Newszine Issue 29 POLYHEDRON. || SRO LION ne I = y isd 9 ae asContents About the Cover Once again, our April Fool cover is a Tom Wham original. This time, the scene shows the inside of atypical (atypical?) wizard’s tower. Ifyou study the pieture carefully, you may be able to spot several of the critters from this issue's various foolish articles. Special Module Feature 9 The Camel's Nose — by Michael D. Selinker: Five vally elves and a camel must carry a sacred artifact called “The Camel's Nose” across the desert to the Shrine of Camelopardus, Camel Lord of the Burning Desert Features 6 The Lighter Side of Encounters II — by Skip Williams. Has your campaign grown too predictable? Add a bit of madness! 2 Dungeonsongs — by David Collins, Jeff Grubb, Frank Dickos, and Jon Pickens. More music to adventure by 25 The Ecology of the iamat — by Michael D. Selinker. And you thought there was only one! Here’s the REAL story of chromatic dragons. 26 Fractured Spells — by Rick Reid, with an introduction by David Collins. For our final installment of the spells yet! 28 The Gods of the which legends are made. 30 The Savage tion for fantasy fans. Departments “New Spells series, we present the most unoflicial set of GAMMA WORLD® Game — by James M. Ward. The stuff of sword of Lugnut the Barbarian — by Roger E. Moore. Foolish fic~ 5 Notes From HQ — by Penn} Petticord 29 Fletcher's Corner — by Michael Preytarski. Half-elves: How to breed for power 31 The Critical Hit — by Errol Farstad, Reviews of the “Flafly Quest” and TOON” Games POLYHEDRON™ Newazine the ficial newslet- TSR, Ine’s ROLE PLAYING GAME ASSOCIATION" Network) i published bi monthly by TSR, Ine. The mailing address for al correspondence is: RO. Box 509, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Telephone: (414) 248-3625 POLYHEDRON Nevszine is mailed ree to all RPGA™ members, US membership rates are $12 per year (bulk mail delivery only); foreign rates NEWSZINE Volume 6, Number 2 Issue #29 Editor: Penny Petticord | Production: Sylvia Deering Ernie the Barbarian Kim Lindaw Roger Raupp Contributing Artists Mark Nolting Roger Raupp David C. Sutherland Richard Tomasic Tom Wham are $20 per year (surface mail) or $30 per year (Gir mail) Al prices are subject to change with tt notice. Changes of address forthe delivery of tmembership materials must be received at least 30 days price tothe effective date of the change to insure uninterrupted delivery POLYHEDRON Newszine welcomes unsolic ted submissions of written material and artwork, No responsibil or such submissions can be assumed by the publisher in any event. 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Tn the event an article submitted for publica tion in POLYHEDRON™ Newszine contains material copyrighted by TSR, Ine., to such an nit as to-make it impractical to separate those ‘materials from the submission, TSR will retain copyright ownership ofthe article upon submis son for publication However, if TSR makes use of the materials contained in the article for any product or com ‘mercial purpose beyond RPGA" Network use ‘TSR will pay the author the then current fe for such product or purpose All letters addressed to the RPGA" Network or to TSR, Inc. wil be considered as submissions and maybe printed in whole or in part atthe discretion ofthe editor unless the sender speci cally requests otherwise in writing Unless otherwise stated, the opinions e in POLYHEDRON Newszine are those of the individual authors, and do not reflect the opin ions of TSR, Inc., the RPGA Network, or is sta DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ADVANCED D&D, AD&D, BOOT HILL GAMMA WORLD, TOP SECRET, DRAGON, and STAR FRONTIERS are registered wade marks owned by TSR, Inc. “TM” designates ‘other trademaths owned by TSR, Ine, unless otherwise indicated. ROLE PLAYING GAME, ASSOCIATION, RPGA, and GEN CON are service marks owned by TSR, Inc. MARVEL SUPER HEROES, SECRET WARS, and all Marvel characters are trademarks ofthe Marvel (Comics Group. THE ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES” Game is a trademark of Lucasfilm, Led, © 1985 TSR, Ine, All Rights Reserved Issue #29Notes From H If this is your first issue of POLYHEDRON™ Newszine, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the RPGA™ Network, and to let you in on the gag. Five out of the six issues you will receive with each year of membership bring you club news, informa- tive articles on your favorite game systems, and a chance to make a serious contribution to the hobby by sharing your ideas with other members. This isu is not one of those five, It's the annual April Fool issue, conceived in madness and dedicated to the proposition that there is room for levity in gaming, (Even though this issue was delayed in production, we decided to keep the april Fool flavor, especially since DRAGON® Magazine decided not to fe ture foolish material this year.) ‘The only completely serious items in this issue are the classifieds, the convention list, the winners lists, and “Notes From HQ.” ‘You can believe anything you see in those four articles, but take everything else with several grains of sal. Convention News Planning to travel this summer? Looking for conventions where you can pick up some RPGA Network experience points to qualify for Masters events? Well, several large conventions are featuring Network tourna: ments this year. GEN CON® 19 Game Fait (August 14-17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) will feature at least 12 sponsored events, including our feature AD&D® Game tour- nament by Frank Mentzer, a Masters tour. rhament, and our first-ever Oriental Adventires tournament, Origins '86 (July 4th weekend in Los Angeles, California) and Atlanticon (June 19-22 in Trenton, New Jersey) have one RPGA Network AD&D” Game tournament each, So if you're on the road this summer, plan to Stop and play, White Rabbits Newszine is still behind schedule, and it all looks as though ie will be caught up by August, The membership directory is on its way to the printer. The computer pro- gram for processing tournament data is still ‘on hold pending completion of various repairs an the pre-registration system for GEN CON® 19 Game Fair, but it should be done within the next month or two, New cards with updated experience levels will be issued to all members with tournament texperience as soon as the new programming is completed, Letters should be going out at the same time to let you know your exact point totals. We sill have no news from the legal folks on the city project, but keep an ‘on this column for further details, POLYHEDRON New Personnel ‘The combined RPGA Network HQ and GEN CON® Game Fair department would Tike to weleome 3 new fall-time employees: Kerry Krause, Sylvia Deering, and Ernie the Barbarian. With their help, we hope to get everything caught up and shoot that white rabbit within the next few months, Ne fyN Vy | FeEeee es | GAMERS’ CHOICE™ Awards This year, the RPGA Network will be pre- senting the GAMERS’ CHOICE awards for the best games and accessories