The Cyclops Spider – A Monster from Panzoasia

Tags

BECMI, BX, Fantasy Monster, old school, Oneiric Fantasy, OSR, Weird Fantasy

This week I thought I would return to my B/X – BECMI Campaign word of Panzoasia, with a whimsically creepy denizen of the Underworld.

Cyclops Spider

Number Appearing: 1 (10% chance of 2 – 4 in lair)
Size: Medium (5’ long body, 10’ maximum leg spread.)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Average
Intelligence: 10
Move:
Walks at 1 ½ x human speed.
Climbs at 1 ½ x human speed.
Armor Class: 3 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 3
Attacks & Damage: Bite (1d6 + Paralyzing Venom), or shoot Blinding Light.
Special:
* Infravision: 180’
* Illuminating Eye: Equal to a Light spell, but affecting other subterranean natives as actual daylight.
* Blinding Light: 1 target with 300’ must Save versus Wands or be blinded for 1d6 Rounds.
* Paralyzing Venom: Victim must Save versus Paralyzation or be unable to move for 1 Turn.
* Climbing: can scale vertical walls, and crawl across ceilings, even if slimy or slippery.
* Move Silently: as a 9th Level Thief.
Saves: As Thief 4
Treasure: 900gp value of weapons, armor, jewelry, adventuring equipment, and various curios, + 25% chance of a random magical item.
Challenge: Four 3rd Level Characters

The Cyclops Spider is an intelligent Underworld predator perfectly adapted to hunting its subterranean prey. At first glance it simply resembles a rather colorful giant spider, but a second look will reveal the bizarre differences. Instead of the numerous eyes of “normal” giant spider, the Cyclops Spider possess a single, large one resembling that of a human – with a blue iris and bloodshot sclera. In place of a spider’s fangs the creature has a grinning mouth filled with needle-sharp teeth, and a bright pink tongue. The spider’s body is covered with hair, in a green-and-purple striped pattern. Each of its eight legs ends in a hand-like arrangement of three, segmented fingers – with which the spider can pick up and employ objects.

The Cyclops Spider is most noted for its ability to emit bright light from its single eye, on account of which it also called a Lantern Spider. This light is just as debilitating as daylight to to those subterranean creatures who are sensitive to it (such as Goblins). The creature can also focus the light from its eye into a concentrated beam capable of temporarily blinding even creatures from the surface world. While the Cyclops Spider does not build webs, its paralyzing venom and ability to emit debilitating light ensures that it can obtain its favorite food – small subterranean humanoids.

Cyclops Spiders are as intelligent as humans, and can speak the language common to all sentient arachnids as soon as they hatch. They can also learn and speak humanoid languages (including Common), which they sometimes do in order to taunt their prey. Their lair (or “parlor”) will always be in a small cavern accessible only by climbing. There they store and display the treasure they collect from their victims. They place no value on coins, however, and do not collect them. Although generally solitary, they will occasional play host to one another, at which time they will show off particularly interesting objects from their collections. Cyclops Spiders are unique among arachnids for preferring to sleep on colorful, stuffed cushions, which they obtain in their infrequent raids on the surface world.

The Summerland Dragons, Part IV – The Rosy Dragon

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

We finish the series on the magical Summerland Dragons with the mightiest of their number – the mysterious Rosy Dragon.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

The Rosy Dragon

Number Appearing: 1 (and 2 Quercic Dragon Consorts)
Size: Large (40’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Maximum
Intelligence: 25
Move: Walk 2 x human speed.
Fly 4 x human speed.
Armor Class: 15 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 20 (160hp)
Attacks & Damage (front):
Bite 3d12, or Transporting Breath
Claw 1d12
Claw 1d12
Attacks & Damage (sides and back):
Wing Buffet (right) 1d6
Wing Buffet (left) 1d6
Tail Lash 1d10
Special:
* Transporting Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon are transported to an environment of symbolic challenges (No Save, but a target can only be affected once per day). See below.
* Polymorph Self at will.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Casts Spells as a 20th Level Magic User, with access to every spell on all spell lists (including Cleric and Druid).
Saves: As Cleric 20
Treasure: A hoard of art objects, gems, crystals, coins, and jewelry worth 1,000,000 gp, plus 10 Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 20th Level Characters

There is only one Rosy Dragon, and all the Dragons of Summerland pay homage to it. It appearance it vaguely resembles a Red Dragon of Panzoasia, its body being covered with scales that resemble the petals of deep-red roses. A closer look reveals a number of differences, however. The tail of the Rosy Dragon shades into green, and is covered with thorn-like spines. Its horns are like thorny spikes, glittering gold in color. Its large eyes are like pools of molten gold, and its claws are also golden. Its ears are long and pointed. Long, thin frills of red frame its face, and similar filaments form a beard-like growth under its chin. A green ridge with a saw-tooth edge runs along the Dragon’s back, from nose to tail. The Rosy Dragon appears in many other forms, however, as it can Polymorph itself at will. Among its favored alternate forms is that of a red-haired Human or Elf woman with brilliant green eyes, clad in golden robes, and crowned with roses. It also enjoys appearing as a golden swan or lioness. While it usually prefers to assume a female body, it will become male if it feels the situation warrants it.

The Rosy Dragon embodies the philosophy of “there is a time for all things”. It treats every situation individually – sometimes striving for peace, sometimes promoting war. It motivations can thus seem completely inscrutable to most other beings. It is never without its two Consorts – a (currently) male and female pair of Quercic Dragons with maximum Hit Points. It is also known to associate with the the similarly mysterious Wizard-Druid known as The Traveler, and the equally strange Green One, both of whom are similarly committed to maintaining the balance of Nature throughout time and space.

The Rosy Dragon only keeps its treasure on the Isle of Dragons in the Summerland. There it dwells in a palace made of colored glass as strong as granite, amid a field of ever-blooming roses. It rarely chooses to visit Panzoasaia, and then only for brief periods.

Fighting the Rosy Dragon
The Breath Weapon of the Rosy Dragon is unique, even among the Summerland Dragons. Rather than inflict damage, or even immobilize victims, its targets are enveloped in a red mist that physically transports them to a Realm of Testing. There they will be faced with a series of challenges that symbolize their various prejudices and shortcomings.

Before introducing the Rosy Dragon the DM should prepare a short dungeon adventure (or small island hex-crawl) tailored to the PCs, where they must solve problems in ways completely contrary to their usual methods. For example, a party used to hacking their way through adventures will be faced with continually regenerating creatures who can only be defeated through lateral thinking. Or, a party completely reliant on magic items will be transported to a place that temporarily disenchants their equipment. Members of the same adventuring party will be transported to the same Realm of Testing to join their compatriots, even if they had been affected by separate blasts of the Dragon’s breath.

Once all affected PCs arrive in the Realm of Testing, they will see an image of the Rosy Dragon standing before them in Human or Elven form. It will tell them the place they must reach, and give them a clue (in the form of a riddle) as to what action they must perform once they get there. The image of the Dragon is only a phantom, of course, and cannot be attacked. If the PCs survive the challenges of the place, and perform the correct action in the right place (which will always in some way symbolize the harmonious union of opposites), they will find themselves back in front of the Rosy Dragon, 10 minutes after being first transported. Regardless of how much time seemed to pass in the Realm of Testing, exactly 10 minutes (1 Turn) will have passed in the “real world”. The bodies of those who die in the Realm of Testing will remain there.

Upon the return of transported PCs, the Rosy Dragon (who will be have been waiting for them) will ask them if they are still committed to their murderous intentions. If so, the Dragon will attack them with its most powerful magic – and it can cast all known Magic User, Cleric, and Druid spells, as a 20th Level Magic User. Creeping Doom is a favorite effect. If forced into hand-hand-combat the Dragon will furiously bite, claw, buffet with its wings, and lash with its thorny tail. Meanwhile, combatants will also have to deal with the Rosy Dragon’s two consorts – unless they have already been neutralized by other means.

