Game Geek Issues 23

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Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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An Avalon Games Product, All rights reserved, Version 1.0, 2011 Game Geek, Issue 23, Nov 2011 All comments, suggestions and contacts can be made at… Avalon Games, [email protected] Or visit Avalon Games at… www.avalon-games.com

Some Game design, artwork and layout by Robert Hemminger Some art by Sade, LPJ and Art Fantasy Contents Musing of the Avalon Stogie ................................................................................................... Behind the Game, Nova Blast part 3 ……................................................................................................... Coral Throne Chapter XV ..................................................................................................................... Raging Swan Gaming …………………………………………………………………….…….….. Junkyard Wars, Strip #23 ………............................................................................................................. Avalon Pathfinder .................................................................................................................. Dept 13 Comic, Issue #8 ……………………………..……………………………………...….. Artist Spotlight .................................................................................................................... Fiction by Danielle Ackley-McPhail .........................…………………………………….….. Multi-Verse …………,,,…….………….................................................................................... Geek Profile …………………………………………………………………………………………. Battle Axe …….……….…....................................................................................................... Arcana …………………………………………………………………………………………….… Reviews .................................................................................................................................. Cool Stuff ................................................................................................................................ Whats New ............................................................................................................................ Free Stuff ………………………………………………………………………………..……….….


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Top 10 time here at Game Geek. This time around we look at the top ten super heroes RPGs. Now the list is small because, to be honest, there's just is not that many good super heroes systems out there (Something Avalon hopes to rectify next year with Heroes Wear Masks.) 1. Champions: Old as dirt but still the best system out there if you ask me. The character creation system can be a nightmare if you have never dug into it before, and the combat system is not the best, but for sheer fun it's still the best system around. 2. Villains and Vigilantes. Older then Champions, it had a random power generation system, which allowed really powerful characters to run along side weak ones. Still the system was fun and you could have a great time trying to come up with why your character could use all the odd, random powers they rolled up. 3. Marvel Super Heroes. An old system that changed over editions, the first was the best. The best thing about it was you could play in The Marvel Universe, even play characters from the comics. Being Spiderman or one of The Fantastic Four was a blast, or you could come up with your own heroes. 4. GURPs Super. Anything GURPs is cool, and adding super powers to the system makes it even better. 5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness. Not sure if this fits into the genre or not, but I remember a game where I played a surfer dude polar bear. Fun but odd. 6. Heroes Unlimited by Palladium Books. I was never a big fan of Palladium's system, but this game was a blast to play the few times I got into it. Always thought the cover was cool. 7. Mutants & Masterminds by Green Ronin Publishing. Now I never much liked this system, but we played it a few times. I put it here on the list because it is a top seller in the market, and well liked by many. 8. Icons. I have yet to play this system, but the materials out there for it are many. 9. Superworld by Chaosium. Another good system that I never got to play, it was based upon Chaosium's game engine, which they have ported over into all their RPGs. 10. DC Heroes by Mayfair Games. DC tried to get into the RPGs with their version of Marvels Super Heroes. Where Marvel's was fun, DC and Mayfair mad a mess of it. The rights to this system are in question as well so who know when, if every, it will be settled. Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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Coral Throne Chapter XV

Isadora put down the book she was reading and stretched her arms above her head. The sun was hot, but a nice breeze was blowing off the sea. The balcony had become her private space about the palace, her refuge of sorts. She had been sitting here for over a week now, reading, relaxing and growing more and more bored. Standing up she walked over to the railing and looked out to the sea before her. Ships lay in anchor about the harbor and near the great white wall that guarded the city's port. One of those ships was Sammual's. He was off doing some sort of inspection today. Things were better now she thought, their little struggle over between them. Hells they had even gotten to make love again. She was glad for it to all be over, she did not like him being mad at her, nor her returning that anger. Walking back into the apartment she looked around for something to do; bored she looked at the diary of lord Aribum in her hand, he was the architect that had first built the palace. She had been pouring through his thoughts and daily activities those long years ago, she having spent several days now reading his diary. Aribum was an impressive man, one of deep loves and passions, but also a bit stubborn, most of the dairy dealt with his daily struggles with the long dead king of that age and the king's many demands for new features to be added to the palace. Seems the king was a bit unreasonable in his demands for domes and towers, which it seemed were all the rage at the time. Aribum wanted a more functional palace, one that could be used as a fortress in times of need. Course in the end Aribum had given up and let the king have his way, adding several towers and the great central dome over the main palace structure.

Isadora also seemed too gather from the writing that the lord architect also has a secret plan in the works. He never came outright and said what it was, but she gathered there was a secret construction under the palace, meant for some other, as yet un-guessed at need. She was convinced that this was what Lessiter was after in his search at the library. She now meant to find this hidden maze of tunnels and vaults under the palace. Taking a deep breath Isadora made up her mind. “Yes I know, I promised to stay out of trouble,” she said out loud as she dropped the book onto the bed. Still she could not just stand around this apartment all day, everyday. She needed to be out doing something, even if it was just snooping about the palace basements. Putting her boots on Isadora left the room, closing the door behind her and walking down the hallways. She offered a friendly greeting to Douglas, one of the guards, as she walked by. He managed a simple hello as a replying. This was a bit of a surprised; as Isadora had been talking to the young man for a week now and just today she finally got him to say something. Given enough effort on her part she thought she might get two words out of him by the end of the year. Moving on Isadora made her way down the stairs, smiling and offering a little greeting to all she came upon. Most of the servants and guardsmen had begun to return the gesture, some even with a genuine smile of their own as she past.

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Finally Isadora made her way to the back of the palace, were the stairs to the lower levels were located. This too was where most of the guards were housed and the military side of the realm's affairs dealt with. She walked down a small hallway, passing several officers along the way to finally come upon a larger chamber set with wooden floors. A practice room of some sorts she figured. Stopping she looked in through the doorway to see several groups of men working at swordplay. Now this was something interesting to watch she thought. Stepping in she stood off to the side and looked on in silence as Captain Jon showed a younger officer the proper way to thrust his sword out of a parry position. Seeing Isadora's Jon smiled and offered her a slight nod in greeting. She returned the favor and watched as Maxis entered the room from another doorway. With him were three more navel officers; each dressed in white dueling uniforms, padded to protect them in case of a missed time blow. Maxis eyed Isadora a bit as she leaned up against the wall. Turning away he began to show the gather men a lesson in a new move. Thrust, parry, turn and thrust again. She watched as he moved among the men, aiding those that needed a correction or offered advises. Isadora could see by his moves and skill that Maxis knew his way about a sword, she also knew she could take him in a real fight. These southern men fought too many fake duels she thought to herself, standing off before each other with rules of conduct and fair play. This was playing at a sword fight, the real thing was much different. A real sword fight was fast, mean and deadly she mused to herself. She knew this all to well having been in plenty of them over the years. Standing there she could not help but itch to pick up one of the practice swords. She smiled at the thought, the gods knew she giggled to herself, she was getting flabby just sitting around all the time. Walking over to the rack of weapons Isadora looked them over and pulled a heavy practice sword from its place. Swigging it back and forth she turned to see Maxis looking her over once more, the others still involved in their work out. Looking back she raised an eyebrow, offering him the challenge. Maxis stood there a moment and then bowed, he raising his own practice sword in a salute. She smiled and began to stretch her muscles, moving them about to loosen up. She watched as the other men cleared the floor, all of them talking in low voices. All but Jon, who stood off to the side and simply watched. He had seen Isadora in battle, and knew well her skills with a sword. Jon smiled at her and bowed once more; ready to see what sort of entertainment would take place. Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

