THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR WARHAMMER FANTASY ROLEPLAY

ISSUE 10
SPRING/SUMMER 1999
TROLL SLAYERS UK £3.00 US $4.95

THE BLACK GATE

a com scenario

PHIL GALLAGHER
INTERVIEW

CLERICS OF SHALLYA

ISSN 1465-6604
lEDITORIAL by John Foody ^
Welcome to Issue 10 (double figures at last - Wahay!! At the very least, reach¬
INFO
All correspondence to :
Warpstone
ing this milestone will be a (hopefully pleasant) surprise to some readers). Some of c/o John Keane
you may notice our new size, but I’ll come to the reasons for that later. There has 5a Wolseley Road
been some delay in getting this issue out, mostly due to various upheavals in the Wealdstone
editors’ personal lives. However, we’re firmly back on track now. Middlesex
We have had a couple of good, interesting reviews of Warpstone recently HA35RZ
(Camel & Imazine, details on page 5). Both have raised points that I’d like to
deal with here briefly. Ashley Southcott, writing in Imazine, stated “I’m not E mail: [email protected]
entirely convinced that Warpstone’s scenarios are meant to be played rather Website: http://www2.unl.ac.uk/~cyhzoliverm/warpstone/
than read.” Although I can only speak for my own scenarios, all have been
Editors: John Foody & John Keane
play-tested by my own group and the worst of the kinks ironed out. So al¬ Associate Editors: Martin Oliver, Steven Punter & Mel Tudno Jones
though I can be accused of waffling too much or not putting the right points Cover: Richard Martin
across, the scenarios are certainly playable and Warpstone would never print a Illustrations: John Steven Steven |y» k Richard c- <—
scenario that we didn’t think was. Keane Punter Jones j/q Martin
Ashley also said, “..it has thus far said little about ‘the big picture’: the
overarching political events that shape the Old World. Perhaps this is because Thanks to: Tim Eccles, Robert Clark, Tom McGrenery, Phil Gallagher, Stephen Passey,
they are dictated by GW, and Warpstone doesn’t want to deviate too much Anthony Dawber, Alfred Nunez, John Clare, Paul Slevin, Bob Goodenough,
from the ‘official’ game world.” We have shied away from commenting on the Ashley Southcott, Robert Rees, Leisure Games, Ore’s Nest, Harrow Model Shop
overall picture of the Old World, and indeed we have limited ourselves largely & James Wallis.
to The Empire and Marienburg. Mainly, this is because my own, and the
majority of players, have their campaigns located here. Also, even within The
Empire, everyone has their own version of what is going on. Therefore, we felt SUBMISSIONS Version 1.4-March 1999
that such articles may only appeal to a limited audience.
However, we do not censor anyone who wishes to write such background Warpstone is happy to receive submissions of both written work and art. We will always respond to all sub
missions, even if they are not suitable for publication. If you send a submission and don’t hear back from u:
pieces. In fact we have a couple on the way. It must be said that we do try and keep
in good time, please drop us a line to remind us. Failure to reply is simply a symptom of the chaotic natun
much of our articles within the outlines laid down by the “official” background.
of the Warpstone organisation. If you take the time with a submission, we will take the time to respond.
Thus, our logic says, if your campaign is different from this, at least you know
where we are coming from. However, this is not a hard and fast rule: as always, if Payment
something’s good it will get in. A published contribution earns you a free copy of Warpstone.
Meanwhile, The Man and his Moose review in Carnel commented that How?
Warpstone’s letter page was of “paltry size [which] prevents any real discus¬ We are happy to receive submissions by post or e-mail. Articles should in RTF (Rich Text Format) or MS Wore
sion of either the zine or the game”. This is an area where we know we have format. Disks should be 3.5”, formatted for PC and marked with your name and article names. For art please dc
not met our own goal. Part of the ethos behind Warpstone was that it would not send the originals. Please inform us if your article is available elsewhere, including the ‘net.
provide a forum for all things WFRP to be discussed. We have had plenty of
Art Submissions
thought provoking articles and letters in our issues but the feedback on them
We are always looking for artists. You must have an understanding of the “Warhammer style” (which covers z
has been generally poor. Our survey results, published last issue, told us you
broad range of styles, as our current artists will testify!), but we are happy to look at all kinds of work, whethei
like the articles but we don’t believe that everyone agrees with everything that is
your speciality is maps, caricatures, portraits or anything else. Just send us a picture you think should be included
said.
in Warpstone, and some examples of any other work you have done. Remember to send only copies.
Finally, on to our big news. Warpstone’s distribution is now handled by
Hogshead Publishing who will bring the magazine to game shops worldwide. Article Submissions
Therefore, many of you will be reading Warpstone for the first time (we hope Warpstone tries not to include articles that rewrite game rules or are in themselves rules-heavy. In the same vein
anyway!), so welcome. This deal accounts for our new size, and in some cases, we are not looking for new monsters, careers, skills, gods etc. That said, if you have something good send it in.
We are looking for are articles that expand of world of Warhammer, filling in the gaps that are present. We also
cheaper price. The downside is that we will now only publish three times a year
look at how the game is played, discussing issues relevant to all gamers.