released in the past year: Unlike other gaming indus tay awards, for which the winners are cho- sen by manufacturers and special panels, these awards are given to those companies whose new products are judged the best by the most qualified judges of all —the gamers themselves, Ballots can be found in the pre-registration brochures for GEN GON 19 Game Fair, which were mailed to all mbers. We need a completed ballot from each and every member of the RPGA Net- work to make the awards meaningful, So if you care about quality in the hobby game products you buy; vote for the items you enjoyed the most and send in your ballot, regardless of whether of not you plan to attend the convention! (If you have already disposed of your pre-registration brochure, another ballot will appear in issue #30 of POLYHEDRON” Newszine.) « Judging slots are still open for the RPGA Nevwork tournaments at GEN CON 19) Game Fair, Call HO. at (414) 248-3625 to volunteer if you'd like to participate. We will also need scorers and office volunteers ‘on site to process the tournament results throughout the convention, You can volun= teer in advance by calling HQ once you keow your schedule, Ori you find that you have an hour oF two free between CON 19 Game Fair games, come down to the RPGA Network Convention HQ and we'll put you to work ‘Steps have been taken to remedy most, if not all, ofthe organizational problems with last year’s tournaments, and we expect all the Network events to ran smoothly this year. If you are planning to play one or more RPGA Network tournaments this year, please note the following information, ‘which applies to all Network-sponsored 1. Each round is scheduled into a stand- ard 4-hour time block. 2. During the first 30 minutes, the play cers will gather in a lange area for team selection while the judges receive their briefing, 3. At the end of the first half hour, each team is assigned a room and a judge and sent off to play. (This year, most roam assignments will be immediately adja- nvto the team selection area.) 4. Upon reaching the assigned playing he judge will hand out charact sheets and familiarize the players with the background for the adventure 5. Once the players are familiar with their characters, all books except pla manuals are pu’ away and play begins, continuing for approximately 3 hours. 6. The final 15 minutes of the time block are reserved for character discussion and voting Latecomers will be accepted anytime during the team selection process, but (ry to arrive at the scheduled time for best results. Play fers arriving after room assignments have bbeen made will only be accepted if there are empty seats on existing teams, (On a lighter note, its time to give our- selves a collective pat on the back. Last year, the security and administrative off Gals at MECCA quite frankly expected several thousand animals at GEN CON 18 Game Fair. After all, gamers are nuts, right? Well, they were surprised. The sev cral thousand who did attend the conven- tion were courteous, mature people. In fact the MECCA staff told our convention coor: dinator that the GEN CON 18 Game Fair ides were the most courteous, intelli , and well-behaved group they had ever seen at the convention center. MECCA and the nearby hotels reported less vandalism ‘with us than with any other convention they had ever hosted. ‘Course, we already knew gamers were smart, mature, respectable people. But it’s nice when the rest of the ‘world knows it too. Thanks to all those who helped to give gamers a good reputation in Milwaukee. You've given those of us attending the con this year an image to live Uup to, salet’s not be orcish! “Til next issue, Penny PetticordTHe Licutrer Swe oF ENCOUNTERS by Skip Williams We're all aware that real people just don’t do the things we role- players make our characters do. I'm not just talking about those run-of-the-mill dangers to life and limb coramon to all fantasy ‘games, Sometimes we calmly force our characters into terminal embarassment. For example, real people wouldn’t be caught dead doing the things that the following perfectly respectable AD&D® Game characters did during the course of ordinary adventures, ‘These encounters are based on actual campaign events. Although they may be inflicted upon a party of any size and level, the NPCs involved are of respectable ability, and could easily best a low-level {group foolish enough to initiate combat, Use caution in running these encounters; they are meant to be fun, nat deadly Tailor the material given in each encounter to suit your own, campaign, Normal surprise and initiative resolutions apply; adjust the flow of events accordingly. As Long as As It Takes! Campaign: Aquat DM: Frank Mentzer Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Background for the DM Remember Athelstan, the Ranger Lord who appeared in last year's “The Lighter Side of Encounters” chasing a small bird? This time, Athelstan and his friends have slain a pit fiend, but have been unable to keep it dead. Pit fiends regenerate, you see, and, since devils are immune to fire, burning will not stop the regeneration, Athelstan has vowed to remain here and keep the critter down and ‘out until enough holy water’ can be found to eradicate it perma nently, no matter how long it takes. Soa party member has been dispatched to bring back a sizable quantity of holy water, Meanwhile, Athelstan keeps vigil over the body, hitting it occasionally to prevent its return to acuive life. The rest of Athelstan’s party, an elf fighter/magic-user/thief (7/10/11), aan Bth-level fighter, an Ilth-level magic-user, a 10th-level cleric, a Sth-level ranger, and a 10th-level monk are currently resting inside Athelstan’s [tent of luxury)", which he has pitched nearby. Notes for the DM ‘This encounter can take place in any large dungeon room, prefera- bly one with only a single entrance. Ifadditional entrances exist, all but one should be spiked closed, Start You have found the remains of the throne room. The charred vestiges of once-rich tapestries hang in tatters along the walls. At the far end of the room, a gaudy throne lies overturned atop a dais, as though the last person to sit in it got up very sudden) An identical throne has been placed in the room's center. Th fone is currently occupied by an unkempt, but healthy-looking ‘man, who is casually reading a book. Across his lap rests a glow- ing sword, and at his feet lies a huge carcass of some vaguely humanoid monster. It seems to be intact, though it looks rather mouldy. The smell of decay, however, is strangely absent from the room. Completing this odd picture is a silk pup tent pitched Jjust behind the seated man, ‘As you ponder this strange sight, the man looks up from his book and scowes. He knits his greasy brow, rises from the throne, gives the carcass a vicious Kc, then swatsit with his i Allow the PCs to take any desired actions after Athelstan swats the, body. If they attack, Athelstan will fight back, throwing heat metal fn the strongest-looking armored character, then