Gateway Chronicle - October1999

THE GATEWAY CHRONICLE
October 1999

Link to September 1999 Pictures!

WAR STORIES: September 1999

The Twilight of Magic raised devastating whirlwinds throughout the Desolation, effectively cutting Kaleth in half. In the south, the desperate forces of Argoth, Vathos, the Church of Dain and some of the Rams Head Tavern strove to push the forces of the Empire off Kaleth soil. In the north, a different sort of battle raged - the apparent rebellion by High General Morgan Winterborne against the sovereign rule of King Anton Jurel-Blacksteel. Winterborne proclaimed himself "Arch-duke" and assumed control of Evangar, while still maintaining his control of the Royal Army. King Jurel, rightly concerned that Winterborne was making a play for the throne of Kaleth, demanded an explanation. It was arranged that the two feuding nobles would meet in the small town of Fhalen's Rush to parlay, with members of the Rams Head Tavern in attendance.
    The day began with the arrival of Jurel's supporters at the parlay site; these being Countess Rhianna (Eileen Malony) Jacko Delight (Lou Klozik) and Captain Korinth (Dave Simkins). The Winterborne's supporters, Commander Owl (Corrie Hrubes) and Captain Gaconovik (Mike Malony) soon joined these three. Also in attendance were a number of important persons such as Sir Martyn Kole (Phillip Kelly), Bishop Lanella Fredo (Lori Ralston) and Lord Andreaeus Winterborne (Randy Meyer...we think) brother of the High General. At this time decrees of safe passage and conduct were exchanged and discussion began about the forms to be used for the parlay. Many other Rams Head members arrived during this time and looked upon these "formalities" with a mixture of amusement, disappointment, and disinterest.
    There was more interest in the unexpected arrival of Eldred (Alex Gray) and apparently Kithkirian (Chad Brinkley) The Rams Head thought that Kithkirian had perished some time ago, sacrificing himself to slay the physical form of the dreaded and evil Mox. However, Eldred explained that Kithkirian had been seemingly saved (or was he a ghost as some believed?) and appointed "Guardian of the Legend". It is not widely known if the Keeper of the White Gates or the cryptic High Elf ever explained what this title meant. In any event, Kithkirian departed shortly after this announcement, and after consulting with many of the more magically inclined of the Rams Head, so did Eldred.
    At this time Korinth received word that bandits had been raiding the King's supplies and were suspected of hiding in Vander House, an ancient and abandoned manor to the north of Fhalen's Rush. Korinth dispatched an expedition to investigate, which included Gehren (Mike Skyhorse), Andor (Rob Wilson), Ivan (James Silverstein), Esmay (Lis Shoenberger), and Charleston Jr. (Dan Silver). On the way the party found Autumn (Dawn Nystul) asleep in the woods. Upon waking she explained that the Elf Wood had not been destroyed in the attack that claimed the Duchy of Thallarin. The Elves had had a premonition that something "bad" was coming and had "moved" the Elf Wood to the realm of Fairie. The only way to the Elf Wood now was by way of the "shadow roads" like people use when going to Morigann's Ring. Autumn explained that she had had trouble finding such a road and that she found Kaleth very tiring these days.
    With Autumn now in attendance, the expedition went forward and discovered that the "bandits" were the vanguard of an Imperial army that had landed in the north. However, the trek through the northern wastes had been hard on the Empire's soldiers and so despite being vastly outnumbered, the valiant members of the Rams Head decimated the Imperials and recovered some of the King's supplies.
    Meanwhile, discussions circulated through the parlay site as members of each faction went about making their case. Colored armbands were offered as a symbol of support for one side or the other. But while some, such as members of the Falcon Guard, chose to remain firmly neutral on the subject, it quickly became clear that a majority supported King Jurel.
