Notes From Pavis

..the trouble is you hardly remember any of it.

“What if one of the characters is waking up with  a headache. He is with dead fully clothed body of Asta daughter of Toril, a Westerner female or Wahhab ibn Shakir, a Vadeli male. Victim has small bite marks in the neck. Waker has flesh wounds in arms.

He is at roof level garden in merchant’s quarters. Door is locked from inside.

Last thing he remembers is going into a ceremony of a brotherhood: ‘The High Road – Negotiate with Natives, establish the trade and send priests to teach Civilized Behaviour’. There is threatening voice on the door . It is cleaner?”

Johnn Fourr created had a wonderful idea for creating plot seeds in his article at “Roleplaying Tips” I created couple of generators for a Fonritan Port Town in the spirit of those.

First one is the “City Bad Night Encounter Seed Generator” in the style of Dashiell Hammett, the movie Hangover and many pulp detective stories but in the fantasy world.

The second one is Town Rumor Generator – again for a Fonritan port town. The latter one is built on top of Town Rumor Generator that is available for Campaign Logger Generator users. Johnn and Jochen from the Campaign Logger team kindly have given permission to use it as a basis.

“A descendent of the Shah of Kalabar, The City of Sorcery has been hiding in town as Olende son of Bodolf, a Westerner conspirator for many years.”

There is also a generator for what happens in the “Port Today”. It is for a Fonritan port and takes into account the weather for Glorantha seasons from Guide to Glorantha, cargo from trade in the same book, maritime nations from the Men at Sea and ship data that has already been published on this site and is based on all the Gloranthan publications I could find. Ship condition and ship rules have been updated to conform with “Ships and Shieldwalls” rules and the ship reputation and naming is coming from “Raging Swan Press” publications with their permission.

There are also few person generators creating person cameos for Orlanthi from Umathela and Fonritan people. Each will give a short description , portrayal and hook adjusted from 3 Line NPC generator from Campaign logger folks and taking into account the professions that might come with those civilizations. Profession names and their attachment to civilisation type (barbarian, civilised, nomad) come mostly from Mythras Core Rules.  The skin color and clothing come inspired from the Guide to Glorantha and greetings come from the various Gloranthan sources for example from “Gloranthan Voices”.

Here is one Orlanthi male

“Aricin son of Utgard

Greeting: I am from the city of Barugaza in Umathela.

Description: I am a sassy habberdasher. I sniff incessantly as if having a running nose.
Portrayal: People’s problems in civilized society seem trivial to me. And I think the game of kings and powers is not for the faint hearted – and you are not faint hearted. No one else is going to have to endure the hardships I’ve been through.
Hook: Right now, I want to be with my family but I am just as judgmental and prejudiced as everyone else – perhaps more so.

My skin is acned. My beard is horseshoe moustache

Skin color: Olive skin. Bald. Eyes: Grey I am conscious of my horseshoe moustache beard
Clothes: Kilt made of wool. It is colored subdued cold green. Long wool tunic dyed subdued smoky ecru. Tunic is decorated with intricate stitching. Over this a quilted wool jerkin and a wool cloak dyed subdued cold crimson
High conical hat with ram’s horns sewn in .
Additional Details: a small peridot jewelry – fibulae
Armrings on left arm
Disorder and Illusion Runes tattoo on Left Hand,Mastery, Movement and Air Runes tattoo on Face”

These are available from my new sub site is named Notes From Pavis Tools and is accessed via tools.notesfrompavis.com . If the link does not work – type tools.notesfrompavis.com to your browser’s search bar.

I have been working for over a year on my own campaign tools for the campaign I play in Loral at Glorantha using Mythras. I got involved in Campaign Logger from Johnn Fourr and friends and have been building generators of all kinds for my campaign using the Campaign Logger generator tool. Most of the generators are not game system specific at all. They concentrate on Fonrit and Pamaltela but can be useful elsewhere.

I have been thinking what is the right way to expose these to those who would possibly benefit from them.

Geek Mode On

All of them are dynamic generators so require a working backend server. I decided over the weekend to try out Google Cloud App Engine and programmed a bit of Python and HTML5 with Bootstrap 4 to make this happen. Campaign Logger is the awesome engine that makes the generation happen and it is used via REST API.  I will use this cloud publication engine as long as it is affordable (=free) and after that will think of something else if need be.

Geek Mode Off

The new sub site will grow in content over time hopefully as well as Mythras Encounter Generator does. Encounter Generator will continue to produce the game system specific enemies and encounters for you. The new sub site is named Notes From Pavis Tools and is accessed via tools.notesfrompavis.com . If the link does not work – type tools.notesfrompavis.com to your browser’s search bar.

The first content that I put up there are three generators.

Fonritan Background Generator

Fonritan Background generator generates  Gloranthan background for player characters. Timeline is gathered from Guide to Glorantha – both the official dates and local events. Cities from all over Fonrit are on the city list.  Actions what characters relatives did come from long list of personal actions. This follows the approach taken in the Gloranthan Timelines here at Notes From Pavis.