The Summerland Dragons, Part III – Quercic and Corylic

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Here are two more of the magical Summerland Dragons – the mighty Quercic, and the mysterious Corylic.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

Quercic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (35’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 16
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 4 x human speed
Armor Class: 10 better than unarmored (+ bonus of magical armor when in Human or Elf form. See below.)
Hit Dice: 10
Attacks & Damage (Dragon form):
Bite 3d8, or Fascinating Breath
Gore 3d6
Claw 1d8
Claw 1d8
Attacks & Damage (Human or Elf form):
Weapon (By weapon type, + magical bonus from weapon. See below.)
Special:
* Fascinating Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or become unable to do anything but stand in awe of the Dragon for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Eagle, Deer, or Oak Tree.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 10h Level Druid.
Saves: As Cleric 10
Treasure: Art objects, gems, crystals, and rare plants worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1 Magic Weapon, 1 Magical Armor, and 1d2 additional Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 10th Level Characters

The natural form of a Quercic Dragon is a regal being with scales that resemble the tips of oak leaves. In the spring and summer the scales are green, but turn brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. In either case, the underbelly is reddish-brown – and in the winter the Quercic Dragon turns that color completely. The creature has human-like eyes that can be brown, blue, green, or gray. The branched horns atop their stag-like heads are glittering ivory, as are their claws. Unlike other types of Summerland Dragons, the sharp tips of the horns point forward. Two long fangs also extend downwards from the creature’s mouth when it is closed. Under its chin is a beard of golden hair. The Dragon’s ears are long and pointed. In all seasons, the creature’s wings are spotted with metallic gold. The Dragon’s legs are stag-like, and always a lighter shade than the body. Quercic Dragons also take the forms of armor-clad Humans and Elves, wearing red cloaks, and crowned with oak leaves and acorns. Their two other usual forms are that of a golden eagle, or a majestic stag (or doe).

Quercic Dragons are generally honest and direct in their speech. They expect to be treated with due respect, but will return courtesy with courtesy. Above all, they will not abide lies and deception. Their natural homes are the deep forests of the Summerland, but they sometimes come to Panzoasia to protect the balance of Nature, and those aligned with the forces of harmonious Neutrality. The thus freely associate with Druids, those sylvan creatures descended from the Fairies of the Summerland, and all manner of natural beasts. They will tolerate the company of any Panzoasian Dragon that does not despoil their environment, but have antipathy for the deliberately deceptive Corylic Dragons of the Summerland.

In the Summerland, Quercic Dragons nest in bowers formed from enormous trees whose trunks have been trained to grow together into vaulted canopies. In Panzoasia, however, they will lair and keep their treasure in castles, where they spend most of their time in Human or Elven form. Such castles will always be built to blend harmoniously with the landscape. Their hoard always include a magical weapon, and some kind of magical armor – both of which they will wear and employ. The Dragons grow rare and valuable medical plants in their castle gardens, which they use to heal local animals, and Neutrally-aligned people living in harmony with the forest. Note that Quercic Dragons are Neutral, not Good – they care only about the welfare of Nature, and those devoted to Nature. Quercic Dragons do not consider themselves bound to help starving urban children, for example. Nor will they stop a predator from killing what they need to eat.

Fighting the Quercic Dragon
Quercic Dragons only attack first if they see someone despoiling Nature, or engaged in unwarranted aggression towards a Neutrally-aligned being. They prefer to fight in a shape appropriate to their opponents – Human or Elf form for humanoid foes, stag or eagle form if they must cull a mad beast, or full draconic form when they are forced to fight a monster. As previously noted, in Human or Elf form they will always use a magical weapon of some kind, and wear Magical Armor. When they dressed in such protection, their Armor Class is improved only by the “plus” rating of the item. For example, a Quercic Dragon fighting in Chainmail +3 has an Armor Class 13 points better than Unarmored, rather than 10.

Corylic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (30’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 17
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 4 x human speed
Armor Class: 9 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 9
Attacks & Damage (in front):
Bite 3d8, or Oneiric Breath
Claw 1d8
Claw 1d8
Attacks & Damage (sides and behind):
Tail Whip 1d6
Special:
* Oneiric Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or mentally re-experience a previous night’s dream, becoming unable to effectively deal with the real world for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Nightingale, Toad, or Hazel Tree at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 9h Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 9
Treasure: Coins, art objects, books, and jewels worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1d6 potions and 1 Magic Wand.
Challenge: Four 11th Level Characters

Corylic Dragons in their natural form are sinewy creatures about 30 feet long, with scales that resemble the leaves of a hazel tree. Their snouts are distinctly wedge-like, coming to a sharp point. Their extremely flexible tails are long, thin, and often contorted into odd corkscrew shapes. Their wings have peculiar, feathery edges that resemble the husk around a hazelnut. Like hazel foliage, Corylic Dragons are usually green, but their scales turn yellow in autumnal environments. Some have dark purple scales instead – but all Corylic Dragons turn brown in winter. The eyes of a Corylic Dragon change colors in the light, alternating from green to brown. The creature’s forked horns are pale, glittery yellow, as are its claws. In addition to their natural form, Corylic Dragons often assume the shape of black-robed Humans and Elves, crowned with Corylic leaves and catkins. Their other possible forms include nightingales, toads, and hazel trees.

Corylic Dragons delight in mystification. They will never directly state what they can instead imply, and fill their speech with poetic allusions. They are collectors of secrets, and are willing to pay to learn some bit of otherwise unknown information. Those who try to learn secrets from a Corylic Dragon, however, must be prepared to piece together the truth from numerous hints, insinuations, and metaphors.

Corylic Dragons naturally live in the forests of the Summerland, but sometimes visit Panzoasia in search of new secrets. There they will freely associate with witches, sorcerers, and Druids of dark inclination. They actually get along well with the Green Dragons native to Panzoasia. They do not like the blunt honestly of the Summerland’s Quercic Dragons, however.

Corylic Dragons love silver, and stones which are opalescent or mottled in color. They will usually have a library in their lair, filled with strange and obscure works. Additionally, a Corylic Dragon always possesses a magic wand of some kind, which they are fond of using. They keep their treasures in underground vaults, the entrances to which are often disguised by cottages of the type that might be inhabited by rural hedge witches.

Fighting the Corylic Dragon
A Corylic Dragon will always begin a fight with either a magic spell, or the effect from its wand. Secondarily, they will use the yellow fumes of their Oneiric Breath to incapacitate attackers. Physical attacks are used only when necessary. Corylic Dragons are almost never wantonly destructive, but they show aggressors no mercy.

The Summerland Dragons, Part II – Lotosic and Orchidic

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Presenting two more examples of the Summerland Dragons. These time we feature rival breeds that both prefer the warmer climes of Panzoasia‘s Ultimate South and East.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

Lotosic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (40’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Average
Intelligence: 18
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3.5 x human speed
Swim 1.5 x human speed
Armor Class: 8 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 8
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d6, or Soporific Breath
Claw 1d6
Claw 1d6
Special:
* Soporific Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or fall asleep for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Frog, Dragonfly, or Lotus Plant.
* Breath Water or Air.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerate 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as an 8h Level Cleric.
Saves: As Cleric 8
Treasure: Art objects, rare books, gems, crystals, and exotic plants worth approximately 20,000gp, plus 1d6 Magic Scrolls and 1d4 other Magic Items (1 of which will be intended for Clerical use).
Challenge: Four 10th Level Characters

A Lotosic Dragon’s natural form is a thin, serpentine creature about 40 feet long, with a body covered in purple-edged pink scales that resemble the petals of a lotus flower. The legs, however, are bluish-green. Their wings are dark purple, resemble the fins of a betta fish, and are also used for swimming. Several drooping, tendril-like whiskers hang from their catfish-like face, and their eyes resemble sapphires. Their antler-like horns resemble green brass, as do their claws and teeth. They also take the shape of white-haired Humans or Elves, dressed in pink robes, and crowned with lotus flowers. They can disguise themselves as frogs and dragonflies as well.

Lotosic Dragons are philosophical and learned creatures, possessing Wisdom Scores of 18 in Human terms. Lotosic Dragons collect philosophies as much as any other treasure. A visitor willing to debate the Dragon will earn their respect – one who can actually win a philosophical debate will be treated as an honored guest in the Dragon’s lair from then on. Lotosic Dragons often leave their homes in the swamps and waterways of the Summerland, and travel to the warmer areas of Panzoasia in search of new perspectives on reality. There they freely associate with Nagas, Mystics, sages, scholars, and open-minded Clerics willing to freely exchange ideas. While Lotosic Dragons enjoy the company of Panzoasian Gold Dragons, they have antipathy for the hedonistic Orchidic Dragons of their homeland.

Lotosic Dragons love to swim and spend time underwater, but they always maintain dry, temple-like lairs for their treasures. They love statues, especially ones depicting creature of the water. They will always have a store of scrolls – some inscribed with exotic philosophical treatises, and others with magic spells. Every Lotosic Dragon also owns some kind of magic item of a Clerical nature, such as a Snake Staff, which they will employ in their own defense.

Fighting the Lotosic Dragon
A Lotosic Dragon does not like to fight, and will always seek to end hostilities if possible. If forced into combat, however, it will first try to use the pink vapors of its Soporific Breath. If its would-be opponents have all been put to sleep, the Dragon will change into human form and bind the aggressors. Combatants so bound will be treated to a thorough lecture on the absurdity of pointless violence, and imprisoned for a month in the Dragon’s lair – every day of which they must listen to another extremely long monologue on the value of living in harmony with one’s fellow creatures. Combatants who foil the Dragon’s plan for their enlightenment will be subjected primarily to magical attacks, unless the creature is forced into close quarters where it must bite and claw.