(March, July and November). We have dropped from four times a year so we can
If you have an article but you’re not sure whether it’s suitable, drop us an outline. We will tell you if we are
guarantee meeting all our deadlines. More important, however, is to reassure
interested in seeing it developed. If you could include a sample of some other work you’ve completed at the same
readers that Warpstone remains completely independent editorially. Games Work¬ time, this would be useful.
shop or Hogshead do not have a say in the magazine and thus all material is
unofficial. Regular Articles
For those of you new to Warpstone, I’ll briefly mention what we’re about. Reviews: We will review WFRP material. If you wish to write a review on any other release (WFB etc.) then
Warpstone is dedicated solely to Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (although we please check with us first to make sure no-one else is writing it. Should be 600+ words.
Comment Articles: Articles where you put across your point of view on a particular subject.
do cover some general gaming topics) and it tries to build on its greatest strength,
Cameos: Brief encounters and adventure outlines. Don’t include character profiles.
the background of The Old World. We are not interested in publishing pages
Scenarios: Full length, more detailed adventures. We are especially interested in scenarios that do not include
of new rules, careers and skills but instead in developing and expanding the
hosts of creatures, lots of magic or loads of Chaos cultists. When these are included, they should be an integral
campaign world. Of course there is room for new careers and the like, but
part of the story. A tribe of goblins with +1 swords all round will prove the adage ‘the editor’s red pen is mightier
these are placed firmly in context of the background. Warpstone also looks to than the sword.
keep you informed of the latest Warhammer and gaming news, as well as re¬ Short stories: Set firmly in the Warhammer World. Same guidelines as Scenarios.
viewing all relevant material critically and honestly. Simply then , Warpstone
tries to be a place where the best in WFRP writing and opinions can be brought The Article List
together. Warpstone is not an exclusive club, and we welcome submissions If there is an article you would like to see developed but don’t want to write it then please let us know. We’ll
from everyone. add it to our list. Similarly, if you see something on the list you’d like to write, tell us. We’ll check that no-
That’s my rambling bit over; so on with the show. I hope you enjoy this one else has asked to do it, and we will remove it from the list in future issues.
latest issue. There are some really great pieces in here, including excellent This time we’re looking for articles expanding on the various points raised by the “Foundation & Faith’
background for the Clerics of Shallya and an interview with Phil Gallagher. article on page 12 of this issue. Also we are looking for shorter articles (500 - 1500 words) on any WFRP oi
.other gaming subject.
Both of these have at least one contentious point - as always let us know what
you think.
The thick mist twisted evilly through the streets of Altdorf, strangling any thoughts of
venturing outside. The return from Marienburg had taken longer than anticipated but the
Peter Moore
dark deal had been struck. It has to be said it was not just dark as in the moments after the
Just before we went to press we heard the sad news that Peter Moore had died of candle in blown out, but really dark, like putting your helmet on backwards in a deep, dark cave where the
candle had just been blown out. That dark! The five travellers had survived the rigours of the Gathering of
a sudden heart attack. Peter was the creator of the Almanac supplied with Hogs¬
Stunties and the General Convocation of Strange Fellows. Here they were, the latest tome firmly in their
head’s GM screen, and the author of the Executioner career class in Warpstone 6
grimy hands. But something was waiting for them; they could feel its evil presence close by, like a.
and of a forthcoming article. A dedicated and enthusiastic gamer, Peter was an early
presence close by that was.... erm.. .evil. It was close, its insidious tentacles massaging the five’s fear until
supporter of Warpstone, selling it in Patrick’s Toys, the shop he worked, even in terror they stopped and waited for it to come. Back to back, swords drawn, muttering prayers to
though it sold no other role play material. Simply however, although I met him whoever would listen, no-one even noticed the smallest whistling, I’m a little Halting, short and stout.
only a few times, he was a nice guy and it is obvious he will be missed by all who “What th...!?! Arrrh!” Thump! Then there was only four. The Physician, oft named Boot had gone,
knew him. We offer our condolences to his family and friends. leaving behind a smoking pair of his namesakes. Before they could gulp, there was three. The exciseman
Warpstone issue 10 is dedicated to Peter. was no more and the smell of terror was tangible. Slowly, they circled'until they noticed that the circle was
a little bit smaller. A third smaller. They ran. Something giggled.
___/ j
 Issue 10 CONTENTS March 1999

REPORTS FROM THE HEART OF CORRUPTION

V ~
|j Reviews 2 ’ The Alternative Troll Slayer 19
v. ym -1 -x
In-depth thoughts on the latest Warhammer Thoughts and ideas on the orange-haired ones.

i§
products. This month, Power Behind the Throne .A “Becoming a Troll Slayer is the worst thing a
and Dogs of War. “Tilea has never been well-
defined in either WFB or WFRP, but there was still
the possibility of messing it up.”
M # V""#*
; v*. #
'
Dwarf can do.”

