THE GATEWAY CHRONICLE
June 2000

Link to the May 2000 pictures!

WAR STORIES: May 2000

With the defeat of the Dragon of Despair in Amik, the fame of the Rams Head reached new heights not only in Kaleth, but in Kellar as well. This prompted Count Amar of Kellar to invite the heroes to join his Falconess Faire, a celebration of heroism and storytelling. Many were encouraged to bring things to share or sell, which only increased the anticipation of the event.
    Reynn (Rob Nicholls) and Lord FitzRobert (Mike Shoenberger) were among the first to arrive at the Faire and found several of their tavern companions had set up shop. Retic (Flake Grendel) was selling copies of maps he had found on his many sea voyages. Knight Commander Owl (Corrie Hrubes) was renting pins representing the various Pantheist gods (an odd occupation for a Dainite). Anja (Robyn Hollister) had set up a shop selling metal goods while, most impressive of all, the Kaleth Academy Arcane had a booth selling magical items. The presence of the Cabal was obvious as Malachi (Jason Rownd) and Xander (Omar Gonzalez) were manning the booth.    More and more of the Rams Head arrived, including Lady Gwenneth (Melinda Theilbar) who apparently did not want her presence to be openly known. She was seen lurking at the edges of the Faire for most of the day.
    Eventually the Count (Joshe Rowe) arrived and those who had brought gifts presented them to the nobleman. The festivities continued while the Count met privately with those who desired to have audience. The Castellan (Bob Hollister) leapt at this, as he had been commissioned by King Jurel-Blacksteel to negotiate new trade agreements with Kellar. At least he was distracted from his usual attempts at improving people’s etiquette, though he was very impressed with Robin Goodfellow’s new apprentice, Harmony (Vicki Martin).
    While no expeditions were scheduled to occur, the Rams Head being what it is, they were bound to happen. First, an opportunity arose to find and possibly rescue the long-missing Turan (Curt Martin). However, the only person who could go on the expedition was Lord Sebastian Poe-Kerrigan (Brian Curley). The first barrier that our good Poe had to pass was temptation by the trickster god Vanosh. The god offered Poe the opportunity to become “The Sword of Rage and Anger”, fully expecting our hero to decline. But Poe said, “Yes”. Vanosh was stunned and quickly locked Poe away because he was too dangerous to have walking around. Ivan/Bax (James Silverstein) used his influence to negotiate Poe’s release, in exchange for… a pig. (and Vanosh claimed he was getting the better end of the deal) To his credit, this incident seemed to make an impression upon Poe, who turned his sword over to Ivan for safekeeping until such time as he was “worthy” of it.
    Another expedition involved sending Malachi and Xander to find “something” that he had lost (his ability to summon water elementals). The pair came upon an abandoned sanctum of a Water Magi – a type of sorcerer who seeks to become one with his elemental specialty. Xander talked at length with this powerful individual and agreed to pursue this path; thus regaining his summoning ability.