Orchidic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1 (In Panzoasia , an Orchidic Dragon has a 75% chance of being accompanied by 2d6 enthralled people and humanoids, and a 50% chance of being served by 6d6 Lizard Man worshipers.)
Size: Large (30’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Average
Intelligence: 17
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3.5 x human speed
Armor Class: 8 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 9
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d6, or Intoxicating Breath
Claw 1d6
Claw 1d6
Special:
* Intoxicating Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or become so overcome with the intoxicating smell that they are unable to attack, defend, or otherwise think clearly for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Cobra, Butterfly, or Orchid.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Cast Spells as a 9th Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 9
Treasure: Art objects, gems, crystals, and rare plants worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1d6 Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 11th Level Characters

An Orchidic Dragon in its natural form is strikingly beautiful, and emits a wonderful perfume that can be detected from 300 feet away. The scales on its serpentine body resemble the petals of a jungle orchid, darkest purple shading to almost pink at the edges. The underbelly is intense blue-green. The wings seem to flow out of the body, and are mottled purple and white. Intricate, petal-like frills frame the face. The thin, turquoise horns resemble curling tendrils, and glitter in the light. The Dragon’s eyes are emerald green. The inside of its mouth is magenta, and the creature’s bright pink tongue is long and serpent-like. A soft dorsal fin of purplish-red runs along the back, from the creature’s head, to midway along the tail. The tail itself flattens into similar purple-red fins, oriented laterally. Flower-like fins of dark purple project from the Dragon’s legs and forearms. In addition to its draconic form, the creature can appear as a Human or Elf dressed in purple, and crowned with orchids. It can also assume the shape of a cobra, or large and colorful butterfly.

Orchidic Dragons are selfishly hedonistic beings, who conceive of no higher goal than their own pleasure. They will preach their philosophy of pure self-indulgence to all who will listen – and those who don’t are apt to be dosed with the creature’s Intoxicating Breath! They inhabit the colorful jungles of the Summerland, but often come to Panzoasia ins search of new experiences. There they tend to attract small cults of people (and humanoids) addicted to the effects of the Dragon’s breath. Such cultists are also magically Charmed as a safeguard to maintain their compliance. Often, Orchidic Dragons are also served by tribes of Lizard Men, who voluntarily worship the creature as a god. It is possible for the same Orchidic Dragon to both have addicted cultists, and Lizard Man worshipers, living as a joined community. Of course, Orchidic Dragons give not a single thought to questions of Good, Evil, Law, Chaos, or anything besides their own amusement. They are far too selfish to tolerate the company of any other Dragon type, and especially despise the philosophical Lotosic Dragons.

In the Summerland, Orchidic Dragons store their treasure in glittering caverns, but in Panzoasia they prefer to make their lairs in abandoned jungle ruins. They love art of all kinds – especially if it depicts themselves! They have a particular fascination with sculptures carved from large gemstones. They also collect rare plants, especially those which have intoxicating qualities. Additionally, every Orchidic Dragon hoard will include at least one magic item, that the creature always carries when in human form.

Fighting the Orchidic Dragon
An Orchidic Dragon’s first attack is always its Intoxicating Breath, since the creature enjoys watching the effect the purple fumes have on other beings. Next, it usually attempt to magically Charm would-be combatants, so it may add them to its cult of attendants. Cultists and Lizard Man worshipers already in the Dragon’s thrall will then be sent to fight any remaining belligerents. Only if attackers make their way through its followers will the Orchidic Dragon itself physically attack – but once it does so, it luxuriates in the sight and taste of its enemies’ blood. The Dragon will eat its fill of any slain, and thereafter give the remaining meat to its surviving cult members to consume.

Orchidic Dragon Cults
Roll 2d6 times on the following table to find the composition of the Dragon’s cult. Note that the cult can be composed of species normally hostile to each other – a fact that the Dragon will cynically point to as evidence that it alone can bring true peace and harmony to the world!

d20	This cultist is a
1 – 5	Human
6 – 9	Elf
10	Gnome
11	Dwarf
12 – 13	Halfling
14	Goblin
15	Kobold
16	Hobgoblin
17	Orc
18	Gnoll
19	Ogre
20	Troll

Any Lizard Man worshipers of an Orchidic Dragon will themselves be of the brilliantly colored variety– it does not accept the service of those who are simply drab green or brown.

The Summerland Dragons, Part I – Trefolic and Urtician

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Like all Dragons inhabiting Panzoasia and the Corners of the Earth (besides the primordial Fire-Breathing and Serpentine breeds), those of the Summerland are descended from the uplifted Dragon of the Terrestrial Paradise. In the case of the Summerland Dragons, their ancestors were female Fairies who mated with the Dragon after its expulsion from Paradise. Their offspring were permitted to dwell in the Summerland by the Lord and Lady of Life, who bore no ill-will towards the Dragon for having been the agent of the First Person’s division into the Five Peoples.

The Summerland Dragon notably share characteristics with certain plants and trees. Although they are often smaller than other kinds of Dragon, they are powerfully magical beings. Each can speak, read, and write every language in existence, and every one is an accomplished spellcaster of some kind. All have several alternate forms that they can assume at will. As natives of the Summerland, they are all true Neutral in Alignment, but while some embody Nature’s harmony, others tend to evidence its darker side of violence and predation.

Summerland Dragons do not pass through all the age categories of other dragons. They are effectively immortal unless killed, and each is born a fully formed adult. Like all Dragons they are sequentially hermaphroditic (passing through alternately male and female phases), but they don’t ordinarily reproduce in the expected way. If one is slain through misadventure, a plant of the appropriate type will spring up overnight on the site where the dragon died. Over the course of a week the plant will transform into a new adult Dragon of the same type. The new Dragon will not remember anything of its previous life, however. The total population of Summerland Dragon thus remains constant. Summerland Dragons who mate with other beings, however, (which they often do when in their alternate forms) can either father, or become pregnant with, half-draconic offspring (according to the Dragon’s current gender).

Many of the Summerland Dragons change colors with the seasons. Notably, most of the Isles of the Summerland experience a single perpetual season (which is generally – but not always – summer), and thus the Dragons who live there remain a single hue. However, certain breeds who choose to live in Panzoasia (particularly the Quercic and Corylic Dragons) will show different colors throughout the year.

The Breath Weapons of Summerland Dragons are also unique. Rather than damage their victims, each incapacitates them in some way instead. Whether an affected person should consider this a blessing, or an especially cruel curse, however, varies from breed to breed. Significantly, Summerland Dragons are immune both to each other’s Breath Weapons, and those of Panzoasian Dragons – who are in turn cannot be incapacitated by a Summerland Dragon.

All Summerland Dragon know how to travel the secret Fairy Paths. They can walk, fly, or swim back to the Summerland from Panzoasia, or any Corner of the Earth (Shadowland, the Chthon, etc.), in 10 minutes. Likewise, from the Summerland they can reach any other Corner of the Earth by traveling for 10 minutes. Travel within Panozaosia (or a a Corner of the Earth) is accomplished normally – unless the Dragon chooses to travel back to the Summerland, and from there to someplace else.

Like other Dragons, Summerland Dragons can consume anything organic, but can also live on dirt or mud if need be. Their connection with the world of growing things allows them to regenerate 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.

Trefolic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (15’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Low
Intelligence: 12
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3 x human speed
Armor Class: 6 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 6
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d4, or Indolent Breath
Claw 1d4
Claw 1d4
Special:
* Indolent Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or completely lose interest in attacking, defending, or pursuing any useful activity for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Bee, Rabbit, or a 10’ x 10’ Clover Patch at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 6th Level Cleric.
Saves: As Cleric 6
Treasure: Rare minerals, nuggets of precious metal, uncut gems, crystals, wood-carvings, and finely-crafted toys worth approximately 8,000gp, plus 1d6 potions, and 1 random Magic Item.
Challenge: Four 7th Level Characters

In their natural forms, Trefolic Dragons are small, pot-bellied dragons about 15 feet long, with scales that are similar to leaves of green clover. The snouts of their dog-like heads are rounded, and relatively short for Dragons. Their large eyes are milky white, and there are arcs of white coloration in the webbing of their wings. Their short, bud-like horns are glittery white. In the winter, a Trefolic Dragon’s scales turn brown. These creatures are also fond of appearing as Human or Elven children, dressed in green clothes, and crowned with blooming clover. In addition, they can assume the shapes of bees, rabbits, or even clover patches!