Walking over to the middle of the wooden floor, Maxis took a pose, his right foot held out in front of him, the left turned a bit and holding his weight. One arm was raised to catch or block a thrust of his opponent's blade, while the other hand held his blade in a lose grip. Isadora smiled and walked over, bending low, holding her own blade in both hands, held tight to her stomach. Maxis gave her a questioning look as they squared off and took the measure of each other. “Standard dueling rules I assume?” “If you want to use rules, then that would be fine,” Isadora returned. Circling around to her left she opened the duel by forcing Maxis to move his open stance in response to her actions. “Do you know those rules?” He asked as he kept pace with the smaller woman who was now clearly stalking him. “No, but I'm sure I'll learn as we go,” she smiled. She was looking for an opening in his defense, moving to force him to open that stance. She noted that he was leaving his right side open by holding his off hand up so high. She also knew that this was a ploy, meant to draw her in. Thrusting quickly she made a minor attack at this point, waiting for him to parry it with his open palm. As he moved to respond she dropped one knee slightly and turned the blade's direction, bringing it in low under his guard, striking him on the knee. “Point!” Jon called as Maxis danced back out of Isadora's way. Maxis bowed his head slightly to acknowledge the point she had scored upon him. “Score three points and you win the duel,” he offered. Coming at her once more, this time hard and heavy, bringing down a flurry of blows, he tried to force her back with his greater strength and size. She though gave him ground, blocking each blow or moving out of the way. She had fought plenty of barbarians over the years that had thought their size would win the fight, she allowed Maxis to think the same. Finally he began to wane in his attack, at which point Isadora moved under his blade, ducking low and rolling on the ground to come up behind and to his weak right side. Tapping Maxis on the butt Isadora rolled to her feet and danced away once more, and circling about playfully. “Point,” Jon called, several of the men clapping their hands at her unusual moves.

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“You city boys fight much to nice,” she commented playfully. Maxis stood there a moment, catching his breath. It was clear that he had underestimated her skills; a resolved look then came over him. He moved in once more, ready to trade blows with her, but also ready for another of her rolling attacks. Isadora walked in a slow circle to the left, her blade held low; the blade's tip tracing an invisible line on the floor. One hand was on her hip, swaying with each move as she rolled on the balls of her feet to stay nimble. As she moved in this way her hips bounce in just the right manner, bringing a sultry swagger to her walk. She had used sex before to win a fight, allowing a flash of breast or the rolling of her hips to distract a man from his deadly work. Finally Isadora had given Maxis enough time to have his fill of looking and then came at him fast, bringing her blade up in a swift, sweeping attack. Her move was quick and almost caught Maxis off guard. He was able though to block the attack and returned with a short thrust of his own. She knocked the attack away with her hand and continued on with her own assault. They stood there, trading attacks, parries, feints and counters. Each drew apart and then returned, blades flashing faster and blows becoming more intense. Their guards locked at one point bringing them in close together, face to face. This placed Maxis at an advantage, his greater strength now a part of the struggle. “You fight well,” he said to her in a low whisper as they struggled. He was trying to bare her down with the guards locked, meanwhile Isadora was trying to move a foot around to trip him. “I was trained to protect what I love,” Isadora returned in a whisper of her own. Thrusting hard she broke the contact and danced back, out of the way. Maxis began to circle to the right, seeking an opening, he seeming to have her measure now and looking to be ready to score his own points soon. Isadora played on this confidence, holding her own guard lower, acting tired and timid. Moving to try and keep pace with the large man, she dropped her guard lower still, drawing him in. Maxis smiled at her ploy and shock his head no. Isadora winked in return and raised her guard once more, looking for a new avenue of attack. Maxis came at her once more, but she fiend a trip and began to fall. He thought it another ploy, one of her rolling attacks, and so moved to the right, out of the way as she knew he would. Carrying on with the Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

motion of her fake fall Isadora shift her right foot and gather herself up, springing forward, low and under Maxis' guard. Caught off guard once more he tried to push her sword's tip away. She had no intention yet of striking a blow thought, and instead hooked her foot around his ankle. Spinning she tripped the large man, using her own movement to push herself against him, sending him down with a thud. Maxis found himself sitting there on the wooden dueling floor, his sword lying next to him, he looking up as Isadora's blade dancing before his eyes. “Point and match,” called Jon, many of the men gathered clapping now at the display of northern fighting skill and experience. Maxis smiled. “I dislike losing, even in friendly fights,” he offered, saying a small magical word. Isadora cried out as the word rolled off of Maxis' lips. The sword in her hand glowed hot and bright, forcing Isadora to drop the blade, clutching her scorched hand. As she tried to jump back, Maxis' leg shot out and caught about her foot, tripped her down on top of him. They rolled across the floor each trying to gain the advantage. Isadora though recovered faster and ended the contest with her sitting saddled over him, her dagger out and held against his throat. Leaning down she whispered into Maxis' ear as Jon and the other moved to pull them apart. “I always win when it come to guarding the lives of those I love. Remember that next time you try to kill my man.” Standing as Jon reached for her, Isadora bowing with a flourish and smiled. “I hope you gentlemen enjoyed the show.” Jon and the other clapped as another officer helped Maxis to his feet. They all then bow to her; a show of respect, even Maxis dipped his head, acknowledging her superior skill with a sword. ********** “By all the hells, can't you behave yourself!” Called Sammual as Isadora sat in the cool tub of water. She had returned after the duel with Maxis to wash, hot and sweaty after the encounter. Sammual had burst in while she was washing her hair. “What?” Isadora asked, the wet soap in her eyes.

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“I just now returned to the palace and what do I hear,” he yelled, anger hot and deep in his voice. “You and Maxis are brawling like two drunken sailors!” Isadora dunked her head into the bath water once more and scrubbed. Throwing her head back she sent water and soap everywhere. “We had a friendly duel, it was nothing,” she offered. Standing up in the tub she reached for a towel to dry off as the water ran off her naked body. “Nothing, it's the talk of the palace. By Barrigor's oaths!” He shouted the curse, a common one among the people of Avieragon. “You promised to behave, to stay out of trouble. Now the whole palace is laughing at me again.” He continued to yell at her as she stood there drying herself off. Isadora looked up then, mad and upset now as well. “You keep yelling at me and I'll show you a brawl,” she threatened. “That's right,” he carried on, stomping around the apartment. “Act like some drunken fishwife. What next, you're going to start throwing things at me?” “I'm going to knock your teeth out the back of your head you keep it up,” she threatened, her anger now getting the better of her. “Dammed it all woman, you have to stop acting like some northern she wolf. You can't go around starting fights everywhere,” he barked. “She wolf am I,” she cried. “If I remember correctly, that same she wolf saved your ass several times while you where in the north. You knew the type of woman I was when you married me. What? Now you think I'm going to change over night, become some demure little sheep that sits all day doing needle point and gossiping with the courtly maidens.” “And why not,” he yelled back. “At least it would keep you from damaging my position here.” “What do you care, you told me you don't went the crown, so why care what others think?” She asked, madder by the moment. “And what if I did want the thrown?” He offered in defense. “How could I ever hope to hold it with you as queen. The court would never stand for it, some wild, uncontrolled hellion sitting the thrown next to me.” “Then maybe you will have to sit it alone. You don't want me here, I can just as easily leave.” “Don't make promises you have no desire to keep,” he said. Turning he stormed out of the apartment as Isadora grabbed up a flower vase and threw it at him as he closed the door, just as he had predicted she would.


