FROM THE BLACK DESK - September / October 1997
aka "Better Late Than Never"

I have been stricken with a long bout of real life. No reason to be concerned or send ‘Get Well’ cards - I am recovering and it looks like I will be back to spending most of my time in fantasy land any day now. Huzzah!
    While I was off dealing with mundane concerns like freelance writing assignments, headcolds and job interviews I neglected the LARP and failed to get the Chronicles out. Time to get back on track. Because of all the Diet Coke I drink my memory ain’t what it should be so some of the details of the last two sessions are foggy.
    If you remember important details about the last two sessions that I have forgotten to mention, please post them to the web site (if you don’t have Email access jot them down and give them to Dawn). If I get enough of this kind of information I will send out a Chronicle 7/8 Update that will fill in the blanks for everybody.

So much for our plans for an overnighter. Summer is over and Dawn’s costume is becoming impractical. As we move into the holiday season the campaign seems to be taking hold as a long-term proposition. The rules have moved from rough draft to playtest, we have a web site and we are establishing a communal collection of armor and costumes for use by newcomers.    
    We had a record number of new players this session and it looks like most of them will be back for more. Welcome aboard one and all. Lets keep up the recruitment effort - it looks like the system can support more players and as I suspected the dynamics of the game function better with a large group. The web site created and maintained by the illustrious Tom ‘Kedrick’ Dowd will be very useful as a recruitment tool. Thanks again Tom.

WAR STORIES - Session Seven

The Gateway opened in Zurek, in the home of Thexter, son of the recently deceased Ammon the Archivist, White Wizard of Zurek. Thexter was holding a kind of estate sale and hit the jackpot when a group of adventurers pooled their resources to buy his father’s library in its entirety.
    Captain Gray finally returned from his trip to the Abyss. From all reports he wasn’t his usual sturdy self. One of his eyes had been ripped out, one of his arms was nearly useless and he walked with a limp. Apparently his injuries were so extensive that a year at Wellspring wasn’t enough to heal them all. The Captain wasn’t wearing his runesword and by the end of the day we wasn’t wearing his watch either. Gray was apparently concerned about his weakened state because he asked Kobar to help him look after the Inn.
    The Gatekeeper opened the day’s events by announcing that he was taking on Risisin Oreth as an
 apprentice. He explained to those who asked that Risisin would be taking over as Gatekeeper when he was ready. Risisin assisted the Gatekeeper in his duties throughout the day.
    During Risisin’s first use of the scrying pool he was taken by a second vision that has nothing to do with the Gateway. It was later explained that the ‘vision’ was actually prophecy, which makes Risisin a Prophet.
    Volo Turell is still missing and rumors about him seemed to be everywhere. Few know the truth but many now suspect that Volo is much more than he appeared to be and that he has more to do with the Gatekeeper than seeing to the Ram’s Head and her patrons.
    Kedrick showed up wearing his Inquisitor’s robes, which was a bit of a surprise because the Church disbanded the Inquisition. The Inquisitor and Andor the Crusader were seen having a lengthy discussion that must have been fascinating but ultimately nonproductive because Kedrick refused to change his colors.
    Several adventurers witnessed a heated exchange between Count Skye and Captain Owl, which ended with Owl slapping the Count full on the face. Many were curious but few were brave enough to ask what enraged her.
    There were a lot of Expeditions this time around. Counting the Magic Map Expedition initiated by Risisin and the Expedition into the woods led by Captain Gray there were eight Expeditions total.
    One of the Portal Expeditions opened on an Execution. Somehow that Expedition found its way into the forest lair of what they described as an ‘earth elemental’ - a living mountain that killed three of the five of them, including a Demonspawn named Darkrose, a Priest of Telexus and Count Christopher Skye of Evangar. Only Captain Owl and Darshan returned. Owl is said to have returned with a named weapon that may have had something to do with the fact that she is now Commander Owl.
    Sheep. Deadly dangerous sheep.
    No one knows what really happened but some say that one of the last Expeditions of the day had some serious trouble dealing with a herd of sheep. This may be a fanciful tale or a malicious rumor but there were several adventurers who crept out of the Inn looking - um - well - sheepish...

