventuring life. And now they stand poised to bring the power of nature to the bear against the evil forces in your campaign!

While designed for the  Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, this book can be effortlessly used with the 3.5 edition of the World's Oldest Roleplaying Game. 

Player's Toolbox: Arborlings includes:

  • A complete standard race (10 racial points) that utilizes the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Race Guide format.
  • Six alternate racial traits and six alternate favored class options.
  • New equipment and two new magic items designed specifically for use by the arborlings.
  • Four new feats and three new spells. 
  • A new racial archetype, the root-bonded witch.
  • Includes two versions of the book; a color copy and a bare bones, art-free copy. 
  • Fully hyperlinked to provide easy access to the most popular independent Pathfinder Roleplaying Game SRD on the web.

  • Publisher, Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    The blog at the site has not been updated in a while, but our site has seen some recent updates. There are a few more coming, including a blog post, but these are updates on future books that are currently being written by other authors. All of my attention is still firmly placed on Sailing the Starlit Sea. I am just shepherding these non-StSS manuscripts as needed. There have also been some updates about Clockwork Gnome Publishing at our Facebook page.

    Unfortunately, none of those Facebook updates have concerned Sailing the Starlit Sea. Backers have received regular updates and are currently getting weekly reports on progress. All of our substantial updates concerning the project have been focused towards the backers. Ambrosia covered the bases fairly well on where we are at in the process. I can say that some of the material that was written before the Kickstarter has seen some serious revisions.

    I am reluctant to give a firm release date, for obvious reasons. The rules are going into editing after January 12th. I have some of the art, but not all of it. And there are some other backer specific details I will be working out in the coming week. I am really not pleased that it will soon be a year since the Kickstarter began and the book has yet to be released. The responsibility lies on my shoulders, as I am the only "full-time" employee of Clockwork Gnome Publishing. But I can also guarantee that work continues.

    I should also note that if backers want to share their impressions and thoughts on the playtest, they can certainly do so. In addition, I am around the Paizo forums, so I am happy to answer what questions I can.

    I am sorry this is taking so long. It is coming. And once we wrap up the playtest, I will be keen on sharing more specific details on what the book will contain.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Aberzombie wrote:
    WTF?!? How come I ain't quoted in there?!? Don't you people love me anymore?

    We were trying to find a tactful way of telling you. This is the best we could come up with.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Theodric the Obscure over at Mythopoeic Rambling has taken some time to write a fantastic review for our latest volume in the Campaign Cogs line, The Rogues Gallery: The Cloven Hoof Syndicate.

    Mythopoeic Rambling: Greater Cleave to the Expectations

    You can also check out previews for the book here at the Paizo Publishing product page and at the CGP website.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    There is now a second preview here at the Paizo product page for The Cloven Hoof Syndicate. This time we present a glimpse of the first few pages of the book, including the introduction and some background on the organization.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    CGP is happy to announce thatCampaign Cogs- The Rogues Gallery: The Cloven Hoof Syndicate by Paris Crenshaw is now available.

    They will consume you completely, body and soul.

    Crime is an accepted part of life in most large cities. Generally, such illicit activities are under the jurisdiction of the local Thieves Guild and they tend to punish freelancers harshly. There are those who feel the stranglehold of the guild is too much to bear, that their monopoly on the underworld must be broken. The Cloven Hoof Syndicate is an organization devoted to weakening the power of the Thieves Guild and upsetting the established order.

    However, there are darker forces at work in the shadows of the Cloven Hood Syndicate. Some claim that the Syndicate's true purpose goes well beyond a simple turf war. Rumors even speak of horrid experiments and profane rites performed in the subterranean halls of the organization's headquarters. But perhaps worst of all are the whispers which connect the Cloven Hoof Syndicate with the blasphemous daemons and their apocalyptic masters!

    While designed for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, this book can be effortlessly used with the 3.5 edition of the World's Oldest Roleplaying Game.

    The Rogues Gallery: The Cloven Hoof Syndicate includes:

  • A complete criminal organization that can be dropped into any fantasy urban setting.

  • Complete statblocks for typical members of the Syndicate at every level in the hierarchy.

  • Background and statblocks for the important members of the organization, including their leader, the satyr known as Varon the Twisted.

  • New alchemist discoveries and other rules options that support the organization's terrible agenda.

  • Maps and details on the Cloven Hoof Syndicate's headquarters, The Halls of Abandon.

  • Includes two versions of the book; a color copy suitable for screen viewing and a bare bones, art-free copy and contains files for use with Lone Wolf Development's fantastic Hero Lab software.

    Check out a preview for the book here: The Rogues Gallery: The Cloven Hoof Syndicate- Varon the Twisted

    And if you like what you see, you can purchase the book right here at Paizo Publishing.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Congratulations Mike!

    I look forward to seeing the module and your future work with Paizo.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    The Virtuous and the Vile: Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger is now available!

    You can purchase it in the Paizo Publishing store:
    Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger

    Since the beginning of time, the Maggot God has burrowed his way through the earth, indulging a hunger that can never be satiated. Morithal is an artifact from another time, a being who survived the fall of one multiverse and the birth of another. Cursed with a unending desire to consume, He Who Gnaws has hollowed out vast caverns beneath the earth and these have become the subterranean realm of the dark elves, derro, and other depraved creatures. Despite his repulsive nature, Morithal's followers are powerful and many. His cults are everywhere and each of them is tasked with a single goal: to bring about the reign of their god so that he might consume the stars and cast all the worlds of the Material Plane into eternal night.

    Inspired by the works of classic writers such as H. P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith, Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger presents an evil cult that can be easily dropped into any campaign. While designed for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game this book can be effortlessly used with the 3.5 edition of the World's Oldest Roleplaying Game.

    The Virtuous and the Vile: Morithal, the Lord of Unceasing Hunger includes:

  • An in-depth overview of Morithal, his origins, myths, and other important traits.
  • Information on the cults of the Maggot God, their goals, and the benefits of their faith.
  • The Famine domain and new spells that embody the horrid
  • Two new monsters, the walking hunger and the fragment of Paranvoi, who embody Morithal's unceasing need to feed.

    Includes two versions of the book; a color copy suitable for screen viewing and a bare bones, art free copy. Each download also contains files for use with Lone Wolf Development's fantastic Hero Lab software.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    This is fantastic. As I said in the other thread, thank you very much for the support. I am so happy this exceeded its goal.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Things are busy around here as I get Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger ready for release this week. More on that later.

    But I really wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Sailing the Starlit Sea Kickstarter. Your support is greatly appreciated!

    This is just amazing and exciting.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    The second installment of The Star Oracle is now available at the Clockwork Gnome Publishing blog.

    This time we feature a new monster, the zyth. The zyth was designed by the talented Mike Welham, whose work has previously appeared in Open Design's Midgard: Book of Drakes, Rite Publishing's #30 Badges of Faith, and Clockwork Gnome Publishing's Along the Faerie Path.

    There are also some basic details concerning a race known as the Yih. Conceptualized by Patrick Curtin and designed by Craig Johnston (RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32), the Yih are one of four new races that will appear in Sailing the Starlit Sea

    It is important to mention that this preview provides a glimpse of a creature before the playtest process. Changes might occur before publication.

    The Star Oracle #2: The Zyth

    And don't forget to check out the Sailing the Starlit Sea Kickstarter page. We have some great rewards for backers that give you a chance to shape the book's design.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    I wanted to provide another update and say Sailing the Starlit Sea is nearly 40% funded. Thank you to everyone who has supported so far!

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    There is a brand new art preview for Sailing the Starlit Sea at the Clockwork Gnome Blog.

    This piece was created by the amazing Hugo Solis and it depicts just one of the many dangers explorers will find in the asteroid belt known as The Shattered Wanderer. The final piece will be in full color, but I liked it so much I could not wait to provide a preview.

    Dangers of the Shattered Wanderer

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    The first installment of The Star Oracle is now available at the Clockwork Gnome Publishing blog.

    This time we feature a new monster, the bone sargasso. The bone sargasso was designed by the talented Mike Welham, whose work has previously appeared in Open Design's Midgard: Book of Drakes, Rite Publishing's #30 Badges of Faith, and Clockwork Gnome Publishing's Along the Faerie Path.

    This preview provides a glimpse of a creature before the playtest process. Changes might occur before publication.