Tribal Taboos Broken

Taboos broken uses the taboos from Monster Island (one of my favourite ever supplements). Primitive tribes may have taboos and when taboos are broken they demand recompense.

Tribal Unit

Tribal Unit generator generates small combat units for primitive tribes. They give unit’s or secret society’s name, some color in the type of the unit and the unit’s commander. This is also inspired by Monster Island – place and tribe names come from there.  It also gives the attributes necessary to use the units in Ships and Shieldwalls rule set so players can participate as commanders (or participants) in battles.

More generators will come later now that I have found a way to technically publish them.

I am using all of these generators from within the Campaign Logger and that is seriously useful combination – at least for certain kind of GM’s.

Please check out the new tooling via tools.notesfrompavis.com . If the link does not work – type tools.notesfrompavis.com to your browser’s search bar.  and give feedback.

Here are some crunchy bits from Mythras. The optional rules for weapon range effects on combat can produce additional tactical choices. To help the tacticians among you to do some optimizing without doing mathematics here are some tables for you

I combined experimentally all the weapon size and reach information to provide easy look up tables for what weapons are effective for closing to short distance or opening to longer distance. The tables should contain all the weapons in Mythras, Monster Island, AiG and the Eastern Weapons charts.

So for example from the “Shorter Weapons Reach” table you can see that if attacker closes in with one handed mace to inside the effective reach of long spear – the long spear user cannot parry and its size is considered to be small (drops two sizes) so the long spear in defense will only stop half the damage.

In addition when the long spear user tries to attack it will give max 1d3+1 damage and its size is reduced by 2 – so even a small weapon will stop all the damage and mace is medium in size. Normally mace could only stop half the damage from long spear.

But if the attacker can keep the attacker at its long range (“Longer Weapon Reach“)  – mace can only attack the spear itself while long spear user could use the long spear normally.

This can be quite interesting when attacker closes in to unarmed combat.

I also created a “parry and passive blocking to stop Damage” table to show how various defenders’ weapons are effective in blocking the attackers weapon – either in a parry or in passive blocking.

These are included also in the Mythras Charts page

Here is a list of cultural greetings gathered from Gloranthan publications over the years

