More Wizards In Need of Work - A New Batch of Resume Files, From The Adventurers Guild

1. Smiling Jack - Human Male. Handsome, impeccably groomed and sporting a mouthful of perfect teeth, Smiling Jack is new in town and looking for work! Cheerful, humorous and kind, you'd never guess, that he's a serial killer who hunts long-haired, young blond women, every new moon. Jack enjoys the theater and enjoys talking about utilizing Illusions and Enchantments to enhance the stage experience. He has many contacts amongst theater folk, tavern owners and the local Thieves Guild. He knows several mid-level government functionaries. He owns a pair of yellow, Silk Gloves, which are adorned with Green Sigils of Elemental Fire. The Gloves can cast a Ball of Fire, 1/day, which does 5d6 points of damage, save for 1/2.

2. Rogarth the Assiduous - Human Male. Short, balding and mustached. Studious, intent, serious. Qualifies as a Sage, in the fields of Ancient Languages, Lost Civilizations and Literature. He knows several rare, almost forgotten spells. A True Neutral, if there ever was one. He spends his spare time, trying to prove his highly unorthodox, but intriguing, alternate historical theories. He has a Fox familiar, named Tommy, who can travel and see into the Ethereal Plane. He can take his Master with him, for up to 1 Hour per day.

3. Braeg-Ith-Zhong - Human Male. An unhealthy looking, thin, alcoholic, who looks twenty years older than his actual age, Braeg has seen far too many things, which man wasn't meant to know. Paranoid. He has enough knowledge about the Lower Planes, to qualify as a Sage on the subject. Braeg Believes several world leaders are involved in Infernal Pacts and that the "Takeover," is only decades away. Braeg speaks the language of the Brain Eaters From the Underdark, as well as that of the Dark Elves. He spent five years, captive in one of their underground cities. He owns a small, Silver Chalice, engraved with Holy Symbols, which can cast a Protection From Evil 10' Radius, twice per day. 

4. Mizzimir - Human Male. A young, nondescript fellow, trying to get his start in the adventuring community and make some cash. He's a skilled tailor. He collects books and writes decent poetry. His best friend is a priest at a local, popular temple. Mizzimir owns a set of Grimoires of the Pact Insidious, though he doesn't know what they are and hasn't attempted to use them. 

5. Wanda of the Wands - Human Female. A thirty-ish, attractive woman, Wanda is deeply in debt and trying to raise enough money to pay the "Inheritance Tax," on the property left to her by her deceased Teacher. This consists of a Small Tower and an acre of land, which has been used as an academy of magical learning, for the past few decades. Wanda enjoys arguing, swimming, creating 1st level spells for her students to try out (she currently has two, teen aged apprentices) and smoking exotic substances. She carries two Magic Wands - One is a red, glass Wand of Magic Missiles, which operates at 9th level and the other is of highly polished, pale wood, which casts Unseen Servant.

6. Cassimon - Human Male. A bearded, dark haired man, pushing middle-age, Cassimon is passionate, strong-willed and loyal. He specializes in Conjuration/Summoning Magics and knows methods for Summoning Angels. He has a friend named Mugad the Bear, a Dwarf who leads the Steel Reapers, a Dwarven mercenary company, with some 200 members. Cassimon likes games of strategy, women and strong drink. He's quick to anger and quick to forgive. His familiar was granted to him by one of his angelic contacts and is an Eagle named Hace, which can Breath Fire 2/day, for 5d6 points of damage. Hace grants its master 20% Magic Resistance.

7. Beumont Blackrazor - Human Male. Suave, debonair and dashing! Beumont is a ladies man, a graceful dancer, a wonderful conversationalist and a daring adventurer. He's also looking to get out of town, having been caught teaching the wife of a local lord, certain exotic techniques of Sexual Magic. He spends most of his money on fine clothes, fine dining and impressing the fairer sex. While much of his room & board is taken care of by his various lovers, he still needs cash to cover his researches and carousing, so he supplements this "income," by adventuring. He has a Silver, hand-held mirror, dedicated to the goddess of Love. It is so ensorcelled, that the reflection will shower the gazer with compliments, telling him/her how marvelous they look, etc. It will also add a bonus to the bearer's Charisma Reaction adjustment and allow him/her to cast Charm Person, twice per day. Orcs really hate Beumont and are twice as likely to have a violent reaction, towards any party which harbors him.