    Robin Goodfellow (Aaron Loeb) then arrived and began arranging expeditions of his own. Using some sort of glass lens, the enigmatic bard was able to open portals and take expeditions through. One such group, including Liam (Kevin Stein), Malachi (Jason Rownd), and Gweneth (Melinda Thielbar) went to a world without magic, heroism, or legend. There they were arrested and thrown into a madhouse, since in that world only madmen believed in such things. However, they encountered an old man in the madhouse who claimed to be Valdar, God of Valorous Knights. Upon being "knighted", the party was invigorated and lead an uprising against the guards of the madhouse - evil-looking men who bore a resemblance to Dark Elves. Upon their escape from the madhouse, the party returned to Kaleth.
    Another of these expeditions took a group that included Captain Swift (Rich Grey) before a huge dragon, rumored to be the oldest and most powerful of the worms still in existence. The dragon was not happy for several reasons, one of which was the reduction in the level of magic. He warned that if the level were not restored, he and his kind would vanish from memory. Another thing that made the dragon unhappy was the spear in his side, which the Rams Headers removed.
    While this was going on, General Winterborne (Tom Dowd) arrived at the parlay site. He met with several people and tried to explain that his actions were out of desperation. The King was ignoring his veteran advice and Kaleth was suffering because of it. Winterborne claimed he did not want the throne, but would do what was necessary to see to it that Kaleth was not lost because the King did not trust his General. After trying to make this point, Winterborne retired to a nearby inn to meet with his advisors.
At this time news came that a nearby refugee camp had been gutted by fire and that relief supplies were desperately need. With the King's supplies reduced by assaults by the Empire, General Winterborne released some of his and ordered Korinth to see to their delivery. For this purpose, Aladremmory-Bex (Doug Tabb), Arthur (Josh Rowe), Xandar (Omar Gonzalez), Kantr (Tony Hrubes) were dispatched. Accompanying them were Rognar the Barbarian (Stan Laff) and his dwarf-friend Nalk (Scott Gorski). This party left Fhalen's Rush with three wagon-loads of supplies. Along the way they encountered a traveling merchant whose wares were exactly like those the refugees would need, so the group purchased his wagons as well. Then they encountered a contingent of Jurel's troops guarding a river crossing. Their commander was very loath to allow the group to pass, as the humanitarian gesture could possibly generate support for Winterborne. However, the Rams Head members swore they would not make a political gesture out of their actions and eventually convinced the commander to let them proceed. Upon arriving at the desolate encampment, the party discovered that it had been taken over by a strong man and his band of toughs. However, the Rams Headers made short work of these bullies and left the camp in much better shape than they found it.
    While this transpired, Korinth dispatched another party to find the rest of the Imperial army that had plundered the King's supplies. This group included Ivan, Gehren, Malachi and Captain Swift. They trekked far into the chilly northlands backtracking the Imperial troops when the party came upon two women desperately trying to hold onto an old man who was sinking into the ground. The party swiftly discovered that they had blundered onto a sinkhole, but were able to rescue everyone without too much difficulty. The expedition then ran into a group of Imperial scouts who were setting up some sort of signaling poles along the path of their army's advance. The Rams Head members disposed of them and then lured the rest of the Empire troopers onto the sinkhole. Using their various abilities, the Imperial survivors were decimated.
    King Jurel-Blacksteel (Chad Brinkley) arrived at the parlay site and began to hold an informal court. Jacko managed the audience list as many took this opportunity to meet with the King of Kaleth. Shortly thereafter Baron Galil of Evangar arrived and quickly made an enemy of Rognar. Elestan (Alex Gray) also seemed interested in the good Baron. But it was Ivan who struck the deepest chord by claiming to hear the spiritual voice of the Baron's cousin, Christopher Skye. Baron Galil was not amused by this notion and ended up shouting at Ivan to stop his prattling.