moving in for melee. The rest of the characters in Athelstan’s party rush out of| the tent to assist him at the first sign of trouble. (The sight of all those people charging out of a small tent should cause some won- derment!) Irthe PGs approach peacefully and initiate conversation, Athel: stan sits down on the throne again and takes a swig of ale from his nearby wineskin, then wipes his mouth with his dirty arm, ‘The man looks back toward you. sks. You got any holy water Examination from afar reveals that the body is about the size of a stone giant’ [tis very hairy, and has huge wings and small horns. Describe the body in detail when the players ask, but do not volun- teer information; let the PCs figure it out for themselves. Athelstan ‘might permit closer examination of the body if requested, but will bbe highly suspicious of the motives for such, and is likely to react violently to any attempts to touch it or cast spells. The mould on the body is the normal sort one finds on discarded things; it has no special properties Ifthe PGs remain friendly, Athelstan and his party will offer to buy holy water from them. The NPCs will pay up to double for the holy water, but they will bargain shrewdly for it, Ten vials of holy water are required to dissolve the pit fie —— Athel stan ———— Player: Skip Williams 12th-Level Human Ranger 18(90) 16 18 14 16 7 si surprised only ona 1 on 1d6"; attacks 2/1 with 1% resistance to sleep’ and charm infravision’ (60’); Iongsword’; 10 ‘weapon specialization (longsword)} ranger abilitie Equipment: bracers of defense’ (AC 0); cloak of protection +2" ring of protection +2; boots of speed’; longsword +3 (NSA); long bow +2; 6 arrows +1; 6 arrows +3; mace +1; ring of fre resistance’; sweet tooth of stamina’; ioun stone (lavender and green ellipsoid, 63 charges); stone of cold immunity’; periapt of health ‘canister of condiments; tent of luxury’ Spells carried: evel Haru): detect magic’ Level 2 (druid): heac metal Level I (magic-user): unseen servant (x2). erie fire sue 129The 810’ Dash Campaign: Mirfix DM: Skip Williams Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Background for the DM A party of adventurers has entered a local dungeon in search of a particularly elusive and dangerous opponent who has taken refuge there. The characters have adventured extensively in this dungeon in the past, and have made a fairly accurate map of this particular area, But despite a careful search, they have been unable to locate their quarry, and have concluded that he must have exited via a secret door. As there were no elves with the group when they. decided to take up the chase, their chances of locating secret doors with any speed are not good. Therefore, they have agreed upon the following plan. ‘One of the party clerics has cast a true seeing" spell, and is run- ning at top speed (9 through the dungeon pointing out secret doors as he passes them. Another party member runs with him taking notes. The rest of his party members have been stationed all along the agreed-upon path to hold the intervening normal doors ‘open fo that the cleric will not have to waste time opening them while his spell is running. As the runners pass through each door, the party member stationed there allows it to close and joins the This plan should enable the group to cover the maximum dis- tance possible with the true seeing spell and end up together at the end of the line. But imagine how it would look to someone who didn’t know what was going on. Notes for the DM ‘The cleric’s dash starts at point A and follows the indicated route, finally ending at point B. At the start of the 810” dash, an NPC is stationed at each door along the cleric’s intended path, “This encounter begins in Room 1, Bring the PCs in through the north door. They cannot see the west door from their entry point Start You have just entered a normal looking 40” x 50” room: There are three other exits, 10” opening in the middle ofthe west, tral, «10° opening in the ncreh end of the cant wall, and a door Inthe south tnd of the east wall. A burly dwarfs standing atthe laser door, patently holding it open, He is watching the open ing in the west wall intently, as though waiting for something tas you study the dwarf, a voice comes from the wen opeing. ‘What iit Thorton?” “Just some people, Ralph” answers the dwar The voice belongs to Ralph ahalore fighter dressed in an ornate uniform, who is holding the west door open. Thorton and Ralph are basicaly friendly, and will converse freely with the PCs on variety of topics if approached in a non-threatening manner. ‘Although neither has the map, both are reasonably familiar with the layout of the dungeon, and may provide some information if requested (DM's option). Thorton, like most dwarves, is an expert ‘on rocks and stonework. He has designed and completed several mosaics — a few of which adorn the dungeon walls. He will be happy to direct any interested PCs to his masterpieces. Ralph is not an artist, but he does consider himself a snappy dresser and a gour- mand, He collects uniforms, and the one he is Wearing has plenty of gold braid and a fine surcoat. Compliments about it will cause him 'o swell with pride and drop the names of several high-ranking local olficials, whom he claims as personal friends. 1886 Janes Pearce: A Rights Reeve POLYHEDRON asked what they're doing, Thorton replies, “Wel, some friends of ours are gonna be coming through here in a hurry pretty soon; don’t stand in front of the deor, OK2” Neither can explain the Situation in deal, since both are fighters who don’t clearly under- stand the magic involved Ti the PCs attack Thorton or Ralph, both NPCs allow their doors to close and return the attack, knowing that the rest oftheir party (a 1Oth-level cleric, a Sh-level devi, an {1dh-level magic-user, = 9th- level fighter and a 10th-evel cavalier?) will soon arrive to help them. IF these NPCs arrive to find the doors closed, they will be suitably upset IFthey have to stop and fight, they will be downright angry! “Fhe cleric and company arrive in Room 1 four rounds ater the PCs enter Slowly, you become aware ofa far-off anging sound comin from beyond the west door. The noise grows louder as you lis ten, and the clanging is augmented by shouting and the sound of, Fnning feet. The dwarf and half-ore seem unperturbed by the din, but they do shout for you to move aside Allow the characters to take evasive actions, if desired ‘As you hastily prepare yourselves to meet the onrushing force, four armored people and a robed spelleaster burst through the door that Ralph has been holding and run out again past Thor- ‘The PCs may take any desired actions as the NPCs charge through the room. If their path is blocked, the NPC fighters will try to knock any characters or objects out of the way and continue, leav- ing Thorton and Ralph to deal with the PCs, ‘As the dust clears, you see Thorton still holding the east door ‘open. Ralph has allowed the west door to close, and is on his way over to the dwarf. “They'll