8. Myrra - The Lady of Crimson - Elven Female. MU/T. An assassin, who spent much of her time doing "Wet Work" for a highly influential Society of Wizards, Myrra left her former employers on bad terms and is now looking for more socially acceptable work. Myrra likes highly methodical, bizarrely intricate plans. She also enjoys head games and playing the Cat to a target's Mouse. She's not totally adverse to the idea of more Killing for Hire, but she likes the idea of being an "Adventurer," now. She has a midnight blue cloak of protection +2, which adds +10% to her chance to Hide in Shadows.

9. Yuermar - Human Male. A rugged outdoorsman, Yuermar likes to hunt, fish, climb mountains and delve into dungeons. He far prefers camping out to sleeping inside and is a cheerful, knowledgeable companion on the road. He carries a wooden, rough looking Staff +1, which holds 3 levels of spells and detects True North. He likes to take trophies of his kills, especially Monsters.

10. Gibbz - Human Male. Fat, bald, short and ugly, Gibbz is also brave, a genius and knows more about Magical Theory than most Wizards, twice his age. When not adventuring, he likes to spend his days researching, or talking shop with other magi. His nights are usually spent in the local Red Light district. He enjoys writing magical textbooks and essays, which sometimes contain "blinds" and coded information. Gibbz owns a Ring of Spell Resistance 10% and a plain, cream colored wooden Staff +2, which can cast a Short Ranged Teleport Spell, 1/day. In the future, Gibbz becomes an important Mover and Shaker and Mage of Power. At that point in his Timeline, he makes a Frenemy of a Minor Demon Princess, who becomes somewhat fascinated with the mage. She has taken to making appearances, earlier in the wizard's Timeline, in an attempt to snare him in her schemes.

A Big Shoutout To Tenkar of Tenkar’s Tavern, For Giving Me A Free Copy of Dragon Warriors!

Tenkar of Tenkar’s Tavern ran a contest, earlier in the month, randomly choosing respondents to this post, requesting everyone’s favorite BBEG’s. I won! Woo-Hoo! I now have a copy of the new edition of Dragon Warriors!

“Dragon Warriors was first published by Corgi Books in 1985-6 as a series of six paperbacks. This new edition compiles the material from those books into a series of new releases, revised and updated, with new text, art and maps. The PDF release has had all the errata from the printed rulebook corrected, and has been exhaustively bookmarked and cross-linked for ease of use.”

A big thanks to Tenkar! He also has more contests in the works, planning to giveaway more stuff, when his blog hits 40, 50 and 60 followers. Tenkar is a featured reviewer for OneBookShelf / RPGNow / DriveThruRPG and keeps everyone up to date and informed on all kinds of gaming goodness; Old School, New School, Tenkar and his trusty iPad, has the skinny! In short, head over and follow that blog! You might win something cool and even if you don’t, you’ll have found another awesome and informative blog!

Here’s my evil villain entry. A baddie from an old, long-running 3.5 campaign. This was copied and pasted from my notes, with a quick, dashed off synopsis added for the blog Comment (as you can see, I used the BoVD, back in my 3e days):

Chong Wahng - Thrall of Orcus

Male human Ftr 6/Wiz 3/Thrall of Orcus 4
CR 12; Size M (5 ft., 10 in. tall);  AL CE                    

HD 6d10+6 + 3d4+3; 4d8+5 hp 85; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 18 (+3 Dex);

Attack +15/+10/+5 (+4 Str) melee, or +13/+8/+3 (+7 Base, +3 Dex) ranged;

SV Fort +11, Ref +7 (+3 Base, +3 Dex), Will +9 (+5 Base,); Str 18 (+4), Dex 16 (+3)(14), Con 12 (+1),(14) Int 16 (+3), Wis 10 , Cha 11 (+0).

Skills and feats: intimidate +6 Balance +6.5 (+4.5 Rank, +2 Dex), Bluff +5 (+5 Rank), Climb +13 (+9 Rank, +4 Str), Concentration +8 (+7 Rank, +1 Con), Handle animal +9 (+9 Rank), Hide +7.5 (+5.5 Rank, +2 Dex), Intuit direction +3 (+3 Rank,), Jump +6 (+2 Rank, +4 Str), Knowledge (arcana) +11 (+8 Rank, +3 Int), Listen +6.5 (+4.5 Rank, +2 Alertness), Move silently +3 (+3 Dex), Perform +2 (+2 Rank), know. religion +11 (+8 Rank,), Ride +6.5 (+4.5 Rank, +2 Dex), Sense motive +5 (+5 Rank,), Spot +3 (+1 Rank, , +2 Alertness), Wilderness lore +2 (+2 Rank);

Alertness, Enlarge spell, thrall to demon, cleave, Point blank shot, Precise shot, Quicken spell, [Scribe scroll], Track, powerattack, Weapon focus (katana,) lichloved. Deformity- obese, evil brand, sacrif. Mastery.