    After finishing with his audiences, King Jurel performed several ceremonies. He not only promoted Rhianna to the rank of Baroness, but also elevated Jacko to Viscount and Korinth to Knight. The others in attendance met these actions with praise and speculation. The King then took his leave to confer with his councilors.
    About this time, a minor noble of Zurek, Dorian Thane (Gary Kloster) approached Baroness Rhianna with some sort of message. This led the Baroness to gather a party and temporarily depart the parlay site. Her group apparently had a number of mystic and spiritual encounters relating to the history of Kaleth and the line of Winterborne kings. They also were told that an assassin was stalking the parlay site, determined to foil any reconciliation between the General and the King. Unfortunately, their source had no idea who the assassin was or who his target might be.
    Goodfellow also began his strangest portal yet, as he took a group to confront the Brax, God of Gladiators. Brax explained that with the reduction in magic, he and many of his fellow gods were considering leaving world on which Kaleth resides. But he was interested in seeing if any heroes still existed and challenged the Rams Head to provide a champion for him to fight. First Commander Owl was spirited before him and seemingly slew Brax. But because Owl called upon the power of Dain to defeat him, Brax was restored. The God of Gladiators was not interested in a contest of gods, but rather a show of courage and heroism. He wanted a mortal to fight him, despite those impossible odds. Brax fought several members of the Rams Head and defeated them all; included Rognar, who was beaten to death with his dwarf-friend Nokk. In disappointment, Brax revived his opponents and sent everyone back to the parlay site. Goodfellow was undeterred and convinced the god to let the Rams Head have another go. Eventually, the god found what he was looking for in Arthur. Drawing upon the spiritual support of his companions, the brash member of the Falcon Guard was slain seven times before delivering a blow that sufficiently impressed Brax.
    Meanwhile the parlay finally began on a rather somber note, as Captain Gray (Alex Grey) brought the traitor Tomas Vamadrexus (Dan Silver) before the King for judgment. Tomas claimed that it was the infighting between the King and the General that convinced him to make a deal with the Empire. He also feared that since the King could not protect his sister, the King could not protect Vathos either. Apparently unmoved by this display, the King formally declared Tomas to be a traitor and ordered his execution, which Captain Gray carried out.
    General Winterborne then returned and the parlay began in earnest, with Winterborne explaining that is proclamation was a means to get the King's attention and that he had no desire for the throne. He and the King discussed again their differing ideologies regarding how the war should be fought. The General insisted on using Kellar mercenaries to train Kaleth's troops in the ways and tactics of the Empire, while the King remained concerned about the moral path this would lead Kaleth down. Eventually the King relented and agreed to allow General Winterborne to fight the war his way. King Jurel insisted, however, that Winterborne would not have been in a position to make his proclamation without the help of Commander Owl and announced his intention to punish her. Winterborne and several others objected, offering to take the punishment in her stead. The King reluctantly agreed that after the conclusion of the war, Winterborne would step down from his post and take Owl's punishment instead.
    With that issue settled, the parlay appeared to have ended successfully. However, at that moment, Sir Martyn Kole drew a hand-cannon from his clothing and shot at General Winterborne. By some miracle, the shot missed and Kole was immediately slain by King Jurel. An investigation is currently underway to determine the parties and reasons behind Kole's assassination attempt.