Trefolic Dragons are the most playful and good-natured of the Summerland Dragons, but greatly resent any attempt to draw them away from their frolicking. Their natural habitats are the rolling fields of the Summerland Isles, but they are known to make their way to Panzoasia from time to time, for no purpose beyond the sheer enjoyment of travel. Besides Fairy Folk, they love the company of Fool Hares, humorous Gnomes, and the various animals of the open meadow. They do not get along, however, with the Urtician Dragons of the Summerland.

Trefolic Dragons are especial collectors of toys, and visitors who bring the creatures new, interesting, or especially well-crafted toys will earn their favor. They otherwise prefer natural, uncut gems and minerals, as well as rustic carvings of rare woods. They keep their treasures well-hidden in natural caves and burrows.

Fighting the Trefolic Dragon
Trefolic Dragons fight to kill only when attacked first. Their first defense is always to release the fumes of their Indolent Breath, a 30 foot cloud of green vapors. If all the targets become stupefied, the Trefolic Dragon will usually try to flee the scene. Those who annoy the Dragon by interrupting its playtime will be treated similarly. If cornered or otherwise forced to engage in combat, the Dragon will rely on its magic first, resorting to bite and claw attacks only as a last resort. Generally, the Trefolic Dragon avoids killing and violence whenever possible, and will ask attackers to “please stop”. However, it has no qualms about eating the bodies of those who persisted – and lost!

Urtician Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (15’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 12
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3 x human speed
Armor Class: 7 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 7
Attacks & Damage (front):
Bite 3d4, or Agonizing Breath
Claw 1d4
Claw 1d4
Attacks & Damage (back and sides):
Wing slash (on right) 1d4
Wing slash (on left) 1d4
Tail Slap 1d4 (+ Save versus Dexterity, or suffer effects of Stinging Spines. See below.)
Special:
* Agonizing Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or experience a burning pain that fully incapacitates them for 2d4 minutes.
* Stinging Spines: Unarmed attacks on the Dragon cause the attacker to Save versus Paralysis or suffer 1d4 points of temporary Dexterity damage, which heals back the next morning.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Wasp, Viper, or Nettle Plant at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 7th Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 7
Treasure: Rare minerals, torture instruments, nuggets of precious metal, uncut gems, and crystals worth approximately 12,000gp, plus 1d4 potions, and 1 magical weapon.
Challenge: Four 9th Level Characters

The natural form of the Urtician Dragon is slender and sharp-featured. The creature’s scales resemble the leaves of a stinging nettle, and are covered with similar spiny hairs. The creature’s eyes are red. Its horns are straight and spine-like, as are its teeth. A saw-like ridge runs down the Dragon’s back, to the tip of its spiny tail. The “fingers” of the creature’s wings end in long, sharp points, and the webbing between them is purple. In winter, the Dragon’s hide turns completely gray. The inside of its mouth is always dark purple, however, as is its tongue.

Urtician Dragons are louts that see themselves as the embodiments of Nature’s callousnesss – and act appropriately. They are fond of insulting and provoking other beings, just to see what will happen. While their behavior thus tends towards malevolence, they also see their own actions in terms of a harmonious totality of being that includes the counterbalance of mercy – just, not from themselves. They have even been known to remind people being eaten alive that “its nothing personal”! When in Panzoasia, they freely associate with bandits, outlaws, assassins, and most other draconic beings. However, they despise the happy-go-lucky Trefolic Dragons from their Summerland home.

Whether in the Summerland or Panzoasia, Urtician Dragons fill their lairs with traps and snares. They prefer to dwell in ruins, especially those that were destroyed by fire. They collect instruments of torture, particularly if such have been artistically wrought. Their hoards also always include at least one magical weapon – kept as a curiosity, since they prefer to attack in in their natural draconic form.

Fighting the Urtician Dragon
Urtician Dragons attack mercilessly, and often without provocation. They will begin combats by breathing out the green fumes of their Agonizing Breath. Next they will savage their opponents with every physical attack they have. If the fight turns against them, then they will seek to retreat and use magic spells (such as Lightning Bolt) from a distance.

Picturing the Bogeymen of Panzoasia

Tags

B/X, BECMI, bogeyman, Fantasy Campaign, humanoids, illustration, OGL, old school, old school renaissance, old school revival, OSR, RC

Here are some illustrations of various “humanoid” species in my Panzoasia fantasy campaign. My Orcs are boar-headed, my Kobolds are Old-School dog-lizard-rat things, and my Ogres are dumb brutes with a distant kinship to Orcs. I conceive of the Goblinoids as nightmarish creatures with distinctly bat-like features. As for the Trolls, I portray them as somewhat more human-like than the standard in classic Old-School rpgs. In the Ultimate West of Panzoasia, all these beings are encompassed by the term “Bogeymen”.

 

The Creation of the Worlds Beyond Panzoasia, Told Five Different Ways

Tags

Cosmology, Fantasy Campaign, Fantasy Universe, Game Fiction, Mythic Fantasy, Mythology, old school, Oneiric Fantasy, OSR, role-playing game, roleplaying game, rpg

There are five Bibles in Panzoasia: The Gospels of Light, the Aphorisms of Chance, the Classic of Destiny, the Book of Darkness, and the Epic of All Life. Each one gives a different version of the creation of the Supernal, Infernal, and Sublunary worlds – from the Good, Chaotic, Lawful, Evil, and Neutral perspectives receptively. Although all accounts broadly agree on the order of events, each disagrees with the others on the exact details.

Which story is correct? Perhaps all of them, and none of them. Some sages speculate that the Divine Powers do not exist in a single timeline of past, present, and future, like mortal beings. Instead, they have minds that embrace several alternate pasts and futures simultaneously. Therefore, the ongoing conflict between Alignments is actually the struggle to make one of the stories the “true” one among the mortals of the Sublunary World. The war is not just for control of Space, but also Time and History.

The essential points of the Panzoasian creation story are these:

1. In the beginning there was an Ultimate God, who became divided into separate Divine Powers.
2. In the Emptiness that was once filled by the body of the Ultimate God, the Divine Powers created the worlds, and Spirits to inhabit them.
3. A Terrestrial Paradise was made on Earth, containing every kind of plant and animal.
4. The Divine Powers created a First Person, who was double-gendered like the Ultimate God.
5. The Dragon was uplifted from among the beasts, in order to be the guardian and instructor of the First Person.
6. The First Person was split into the male and female ancestors of the Five Peoples, by means of a magical fruit offered by the Dragon.
7. There was a war in the Supernal Worlds.
8. Spirits took inhabitants of the Terrestrial Paradise as mates, and bred monstrous children who were then cast out.
9. The remaining Five Peoples of the Terrestrial Paradise created something in the middle of it which could be used as a conduit to all the worlds.
10. The Five Peoples had to leave the Terrestrial Paradise, and come to Panzoasia.

(The story is, of course, a twist on the more-or-less familiar one from the Book of Genesis.)

What follows is how each Bible of Panzoasia interprets that story, point-by-point.

The Creation of the Worlds and Five Peoples, According to THE GOSPELS OF LIGHT:

1. The Ultimate God contracted into the Empyrean, and emanated Our Lord of Light. He made four other Powers: the Lord of Darkness, the Lady of Chance, the Lord of Destiny, and the Lady of Life. The Lord of Light did this because he wished to eventually create Worlds to which he could be benevolent.
2. Our Lord of Light alone created Supernal, Infernal, and Sublunary Worlds. Originally, all the spirits were Angels of Heaven. Because he was the original leader of all the Powers and Angels, the Lord of Light is also called the Lord of Hosts. The other Powers (who at that point were simply the mightiest of the Angels) were directed to administer the physical elements, planets, stars, plants, and animals, under the direction of the Lord of Light.
3. Our Lord Light directed the Lady of Life to plant the Terrestrial Paradise.
4. Our Lord of Light created the First Person, male and female, in the image of the Ultimate God.
5. The Lord of Darkness suggested that the Dragon be uplifted and made into the First Person’s instructor, because he secretly wanted to corrupt the beast into his service.
6. The Lord of Darkness told the Dragon to give the First Person the Apple of Malice, eating which caused the Person to fall asleep, and wake up as ten People. As punishment, the Dragon and its descendants were cast out from the Terrestrial Paradise by the Lord of Light.
7. Out of pride, the Lord of Darkness started a rebellion to seize control of Heaven. The Lady of Chance took the opportunity to desert, and seized control of the Whirl of Limbo. Those Angels that followed her became the Daimons. The Lord of Destiny seized control of the Celestial Spheres, and his followers became the Archons. The Lady of Life refused to take any side, and fled to the Corner of the Sublunary World she called the Summerland. The Angels that followed her became the Fairies. Finally, the Lord of Darkness was defeated. His exiled army of fallen Angels seized control of a portion of Limbo that they called Hell, and became the Devils.
8. Our Lord of Light found a sinless virgin, who was the most virtuous of People, and crowned her as Queen of Heaven and the Angels. The Lady of Chance took the first lawbreaker as her husband, and made him King of Limbo and the Daimons. The Lord of Destiny took the first Astrologer as his wife, and crowned her as Queen of the Celestial Spheres and Archons. The Lady of Life found the man who best understood the plants and animals of Nature, took him as her husband, and crowned him the horned King of the Summerland and Fairies. The Lord of Darkness found the first sorceress and poisoner, the most wicked of all People, and made her Queen of Hell and the Devils. Before she descended into Hell, the Lady of Darkness gave birth to the Demons and Monsters that were eventually expelled from the Terrestrial Paradise by Angels.
9. The Lord and Lady of Darkness tricked the People of the Terrestrial Paradise into building the Tower of Perplexity, tall and deep enough to link Heaven and Hell. Our Lord of Light ruled that the People must leave the Terrestrial Paradise, because they had creating a means by which the forces of Darkness could invade the refuge of Light.
10. Angelic warriors were sent to protect the Terrestrial Paradise and Tower of Perplexity, and The Five Peoples were shepherded by their Guardian Angels to the Ends of the Earth.