Carrion stench – dc 15
Touch of fear 3/day
Demon wings
Tongue studs of hellfire
Bracers ac +5
Katana +3 keen
+20 / +15 / +8
1d8 +7 dmg

Wizard Spells Known (4/3/2): 0th -- Arcane Mark, Dancing Lights, Daze, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Disrupt Undead, Flare, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Open/Close, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Resistance. 1st -- Charm Person, Feather Fall, Identify, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Shocking Grasp, truestrike. 2nd -- Ghoul Touch, Knock, See Invisibility.

Chong Wahng was a warrior from Feudal Japan, who went through an inter dimensional portal, with his brother, in search of their missing father.
His brother, Hashimi, a Samurai/Kensai was a Player Character in the campaign. The brothers were separated during their dimensional jaunt and didn't see each other again, for many years.

Hashimi's new home, became a battle-ground for extra-planar forces, as the various sides sought to gain control of the Rod of Seven Parts. Certain parties wished to use it, to free an Undead God from its imprisonment (The Epic Handbook version of the Atropal.) Others, wanted to prevent this.
The characters became embroiled in the struggle and soon found themselves at odds with the minions of Orcus. During a confrontation at a warehouse, Hashimi was reunited with his brother, Chong Wahng! Now grossly fat, Evil and seeking the two parts of the Rod, which the PC's held, Chong had been keeping tabs on the party and manipulating them, for a while. They had also met and fought his Vampire girlfriend, on a couple of occasions.

After much scheming, backstabbing and fighting, as well as various attempts by Chong to convert his brother to his cause, the party finally killed the Vampiress and captured Chong, taking the part of the Rod he was carrying. Though they left him alive, Chong was eventually slain by the forces of Hell, his master having abandoned him, due to his failure.

Chong had, on occasion, dropped hints to his brother of bigger schemes and that Hashimi was more of a pawn than he realized. Several months later, during a raid upon a secret society which was performing some work for hire for their foes, the party stumbled upon a room of sealed containers, which contained several Clones of Chong Wahng. They had been heinously experimented upon and were no longer human. Hashimi never discovered, whether or not the Thrall of Orcus, which he had been interacting with, was a Clone of his brother, or the original. Nor, if there was any truth to the more disturbing implication, that he himself, might be a Clone.

The Latest Resume Files From the Adventurers Guild – More Clerics, Looking to Party

1. Father Razimon Surillis – Steeped in esoteric lore and mind-blowing factoids, Father Razimon is a Cleric of a god of Magic. Knows things like the proper way to make the Yellow Sign and the True Name of a minor demon prince, or two. Likes to collect maps. Carries a Mace +1 that stores 3 spell levels. Has a pet wardog named Frank. Insists on being called Father Razimon. Doesn’t like elves. Has a moderately controllable Purple Lotus habit.

2. Brother Kaymon – A priest of a god of Healing, Brother Kaymon doesn’t do violence, but his god grants his sect extra healing spells. Sings, horribly, all the time. Has a larcenous streak and will steal from the party members. Doesn’t bath, very often. Never admits it, when he’s wrong. Carries a small, crystal flask, which produces two potions per day, capable of healing 5d6 points of damage per application. The local Lord owes him a favor.

3. Fazigold – A Cleric, serving a god of Storms and Destruction. Handsome, in a rakish, kind of way. The kind of guy who sports a black goatee and strokes it, when he’s plotting something clever. Has ten schemes, at any given time, for making himself rich and powerful. Occasionally, works on one of them. Capable of being rather nasty, but once he decides to stand by a fellow adventurer, he’ll remain loyal. Carries a crown, made from the black ore of a meteorite, which sports a single ruby in the center. It allows him to cast Animate Dead, 1/day.

4. Father Bourim – A Cleric, serving a god of War. Likes hammer throwing competitions. Thinks Pork Fat Rules. Very rough around the edges, but has more than enough roguish charm, to make his way in life. Wears a big bushy beard, which is usually dripping some sort of sauce, or another. Hopes to die in battle and occasionally, gets a little weird about it. A master of siege-craft. Knows several mercenary commanders.