We played at the home of Kurt and Vicki Martin, which seemed well suited to our costumed shenanigans. I’m not sure the realtor who was showing the house next door agreed and we got some strange looks from the people hanging out on their porch. All the excitement was too much for their back porch, which nearly gave out in the middle of a vision.
    Dawn is starting to hit her stride as gamemaster. We actually had name badges and we were much better organized than last time. Things can only get better from here on out.
    Kevin ‘Captain Rhys’ MacGregor, Shard (Vrexir), Dawn ‘Autumn’ Nystul and your truly all served as Judges. The Expeditions seemed to go very well indeed.
    Eileen ‘Rhianna’ Malony and Lori ‘Catherine’ Ralston prepared our meal, which was delicious, nutritious and abundant. Like many of you I gorged myself (Lori nearly killed me with her luscious chocolate death balls).

Your three favorite player characters for Session Seven were Risisin the Kytheri Gatekeeper (as portrayed by David Simkins), Reman (as portrayed by Marc Blumberg) and the inimitable Segial (as portrayed by Doug Tabb).

Again more players and a lot of out of town guests, largely because it was the 10th anniversary of the Nystul marriage. After the game we had a party in the basement of the Community House. Doug ‘Nolan/Segial" Tabb took a group photo that he will be giving Dawn and I as an anniversary gift. I’m looking forward to seeing how it turned out.

WAR STORIES - Session Eight

According to various bards, scholars, diviners and priests there was some kind of astrological conjunction, an alignment that was significant to many of those in attendance and for many different reasons.
    A legendary Knight of the White Rose named Dumas and his entourage visited the Ram’s Head. Apparently the order had asked him to meet with Commander Rhys and determine whether he was worthy of sponsorship.
    Near the end of the day a Black Knight came for Dumas and he was slain. In the aftermath Rhys was invited to join the order and was awarded the Rose worn by Sir Dumas, which had turned black after his fatal duel.
    Congratulations to Sir Rhys, our first Knight of the White Rose and to Kevin MacGregor, who plays him.
    It was the Druidical high holiday of Renewal. Throughout the day the druid priestess Branwyn consulted with many of the adventurers in attendance as part of some sort of ritual that was supposed to have more influence than usual over the lives of the celebrants because of the Conjunction.
    There were persistent rumors that the High Elves were up to something that were acerbated by the unexplained presence of a Master of the Bladesong. Early in the day the Clarite crystals carried by several adventurers ‘burned out’ a mysterious occurrence that seemed to alarm several of the mages, especially those known to have been suspicious of the High Elves and their motives.
    All of the Portal Expeditions led to some kind of elaborate labyrinth which was full of deadly traps and puzzles, many of which involved keys of various kinds. There were a few casualties along the way, including two adventurers who lost their wits and Hunter, who was turned to stone by the venom of some foul beast.
    The adventurers were sorely tested by these challenges but they persevered despite many setbacks and frustrations. Drexus Shendari accompanied the final Expedition of the day. The Gatekeeper took his keys and Captain Gray with him. Shendari and Gray both returned but Shendari seemed shaken by what he experienced and promptly turned over the mantle of Gatekeeper to Risisin Oreth.
    At the end of the day a trumpet sounded whose call knew no boundaries and which stirred the souls of most of the adventurers gathered at the Ram’s Head. Later, those in attendance would learn that the trumpet was heard throughout the Realm. No one knows for sure what it was or what it was meant to herald but it was said to be the note which would invite the Old Gods worshiped by the Pantheists back to a land which had forsaken them.

Credit Where Credit Is Due - Session Eight

Another session at the Hollywood Community House. Jon ‘Alejandro’ Marcus and Kurt ‘Turan’ Martin served as Judges. I ran more Expeditions than ever before and as a result had no idea what was going on in the Ram’s Head (I won’t be making that mistake again). Diane Donohue made some kinda yummy chicken thingy and some salad.

Your three favorite player characters this Session Eight were Kedrik the Inquisitor (as portrayed by Tom Dowd), Kithkirian the High Elf (as portrayed by Chad Brinkley), Robin Goodfellow the bard (as portrayed by Aaron Loeb) and Segial (once again portrayed by Doug Tabb).
    Normally you can’t win the voting twice in a row, but according to Flake those empowered to take the tally couldn’t remember who won the voting last time and I was busy ‘dancing around’ when they were trying to figure it out so they guessed and Segial slipped by. Due to the rarely invoked ‘dancing around’ clause I am obligated to let the ruling stand. Besides, I think Segial is funky-fresh.