The Creation of the Worlds and Five Peoples, According to THE APHORISMS OF CHANCE:

1. The Ultimate God was bored, so it became the Twins of Chaos – both of whom are simultaneously Lord and Lady of Chance. They gave birth to the Lords and Ladies of Light, Darkness, Destiny, and Life. Among them, the Lord and Lady of Destiny were definitely the dullest and least talented. To avoid further boredom, Our Lord and Lady of Chance told each of their children that they were they first and best, which caused entertaining discord. The Twins of Chaos found it particularly enjoyable to see the idiotic Lord and Lady of Destiny proclaiming their own importance and power. What remained of the Ultimate God became the Empyrean.
2. The Twins of Chaos reserved a portion of Emptiness for themselves, and let their children play in the remainder. Soon the lesser Powers of Light, Darkness, Destiny and Life had created Heaven, Hell, the Celestial Spheres, and the Sublunary World. The Twins of Chaos then decided that it would be fun to make Daimons who would help them spread mischief, catastrophe, and strife. As a joke, the Twins of Chaos told each of their children that their World was the best one – better even than the Whirl of Limbo their parents had created!
3. The Lord and Lady of Life proposed to their siblings that they should all cooperate to create the Terrestrial Paradise, in order to impress their parents, the Twins of Chaos.
4. The Divine Powers all tried and failed to create a First Person in the image of the Ultimate God. Finally, the Person was secretly created by Chance. The Twins of Chaos decided to tell the Lord and Lady of Light that they were the ones who had actually succeeded. The Twins also did the same with all their other children. Our Lord and Lady of Chance greatly enjoyed the squabbling that resulted.
5. The Lord and Lady of Darkness persuaded the other Powers to uplift the Dragon, because they wanted it to become their servant, who would convince the First Person to be their ally in Evil.
6. The Twins of Chaos thought that Darkness’ plan was boring, so Our Lady secretly gave the Dragon the Apple of Discord, and told it to give to the First Person. After eating the Apple, the First Person split into a Human male and female. Darkness’ scheme was ruined, the Dragon was blamed for it all, and Our Lord and Lady of Chance had a great laugh!
7. After much goading and intrigue, Our Lord and Lady of Chance succeeded in their plan to provoke War throughout the spiritual Worlds. They did this in the hope that something truly surprising would occur. It did, when the combined armies of of Darkness and Destiny decided to attack the Whirl of Limbo simultaneously. Daimonic freedom fighters succeeded in expelling the Archons (whose strategies were completely predictable), but the forces of Darkness occupy their stolen lands (called Hell) to this day. Those former Daimons who were trapped in Hell are now called Demons, and exist only to destroy. Even through Our Lord and Lady essentially lost the War, they do not regret how interesting it was.
8. Some Daimons went to the Terrestrial Paradise, took mates, and bred offspring who were the most strange and wonderful Monsters. Refugee Angels took mortal spouses, and bred the Giants. Some Fallen Angels of Darkness took mortal spouses, and bred the various humanoid Monsters. The Fairy Folk took mortal spouses, and their children became the Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes. To the dismay of the Lord and Lady of Chance, the People of the Terrestrial Paradise cast out all the most interesting children, except for the Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes.
9. Our Lord and Lady of Chance inspired the remaining Five Peoples to build the Tower of Perplexity that would link all the Worlds together. For some reason, this angered the unimaginative Lord and Lady of Destiny, who hurled lightning bolts at the Tower and Terrestrial Paradise.
10. The Five Peoples fled the Terrestrial Paradise, and were led by the Daimons to the more interesting, Monster-filled Ends of the Earth.

The Creation of the Worlds and Five Peoples, According to THE CLASSIC OF DESTINY:

1. The Ultimate God retracted its being into the Empyrean, in order to begin the process of ordering the Cosmos. The mind of the Ultimate God then resolved itself into Our Lord of Destiny, also known as The Demiurge. Our Lord separated the female from the male within himself, and made Our Lady of Destiny. Together they create the Powers of Light and Darkness. To balance the Light and Dark, Our Lord and Lady created the Powers of Life. In the Emptiness where the Ultimate God once was, the Lord and Lady of Chance (also known as the Abominations of Chaos) coalesced from the leftover detritus of Creation.
2. Our Lord and Lady of Destiny turned to the Emptiness, and began ordering the spaces within it. First, they made the Perfection of the Celestial Spheres as a home for themselves, and created the Archons. From the beginning, Our Lord and Lady had the plan to eventually create the Five Peoples, so they made Heaven as a reward for the lawful, and set the Powers of Light to be its King and Queen. They made Hell as a punishment for the lawless, and set the Powers of Darkness to be its King and Queen. They made the Sublunary World to be home of living bodies, and commanded the Powers of Life to fill it with plants and animals, following the dictates of Natural Law. The Powers of Light, Darkness, and Life were also given Archons as servants. While Our Lord and Lady were busy ordering the Cosmos, however, the Abominations of Chaos invaded Hell, and corrupted a portion of it into the Whirl of Limbo. They infested Limbo with their spawn, which they called Daimons.
3. Our Lord and Lady of Destiny created the Terrestrial Paradise to be the perfect garden where every plant and animal existed in its proper relationship to each other. It was guarded by Archons with flaming swords, to protect it from the Powers of Chance.
4. The First Person was created and placed in the Terrestrial Paradise by Our Lord and Lady of Destiny. The First Person was made double-gendered to reflect the Ultimate God, but Our Lord and Lady always planned the eventually division into male and female.
5. Our Lord and Lady of Destiny were alone responsible for uplifting the Dragon, and charging it to be the instructor and guardian of the First Person. The Dragon was told to prevent the First Person from eating the Apple of Division, before the proper time had come.
6. One day the Powers of Chance lured the Dragon out of the Terrestrial Paradise. They convinced it to fly back, and give the Apple of Division to the First Person. The Dragon did so, and after eating the fruit, the First Person was split into ten People. The separation of the First Person into many People thus occurred long before its destined time.
7. The Abominations of Chaos fomented rebellion against Our Lord and Lady of Destiny. The Lord and Lady of Light seized Heaven, and their Archons became Angels. The Lord and Lady of Darkness seized Hell, and their Achons became Devils. The Powers of Life entrenched themselves in the Corner of the Sublunary World they called the Summerland, and their Archons became the Fairies. Towards the end of the war the Daimons of Limbo invaded Hell, and when their armies were repulsed, many were left behind in the retreat. Those Daimons became the Demons of destruction.
8. Many of the rebel Archons deserted their armies and took mortal mates. They bred the various Monsters which were had to be cast out from the Terrestrial paradise by Our Lord and Lady of Destiny.
9. The Abominations of Chaos inspired the Five Peoples to build the Tower of Perplexity, in the vain hope that People would be able to raid the records of the Celestial Bureaucracy, and write their own fates.
10. As punishment for their lawlessness, the Five Peoples were cast out of the Terrestrial Paradise and into the Ends of the Earth, now infested with Monsters.