be back in a minute,” explains ‘Thorton. “Better move aside.” ‘Two rounds later, the NPCs return as promised. Less than two minutes after the previous grand entrance, you hear the now familiar crashing again. As you dive for cover, the same five adventurers charge in through the door the dwarf has been holding. Still ignoring you, they dash through the north- ‘emimost opening on the east wall. This time, Thorton and. Ralph abandon their posts and sprint out after the group, bid- ding you a hasty farewell. Moments later, you hear someone shout '“There!”” as the sound of stomping feet and elanking metal fades into the distance, Thorton Player: Dave Conant ‘9th Level Male Dwarf Fighter 18(99) Alignment: Lawful Good Special Abilities: atacks 3/2°; dwarf abilities’ Equipment: banded mail +2; shield; longsword + 1°; longsword +2, dragon slayer" (Lawful Good, NSA); ring of free action’; ring of warmth’; Keoghtom's ointment’; helin of underwater setion’s ‘gem of blinking (works as ring of blinking’)Ralph Piayer: Jif Pearce 8th Level Half-ore Fighter 8 Insue 29CAMEUS NOSE by Michael D. Selinker A Lighthearted AD&D® Game Adventure for 6 Real CharactersPART I: OUT FOR A CAMEL SPIN History (On the east side of the Burning Desert lies a fertile valley populated by elves, These valley elf tribes are nomadic, traveling in small wagons and never staying in one place for long. They are often called “gypsies,” for they can read the signs of nature — at least, so they say In their extensive travels, the elven gypsies have absorbed bits of numerous cultures. All beliefs, no matter how obscure, are toler~ ated by the tribes, and all the gypsies pay proper respect and service to all faiths, atleast when the clerics of the sects in question are around. ‘One such obscure cult is that of Camelopardus, Camel Lord of the Burning Desert. At the last tribal conference, a camel walked into the council glade, introduced himself as Franco, and announced that this was the year that the faithful of Camelopardus ‘must choose the best among them to deliver the sacred Camel's Nose to the Temple of Camelopardus on the other side of the desert ‘The journey must he made overland in the true eamel spirit. Not wishing to offend any deities, the gypsies called a special council to decide who should accompany Franco to the shrine for his holy quest, Eventually, five reasonably expendable individuals were chosen, The elves equipped them with a small gypsy wagon, a team of four camels, tents, and enough food and water for 10 days ‘The intrepid band of adventurers set off with Franco for the temple. Now, camels are very well equipped to handle desert travel. ves ate not, And yet, a band of valley elves has accepted a sacred mission, trudging through sand and blistering heat in the name of the great Camel Lord, Some elves are suckers Camelopardus The Camel Lord has but few elven worshippers, though he has ‘any fithful among the camels ofthe desert bes, Camelopardus srleomes al the faithful he can get, of course, but that doest Sean he as to appreate teal Aral the bypeda ones have ‘But the Camel Lord is strictly fir and partial, creating all of his followers alike, humps or no humps, ‘The fact tha he docs’ realy diferentiaé between his ef and hls camel worshippers can Cause some difficulties. His camel clerics don’t need such spells as endure heat, create water speak with animale, and so forth 0 his iipeda clerics don't get them ehther, And sometimes be sends al of them on pilgemates ‘The Gypsy Wagon ‘The wagon is small, 8’ wide by 12° long by 12" high. Itis pulled by four ordinary camels named Able, Baker, Charley, and Nikita — and they afe not nice creatures, The wagon is covered on all sides wwith a sand-colored tarpaulin with a lap which opens on the side Ibehind the driver; opening the arp anywhere else will ear it. The vehicle's wooden frame is supported by four rickety wheels on fragile axes, The camels are connected tothe wagon by rope har nestes. The driver ats inthe seat behind the camels and steers with 2 whip, Inside the wagon are the Camel's Nose, two pup tents, extra robes and turbans, a set ofbagpipes, alonghow and twenty arrows a hatchet, a divining rod, sic empty canteens, litle food, and noth ing else. The interior is carpeted Gamels: 4; AL Nj MV 21°, HD 3; hp 13 cach; AG 7; THACO 16; ‘AT 1; Dmg I-f (bite) or spit with 35% chance to blind for 1-3 rounds; 82 [3 IN Semic; ST 16; STw 15 ‘The Camel's Nose “The Camel's Nose is a six-inch hunk of marble with two fingertip indentations and a crack to which many people have atibuted imystial significance. Ichas absolutely no magical powers whatso- Beginning the Adventure ‘The problem facing our intrepid band of adventurer is this: They have t get to the holy shrine of Camelopardus to deliver a mea ingless hunk of rock to someone who doesn't know they're coming. 10 To do this, they have make a ten-day journey across a desert, Eve- ybody’s got problems. The characters may make whatever additional arrangements they desire before departure, but extra water and food supplies are not available; the gypsies are quite poor. Clerics may have access to all, desired spells the first day, but once out in the desert, they may have only those that Camelopardus deems appropriate. “The first few days in the desert are uneventful. ‘The adventure begins on the tenth day after departure, when the water supply is nearly gone. The desert is not a terribly hospitable place, and sand- storms can happen very quickly. Fortunately for the PCs, today is not terribly bad for desert travel, The temperature hovers around a comfortable 90 degrees. Players’ Background You have come far from your sylvan homelands on a sacred mission. The Camel’s Nose, holy icon of the great god Camelo- pardus, must be transported across the desert to the fabled Shrine of the deity Ill started when the talking camel strode into the council meeting of the valley elves, He said he was a cleric of Camelo- pardus, the Camel Lord of the desert, and that it was time to make a historic pilgrimage, Well, the elves in the area are gyp- sies, and they've learned never to show disrespect for any deity, rho matter how obscure the cult may be. In fact, almost every sect and belief in the known world is represented among the ehvish gypsies, for they've absorbed bits of numerous cultures in So when the talking camel said he was a cleric with a holy mission, the council had to do its best to accommodate th request’ Camelopardus does have some worshippers among the valley elves, but they are few and far between. The council asked for volunteers, then chase you for the sacred journey t take a six-inch lump of rock called the Camel's Nose to a shrine ‘on the other side of the desert. The Nose has two fingertip, indentations and a large crack. Franco seems to think it has mystical significance, but denies that it has any beneficial PeNo one has made ths journey in one thousand years, and you were very honored to be chosen for this histonse pilgrimage. You WERE very honored that