5. Maura – A Cleric of a goddess of Love. Moderately attractive. Actually, rather shy. Didn’t want to stick around for “temple duty,” so talked her superior into letting her go adventuring. Trained in sewing, cooking, flower arranging and poisons. Far too trusting. Really likes pies. Wears Bracers, which provide an armor equivalent of Chainmail. Can cast Charm 2/day.

6. Malcolm – Claims to be a Cleric of a goddess of Love. Actually, serves a Goddess of Perversity. Has a few important townsfolk under his thumb, due to blackmail, sexual favors and a couple of conversions. Likes riddles. Smart, but not as smart as he thinks he is. Hates and fears Magic-Users. Will attempt to seduce any and all party members, hoping to use them to further his ends. Plans to eventually, be the power behind the local lord and work his way up, from there. Carries a small glass sphere, filled with a viscous, yellow liquid. Amidst the liquid, floats the magically preserved, severed penis of a pixie. The item allows him to become Invisible, as the spell, 1/day.

7. Yirilla the Black – A Cleric of a god of Death. Wears black plate-mail +1. Wields a Scythe. The scariest woman, you’ve ever met. Beautiful, in a creepy kind of way. Likes games of strategy. Eats like a barbarian. Writes poetry, which displays the occasionally brilliant line. Intimately familiar with human and demi-human anatomy and likes discussing the various ways of applying subtle, deadly/crippling damage, to your favorite body parts. Likes to experiment sexually, with other species. Disturbingly eclectic, in this regard. Has a Brownie skull, which is dweomered to allow her a save vs. level drain attacks.

8. Wazil the Red – A Cleric of a god of Knowledge, Wazil qualifies as a sage, in his knowledge of human cultures and religions. He specializes in secret societies. Carries a small ivory figurine, which can turn into a Carnivorous Ape, 1/day. Likes to collect skins, of the various monsters he kills. He is diligently searching for a means of extending his life. Lichdom is an option, but not a preferred one. Is capable of cold-blooded murder.

9. Larz of the Severed Hand – A Cleric of a god of Thieves, Larz has a stump, where his left hand should be. The hand is carried in his backpack and he may send it out to act under his orders. Grimly humorous. Doesn’t like Fighters. A talented chef. A graceful dancer. Is seriously phobic, when it comes to fungi.

10. Father Vlod Maquami – A Cleric of a god of Light. Father Vlod bears a glowing, blue/white egg, which allows him to turn undead as if he were three levels higher. Genuinely cares about others. A proselytizer. Enjoys debating religion and philosophy. Collects rare coins. Really, really likes sausage. Falls in love, easily. Very, very jealous. 

10 Magic-Users, Selling Their Services – More Resume Files, From the Adventurers Guild

10 Random Magic-User NPC’s for hire. Have Spellbook – Will Use You As A Meat-Shield!

1. Grugathar – Wizened Shaman, from some uncouth, barbarous tribe. Wears a loincloth, tattered cloak and decorative skulls. Wheezes, a lot. Has an other-worldly patron, that occasionally whisks him away at inopportune moments, but is good for one Commune Spell per week. Likes to cook. Cackles, quite a bit. 

2. Byzimar, of the Toad – Young, dashing, handsome and deeply in debt with the local underworld. Needs to get out of town, fast! Spendthrift. Womanizer. His familiar is a Purple Toad and Byzimar must partake of its intoxicating excretions on a nightly basis, learning his spells from the phantasmagoric visions he enjoys. Loves gossip. Knows dish about movers and shakers, from all over the region and beyond. Entertaining conversationalist. Snappy dresser. Expert forger.

3. Oscar, of the Seven Sins – A mercenary mage, who’ll do almost anything for gold. Oscar has a price on his head, in seven lands. Bald, snaggle toothed; wears a heavy beard. Bears a silver scroll, which will populate itself, with one random first level spell. A new random spell will appear, 24 hours after casting. Knows livestock. The man to take with you on a bartering trip.

4. Wellem – A brave, righteous, Mage of the Light, Wellem will offer his services to any party who battles the forces of darkness, asking only for the occasional MU related magical item.  Rich. Will spend his money for a good cause. Preachy, but not too obnoxious about it. Has a secret vice. Wears silver robes, which act as a Ring of Protection +1. Wields a Staff +1, which holds 5 spell levels. Well connected. He also has a LOT of enemies.

5. Beuragard the Mad – Will not advertise his sobriquet, which was given to him by his former master. Down on his luck, he’s desperately seeking the knowledge to enable him to make an infernal pact. Rash. Unstable.  Beautiful singing voice. Likes head games. Will pick one member of the party to befriend and work assiduously to turn him against everyone else.

