bae@fisher.UUCP (Shiva the Destroyer) (04/15/85)
Volume 1, Issue 2 Athron Advocate April 14, 868 A.T.
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Contents:
Northern Adventures
Dionysiac Temple Constructed
Church of Tuoni Enters Athron
Church of Hermes Enters Athron
Psionics Beware
Classified Ads
NORTHERN ADVENTURES
-------------------
The Advocate has become aware of a scouting expedition which was launched
into the Thronlands several weeks ago. This expedition started much further
north of here, roughly 50 miles from where the Verbosh River enters Lake
Braglor, which is a distance of some 200 miles NE of the location of our fair
city. Through the graces of the Baron of Kilgrade, we have been given access
to two reports from this expedition. The two reports conflict in some areas,
so the Advocate makes no claim that either of these reports are correct.
Report 1:
"We were let off across the Verbosh River by our ship, and proceeded to
head west-northwest, in an attempt to enter the fringes of the Thron territory,
looking for evidence anywhere that the Thron were spawning.
After a few days travel we ran in to one of the most common dangers of
the plains, a pack of wolves. Cleverly staying out of range of our spell
and missile range, they increased in numbers daily. It was on the night of
a full moon that they decided to attack. Unfortunately for the wolves, we
were fully capable of repelling their attack and sent the remnants of the
pack hunting for an easier dinner.
For those of you out there who are into such things it might be noted
that there is a fair collection of evil in the area. Numbers of ghouls,
ettans, and trolls all tried to jump our party. Also, we found an
abandoned temple of unknown origin but (once) home to a number of
vampires and an accompanying small sized force of orcs, hobgoblins, etc.
It is the opinion of most of us that they are coming from the foothills
to the north of the plain.
In short, our party's expedition can be summed up as follows: There is no
evidence of any Thron activity of any kind anywhere near the civilized world.
Report 2:
Progress Report on the Donblas Scouting Expedition and Strike Force to the
Northern Plains---
Having covered the first quarter of our journey to the heart of the Thron
land almost entirely without incident (the extermination of several ettins of
evil and obnoxious disposition providing one bright spot in an otherwise boring
march), we arrived at an interesting anomaly in the center of the plains. We
found a green, mountainous island about five miles in length and three in width,
completely surrounded by flowing water, and decided to investigate. After two
scouts, one of them a loyal and devout monk in the service of the one true lord,
had been sent out and had brought back a favorable report, the entire party
decided to cross over.
Half of the island was covered with trails and green glades in the midst
of forest, but as we explored further the familiar stink of an old and loathsome
evil made its presence known. One small fortified underground defense installa-
tion was cleaned out and then we found the ruins that are currently occupying
our efforts. Ghouls from an old, overgrown graveyard were met and defeated as
we approached the main buildings and in the buildings themselves, gods and
vampires became our adversaries. The combined might of our party was enough
to bring down the animated statue of the hideous god, and the righteous wrath
of Donblas himself, as delivered through my sword, defeated the vampire.
The next day we found an underground entrance, and cutting our way
through hordes of smaller minions of evil, we managed to clean out an entire
demon-worshipping congregation, high priest and all. Evil is all around us;
the mission goes on... We will search out and destroy the legions of the dark-
ness while there is strength yet left in us.
Garan, Paladin of Donblas
Defender of Righteousness
and Scourge of Evil
P. S. It has come to my personal attention, through various sources, that
there are minions of Set and Arioch at large in Athron. If this situation
is not summarily corrected, I will consider it my duty on my return from
the Thron heartland to remove their offending presences from the face of
the earth. Although these are the main culprits, there are also many other
evil beings whose presence in Athron and on this plane as a whole will not
be tolerated.
Garan, Paladin of Donblas
DIONYSIAC TEMPLE CONSTRUCTED
----------------------------
In an astounding display of wealth and power, the High Temple of
Dionysus was constructed in a week's time. Work on the Temple
was performed around the clock, with magic users and clerics casting
spells constantly to speed the construction. It is estimated that the
Church of Dionysus spent 2 million GP on the construction of this
building. The main church has not yet been opened to the public,
according to Church representatives. Services are still being held
out of doors, near the construction site. Church representatives
declined to comment on the reason for the hasty construction of the temple,
however, they did indicate that the ampitheatre was scheduled for
completion by the end of the month.
CHURCH OF TUONI ENTERS ATHRON
-----------------------------
The little-known Church of Tuoni has moved into Athron, with the
intent of establishing their first temple. The Church has purchased
a plot of ground two building lots away from the new Temple of Dionysus,
and is currently holding services is a large tent, while plans are being
drawn up for the construction of a more substantial edifice. Our reporters
went to one such service, to discover what exactly the creed of the Tuoni
worshippers is. The head cleric of Tuoni, a certain Tuoser, who appeared
to possess orcish blood, gave the following statement to our investigators:
"The House of Tuoni in Athron is a dedicated temple to Tuoni, the God
of the eternal afterlife. Services are held twice daily, once at dusk to greet
the Night (Tuoni) and again just before dawn to bid farewell.
New worshippers are welcome. Appropriate sacrifices are all kindred
to snakes. There are standard prices for clerical spells, however there
is a temple scheme to the run of things. A sacrifice entitles you to
one 1st level spell of your choice. Futhermore, all worshippers are
encouraged to be a part of the communal system we have, wherewith those
who have land will join it to the church's and a tithe from all possesions
is required. Note that the land is still the worshipper's actually- but
that as long as he worships and partakes in this he will be entitled to
the afterworld and all manners of benefits in this world -ie- food, shelter,
spells.
The House specializes in burials. These are done for free- as dedicating
the dead is our forte. Clerics are available for party travel."