    Entertainment was also on the list of activities at the Falconess Faire as the Kellari Puppeteers put on an outstanding performance of Robin Goodfellow’s play “Sir Swifty and the Witch”. The crowd’s appreciation was not limited to only applause, but also included many coins (an event that did not fail to achieve notice.) Less entertaining but no less of an audience draw was Reynn’s duel with a rough-speaking fellow called Gash (Kevin Stein). Not satisfied with winning the contest, the foul stranger proceeded to empty his bladder upon the unconscious Reynn and left in a huff. With the help of Lord-Captain Korinth (Dave Simkins) Reynn recovered and excused himself to go and change.
    Lady Gwenneth came out of the shadows when her fiancé Aladremmory-Bex (Doug Tabb) arrived at the festival. The two were observed conversing quite closely for most of the day. They also centered their attention upon an addled-brained warrior (Chad Brinkley) who turned out to be Alad’s Kellarian mentor. Sickness had apparently descended upon the once proud warrior and he kept raving about having “to slay the dragon”. Unable to come up with the means to go after the actual dragon in question, Alad and Gwenneth arranged a mock-battle with “the beast” for the poor man, in the hopes that his apparent victory would calm him. Unfortunately the exertions of even his mock-battle were too much and the mentor died in Alad’s arms.
Given this state of affairs and other things, Alad and Gwenneth chose to throw caution to the winds and decided to marry that very day. Gathering several close friends from the Rams Head, including Alad’s mother Gretchen (Margaret Landreth) the couple did just that.
    Meanwhile, the famed Spellsingers of Kellar arrived to perform one of their incredibly-realistic song-plays. The Lead Singer (Chad Brinkley) asked for volunteers and found them in Thorn (Dawn Nystul) Vincent (Rich Grey) Korinth, Reynn, and Goodfellow’s apprentice. Under the power of the Spellsingers, they related the tale of a proud female captain and her voyage to deal with the cunning of a relentless sea-witch. The crowd found the tale quite enjoyable, though some were dismayed to find that the damage taken by those in the play was actually real. Vincent had fallen to the sea-witch, who then used his body to club Reynn into submission. But a few well-timed rhymes and Korinth’s soul sword brought the story to a heroic close.
    The final event of the Faire was announced by the arrival of the Falconess. Now was the time for any and all to spin a tale of why the strange woman was there. Many tried their hands at storytelling, such as Robin Goodfellow, the Lead Singer, and Angel (Heather Pishko). But it was the stirring tale told by Gwenneth that reached the most hearts and won her the prize.
    It was sad that this event had to be marred in anyway, but during these tales Reynn collapsed, apparently poisoned. Gwenneth tried to cure him, but found that all her powers could do was determine that the poison was powerful and specific. Nikomu (Darci Stratton) swore vehemently that the one responsible was a dark cloaked stranger (Tom Dowd) who had been eyeing Reynn for some time. Indeed, when Reynn was pronounced dead, this stranger produced a potion and instructed that it be given to the corpse. Caladyn (Stan Laff) and Gretchen were asked to examine the substance and determined it was an incredibly rare Elixer of Life. Awed, they forced it down Reynn’s throat and the former corpse did regain life.
    The Count then proceeded to finish awarded other prizes and the Falconess Faire came to a close.