is, but now you're beginning to won- der why all the rest of the faithful suddenly came down with severe sunburns shordly before the selection Franco insisted that the pilgrimage had to be done ‘the camel “way,” so the gypsies provided you with a small gypsy wagon, 2 team of four camels, a longbow and arrows, extra robes and turbans, and 10 days worth of food and water. Bravely, you set forth into the desert ‘The first time the clevies and druid pray for spells after entering the desert, they discover that only spells which Camelopardus can provide are available, as noted above. Otherwise, the first nine days pass without incident Encounter Key 1. Everything Was Fine Until You Camelong ‘The day is, in the language of camels, a three-humper. Its not a terrible day for desert travel; the temperature hovers around a comfortable 90 degrees. The burning sun has turned your tiny ByPsy wagon into a furnace, and as you drain the last of the water supply the elves provided, you contemplate “the camel way)” which means that only those spells which camel cleries use are available to your group. ‘As you roll along, the sky grows darker. Wind whips around you, sending stinging sand into your eyes and into the tiny wagon, The camels pulling your wagon grow nervous as the sudden storm increases in intensity ‘The sandstorm limits vision to 1" and panics the camel team, which bolts east, Those inside the wagon suffer no ill effects if the Issue #29)\ Encounter Map | TTT TTT TTT | pe pF" oul Sx : nH | OF \ \\ a” we w) ss fn) wv sys t SS we est LT STS gy ‘ \) Se ‘S49 wi re s ach aquare equals 100 Te \ (i gut WEEE ws square equate TOO feat i “a tt "ant oe POLYHEDRON 7tarp is closed; those outside in the storm take 1 point of damage for each round spent exposed co the stinging sand “The storm lasts for 30 minutes. When itis over, the characters are miles off course. The shifting sand has altered the appearance of the terrain enough so that no landmarks are visible. ‘After the sandstorm abates, you survey the situation, All are present and accounted fo, but you are definitely of course. Nothing looks familiar; there's only sand as far asthe eye can ‘Your guide, Franco the talking camel, sniffs the stifling morn ing air as you prepare to debark. “I think we go north,” he says, “Yes, I'm certain of it, North, I think", You sigh as you pack the tents into the wagon and set off, hoping that the Camel Lord is smiling upon you 2. Camels For Breakfast ‘As you drive on through the scorching sun, a horrible squealing breaks the silence. At the center ofthe smail cloud of sand approaching your wagon from the tight is a small camel — probably’ a baby. Ie veers to avoid your wagon and runs on, panicked. Nothing else is visible in the area. ‘The baby camel is being pursued by a whieling dervish, which is currently tunneling through the sand tracking the sound of the ‘camel’s running feet. The dervish is distracted by the sounds of the wagon, and pops up to investigate. His appearance creates a cloud of sand, which is projected in all directions, buffeting characters and camels alike. This does no damage, but it incapacitates anyone in the driver's seat who fails a save vs. paralyzation for one round, Moments later, the ground in front of you explodes in a flurry of sand. After is clears, ajitery farball with long teeth and google- eyes stands belore you. The creature rubs its eyes, land mutters something in gutteral grunts which almost sounds like, “Where camel go?" ‘The dervish, whose name is Rastas MeDivish, is intelligent and speaks Common, though his long teth prevent proper enunciation, so others frequently do not understand. If not attacked immediately, Rasias slowly creeps up to Franco and stares up at him in ama ment. "You big!” he stys quite sincerely. I he is attacked, he fights savagely until such time ashe perceives thatthe patty (or merely Franco} is too much for him and attempts to fice down into the sind ‘Rastas McDivish has lived in the desert all his lf but he is ess, than useful when it comes to giving directions, His life fa simple one, consisting mainly of chasing and consuming small desert ere tures. He knows of a “big, BIG creature” who lives in alake that tight be able to help the characters, but he can't remember where itis or for that matte, where anything is RRastas talks in a fast pidgin common intermixed with other strange noises, He is constantly hungry, but he will not try to eat anything while Francois around. But if Franco leaves for any rea fon, Rasias may try t take a bite out of one of the camels. When he's finished talking to the party, he einnes into the sand, causing 2eyelone of sand similar to that which accompanied his appear Whirling Dervish: 1; ALN; MV 1877/9" through s bhp 30; AC 5; THACO 13: AT 1 bite; Dmg 2d; 8 STs 13, STw 12. Baby Camel: 1; AL. Ny MV 21" HD 2; hp 7; AG 7; THACO 16; AT 1; Dmg 1-3 (bite), or spit with 25% chance to blind for 1-3 rounds; SZ M; IN Semi-; STs 17, STw 16 1d; HD 5 +5; IN Low! 3. Camelilies, Mach I Av this next point is an underground nest of sleeping camellies. ‘When the the wagon gets within 50 yards of the lait, the smell of fresh camel drives the gnatlike insects into a feeding frenzy. They appear suddenly, erupting out of the ground and swarming around the wagon. (Except as noted, treat the swarm as the Sth-level cleri- cal spell insecr plague. 12 Creatures inside the covered wagon take no damage, assuming the tarp is dosed. Ifitis open, the protection is useless, (Note however that the tarp can be opened for'a few seconds without letting in ‘enough camelflies to cause damage to those inside.) ‘The camels, of course, do not have this protection. Franco's actions can be as rational as desired, but the camels pulling the wagon panic. On the second round ofthe insect attack, assuming no character has whipped them or told them in camel to run for~ ward, Nikita takes a bite out of Baker's posterior. This in turn panics Baker, and the entire camel team bolts at double speed out of the swarm. They stop, exhausted, at point 4 (but not before). The swarm will pursue but the camels can outrun it If the characters abandon the gypsy wagon, the camels will run straight for the oasis. The characters can see the oasis from this point and may head for it if they wish. When they get there, the ‘camels are drinking from the pond. If the characters do not head for the oasis, the desert is very vast and very empty . A Mammal in Camelstown Before you lies a welcome sight — an oasis! Nestled bewween wo palm trees is a pool of water about 100" in diameter. Green ‘vegetation grows all the way around the pond, which appears to be about two feet deep. “This i nota mirage. The lke is actually fled with fresh water, milly warm but eminently drinkable. The camels begin slowing ject makes you jittery BARLEYBROO BARLEYBREAK, the druid, scares the living daylights out of you Who knows whac this character has in rind? Livckily, he seems to ser from Iemory lapses, and you wouldn't mind i his memory stayed lapsed. But