The amount of time I spend at the Ram’s Head Tavern is so small compared to the rest of my life; a tiny sliver from a great tree. Yet my time at that tavern, with those who flock to it, is some of the most important time of my life.
    I am Christopher Skye, Count of Pelinar in the Barony of Galil, Duchy of Evangar. I serve two lords- the great god Dain, blessed be his name, and Morgan Winterborne, Duke of Evangar and rightful king of Kaleth. Some would say, given Morgan’s apparent views, that those two services would be in opposition to one another. I say they are not. Morgan and I do not oppose the Holy Dain - we just disagree with his self-appointed messengers and spokesmen.
    In an average year, I spend much of my time in Evangar, doing the tasks that my Lord Winterborne assigns me. Chief amongst these is the management of Pelinar, a small county in the Barony of Galil. Pelinar has always been home to the family of Skye, as far back as the time of the Freeholds. Mine is a proud family, rich in material wealth and intelligence, if not actually of noble blood.
    My father, Richard Skye, died the very year I was born. I grew up knowing I would inherit the lands and name of Skye. I am determined to do him proud. I learned from those I deemed worthy. Sir Callowell was my best teacher and friend. He was hard when proper and soft when allowed. From him I learned much of the ways of war, of discipline, and of the training of men. One of Callowell’s best lessons was this - ‘I have many friends in the Army. But I would trade all of them for one competent sergeant. Because a sergeant will be there when you can’t; leading the men, cursing them, babying them, all in your name. If your men believe in that sergeant, they’ll believe in you. And thats the difference between winning a battle and losing one.’ It was good advice and I saw no reason not to use it as Count of Pelinar. My counselors, foremen and chancellors are not always friendly with me, nor I with them. But to a man they are what I consider to be ‘competent sergeants’. So when I return to my home I find that the ‘battle’ has rarely been lost. This trust and wise management is what allows me the freedom to travel as much as I do.
    I like to meet with those I have so much power over, so much responsibility for. I want the people, from nobleman to common serf, to see their lord and learn his measure. I cannot heal all ails or turn straw into gold, but I know from my time as a soldier that a man works better and longer with something in his belly and a dry place to sleep. Double that if you can say the same for his family.
    I spread the wealth with a copper here, some food there, and blankets to that farm just over the hill. Evangar is old and strained, like a good racehorse that has been beaten by a cruel and unwise master. Slowly, milord Morgan and I will nurse her back to the shining beauty she once was. And then let the world see how far and fast she runs!
    Much of the other nobility do not like me. Not because I do not come from one of the "old" families, though that is bad enough in their eyes. And I doubt it is because I have sided with Morgan against the Church of Dain, though that is what many of the hypocrites say. No, they do not like me because of my time and efforts with the common folk. Peasants in other parts of Evangar compare me with their own lords and whisper how things are better in Pelinar.
    Whispers bother those nobles who look upon their workers as cattle, as property. Whispers speak of discontent that could lead to rebellion. And rebellion is such a bother, it might cause one to miss lunch. I do not advocate rebellion; if I am ever dissatisfied with my lord, I shall take steps to remove myself from his domain. And I say let the lower classes do the same. If a serf is unhappy with the way I rule, let him then freely move to a land where such things suit him better. Or, if he has heard of my style and likes the cut of it, then let him come to my lands and try it on. The second most important duty I do for my liege is to be his lightning rod. I speak often and freely of my views, which I believe to be mirrored by Duke Winterborne. The reactions I receive find their way to his ears, that he might know the thoughts and minds of others.
    I cross lines he dare not, lest our land be torn by civil war. But I do not seek to incite, but to persuade. Not to cause trouble, but to prevent it. While Dain is our spiritual lord and we do not forsake him, my Lord Winterborne and I fiercely believe that He would not want his worshipers oppressed and slain. We may not be priests, but we know in our hearts we are correct. A pity those who kill in his name do not. So it is that I receive dark stares and pointed looks whenever I am in the presence of Church officials.
    I shall draw the lightning for my lord, so that he may know from whence it strikes.