THE RUMOR MILL

Hail and well fed to all! Phantor returns with more juice than one of those wondrous Mirin melons that One Eyed Saul the Melon Hawker has begun to vend. In fact there’s so much to talk about its almost unbearable. Now, in a particular order understood only by Phantor, we begin—
    It would seem that Crusader Andor has rediscovered food. Well, if he’s had any of those luscious melon’s that Phantor’s tasted lately its completely understandable...unless there are some other luscious—no, even Phantor won’t go there…
    Confusion and concern abounds in the court of the Baron Navonne of Kellar, ardent ally of the Marquis Sommerville. It seems his ward, a certain Lady Gwenneth Nhiles has disappeared. Now, given that the young lady in question is the daughter of Count Nhiles, famous of Wellspring, the consternation and confusion is understandable? But where could she be? Ah my little birds, can you wait until the next paragraph…?
    Rumor has reached Phantor’s well-groomed ears that the “reformed” Demonspawn Aladremmory Bex has spirited her away. Another clearly malicious rumor has Bex petitioning his service to the most noble Marquis Sommerville and marrying the Lady Gwenneth under the hand and eye of Saint Bax Emerson himself! Now given the Baron Navonne is so tightly allied with the Marquis Sommerville the likelihood of this being true is as likely as … as …. Hmm. Well.
    And just who is this other Kytheri seen often in the company of the Ram’s Head but rarely spoken about? Phantor hears a very interesting tale of a strange transformation she underwent deep in Mox’s lair that few seem concerned about… Well, the heroes know best…
    Who is in charge of the Falcon Guard these days? Some say that the beast Aladremmory Bex is in charge, while others say it is Sir Arthur the Valiant. Does anyone know? Does anyone care as the Guard slip away into obscurity once more…
    A hooded man was seen recently along the devestated Thallarin border with Argoth seeking a “Gehren Blackthorne” and vowing to “finish the job he’d failed to”. Could this be the kindly Gehren the Woodsman we all know from the Ram’s Head, the Gehren who is clearly no threat to anyone at all, even those who would destroy and desecrate the sacred woods? (Well, that’s what some Black Druids are saying…)
    Words it that the ladies are coming from miles around to father their next child by the Oracle Risisin in Morrigan’s Ring. Seems word has gotten out that the way to insure good health and prosperity for a child (and by virtue of that for oneself) is to fornicate with an Oracle since he knows exactly what to do to insure that things turn out well. And Phantor hears that Oracles are quite the magician in the sack as well—guess that precognition comes in handy…(mayhaps we need to ask Hunter?)
    Is Saint Bax looking to start a holy war with the Church of the Faithful? It would appear that some of the High Priests of the Pantheon have begun to grow uncomfortable with the great Saint’s staff rattling while others secretly goad him on in the hope that push will come to shove and the Child Dain can get the spanking he deserves.
    And a lucky turn of events for the child of Robin Goodfellow and Esmay of Amroth who’d left their son/daughter (will someone please tell Phantor which it is?!) in the “protection” of Karial the Sin Eater while they traveled in Kellar. Unfortunately, it seems that some of Karial’s enemies took that opportunity to attempt to extract a pound of flesh from his already rail-thin body. All three men, though “men” should really be said with a wink and nod, were dispatched, but one was impaled and pinned to a wall in the young tykes bedroom. Was the child there? Phantor does not know, but sincerely hopes not.
    Alas, a doff of the hat for poor Lord FitzRobert—though we can still call him Lord we can no longer call him Count as the title has slipped to his distant cousin Stefano who has proven to his peers that one of his great ancestors was cheated out of the FitzRobert line. What will the landless Lordling do now? And what of the signet ring that he used for so many years in so many successful efforts to lure the eyes of the ladies? Phantor hears that FitzRobert may also be attempting to enter the service of the Marquis Sommerville, but that particular Lord has never been the sort to consort with scoundrels…
    And dear, sweet, Malachi...what can Phantor say about him that hasn’t already, or will be?
    Phantor also promised to mention the name of Luther this time out, though there doesn’t yet seem to be a reason why…
    Seen in the company of the Heroes of the Ram’s Head and that tiresome Falconess Faire was the lass Mariveaux who some say is a protégé (or is the progeny?) of the Marquis Sommerville (Phantor is getting very tired of writing that name…) Is she the same Mariveaux who has a price on her head in six City States for crimes unmentionable? Phantor says if the hat fits…