what it he's only pretending, hoping catch you off s BLETHERATION BUFFLEHEAD, the halfciven pre-bard, is afew gallons short of fall, but he's an okay kid. He seems to like listening to you talk and you appreciate that. He looks like he could be used For Gite a few purposes FRANCO is'a cleric. And (get this), he camel, A'TALKING camel, And hoo boy, ‘oes he talk, Trouble is, he keeps getting the upper hand, like he's a better conversation alo something. You're not mare what to make ofthis beast, other than that he smells something horribleBarleybroo Barleybreak ‘ih Level Mate Valley EN’ Druid Ability Scores MFwt, Drs 1-2, BB-LG 14 +4 languages, Y 3 +1 ST bonus DEX: 8 CON: 16 +2 hp/die, $8.95, RES 96 CHA: 15. +15% reactions, 7 hench- men/+ 15% loyalty Deseription Age: 400 jeight: 4” 11" Weight: 110 pounds Hair/Eyes: silver/amber Alignment: Neutral Combat Data THAGO: 16 AC normal: 8 leather Weapon Proficiencies: 3 (scimitar, dagger, spear). NPP: Saving Throws, Poison, paralysis, death, 7 Petrifeation, polymorph 10 Rod, staff, wand i" Breath weapon 13 Spell” 2 *Add +1 bonus for mental attacks Racial & Professional Skills Attacks: round Spells/day: 5 #32 - Special Abilities: +1 “to hit” with bow or sword; 90% resistant to sleep and charm; find secret doors (1 in 6 chance in passing, 2 in6 chance if searching); find concealed doors (I in 6 chance in passing, 3 in 6 ‘hance if searching); infravision (60"); shapechange 3 times daily into reptile, mammal, or bird (once each per day)! identify plants; identify animals; identify pure water; pase through overgrown areas Without trace; +2 to saving throws vs. fire and lightning Languages: Common, elvish, gnoll, spare, goblin, halfling, hobgoblin, and Racial Preferences Dwf EI! Gno H-E Hig H-O Hum A P T G T A-N Equipment Magic Items: Scimitar of speed * 1; oil of fiery burning, potion of extra-healing, dast of meezing and choking (3 pinches): decanter of endless brandy Normal Equipment: Robes and curban, dried mistletoe (borrowed), belt pouch, divining rod {in wagon). XP: 68,000 Gold: 14 gp, 10 sp Bletheration Bufflehead ‘Male Half- Valley Elf Fighter/Thief (5/6) Ability Scores STR: 1) Drs J-2, BBLG 2% INT 6 WIS: 8 DEX: 9 CON: 12. SS 80, RES 85 CHA: 10 Fhenchmen Description Age: 25 Height: 5° Weight: 135 pounds Hair/Eyes: red/violet Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Combat Data THACO (as fighter) 16, THACO (as thie) 19 AG normal: 7 sort Hit Pointe 34 Weapon Proficiencies (Fighter): 5 (long- sword, spear, crossbow, mace, halberd), NPP: 2. Weapon Proficiencies (Thiet): 3 (club, dagger, dat) NPP: 3, Saving Throws Poison, paralysis, death mn Petrfication, polymorph i Rod, staff, wand 12 Breath weapon 3 Spell 3 Racial & Professional Skills ‘Attacks: I/round Special Abilities: 30% resistant to sleep and charm: find secret doors (1 in 6 chance in passing, 2 in 6 chance if searching); find ‘concealed doors (1 in 6 chance in passing, 3 in 6 chance if searching); infravision (60"). Languages: Common, elvish, gnoll, gnome, goblin, halfling, hobgoblin. ‘Thieving Skills PP OL FT MS HS HN GW RL 45032 35-32 7 5 45 Racial Preferences Dwf EW Gno HE Hig HO Hum AP T GT AN Equipment Magic Items: Stone of good luck; ring of feather falling; potion of invisibility (F doses). Normal Equipment: Robes & turban, longsword, 2 daggers, bagpipes (in wagon), thieving tools XP: 34,000/34,000 Gold: 10 sp Franco 7th Level Male Camel Clerie MOVE: 21" HIT DICE: 7 NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 bite or kick DAMAGEJ/ATTACK: 1-4 or 2-12 SPECIAL ATTACKS: Spitting and spell SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard INTELLIGENCE: Very ZE: Large PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil Description A Height: 10” at shoulder Weight: 1100 pounds Hair/Eyes: tan/brown Alignment: Chaotie Neutral Combat Data THACO: 13 AC normal: 7 AC rear: 7 ‘Armor type: thick hide Hit Points: 41 Weapon Proficiencies: None. Saving Throws Poison, paralysis, death 7 Petrfication, polymorph 10 Rod, staff, wand iu Breath weapon B Spell” 2 “Add +3 bonus vs. mental attacks 1 & Professional Skills Attacks: I/round Spells/day: 5 5.3 1 - Special Abilities: Bite for 1-4, kick for 2 1B: si to blind for 13 rounds (50% chance), Languages: Camel (and related animals), Common, Undead Turning Table Rac Skeleton D Mummy 10 Zombie D Spectre’ 13, Ghoul D Vampire 16 Shadow T Ghost 20 Wight T Lich = Ghast 4 Special = = Wraith 7 Racial Preferences Bipeds Camels T rv Equipment Magic Items: Ring of shocking grasp (ihrough nose, does 7-14 additional points ‘of damage on bite), ‘Normal Equipment: Pack XP: 68,000 Gold: None Life has been good to you, as has Camelo- pardus, your deity. For your extraordinary Service in his clergy, he has granted you the ultimate gift — he has reshaped your body in his own image. Once you were a valley elf, ike the others in this group. But now that your deity has seen fit to bestow upon you amore suitable form, the problems you ‘once had sith hunger and thirs in thedesert are gone, You are comfortable in the desert heat, and you can travel for weeks between oases without water. Your god is wise, indeed, and you are happy and grate- ful that you are no longer a two-leg Sill, the life ofa talking camel is an arduous one. On one hand, you've got these stupid ordinary camels who are just ‘dumb enough to get shackled to a gypsy ‘wagon and just omery enough to deserve it On the other hand, you've got a bunch of argumentative two-legs who don’t know deserts from desserts and don’t seem to like either. But you've been charged to lead them to the holy shrine of Camelopardus, land you don't intend to shirk your duty ‘The mission is a great one, and you are honored to be trusted with it! No one, no matter how many legs he has, will deter you from the completion of the mistion. The clves ean complain all they want, but you intend to make sure that at least one of them siill has the oppasable thumbs to carry the sacred Camel's Nose to the shrine at the Journey's end, If this means abiding with their bellyaching, so be it. Your faith keeps ‘you well above their petty level "TATTIEBOGLE SPAULDROCKY, the fighter/thief who drives the wagon, is ‘beneath contempt. He is pencil thin and lightweight both in body and in mind. He complains constantly about the heat, the ‘camels, his love life, and anything else that ‘crosses his path. 