I recently bought "Shadowspawn's Guide to Sanctuary," "Thieves' World Players Manual" and "Murder at the Vulgar Unicorn."
EXCELLENT! Thanks Green Ronin!!
Thieves World is an excellent series. You should be able to fit it in and if your gamers have the thought that their thieves are top notch you can take them down a peg or two in Sanctuary! It is not described as the "most dangerous of fantasy cities" for nothing!
If you haven't read the new TW books yet, check them out. "Turning Points" is very, very good and "Enemies of Fortune" is fantasic!
I just wanted to post this to let people know that this was a good book. I worry that it might get overlooked, since it seems, at first glance, to just be a book about a barbarian, but there is so much more to it than that. If you have any interest in the Savage Frontier region of the Forgotten Realms, this books likely visits plot threads and hints that have been floating around the region for years (since FR4 came out). And its a fun action/adventure read as well. I would definately recommend this one.
I will check it out! Always enjoy the FR. Just finished "Promise of the Witch-King." Loved the opening battle at the start of the book!
There is a FR PBM game you might want to check out. Check out www.reality.com!
Has anyone starting playing the new THIEVES'WORLD? I think it is by green ronin?
That is on my birthday wish list--I love Thieves' World and can't wait to sink my teeth into it.
what a great series! The latest book "Enemies of Fortune" is fantastic!
I plan on buying all the gaming items, (Thieves World players manual, Murder at the Vulgar Unicorn & Shadowspawn's Guide to Sanctuary) in the next week or so.
Thieves World remains a great place to visit. I haven't read the newest anthology, although I was very much taken with Sanctuary, the full-length novel to kick off the new series.
I must admit, I miss the Vulgar Unicorn and all its regulars, including Marion Zimmer Bradley's mage creation Lythande. He/She was a fascinating character.
I noted with interest in Wolfgang Baur's blog that when he wrote the Green Griffon Tavern for The Book of Roguish Luck, the Vulgar Unicorn was very much on his mind.
For roleplaying inspiration, I go back to those anthologies time and again.
I throw a "challenge" out to all gamers who think they can handle a gladitorial combat game that quickly decimates the weak and only rewards the strong!! ALL gamers out there that enjoyed the movie "Gladiator" or think they can go toe-to-toe with the best in gladitorial combat are asked to check out www.reality.com. Request a FREE set-up and rules to Duel2 and then request to start out in the "beginners" arena. After that shout out for me, Master Janos, and I will advise you to what transpires on this realm!
I read "Legend" several years ago and thought it was pretty good but never got around to reading any of his other stuff though I see it on the shelf. So many books, so little time...
I just finished "The Thousand Orcs" & "The Lone Drow" and am now into "The Two Swords." I am really enjoying it. I think the Realms are big enough that there is still plenty of good story lines to go. I am interested in seeing where it all ends up. I like all the characters except Wulfgar's new family.
I also agree that the new art work is excellent. Some of those old book covers were terrible.
Here's to Drizzt!
What exactly is it like? Also, I find it hard to believe that there is no cost involved. Thanks,
WaterdhavianFlapjack
there is a charge for their games. Not sure what Forgotten Realms or Hyborian War charges are, but Duel2 depends on what you run.
Duel2 is a gladitorial arena game where you design 5 warriors for combat. You pick weapons/armor and run their strategy for minutes 1-6 and in desperation. You also pick protect/attack targets and your "kill desire."
Some arenas run every 2 weeks, some run once a month. There is a beginner arena and 3 different regions, each has its own flavor, from chivalry to cut-throat. The fun part is making friends/allies and/or just flat out brawling with another manager. You can run all 5 or just 1 warrior so that is where their prices come in.
They also have a top end of the game where your warrior becomes immortal and battles in the advanced game all the way up to the "Primus" arena.
Lots of people have been playing for years, I've been at it for over 20 years! I hope you check it out.
I found this page on a google search of "forgotten realms reality pbm". I figured I would post to add my name to the list of Reality Sim's FR gamers.
It is a great game for strategists. They have partial PBeM capabilities which is my preference. Someday I hope they can be 100% electronic, which should lower everyones costs. I have been playing for 1 1/2 years consistently and I have no plans of stopping. The website address is www.reality.com . Check it out!
thanks for the feedback! I have been playing their gladitorial combat game "Duelmasters" since 1985! It is now called "Duel2" since Hasbro bought the name for their cartoon/toys.
Check out Duel2 also! Pretty fun. They have 2 "face-to'face" tournaments a year. 1 is in Arizona every February and the summer one is somewhere on the east coast.