    And will someone please tell Autumn that she left a pile of leaves, two chickens, and some shiny stones (she’ll want to know about the stones) in the common room of the Hedgerow Hearth tavern in Vathos? Much appreciated…
    Reynn, Reynn, Reynn….Reynn, Reynn, Reynn… When it pours, eh?
    Will someone please keep Robin Goodfellow’s apprentice Harmony away from the tea? She’s jittery and jumpy and bouncy enough as it is without alchemical assistance…
    His Royal Highness Arthon Jurel-Blacksteel has begun offering amnesty to various criminals and lowlifes imprisoned in Vathos for minor crimes against the Kingdom related to the invasion and occupation by the Empire. Phantor hears though that some other rather not-nice individuals have been released as well, at the King’s Command. Very mysterious, and Duke Ardenmar of Vathos is said to be livid that the King has ordered this without consulting him…
    Rumor has it that a visage of the Baroness Rhianna has been seen haunting the halls of the nearly complete Ram’s Head Tavern in Amik. What can this portend? Of course, the priests of the local Dainite church also being erected would offer to help but it would seem that their God has forsaken them of late. Could this be a sign of a storm brewing in the upper worlds…?
    Lord Jacko Delight has become the darling of quite a few courts in Kellar of late. It seems that that Loremaster has been providing some diabolical insight to various projects some of the more ambitious lords and nobles are undertaking. A bidding war of sorts for his service has even begun. Ah, to be wanted…
(Phantor is growing tired of ending his ramblings with ellipsis and will try very hard not to do it again.)
    What is Kantr up to these days? The once mighty Gatekeeper seems content to simply sit these days. Well, Phantor wishes him luck, knowing how unlikely it is for a Gatekeeper’s life (even a former Gatekeeper) to remain calm for long.
    Was that Knight Commander Owl seen riding onto the estate of High General Morgan Winterborne very recently? Should we be afraid? Should the King be afraid?
    Word has it that while some members of the King’s staff have been very pleased with the efforts of Castellan Nathan of Stronghold on behalf of the King and Kaleth when one of the Castellan’s letter’s reached the King himself a confused HRH jotted on the bottom of it “Who is this man? Why does he keep writing me letters?”
A standing bet remains un-won at the Fisherman’s Fancy tavern in the Vathosan port city of Qwenn where the Mirin sailor Retic has promised 20 gold to the man, woman, child, or beast that can out drink him, glass for glass. Some say that Ock the Ogre, seen spreading the Word of Dainite in southern Vathos has been lurking near the tavern waiting to take Retic up on the challenge so that he can offer the money up to Dain. (Hmm, Phantor thinks there should have been an ellipsis there but the thought of writing it was unbearable. Drat! There should have been one there to.)
    It must be said—Is Zandar all washed up??
    And is anyone believing this act that this Kestrel has spun for the more gullible types at the Ram’s Head? Pulleeze, the little urchin that begs on the street corner a few blocks down from Phantor spacious by too-humble abode tells more convincing tales…
    (DAMN IT ALL! Ah well, sometimes it must be done..)
    Someone told Phantor that Zebadash the Mage is a wild party animal who gets his way with the women through a simple nod and a flash of a crooked smile. Phantor will never be speaking to this person again, and in fact wonders if Reynn could see to that.
    Who is this other Gatekeeper, Grace, that Caladan has apparently taken under his wing? Is “Gatekeepering” something you can catch like a cold, or the plague? Phantor always thought it was a bit more complicated that finding a set of shiny keys and convincing someone to show you what to do with them? If that’s not the case, Phantor has a whole draw of interesting Keys that just must serve some purpose…
    And how can Phantor’s ramblings not mention Reman? There, now it hasn’t.
    Could it be that the famous Captain Grey is coming out of retirement? Locals near Grey’s Farm in Zurek report that the still-buff hero has been seen stalking along the wall that divides his land from his neighbor, farmer Gann, broadsword in hand. Has the simple life finally gotten to the great Champion?
    And lastly Phantor must report that the final resting place of Umbar Churchson has been desecrated and his body removed. Phantor would also like to assure all of his loyal followers that no proof can be found that the grave was dug out from the inside.
    And more than lastly, where’s Segial? Is Phantor the only one that gets nervous when he drops out of sight for a time?
    ‘Ta, ‘till next time!