6. Hammon – Conjuration/Summoning specialist. Boisterous. Likes strong drink. Easily offended. Enjoys games. Has a familiar named Fitz, which looks like a miniature, Cookie-Crisp Wizard. Fitz cast spells as a 5th lvl MU, but there is a 10% chance per spell level, that its magic will backfire, disastrously. 

7. Laera – Nondescript. Shy. Capable of great bravery. Wanted to be a druid, but couldn’t cut it. Knows enough nature lore, to qualify as a minor sage. Has horrible flatulence. Her spellbook is kinda sparse, but what’s there, is choice.

8. Hizzar – Compulsive Liar. Very, very good at it, but will always eventually trip himself up, due to the sheer volume of his bullshit. Plans to become an Evil Overlord and Rule the World. Flat broke. He’s never committed anything close to what might be considered a Major Sin, but is trying to work up the nerve, to do so. A Virgin. Cowardly. Will probably do something very, very foolish, once he gets 3rd level spells.

9. Sharron – Young, cynical, mischievous. Witty. Wields a Combat Stone (adds +1 to all damage dice.) Takes shit from no one. Anarchist. Ambitious. Likes plays. A talented painter.

10. Graevis – Works very hard, to appear as the wise, mysterious Wizard. Sometimes pulls it off. A severe perfectionist. Will obsessively seek out new magic. Would give his life, if he had to do so, to live up to his ideal of what a Magus should be. Has a Green Serpent familiar, which grants him one extra 3rd level spell and 10% MR or +2 to saves vs. spells.

10 Fighting-Men, Looking For Work – More Resume Files From The Adventurer’s Guild

10 Random Fighter NPC’s For Hire. Have Sword – Will Kick Ass!

1. Zagamun of the Emerald Eye – Human. Short, bald, stout. Has an artificial, magical emerald eye. The eye will increase the value of any gems he appraises, by 10%. A no-nonsense mercenary. Likes nuts.

2. Brogimar, the Haunted – Elf. A tall, wispy fellow, Brogimar is haunted by a deceased lover. She came back from the grave, to save his life. Now, she won’t leave. Only Brogimar can see and hear her. May be a delusion. He wields a Morning-Star +1. Eats like a bird. Likes riddles.

3. Russlim – Human. A good ol’ boy. Wears piecemeal half-plate. Likes elf-chicks. Carries a Lucky Rabbits Foot, which actually does add +1 to all his rolls. Missing his two front teeth and the index of his off-hand. Doesn’t like swearing.

4. Norris, the Accursed – Human. Thinks he’s under a witch’s curse. Not really, but he suffers a –1 to all rolls, because his belief fucks with him. An Atheist. Thinks Demons run everything. Believes in Conspiracies. Likes really, greasy foods. Won’t share. Anything.

5. Sarah of the Winged Helm – Human. Wears Plate and a Huge, Winged Helm, that tend to overbalance her, detracting 1 from her armor. The Helm is cursed, so that the wearer thinks it’s a Helm of ESP. It will fill the user’s mind with all sorts of random weirdness, that other people are supposedly thinking. As a result, Sarah believes that everyone else is batshit crazy. Prone to catching colds. Likes to sing.

6. Eberor, son of Garan – Dwarf. Loud. Laughs a lot. Not a mean bone in his body. Insomniac. Wields a Two-Handed Sword named Ugly Truth, which is +1, Intelligent, Empathic. The wielder cannot lie, receives a +2 to Enchantment/Charm saves and is immune to 1st and 2nd level Illusions. Likes humans and elves, but has a hard time fully trusting them.

7. Imrie – Human. Will do whatever she has to, to survive. Leather Armor +1, which acts as a Cloak of Elven Kind. Used to work as an Assassin, but has just enough of a conscience, to lose sleep over it. A fine seamstress. Will become irrationally murderous, at the site of a bully. Not stupidly so, though. She’s not rash. A fine tactician.

8. Yurgoa, the Oath-Bound. Human. Crude fellow. Wears a Chain Shirt. Wields a Broadsword named Laughing Death, which is +2, Intelligent, Telepathic and casts Uncontrollable Laughter on a to hit roll of a True 20. Yurgoa has a wicked sense of humor, himself. Loves pranks. Sworn to avenge the death of his brother. Hates politicians and rulers of all sorts. Thinks a Theocracy is the way to go.

9. Hezzekiel – Elf. Wears black. All the time. Lawful. Think of himself as an outcast. Feels he has more in common with humans, than his own people. In love with death. Likes soliloquies, especially while standing over the body of a dying enemy. Into auto-erotic asphyxiation. Smells kinda funny. Knows everything about Undead.