    The Star Oracle #1: Bone Sargasso

    And don't forget to check out the Sailing the Starlit Sea Kickstarter page. We have some great rewards for backers that give you a chance to shape the book's design.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.

    In celebration of our Kickstarter for Sailing the Starlit Sea, Clockwork Gnome Publishing is offering our first release, Along the Faerie Path, for half off.

    Featuring the work of Mike Welham, who just made the RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32, Along the Faerie Path provides an in-depth look at the Realms of Faerie and provides some new fey creatures for your Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

    Along the Faerie Path is available in the Paizo store.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    The Sailing the Starlit Sea Kickstarter is now live! Click on the link below and become a part of this exciting project.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea Kickstarter Campaign

    In celebration, Clockwork Gnome Publishing has placed our first book, Campaign Cogs- Finwicket's Chronicles: Along the Faerie Path on sale for half off. This sale price should appear in the Paizo store soon. When it does, I will drop a link in this thread.

    And in the coming weeks you can expect a few more previews for Sailing the Starlit Sea, including art by the talented Hugo Solis and a couple of monster statblocks from the creative mind of Mike Welham. Finally, this Friday will mark the first installment of the Star Oracle, a regular feature that will tackle aspects of Sailing the Starlit Sea from the designers themselves. The first subject will be runic organelles and how they interact with the runic drive.

    So spread the word and let others know we need their support!

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    xorial wrote:
    Allen Taliesin wrote:
    Lord President Moorluck wrote:

    My name is Lord President Moorluck, and I endorse this product.

    Climbs on the deck of his Space Galley and takes sail through the sky.

    That makes me think of A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
    Makes me think of Come Sail Away by Styx.

    It is amazing how easy it is to get that song stuck in your head. :)

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Lord President Moorluck wrote:

    My name is Lord President Moorluck, and I endorse this product.

    Climbs on the deck of his Space Galley and takes sail through the sky.

    That makes me think of A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Here is the latest news on Sailing the Starlit Sea from Clockwork Gnome Publishing.

    Captain Helios stepped onto the deck and surveyed the forces arrayed before his ship, the Emerald Gryphon. Suspended in the void of glittering stars were three juggernauts flying the colors of Nimbus. The crew were running to man the ballista while his trusted first mate, Achenar, strapped on his spring-loaded bracers packed with various wands.

    The wizard nodded, though his face was grim. “It looks like the mercane took exception to the plunder of their supply ships. I hope you have a plan!”

    “I’m just making this up as I go along.” Helios winked and smiled at Achenar. The captain turned and pointed at the tightly packed mass of asteroids in the distance. “Make for the Shattered Wanderer! We will play a little game of cat and mouse.”

    Achenar winced. “The mouse rarely comes out of that game in one piece.”

    “It’s a good thing I intend to be the cat.”

    As the Emerald Gryphon turned to enter the grinding field of rock, the juggernauts moved to follow. The chase was on.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea will be the definitive sourcebook on fantasy space travel. Designed for the Pathfinder Roleplaying GameSailing the Starlit Sea will provide guidelines for magical star travel set within an easily adapted setting. Explore alien worlds laden with ruins from forgotten civilizations.  Bargain in exotic marketplaces at the edge of the solar system.  Take on the role of pirate and plunder your way to infamy. Risk your sanity to uncover cosmic knowledge from aeons past. Now is the time to test your mettle. A universe of adventure awaits!

    It’s time to take your adventures to the stars. Sailing the Starlit Sea is going to Kickstarter and you now have the opportunity to help shape the design of this landmark sourcebook. Make your mark on this new project and bring the stars to Pathfinder Roleplaying Game fans everywhere.

    When will this Kickstarter campaign begin and how long will it last?
    The Kickstarter campaign will begin January 23rd and end on February 29th.

    Who will be working on the design of Sailing the Starlit Sea?
    Developers on the project will include Mike Welham (Open Design, Paizo Publishing, Rite Publishing, Clockwork Gnome Publishing), Allen Taliesin (Owner of Clockwork Gnome Publishing, Along the Faerie Path), and Craig Johnston (RPG Superstar Top 32 2009). Other designers will be joining the project as well. These will be announced soon.

    What will the format for Sailing the Starlit Sea be?
    The print version of Sailing the Starlit Sea will be a full-color hardcover book with a minimum of 96 pages. The PDF edition will include two versions of the book; a color copy suitable for screen viewing and a bare-bones, art-free copy. Each download will also contain files for use with Lone Wolf Development's fantastic Hero Lab software. A print and PDF package will be also be available.

    Are there any previews for the project?
    There are currently four previews available to give you a glimpse at what Sailing the Starlit Sea will contain.

  • The Major Planets of the Seren System
  • The Moons, the Shattered Wanderer, and Other Celestial Bodies of the Seren System
  • Monsters of the Starlit Sea
  • Starships of the Starlit Sea

    Throughout the Kickstarter campaign new previews will be posted to grant an even more in-depth look at the rules and setting of Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    What kind of benefits do backers receive?
    While there is not space to list all of the benefits, some of the highlights include:

  • A copy of Sailing the Starlit Sea and the first adventure, Voyage of the Emerald Gryphon.
  • Access to the Sailing the Starlit Sea playtest forums. Every backer will be able to playtest the basic rules and provide feedback on their design.
  • High level backers will have the opportunity to pitch an idea to the development team and see their concept become a part of the Sailing the Starlit Sea universe.
  • Exclusive access to the development blog so you can stay up to date with the latest StSS news and receive previews seen nowhere else.

    When will Sailing the Starlit Sea be released?
    The original release date for Sailing the Starlit Sea was February 2012. Naturally, this date has changed and the expected release date is now August 2012. While we understand this is disappointing for those looking forward to a February release, we also hope those who are excited about the release help support the project by becoming a backer. No matter what your backing level, you will be able to playtest certain rules and view previews not open to the general public.

    Are future supplements planned?
    Depending on demand, Clockwork Gnome Publishing is interested in producing all sorts of support material. In addition, much of Sailing the Starlit Sea will be open content, meaning other publishers can use the material to produce their own supplements. We are even looking into providing a compatibility license and logo.

    So, is Clockwork Gnome Publishing looking to produce other products reminiscent of old favorites?
    Most certainly. If Sailing the Starlit Sea reaches its goal and proves popular, we have a particular project in mind. Let's just say we have a fondness for the planes around here.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Dale McCoy Jr wrote:
    Thank you Everyone for helping us meet our first goal. Now we'll be able to get one adventure into every Free RPG Day box. lets see if we can get 3 books in every box. I'll update the campaign after That Game Con this weekend.

    This is great news! Congrats on a successful campaign so far.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Servants of the Maggot God
    For the second preview of Campaign Cogs- Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger we take a look at two of Maggot God's most trusted servants.

    Hollow Longing
    Hollow Longing is an ideal, a spirit that embodies the devastating effects of hunger and famine. Where it came from or how it was born is unknown, though some legends directly connect its rise to Morithal’s emergence. Not even the oldest gods claim to know the origins of this primeval being or even understand its purpose in the multiverse. Whatever the case, Hollow Longing's fate has been intertwined with the Maggot God for as long as anyone can remember.

    In its natural form, Hollow Longing is a mass of vapors from which an unending wail of misery can heard. When necessary, Hollow Longing may take the form of a ravenous ghoul of any race and gender. In this body it appears as a bloated abomination with waxy, milk-colored skin. Its eyes burn like embers and its yellowed teeth appear too large for its mouth. When mortals gaze upon Hollow Longing in ghoul form they can always sense that something is not quite right, that the creature before them is not a normal ghoul or even a ghoul from the putrid nobility that rule the race.

    No matter what form it takes, logic and reason mean nothing to Hollow Longing. It has no pity for those it harms, no empathy towards other creatures, and exhibits an unflagging loyalty to Morithal alone. While intelligent and capable of critical thought, Hollow Longing is often overcome by its need to devour. This makes it a poor choice for diplomatic or tactical missions, but perfect when the Lord of Unceasing Hunger wishes to sow discord and chaos amongst his enemies.

    Paranvoi the All-Consuming
    Born from a cataclysm enacted by worshipers of Morithal on the world of Malheur, Paranvoi is a black pudding of epic proportions. It began life like one of many such oozes found in the temples of Morithal, created spontaneously in the presence of morthacite. However, Paranvoi was inadvertently empowered by an ancient and forbidden rite designed to shift the planet closer to the Plane of Shadow and shroud it in a black cloud known as the Ebon Caul.