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Avalon Games/Avenger Presents

Far Avalon Book 1: Background and Spacecraft



Far Avalon

Far Avalon

Book 2: Star Systems

Requires the use of the TravellerTM
Book 3: Conversion for

Requires the use of the TravellerTM Main Rulebook, available from Mongoose Publishing
Requires the use of the TravellerTM Main Rulebook, available from Mongoose Publishing

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Avalon Pathfinder Zodiac Signs by Ramsey “Tome Wyrm” Lundock In addition to determining personality, each astrological sign is associated with a heavenly body, one of the western elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), certain Tarot cards, and a color. The associated heavenly bodies are loosely called planets, even though they include the sun (Sol) and moon (Luna). In a game where heavenly or extraterrestrial connections play an important part, planets can serve as a starting point for the character's patron deity, or what kind of planet the character grew up on. Elements indicate what kind of magic or special attacks a character favors. The Tarot associated with each sign is listed for ease of cross referencing. And as a free bonus, you can use the colors to help you decide how the character dresses. For a random result, roll 1d12 and consult the table below. Random Zodiac Signs 1d12 Roll Astrological Sign Aries 1 Taurus 2 Gemini 3 Cancer 4 Leo 5 Virgo 6 Libra 7 Scorpio 8 Sagittarius 9 Capricorn 10 Aquarius 11 Pisces 12


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If you are using Zodiac Signs to describe a character you already know something about, you can use this secondary information to make a quick decision about what kind of personality to use. For this reason, the Zodic signs are listed by associated Planet and Element in the appendix. Example 1: The party decides to hire some NPC muscle before heading out on their next mission. The GM decides a mercenary probably has the War God as his patron. Glancing at the appendix table, the Planet Mars is associated only with Aries. Example 2: During a ship wreck the characters manage to save one of the sailors, even though the plot called for the PCs to be the only survivors. Rather than a random role, the GM reasons that a sailor is should have a water sign. Checking the appendix, this narrows the Rield to Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. Rather than a d12, he makes a d3 roll.

Aries, The Ram March 21April 20 Planet: Mars Element: Fire Tarot: The Emperor (4), the suit of Rods Color: Red Ariens are curious, enthusiastic and need constant activity. They are always willing to try something new and are often involved in several projects at once. They can be stubborn once they've set their minds on something. Ariens like to be leaders and resent when others try to lead them. Carried to far, these traits make the Ariens headstrong, reckless, and short‐tempered.

The Zodiac The signs are listed in alphabetical order for ease of reference. Their proper order is the same as in the Random Generation table above. Aquarius, The Water Barer January 21February 19 Planet: Uranus Element: Air Tarot: The Star (17), the suit of Swords Color: Electric Blue Aquarians are kind, generous people. They are idealist who think not in terms of themselves or their country, but in terms of the planet (or universe) as a whole. They are open minded and dislike arguing. Aquarians have the capacity for logic, but also posses a creative streak. They tend to be unique and rebellious, but also make capable leaders.

Cancer, The Crab June 22 July 22 Planet: Luna Element: Water Tarot: The Chariot (7), the suit of Cups Color: Violet Cancers are sentimental, liking comfort and security. They favor intuition over logical deduction, and their instincts are usually right. Cancers are emotional, and need to feel that their love or friendship is reciprocated. They are proud, but very sensitive to criticism, especially from friends. Cancers' pride carries over to their country, making them avid patriots.


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Capricorn, The Amphibious Goat December 22January 20 Planet: Saturn Element: Earth Tarot: The Devil (15), the suit of Pentacles Color: Green Capricorns are practical, conservative, and cautious. They desire recognition for their achievements. Capricorns want to lead, but rather than lead from force of personality alone, they want a position of power. They work to rise though the ranks of any organization. They have big dreams and work towards them with slow determination. They can sink into depression if their work is not being recognized or rewarded. Gemini, The Twins May 22June 21 Planet: Mercury Element: Air Tarot: The Lovers (6), the suit of Swords Color: Yellow With Mercury, the messenger god, as a guardian planet Gemini are quick in body and mind, but might not have the power to match their speed. Gemini is the sign of duality. Said to be two people in one body, Gemini like to have two jobs and two different hobbies at once. They have drastic mood swings verging on bi‐polar or split personalities. This is also a good choice of signs for characters with evil twins.


Leo, The Lion July 23August 23 Planet: Sol Element: Fire Tarot: Strength (8), the suit of Rods Color: Orange Leos love to compete and always play to win. They are proud and outgoing. They enjoy teaching and explaining things to others. Leos thrive on change and excitement, and are quickly bored by any routine. Leos are self‐conRident to the point of foolhardiness. They have little tolerance for failure, especially their own. Leos can quickly loose their audience if they don't have the skills to justify their pride.

Libra, The Scales September 24October 23 Planet: Venus Element: Air Tarot: Justice (11), the suit of Swords Color: Indigo Librans long for peace and harmony. They enjoy socializing and have large networks of friends. They pay attention to detail and have perfectionist tendencies. Like scales, Librans are fair and balanced in all things. They want to hear all sides of an issue in as much detail as possible before reaching a conclusion. This can lead them to ponderously over analyze a situation when quick, decisive action is needed.

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Pisces, The Fish February 20March 20 Planet: Neptune Element: Water Tarot: the suit of Cups Color: Sea Green Pisces are sympathetic and generous to their friends and to everyone else. They are often naiveté enough to believe that others feel the same way. They can be withdrawn and difRicult to read, but make understanding friends. Pisces lack self‐conRidence and ambition, making it difRicult to achieve greatness. They focus on the spiritual aspects of life more than the physical world.

Sagittarius, The Centaur Archer November 23December 21 Planet: Jupiter Element: Fire Tarot: Temperance (14), the suit of Rods Color: Light Blue Sagittarians are intuitive and decisive. Lacking tact, they will say what they mean and ask what they want to know, regardless of others' feelings. They enjoy traveling and gathering information. This makes them good teachers and philosophers. They enjoy living busy lives. Sagittarians' reliance on instinct to make quick decisions can lead to rash choices.