10. Poppa Smiles – Human. Wears Chainmail +1. Dual-weapon fighter. Smiles. A Lot. Has some Gold Teeth. Used to be a Gladiator. Drinks. Has a vicious streak. Friendly, until he stabs you in the back or sells your ass into slavery.

From The Resume Files, Of The Adventurers Guild

10 Random Cleric NPC’s for hire: Have Holy Symbol – Will Travel!

1. Father Corus – Priest of Chaos and Professional Gambler. Manageable intoxication habit. Has the Instincts of a Pirate. Funny guy. Murderous, if crossed.

2. Brother Suman – Priest of a god of Magic. Messy. His brain’s a little fried, due to way too many far out experiences.  Reptiles freak him out. Friendly. Helpful. Daring!

3. Autorm – Priest of a god of War. A Walking Tank. Always brings the subject back to warfare or food. Makes miniature wooden soldiers in his spare time. Carries dice, so he can play wargames he invented, with his carvings. His dream is to declare and lead a crusade to exterminate some humanoid or demi-human race. Nothing, escapes his attention. A little husky. He has a sweet-tooth.

4. Bauregar the Kind – Priest of a god of Benevolence. Gave himself, the moniker “the Kind.” Currently needs to atone, after having badly mistreated a lover. He is not yet aware of this fact and has only the spells in his head. Eloquent, pedantic. Capable of real compassion, when he remembers who he’s trying to be.

5. Zikitil – Priest of a god of Evil. Claims to be a priest of the god of chaos. His cult is so obscure, there’s little chance that anyone has heard of it. His supreme goal, is to attain to Lichdom and he will do anything to further this end. Seems friendly, in a smug sort of way. Hates chicken. Has fantasies about being a cannibal. Has an exotic, small pet. Will try to commit at least one cold blooded murder, per week. Is a supreme liar, but will sometimes trip himself up, due to underestimating the intelligence of those he lies to.

6. Zamonos – Priest of a god of Power or Authority. Haughty, Capable and Noble. Always tries to do the right thing. Nobody’s Fool. Thinks everyone else recognizes his superiority. Plays a musical instrument. Learned to the point of qualifying as a sage. Chooses lovers who have very pronounced flaws, of some sort. Will never betray a comrade, or leave one behind.

7. Muerlie – Priestess of a god of Intoxication. Extreme is the word. In clothing, food, carousing and battle. Always ready for the next level of the dungeon. Will pick a fight with the largest guy in the tavern. As likely to rip out an enemies throat with her teeth, as to use a weapon. Expects you to kiss her, afterwards. Thinks no one understands her and sometimes feels very alone.

8. Horum – Priest of a god of Wealth. Doesn’t give a damn for your sorry ass, unless it effects his bottom line. Not quite as clever as he thinks, but still, too clever by half. Will always try to avoid combat, but he’s no coward. Hoards most of his money, but dresses to the nines. Thinks love is for weaklings, but will fall for a pretty face in a heartbeat. Doesn’t like dwarves; they’re after his money! Excellent cook.

9. Savisa – Priestess of a Mother Goddess – Damn! I mean, Damn! Hot isn’t the word! Highly moral, will call you on your bullshit, in a heartbeat. Loves sweets. Knows her stuff. Always seems to have the perfect spell memorized. Always, the last to retreat. Will give you the benefit of the doubt. Collects exotic coins.

10. Bozimos the Learned – Pretends to be a priest of the god of Knowledge. Actually, a priest of the god of Secrets. Supreme Liar. Very, very, smooth. Collects and hunts knowledge, like you do magic. Uses what he knows, to get even more information. Has contacts in every thieves guild, in every city. Can score anything you might want. Has a soft spot for children. Doesn’t like other priests. Never drinks or gambles, unless he’s schmoozing. Will not let himself become intoxicated.

Hell Hound On My Trail

Cromayus: Human. 5th lvl Fighter. 6th lvl Thief. 3rd lvl Bard.

HP 53.

AC 3. Rear AC 5.

Alignment: CN.

S: 15  I: 12  W: 16  D: 16  C: 10  Ch: 17 

Saves: P/P/D: 10   P/P: 11  R/S/W: 12   BW: 13   Sp: 13

Charm %: 22 (66%, due to conditions, outlined below.) Legend Lore %: 7.