'ARGLEBARGLE COLLIESHANGLE the magic-user/eleric, is almost as con- temptible as Spauldrocky. No matter what anyone tells her, she ean be counted upon to disagree vehemently. She clearly does this to aggravate others, and you will have no part oft CLISHMACLAVER GOL LIESHANGLE, the magic-user/fighter, gossips as much as her sister argues, She can't seem to keep her mouth sealed, and is ‘constantly finding new things about the ‘other members of the party (excluding her sister) © harp on. This one especially dis- likes you, and you are happy to make the feeling mutual. BARLEYBROO BARLEYBREAK, the druid, can’t seem to find his way out of the ‘wagon in the morning. He is raticously loud and just plain foolish when he has a mer: ‘ry lapse, which he does atleast ance a day. Sul, he is better off crazy, for in his normal state he can be more argumentative dan Arglebargle. You like him best when he is BLETHERATION BUFFLEHEAD, the bard-in-training, is the only likable person in this group. Sure, he's running on less than half a hump, but his lack of cleverness doesn't stop him from being nice to you. You like him very much, and you even encourage him to play his bagpipes, a soothing sound if you ever heard one. ABLE, BAKER, CHARLEY, and NIKITA are ordinary camels, and more boring conversation you won't find any~ where. Nikita is especially ill-tempered; ‘watch him. AT ATT ATA AAA A ATA AAA AAA AAA A AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA A AAA AA Billy Joe always sad you could do whatever you put your mind to, yes he dd. Course, i's gone now gone tothe great camel roundup inthe sky. But he was sight, yes, you can be anything you want, And some= aky soon (REAL sun, yes yes), you're going fo bea bard, And you've got your Ont of pcs pve tee Course, sometimes folks 1k you t0 op, but that’s probably just because they wat to wait and hear mire later You like 00 play Bagpipes, yes Bhily Joe said ie would be good for you ro join the church of Camelo © Camelo ‘ell, something or other. You have trouble remembering things sometimes, ike what hotest pay on your bagpip Usually just don’t pay iro nevermind and play watever conte into your head. Billy Joe said that wan the mark ofa genius, iying able to just play what's in your mind “Anyways the church said h might be good for you's join the valley cveson thi fal imoporant, and important besides, You greet this mission with your usual happy Sill, because i+ real mnportant. "TATTIEROGLE SPAULDROCKY, the fighter/bie who drives the wagon, is «nice fan, ‘Course, he talks alo about things you don't relly understand, but you de Jour best to listen, He told you once never wea Sure hart You ty your ‘ARGLEBARGLE COLLIESHANGLE, the magicsserfeleric, often calls you bad things, and you don't ike that, But Billy Joe alvays sid you had toe nice t people ven if they weren't nie to you, 30 OU ty hot to get angry Sil, you wish she would op. She calls 2 ot of people ba thing, Sand you don’ like that ether. CLISHMACLAVER COL LIESHANGLE, the magic-user/fghter, is nicer than her sister She often pats you on the head and asks you to do things for her, find you're always happy to do tiem Ijceause she's so nice, She tcls you alot of things you don't understand to, bat you Tike her anyways, yes yes BARLEYBROO BARLEYBREAK, the druid, acts funny a lot ofthe tine. He tals kinda weird, and forgets who you are he smiles a To, 30 you ike him the leroy ian lke other camels, no, no. He TALKS, Thats nea Stu ike Franco alo, and you always rush for your bagpipes when he aks to hear a tuna: Hie gives you a lot of good edvie ‘shen you need it, and you try 0 elp itm A AT AT AT AAA AA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA ALA ‘You don’t know what you're doing here. The last thing you remember before this, was playing mumbledypeg with a green dragon. When you woke up you found yourself in a covered wagon in the middle of the desert with some elven gypsies, a sacred marble nose, and a talking camel. ‘This had tobe one of the worst nightmares you had ‘ever experienced. You went back sleep land hoped it would all be better in the morning. Tewasn’t, Ie was still desert, still gy still camel. At firs you thought you might have been kidnapped; afterall, gypsies have ‘reputation for that, But you managed to Piece together that gypsies and the came! are bringing the statue of the nose toa shrine in the middle of the desert, that you volunteered to come along, and that there is no fast way back. Situation normal. It's been like this ever since your favorite squir rel messenger was murdered by some adventurer a couple of weeks ago. If only you could get your hands on that heartless Killer! Poor Bucky. ‘Since that incident, you've been having ‘memory lapses. People tell you that you become rowdy and insolent, and that you tend to use your spells when it seems logical to you, which unfortunately seems not to please anyone. But you remember none of this, and spend much of your time trying to extricate yourself from situations like this. Memory lapses come upon you frequently, usually about once a day. “TALTIEBOGLE SPAULDROCKY, the fighter/thief driving the wagon, complains a lot. He complains about the desert, the camels, and the crazy druids. He looks slghay familiar, but you cant place where ARGLEBARGLE COLLIESHANGLE, the magic-user/clerie, doesn’t seem to think much of you, Perhaps it's because you keep falling asleep in front of her. She complains as much as the driver, but whereas his comments seem to be directed at no one in particular, Arglebargle doesn't mind aiming them at the source of her resentment. Good for her, CLISHMACLAVER COL- LIESHANGLE, the magic-user/fighter, is certainly loquacious. Whereas her sister is argumentative, this one just gossips. You're always willing to listen to new gostip, espe tially about peaple you don't know. BLETHERATION BUFFLEHEAD, the young bard-in-training, seems fascinated with you, but you can’t for the life of you figure out why. Then again, you're having trouble figuring out much of anything. Sul, he seems like a nice enough chap. If only he'd stop playing those noisy bagpipes! They make your head burt. FRANCO, the cleric, isa talking camel This perplexes you no end. Still, you are a priest of nature and all that, s0 its your uty to find out more about this creature land preserve the balance, etc., ete. Maybe in the morning,walkin ahead of him, then follows Franco inside, Franco, ofcourse, Thay not have the money to pay admission, and Rash generously oilers to pay his way: ‘Once Branco’ admission is pad, the gatekeeper, Smiley Nowe- cone, lights up in excitement. thfee-piece band begins to play, Streamers drop from the cellng, and Mutsuddy (the accountant in Charge ofthe establishment) walks outwith a bag containing 1,000 fold pieces, He announces that Franco is the 100,000th customer to Enter the shopping center, and sats tie the bag onto Franco's pack. Meanie, Rash is turing blue with hysteria Tf not restrained, Rash dives atthe accountant and grabs the money, Ie does ofcourse, weigh more than he does, x0 he lle "ruggling to pick itup, screaming, “Didn't you see that stupid Camel knock mie overs! (Ths mayor may not be tre.) He con- tinues ranting about unfair busines practices and threaten to ile Suit agunst the establishment. Security arrives to cart him away Smiley is very courteous afer this event, scooping up the bag of| gol and handing to Franco, or to whomever Franco designate. Hr offers the services ofa guide to help the characters spend their newfound wealth ‘ALthis point, different halfing steps out ofthe shadows and introduces himsaltas Norman Tabbermackle, Squire. Norman has alist of al the businesses inside CAMELS RUS, and