The Creation of the Worlds and Five Peoples, According to THE BOOK OF DARKNESS:

1. The Ultimate God spat out the Lord of Light, as one spits out a bit of phlegm. Then, Our Lord of Darkness was drawn forth from the Body of the Ultimate God by the self-important Lord of Light. The Lord of Light did this so Our Lord would carry him, and make himself even brighter by contrast. It is for this reason that Our Lord is also called “Light-Bearer”. The Lord of Light then insisted he wanted to create Worlds upon which he could shine, in order to glorify himself. Our Lord pointed out to the Lord of Light that if they must create Worlds, they would need other Powers. Therefore they cut the Lord of Destiny, the Lady of Chance, and the Lady of Life from the body of the Ultimate God. Our Lord, however, did most of the actual work.
2. Our Lord of Darkness and the Lord of Light collaborated to made Heaven and the Angels, but once again, Our Lord did the bulk of the labor. The Lord of Light then told Our Lord to oversee the other Powers as they made the Celestial Spheres, Whirl of Limbo, and the Sublunary World. Finally, Our Lord made himself a beautiful palace in Hell, far more lovely than anything in Heaven. Naturally, the Lord of Light was envious of Our Lord’s strength and talent.
3. The Lord of Light decided to claim a portion of the Earth the Lady of Life had made, filled it with examples of all the plants and animals she had created, and displayed it to the other Powers as an example of his own ingenuity and magnificence.
4. The Lord of Light compounded a poor imitation of the Ultimate God out of animal parts, dung, and earth, and called it the First Person He then gathered together all the Powers and Angels, and made them fall down in front of his flawed creation, in order to humiliate them. Our Lord of Darkness, however, refused to bow down to the obviously imperfect First Person, which greatly angered the egotistical Lord of Light.
5. The Lord of Light wanted the First Person to be his exclusive slave. To that end, he decided to uplift the Dragon, and make it powerful enough prevent the the other Powers from educating the First Person about the Lord of Light’s true nature.
6. Our Lord of Darkness was outraged at the way the Powers had been disregarded and humiliated, so he told the truth about things to the Dragon, and showed him why he shouldn’t blindly obey the Lord of Light’s orders. The Dragon agreed. Our Lord gave the Apple of Knowledge to the Dragon, for the First Person to eat. When the First Person consumed the magical fruit, it realized it was simply a bundle of dirt, dung, and meat, and broke itself into ten different People. The angry Lord of Light then sent Angels to exile the Dragon from the Terrestrial Paradise, and chop it up into many different, lesser Dragons.
7. The Lord of Light flew into a rage, and demanded that every Angel and Power swear a oath to obey him without question. Finally, our Lord of Darkness, allied with the Lord of Destiny and the Lady of Chance, led a Rebellion. The cowardly Lady of Life, however, refused to take sides, and fled to the Sublunary World. Her Angels became the Fairies. The Lord of Destiny and Lady of Chance proved to be unreliable allies, since they were as interested in defeating each other as much as fighting the Lord of Light. The Lord of Destiny retreated to the Celestial Spheres, and his Angels became the Archons. The Lady of Chance retreated to the Whirl of Limbo, and her Angels became the Daimons. Betrayed by his allies, Our Lord and his Devils were defeated and forced back to Hell, whose beauty was vandalized and ruined by the victorious Angels. Dissatisfied with the craven capitulation of Chance to Heaven, and vowing to destroy all the works of the tyrannical Lord of Light, many Daimons fled Limbo and settled in Hell as Demons.
8. While visiting Earth to find and punish those Devils who had deserted in the battle for Heaven, Our Lord of Darkness found the wisest of all women, took her as his Queen, and made her Our Lady. Before returning to Hell, they had children who were the ancestors of the humanoid nations now unfairly despised by the Five Peoples. Also on the Earth were Angels who had been abandoned by their armies. They took mortals as spouses, and bred the Giants. The Lord of Destiny made the first Astrologer his Lady of Destiny, and took her up to the Celestial Spheres. The Lady of Chance similarly made the first bandit her Lord, and brought him to Limbo. Those Daimons who had fled to the Earth during the War in Heaven bred monstrous children from various animals, before they too returned to Limbo. The Lady of Life found the man who was most knowledgeable in the lore of Nature, and made him the Lord of Life. When the Lord of Light saw the Humanoids, Giants, and other Monsters, he sent Angels to chase them (and all the spirits) from the Terrestrial Paradise.
9. As a final attempt to free the Five Peoples who remained in the Terrestrial Paradise, Our Lord and Lady of Darkness inspired them to build the Tower of Perplexity, which would link the worlds and enable them to travel as they willed. When the Lord of Light realized what was occurring, he sent Angels blast the Tower and kill the workmen.
10. The Lord of Light expelled the Five Peoples from the Terrestrial Paradise, and sent them to to live in the Ends of the Earth. – where he had already exiled the Monsters. The People acquiesced to this demand, and so Our Lord and Lady of Darkness came to finally realize that the mass of them were worthless and weak, with only a few exceptions who were fit to be co-inheritors of the Worlds.

The Creation of the Worlds and Five Peoples, According to THE EPIC OF ALL LIFE:

1. The Ultimate God was alone, and so sought to no longer be lonely. First the the God concentrated into the Empyrean, and separated itself into the opposites of Chaos and Law, Good, and Evil. Then those powers separated themselves into the Lords and Ladies of Chance, Destiny, Light, and Darkness. After the other Powers had left it, the remaining Power of the Ultimate God separated into Our Lord and Lady of Life.

2. Where the Ultimate God once was, there was an Emptiness, in which the Lords and Ladies made spaces for themselves. The Lord and Lady of Chance made Limbo, and there created raging Fire, howling Air, rushing Water, and the Daimons. The Lord and Lady of Light made Heaven, and there created Day and the Angels. The Lord and Lady of Darkness made Hell, and there created Night and the Devils. The Lord and Lady of Destiny made the Celestial Spheres, and there created the Planets, Stars, and Archons. Our Lord and Lady of Life made the Sublunary World, and created all of Nature, as well as the Fairies to enjoy it. Originally, every kind of spirit could come and go freely in every World.

3. The Ten Divine powers looked upon the worlds they had made, and agreed to make a center to decorate Creation. They planted a Garden in the Earth, and called it the Terrestrial Paradise. They gathered into it every variety of living thing that Our Lord and Lady of Life had made.

4. The Divine Powers agreed to make a Person in the image of the Ultimate God they had once been. The Ladies of Chance, Destiny, Light, Darkness, and Life all gave birth to the First Person simultaneously – all five were the Mother. Like the Ultimate God had been, the First Person was both male and female.

5. Each of the Divine Powers sent their spirits to speak to the First Person, who in turn taught the superiority of Chaos, Law, Goodness, and Evil. The Person became confused, not knowing what to believe. The Lord and Lady of Life then proposed to the other Divine Powers that the Person should have only one educator, who would teach a balanced doctrine. Since it was already the most wise and powerful beast in Paradise, the Divine Powers selected the serpent called Dragon to be the Instructor of the First Person. Each pair of Divine Powers gifted the Dragon with extraordinary abilities.

6. The Lord and Lady of Darkness became suspicious that the Lord and Lady of Light were planning on turning both the First Person and Dragon against them. They spoke to the Dragon, and said that because it was obviously wiser and more powerful than the First Person, it should be the Ruler and Possessor of the Terrestrial Paradise. The Lady of Darkness then gave the Dragon an Apple of Malice that would cause the First Person to become many People, divided against each other. So divided, they would no longer be a threat. The Dragon then gave the trusting First Person the Apple. After falling asleep, the First Person woke up as ten people! In the forest of the Terrestrial Paradise a male and female Elf awakened. In a cave of the mountains there was now a male and female Dwarf. In a planted field awakened a male and female Halfling. In the rolling hills was a male and female Gnome. And in the bed where the First Person had first fallen asleep, a male and female Human opened their eyes.

7. The Lord and Lady of Light demanded that Lord and Lady of Darkness explain what they had done. Instead, the Lord and Lady of Darkness immediately attacked Heaven with their army of Devils. The Powers of Chance and Destiny then accused the other of harboring secret plots, and began fighting. Our Lord and Lady of Life tried as best they could to stop the war, but the other Powers wouldn’t listen.

8. The War devastated the spiritual worlds, and in the end resulted only in every Power retreating to their own World. However, during the fighting many spirits deserted their armies, and came to Earth. There they took mortal mates, and had monstrous children. The Angels and their spouses gave rise to the Giants. The Devils and their spouses created the various humanoids – Orcs, Goblins, Kobolds, etc. The Daimons took both people and animals as their mates, and thereby created many strange and bestial Monsters. The Lord and Lady of Destiny, incensed that there were now Monsters who not part of their original plan of Fate, sent armies of Archons to drive the creatures out of the Terrestrial Paradise. More People were accidentally killed as a result of the Archons’ battles, than from the attacks of the Monsters.

9. As a last effort towards restoring harmony, Our Lord and Lady of Life gave the People the seed of the World Tree. The tree grew so large that its roots extended to Limbo and Hell, its trunk twisted through all the Ends and Corners of the Earth, and its branches lay in the Celestial Spheres and Heaven. But the Angels, Devils, Archons, and Daimons turned the World Tree into just a convenient means to raid each others’ worlds.