Scorpio, The Scorpion October 24November 23 Planet: Mercury and Pluto* Tarot: the suit of Cups Element: Water (Technically, Pluto isn't a planet any more. But since Sol and Luna aren't technically planets either, this shouldn't be a problem.) Scorpios ferret out the secrets of others, and keep their own closely guarded. They often carry an aura of mystery. Scorpios are emotional. They are loyal to their friends, and terrible to their enemies. When Scorpios set their mind to a task, they will succeed or die trying. They are inventive and willing to try new approaches, but will often devote too much time and resources to their current project. Scorpios will argue to great lengths rather than admit they were wrong.

Taurus, The Bull April 21May 21 Planet: Venus Element: Earth Tarot: The Hierophant (5), the suit of Pentacles Color: Blue, Pink Taureans are practical, determined, and honest. While they appreciate good food, art and comfortable accommodations, they rarely spend to excess. Taureans have little desire to control others, but refuse to be controlled. A Taurean loves family, home and stability. Left to themselves, Taureans are likely to become edentary, over indulging in what they enjoy, rather than seeking new experiences.

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Virgo, The Virgin August 24September 23 Planet: Mercury Element: Earth Tarot: The Hermit (9), the suit of Pentacles Color: Grey, Navy Blue Virgos are quite and unassuming. They enjoy order and routine but also love to travel. No detail is too small for a Virgo to notice. They are clean to the point of fastidious. They prefer to work alone and chaff in leadership roles. Virgos remain calm in the face of an emergency. They prefer logic and practicality to hunches and emotions. This can make them insensitive and they often hurt others' feelings.

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Yes they will and when they have filled their bellies with the life force of this pitiful globe, then and only then will they destroy me.

You can't do this. Those horrors will destroy the world.

You want then to eat you?

Yes, it is the only way to end my pain. Bad Baby Productions, 2011 Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

Art and Story by Robert Hemminger

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The leiche of the Fifth Reich were created through a series of experiments designed by the monster Hitler. The devices trap the soul within the body and impart a magical forcing binding them for eternity.

The ritual binding causes much discomfort to the leiche and they are in great pain for as long as they remain this way, motivating them to find the means to bring forth the Elder Gods and end their torment.


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We need help Professor.

And it will come my dear, be patient.

Think of it Professor, the nightmare which lies behind has waited eons to walk among us once more.

They fell from the stars, exiled from their home by powers much greater and benevolent.

Here they were gods, hungry gods. Their foes sought to stop their endless feast and imprisoned these dark gods behind the gateways to limbo.

Now I will release them once more upon the world. Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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Throw the stone Professor.


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What happened?

We stopped the Nazis' my dear and escaped.

Wow what a mess.

Yes, but we have won this battle.

I will have my revenge Professor, trust me I will see you and your Dept 13 crushed under my boot.


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Chantal Fournier We have some great art for you this month from yet another great artist.


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Chantal is an up-and-coming Canadian illustrator with a solid commercial artist background. She has always been a fan of fantasy and sci-fi going so far as in coloring her Fighting Fantasy adventure books. Her portfolio of water-color fantasy got her into a video-game school, and she hasn't looked back from digital painting since. In order to stay on top of her game, she's attended several workshops, including Massive Black and several Illustration Master Classes with the likes of James Gurney, Iain McCaig, Adam Rex, Scott Fischer and Rebecca Guay. She also very active in the art community; at cons, on forums and she loves answering questions on her blog Qitsune ( http://qitsune.wordpress.com/) For more examples on card designs, books covers and RPG art, drop by her website at http://chantalfournier.com/ Her next event is the Illuxcon in Altoona Pensylvannia the first week-end of Nov 2011. Some links : http://www.illuxcon.com/ http://illustrationmasterclass.com/


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"#$!%&'(!)$**!+#,-.*/!%'0$!+,0$!,&!+#$!&,1#+!'&!+#$!(23$%!+#2+!#,4!+#$!'*4!('5*4!'6+!')!%,1#+7!!"#$!8$$9! :&$%!'&-$!#602&!5$0$0;$5$4!(#$&!+#,%!%$2%'&!')!<'/!(2%!'&-$!2!+,0$!+#2+!0$&!('6*4!4$-'52+$!+5$$%! 2&4!9*2/!(,+#!&$(!+'/%!2&4!#2&1!'6+!%+'-.,&1%!)'5!1,5*%!2&4!)'5!;'/%7!!='!+#$!8$$9!:&$%!#6&1!69!+#$,5! '*4!%#$**%!,&!+#$!%$2%!2&4!-'&3,&-$4!+#$!;5,1#+!),%#!+'!5,&1!+#$!45'(&$4!+5$$%7!!"#$/!42&-$4!2&4!)$2%+$4! 2&4!-$*$;52+$4!+#$!42/!!!"#2+!>+#6*#6!-20$!2&4!024$!+#$0!2**!+#,%!(2/?! ! Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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The Forest of A Thousand Lost Souls (previously published in No Longer Dreams, Lite Circle Books, 2005) By Danielle Ackley-McPhail A good general does not allow the enemy to select the field of battle. I am thought by others to be the best. I should have tried much harder… I. It was autumn as my battalions gathered on the field at Asculus, a barren plain wedged between the mountains and the sea. Surrounding valleys bore the bristling signs of successful harvest; our current training ground had seen such spilt blood in its long history as to never be free of the sown salt. In the summer's heat, the scent still rose from the soil, speaking to us rousingly of battle. It was marked for the business of war. For that, we prepared. The Enemy threatened from the Savage Lands. Our emperor summoned his forces. We were not the only soldiers to so assemble, but we were his chosen. We would lead the fray. Each day, proud young faces filled out the ranks and, for me, the sun lost that much more of its brilliance with each one. I did not allow myself to wonder which of them would fall in the battles to come; instead, I dedicated myself to honing them into a lethal force. They must follow my lead without question, for I would see the next harvest, and many more to come; the same could not necessarily be said for them. There was no doubt I would burn more than a third of my forces on assorted pyres before the planted fields were once again ripe, and that only if I were lucky. I expected it would be more. What melancholy had crept into my heart? I mourned my dead too soon and did not do justice to my men. Yet how could it be otherwise? In the darkest hours of night, I felt torment at the knowledge that I led so many young men to die. I have been an officer a very long time. I forced the darkness from me. Climbing the wooden dais, I moved to the spot left clear for me, standing shoulder to shoulder with my captains. Silence descended. “Who are you?” I challenged them, as I have countless troops before.