Pick Pockets: 60%    Open Locks:  52%   Find/Remove Traps: 45%   

Move S. 47%   Hide: 37%    Hear Noise: 20%   Climb: 92%  Read Lang. 30%

Druid Spells Commonly Memorized: Pass Without Trace, Speak With Animals, Detect Magic.

Equipment: Bracers AC 5; Longsword +2, Potion of Healing, Ring of Magic Resistance 5%. Bag of Tricks.

Amelia: Human. 7th lvl MU.

HP 15.

AC 9. Rear AC 10.

Alignment: NE.

S: 6  I: 16  W: 12  D: 12  C: 12 CH: 15

Saves: P/P/D: 13   P/P: 11  R/S/W: 9   BW: 13   Sp: 10

(+1 to all saves due to Ring. Not factored into the above.)

MU Spells Commonly Memorized: Magic Missile, Sleep, Charm Person, Friends, Rope Trick, Invisibility, Lightning Bolt, Dispel Magic, Dimension Door.

Equipment: Ring of Protection +1. Eyes of Charming.

After they arrive, Amelia, usually accompanied by a couple of charmed, roguish helpers, will begin pasting the flyers all over the city. The advert, depicts a thin, richly dressed human, his dark, curvy locks, flowing over his shoulders, as he intently plays the violin. One word dominates the bottom of the poster: Cromayus. The musicians name is followed by the address of his short-term engagement; usually a high-end tavern or inn.

Everyone has heard of Cromayus. For ten years, the virtuoso has traversed the world, astounding his audiences, with his unbelievable genius. Hard men have been known to weep, upon hearing Cromayus play the violin. Demure women, losing themselves in his music, have thrown themselves at his feet and often follow him off the stage, their shrill screeches echoing throughout the building. All who listen to his music, seem to become as if intoxicated, their inhibitions sloughed off, as primal desires, rise to the surface.

There are always those, who seek to bring such a one as Cromayus, low. As his success grew, stories began to be told. Some said that the bard’s music was too perfect, too impossible. Tales began to spread, that Cromayus was in league with dark forces. Of course, this only increased his fame.

Once a member of a legitimate Bardic College, Cromayus sought something beyond the life of a scholar and bard. Nothing pleased him more, than playing his music for others and hearing their applause. Though talented, the bard was barely able to scrape by, playing in small taverns, travelling from town to town, but never achieving the success he desperately sought. Along the way, he met Amelia. They became lovers and travelling companions. One night, while making idle conversation, the bard related to his lady, an old legend, one which went back centuries.

The story told of a bard, who went down to a crossroads, on the night of a dark holiday. Mephistopheles came to him, offering fame and wealth, in exchange for his soul. The story captured Amelia’s imagination and she became obsessed with the idea of Cromayus attempting such a pact.

On the night of the Squealing Pigs, Cromayus walked for several miles, finally coming to a crossroads. As he sat, playing his instrument, Mephistopheles appeared and tuned his violin. The Devil promised years of fame and wealth, before the bard would meet his end, his soul finding its final destination, in the horrid realm of Caina.

Today, Cromayus is nearing the end of the life of his contract. The intoxicating effect of his music is becoming more pronounced. Also, any time he plays, 1d4 random, non-unique devils of 5 HD and up, will be summoned to the prime material, somewhere within a 1 mile radius of his location. They will work as much evil as they can, for 3 Turns, after which, they are returned to the Hells.

At all times, 3d10 Hell Hounds will be hunting Cromayus. So far, he has stayed ahead of his pursuers, but they are now 1d4 days away. When they catch up to the violinist, they will attempt to slay him, then drag his soul to Hell.

The bard is aware of the “tragedies,” which are taking place during his concerts, of late. He’s decided not to consider himself responsible and spends his spare time in research, trying to find a way to break the pact and retain his marvelous abilities.

Cromayus and Amelia travel with a small retinue, which includes 1d4 men-at-arms, and assorted mountebanks and other followers. Amelia will do everything in her power, to insure Cromayus’ survival, not letting the merest scrupulous thought, interfere with her scheming. She does love Cromayus, in her own way, but ultimately she looks out for number one. She is desperate to hold on to her wealthy lifestyle and isn’t above cutting her losses, if all looks hopeless and the right situation should present itself.

* The story of the Faustian Pact, goes back centuries. During the 1800’s the famous violinist Paganini, was rumored to be in league with dark forces, a story told by some, who wanted to believe, that his incredible talents were unnatural. The master violinist encouraged these stories, as they added to his mystique. Paganini is widely regarded as the greatest violinist of all time and achieved the type of fame, in his day, that a rock star enjoys, in ours. "I am not handsome, but when women hear me play, they come crawling to my feet." The first picture, above, is a flyer, advertising one of his concerts.