POETIC LICENSE
The Songs and Stories of our illustrious Bards

The Great Hackings and Slashings of the Glorious Captain Owl
Written & Performed By Robyn Tish As Feloria

Listen close - a tale to tell
of Great Adventure and Glory following
in this place where heroes dwell
All the way down to Rams Head Inn. 

Hear this time - the story told
of darkness trounced and evil defeated
of one courageous, strong and bold
winning the day with fierce control. 

Enter here our hero - warrior
Elven friend and Captain clear
Hear her name whispered in reverence
‘That Glorious Owl has passed by here.’

Now Captain Owl - she has a thought
to enter a gate to places foreign and
in these lands was where she sought
an object of greatest evilness.

but -

Before she can fulfill her quest
out pop 50 accursed lizard men
in this part - as you might have guessed
our glorious Captain leads the way.

See her cutting out enemy gizzards
Handedly and with great skill
and see her slash her way through lizards
looking for 50 more to kill. 

Now before all is said and done
a horrible lady-snake and demoness
tries her best to spoil the fun
but then she finds herself dead instead. 

Now Owl turns to her former quest
of searching for the evil monolith
but before she can there’s one more test
of her great skill and bravery.

More of the same snake demon species
are waiting who malicious grins
Owl hacks them all to pieces
Before they can even repent their sins. 

Now that this herd fought battle is won
the ebony monolith - finally found
Now see here our glorious Captain
lending a hand to bring it down. 

So Captain Owl - once thought notorious
now has her day to be victorious
changed her fate - and changed the story thus -
Now they call her the glorious!

The Glorious Captain Owl.

No matter what your character in the Gateway Chronicles, this is a section you should read. It describes the various ranks of nobility and their order of importance.
    It also explains what the proper and expected behavior towards nobility is, which is vitally important, since flouting it (even without knowing) could have undesirable consequences for your character.
    The ranks of nobility in the Gateway Chronicles are, in order of importance:

King or Queen
Duke or Duchess
Baron or Baroness
Count or Countess
Viscount or Viscountess
Lord or Lady (a title also applied to children who have not yet inherited rank from their parent)
Knight (this is not a title per se, Knights are addressed as Sir)

Historical Note: In the history of the real world, a Baron would rank below a Viscount and above a Knight, so don’t confuse them here.
    Lord and Lady are also not historical titles, but ways of addressing nobility. The proper way to address a noble is by their title (such as Duke Montrose), or by milord or milady.
    Remember that this is not modern America with a presumably classless and equal society. And if a noble demands that you adhere to this courtesy, this is not arrogance on their part (rather, it would be construed as utter ignorance or rudeness on your part).
    Viscountess Charmeaux (my character who was selling mining rights and ended up marrying Lord Whitehall) seemed to have acquired a reputation for being haughty, but she only berated characters for two reasons: failure to use her title, or interrupting her in the middle of a conversation. Remember that being adventurers does NOT entitle you to consider yourself an equal in any way to a noble.
    What if you don’t like nobility, or the noble isn’t from your part of the kingdom? This doesn’t matter, you should treat all nobles with the proper respect.
    Even today, if you were to meet Queen Elizabeth, I would hope none of you would barge right up and say "Hey, Liz, how’s it hanging?" Similarly, if you were to meet the President of the United States, chances are you would accord the office a certain respect, whether or not you liked the person currently holding that office.
    Branwyn, being a druid, thinks everyone should be considered equal, and yet she is always courteous to the nobles that she meets. She does not like the subservience implied by the terms milord or milady, and thus simply addresses nobles by their title.
    Here are some other guidelines for non-nobles speaking to nobles:

• Wait to be addressed or acknowledged by the noble
• Never interrupt the nobility when they are speaking
• Keep a respectful physical distance
• When granted an audience, it is appropriate to bow or curtsy (a peasant should practically be eating mud at the feet of a duke whereas a rich merchant may just bow to the waist)

Note that the second and third items are again, simply common courtesy that we should be applying in everyday social situations today. There are other characters that also deserve an extra measure of respect automatically because of their station. This includes wizards, priests (of any faith), and anyone who has a title on their nametag (such as Captains, Loremasters, or Commanders).
    According to Mike, healers are a precious commodity and it should be considered rare or unusual for healing to take place without an offer of compensation (take note, ungrateful slackards - and you know who you are!). Crusaders also deserve special mention - there are less than two dozen of them in the world (the best of them are the leaders of the Church’s armies).
    Another etiquette tip for all situations: If you have a real knife or sword in your costume, it must be peacebonded (peacebonding is when the blade is tied in the sheath so that it cannot be easily drawn). Live weapons must never be drawn without the express permission of the Captain of the Guard.