“General, we are the Emperor's Elite!” Their voices rose in precise unison and I allowed myself a moment of pride. These warriors would serve well. The strength in their response flooded me, charging the blood in my veins with added vigor. It gave me confidence we were invincible, my earlier doubts forgotten. “And how shall you fight?” I continued, keeping my tone outwardly neutral. “We will fight with His might…. We will fight with His valor…. Our courage is His.” I waited a pause before continuing, allowing them to settled down from their fervor. “Your emperor has summoned you to war and I am here to see you ready to vanquish the enemy. Your first lesson: Forget the songs you have heard sung of glorious battle. Heroes are not made in war, but created after, by those who have no concept of its horror.” The faces lifted up to me were filled with awe. My men marveled at the strength of my words. Little did they know, as much as I spoke to them, I spoke to myself. “Look to the men before and to either side of you…turn and seek the faces of those at your back…these are your brothers, and as they stand beside you, so you stand beside them. “Do not forget this from now forward: the praise or damnation of those at home holds no true weight, now or ever, what matters is that those that surround you at this moment will share your triumph and horror alike; care for what they think and know that if you respect your oath to them…to me, you will have acted honorably. That is the most each of us can hope for, for in the end, it is the only thing with meaning. They will make you heroes, but you will make yourself worthy.” The shadows in my mind taunted me, denying everything I said. I ruthlessly subdued them. II. The following weeks were spent in zealous training, my soldiers excelling at every task. Yet I pushed them ever harder, honing their skills beyond proficiency to perfection. I had no choice. The emperor's scouts had brought back messages of movement among the enemy's forces. Soon we would all see battle. But this was not what chilled my blood and shivered down my spine. Night by night a misty escort accompanied me into sleep, betrayed by a shadow, the muted echo of languidly beating wings, a sudden cackle, a shrilling scream.

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New nightmares came to me each time I sought rest. Born by the biting wind off of the sea, they wreathed my slumber in terror and torment and ecstasy. Images of battle…of death…my men spread like dead flies upon the ground. Over and over I watched them, both haunted-eyed soldiers and fresh young faces not yet scarred by battle; all turned their gaze toward foreign shores. Their trust in me was complete. Their trust in me was damning. In the darkness of my own mind, I watched my men die, savaged by a faceless enemy, their entrails strewn about countless battlefields, their lifeless eyes trailing me accusingly as I picked my way over their corpses and waded through mud made black with their shed blood. My dream-self ever closed its eyes, but the images could not be shut out. Neither could the screams. It was the torment of souls consumed with terror, agony unleashed in endless shivering waves. Each morning I woke atremble, my eyes hollow pits and my skin pale beneath its soldier's weathering. More times than I can count, I woke at my own cry, “I have failed them, they are all dead!” Only my aide knows of this, and his dedication keeps him silent. I struggled to put my unease from me. My troops may have been the chosen of the emperor, but their own excellence has kept them here. I have not trained them to die. The dreams were nothing but doubts manifested…unreasonable doubts. Among the ranks, I marched like a demon possessed, my countenance fierce and my temperament demanding, while inside my heart died a little more. My forces were pushed to excel at every skill put to them. I watched on, a not-sosilent goad, and even my captains did not know which to fear more: our uncertain future, or me. “You're overextending, Thalon…Get your stance back in line, find your center and do not stray from it; our foe will not be as forgiving as Ghin here is.” My words were stern but encouraging as I addressed my aide. I lingered a moment, to watch his next attempt, or so I intended until I spied another among the ranks, his gear an affront to my warrior's sensibilities. Brief flashes of my nightmares swiftly rose up at the sight, until I barked and snapped most ferociously at the man, “Your armor is an outrage, soldier, who taught you such inept care must wish you dead, or you've a wish all your own to gain the other side. I want each plate repaired, in order, and properly assembled before you seek your pallet tonight!” Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

I ignored the confused and angry flush of half the sergeants surrounding me. They wondered what rode me. I wondered as well, but I forced myself not to care. I would not have even one recruit fall because we failed to train them well. If their pride was scored, let them renew their efforts to prepare the men as best they could. My blood pulsed like a caged beast seeking escape as I continued to tour the ranks. My eyes took on a wild glint and my breathing grew harsh. Everywhere faces confronted me from my dreams. Passing each one, a fleeting image of their dream-deaths cloaked their features in gruesome effigy. Throats slashed to the bone, eyes dangling wetly from their sockets, blood welling from mouths even now calling out the training chants that continued to fill my ears with unfailing precision. The vicious mocking did not end. I felt cornered. Each step I took, I was followed by haunting whispers, venomous and faint; ghostly screams floated on the breeze, apparently for me alone. My teeth clenched on an answering groan and it was all I could do to keep myself from whirling around in an attempt to spy who taunted me. Was this madness? Growling, my heart sought the darkness within. I would wrestle it down and raze it from my being. Shooting a look at my second in command, I left the field to him, stalking off towards the shore to war with my demons. III. The blue-grey sand sparkled like crushed gems in the dying light of day. I had not realized the lateness of the hour. How much better I understood my restlessness. I had lost all desire for sleep, though not the need. I had managed to work up a thick sheen of sweat in pacing my men. Taking myself to the water's edge, I reached down to scoop up a bit of the incoming wave. Raising it, I stayed my hand mere moments from dousing my head; a shadow crept across the sun, stealing its brilliance, muting its setting glory, and a whispering flutter of leathery wings danced around the edge of my hearing. I trembled without shame.

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The seawater was sluggish in my palm and lacked the sharp crispness I had always found so refreshing. A stench unimaginable wafted from the puddle in my hand and from the surf at my feet. I was no green recruit…I was a seasoned warrior and I smelt death. Yet looking down, instead of the blood and offal I expected, I spied a thick green slime coating my hand. Foreboding shot through me. There was a gleeful cackling in my thoughts as I dashed the sludge away, biting off a curse. Looking wild-eyed at the surf, I nearly cackled myself…madly. The surf was as crisp and clean as the day the gods had wept it. There was nothing in the sand where I had cast my handful. This was madness! With my eyes closed and my jaw and every other muscle clenched, I began my private war. “They are but dreams!” I roared. “They have no power over me that I do not allow them! You are nothing but unfounded doubt! You are senseless fear! You are nothing but fancy!” Sweeping out my practice blade, I whirled on the battered, but stout log buried there in the sand. Towering over my head, it was my own private practice post and I attacked it with a vengeance. Over and over my blade fell with ruthless force. “Nothing! No screams! No death! No goddamn fluttering wings! Nothing, do you hear me?” I descended into obsession, no longer rational enough for words; I punctuated each punishing slash with a formless cry. Rage poured through me and out along my blade. “Ggrr…ggggrrrr. Augh!” My muscles burned and my skin felt stretched taut; I dreaded the rumbling swish of the surf, for the little I could distinguish beneath my roars hinted at nasty, triumphant whispers.

My heart thudded mercilessly against my breastbone and my breath tripped over itself in its haste. Greyness swarmed my vision and I continued to growl through clenched teeth as I turned to confront the sea. With all my escalating fury I stumbled forward and cast my wooden practice blade like a spear into the depths. As if such a pathetic weapon could pierce the heart of the darkness I sensed writhing there. I would regret the wastefulness later. For now, I watched intently as it lanced through the sky and impaled the ocean smoothly, forcefully. Yet nothing rose up from the depths but a brief splash, and my blade was gone. I fell to my knees and felt like weeping as the waves chuckled at my powerless obsession. I was too spent to care, too worn by weeks of restless nights, left drained by my futile exertions. I fell forward in the sand, letting the waves wash over me, wanting to scream at their deceptive sweetness. Something was foul here, I thought as unconsciousness claimed me. It was merely well hidden. IV. Torn limbs drifted by me on knee-high waves of blood. A body lurked beneath the surface, reaching out to me, as I passed, with half a green-glowing hand; there was no head, just splinters of gnawed bone and white cartilage rising from the tattered remains of one of my sergeant's necks. I should have known him. Even without a face, I should have known him. As things were, it was only his torque-amazingly still in place-that confessed his rank. As I walked the battlefield, my useless sword dangling from fingers long numb, I could feel the shadow following me. No…they were legion, not just one. Something brushed my back, taunting, and the shushing of flexing wings filled the silence left by the carnage. For what did they wait? My forces lay obliterated around me, their screams still echoing endlessly in my mind. Why did they not come for me? “They are all dead! I have failed them!” Chuckling glee was my only answer, he-he, he-he, he-he…building like a pulse. It was maddening and I could bear the torment no more…

“AuuuGGH!! Augh…Augh…AauuuggH!”