10. Because it was no longer safe for them there, Our Lord and Lady of Life showed the Five Peoples the way out of the Terrestrial Paradise, and into the Ends of the Earth..

Note: The Epic of All Life doesn’t actually account for how the blindly destructive Demons of evil Chaos came to exist, other than insinuating that they a disease afflicting Reality.

A Brief Overview of the Worlds Beyond of Panzoasia

1. The three Supernal Worlds are conceptually “above” the Sublunary World They consist of:

• • The Empyrean, a boundless expanse of pure light and flame generally considered to be the last echo of the Ultimate God.
  • Heaven, where the Blessed Souls of the Good reside. There are Seven Gardens of Heaven tended by the Angels.
  • The Celestial Spheres, where the Justified Souls of the Lawful reside. There are Eight Celestial Spheres administered by the Archons.

2. The Supernal Worlds are accessible through the starry gulfs of the Astral Plane, in which float countless small Dream Worlds.
3. The Sublunary World lies at the conceptually “center” of the Cosmos, “under” the Lunar Celestial Sphere. It consists of our Earth and material Universe, but with additional hidden dimensions called the Four Ends and Eight Corners.
4. The Four Ends of the Earth are actually another way of referring to the Ultimate West, East, North, and South of Panzoasia.
5. The Eight Corners of the Earth are:

• • The Vault of Air, including the cloud Kingdom of the Sylphs (and other Air Elementals).
  • The Underworld, or Chthon, including the subterranean Commonwealth of the Saganic Gnomes (and other Earth Elementals).
  • The Eternal Sea, including the underwater Commonwealth of the Undines (and other Water Elementals).
  • Fiery Purgatory, including the volcanic Kingdom of the Salamanders (and other Fire Elementals). Purgatory is also the point in the Sublunary World where the Supernal and Infernal Worlds meet, and so functions as both a way station, and place of purification, for souls and spirits on their way to other places.
  • The Pillars of the Earth, a chain of mountains so vast they pierce the sky.
  • Shadowland, including the gloomy cities of the Shadow People.
  • The Antipodes, inhabited by the upside-down Antipodeans who express sorrow with laughter, and happiness with tears.
  • The Summerland, a beautiful Otherworld of isles inhabited by both the Fairy Folk, and the souls of the Honored Ancestors who embraced harmonious Neutrality.

6. The misty Ethereal Plane is coterminous with the Sublunary World. Becoming Ethereal enables rapid travel between the Ends and Corners of the Earth.
7. The three Infernal Worlds are conceptually “below” the Sublunary World. They consist of:

• • Limbo, where the Lost Souls of the Chaotic reside. Limbo has an infinite number of Dwellings inhabited by the Daimons.

  • Hell, where the Damned Souls of the Evil reside. There are Seven Pits of Hell which imprison the Devils.

  • The Emptiness, an endless void once filled by the body of the Ultimate God. It is inhabited now only by incomprehensible things long exiled from the Cosmos, and expunged by the records of history.

8. Like the Supernal Worlds, the Infernal Worlds are accessible through the Astral Plane.

(The few of you who are long term readers of this blog may recognize material adapted and altered from the “Fantasy Cosmology” series I did a few years back, as well as the “Spirits of Heaven and Hell” ebook available in the Downloads section).

The Planetary Abodes Above Panzoasia

Tags

B/X, Campaign Setting, old school, rpg, science-fiction, scifi

And now, a little “blacklight poster” inspired, space fantasy. Because Panzoasia is meant to be an an easily-approached, all-ages setting, I’ve tried to strike a balance here between the wondrous and the inaccessibly weird. There are naturally nods to some classic tropes of pulp sci-fi.

In the present of Panzoasia, no race of the solar system knows how to build large rockets, and only the light beings of the Sun can travel from planet to planet without magic. Three hundred years into the future, however…

The Planetary Abodes at a Glance

1. A visitor from Earth observing the sky above Panzoasia would see what appears to be the same Sun, Moon, stars, and planets as in the northern hemisphere of the world they know. Although they seem to be identical, and occupy the same positions, the Planetary Abodes of Panzoasia are more fantastical than their mundane counterparts.
2. The Sun of Panzoasia is inhabited by super-intelligent beings of living light who dwell in palaces made of solid force, and who can freely ride sunbeams to and from their home. They communicate with each other by altering their brightness, temperature, and color.
3. The Moon of Panzoasia is dotted with jeweled cities, and gardens of mineral flowers, made by an insectoid race of living crystal.
4. The Red Planet (mundane Mars) is a harsh world where deserts alternate with areas of hardy vegetation that is red in color, rather than green. The Red Planet is dominated by a hermaphroditic race of short, reptilian humanoids with extremely large eyes.
5. The Opaline Planet (mundane Mercury) has a thick atmosphere of swirling, multicolored clouds wherein float inhabited islands of fluorescent rock. Its four-armed and four-eyed people possess strikingly-colored wings with which they fly from island to island.
6. The Blue Planet (mundane Jupiter) is an ocean world with no continents, only scattered islands. Luminescent jellyfish with strange mental powers are the dominant race.
7. The Green Planet (mundane Venus) is covered by fragrant jungles filled with plants that are both beautiful and carnivorous. Three main races dwell there: the colorful bird-folk who live atop the trees, the flower-headed plant people who live on the ground, and the three-eyed walking serpents who inhabit subterranean cities.
8.  The Adumbral Planet (mundane Saturn) is so cold that its surface is inhabited only by terrible, semi-organic abominations. Below the surface is a network of tunnels filled with steam-powered machinery built by hairy dwarfs with twisted and evil minds.
9.  Each Planetary Abode is also a conduit for energy flowing from one of the Perfect Celestial Spheres ruled by the Lord and Lady of Destiny. The positions of the celestial bodies are therefore studied by astrologers hoping to discern the intended fates of mortal beings.
10. A Tezacan astronomer has recently invented a magical lens that can transform travelers into light, and project them to and from the Planetary Abodes. The lens is mounted within a 30 foot long tube mounted atop a pyramid in the city of Huizalatl. Wizards in Corthis and Hian are experimenting with similar devices.

The Realms of the Ultimate West, Part III – Yep, There’s More!

Tags

Campaign Setting, fantasy, old school, OSR

Here are the last four lists describing the Realms of the Ultimate West. The remaining realms shown on the map are actually parts of the Ultimate North and Ultimate South. 

No, nothing here is innovative awards-bait. I’m sharing it as an example of how you can present home-brew Campaign information in a format that will not overwhelm players. If you want to further develop an aspect of your Campaign world using the “Ten Points” method, simply take a statement from your “Ten Things to Know”, and write ten bullet points further explaining it. As you do so, always focus on things that will somehow affect the PCs, and to which they will eventually need to react.

See also:
Because What the World Needs Now is a New Fantasy Setting…
An Overview of Panzoasia and the Ultimate West
The Realms of the Ultimate West, Part I
The Realms of the Ultimate West, Part II

Ten Things to Know About the Free March
“The Steel Cantons”

1. Free Marchers are famously skilled adventurers.
2. The realm is inhabited by a mix of all Five Peoples.
3. The Free March was formerly dominated by bloodthirsty Hobgoblins who killed or drove off all the previous inhabitants. This why those People who later came to the Free March had to be especially daring and resourceful.
4. The realm was not among those liberated by the Immortal Heroes and Heroines. Instead, it was gradually freed and populated by immigrants from many surrounding realms.
5. Because it has no single Immortal patron, inhabitants of the March commonly invoke the direct blessing of The King and Queen of the Angels.
6. The Free March is a confederation of semi-autonomous Cantons who elect a Marquis as leader every 12 years.
7. The Free March is rich in mineral wealth, but much more wild than other regions. The place is riddled with entrances to the Underworld, there are many remaining colonies of Monsters and Depredators, and incursions from the Wasteland still occur.
8. Adventurers seeking their fortunes flock to the Free March, along with those who are (rightly or wrongly) not tolerated elsewhere. There is a network of “Adventurers’ Hostels”, especially in the eastern part.
9. Most of the settlements in the Free March are protected by some kind of fortification – even the small villages.
10.  Otherwise, a visitor from Earth would see many superficial resemblances to medieval Switzerland.

Note: The Free March is the actual starting location for my Panzoasia campaign.