OUT OF CHARACTER
Inside jokes for the etiquette impaired

NOTE: Black Mike here - before we get too far into this I just wanted to say that this is NOT MY FAULT - I repeat - I HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS other than cutting and pasting it into the newsletter. I’m going to have to insist that YOU DON’T BLAME ME FOR THIS ONE. You have lots of legitimate gripes I’m sure but THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM because THIS IS NOT MY DOING.
    This is for all you ladies who frequent the Ram’s Head Tavern and have often wondered at the variety of menfolk there. As a service to you all, Hunter and Autumn have done extensive and exhaustive research to bring you:

DISCLAIMER: This list is purely for fun. It is not meant to insult or demean any player or their characters. We just thought it would be some good color for the game.

Darshan: This one comes magically active and is new enough that if he has any bad habits, you can probably still train him out of them. Rumor has it, he’s been studying swordplay and needs a practice partner. If only we could convince him to wear tights.

Captain Grey: Born to wield a sword and wear tights, this one is older and more experienced, but slightly damaged from misuse. He’s a man who likes to be in command. Perfect for the woman who is looking for someone to lavish with kindness and obey.

Kantr: For those who like nibbling on pointed ears, this one is your perfect choice. Trained in both magic and swordplay, but still young enough to be enthusiastic and willing to learn. Nice, long hair to run your fingers through too.

Kobar: Long and lean, this one has a pure heart and long hands. Versed in many forms of hand-to-hand combat, he is willing to teach, and great for the lady who likes to wrestle and doesn’t care who wins. Ask him if you can see his tattoos.

Captain Morkoth: For the woman who wants a man she can change, this one is perfect. Formerly a member of the Legion of the Damned, he’s looking to change his image and the right woman would be a big help. Strong warrior arms, he’s probably more suited to those who like things a little rough.

Nolan: Here’s a man who’s not afraid to show off his assets. Nice legs, lovely blue eyes. Wonder what’s behind that mask. Perfect for the woman who likes a man of mystery.

Reman: If you’re looking for a good sense of humor and keen fashion sense, here’s one for you. Widely traveled and widely studied, he’s sure to provide a woman with a taste for adventure and a few new and different ideas. You can bet he’ll have a name for every one.

Risisin: A man with power and job security, not to mention delightful eyes and great hair. Here’s man who’s going places and can take you with him. Don’t let his soft manner fool you, he has power to spare. Soon, he’ll be the Gatekeeper. Oh, the places you’ll go.

Captain Rys: If you like someone to order you around, here’s the perfect man. He’s large and in charge. A man who’s always on top. With an entire company of men at his command, he’s sure to be able to satisfy your every desire.

Turan: Shoulders, shoulders, shoulders and buns of steel. For the woman who likes them big and strong, this one knows how to do things equally well with both hands. Sorry, nonhumans or magic users, though he’s not a Crusader (thank the spirits), this one’s a dedicated Dainite.

Honorable mention to some ineligible bachelors;

Jacko Delight: Sorry, ladies, but rumor has it that Jacko is much more interested in the other bachelors than he is in us.

Kedrick: Married to the church of Dain and what a shame. Another pair of lovely eyes, but, rumor has it he’s taken a vow of chastity. Is it chastity or just that he’s afraid of a relationship? We may need to investigate this further.

Andor: A devoted crusader for Dain, he has strength and devotion on his side.

However, there is that chastity problem. Need we say more?

For those of you not on this list, we created it from our own personal experience.

Anyone interested in being included in our next research project, please apply in person. Sorry, guys; Draekor and Demonspawn need not apply.

Gateway Chronicles Copyright (c) 1997, 2000 by Alex Gray