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V. The voices now were deep and rumbling. They did not trouble themselves to hide on the fringes of my thoughts…they didn't bother to tease and taunt…. The voices called me forth from my sleep. Ph-nglui mglw'nafh Cthulu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn… Cthulu fhtagn Gibberish, complete gibberish. But that did not stop my blood from turning to ice. I fought the compulsion to repeat the phrase. To let the words fall off my tongue as they desired to. What did it mean? Relentless… ominous… I could not evade the dread those words evoked in me, regardless of my inability to comprehend them. Opening my eyes, some oddity of the moonlight cast a green glow upon the water. It quickly faded, as I blinked away the sleep. All save in one spot. Rearing up onto my knees, I stared at the glowing depression in the sand. The moon was not full and did not offer enough light for me to distinguish what rested there. What I should not have seen called to me in sibilant whispers, speaking to my soul. The promises were both horrific and tempting, again offering me the terror and torment and ecstasy of my dreams. The darkness in my heart trembled eagerly. The rest of me cringed away. Crouching in the sands, my sensibilities rebelled. My hand shook as I did battle with it. The dream visions of the weeks past rose again unbidden as I lost my struggle and tentatively reached out, not quite brushing the heavy, gold-swirled statue cradled in the sand before me. The cold intensified before my skin even touched the stygian darkness of the unknown mineral. Revulsion gripped me and my stomach rebelled like a raw recruit's. My soul took one step back from damnation. Staring up at me, coldly calculating, was a hand-high statuette washed ashore by the treacherous waves. A pair of dark, depthless eyes perched above tentacles that gave the illusion of being poised to lash out at me. A half remembered dream image told me they would be thicker than my well-muscled thigh, my waist even, were this creature to stand before me…or, I should say, over me. The head, in proportion, was enormous and shaped as a familiar creature from the sea, only attached to a powerful body that would dwarf my own several times over, once again, were we face to face.

The reflection of this thing haunted my sleep, the broken bodies of my men scattered like grains of rice at its feet. Its size alone would have make me quail, though it galled me to admit it even to myself…but the sight of the lethal claws biting into the rune-covered pedestal it perched upon left me shaken as my mind easily calculated their likely length. I could well imagine what a natural complement of weapons such as these could do to my men. Yet even with all of this, it was the massive wings folded cloak-like down the creature's back that told me I had spied my demon at last. The wind sniggered yet again and my fury returned full-force, banishing my doubt. With a swift swoop, I cupped my hand under the wet sand where the idol sat-nothing could bring me to touch the hateful thing directly-and rising, drew back my arm and flung the handful back into the sea. Only as it disappeared from sight did I notice what could only be the fierce dragon prows favored by the Empire's mortal enemy, just now rising from the horizon. The eve of battle was upon us. I knew both thrill and fear. I could feel the wing-whipped wind howl at my back as I stalked away. My very soul quaked as it encompassed me. I watched in horror as it reflected my image back at me, until I no longer recognized the man staring back. VI. “Rise up!” I bellowed loudly as I entered the camp, my expression grim as I took the sentries by surprise. Quick anger heated my words and my eyes flashed cold, glimmering briefly with a green glow in the dark, if only for a moment. They would pay later for their inattention. For now, dawn was mere hours away, and I intended we would be on the march long before the sun lit the sky. “Fall out and formation in fifteen!” Officers aligned themselves beside their squads and battalions with precision. Without a word, I stood before them as my aide dressed me in my armor. I forced my eyes not to follow the hulking shadows that darted among the ranks. Ever since my slumber on the beach I had images to add to my torment. They taunted me as I addressed my men.


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“The enemy approaches; within two hours they will be upon our shore. We will not meet them on a battlefield of their choosing. Gather your gear, we march within the quarter hour and lead them to where we make our stand. The advantage is ours, men, let us press it.” The shadows mocked me, replacing my forces once again with the death-images from my dreams. They played on the doubts I'd struggled to eradicate. Rage filled me, pushing out my fears. They were senseless! They did not exist! Yet their sniggers grew deeper into all-out, mocking laughter as Thalon handed me my battle blade. VII. As we made our way through misty vales, I listened to the thump-thump-thump-thump all around me…the horses' hooves…the marching of my men…my quickening pulse. It was as if we made our way across the inside of a drum, rather than into the fiery red glow of approaching dawn. We were close. I halted at a rise and waited for my forces to draw up to me. I had always known where I would bring them for this battle that they might draw upon the might of those who came before. Ahead of me, laid out in that instant for my eyes alone, was the Forest of a Thousand Lost Souls. No trees materialized from the morning fog. This was a copse of corpses, or what was left of them. A thousand colossal souls found in this place their final rest. For miles, their twisted and broken limbs of aged bone rose up like giants, as high as three men each standing atop the other. Those massive skulls still in place were thrown back upon their neck bones in endless, eternal screams. Side by side with the bones, the armaments of fallen warriors pierced the sky, dwarfing our forces as we stood in their shadow; maces and lances, swords and two-handed axes…every weapon ever imagined planted in the ground reaching heavenward…each one of a size to suit a Titan. I could feel the souls, daring me, measuring my worth on first impressions. My face remained impassive and I stood at the head of my army with justifiable pride. We were worthy to walk among those fallen, to add our legend to theirs…to surpass it, in fact, as I would not… could not believe my army would fail.

In the back of my mind the shadows deepened and surged, and my battle lust demanded blood, though I reined it in with the same command I wielded with my men. I turned as my officers drew their mounts beside mine. Awe mingled with the reverence in their gazes. Glancing behind me, my eyes trailed across the ranks. My men did not disappoint. Satisfied, I began my descent into the valley. Wending our way through the vast forest of bleached bone and weapons that edged the plain was no easy chore, but as I drew closer to my goal I was overcome by the magnitude of our undertaking. Surely, surrounded by the souls of these valiant dead, we would find our might amplified tenfold…nay, a hundred fold. For once the whispers were drowned out. My demons could not overcome the clamoring voices of the dead from a thousand wars. Their screams were rich and strangely savory. The echoes of their ancient battle cries thrummed through my veins. They kept pace with my rapid pulse… almost time. I could sense the foe drawing near, poised and ready to strike, but unfathomably holding back. It was as if I could hear the pounding of their march in my very bones. I could feel a hint of battlelust steal over me like an ever-increasing itch.