Akem: “I am from Sogolotha Mambrola, the greatest and most learned city outside of lost Brithos itself.”
Balazar: “I am a hunter of the (X) clan of the (Y) tribe. Why do you pass through our lands?”
Band: Berinda’s Daughters: “The old world is dying, and we must heal the good parts.”
Band: Bevegoroi’s Open Eyes: “A new world? Let’s have a look.”
Band: Captain Dashwood’s Traveling Show: “Roll up! Roll up! Fun for all the family! The Old World may be falling down around our ears, but the Traveling Show only gets better and better!”
Band: Comet Seers: “Watch the skies.”
Band: Forloss raiders: “They seek him here; they seek him there; the Lunars seek him everywhere.”
Band: Geo’s Creek Inn: “You want to go where everybody knows your name!”
Band: Golden Bow Society: “Our bows will glorify the new sun.”
Band: Ibex Moon Society: “The old world is over, let us show you the new!”
Band: Jevdur Knowledge Temple: “The new world needs Inspiration.”
Band: Sea Skippers: “The old world is over, and we can have anything we want.”
Band: Servants of the Almighty Dragons: “The old world is over, and dragon time is coming.”
Band: Servants of the Wild: “They say the old world is over; that just shows how little they understand.”
Band: Society of the White Bear: “The old world is dead! Harrek killed it!”
Band: Sword brothers:We are all brothers in the Sword.”
Band: Temple of the Wooden Sword: “Humakt wood be death.”
Band: The Black and White Owls: “The new world is coming, and we have a Plan for it.”
Band: The Eaglebrowns: “We shall hunt ourselves a new world.”
Band: The Fabulous Hunting Troupe: “Nothing like the chase to get the blood pumping, eh, lads?”
Band: The Five-Rune Ring: “Prepare for a New Dawn.”
Band: The Garden of Delightful Mobility: “The old world is not over, for we still dance.”
Band: The Hidden Gale: “The old world is dying, and we will save it.”
Band: The Little Sisters: “The old world is over, and we must stop the bloodshed.”
Band: The School of Ronos Allwinds: “Old world or new, it needs Belintar. We seek him.”
Band: The Silver Shields: “The new world is at our feet!”
Band: The Two-Handed Brotherhood: “The new world must not merely hear the truths of the Goddess, it must also see them.”
Band: The White Chapel of Purity: “We healed the Old World; we can heal the New World.”
Band: The Yellow Peony: “The old world is over, and the new world must be freed of its pain.”
Carmania (the West Reaches): “I am from Carmania in the West Reaches of the Lunar Empire. I am the man of the noble Satrap (name) of (place).”
East Wilds: “I am of the (X) Kingdom and the (Y) clan.”
Elder Wilds: “I am a hunter of the (X) clan of the (Y) tribe. Why do you pass through our lands?”
Errinoru Jungle: “You have no leaves. Your presence offends the Spirit of the Jungle. Give the password or feel poison sap in your veins.”
Fonrit: “I am a slave of mighty (name), from the city of (X). Who is your master, stranger?”
Heortland:I am a free man of the Kingdom of Heortland, may Saint
Homeland: Haragala: “Venperha’s Blessings upon you.”
Homeland: Korola Islands:Welcome to Korola, newcomer. Our islands are as one, I hope you can visit all.
Homeland: Ozur Bay: “Hrestol’s blessing upon you, stranger. Does the harbormaster know of your arrival?”
Homeland: Rightarm Islands: “People of the islands, lovers of the Sea, wanderers of the marsh, friends of the Ludoch are we.”
Homeland: Suam Chow: “Everlasting Prosperity, Eternal Peace, and Bounteous Order are upon us.”
Homeland: Trowjang:I am of the Marazi. A bride of Tolat, Amazon and mother, die in fear man!
Homeland: Wenelia:Who are you? Kin or enemy? Speak quickly or die!
Janube River States: “I am from the city of (X), the finest in this land.”
Jolar: “I am (name) of the (X) lineage, born into the (Y) family.”
Jonatela: “I am a man who serves the (noble family), from the land of Jonatela. What lord do you have as master, sir?”
Junora: “I am from the principality of (X). Hail (Y), our glorious leader!”
Kareeshtu: “We are slaves of Ompalam and his slave the Great Tond, whose power has enslaved even Dormal.”
Kothar: “I am (name) of the (X) lineage, born into the (Y) family. You are far from your home campgrounds, stranger.”
Kralorela: “I live in the Land of Splendor within the blessed shadow of the Dragon Emperor, whom you know as Godunya. May his Eternal Peace enlighten and pity you!”
Kumanku: “IamoftheAn.Iamaslaveof(name),a detestable foreigner not from Kumanku.”
Loral: “Arrghowwwlll.”
Ludoch: “I am X, a Ludoch of the Margansti Confederation, Welcome to my Home”
Lunar Allies: “I am one of the People of (X), brothers to the men of the great Empire. May the Red Moon watch over us all!”
Lunar Provinces: “The kingdom of (X) is my land.”
Malasp:I am Y, a Malasp of the Hroarilli Tribe. Terthinus, Voice of the Deep is my Lord. Surrender Stranger, or your ship will be sunk
Malki Coast: “You are welcome in the land of the heirs of the oceans.”
Maniria: “l am a warrior of the (X) clan.”
Maslo: “I am of the (X), a native of (name) town.” x = Instiggi, Elamle Aroin, etc.
Maslo: “The beautiful waters of Maslo and the magic of Miirdek make us sailors beyond compare!“
Northern Fronela: “I am of the (Bear, Reindeer, Other) People. May his spirit watch over us!”
Pent: “I am a (rank) of the (X) tribe. Where do you ride to, stranger?”
Safelster: “I am a citizen of the famous city of (name).”
Sailor from Quinpolic League: “Hail stranger, may the blessing of Saint Deliam and the mighty protection of the Doge guide you.”
Sartar : I am a free man of (X) clan of the proud (Y) tribe.
Seshnela: “I am a man of the (caste), the loyal man of (title). What is your caste and who is your lord?”
Slon: “I am of Slon. Please, what is your identification number and work class?”
Tarien: “I am (name) of the (X) lineage, born into the (Y) family. Will you share our meal, stranger?”
Tarsh Exile:Yaaah! Die, outland bastard!
Tarsh: “I am a loyal man of the King of Tarsh, praise the Empire.”
Teleos: “I am from the village of (name).”
Teshnos: “I live in the (place),in the land of Teshnos. May your life- flame always burn brightly, stranger.”
The Grazelanders: “I am a warrior of the Pure Horse People, may the Queen be blessed.”
The Kingdom of Loskalm: “I am from the virtuous Kingdom of Loskalm. Welcome to our land and learn from our ways!”
The Lunar Heartland: “I am a citizen of the Lunar Empire, a native of the city of (X).” or “I am a Dara Happan, from the city of (Y).”
The wastelands (Prax): “I am of the (x) clan of the tribe. Lay aside your weapon and be welcome to our campfire, stranger.”
Umathela: “I am from (name) city in Umathela.” Or “I belong to the (name) tribe.”
Vadeli: “Greetings, Sir. I am from the Safety Patrol, and I would like to see a copy of your manifest, please. Please! You can trust me.”
Vesmonstran: “I am a free warrior of the (X) clan. Orlanth is my protector.”
Vormain: “You transgress upon the Eternal Isles, you foreign scum! Draw arms and die like a man!”