offers to guide the PCs through the establishment Irasked the whereabouts “the Shrine of Camelopardus, he looks perplexed for a moment, ‘is through his list and says, “Aha T ne twas somewhere show you where itis” He then leads the characters down the lef corsdor towards A Little Vitles and The Camels Roundup, pointing vt both of these businesses and stressing their virtues, He'wil continue todo this forall the shops the group e Of course, the PCs are free to refuse Norman’s services and Norman wil both be mildly displeased, but they will continue toamile, (The DM need not dacourage this, because the srategi- Cally placed construction sites assure thatthe PCs wil end wp im the commeet places) ‘Norman Tabbermackle is tlifellow halfling who has been employed by CAMELS OASIS for some time. He isl relatively young for one of his position (asistant manager); he is only 35. He [howe the is and ous ofthis shopping mall Bke the har on his fect, though i has becn quite some tome since anyone has men tioned the Stine of Gamelopardus to him, and he had forgoten ite location, He doesn’t know that the Church of Camclopardus once owned this location, 20 hei unable to answer any questions about it Tes aware thatthe shopping center has been here for about Fay years, and that ithas foarahed greatly since its opening. Hl is Gute exc about plans to buld an upper level, as this sikely to thean a promotion to Floor Manager for him, These upper level plans are the cause of the construction occurring at varius points Inthe shopping centr, a point about which he quite apologei Smiley Nosecone server as the gatekeeper for CAMELS OASIS, and sometimes ait bounder He is 6°8" tll, bald, and sports a ihandlebar mustache. He smiles often, ands very hoaptable to atistomers Rash McPepper is a northern businesshalfling who is prone to quick emotional swings. He represents the Small Claims division of ‘Finy Grove Estates in North Litletown, and he is here to secure mineral rights to an area ofland inthe desert that fs under dispute Between the halfings nd the current inhabitants, a group of Der vishes. Rash has 50 gp in a belt pouch, and he carries a concealed dager: Mutsuddy is the accountant for CAMELS OASIS. He wears a all grey ult and generally fades into the background. On the rare occasions that Mutsuddy talks, he speaks in a monotone whisper. Norman Tabbermackle: AL NG; T6; hp 42; AC -1; THACO 19; ‘ATI weapon; Dmg by weapon; Sts 9, STw 8. Special Abilities: PP 70%; OL 62%: FT 50%; MS 77%; HS 67%; HN 25%; CW 87%; RL 25%: backstab for triple damage ‘with surprise; +2 bonus “to hit” with missile weapons (17 dexterity); halfling abilities. Equipment: potion of invisibility; bracers of defense (AC 2); dagger +3. Rash MePepper: AL CN; HD 1 (0-level); hp 3; AC 10; THACO 20; AT | weapon; Dmg by weapon; ST's 16, STw 15. Special Abilities: haliling abilities. Smiley Nosecone: AL. NG; MV 12"; F8; hp 65; AC 9; THACO 14; AT I weapon; Ding by weapon; STs 13, STw 12. Special Abilities: Weapon specialization in mace; +1 “to hi POLYHEDRON and +3 damage with melee weapon (18(12) strength). Seer a rea a Se aa ues Se einai eee nce Fale at Ye re te 2 ae ACE, AG 1 wens nee renee Sy Prats rraton carebront se ry Or SEE ee ee 2. Ambush Nine of Uncle Bedouin's employees are waiting in Whacksworks to ambush the PCs. Uncle Bedouin sent them here after Mergatroid reported sighting the characters atthe entrance ‘When the PCs zeach point 2, all nine attackers stream out of the ‘weapons shop, flailing their weapons and shouting loudly. The crovsd scatters and Norman disappears (via his potion of invsibil ity). The ambushers melee for two rounds, and they try to pursue any fleeing characters. ‘On the third round after combat begins, the sound of whistles splits the air: The ambushers break in all directions except to the south, where the whistles are coming from. Also at this moment, Rosalita Slubberdegullion from A Feast of Strumpets appears at the east end of her shop and beckon to the PGs, saying, "oor, lows, hits de coppers!” (translation: "Hurry my friends, ts the constabulary!" She motions the characters into the shop. ‘One round later, Norman appears with sixteen security guards (ece Security for details). Ihe characters are sill there, Norman surveys the situation, excuses the security guards (unless there are fany bodies t be carried of), and continues with the PCs along to Bits, apologizing profusely the characters go with Rosalita, she leads them into A Feast of, Strumpets and slams the door. Almost immediately, there is frantic knocking on the door. Someone shouts, “Open up! Security!” This panics Rosalia further. She rushes through A Feast of Strumpets {o the secret door on the other side. Once there, she knocks three times on the wall. The door opens into Chinatown. (If Franco goes through Chinatown, he breaks most if not al, ofthe glass in the shop -. but tell Franco this AFTER the characters reach the ‘opposite ide, where Rosalita knocks once again on the wall.) Once in Elmo's Loose Juice, the characters are on their own Rosalita Slubberdegullion is easly panicked, and she talks with a heavy Cockney accent. She wears a low-cut red dress and no shoes. Henchmen: 9; ALN; MV 12°; F3; hp 17 each; AC 8; THACO 18; ‘AT 1 weapon; Dmg by weapon; STs 16, STw 15. Equipment: Leather armor; one each of the following weap- ons: halberd, battleaxe, glaive-guisarme, broadsword, twor | falchion sword, trident, horseman’s pick, bastard 3. Mergatroid Earns His Spurs Round {+ Roll for surprise, adjusting as needed for PC precau- tions: When the PCs get near point 3, Mergatroidleape from his hiding place on the celing of Bug Off, lands on Franco's back and drives his spurs into Franco's side. Franco must save vs, wand or lurch forward ato the corsidor towards Uncle Bedouin's Used Camel Lat, The PCs can recognize Mergetroid asthe man who Soe their camels. Norman will run for hep if hei with the party. Mergatrold's objective is to ge Franco beyond the door to Off the Wagon, which wil take him one round, Once he is there, «vo ‘of Uncle Bedouin’s henchmen will push a1” * 12" wagon olf ofa amp into the comidor, blocking it Any character wishing to get past the wagon must sive vs parlyzation or suffer 2-6 points of mag rom he alison. (Aauctal aing throw leans that the character gets past he wagon without injury.) All ater charac- tervare muck fn ie other dt of he wagons Round 2: Franco regains control of himself and may try to throw Mergatroid off by stopping suddenly, by running under low. hanging doorways or palm branches; or by execttng other rodco- style mancavers atthe player's option, In any case, Mergatroid has 2859 chance co stay on; ihe falls todo wo He has @ 25% chance to avoid damage when he sil through the ai. If Franco doesnot stop dr exeeute some other violent mancuver (auch as bucking), Merga” tooid says on Meanwhile, the wo henchmen from Off the Wagon and two more from The Yoke’s On Us melee the characters sill onthe east, de of te wagon. Four henchmen and Uncle Bedouin enter the 19,