Just finished "Wizards' Conclave" by Douglas Niles. I was not too excited about where Dragonlance was going in the "Age of Mortals" but this book, and Richard Knaak's Minotaur trilogy are very good and have me interesed in Dragonlance again. I also recently finished Niles' Book 1 in "The Rise of Solamnia trilogy-Lord of the Rose." It was very well done also. So I think he is worth checking out. I also have his "Emperor of Ansalon" and "Moonshae Trilogy" I am planning on reading.
Soloman Kane rocks the Casbah! Also, his character El Borak was great. I'm also a bigger fan of Kull than Conan, though.
If you like SK's adventures, you might want to check out Edgar Rice Burroughs Martian Tales.
I recently completed my collection of ERB's Martian Tales by hitting the used book stores. It has been many years since I've read them so going threw them again. John Carter was a pretty cool hombre.
I never really read much of his work but he has a story in the new THIEVES' WORLD book "Enemies of Fortune." The story is titled "The Man from Shemhaza." Wow! What a story!! Even if you don't know anything about Thieves World, you have to check out this story! You'll probably be hooked after it. "Enemies of Fortune" is a GREAT book. A new TW RPG is coming out also. Enjoy!
Thieves World remains a great place to visit. I haven't read the newest anthology, although I was very much taken with Sanctuary, the full-length novel to kick off the new series.
I must admit, I miss the Vulgar Unicorn and all its regulars, including Marion Zimmer Bradley's mage creation Lythande. He/She was a fascinating character.
I noted with interest in Wolfgang Baur's blog that when he wrote the Green Griffon Tavern for The Book of Roguish Luck, the Vulgar Unicorn was very much on his mind.
For roleplaying inspiration, I go back to those anthologies time and again.
The Vulgar Unicorn is back in business and has a great story take place there in "Enemies of Fortune."
I also understand a Thieves World RPG is to be released very soon and I have heard some good things about it!
The new Thieves' World book "Enemies of Fortune" IMO is one of the BEST heroic-fantasy books ever! I know that is a bold statement but Dennis McKiernan, Steven Brust, C J Cherryh, Andrew Offutt, Robin Wayne Bailey and several others write one great book! IMO this is a MUST read! Has anyone else read it or any other of the Thieves World series? A true "D&D" realm if there ever was one.
Jethro Tull
Rush
Blackmore's Night
Clannad
Loreena McKennitt
Lord of the Rings (all 3)
Last of the Mohicans
Conan the Barbarian
Braveheart
The Mists of Avalon
1. Giants. Hill, Mountain, Fog, Frost, Fire...these guys are always at war with the party. (maybe its because their are 2 Gnomes in the group.) I use wyverns as mounts quite often.
2. Goblins. They always seem to be about. Again, the Gnomes in the party lead to great conflict. Worgs are usually with them.
3. Vampires. They like to use Nightmares as mounts and normally have ghouls at their disposal. Always gets the players chewing their finger nails.
4. Evil Human Wizards. Our current #1 enemy has a female drow elf as a consort. My wizards like using elementals and golems.
5. Green Dragons. The treasure and experience points are so tempting but the cunning and treachery always puts more than a little fear into the party.
I have played a Play-By-Mail (PBM) game for over 20 years called "Duelmasters" (now called Duel2 since Hasbro bought the name.) It is a gladitorial combat game and loads of fun. There are 2 face-to-face tournaments a year and lots of role-playing. This company (RSI) also runs a Forgotten Realms and Conan war game. (I don't have any ties to the company-just a player but check out www.reality.com)
Otherwise I play AD&D a couple times a year and I have picked up a few gamecube games, "Gladius" and "Lord of the Rings" have been fun.
I have enjoyed all his Drizzt books. I like the straight forward get-to-the-action pace. I like the fact that I don't have to read half the book to see the universe/planet/realm created nor do I need 12 pages to describe the origins of the latest monster to pop in. His writing is descriptive enough and the FR world understood & developed enough that we don't need all that.
His development of Drow society and the politics/realities of Menzoborranzan is great. I really hope he writes another trilogy or two on Drizzt.
I would also like to see him write in the "Thieves World" series. There is no tougher town than "Sanctuary" (on the surface world at least) and he would REALLY be able to deliver a tale that would fit into the dark, cut-throat world of Thieves World. If you have not checked out this series, you need to do so!
I just finished the 2nd book in the new Thieves World series titled "Enemies of Fortune." This is a fantastic book! I think it is a better effort than any of the original 12 books from the "old" series and that is saying alot! Dennis McKiernan, Lynn Abbey, C J Cherryh, Andrew Offutt, Jeff Grubb, Steven Brust, Robin Wayne Bailey and others REALLY write some wicked stories! There is no tougher town in all of heroic fantasy than Sanctuary!
I have also enjoyed all of R A Salvatore's Drizzt books! Good, fast moving stuff for sure. Elaine Cunningham's trilogy on the drow is also A1.