Ten Things to Know About Maeland
“The Copper Chiefdoms”

1. Maelanders are famously skilled musicians and bards.
2. The realm is inhabited mostly by Humans, Elves, and Gnomes. It also has an especially significant population of Half-Elves.
3. The People were formerly oppressed by the crude, pig-faced Orcs, which is why beauty and artistic expression is so valued.
4. Maeland was freed by the Immortal Hero called “The Charming Lord”, who in life was a Elf.
5. The Charming Lord is Neutral (good) rather than Lawful in Alignment, and Druids are the High Priests of his worship.
6. The Chiefs of the Maelander clans are theoretically subject to a High King chosen by a series of military, athletic, and artistic challenges, but there hasn’t been a High King in 12 years.
7. Anyone can attempt to become High King (or Queen) by completing the required challenges on the Isle of Testing.
8. The Island of Occeney is considered part of Maeland, but is still mostly wilderness filled with Monsters.
9. The witches of Maeland are particularly renowned for their potions.
10. Otherwise, a visitor from Earth would see many superficial resemblances to medieval Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales.

Ten Things to Know About Ombratia
“The Brazen City-States”

1. Ombratians are famously skilled merchants.
2. The realm is inhabited mostly by Humans and Gnomes, with some Elves.
3. The People were formerly oppressed by Minotaurs, which is why Ombratians love to eat beef (which they call “little Minotaur”).
4. The realm was freed by the Immortal Heroine called “The Fearless Lady”, who in life was a Gnome.
5. Ombatia is not a unified realm, but four sovereign city-states operating in a trade union.
6. Ombratians love exotic foods, and often adopt customs from far-flung parts of Panzoasia.
7. A beloved pastime throughout Ombratia is watching fights between specially trained warriors and various Monsters. The more exotic the Monster, the better.
8. Ombratian Monster Dealers can be found in every port of Panzoasia. Many people dislike them, on account of the Monsters that are sometime unleashed during botched shipments!
9. Ventona is a plutocratic republic, and the wealthiest city. Zinado is a monarchy, and the largest city. Tinsano is a direct democracy, and has the most diverse population. Coppalo is a hereditary oligarchy, and the richest in natural resources.
10. Otherwise, a visitor from Earth would see many superficial resemblances to Renaissance Italy.

Ten Things to Know About Ydez
“The Silver Kingdom”

1. Ydezians are famously skilled swordsmen.
2. The realm is inhabited mostly by Humans and Dwarves.
3. The People were formerly oppressed by the Cynocephali (or “Gnolls”), which why Ydezians tend to like cats, but dislike dogs.
4. Ydez was freed by the Immortal Hero called “The Dazzling Lord”, who in life was a Human.
5. The Kingdom of Ydez is an absolute Monarchy, and the King is a male-line descendent of the Dazzling Lord.
6. Dragon Island is claimed by Ydez, but its jungles are still infested with Monsters.
7. Lizard, Vulture, and Shark Island are home to whole communities of pirates, and others who would seek their fortunes from the sea. The King’s authority on the Islands is nominal at best.
8. Ydezians love to gamble, and are constantly inventing new games.
9. The mainland of Ydez has the richest silver deposits in Panzoasia.
10. Otherwise, a visitor from Earth would see many superficial resemblances to 16th century Spain in mainland Ydez, while the culture on the islands has some resemblances to the Spanish West Indies during the Golden Age of Piracy.

The Realms of the Ultimate West, Part II

Tags

Campaign Setting, fantasy, old school, OSR

Today I’m continuing to reveal the Ultimate West of Panzoasia, focusing on three places that are not actually considered nations, but which nonetheless loom large in the imaginations of the Five Peoples.

See also:
Because What the World Needs Now is a New Fantasy Setting…
An Overview of Panzoasia and the Ultimate West
The Realms of the Ultimate West, Part I

Ten Things to Know About the Sacred isle of Albelon

1. Albelon is where the Immortal Heroes and Heroines of the Ultimate West gathered before they shed their material bodies and became Light.
2. The most holy shrine of the Ultimate West stands at the summit of Albelon’s Holy Mountain.
3. Pilgrims from across the Ultimate West journey to Albelon to receive blessings and miracles.
4. Those powerful mortals who seek to become Saints in the service of the Immortal Heroes and Heroines must also go to the Holy Mountain of Albelon, where they will receive the quests that will prove their worthiness to dwell in the Light.
5. Albelon is administered by a counsel of nine High Priestesses – one each from Auddisland, Bythebia, Maeland, Edister, the Free March, Corthis, Ombratia, and Ydez, plus a ninth elected by the other eight.
6. The Nine Priestesses of Albelon are said to protect a sleeping King from a far away land, who will one day awaken to lead the righteous.
7. The Holy Order of Paladins is sworn to protect the island, and especially the Shrine of the Holy Mountain.
8. Ghost Ships from the Cursed island of Nerolan sometime threaten the western coast of Albelon.
9. Weapons forged on Albelon are inherently blessed and able to damage even the most powerful of evil beings, even if not otherwise enchanted.
10. Temples to the Immortals of the Ultimate West are oriented towards Albelon.

Ten Things to Know About the Cursed Island of Nerolan

1. When the Realms of the Five Peoples were liberated, many Depredators and their followers in the Ultimate West fled to Nerolan.
2. Nerolan is now the Kingdom of the Undead, ruled by the deathless Lich Vermadeus, who was in life the most powerful Depredator of all.
3. It is rumored that the Depradators still look to Vermadeus as their leader – at least fear his wrath enough to obey his directives.
4. As the righteous make pilgrimage to the Sacred Isle of Albelon, so Depredators and their cultists are said to journey to Nerolan to receive instruction and unholy blessings.
5. The sky is over Nerolan is always cloudy – when it is not actually storming.
6. Ghost Ships manned by the dead sail from Nerolan, raiding the coasts for corpses to be brought back to the island and reanimated.
7. Sometimes, the Ghost Ships deliver Undead, to infest the dark places of Pazoasia and serve the Depradators.
8. It is also rumored that the Ghost Ships ferry Depredators back to Nerolan.
9. Among the inhabitants of Nerolan are the abominable Thouls, bizarre cross-breeds of Hobgoblin, Ghoul, and Troll created by the Depredators.
10. Ghost Ships from Nerolan will occasionally attempt to raid Albelon, but so far have always been repulsed by the Paladins.

Ten Things to Know About the Wasteland

1. The Wasteland was once green. But the greed and rapaciousness of the Monsters made it barren.
2. There are rivers that flow into the Wasteland, but all of them end before reaching any body of water.
3. There are several enormous depressions that were once a network of vast lakes and inland seas, called the Wells of Chaos.
4. The Wasteland is not a sandy desert, but rocky, barren ground largely devoid of plants. What does grow there tends to be thorny, twisted, and useless.
5. Above-ground life in the Wasteland clings to the few rivers that flow into it, and some scattered oases.
6. Large sections of the western half of the Wasteland are canyons and badlands.
7. There is supposedly a vast network of of tunnels and caves running underneath the Wasteland, constituting the heart of the Underworld. It is said to be possible to travel from one end of the Wasteland to another (and into the realms of the Five Peoples) without ever seeing daylight.
8. The Wasteland is filled with the ruins of Lost Cities once inhabited by the intelligent Monsters.
9. The Lost Cities are said to hold treasures beyond belief.
10. Those who have returned from the Wasteland also claim to have see the bones of gigantic, primordial sea monsters – and not just in the Wells of Chaos.

The Future of the Wasteland

In my mind, in 250 years or so the area of the Wasteland will be occupied by the Phoenix States, a kind of fantasy version of the American Wild West.

In about 150 years Panzoasia will undergo an Industrial Revolution. The remaining Monsters in the Wasteland will launch a final, all-out invasion. By this time, however, they are at a truly massive technological disadvantage. Ha’wakuni firearms had long since spread across Panzoasia, and the Ha’wakuni themselves had developed the repeating rifle and the six-gun. The riders of Ha’wakun smash the hordes of Monsters invading their realm, and conquer the Wasteland. Settlers from Ha’wakun begin restoring the ecology. Rivers begin flowing back into the Wells of Chaos, and they become vast lakes again. The Ha’wakuni government invites immigration, and settlers of every People stream in from across Panzoasia. Eventually the number of non-Ha’wakuni equals (and in some places exceeds) those descended from the original Ha’wakuni settlers. The Tribal Congress in the City of Six Horizons decides that the New Lands cannot be fairly ruled by a far-away government. Rather, its current inhabitants should be granted the right to form independent states, with the proviso that all such states must be representative democracies in an eternal non-aggression pact with Ha’wakun. The new states remain separate entities for a decade, but come together in a plan to build a Great Railroad to link themselves together. That project hastens the joining of the Phoenix States together in a federal union. But, the place remains a wild land filled with both idealistic dreamers and amoral opportunists. Wandering gunfighters battle the last remaining Monsters (and each other), Halfling farmers and ranchers eke a hard living from the land, and the Elven Green Wizards develop (and sell) new magic to make the desert bloom again. And all the while work on the Great Railroad continues.