Tharzad-Dul Mega-Dungeon Update

I've updated the Tharzad-Dul Mega-Dungeon Page found HERE.

With the arrival of Dungeons & Dragons 5e and delving back in to fantasy reading (see THIS blog entry on what I'm currently reading), my mind has come back to Tharzad-Dul and the World of Aerd my mega-dungeon blog project. The three things that I feel are most important to cover in order to make this playable in terms of starting up a campaign would be doing a write up on Enderfell the starting village, the Gods of Aerd, and level 2 of the dungeon (The Garden Level).

When I started this project I was using the free Swords & Wizardry rules. I don't intend to go back and update what I've written already (at least not at this point), but going forward I will be using the D&D 5e rules. So keep your eyes peeled for new updates of the World of Aerd.

Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World

One of the advantages of taking the train into school every morning is getting in a little reading. I've
tried getting in some studying while commuting but I've found I have a hard time really focusing. Instead I've been reading on my Kindle Paperwhite. I still prefer reading dead tree versions of whatever I'm reading but the conveniance of the Kindle is unbeatable. Its small and light making transportation perfect. I can read in the dark, and best of all the logistics of holding it and a cup of coffee while turning to the next page makes it perfect for the daily commute.  

I've long resisted the urge to read the Wheel of Time saga for a long time. The commitment of reading something like thirteen books is a little overwhelming. Not to mention I still haven't finished the Malazan series by Steven Erikson or George R.R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice yet. Honestly I'm not a huge fan of epic fantasy. I've found that Jordan when compared to Martin, or Erikson has his own style and tone that I find enjoyable and easy to read. I'm not sure I have the fortitude to make it through the entire series, but I do see myself at least finishing this book. It's been a nice distraction from all the serious studying and hard work involved in my current studies at college.

Hommlet: Burne's Tower

The following is an entry in my series on Ultimate Greyhawk. Much like how comics and movies will reboot a franchise with a new take on an old concept, this is my personal re-imagining of the Greyhawk Campaign Setting beginning with the venerable town of Hommlet.

Key to the Village

The following locations are numbered based on how they appear on the map of the village of Hommlet as found in the module T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil.

30. Burne's Tower

During their adventuring days Burne and Rufus ruthlessly gained power and prestige. They killed a green dragon in Kron Hills and defeated a large group of bandits. The construction of this stronghold began three years ago in 576 CY. In part because of a personal favours owed and because the Archcleric of Veluna wanted some influence in the area he helped finance the construction of this stronghold along with the Viscount of Verbobonc. The Viscount on his part was grateful for an early warning force in case the Temple were to ever rise again.

Burne is an arrogant and ambitious wizard. He seeks to join the Circle of Eight one day as an actual member and has been quietly working in the background to manipulate events that will lead to him joining the illustrious group. He has no idea that Spungior is an agent of Mordekainen. 

Rufus is a serious sort. He is ever vigilant and works as Burne's bodyguard and chief lieutenant. He over sees the Burne's Badgers a band of mercenaries who are completely loyal to Burne and Rufus throwing themselves into danger in order to protect their masters.

While the stronghold continues to be constructed hired Workers swarm the area doing all manner of construction. Ostensibly Burne and rufus work for Viscount. The reality is they work only for themselves. They will help other adventurers and will even go as far to help train and equip them in the arcane and martial arts, but only if those individuals respect and pay fealty to them. Both Burne and Rufus are ruthless and will not hesitate to do what they have to to get what they want. They will be extremly discrete about any illegal activities they undertake.

Hello Blogoverse

I'm not one for apologizing for a lack of posting. I do this for shits and giggles more than anything else. I'm not a huge fan of posting just to post either. That being said I do feel I owe it to those few who do check out my blog an explanation for my present lack of productivity in putting words to page.