THE RUMOR MILL

Phantor remains in hid-seclusion- until the end of the war. Through a third party, he encourages everyone with the power to bring about a conclusion to the war to do so...he's very crabby without his favorite bread and tea.

POV: Alad's Letter
By Doug Tabb

Unto my noble companion and friend, Paladus Ryus, greetings from Aladremmory-Bex, now honored member of the Falcon Guard.
I hope this letter find its way to you, and that you are well and triumphant in your ongoing efforts against the Empire. I pray that someday I can return to Kellar and that we can return to the quiet life of slaying demons and rescuing orphans. (Something which I'll soon be engaging in even here ... but I get ahead of myself.)
    Forgive my mirth. I have been using it lately to cover a recent unpleasant turn of events. You know that Kaleth's war against the Empire has been catastrophic, almost beyond words. Most of Thallarin, a good quarter of the continent, has been dropped beneath the sea by Empire magic. I personally fear that unless some measures are taken directly against the rulers of the Empire, Kaleth's victory is in doubt.
    I have slept little, spending nearly all my waking hours on the battlefield ... at least until recently. During the battles in defense of the Crusaders Citidel in Argoth (I'm certain you can see the irony in that) I... succumbed to the dark urges we've always feared and fought so hard to repress. I turned. I felt evilness within me the likes of which I thought I could never feel, and it felt disgustingly natural. Since that battle, I have been less useful on the field, distracted and unsure, and have nearly fallen on more than one occasion. I know that this had to have been caused by some magic of the Empire, for I know my self-discipline is great, but I fear I have been badly shaken. I wish that you were here to aid me in regaining my self-assurance.
    Other events assault my thoughts as well. I am certain now that the gods of the Pantheon are real ... that I am not imagining them. I feel foolish for doubting these past several months. Thinking my energies might be better employed off the battlefield for a change, I attended the latest gathering of the Rams Head Tavern at the parlay between King Jurel and his commander of the Armies, Lord Winterborne. While there, I could sense somehow, the presence of Amagon drawing closer to me. A priest among the Tavern members who I have told you about, Simon, was distressed physically and mentally throughout the day, as he seemed to be channeling the wishes of Amagon. He mentioned things.... about me.... that I find most disturbing, and which we should discuss at length when next we meet. I was also asked to attend and support young Arthur, a fellow member of the Falcon Guard, as he "engaged in combat with Brax, the god of gladiators." I assumed this to mean that he would do ceremonial battle with some warrior-priest fighting in Brax's name. However, while the events seemed strangely surreal, I do believe that we were indeed transported into Brax's presence in some strange arena. There Arthur did indeed fight the god Brax, though with disappointing results. (I suppose I should not criticize. Could I fair any better against a god of combat?) Finally, with what seemed to be our combined concentration and support pouring into him, the lad did indeed strike a mighty blow against our host. The god seemed strangely pleased, if a bit distressed by the surprising force of the blow, and returned us to the parlay site.
    I also had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with the lovely young woman whom I've mentioned to you in the past. She is so different than the other women I've had the opportunity to meet in my life. She is so innocent, yet seems unmoved by my appearance.... almost unaware of what I am. I understand now, my friend, how you have felt in the past. It would be so easy be drawn closer to her, yet every time such feelings well up in me, I am forced to fight them down with the realization of what it would mean to her to become involved with me.... the danger it would place her in. How could I possibly subject her to that? Still, I find it difficult to leave her here and return to the Guard and Elestan's units. Even now I am packing to escort her and a small party back to the refugee camp the barbarian Ragnor led us to in our humanitarian delivery of supplies and aid. There, we will gather up the orphans among them and safeguard them to a well-known orphanage in Kaleth where they might be better cared for. Then, it is back to the front lines for me, I suppose.... unless the gods have other plans for me.
    Please send word to me, as soon as you are able, as to your situation and well being. As always in these times, I am concerned.

Your friend and comrade at arms,
-Aladremmory-Bex

POV: Kantr's View
By Tony Hrubes

In traveling to the Ram's Head, the world felt very different, there was a definite sense that much had changed.
    The keys, now cold, were a weighted reminder that all was quiet with the gates. This was a good thing, for the war with the gates seemed to have been a prelude to the war in the world, and with the settling of gate strife, perhaps the end to the world's war would come so also.
    Things were changing, the Age of Man was close approaching, soon there would be no elves, no dwarves, no others, no magic.
Eldred had come to retrieve the keys of the white gates to their rightful place, with him. He also brought a treaty, signed by all three Gatekeepers, and Kithkirian. More accurate, Eldred brought Kithkirian's spirit, or essence, he who would keep vigil to insure the terms of the treaty were kept.
    Then there was the matter of Rhianna, finally, someone could help put and end to it. And much to surprise, it was Malachi who brought it about. There may be hope for the child yet, his actions speak of him that he has become more conscious of outreaching affects in the world and not that there is simply more magic out there to be attained. Which is a misconception in and of itself.
Since the ways of human political maneuverings are chaotic at best, disastrous at worst, it is perhaps fortunate that, when all was said and done, all that really needed to be settled where a few points of semantics. Fortunate, because human politics rarely, if ever, solve actual problems. It is fitting, child-like methods for child-like problems, as befitting children. Now that they have quieted their intrusions into joining one another, perhaps, they can face this menace before them with chance of survival.
    The Falcon Guard seems to be a great strength and hope for humans. Their policy of not allowing themselves to be used as a political pawn shows much wisdom. If they were to become the template for all organized forces of protection, humankind would do well for itself in their upcoming age.
    With the Empire and the methods they have chosen with which to wage war, even if they win this conflict they insist upon, they lose.
    It would seem this Empire is an almost insurmountable force and humans are still yet children, but children who have the potential to overcome even the direst odds unexpectedly.
    As for myself, my obligation to the gates, for now, is concluded and I take my former place as healer for as long can be with magic, then afterward with herb and cloth.
    And I go to Wellspring in hopes that I may help rebuild what is gone as a result of my own failings.