^ -

Warpstone Fragments 4 Child of Praag 22

^_ i
News and Brief Reviews. Hogshead News, some

H
Short Fiction. “Away from the slums, away from

P
GW releases and a look at Baron Munchausen and the nightmares at the walls.”
various other interesting bits.

f -

The Correspondent 6 The Rumour Mill 22

_ _

3
_a
In the Beginning. The first of Tim Eccles’ The Low-Down from Games Day. “Weeks later,
regular column looks at the need for a creation I’ve managed to glean a few details from this
myth in WFRP. Write and give us your view on ( collection of heretical scrawlings...”
this subject. “The world is disintegrating via a sort
of cascade effect, which leads to ever more gods” j M-
r-—---

The Warpstone Interview 7 The Black Gate 23

_4
We talk to original WFRP author and current A complete Scenario set in Middenheim. “On the
Games Workshop Company Secretary Phil verge of tears, she says that her father has gone
Gallagher. “Is role playing a hobby then? Not if all missing.”
you do is role-play your character.”

The Passing of Time 10 The Clerics of Shallya 33

- _
The Seasons in WFRP. “They provide a simple 1 All you need to know about Shallya’s servants.
way to add atmosphere to the game and to give W, * “They are both useful PC healers (sorry, ‘allies’!) and
campaigns an overall structure” %.x

i
M i '*
\v% '
!
a necessary and important part of the Old World
cultural milieu.”
V>! : V .
r .... ---
1 ■»
\
Foundation and Faith 12 The Forum 39

§f|
> _
Everyday beliefs in The Old World. “Players The latest letters. “What greater uncertainty than |

i
tend to forget they are playing characters with a
mixture of archaic, medieval and early renaissance
beliefs.”

A Number of Attacks ES
\

Effective Strength
to encounter two factions of the same stalwart race
who are totally unreconcilable, and be practically
forced to choose sides?”

Ld Leadership SMB Strike mighty blow

1
SJ /

AP Armour Points Fel Fellowship M Movement SS Secret Signs

BS Ballistic Skill GC Gold Crown MP Magic Points sw Specialist Weapons
Cl Cool GM Gamesmaster NPC Non-player character T Toughness
CR Complexity Rating Gu Guilder (Marienburg Coinage) P Parry W Wounds
D Damage GW Games Workshop PC Player Character WFB Warhammer Fantasy Battle
DB Dodge Blow I Initiative R Range WFRP Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Dex Dexterity IC Imperial Calendar S Strength WP Will Power
EPs Experience Points Int Intelligence SL Secret Language WS Weapon Skill