Greetings. I was pleased to note on page 60 of Dungeon #120 an advertisment for RSI's Forgotten Realms Play-By-Mail game. Check it out! They also have Conan's Hyborian War game and I have played their gladitorial combat game Duel2 (formerly Duelmasters) for 20 years! If anyone starts in Duel2 and needs some help, call out and me and my alliance will try to get you headed in the right direction. Good role-playing game and you'll meet a lot of other gamers, plus Duel2 has 2 face-to-face conventions/tournaments every year. Setups and rules are free. Check out www.reality.com. I have nothing to do with the company, just a player for 20 years. Salute!
Full Name
Mortimer Brandon Valdebridge
Race
Human
Classes/Levels
Ranger 1 (Skirmisher, Infiltrator) AC 16 | HP 11/11 | F +2, R +5, W +2 (+4 vs fear) / Init +3 / Perc +6
Gender
Male
Size
M
Age
21
Alignment
LN
Deity
None
Location
Lepistadt
Languages
Taldane, Varisian, Skald
Occupation
Gentleman Undead Hunter
Strength
13
Dexterity
16
Constitution
10
Intelligence
12
Wisdom
14
Charisma
10
About Mortimer Valdebridge
Background:
"Fellows of the University, invited guests, Ladies and gentlemen. I will not overly burden your hours with my talk today. I am not a man for flowery usages of language, so I will be brief. My name is Mortimer Valdebridge. It is my honor to be speaking before you to present my work to the University and the many august personages here today."
Mortimer looked up from his notes. The Professor had suggested the introduction. It was no doubt meant for a larger crowd than had actually turned out for his lecture. A dozen young students sat in clusters throughout the hall, many of them not looking at the lectern where Mortimer stood. A smattering of older fellows, scholars, were sprinkled about the room. One was asleep. Mortimer sighed and looked back to his notes.
"I have been most fortunate to collaborate with the renowned Professor Lorrimor on my research." A couple heads lifted at the Professor's name. Mortimer suppressed a smirk. The Professor's name was good for attracting attention. Many of the younger students were keenly interested in the more sensational tales of his adventures. The older scholars and faculty less so, but it still got them to look up.
"The subject of my research is the Unquiet Dead, or simply Undead if you prefer.” Mortimer smiled before continuing. “But I am not here to discuss theory and philosophy, but practical matters. Observations made in the field.” Several of the students looked more interested now. Mortimer walked over to a large chest on the stage and drew a key from its pouch around his neck. The lock made a satisfying clack as he turned it. After opening the chest, he withdrew a heavy, ornate crossbow of impressive proportions. Mortimer couldn’t stop himself from stroking the dark wood stock and the iron filigree that decorated and reinforced it. Placing it on the table next to the lectern he then withdrew several more items. A case of crossbow bolts, a mace, a saber, a slightly damp paper package and a dog’s skull. Many of the people in the room were now paying attention. He closed the chest and unwrapped the package, revealing a hunk of meat - probably pork, and placed it atop the chest.
“Combating the Undead is a matter of matching the weapon to the target.” he explained, picking up the mace, he then said. “The common Zombie, whose form is like this hunk of meat, is not particularly vulnerable to most blows.” He then walked over to the table, selected the mace, and then thumped it full force with the weapon. The meat made a squishing sound, and flattened under the blow. “As you can see, while tenderized somewhat, it is not terribly deformed.”
The students chuckled nervously. All of them were paying attention now.
“But, apply the correct type of force...” he said, grabbing the saber, “and you will receive much better results!” With a swing of the blade, he sliced the hunk of meat in two. Stabbing one piece with the end of the sword, he held it up for the audience to see. When he was satisfied they had the concept in their heads, he dropped the hunk of meat onto the table. “The common skeletal Undead, on the other hand...” Mortimer picked up the skull and placed it on the chest. He swung over hand at the skull, and the blow deflected off the top the blade of the sword clanging off the iron bands on the chest. “Is resistant to blades, but not...” he grabs the mace. “to blunt trauma.” The skull shatters under the mace’s heavy head.
“Thus, you see, we must choose our weapons carefully when fighting our Undead foes.” he says.
One of the students raises his hand. “Uh, sir. Why not just let a Cleric destroy them for you?”
Mortimer’s expression darkened and he frowned. After a moment, restraining the venom in his tone. “Yes, many Clerical adepts are proficient in defeating the Undead, but just as many are the cause of their depredations. Do you not know that many a Necromancer hides under the cassock of a holy person? Their powers are able to create and control the Undead.”
The rest of his presentation passed in a blur. His audience were amused by his demonstrations, but he feared they did not get the practicality of his observations. The older scholars left early, and the students took few notes. By the end, Mortimer, his temper aroused, stormed out of the lecture hall. Outside, his wagon waited. He loaded his chest into it and then sat behind the reins. Shortly thereafter a man approached. “Oh, Mortimer.” he said.