    While it is unclear what exactly went wrong, Paranvoi became stronger and more intelligent. It quickly consumed the priests who performed the ceremony, integrating their thoughts, emotions, and personalities into its own burgeoning identity. Understanding what had just happened and feeling an undeniable calling to the service of Morithal, Paranvoi began to devour.

    In two years, it had wiped out nearly all life beneath the surface of Malheur. Its body swelled beyond normal proportions so that by the time it burst into the surface world, Paranvoi was the size of a small nation. What it found when it emerged was a world on the verge of collapse. For two years the nations on the surface had been without sunlight. Famine was rampant, war was everywhere, and extreme methods of survival had become a normal way of life. Paranvoi saw this as the perfect expression of Morithal's power, a precursor to the delicious horror that was to come when Final Consumption became a reality. Filled with religious fervor, it moved across the land, devouring all it could while singing unholy praises to the Maggot God.

    Morithal took notice of this slaughter and turned his attentions to Paranvoi. What he saw pleased him. Paranvoi had grown to encompass the entirety of Malheur. The surface was completely covered by its undulating body. Paranvoi stretched into the tunnels of the Underworld, filling the dark places of the world with its massive bulk. Malheur became a dead world, nothing more than a lair for a devoted and powerful servant of Morithal.

    The Feasting Worm visited Paranvoi in dreams and visions. Paranvoi was granted a place as one of Morithal's divine servants, second only in greatness to Gothgor the Putrid. Upon the ooze Morithal bestowed the gift of foresight, which blended with Paranvoi's composite mind to endow it with a perception of time not even the Lord of Unceasing Hunger can completely understand. With the ability to simultaneously view every possible future, the All-Consuming became an oracle of devastating accuracy.

    Paranvoi continues to dwell on Malheur, which still lies in conjunction with the Plane of Shadow. It can split portions from its body and embed part of its mind into the newly formed vessels. Due to its conglomerate psyche, Paranvoi's mind can easily exist in multiple locations at once without any serious detriment. As a result, powerful temples maintain oracle chambers to house a portion of Paranvoi within specially prepared pools. The oozes in these pools hold a portion of the High Oracle's mind, allowing priests to access the impressive foresight of Paranvoi whenever the need arises.

    However, the temples of Morithal have continued to see some of their plans fail since gaining this advantage, which has led a few to believe the insight of Paranvoi is not as potent as many allege. Some of Morithals' faithful have come to the conclusion Paranvoi has its own goals and is only using the temples as a tool to usurp the Maggot God's position. Others have suggested the All-Consuming has foreseen that the Final Consumption will never come to pass and this has shaken its faith in the Lord of Unceasing Hunger. Whatever the case, while Parnavoi's amazing talent has not made the Cult of Morithal invincible, it has provided those who work the will of the Feasting Worm a powerful tool to aid them in many of their schemes.

    The Virtuous and the Vile
    Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger
    The Final Consumption approaches!

    Since the beginning of time, the Maggot God has burrowed his way through the earth, indulging a hunger that can never be satiated. Morithal is an artifact from another time, a being who survived the fall of one multiverse and the birth of another. Cursed with a unending desire to consume, He Who Gnaws has hollowed out vast caverns beneath the earth and these have become the subterranean realm of the dark elves, derro, and other depraved creatures. Despite his repulsive nature, Morithal's followers are powerful and many. His cults are everywhere and each of them is tasked with a single goal: to bring about the reign of their god so that he might consume the stars and cast all the worlds of the Material Plane into eternal night.

    The Virtuous and the Vile- Morithal, the Lord of Unceasing Hunger will be available for Labyrinth Lord and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game with an expected release date of late November.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Theodric the Obscure's fantastic blog, Mythopoeic Rambling, is currently featuring an exclusive preview for The Virtuous and the Vile: Morithal, Lord of Unceasing Hunger. Go check it out and get a glimpse at what the Maggot God has in store! While you are there, be sure to take some time to explore Mythopoeic Rambling. You will be happy you did.

    Mythopoeic Rambling: Clockwork Gnome is Rotten to the Core

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Clockwork Gnome Publishing is proud to announce the latest addition to our Campaign Cogs line.

    Finwicket's Chronicles
    The Swarmnomicon
    Forty Swarms for your Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Campaigns!

    Esteemed gnomish explorer and natural philosopher Professor Thaddeus Finwicket has traveled far and wide, documenting creatures from every corner of the globe. Now his canny eye turns to the most unexpected of subjects, the swarm! As always, the good professor tackles the topic with his signature insight, revealing a host of creatures certain to inspire new respect for the swarm in the minds of adventurers everywhere.

    Finwicket's Chronicles: The Swarmnomicon contains:

  • Forty individual swarms that range from CR 1 to 20, including such terrors as the razorleaf swarm, filament swarm, swarmic infiltrator, gibbering swarm, glyph swarm, and the dreaded puppy swarm.
  • A good mix of both deadly threats and unique obstacles present intriguing challenges for adventuring parties of all kinds.
  • Each swarm is accompanied by a small encounter designed to showcase their special traits.

    Late 2011/Early 2012
    Designer: Michael Welham
    Estimated Pages: 32

    Here is a brief overview of just five of the swarms featured in Finwicket's Chronicles: The Swarmnomicon. Additional features will appear in the coming months, so keep your eyes open for sneak peeks of the other 35 swarms that crawl between the covers of this unique project.

    Entropy Swarm— Wild magic given life, the entropy swarm invokes random (and usually unwanted) changes to all it touches.

    Ferromite Swarm— Disastrous creatures which typically infest rust monsters, ferromites gain the rusting properties of their hosts.

    Filament Swarm— This deadly swarm pierces most material as if it were mere paper and causes horrific, bleeding wounds.

    Gibbering Swarm— Rumored to be a spore-like spray from a gibbering mouther, this swarm inflicts madness wherever it roams. 
     
    Resin Swarm— Composed of tiny insects which secrete a strong tar-like substance, this swarm creates plenty of sticky situations for its victims.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    For our third preview co-author Mike Welham gives a glimpse into the monsters he has planned for Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea Preview III- Monsters of the Starlit Sea

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing wrote:


    In addition to the rules for space travel and material on the Seren System, Sailing the Starlit Sea also contains a host of new creatures both malign and benevolent. While many are original creations, a few of these are based on classic alien monsters from literature, movies, and fantasy gaming.

    Mike Welham, known for his amazing work with Open Design, Rite Publishing, and Clockwork Gnome Publishing, is the creature developer for Sailing the Starlit Sea. His unique creations have been featured in the popular Midgard: Book of Drakes, Campaign Cogs- Finwicket's Bestiary: Along the Faerie Path,the Pathways E-zine, Wayfinder, and more. Now he brings his keen vision to Sailing the Starlit Sea with a crew of monsters perfect for any campaign.

    So, let me turn it over to Mike as he takes you on a short tour of the creatures he has planned for the book.

    Ad’anite- This intelligent and warlike free-floating purple ooze is the predominant lifeform on Ad’an. Until extraplanar visitors showed up on their planet, ad’enites contented themselves with campaigns against each other. Once they noticed the existence of other intelligent life, they ceased their internecine warfare and refocused their plans of conquest to other worlds. The realities of living on Ad’an gives them extraordinary strength on other Seren System planets as well as an amazing resistance to magic. However, rumors indicate lower level spells are actually more effective against the Ad'an, suggesting a dangerous weakness the Ad'an would like to keep secret.

    Asterid- A living asteroid or meteor, an asterid lazily floats along in the Seren System’s asteroid belt. Periodically, one or more asterids decides to take a tour through the system, smashing into whatever gets in the way. For a ship plying the starlit seas, this can cause a great deal of trouble if the crew is caught off guard. Fortunately an asterid has limited maneuverability, so watchful commanders easily avoid the creature. This is not the case for an inhabited planet, and entire cities have been leveled by the “playful” creatures.

    Cacognost- This ancient fey creature appears withered and distracted, yet kindly. It imparts a lifetime of knowledge to a creature with but a touch, causing the recipient to understand the true workings of the universe. The cacognost truly believes it is providing its victim a great boon, for the creature doesn’t understand how lesser beings cannot withstand the flood of information, which often includes concepts they are not equipped to handle. Invariably, a victim of the cacognost’s gift becomes violently insane.