It seems as if the Tuoni-ites are a harmless sect of somewhat chaotic
people who prefer to worship their rather unknown god, rather than belong
to a more established chaotic religion. The Advocate welcomes the Tuoni-ites
into town, although we do not feel that their burial services.
particularly necessary in such a safe and peaceful place as Athron...
CHURCH OF HERMES ENTERS ATHRON
------------------------------
The old and powerful Church of Hermes is also coming to Athron soon,
according to a church spokesman. The site of the proposed temple has
been chosen, and is the site immediately between the Temple of Dionysus
and the House of Tuoni. It seems as if Athron will soon have its own
Church's Row, if things continue such.
Although the addition of any new business in the city is a good sign,
the Advocate feels that the establishment of the Church of Hermes in the
city is a mixed blessing. While the Church offers many useful services
in the way of arbitration, message delivery, and so on, often the Church
is a gathering place for thieves, liars, and gamblers of the worst sort.
When asked about the extent of their proposed activities, the
spokesman for the church declined to comment on the thieving problem,
instead mentioning that in addition to constructing the Temple in the
town, there was also some planning being done to establish a church-run
gambling hall in the town.
With the arrival of the Church of Hermes, the Advocate wishes to
warn people to beware. Although we have been a small town up to late,
the arrival of the Church of Hermes bodes ill for the lawful and peaceful
way of life we have been leading. When the Church of Hermes arrives,
organized crime cannot be far behind.
PSIONICS BEWARE!!
-----------------
The Advocate has come across information leading us to believe that
a pogrom against psionics will soon be in full force. In major cities
across the Empire, there is much controversy concerning recent
announcements attributed to the mythical Great Mage. A document has
fallen into the hands of the Advocate, purportedly written by The Mage
himself:
In light of the recent increase in psionic activity on this
plane, and the ensuing loss in power and prestige of the magician's
craft, I have taken it upon myself to take steps to remedy this
problem. The first step which I shall take is quite simple: I
am making public this second level spell which will allow the
caster to effectively destroy a psionic:
Reave Psionic
-------------
Level: 2
Duration: Special
Range: 12"/Special
Area of Effect: 1 creature/Special
Saving Throw: Special
The Reave Psionic spell is designed to replicate the effect of
the feeblemind spell on the psionic practitioner. This spell,
when energy-controlled by a psionic, will cause him to make a
saving throw vs. magic at -4, or be feebleminded. The Reave
Psionic Spell may be made by the caster to appear to be any spell
level he desires, thus this spell cannot be detected by the psionic
for what it is. It can also be linked with any other spell, in such a
way as both go off at once. In this case, in addition to causing the
feeblemind effect, the spell will make the psionic unable to energy
control the linked spell.
This is a special spell. Rather than causing these effects through
it's own power, this spell merely links the caster to a pre-formed
body of magical energy I have created for this purpose. The spell
opens up a gate to this energy, which powers the actual effects.
The energy is equivalent to a 9th level spell, cast at the 30th level
of mastery.
Misuse of this spell is punishable by immediate, irrevocable
death. Misuse consists of attempting to trace the origin of the
linked energies, attempting to absorb the linked energies,
attempting to dissipate the linked energies, or flagrant abuse.
I, the Great Mage, will personally destroy misusers...
Copies of this spell, suitable for use, are available free of charge
at your local Guild magic shoppe. Use it, and enjoy.
The other action which I have taken against psionics is the release
of a wide and varied array of new psionic monsters which I have created.
There are at least 10 new species of monsters now loose upon the world,
all of which feed exclusively on psionics. Psionics enjoy!
The Advocate feels that this action is in flagrant disregard for the Emperor's
decrees against the persecution of psioncs, and calls upon the Emperor to
avenge this challenge to his power. This is obviously an attempt by the
magician's guild, headed by the Great Mage, no doubt, to monopolize usage
of magical and psionic energies. In our opinion, this is bad for mankind,
as psionics and psionic research are our only defense against the dreaded
Mind Flayer menace. However, it has not been verified that the Great Mage
is in fact the author of this document.
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The House of Kilgrade Wants YOU!
The House of Kilgrade wishes to apologize for any delays in responding
to previous replies. The House had some slight difficulties with some
of its employees, which have now been resolved.
The House of Kilgrade is still looking for men and women to
join in its expansion in the Athron area. Good working
conditions, good pay, good fringe benefits. We currently have
openings for fighters, magicians, rangers, and other professions.
The House of Kilgrade is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.
please reply to P.O. BOX #6
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Lost: The Mace of The Hero
The Mace of The Hero is a family heirloom of the House of Kilgrade,
which has vanished quite recently. It is quite recognizable, being a
very well made flaming mace, with the sign of the House of Kilgrade
blazoned on the head.
Substantial reward offered.
please reply to P.O. BOX #6
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We offer the finest selection in magic items available. Anything
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The Reagency of Athron is willing to pay for information concerning the
territories to the west of the immediate vicinity of the city. Maps
and expedition logs, if verified, will be purchased from adventuring
parties for reasonable sums.
Contact: The Reagency of Athron, P.O. Box #1
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I, Bilbous the Mighty, am looking for adventuring companions to explore
the Western Marches. Only those of stout heart need apply. You can
find me at The Storm Inn, in the corner booth by the stage.
Be warned - the expedition I have planned is not for those of meagre
spirit and no courage!
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--
Brian A. Ehrmantraut
Ad Maioram Gloriam Hasturi!
UUCP: {allegra, astrovax, princeton, twg} !fisher!bae
BELL: (609) 452-8991 / (609) 734-7761
USnail: 184 Little Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544