“Yes Rolf?” Mortimer snapped. “What is it?”
“This letter just arrived for you.” he said, handing it up with a frown.
Mortimer forced a smile and reached down to receive it. He waited until the other man departed. He tore it open and began to read, his cheeks blanching and his jaw dropping as he read. “Oh, no... not the Professor...” he whispered.
He sat in shock for a time. Mortimer could hardly believe what he read, but the signiature on the letter could not be disbelieved. The man who had so supported his efforts, who had been like a father to him, was dead. What was he to do without his guidance? Suddenly he felt like he needed to get to grips with something unliving, to tear it apart and end its mockery of life. His memory leapt to the first time he had met the Professor. A hunting expedition of sorts. Mortimer was a callow youth, ordered to escort the Professor to his ancestral burial ground. Reports of the Unquiet Dead in their family’s holdings had reached his father in Ardis, and through an acquaintance Professor Lorrimor was engaged to help investigate. It was years ago, but it stayed in the forefront of his mind. What he and the Professor found in the village was a pall of fear and mistrust. The local priest, a fawning man with unsavory looks, assured them there was nothing to fear. He and the temple were taking care of the problem. Lorrimor was not fooled. He began to investigate, and this forced the hand of the foul Necromancer, who pretended to be a priest and who had dominated the villagers with the threat of a fate worse than death. When the horde of Zombies finally assaulted the house they were staying in, Lorrimor was ready for them, and armed Mortimer and the few retainers they had left with the knowledge and weapons they needed to prevail. Even so, the horror they endured left a deep mark on Mortimer. When he emerged to see the ruin the Necromancer had made of the village and the brutality he had visited on the villagers, animating their loved ones and forcing them to remain quiet, a part of Mortimer’s heart became dark with hatred. He dedicated the next years of his life to studying the Undead and how to kill them. Lorrimor, saddened to see the scars the experience had left on the young man, tried to channel his new passion, educating him on what he knew of the Undead. As he grew older, and Lorrimor was pulled away to continue his own studies, he kept in touch, sharing the nuggets of his own research on the Undead.
The Necromancer, pretending to be a Cleric of Pharasma, fled. Mortimer tried to track him down, but the local Church of Pharasma was intractable and tried to cover it up, saying they were the only ones qualified to pursue the man. Mortimer never heard if the caught him and believes to this day that he is still out there somewhere, and spares time to hunt the man when he can, but the trail has grown cold beneath a pall of whispers.
Mortimer, a deep sadness in his heart, directed his horse home. He packed his things and departed for Ravengro to attend the Professor’s funeral.
Traits, Feats:
Traits: Teacher's Pet (+2 Knowledge: Religion. Knowledge Religion class skill)
Jaded (+2 to Saves vs. Fear)
Feats: Point Blank Shot (Human), Rapid Reload (Heavy Crossbow) (1)
Stat Block:
Mortimer Brandon Valdebridge
Male Human Ranger (Skirmisher, Infiltrator) 1
LN Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init: +3, Perception: +6
------------------------
Defense
------------------------
AC 17 (+3 Dex, +3 Armor, +1 Shield), touch 13, flat-footed 14
HP 11 (1d10+1 favored class)
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2 (+4 vs Fear)
------------------------
Offense
------------------------
Speed: 30ft
Melee: Heavy Mace +2 (1d8+1), Scimitar +2 (1d6+1, 18-20/x2) Dagger +2 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Ranged: Heavy Crossbow +4 (1d10)
Special: Favored Enemy (Undead)
------------------------
Statistics
------------------------
Str 13, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Attack: +1, CMB +2, CMD 15
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Rapid Reload (Heavy Crossbow)
Traits: Teacher's Pet
Skills: Climb +1, Heal 1 +6, Knowledge: Dungeoneering 1 +6, Knowledge: Nature 1 +6, Knowledge: Religion 1 +8, Perception 1 +6, Ride 1 +7, Stealth 1 +7, Survival 1 +6
Gear and Coin:
10gp, 8sp, 7cp
Heavy Crossbow, Bolts (20), Blunt Bolts (10), Heavy Mace, Scimitar, Dagger, Studded Leather Armor, Buckler, Small Treasure Chest, Backpack, Chalk (4), Compass, Flint & Steel, Charcoal (4), Magnet, Mirror, Lamp Oil (3), Paper (10), Belt Pouch, Hemp Rope (50'), Sack, Soap, Twine (50ft), Sunrods (2), Tindertwig (3), Torch (2), Waterskin, Weapon Cord, Whetstone, Flask, Bottle of Whiskey, Signet Ring