    Comettail- This water elemental rides on a comet’s tail until the comet passes through an inhabited system. A comettail causes terror to any habitation it falls upon, bringing extreme cold, endless mist, and floods. Comets rarely pass through the system, so a visitation occurs once a generation. However, smaller comettails frequently roost on asterids, making the threat of the earth elemental's landfall an ever-present danger.

    Coronal- Normally happy to reside within Seren, fiery coronals still leap from the star every now and then to explore the solar system. Gifted with extraordinary speed in flight and superheated bodies, a coronal wreaks destruction on civilizations it visits. As with the appearance of a comet, these roiling balls of fire portend doom for the regions over which they appear.

    Exchanger- This race of fleshy plantlike beings travels the universe to experience other civilizations, which they do by taking the place of various members of society. This also supports their survival needs as they consume the people with whom they have traded places. A dormant exchanger travels from system to system in a hard shell, which protects it from the extremes of space. The craft focuses on a large settlement and lands in the outskirts, so the creature can more easily take an individual victim. The victim winds up in the exchanger’s craft, to be consumed while the creature lives the life of its victim. As the victim’s life drains away, the exchanger eventually loses its stolen memories and mannerisms, requiring the creature to retreat to its craft.

    Guiding Star- This tiny aberration shines brighter than most stars. Apparently related to the will-o-wisp, a guiding star instead feeds on hope, which it generates by leading other creatures out of danger or to fertile new lands. The creature moves at incredible speeds and is difficult to trap, but rumor holds that a captured guiding star will eventually transform into a will-o-wisp.

    Lifebreath- A self-contained pocket of air, a lifebreath travels the Seren System searching for creatures it can help, exhibiting a passion extremely rare among its elemental brethren. Many tales speak of a ship’s crewman adrift in the void of space, running out of breathable air, only to be rescued at the last moment by a lifebreath. The creature also makes appearances on planets, saving creatures who are drowning, trapped underground, or in high elevations with dangerously thin atmospheres.

    Living Ship Repair Swarm- All living ships come equipped with repair swarms, which look like collections of diminutive monkeys. These swarms can morph into a variety of tools necessary to fix any problems which occur on a ship. They can also turn into a patch to seal off any ruptures in a living ship’s skin in order to prevent decompression in the ship’s interior.

    Living Ship Security Swarm- The nature of a living ship dictates the presence or absence of security swarms. Comprised of individuals larger than a repair swarm’s component creatures, a security swarm has the capability to camouflage itself as well as shapechange into whatever weaponry it determines will be most effective against intruders. A security swarm can patrol the interior and exterior of a living ship. In very rare instances, the swarm will mount expeditions to secure an area around its ship on a planet’s surface or attack other ships in space.

    Sigmoid- Seemingly a red flare thrown by Seren, a sigmoid actually hails from another dimension, to which there exist gateways in various stars. This dimension is inimical to magical energy of all types, and a sigmoid occasionally extrudes itself from its home dimension in order to maliciously attack wielders of magic. Spellcasters of all stripes coming into contact with a sigmoid lose the ability to cast spells. This loss comes with an intense physical pain. Victims who don’t cast spells but merely wield magical items do not have any sort of immunity to the creature’s touch.

    Zyth- An attempt to create an autonomous pilot for living ships using the morphogenic properties of the repair and security swarms, this experimental creature escaped and now threatens all biological lifeforms. With its ability to assume the aspect of any creature it digests, it can rapidly change shape to meet any challenges it encounters. Its shapechanging also allows it to move among people by hiding in plain sight, mimicking its victims using knowledge of their habits acquired by consuming them. No one has discerned the ultimate motives of a zyth, other than its apparent desire to be the system’s sole apex predator.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea

    The ultimate frontier is now open!

    Through the power of magic, a mighty age of space travel has emerged. Explore far-flung planets, encounter alien cultures, and uncover terrible secrets that have been forgotten under the crush of centuries. A universe of adventure awaits those who dare to sail amongst the stars.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea includes:

  • Details on outer space and the hazards one must face in those cold, airless depths.
  • Rules and guidelines for magic-driven starships and other modes of interstellar travel.
  • A sample solar system with five planets and a host of smaller celestial bodies that can be easily dropped into any space fantasy campaign.
  • New creatures that originate from alien stars and planets.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.
    The_Minstrel_Wyrm wrote:

    Ooooooh... for what it's worth ... I'd be very curious (i.e. interested) in a printed book.

    However, having said all that, a PDF only isn't a deal breaker... I think I'm just very curious about this project in general.

    ~Dean

    I much prefer printed books as well, so I understand. While not entirely ideal, Print on Demand is a guarantee. However, this is such a major release for Clockwork Gnome Publishing that a print run really is inevitable, I think.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    taig wrote:
    Callous Jack wrote:
    Kruelaid wrote:
    Celestial Healer wrote:
    Afternoon, all. What did I miss?
    I haven't been here for a few weeks. What did I miss?
    Mairkurion and taig got into a slap fight.

    A seXXi slap fight. Tee hee.

    Oh my.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Caedwyr wrote:
    I'm liking this and the artwork on the blog. Am I correct in assuming that this will be a pdf only publication?

    It will be available as a pdf and print on demand. There is a possibility a print run will be ordered for sale online, but I need to look into a few other things before I know for certain.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.

    In the interest of accessibility and convenience, I thought I would go ahead and post the preview in its entirety here as well.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing wrote:


    In Sailing the Starlit Sea, the Seren System is presented as the default setting. Its main purpose is to give GMs a jumping off point for their space fantasy campaigns while also providing inspiration for their own designs. The star system also acts as a baseline, an example of what an “average” solar neighborhood might look like. This brief overview is but a glimpse of the full details that will appear in the book

    Sailing the Starlit Sea presents the universe in a fashion mostly consistent with our modern understanding of the cosmos. Nonetheless, slavish devotion to a purely scientific point of view eliminates some great opportunities for adventure. Sailing the Starlit Sea takes a more “pulp-inspired” approach when it comes to the planets and celestial bodies of the Seren System. This is considered the standard assumption in the section of the book that addresses planet and star system design.

    However, one of the key parts of Sailing the Starlit Sea will be the Campaign Overlays. These will provide advice on how to alter the standard assumptions to your tastes. Campaign Overlays will address everything from methods of interstellar travel to adjusting the physical laws of the universe. So if Platonic inspired crystalline spheres are your preference, Sailing the Starlit Sea will provide a way to accommodate that choice while still preserving the rules and setting presented in the book.

    The Seren System
    Named for its yellow sun, the Seren System consists of five intact planets and numerous celestial bodies of varying shapes, sizes, and composition. All of these orbit around the singular star in a fashion similar to thousands of other star systems throughout the known universe. While the Seren System is an “average” example of the diversity found on the Material Plane, its large population groups have made it an important location for commerce and adventure.

    Seren
    Seren is a mixture of super-heated gases that provide light and warmth to the planets of the system. However, divination spells and tentative explorations have revealed that a gate to the Positive Energy Plane lies at the center of the star. It is this feature, as much as the heat and light, that allows for the abundant life found on the planets that orbit the sun.

    According to local religious belief, Seren is both the god of light and the physical embodiment of the sun. As a god, Seren can exist in multiple forms at once, but natives of the system understand that the god is always with them in the blazing star that illuminates their worlds.

    Khazal'darak
    As might be expected of the planet closest to the sun, Khazal'darak is incredibly hot. But only part of the oppressive heat comes from Seren. Khazal'darak suffers from extensive geological disturbances that create impressive volcanoes and rambling rivers of molten rock. Outside of these bubbling cauldrons of lava are stretches of ashen desert. Since the grey ash of these wastelands is so fine, the slightest wind turns these already inhospitable areas into domains of choking death.

    Despite these dangers, Khazal'darak is inhabited by a number of lifeforms. The thick clouds of smoke and ash that hang in the upper atmosphere actually help block the worst of the sun's effects, providing just enough protection to allow for the continued existence of many living things. The only natives of the planet are the creatures of fire that dominate the volcanic mountains and blasted magma plains. Colonists, some of whom arrived many thousands of years ago, live within the ashen deserts. Most of the population live in cities that dot the grey dunes, though a few choose the nomadic life and wander across the deserts in caravans of substantial size. Khazal'darak is home to various species, some of which are new examples of existing races, and further details will be provided in Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Khazal'darak is also often associated with Vulor, God of Murder, Genocide, and Unjust War. As such, it is sometimes called Vulor's Eye, the Baleful One, or the Unwelcome Omen.