Though I haven’t researched this to any great extent, I’ve read that the crossroads aspect of the myth, goes back to Africa. Here, instead of the Devil, a mysterious and sinister “Black Man",” will meet you at the crossroads, granting a marvelous level of proficiency, in your chosen skill.  These two myths, the Faustian and that of the Crossroads, collided, in the life and music of the legendary Blues performer, Robert Johnson, seen in the second picture, above.

Ged – The Evil Little Bast… Er, I Mean, The Pitiful Little Duergar

Due to the various vicissitudes of life, my planned family game of Swords & Wizardry keeps getting postponed. The good news, though, is that my nephew, Alex, is visiting us for Thanksgiving and he plays D&D. He may be staying for a week, so, hopefully we can all squeeze in some playing time in the midst of Turkey, Black Friday, and all the rest of the Holiday Madness. My nephew stayed with us for a little while a couple of years ago and played in a short lived 3.5 campaign I ran. That game was scrapped and another started when my nephew moved back home and another player’s girlfriend decided he shouldn’t take part in any activities which she didn’t enjoy (and he was never seen, nor heard from, again.) The news that Alex was visiting us again reminded me of that game, the highlight of which, for me, was Ged the Duergar.

A recurring antagonist is one of those exquisite little events that can occasionally occur, during the course of play. It’s hard to bring it about naturally; those damn PC’s are always dead set on killing their foes. Occasionally, the “Bad Guy” escapes. Sometimes, the overall situation is such as to foster the NPC’s survival (“The King’s vizier is in it up to his eyeballs, but, we can’t touch him, yet!”) At times, guile serves to insure the survival of the enemy.

Ged was the right hand man of a half-celestial sorcerer. The sorcerer had forsaken his angelic heritage, going over to the dark side and setting up shop in a dungeon. He employed Ged and some “red shirts” to take care of the riff-raff. The PC’s dispatched the lesser obstacles, then ran into Ged from across the other side of a small chasm. A bridge was present, which the party wasn’t about to cross, without thoroughly checking it out. I decided that Ged was gregarious, bored, almost lackadaisical and hungry.

“You fellas sure you want to fight?” he casually offered.

“We can just let bygones be bygones. Do you have any food? I’m awfully hungry. It’s real hard to find food, down here.”

“I sure hate living in a dungeon. It’s as cold as my ex-wife’s heart. You guys got an extra tin of Iron Rations you could spare?

The above really doesn’t do Ged justice. My players were rolling on the floor, and immediately took a liking to the chap. After running through his pet monsters and traps, they finally got their hands on Ged, who, after a short melee exchange, surrendered. The Players tied Ged up, who immediately, in a friendly and careless way, spilled every bean, concerning his boss.

“I’m sure sorry about all this. I’m just a body guard, trying to make a living. I didn’t know what he was up to, until it was to late. (Resigned Sigh.) He threatened to kill me if I tried to leave; I guess I just got scared. Do you fellas have any Iron Rations you could spare? I understand if’n you guys decide to kill me, but, if you would consider just letting me go, I won’t cause you any more trouble.”

Role-playing NPC’s is one of my strengths as a DM. I did my job with Ged so well, that, in a 3.5 game, they didn’t even ask for a Sense Motive, or any of that crap. They just Role-Played, and decided to set Ged free, kind-hearted souls that they were.

Ged, was as Neutral-Evil as Nerull himself and knew exactly what his master was up to. Ged was a “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” kind of guy.

A few sessions later, the PC’s were asked by the local clergy to investigate some supernatural badness, at a local mine. The mining company had called in a consultant of their own. The consultant had several aides and guards working for him and Ged was his right-hand man. Ged’s new boss was in it up to his eyeballs, and once again, the duergar had to extricate himself from the situation.

“The guy needed some body-guards to come up here with him. I’m just a hired mercenary. I didn’t know he was killing folk. You guys looking to hire an extra sword or something? I’m out of a job, now, and could use a break.”

They had some doubts, but, perhaps because they already saw him as just a victim of circumstance, they decided that he could be telling the truth and let him go, again.

Recurring Villains are so much better, when the player’s really hate their foe. If I could have brought Ged into play again and made his culpability obvious, then, if he managed to escape, I think the PC’s would have been screaming for his blood! Now, that would have been fun. I’ll have to try and set something like this up again, one day.