POV: Ximeme's Letter
By Pat Skyhorse

It has been a long hard road to recovery. I would have written sooner, but of course, I couldn't talk and couldn't seem to think well either. Faolain, Lord Nicholas Fitzrobert, Tabbitha, Ivan and I took off to liberate some prisoners of the Black Hand; we took with us an escaped prisoner who said she could lead us to the camp. We started to encounter Fog. The fog was pink in color at first and then it turned red. It was such a thick, wet fog that soon we were covered in condensation, which turned out to be blood.
The next thing, I put up my Immolation spell, and the Black Hand appeared (5 or 6 of them I think.) We tried to resist, to no avail. We finally surrendered.
They said if we surrendered, they wouldn't kill us right away. They made me promise not to use any spells. I gave my word, which I later regretted. They tortured us injuring Fitzrobert, and Tabbitha's eye. I was torn between wanting to help and not wanting to break my word. The next thing I knew some Black Hank slit Ivan's throat and then mine. Apparently Faolain was successful at escaping and rescuing us, because the next thing I knew Alejandro and Gehren were standing over Ivan and I, saying they had rescued us from the jaws off death itself. I have been long in recuperating. It is still in some ways an unbelievable shock. Truly, I am blessed by the Goddess and blessed in my friends, Speaking of friends, is there any truth to the rumor that my elven cat is in the company of Gehren's younger sister and they are wandering the country in search of me?

POV: Brother Sharmen's Tale
By Shard

After nearly two years of helping and joining Brother Andreaus in prayer and teaching him in the faith, he received a missive that greatly disturbed him. He needed to leave the monastery and join his brother, Morgan Winterbourne. We set out, and during the trek he told me of the place where we were headed. He didn't come close to describing the Rams Head Inn. I arrived to see many of the legendary warriors I had heard about just talking and laughing and being to my humble eyes, normal. This surprised me and was not the least of my shocks. The Inn travels in many strange worlds, I was then told that Malachai as well as other questionable practitioners of the dark paths, was there. I was appalled to see dwarfs, elf and half-breeds among the group. Then to my horror I saw a Demonspawn! The rest of day was spent in near terror of being killed, or worse losing my soul!
    I stayed near to Brother Andreaus and learned many things of how a kingdom is led, and run. The King had turned down Morgan Winterbourne's requests for more men and mercenaries, this caused a rift and dissention and we were charged to get as many of the "people" there to help Morgan in convincing the King Morgan's ideas should be listened to. This we did and after the sun had set and I would normally be sleeping, the King finally met Morgan to discuss their problems and make resolution.
    There were many strange occurrences that day as well. A "portal" or gateway to another world as opened and many warriors, as well as the Great Andor, went through to battle evil and spread the word of Dain. Upon their return we heard tale of them fighting the Evil Empire and that there were more troops of darkness coming soon to the inn itself. Many groups left to make battle with bandits and later the forces of the Empire itself. They all came back well and victorious. The great warrior Captain Grey also arrived and had words with Morgan, as I learned he was actually great uncle to Morgan and Andreaus! Later in the day a Traitor was brought to the court and was deemed guilty and sentenced to die. Captain Grey himself brought him to the court and then carried out the order.
    After all of the things I have seen, I see why many of the great warriors congregate to the Rams Head. It seems to be a place that attracts the troubles and solutions of the world, and they make battle and as far as I know have come victorious through it all. I thank them for their sacrifices and all they do for us all. But I will never leave the monastery again.