    Eorthe
    Second planet from the sun, Eorthe is a blue and green sphere of magnificent diversity. It fills the role of the standard fantasy campaign setting, though such a moniker does not quite do the world justice. Most Clockwork Gnome Publishing products utilize Eorthe as a default setting and it provides many of the features expected from a fantasy world.

    Knowledge of space travel on Eorthe is jealously guarded by a few far-reaching nations and powerful organizations. While tensions run high and philosophies differ, the groups can all agree on one point: access to the technology necessary for space travel should be tightly controlled. From the Gnomish Guild-States to the ancient green dragon called Nyntess the Emerald Paragon, each of these parties will be thoroughly examined in Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Sophias
    Rain, constant mist, and a humid atmosphere dominate the third planet in the Seren System. Sophias, named for the Goddess of Wisdom and Abundant Knowledge, is completely covered in forests. It is a verdant paradise that ranges from tropical jungles toward the equator to colder pine forests near the poles. Unlike the forests of Eorthe, however, Sophisian trees are massive, with some growing as large as small mountains. The roots of these trees are interconnected, forming a network that stretches beneath the entire planet.

    The thicker atmosphere of Sophias means the planet is slightly warmer than might be anticipated. This has led to smaller ice caps and generally higher average temperatures across all climatic bands. Most bodies of water are small, no larger than a major sea might be on Eorthe. That said, much of the land is marsh and a vast quantity of water is locked away in massive aquifers beneath the planet's surface.

    Creatures on Sophias are defined by where they dwell. Many cultures live in the trees, constructing homes along the branches or carving habitations from the gargantuan trunks. These arboreal communities consist mostly of elves (who bear no kinship with the elves of Eorthe), various ape and monkey-like humanoids, and birdfolk of different kinds. They share the treetops with a number of animals and magical beasts. In the thick, often disease-ridden, swamps reside tribes of lizardfolk and boggards. These small communities compete with other creatures well-adapted to the boggy environment.

    Due to its association with the Goddess of Wisdom, Sophias is sometimes called the Bastion of Wonder and the Green Traveler.

    Ad'an
    The largest of the planets is Ad'an, a swirling mass of purple and blue clouds. According to reports there is no solid land to be found, though extreme pressure towards the core of the world has meant few have explored those shrouded depths. What lies beneath is still a mystery. High velocity winds define the environment of Ad'an, whipping the thick gases into spiraling storms or along air currents that encircle the globe. The storms are of the greatest concern, as they have been known to last for centuries before dying out. Buffeting blasts of air can inflict serious damage and arcs of electricity are a common sight in a tempest. These static discharges can easily bring down a small starship, casting the crippled vessel into the crushing deep.

    Creatures of air that do not require solid land to rest can be found throughout Ad'an. The rich resources of the planet have also led some to construct satellites designed to resist the pull of the raging wind. These floating communities are usually maintained by alchemical guilds interested in collecting and refining the various gases that move through the atmosphere. Most of these constructs tend to rest within the broad band of breathable atmosphere on Ad'an and require few special considerations outside of their magical anchorage.

    Ad'an shares its name with the God of Magic. Because of this relationship, the planet is often called the Eye of Magic or the Arcane Star.

    Umbrae
    Lurking at the far end of the star system is the lonely world of Umbrae. This is the smallest of the planets and the coldest. Seren is but a distant point of light from Umbrae and almost none of the sun's warmth reaches the frigid sphere. Umbrae is composed entirely of a clear, crystalline substance that catches ambient light and scatters it about the planet. The first captains to reach Umbrae described it as a diamond, glittering coldly on the edge of a maddening abyss. Subsequent expeditions have reported similar impressions and few choose to linger in this desolate place. Parts of Umbrae exist in near total darkness, cloaked in a shadow that is far from natural.

    There is life on Umbrae, though little is known of what dwells there. The planet is honeycombed with passages and caverns, all of them perfectly cut from the crystal with a jeweler's precision. Reports speak of creatures well adapted to the shadowy conditions, some lacking eyes and others with vision that can perceive a wide sampling of the light spectrum. A few visitors have encountered a small dark creeper city just below the surface of Umbrae. However, a zealous devotion to the sanity destroying residents of the Ebon Void have insured few willingly seek out this community.

    Umbrae bears a close affiliation with Brannyth, the Judge of the Dead. In some planetary charts the planet is named the Dark Wanderer, the Cold Star, and the Glass Traveler.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.

    In the interest of accessibility and convenience, I thought I would go ahead and post the preview in its entirety here as well.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing wrote:

    Khazal'darak
    Khazal'darak is well-known for its harsh environments and hardened natives. Few can survive for long among the molten plains and ashen deserts that dominate much of this world. The planet’s sole moon is another story. While still harrowing , this moon provide a decidedly more stable environment than its home planet.

    Vrin'dra
    Also known as the Crimson Eye, Vrin'dra is a moon of red dust and rocky plains. Canals cross the surface of the sphere, guiding water from the core to a number of major cities. Vrin'dra's atmosphere is remarkably thick and humid yet generally clear, and protects the moon from the harshest effects of being so close to the sun. Vrin'dra also has an extensive subterranean environment brimming with fungal life and diverse cultures.

    Eorthe
    Legends speak of portals that allow travel between Eorthe and its two moons. According to these tales exotic cultures dwell on both spheres, though all of these stories agree that these sophisticated peoples view the natives of the planet as little more than ignorant bumpkins. Because of these legends, the idea of life on other worlds is not an alien one to the people of Eorthe. However, meeting these distant realms is something few believe is possible. Both moons go by many names amongst the various cultures that call Eorthe home. The names used here are the ones most commonly used by the people who dwell on these moons.

    Ararus
    Known as Keledon's Lantern by many who dwell on Eorthe, Ararus is a smaller crystalline sphere with a softly glowing core of green light. In the winding passages and carefully crafted caverns of the moon dwell communities of aranea with the unique ability to weave webs of crystal in contrast to the sticky fibers of their kin. According to the histories kept by the aranea, Ararus is their creation, though they received help from the god Anuruk, Lord of the Stars. It was the god who formed the atmosphere and infused the moon with its unique core.

    At the center of Ararus is a ball of crackling green energy that has confounded observers since the beginning of time. Even the native aranea know little of their home's central core. Due to some powerful arcane wards, the energy orb has resisted all attempts to discover its true nature. There can be little doubt that the core is some kind of energy source, but precisely what the moon powers is little understood. Scholars say it seems to be connected to a series of ancient portals on Eorthe known as the Emerald Gates. When one of these portals opens, an event that is extremely rare, the moon flares even brighter and the energy being emitted by the core increases in intensity. The last time an Emerald Gate was opened was nearly 400 years ago with the arrival of Keledon, a planar traveler and an archmage of great power.

    Arian
    From Eorthe, Arian always keeps the same face toward Eorthe: a white, craggy surface that appears like a mountainous, strangely humanoid visage. Closer examination shows the moon is a land of white and grey covered in thousands of impact craters. Arian has no atmosphere but is home to seven towering cities of white marble, rich alabaster and precious ivory. Each of these cities uses magic to maintain atmospheric shells, similar to the ones surrounding star vessels. Their atmospheres are refreshed by the vast food and pleasure gardens that crowd the terraced buildings. Because these isolated environments are very carefully controlled, the cities of Arian exist in an eternal state of spring. The Seven Cities of Arian are ruled by an order of beings known only as the Silent Keepers. While none can remember a time before the Silent Keepers, it is a well-known fact that the current rulers did not build the Seven Cities but found them.

    According to the oldest tales, Arian is the daughter of Eorthe, born from her flesh in a past so distant no sapient races were alive to witness the event.

    Sophias
    The forest planet of Sophias is the parent sphere to three moons. Collectively known as the Sisters of Insight, the moons are named for the handmaidens of the Goddess of Wisdom. These moons are small in comparison to the satellites of other planets which lessens their impact on Sophias. All three contain life in some degree and are regularly visited by space travelers.