So heres the dilly amigos. As I mentioned in a post a few years back I lost my job and since then I've been going back to school to put on my big boy pants and finally start a real adult career. That was all prep work to get to where I am today. This year I started a three year college program in nursing. Naturally gaming, blogging, reading for fun, and basically having a life have all taken a major punch to the testicular region. So my fellow dice chuckers, card floppers, and button pushers now you know, and as G I mutheffing Joe is so fond of reminding us, "knowing is half the battle, GO JOE!". So if I can manage to find a spare minute to write something up I will, but based on how much time this program has been sucking up I fear that will be few and far between.

When I grown up I wanna be a Rescue Ninja

Hommlet: Tailor's Home

The following is an entry in my series on Ultimate Greyhawk. Much like how comics and movies will reboot a franchise with a new take on an old concept, this is my personal re-imagining of the Greyhawk Campaign Setting beginning with the venerable town of Hommlet.

Key to the Village

The following locations are numbered based on how they appear on the map of the village of Hommlet as found in the module T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil.

11. Tailor

Cantoris, a bachelor and tailer just moved to village. He is an odd and quiet man who keeps to

himself. He buys most of his fabric from the weavers (area 10). At night he sows together man-shaped bags with large black buttons for eyes. He fills these body bags with sand and then animates them with a magical ritual to serve him as golems to do his bidding. He poses as a worshiper of St. Cuthbert and is an expert knife thrower who knows many languages. Why does he make these golems night after night? What diabolic plan does he intend to unleash on an unsuspecting world?

  

Hommlet: The Weaver's Home

The following is an entry in my series on Ultimate Greyhawk. Much like how comics and movies will reboot a franchise with a new take on an old concept, this is my personal re-imagining of the Greyhawk Campaign Setting beginning with the venerable town of Hommlet.

Key to the Village

The following locations are numbered based on how they appear on the map of the village of Hommlet as found in the module T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil.

10. Weaver

Veshin and his wife Azina are weavers. They live with their daughter and her husband as well as four young apprentices, and are followers of St. Cuthbert. The family produces cloth and other typical items one would expect from a company of weavers but they also guard a powerful secret. Veshin and his wife given enough time and the proper ritual componets can craft and enchant garments, carpets, and tapestries. Some of the treasures they currently possess include a magic flying carpet, tapestries depicting landscapes that act as doorways to distant lands on Oerth and across the planes. But one tapestry in particular is of great importance. Hidden in the same secret room used to enchant their works is a a massive tapestry depicting the ruins of a ruins located in the Elemental Chaos dedicate to the Elder Elemental Eye. Followers of the Eye have been searching for this ruin because trapped within its murky depths a powerful ally of the Elder Elemental God slumbers. This creature and it's entire lair was trapped within the weave because it was too powerful to defeat. Handed down for generations the weavers are the sole guardians of the tapestry.

“Nothing ever begins. There is no first moment; no single word or place from which this or any story springs. The threads can always be traced back to some earlier tale, and the tales that preceded that; though as the narrator's voice recedes the connections will seem to grow more tenuous, for each age will want the tale told as if it were of its own making.”                                                                                                              -Clive Barker, Weaveworld

Hommlet: Town Hall

The following is an entry in my series on Ultimate Greyhawk. Much like how comics and movies will reboot a franchise with a new take on an old concept, this is my personal re-imagining of the Greyhawk Campaign Setting beginning with the venerable town of Hommlet.

Key to the Village

The following locations are numbered based on how they appear on the map of the village of Hommlet as found in the module T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil.

9. Town Hall

This hall was recently constructed by Rufus and Burne and functions as the political heart of the village. The town council meets twice a month on set days to discuss local matters and resolve any civil disputes. The town council is currently composed of the following members:

Kreon Silvercrown:Village Elder (area 27)

Jaroo: Druid of the Grove (area 24)

Terjon: Cleric of Saint Cuthbert (area 20)

Bodasen Hoonan: Captain of Militia (area 2)

Ostler Gundigoot: Innkeeper (area 7)

Mytch: The Miller (area 22)

Burne: The Mage (area 31)

Rufus: Commander of Burnes Badger's (area 31)