VIII. I barely took note of the furtive looks the soldiers cast in my direction at the continued absence of our foe. I was lost in the ever-shifting parade of ancient dead. I found myself the center of sifting spirals as the shadows and the legends bound and counter-bound me in their swirling energies. Before my inner eye flashed the glory of past battles. I wanted this for my men, to blood them in triumph to set them forever above all other fighting men. I would become immortal!


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From deep inside me, my soul screamed in outrage at my thoughts, so opposite my own philosophy. The rest of me was deaf to those cries. Instead, my languid gaze followed as the carrion crows flew by. I relished the sound of flapping wings. They could feel the tension; they could read the signs. They cawed their impatience at our unmoving stance, eager to feast upon the anticipated spoils. My aide flinched as the bird's cry sounded from above him. At the sight, sudden, inexplicable rage boiled through me, and the conflicting battle between my nature and my actions was finally lost. Flinched! How dare the man count himself a member of my ranks with so faint a store of courage? He was my chosen, most favored of the common soldiers, personally groomed by myself to one day take his place among my officers. It was a disgrace! Swiftly I charged, kneeing my stallion to the site of my army's blemish. Weakness could not be tolerated; weakness would drag the whole body down. Retribution was as swift as my mount, and as sharp as my blade. Crimson stained my view once more as my sword came away bathed in Thalon's blood and I shivered at the cool caress of death. The silence took on the weight of a collective gasp, a quickly quelled cry of outrage. My blue eyes glimmered green, tremors rippled through me and surging death cloaked me in ineffable power. The coil drew tighter. The shadows deepened, the thumping pulse quickened, and anticipation was heavy in the air. The whispers rose into a shouted triumph and an eldritch glow crept over the battlefield, encompassing the deadly forest. No one moved, nor was it likely they were able to. I found myself looking out upon the sky as an unholy light gathered above my head. It pulsed with power, a power that repulsed me even as I lusted after it. I had to feel its embrace. The splendor it promised…I would be a hero. No! That wasn't right…. I was not here to be a hero; but still, I reached up my hand. I was doomed. As the radiance sheathed my hand it set the rest of me glowing in a haze of glory. Nothing was left of the man I'd been.

I looked out and I could see them, the shadows surrounded my army, tangible nightmares rising up in their horrendous magnificence. I grew taut with anticipation. I waited for the dream-images to be fulfilled. Dark, depthless eyes burned with hunger and tentacles lashed in frenzy. Rank upon rank upon rank of powerful beings stood before me, dwarfing the mortal men. They each resembled my little, cast-away idol. I heard the screams, indistinguishable from those of my dreams. It relieved me to once again be fully immersed in the jarring auditory assault. I had grown so used to it. I looked back down at my hand…it burned. I discovered my flesh scorched black as a void. The darkness crept up my limb and oblivion drew closer. From its depths, my nightmare laughed back at me. My gaze drifted to my soldiers. Looming shadows tore them limb from body and flesh from bone. Numbly I noticed I had underestimated the length of those talons. One pierced the last of my sergeants through his head, the wicked curve protruding from the man's belly. It was true then: Every one of them is dead…. IX. The copper-penny stench of blood hung in the air as it dripped from my blade. I stood in stillness broken only occasionally by squabbling ravens, watching as the shadow-creatures sank once again into the cursed soil. As I looked at my men, I struggled to find the dividing line between my nightmares and reality. The ranks were assembled, patiently waiting the arrival of the enemy…the enemy who only now surged along the perimeter of the battleground. No one moved. Shocked murmurs shattered the silence and a single voice rose from the approaching horde, “My god! What happened here?”


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A solitary scout crept onto the plain, stopping at the edges of my assembly, circling, but going no deeper. His face was paler than the moon as I watched him wheel abruptly and lope away, straight back to his commander. “They are all dead, sir, slaughtered in their ranks.” His voice trembled and I wondered that I could hear him at all, but it didn't matter. My satisfaction grew as I heard mutters of “cursed land” and “ill omens.” I knew the thrill of triumph as the enemy forces turned about and marched away with haste. The field was ours; the enemy would not stand against us. I took my place in the Forest of a Thousand and One Lost Souls, my head thrown back in a cry of ecstasy, my bare bones gleaming in the weak light that occasionally broke through the clouds. I am larger than life…a legend, my mighty sword a monolith beside me, my head thrown back in a cry of terror.


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"Now available on Kindle and other ebook formats!" Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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Multi-Verse Sokuja Mercs Here is a new character for your Zero-G games...

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! His favorite company of choice may be dead, and for that matter the compute game almost killed his hobby, but the Avalon Hill Geek can still be found here and there. Older and wiser, he still tries to get younger gamers into the hobby, “Look, its called Tactics II, it’s a classic, lets give it a try.” Still the newer breed of gamers just don’t like all those card board counters and dumb ass map boards, they grew up with World of War craft and first person shooters, so the old stuff just doesn’t get it for them. Still he goes on, the love for Squad Leader still strong, the occasional diplomacy game still something to look forward to. Sort of sad in a away.

!


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Available now at RPGNow, E-23, Pazio and other great online stores. !"#$%&'&(#$)*$+,-$ ! ! !


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Battle Axe This month we continue with images of Rigures you may be able to use in your Battle Axe games.

A

B

C

The Orc War band is a tough bunch, while not as fast and skilled as the elves, or as sneaky as the goblins, the orcs more then make up for their lack of cool with brute force and nasty blood lust. All of these Zigures are GW, but you can Zind all sorts of orcs by other companies.

A. The Orc Brute is a sure Rire must have Rigure in any orc War Band. His skills and killing are matched by his command abilities.

B. The Orc Warrior is a tough bastard, mean and more than able to kill most foes.

C. Give the Orc Warrior some heavy armor and they can stand toe to toe with just about anyone.


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D

F E

D F. Give The orc thug is a main stay on the war band, cheap, they are tough and ready to lay down their lives for the bloody cause. Put them in a mob and they are a real threat.

G & H. The orc Raider is a killing machine. Their heavy weapon deals a lot of damage and their heavy armor allows them to take a lot of hits. One or two of these in a War Band can mean a lot of dead bodies on the other side.

G

H


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Heraldry of G immlor

Morddinti

Cammith

Sharth


Farth

Timmilo

Qun

Vulmith

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Become Fan of Avalon Games and join our Newsletter. In each issue we offer insights into Avalon Games, the people that make it a great little publisher and all sorts of free stuff, special offers and access to Fan Special Edition products. Go to our web site at, www.avalon-games.com and sign up.

Spes Magna Games Affordable PDFs for Stronger Games Available at DriveThruRPG and Paizo.com

Take a moon lit walk with Avalon and have a great time.


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!