    Galadia
    Named for the Demigoddess of Primal Thought, Galadia is similar to Sophias in environment. The small moon is completely covered with dense, humid jungles and water-logged marshes. At the northern pole stands a range of mountains dominated by a massive volcano that constantly belches forth ash and smoke, though a true eruption has not occurred for many centuries. Populating Galadia is a host of primitive species, mostly dinosaurs of all varieties. Tribes of primitive humans can be found across the moon dwelling in villages at the bases of ancient ziggurats of some lost civilization. Few of these structures have been penetrated by explorers and those that have offer more questions than answers. At the heart of each pyramid lies a chamber of intricate carvings festooned with rods of different metals. Row after row of shallow holes hold these rods in place and surrounded by intricate lines of runes that cannot be translated. These rods are easily removed and replaced, though doing so seems to have a dramatic effect on the local environment. One expedition inadvertently conjured a dramatic storm that eventually washed away the nearby village simply by removing a gold rod and replacing it with an iron one. Since then, explorers have been more careful in how they approach these marvels of environmental control.

    Local tribes worship a pantheon of gods they call the Viewers, believing that this group of all powerful beings watch over them at all times. Rites to these deities take place in front of featureless square pillars of basalt that dominate each village center. Occasionally, explorers have discovered similar pillars in the dense jungle seemingly unattended by worshipers of any kind. This has led some scholars to believe that the basalt monoliths were here when the natives arrived and it is these that inspired the current system of religious belief.

    Imbar
    In religious lore, Imbar is the Demigoddess of Contemplation and Meditation. The moon is known for its intense silence, a mystical effect that lessens the impact of sound and reduces the volume of all speech to the level of a whisper. Its rocky peaks and deep valleys have no native life, though the people of Sophias have built a number of monasteries on the moon. These refuges are regularly visited by the artists, thinkers, and sages of Sophias who seek a quiet place to commune with their thoughts through meditative contemplation. These monasteries are welcoming to outsiders so long as visitors come to partake of Imbar's powerful effect on the mind.

    The moon lies in conjunction with the faerie dominion of Sibredd, which is ruled by a powerful fey lord known as the Prince of Whispers. It is believed that the close proximity of this realm is what causes Imbar's remarkable effect on sound. According to the keepers who maintain the monasteries, the Prince of Whispers approaches those contemplatives whose minds have entered a perfect state of stillness and murmurs into their ear the inspiration they seek.

    Indais
    Called the Sea Whisper by natives, Indais (named for the Demigoddess of Logic and Reason) maintains a circumpolar orbit of Sophias. The moon is covered in briny water kept warm by volcanic vents deep beneath the surface. This massive sea is filled with abundant aquatic life, including a mighty triton empire that engages in eternal war with an enclave of vicious sahuagin and their sea drake allies. A few centuries ago the elves of Sophias established a colony on Indais, constructing a floating city on the balmy waters. The elves and tritons have formed a close alliance and their healthy trade relationship has meant exotic triton goods can now be found throughout the solar system.

    Ad'an
    The great gas giant known Ad'an is not well understood. Odd vapors and azure clouds blend in a cauldron of wind that shields the planet's greatest secrets from prying eyes. While ships have plumbed some of these depths and floating alchemical labs collect the gases for a variety of uses, the deeper mysterious remain unanswered. Likewise, little is known about the moons of Ad'an. While travelers have easy access to the glittering disk of ice and dust that surrounds the planet, the moons are another thing entirely. There is a heady magic protecting these silent spheres and none have yet figured out how to overcome their power.

    The 25 Dreaming Moons
    Ad'an has 25 individual moons of varying size and composition. Observers from space have noted that many of the moons seem to contain signs of habitation and might be home to some sophisticated cultures. However, those who have attempted to land upon the moons and return with news on what can be found there have found all efforts frustratingly thwarted. Ships are certainly able to land. Crews have even interacted with the people and creatures of these places. However, explorers have never been able to accurately describe what they experienced from the moment they landed until the time their ships returned to space. Images can be glimpsed in the depths of dreaming but solid memories are as ephemeral as the gas that makes up Ad'an's atmosphere. This mystery has not stopped explorers from attempting landings and plumbing those secrets in the hope they are the ones to return with a full recollection of the events. So far, though, none have succeeded.

    The Lucent Halo
    Surrounding Ad'an is a disk of ice and dust commonly called the Lucent Halo, so named for the way the ice glows in the distant sun. Unlike the 25 Dreaming Moons, the Lucent Halo is easily visited by space travelers and is a common destination for treasure hunters. Frozen in some of the larger blocks of ice are golems constructed of gold and adamantium, each crafted to mimic the form of a wyvern. As far as anyone can tell, these constructs are non-functional and now only serve to line the pockets of looters stripping the valuable metals. Exactly who built these constructs and why is still a mystery, one which scholars are afraid they will not be able to solve before these precious works are completely plundered.

    Umbrae
    Distant and cold Umbrae has but a single moon, the gloom-covered rock known as Shadow's Sanctuary.

    Shadow's Sanctuary
    The few reports on Shadow's Sanctuary provide scant information. A constant pall of darkness covers the moon, blocking casual view from space. Those few who have escaped from the Sanctuary speak of a rocky geography with a chill so deep it numbs the soul. Dwelling on the moon is the legendary umbral dragon Xonaric-Heidras, the Heart of Shadow, and a horde of servants that worship him as a god. Most of these adherents are fetchlings, a type of outsider from the Plane of Shadow. Generations of fetchling families have served the mighty dragon over the centuries, further investing him with a perceived air of divinity. Xonaric-Heidras has occasionally bred with his favorite families and descendants of those lines receive the best gifts, the most lavish attention, and are granted the right to serve the dragon in his lair. Many of these individuals are powerful forces in their own rights, as they are infused with the sorcerous blood of their draconic ancestor.

    The Shattered Wanderer
    Between the orbits of Ad'an and Umbrae lies a ring of asteroids commonly referred to as the Shattered Wanderer. According to ancient star charts, the Shattered Wanderer was once the planet Naunic, a world rich with rare metals and valuable gemstones. The planet was destroyed during the civil war that rocked the interstellar empire of the Quendari, a cruel, primeval race and progenitors of the elvish people.

    While the Shattered Wanderer presents an obvious navigational hazard, it is also still a source of riches for those willing to execute dangerous mining operations in the constantly shifting field of asteroids. Currently the most prodigious miners are the dwarves and gnomes of the Nimbus Trading and Acquisition Company. This joint-stock company pulls millions of gold pieces of mithril, diamonds, adamantite, silver, gold, rubies and more from the Shattered Wanderer each year. These valuables make their way to the markets of Nimbus (see below) and outward to planets in the Seren System and other far-flung planetary systems.

    Some of the larger shards of rock retain an atmosphere through the inherent magic of a rare crystal known as vilkta'tagorn, a name that has descended from some long-forgotten language. Not only do these amazing minerals create pockets of breathable air, they also allow for the growth of fungi in an environment otherwise unsuited for any kind of growth. Unfortunately, harvesting vilkta'tagorn requires special training and even experts need a good bit of luck to insure the crystal is not harmed in the process. Once cracked, the crystalline growth loses all properties and becomes cloudy and worthless.

    Vilkta'tagorn do have a darker side. Their power can also create and support ambulatory fungal beings that are consistently inimical to other life forms Oozes, slimes, and molds may also be found on asteroids with a deposit of vilkta'tagorn, making an already dangerous mining operation all the more deadly. So long as a clutch of crystals remains, clearing out these creatures does not guarantee an asteroid will stay free of such monsters. This leaves miners in a difficult position. The vilkta'tagorn provide necessary air to breathe, a rare and useful thing in the Shattered Wanderer, but their ability to spontaneously create life can mean the destruction of the entire operation and the loss of many lives.

    Other Celestial Bodies
    The planets and moons of the Seren System are not the only sites of interest. Comets, planetoids, and asteroids not native to the Shattered Wanderer orbit the sun as well, and some of these have become quite important to space travelers.

    The Ill Omen
    As far as anyone can ascertain, the Ill Omen does not have a predictable orbit or any form of self-propelled locomotion. Instead, this asteroid of ebon rock simply appears without warning. The rock itself is heavily carved with thousands of structures that form a haunted city in which the undead reign supreme. To the inhabitants this place is known as Totenstadt, the City of Death, and its arrival strikes terror in the hearts of the living. Always looking to swell their numbers, the rulers of the Ill Omen lurk in the dark places of the Seren System awaiting an opportunity to release their dreaded ships against vulnerable targets. Stories of the Ill Omen launching attacks against isolated mining communities in the Shattered Wanderer are common and entire ship crews have been wiped out by the ravaging undead.