A NOTE ON COSTUMING

Some minor confusion occurred last game because more than one NPC was caught wearing similar garb. While the staff tries to avoid this as much as possible we only have a limited costume wardrobe and often have to use the same pieces of clothing repeatedly in a session, or across multiple sessions. When an NPC is important enough, we’ll create a specific “look” for that NPC that carries over from session to session, and generally you’ll know when that happens. In other instances, please rely on the NPC’s name badge for certain identity.
    Some confusion about masks has also arisen, and its completely our fault. It is the staff’s intention that masks are a special “tell” that marks a powerful Supernatural Being (like a god) or hides some powerful supernatural effect (so Bax’s mask was OK, but his nametag should have read “Cursed” or some-such…) Bottom line, no masks as character bits or accessories. Only the Gods and Cursed can style like that.

AND YOUR FAVORITES WERE...

...for the May 2000 Session–

PCs— Gretchen (Margaret Landreth)
Gwenneth (Melinda Theilbar)
Alad (Doug Tabb)

NPCs— Chad Brinkley
Kevin Stein

Congrats all!

A LETTER FROM THE CASTELLAN...

Humble greetings and salutations from myself, the members of the Ram’s Head Tavern, and the Kingdom of Kellar. I write today bearing more good news.
    The trade negotiations between myself and Count Amar went very well indeed. The new price for the bolts of fabric was accepted, and the Duke sends letters of a re-negotiated agreement for Your Majesty to sign. I believe that the terms are fair and equitable. They are indeed giving us quite a discount compared to their other clients, thus helping us with the grim job of post war restoration. Enclosed, please find the Duke’s letters, as well as a letter of recommendation from Viscount Reynn, supporting the negotiation and ensuing agreement.
    Also, you will find yet another letter from the Mirin gentleman Retic, giving us the names of the best shipwrights that he knows in Mirin, in hopes of helping us perhaps create a better navy and merchant marine. I bow to Your Majesty’s knowledge of the right thing to do, but I genuinely believe that even these small pieces of advice help our beloved Kaleth greatly.
    Maribeth’s Faire was delightful, and they have even imported one of Robin Goodfellow’s “Sir Swifty” plays here, and adapted it for puppets! Most delightful.
    Please excuse the conversational nature of my last sentence , Your Most Gracious Majesty, but I was most carried away by the experience.
    You will also find a number of gifts among the things I send with this letter. I have purchased a shield charm and a lovely short sword for Your Majesty, which I give to you with humble humility and thanks for the small responsibility that You have seen fit to charge me with.
    As an incidental note Your Most Magnificent Highness, I was quite pleased and surprised to find among the denizens of the Ram’s Head two rather amazing young people. I found myself acquainted with an astoundingly polite young man named Luther, who, though he is a humble peasant himself, seems to have an amazing grasp on courtly etiquette. I also was quite pleased that Robin Goodfellow has had the sense to teach his new apprentice, Harmony, common courtesy and manners. She was very nice. If this is the youth of Kaleth, we are indeed in for a very bright future.

Who is this man?
Why does he keep writing me letters?
-HRH AJB

FROM THE FRONT DESK

Well, it took some work (far more than it should have, but ain’t that the way of it?) but we’ve found ourselves an outdoor game site. Its Camp Tuckabatchee in Ottawa, Il, a few miles north of I-80 just a bit east of the Lasalle—Peru area (home of a particular Long John Silver’s restaurant that has to be owned and operated by the Inbred Clan.) Information about the site and the next session will appear on the website very soon, so watch for it. We’ll hold off on talking more about that until we see you. (One thing though, we will need to know almost immediately how many players believe they can make the game. Its important for budgeting and pre-paying the site fees.)
    In other news, the web site (www.shadowpath.com/gateway) now has a live chat area, called (oddly enough) the Ram’s Head Tavern. Its accessible off the main Discussion Board page and is open 24/7. It seems very popular so far, though the patrons’ timing could be better since many of them seem to enter just as another is leaving…
    Speaking of the web page, a couple of quick points—
    Please use the online Session Registration Page even if you know you are not coming (tell us “no”.) Having that information early on keeps us from wondering as time grows short…
    And while we are very very very happy that traffic has increased on the Discussion Board it should not be used in place of email. If you have a message or comment for one or two people in particular, please use email. Thanks. Its appreciated by those of us still on lowly modems…
    Once Alex gets his computer situation resolved and we get the rules finalized we are going to begin a concerted effort at local recruitment. Though this is probably a few months off, please start thinking now about where we could post fliers or brochures and what local groups we should be sure to get the information too. And, as always, keep beating the bushes close to home. A personal recommendation is preferred over a walk-in, so now’s your chance!
    That’s it for now. See ya’ll at the game.
-The Staff

DATE: July 8—9th 2000 (overnight!)

LOCATION: Camp Tuckabatchee,
Ottawa, IL

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This edition of the Gateway Chronicle was created by:
    War Stories - Rob Nichols (and the Gateway players)
    Castellan POV - Bob Hollister
    Layout, Production, and additional writing: Tom Dowd

The Gateway Chronicles Staff
    Creator and Gamemaster: Alex Grey (neverwhen@earthlink.net)
    Gamemaster, blah, blah, blah. : Tom Dowd (GatewayGM@ix.netcom.com)
    Resident Torturer: Chad Brinkley (brinkley@students.wisc.edu)
    Game Coordinator: Dawn Nystul (ElvenDawn@excite.com)
    Archivist and Reckless Poet: Dan Grendel (spiceweasel@home.com)
    Webmasters: Tom Dowd and Doug Tabb (dougtabb@aol.com) 
  

 Gateway Chronicles (c) 2000 Alex Grey