POV: Swift's Tale
By Rich Gray

My faith in The Church Dain and my beloved Evangar has always given unto me a comforting sense of order. Ideas have been neatly labeled and categorized: blasphemous, expected, holy, just, unjust, radical, moderate or reactionary. However, I know a few truths without the benefit of their direct teachings or guidance.
    It has been foretold our world is changing and magical things will come to an end. We will loose connection to parts of creation were magical things ebb and flow into our existence. We will loose connection to all things magical, all things not of man. While I see the need for parts of creation to be not of magic, I do not wish to call that portion home.
    I have conversed with elves, dwarves, wizards and priests of all sorts. I have given council to Kings and a Queen. I have seen and conversed with Gods from beyond our plane, and truthfully I can't remember them all. They affected my life and are a piece of who I am. Brax, the god of gladiators, helped me clarify what I call joy. Criscal, the goddess of ice and water, helped me remember what love is and I in turn helped her remember love. I helped free Telexus (I think, and two others of his kin) into the world and reunited god with worshiper. Sangir answered my prayers to Dain and sent faithful to teach me his ways. Vanosh offered me a place in his in his family and later asked me all sorts of questions.
    I have met demons from the very depths of hell and beyond, done battle with four or five I would rank higher than minion. I have met agents of Dain - a Lamasau - and seen angles both dead and alive. I conversed with an ancient Dragon of similar power who first traded my most precious memory for the fire of his belly and years later he gave to me a lost word (amik) that links the past Age of Magic to the coming Age of Man.
    I have done battle with the armies of the Empire. I have saved the lives of heroes and I been saved from my grave by heroes. I have made friends with magicians, non-humans and that not of Dain. Healers have healed me time and time again. I've benefited by the firepower of mages and used items of magic in my own hands. I have stood on a game table so much like a pawn and looked upon the true faces of the gods. Dain stood tall and smiled upon me.
    I now know love. I now know joy. I now know true pain. I have felt it with my mind, I have felt it with my blood, and I have felt it with my soul. I say it was done. And none shall take it from me.

FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

With only a handful of sessions left in this Millennia (ok, so we couldn't resist bandwagonning like everyone else...) you're going to see a number of resolutions and beginnings. Change is, as they say, in the wind...so watch out for blowing trash.

STRONGHOLD
We've been beating this drum for a while and its seems to be a little muffled. We're serious when we say we need as many players as we can get for what we've got planned, and that means bring back in old players, lost players, finding new players, the whole nine-yards. To a large extent, that's up to you. Tom and Alex don't know everyone (though at times they feel like they do) so you've got to talk to your friends, families, gamer-buddies, that cute guy/gal on the bus-whomever-and get them as stoked about Stronghold as we are. We know you can do it...so get cracking!

COSTUMES
Once again, a big thanks to Vicki Martin for arranging and hosting another "Costume Day", with great success from what we hear. Thanks Vicki! (Oh, and don't think you've got us fooled-we all know you host events in your house so you can find another excuse to clean... <grin>)

LOCATIONS
We are still looking for alternatives to Hollywood House, and we're serious about giving cool in-game stuff to the person who finds us "the spot". We've gotten some responses, but thus far nothing has worked out. We find it hard to believe that there are no other suitable locations in the Chicagoland area so lets continue to beat the bushes and thanks to everyone who's been looking. (Hey, doesn't Marc have a new house...?)

AND YOUR FAVORITE PLAYERS WERE....
...for the Sept 1999 Session -

Ivan (James Silverstein)
Segial (Doug Tabb)
Caladan (Stan Laff)

And your favorite NPCs (in multiple roles) for the second month in a row were Dawn Nytsul and Corrie Hrubes

Congrats all!

This edition of the Gateway Chronicle was created by:

War Stories - Rob Nicholls
POVs: Rich Gray, Tony Hrubes, Shard, Pat Skyhorse, Doug Tabb
Chronicle Logo - Doug Tabb
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)
Game Coordinator: Dawn Nystul (ElvenDawn@excite.com)
Archivist and Master of his Domain: Dan Grendel (spiceweasel@home.com)
Chronicler/Webmaster: Tom Dowd (GatewayGM@ix.netcom.com)
Webmaster: Doug Tabb (dougtabb@aol.com)
Food Coordinator: Kelly Jordine (whimsykell@aol.com)