    The Ill Omen maintains a close connection with the Negative Energy Plane and any living creatures who die within the necropolis are guaranteed to rise as one of the living dead. Totenstadt is ruled by four mighty princes of undeath, each of which belongs to one of the higher, more intelligent undead races. While the exact composition is unknown, it is rumored this ruling class consists of a vampire, a lich, a dread wraith, and a devourer. Confused reports also speak of an even greater lord that holds the princes in thrall, a nightwalker of incredible power. Even more uncertain are the ultimate goals of these powerful undead masters. Why do they seek to swell their numbers and what do they plan to do with these swarms of undead? Is there a greater purpose and does it threaten the entire Seren System? These are the questions leaders of the various civilizations that call the solar system home would pay dearly to have answered.

    Lance of the Cold Ones
    Every 100 years the comet called the Lance of the Old Ones enters the Seren System moving along an extreme elliptical orbit. Like other comets, the Lance of the Cold Ones originates in the cloud of comets that surrounds the system. Unlike other comets, the creatures who dwell upon the Lance can alter the course of their home when in need. This means the comet can be moved if it risks hitting planet or other large celestial body. In the past this has meant the comet has avoided collisions that would have caused its destruction and wide-scale devastation on the planet it would otherwise have hit.

    As a ball of ice, the Lance of the Cold Ones grows increasingly unstable as it nears the sun. For this reason the civilization of ice elementals and ice mephits that command the comet have made their homes towards the relatively protected core. Ruled by an exiled elemental demigoddess, those who live in the Lance of the Cold Ones are isolationists. For most of its orbit the comet remains in territory rarely visited by intelligent creatures. The cometary cloud is the edge of the solar system and beyond lies nothing by the Deep Void, the domain of creatures better left undisturbed. As such, most explorers fear to come close to the cloud. When the Lance of the Cold Ones makes its journey into the Seren System, the material that is blasted away due to the heat of the sun makes landing difficult and dangerous. Explorers and merchants believe that the comet and its inhabitants do not offer anything to the people of the solar system that is worth the risk.

    Nimbus
    Covering the entire face of a small planetoid is the city of Nimbus. Founded and operated by the mercane, Nimbus is the largest city in the Seren System and by far the most productive in terms of trade. Currently Nimbus is in orbit near the Quendari Gate, the primary form of interstellar travel in the universe that rests between the orbits of Ad'an and Sophias. However, the mercane rulers can move the city anywhere within the planetary system. This remarkable feat is achieved through the use of a powerful artifact from the early days of space travel.

    Next Time: Previewing the Monsters of the Starlit Sea

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    And the preview after Monsters of the Starlit Sea will include a few basic details on how starships will work in Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    For the second preview of Sailing the Starlit Sea, we turn our attention to the secondary celestial sites of the Seren System.

    All of these bits of information are overviews of what will appear in the final book. Each will be explored in significantly more detail in Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea Preview II- The Moons, the Shattered Wanderer, and Other Celestial Bodies of the Seren System

    Next Time- Monsters of the Starlit Sea

    Sailing the Starlit Sea
    The ultimate frontier is now open!

    Through the power of magic, a mighty age of space travel has emerged. Explore far-flung planets, encounter alien cultures, and uncover terrible secrets that have been forgotten under the crush of centuries. A universe of adventure awaits those who dare to sail amongst the stars.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea includes:

  • Details on outer space and the hazards one must face in those cold, airless depths.
  • Rules and guidelines for magic-driven starships and other modes of interstellar travel.
  • A sample solar system with five planets and a host of smaller celestial bodies that can be easily dropped into any space fantasy campaign.
  • New creatures that originate from alien stars and planets.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.
    Freehold DM wrote:
    Ambrosia Slaad wrote:

    It was announced a little bit back, but Clockwork Gnome is working on what looks to be "Pathjammer:"

    http://www.clockworkgnome.com/2011/06/upcoming-products-added-to-release.ht ml

    http://www.clockworkgnome.com/2011/07/sailing-starlit-sea-preview-major_11. html

    Hopefully, they'll have a little more info and/or another preview out before too long.

    As usual, Ambrosia, you bring awesomeness with you every time you post.

    Slight disappointment in that they plan to bring more real life elements to space, but still...PATHJAMMER!!!

    Thank you Freehold!

    That decision mostly stems from the desire to remain compatible with what Paizo is doing. Well, that, and I kind of prefer a more "scientific" approach personally.

    But one of the important parts of the book will be the Campaign Overlays. These are sizable sidebars that discuss how to take the assumptions presented in Sailing the Starlit Sea and making it work with your preferred style of space fantasy. So if you like crystal spheres, there will be a Campaign Overlay for that. Enjoy the idea of "breathable space" by way of an aether, there will be a Campaign Overlay for that as well.

    While parts of the book are still amorphous, I expect there will be roughly 8-10 Campaign Overlays.

    Making Sailing the Starlit Sea as useful for as many fans of space fantasy as we can is a major goal.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Taliesin Hoyle wrote:
    Your surname is my first name.

    Yes it is. :) Though I will have to be honest and say that it is not my natural surname. I am sure it must sound a bit cheesy, but I went through a legal name change fairly recently. However, I fully intend to pass it on should I have children. More importantly, I will be careful to instill the significance of the name and why I chose it.

    I seem to remember I read somewhere on the boards that you named your son Merlin. Let me just say that is a fantastic choice.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.
    Ambrosia Slaad wrote:

    Very interesting. :)

    So, are your ships going for the more terrestrial/Sp*llJammer feel (open decks and magically contained airbubble), something closer to an airborne/spaceborne Nautilus, or somewhere in-between?

    While it depends on the ship design, open decks are a common sight. Each ship generates its own atmospheric shell that keeps breathable air in, harmful radiation out, and maintains a comfortable temperature on the ship. These shells, however, do not block physical objects or rejuvenate the air. Air recycling is the job of an onboard garden or, more commonly, an alchemical lung. These "lungs" are lifeforms specially bred for the purpose.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.

    The latest preview for Campaign Cogs- Sailing the Starlit Sea is now available at the Clockwork Gnome Publishing site.

    The Major Planets of the Seren System

    In Sailing the Starlit Sea, the Seren System is presented as the default setting. Its main purpose is to give GMs a jumping off point for their space fantasy campaigns while also providing inspiration for their own designs. The star system also acts as a baseline, an example of what an “average” solar neighborhood might look like. This brief overview is but a glimpse of the full details that will appear in the book.

    Continue to The Major Planets of the Seren System for more information.

    Campaign Cogs- Sailing the Starlit Sea will be the essential book on fantasy space travel for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

    The ultimate frontier is now open! Through the power of magic, a mighty age of space travel has emerged.  Explore far-flung planets, encounter alien cultures, and uncover terrible secrets that have been forgotten under the crush of centuries.   A universe of adventure awaits those who dare to sail amongst the stars.

    Campaign Cogs- Sailing the Starlit Sea includes:

  • Details on outer space and the hazards one must face in those cold, airless depths.
  • Rules and guidelines for magic-driven starships and other modes of interstellar travel.
  • A sample solar system with five planets and a host of smaller celestial bodies that can be easily dropped into any space fantasy campaign.
  • New creatures that originate from alien stars and planets.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.

    Adventure modules are a rich trove of inspiration and resources. A skilled GM knows a well-written adventure is an important part of any campaign toolbox. Fantasy roleplaying has a long tradition of quality modules. Adventure Works seeks to follow in that heritage while forging epic stories and engaging settings.

    Adventure Works modules are self-contained and designed to take three or more sessions of play to complete. While perfect for a few nights of casual fun, Adventures Works modules can also be easily woven together into a pre-existing campaign. Each module is optimized for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, but can be easily adapted to other editions of the world's oldest RPG.

    For more information about this exciting line, visit the Adventure Works page at the Clockwork Gnome Publishing site.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    2 people marked this as a favorite.
    Twin Dragons wrote:
    Allen Taliesin wrote:
    I know this is not a Paizo product, but if you are interested in third party publishers, Clockwork Gnome Publishing is set to do a book on fantasy space travel called Sailing the Starlit Sea.
    How about a guesstimate as to how out in the pipe this is. I just started working on my own Pathfinder SciFi campaign background (Race + Class list) and this product would help tons in putting it together. I'm hoping he rules content will be Open.

