Editor’s Column
(The Bad Dog Speaks)
Normally I try to keep my words column light and fairly meaningless, but since the World Trade Center was totaled by a pack of @$$h0!e$ with box cutters it makes it impossible for me to do so.
I can’t say anything that has not been expressed by millions of other people around the world in the wake of this disaster. I pray for those who were caught in it and affected by it. Several of my friends lives have been so deeply affected by it that they are barely able to operate in normal society.
God Bless America, it’s time to kick some @$$.
Any event that calls troops to action has very special meaning for us here in the DOGS. Many of our members are in the military. As we send you out to defend all we believe in know that we expect you to come back to us in one piece. You don’t have permission to die. You don’t have permission to get hurt. Come back to us safely and know our prayers go with you too.
The rest of us know that the world has changed for the worse, but as Americans we won’t let it stop our eternal spring of hope. We will modify our lives to accommodate the current reality and not cower in the hooded face of terrorism. Now is the time to stand as tall and strong as any of the heroes we play. Now is a time of giving and comforting those who need it.
And most of all, now is a time to live since we don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
News from the RPGA
It’s been a little slow at HQ. The Living City campaign is currently transferring to Organized Play with no real changes coming until next summer.
Magic items costs went up drastically as you currently have to cast a spell every day of an items creation, so if you want a Periapt of Wisdom get ready for some sick XP costs.
The DMG errata is out and there have been some minor changes. Of course the errata still needs to be errata’d.
That’s really all I’ve received regarding HQ.
The Rat
(Ratik Corner)
Before Tom left for Jolly ‘Ole England he left us with 3 NPC organizations in Ratik. This month I am pleased to bring them to you, the readers. They were originally presented by Ben Duncan-Jones on the Living Ratik mailing list and modified to fit into the Living Greyhawk campaign.
Irwyn's Blackshields
This bandit group is made up of a core of ex-soldiers of Ratik and the Bone March loyal to Arch baron Alain IV. Irwyn Traxnell was a member of Alain's household and a trusted friend. He counseled against the ill-fated invasion of the Bone March, but was ignored in favor of newer more persuasive advisors from the County of Knurl, including lady Evaleigh's father, the Count of Knurl.
During the invasion, Alain was pulled from his horse by gnolls. Irwyn, to far away to help, was forced to watch, unable to reach the Arch baron due to a mass press of humanoids, which caused the invading Ratikan army
to retreat. Irwyn argued for a quick counter attack to try to rescue Alain, but was ignored by the surviving leaders, mostly nobles of the ruling houses of Ratik. Furious, Irwyn ignored their orders for a retreat and charged back into the fray with a squadron of loyal cavalry, but it was hopeless. Alain, if alive, was now deep in the enemies' host. On his return to Marner, Irywn was very vocal in his criticism of the nobles who had refused to continue the attack, and stated that there was a chance that Alain might still be alive and prisoner at Spinecastle. Some listened but most were to busy scrambling to advance their own causes.
Leaving the court at Marner in disgust, Irwin headed south with a few supporters; during this journey a large mercenary host attacked them. The small band was massacred, only Irwyn and a few others managed to escape. The men swore a blood feud on all who had hand in this betrayal. They also swore oaths to free Alain if he lived or die trying.
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The Blackshields (named for their practice of blacking their shields to show that they no longer serve the Arch baroness) number between 25-35 well armed and very experienced warriors. All are horsed and are trained to fight as a unit, which makes them formidable foes. Their banditry is
limited against those who they believe responsible for the current crisis in Ratik, notably the Council of Lords. Common folk are paid for supplies whenever possible and battles with troops sent after them are avoided. The other activity that they take part in is intelligence gathering raids into the Bone March. Any useful information is past onto
Irwyn's few remaining friends at Ratikhill. Rumor has it that Sir Gatoril, High Defender of Ratikhill, secretly supports Irwyn's actions. This would explain how Irwyn has survived the many traps set for him in the past.
Con Watch
DOGS Invitational- September 29, 2001
This is for all the DOGS out there. A day where your membership pays off. The whole con is FREE for members. Food, drink, and games. For non-members it’s 10 dollars at the door. Might as well just get a $20.00 membership and save throughout the year.
We are playing 2 Living Greyhawk Games.
The first is Brendigund’s Bride. It is a 2 round adventure, so find a pack of friends to play it with. It starts at nine AM and players are not supposed to change tables. Blurb: A servant of the merchant Auldon Brendigund tells you he needs a few adventurers to accompany Auldon on a trip to meet his new wife. It will be a short walk to Hardby, an entertaining feast, and easy money. What could possibly go wrong? A two-round Living Greyhawk adventure for characters levels 1-6.
The Second is The Forbidden Choice. It’s one round long and provides 4 hours of enjoyment and near death. Blurb:
Missing for hundreds of years, the shattered remains of this ancient elven chest are now yours, but the contents is missing. Why is this relic so important that Iuz and his minions would take interest in it? An adventure for heroic characters levels 1-6.
In between Slots 2 and 3 we are having a Living Greyhawk Interactive. Make magic items and hobnob with other players.
The next DOGS con is Kennel Con on October 13 and 14, 2001. 2 days worth of gaming, can you handle all that?
That Saturday is filled with the 3 round Living City Adventure Silence Going For Death. Sunday we have the Living City module Forever Hold Your Peace, the premier of the Living Greyhawk module Sparkling Gem of the North with two of the authors DM’ing, and finally the Living Force module Eye of the Sun Pt.3- Revelation.
Filler
I’d normally have a lot more in the Scroll, but I’m working SERIOUS overtime at work lately and just don’t have the time to devote to putting in the usual Rumors (like Procampur is woriried about their status as part of the Living City campaign under the new management of Organized Play. I say can them and lets have that sacking of Procampur we’ve been waiting for.) I’d have taken a little time to write about the Other Realms Games Day and Thunderforge Cons but have did not attend one and haven’t heard from anybody who went to the other yet.
To Everybody- Good times and maholo.
Big Dogs
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