By Megan Robertson The Forgotten Tomb of Felgar the Goblin King by Super Genius Games

Was there a time when goblins were not vermin worthy only of immediate extermination? In this adventure, characters attempt to delve into goblin history on the trail of a great leader who stood proud amongst the other fantasy races. Written for low level (2-5) characters, intended to fill but a single evening and accompanied with all you might need by way of resources - tactical maps, monster summary cards, battlemaps and monster 'standees' this scenario seeks the truth about the past. The adventure itself starts quite abruptly with the characters entering a goblin ritual site and disturbing the ceremony in progress. How you get them there is up to you, one suggestion is that locals of other races have asked for help in clearing the goblins out. Naturally, goblins don't like being disturbed at their devotions any more than other worshippers do, and an unseemly brawl is likely to develop. Fate will, at that point, take a hand as the chief priest calls upon his deity to intervene... a delightful moment which I won't spoil by explaining what does happen! In true archaeological style, this ritual site is not new, with successive layers of use to explore, moving back through goblin history, before that long-lost tomb is finally found. But is that treasure cursed? Tamper, and the characters may find out... Everything is presented clearly, and the adventure should run smoothly with minimal preparation beyound some printing and cutting-out of the battlemap tiles and monster 'standees' - much nicer than tokens, especially if your players like to use miniatures to represent their characters in combat.

Whilst a straightforward 'dungeon delve' on the face of it, this is a neatly-crafted adventure that should make a memorable one-off or interlude in a campaign, perhaps revealing a little of the ancient history of your setting or posing some interesting questions for more reflective characters, or even launching a career as tomb raiders, ahem, archaeologists for characters for whom that would be of interest.


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!

Cool Stuff

100 Bullets

I’m not much of a crime or Noir reader, but this series of comics caught my eye and so I picked up the fist graphic novel of 100 bullets. Wow what a great treat and some rally gritty artwork. As the series grows so to does the depth of the story, the art also continues to evolve, becoming better and better as the series goes. By the last book, you are hooked. One of the best that comics has to offer, you can’t go wrong with this one. You can get started right here with the first book… http://www.amazon.com/100-Bullets-Vol-First-Shot/dp/156 3896451/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=127610979 5&sr=8-1

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47

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!

Want to play a lion barbarians or a dog super spy, well now you can. Animorphs offer you template for your Pathfinder game which allows players and GMs to run just about any for of furry character. Cat mages and wolf spacers are here.

!

APMR 2 this month will expand the rule system to include mass combat, so build your armies and go to war with this great game engine.


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More art this month with new Clip art, characters and counter sets. No month goes by that Avalon does not offer you great art at a great price

Vol 1, Issue #11

!

Plant Magic By Jennifer Seiden

Of course we have new Avalon Pathfinders, with a new adventure, encounter, treasure and magic this month.

! Botany and spell-casting are old friends, many plants having sympathetic powers all on their own. They are likely ingredients in many of the potions and brews used in Pathfinder, and some are considered capable of banishing undead, protecting from evil, or stopping lightning without any preparation whatsoever. Hedge magic or witchery is a form of magic that uses very little in the way of reading off scrolls or memorizing spells. Rather the hedge-witch, shaman, herbalist, or wise-person uses sympathetic magic to influence the powers-that-be. It is likely that nearly every party member will have some knowledge of hedge magic, from carrying a four-leaf clover for good luck to using a rose in a love spell. This is a shortened list of possible plants that can be utilized for a variety of purposes, either by the Player Characters or against them.

This month Avalon along side Avenger will be releasing the Far Avalon Sci-Fi n setting. A great hard science game with a ton of fun built in, you can’t go wrong with this product line.


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"Ecardmodels.com specializes in downloadable paper (card) models for every age and skill level! Since going live in 2002, our catalog currently boasts over 2000 models from over 80 talented paper model designers. Our models represent every era of history, along with fantasy and science fiction. Airplanes, ships, vehicles, rockets, structures- we have something for every interest! We have paper models of subjects you won't find in any other modeling medium, and at very affordable prices. Detailed product descriptions - telling you just what to expect from your model, from parts counts to skill levels- along with product reviews from other modelers, means you can buy with confidence from Ecardmodels. Securely pay with Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, or by check/money order. We invite you to browse our catalog and see what we have to offer. We currently have 60 free models available, so if you've never tried paper modeling before, find something that interests you and give it a try! We think you'll be impressed with our selection and service! And please register for our free, bi-monthly newsletter! "


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DARK Q UEST B OOKS Lets You Have It With Both Barrels! Introducing Books Three and Four in the Award-Winning Defending the Future Anthology Series

Book One 978-0-9796901-9-8

Book Two 978-0-9796901-5-0

Book Three 978-0-9830993-5-2

Book Four 978-1-937051-02-0

Series features stories by science fiction greats such as: Jack Campbell/John G. Hemry, Jack McDevitt, John C. Wright, Brenda Cooper, Bud Sparhawk, Charles E. Gannon, Lisanne Norman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Maria V. Snyder, Deborah Teramis Christian, Andy Remic, Lee C. Hillman, Jonathan Maberry, Judi Fleming, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Patrick Thomas, Phoebe Wray, James Chambers, Jeffrey Lyman, S.A. Bolich, James Daniel Ross, Nancy Jane Moore, Tony Ruggiero, Ann Wilkes, Kimberley Long-Ewing, Robert E. Waters, Jennifer Brozek, Laurie Gailunas, Jeff Young, and C.J. Henderson

“Iit’s easy to imagine yourself at the off-base bar on a deep-space transfer station, overhearing the tales of passing space marines, naval officers, and assorted other soldiers. If you enjoy a well-told story in the military SF genre, this is the book for you.” —Don Sakers, Analog

WWW. DARKQUESTBOOKS . COM Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

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Special Abilities

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OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a: The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. 1. Definitions: (a) "Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b) "Derivative Material" means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute" means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d) "Open Game Content" means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor; (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content; Eric Johnson (order #3451169)

(h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in terms of this agreement. 2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License. 3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License. 4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content. 5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/ or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License. 6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute. 7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.

8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content. 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License. 10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute. 11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so. 12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected. 13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License. 14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable. 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc. System Reference Document. Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook. Copyright 2009, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams. The Book of Experimental Might. Copyright 2008, Monte J. Cook. All rights reserved. Tome of Horrors. Copyright 2002, Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors: Scott Greene, with Clark Peterson, Erica Balsley, Kevin Baase, Casey Christofferson, Lance Hawvermale, Travis Hawvermale, Patrick Lawinger, and Bill Webb; Based on original content from TSR. Class options Volume2: Paladins Prevail, Copyright 2009, Reality Deviant Publications, author Stefen Styrsk

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All games available at (Click on the name to visit their site) RPGNow.com e23.sjgames.com wargamedownloads.com wargamevault.com Yourgamesnow.com Drivethrustuff.com www.ecardmodels.com Paizo.com


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Avalon is a proud participant of Kiva, making loans that change lives.


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Avalon’s premier game system the S&G battle system allows you to play skirmish level engagements, and do so with a fast, easy to learn system that also allows for endless expansions and genres. With S&G you can fight battles between fantasy based elves and orcs, or blast off into the cold hard future with space marines and aliens. Weapons and Armor

'

Warlord Grom

Weapons Scimitar Dagger

Damage mod +1 -1

Notes____ -

Special Abilities

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)

As mod -1 +0

Health ( *#& ) ) )

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Lamia

Major Glory Gyea


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“Fantastic artwork, wonderfully created and well thought out as well as a beautiful addition to any fantasy RPG.”


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Game Geek Issues 23

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