    I am going to be honest, the development cycle is still pretty young and there are some rules that are going to need some playtesting. I can tell you, without locking in a specific date at this time, at least 6 months. We have some products releasing in the mean time, but nothing quite like this.

    I can tell you this book will be hefty. Nearly the entire book will be Open Content. The intent is to provide tools for other 3pps to develop their own space fantasy/science fantasy material, if such a thing appeals to them. Depending on how things fall out with the Paizo release schedule, we will do everything we possibly can to insure it is complimentary with whatever they have in mind.

    Which is why we are kind of watching in anticipation to see what they have in store. Whatever Paizo has in mind is going to be top notch, I am sure.

    I can also say that we will be developing supplementary material for Sailing the Starlit Sea based on demand. There will most certainly be at least one adventure connected to the book, with more coming if the book proves popular.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.
    Mairkurion {tm} wrote:
    You say classic scifi books and movies, but I would have expected more of a steampunk/clockwork sort of Space book from you. Especially with the Sailing and Sea in the title.

    There will definitely be some inspiration taken from H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

    In some cases, the title, Sailing the Starlit Sea, is taken literally as a few ships resemble sea-going vessels. When it comes to other vessel types, the term is metaphorical. In both cases, magic is what allows propulsion, protection from deadly radiation, gravity, and the development of an atmospheric bubble. However, the cycling of air is handled through the presence of living, alchemically bred "lungs". These features do not occur naturally upon ships.

    This is not to say that technology, both clockwork and futuristic, is not present. I do know that some ships will have steampunk/clockwork operations, but I am not yet sure how far we will be exploring higher technology. It will likely take a back seat until the future.

    While the final monster list has not been set, there is a very good chance aliens inspired by The War of the Worlds will make their appearance. But they will stand tall next to space elementals, pod people, living starships, and sentient solar flares that disrupt magic the way solar flares disrupt communications on our own planet.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    5 people marked this as a favorite.

    I know this is not a Paizo product, but if you are interested in third party publishers, Clockwork Gnome Publishing is set to do a book on fantasy space travel called Sailing the Starlit Sea.

    Here is the description from the site:

    The ultimate frontier is now open! Through the power of magic, a mighty age of space travel has emerged. Explore far-flung planets, encounter alien cultures, and uncover terrible secrets that have been forgotten under the crush of centuries. A universe of adventure awaits those who dare to sail amongst the stars.

    Sailing the Starlit Sea includes:

  • Details on outer space and the hazards one must face in those cold, airless depths.
  • Rules and guidelines for magic-driven starships and other modes of interstellar travel.
  • A sample solar system with five planets and a host of smaller celestial bodies that can be easily dropped into any space fantasy campaign.
  • New creatures that originate from alien stars and planets.

    We are still settling on exactly what creatures will appear, but many of them will be inspired by classic sci-fi books and movies.

    Of course, if the Paizo project is an extensive exploration of space travel, then that changes things a bit. So we are in "wait and see" mode to determine how things will develop.

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Wayfinder 5 looks great.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.
    Justin Franklin wrote:
    Studpuffin wrote:
    Lilith just put Wayfinder 5 up! :)
    I got to show Lilith the actual print copy of Wayfinder this morning.

    Jealous. In a good way. I wish I could be there.

    I really hope you guys are having a good time.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Three new products in the Campaign Cogs line have just been added to the Clockwork Gnome Publishing Release schedule.

    Make sure to visit the Clockwork Gnome Publishing site to catch a look at the new covers as well.

    I also want to mention that upcoming releases will now include an improved PDF version loaded with features and a printer friendly version for those who wish to print the book.

    Finwicket's Chronicles
    Sailing the Starlit Sea

    While leading an expedition into the desert kingdom of Khaset, gnomish explorer and natural philosopher Professor Thaddeus Finwicket stumbled upon the find of a lifetime. Buried in the sands lay a relic of a lost age, a magical ship designed to take travelers into the cold void of space. Allowing excitement overcome reason, Finwicket boarded the ship and began a journey that would take him far beyond the familiar lands of his home. These startling tales have now been released to the public! Join this world famous adventure seeker as he plumbs the ultimate frontier and discovers what creatures and wonders lie in the outer reaches of space.

    Finwicket's Bestiary: Sailing the Starlit Sea includes:

  • Details on outer space and the hazards one must face in those cold, airless depths.
  • Rules and guidelines for magic-driven starships and other modes of interstellar travel.
  • Four exotic planets and a host of smaller celestial bodies that can be easily dropped into any space fantasy campaign.
  • New creatures that originate from alien stars and planets.

    Designers: Mike Welham and Allen Taliesin
    Estimated Pages: 25

    The Virtuous and the Vile
    Gods of the Outer Void

    After a titanic battle with the Lords of Balance, the qlippoth lords known as the Gods of the Outer Void were imprisoned within the Hungering Star, a hole in the fabric of space and time that devours all that comes near. Tragically, the Whispering Masters eventually discovered a way to project their foul thoughts across the Material Plane and into the fragile minds of mortals. Through the intervening centuries, the Gods of the Outer Void have subtly manipulated events to achieve the utter dissolution of reality. While none may say how close the Outer Gods are to reaching their goal, it cannot be denied their power and influence continues to grow.

    The Virtuous and the Vile: Gods of the Outer Void includes:

  • Myths, origins, and other important traits of the hideous Gods of the Outer Void.
  • An overview of the cults that serve the Whispering Masters, their goals, and the foul rites they employ.
  • A fully mapped and detailed temple of the Outer Gods, including statblocks for the NPCs who worship there.
  • Unique spells, rituals, incantations, and magic items tailored to the followers of Chaos.

    Designer: Allen Taliesin
    Estimated Pages: 15

    Finwicket's Chronicles
    Beyond the Faerie Path

    Sequel to the popular Finwicket's Bestiary: Along the Faerie Path, this book expands upon the Faerie Realm and provides new insight into its mysterious masters. After some reluctance, Professor Thaddeus Finwicket has finally agreed to publish further details of his six-month expedition to that magical and dangerous place. The truths he reveals just might change the way you look at the fey, their home, and the beings who command them.

    Finwicket's Bestiary: Beyond the Faerie Path includes

  • An overview of four dominions in the Faerie Realm and the Ancient Ones who rule them. Each dominion will be fully mapped and major sites of interest will be highlighted.
  • Guidelines on creating your own Faerie Overlords and dominions.
  • Expanded rules and examples for geasa, mystical prohibitions that give mortals an advantage when dealing with the immortal Faerie Overlords.
  • New fey creatures, both whimsical and malign, that call the Faerie Realm home.

    Designer: TBD
    Estimated Pages: 25

  • Clockwork Gnome Publishing

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    Gary Teter wrote:
    Also it is a ridiculously gorgeous day today. Gonna go down to the waterfront and get oysters!

    I wish I could "like" this more than once.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing

    1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Clockwork Gnome Publishing is a small publisher just entering the third party arena for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Fantasy adventure gaming has a proud tradition and we strive to integrate a serious respect for the past with the exciting possibilities of the future in every product we develop.

    With that goal in mind, our first line, the Sagas of the Wealdland, details the city-state of Aerendal, the domain it claims, and the adventures that can be found therein. Each product provides new insight into the region, coming together to form a comprehensive sandbox setting for your Pathfinder Roleplaying Game campaign. Yet each book is modular enough for easy adaptation to your favorite fantasy setting. So if all you need is a well designed adventure module or a fully developed location, the Sagas of the Wealdland line is perfect for you.

    Our first product, the Wealdland Gazetteer, will be a free download. Designed as an introduction for players and GMs alike, the Wealdland Gazetteer includes:

    ~An overview of the cultures that call the Wealdland home, including the various human ethnicities of the region.

    ~A concise examination of major geographical features and locations of interest.

    ~Details on the famed metropolis of Aerendal, City-State of the Viridian Prince.

    ~Information on some of the communities in the area, including those governed by the elves, gnomes, halflings, and dwarves.

    ~New traits that help ground characters in the Wealdland setting.

    This is the perfect foundation for the entire Sagas of the Wealdland line. Future releases will include an in-depth examination of Aerendal, the City-State of the Viridian Prince, expeditions into the local megadungeon, The Ruins of Ferron-Shelaz, and a foray into the fey ruled Glades of Light and Shadow.

    For more information and to catch our latest updates and previews make sure to visit Clockwork Gnome Publishing or join us on our Facebook page.

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