Warhammer, White Dwarf and Games Workshop are registered trademarks and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, The Enemy Within, Shadows Over Bogenhafen, Death on the Reik, Power
Behind the Throne, Carrion up the Reik, Marienburg: Sold Down the River, Apocrypha Now, Apocrypha 2: Charts of Darkness, Doomstones, Middenheim: City of Chaos, Empire in Flames,
Empire in Chaos, Realms of Sorcery and the names of all prominent imagery, places and characters within the Warhammer world are trademarks of Games Workshop Ltd. and are used without
permission. Warpstone recognises the status and ownership of all copyrights, trade marks and registered names that may be used herein and the use of the aforementioned within this publication
should not be construed as a challenge to such status and ownership.
Warpstone (ISSN 1465-6604) is an independently produced magazine, and is not owned, licensed or approved by Games Workshop Ltd, or Hogshead Publishing Ltd. Warpstone is distributed
worldwide by Hogshead Publishing Ltd (18-20 Bromell’s Road, London, SW4 OBG, UK). All original material is copyright to the respective author/artist.
 REVIEWS
Power Behind the Throne through their own actions. The PCs are required to interact with
everyone, from the city’s great-and-good to the criminal scum. Events
Published by Hogshead Publishing unfold with ever-increasing speed and, should they delay, the plot
Reviewed by John Foody continues without them. All these plots lead back to an old enemy
and an interesting and powerful villain. The climax to the adventure
Hogshead’s latest re-release is dramatic indeed, although it may be overly structured for some
is the much discussed and tastes. However, most players are unlikely to notice this in the ex¬
lauded Power Behind the citement.
Throne. However, this edi¬ It is in the treatment of NPC s where comes into its own. These
tion is not a straight reprint are essential to the whole scenario and a lot of space is given to their
as it includes a new introduc¬ development. This is done well and they, with the exception of one
tory scenario. Forming the or two, are interesting and colourful. One in particular may be seen as a
third part of the Enemy Within little too obvious and over the top but I’m sure many GMs will play him
campaign, Power Behind the with gusto. As with all the previous Enemy Within books, there is a
Throne is seen by many as good deal of guidance and advice for GMs. However, there could be
one of best ever roleplaying more, especially in advice on likely player actions. Inexperienced GMs,
scenarios. However, WFRP or those who have players who are not used to taking the initiative, may
players often tend to rank it well struggle. There are few trigger events to push the PCs or the plot
below Shadows Over along. The GM is required to be fully confident with the adventure, es¬
Bofenhagan and Death on the pecially the motivations and goals of the numerous NPCs, juggling them
Reik. In part this is because all as PCs criss-cross the city from one meeting to another. There is a
the scenario may be excellent danger that those who are ill-prepared may end up umming and ahhing
in theory, but in practice can be difficult both to run and play. In¬ far too much for comfort. The biggest problem with the adventure is that
deed, even its greatest supporters agree that GMs need to be experi¬ there is no obvious entry point, especially if players are particularly mer¬
enced before attempting to run it. The scenario, based in Middenheim, cenary in their outlook. GMs would be advised to have a firm idea of
is a firmly city-based adventure, and the Soucebook City of Chaos how to guide the PCs towards the action should they be lacking ideas.
(reviewed last issue) grew from notes made by writer Carl Sargent At the rear of the book there is a selection of cut-out charac¬
during his development of Power Behind the Throne. The book, at ter cards which detail what the important NPCs are doing at set times
114 pages, is of Hogshead’s usual high standard of production, al¬ during the scenario’s timeline. Personally this seems a little point¬
though the front picture is somewhat misleading both about the na¬ less, and the amount of pages used on this is a little wasteful. Such
ture of the scenario and, to some extent, WFRP. However, the origi¬ information could have been summarised far more usefully and effi¬
nal cover picture was not that good either and, as now, the internal ciently elsewhere. Another summary chart, The Master Attractions
art is variable. Table, manages this very well. The few player handouts serve their
Power Behind the Throne takes place some time after Death purpose without any thrills.
on the Reik. Indeed a much raised criticism is that there was little to There is absolutely no description of the consequences if the
connect the two scenarios. However, in this revised edition Hogs¬ PCs should fail in their quest. This is an important omission. The
head have tried to address the issue by including the new fourteen price of failure should always be detailed as its possibility looms.
page scenario, Carrion up the Reik. This has been written by James This is a common problem running throughout the entire Enemy
Wallis and illustrated by Russ Nicholson, who was responsible for Within campaign: it is assumed that everything will work out OK.
the best of the illustrations in the original release. Apart from the However, this is the grim world WFRP, and things forever go wrong.
superb title, Hogshead promised that Carrion up the Reik would pro¬ When they do, failure has a price - and one that should dramatically
vide the “missing link” while keeping the essence of The Enemy effect the future parts of the Enemy Within campaign and the Empire
Within campaign. It succeeds in this, particularity with regard to Overall, Power Behind the Throne is an excellent adventure,
setting up plots for the promised re-write of Empire in Flames, while but is not the best scenario that the Enemy Within has to offer. How¬
linking to earlier scenarios. Although little more than a small series ever, I endorse much of what has been said by others before: only
of encounters, the roleplaying aspects of the scenario are strong, as experienced players and GMs are going to get to get through without
is the atmosphere. Certainly Carrion up the Reik is firmly within the too much difficulty. If the scenario is to be run as it stands, I would
spirit of the Enemy Within and, indeed, makes no sense outside the recommend tackling it in one long session in order to keep the mo¬
campaign. mentum. It is atmospheric, and I would say the best example I have
Don’t forget to look out for the NPC Ruari Roddy, who is seen of what a city based scenario should be. It makes a worthy
appearing as himself. At a recent Gaelcon Ruari placed the highest addition to the Enemy Within Campaign, especially with the inclu¬
bid for a Hogshead donated prize: The chance to appear as yourself sion of the Carrion up the Reik scenario. However, if you already
in a Warhammer scenario. own Power Behind the. Throne this isn’t enough to justify purchas¬
Carrion up the Reik brings the PCs to Middenheim and runs ing this expanded edition. Also, if you intend to play the whole
smoothly into Power Behind The Throne. They arrive in the city at Enemy Within campaign in the future, I would recommend waiting
the onset of carnival week, a week-long celebration famous across for the re-release of the revised Empire in Flames (under the title
the Empire. However, all is not well: new taxes are alienating whole Empire in Chaos) before launching into this section. From here on
(and influential) sections of the population, placing the city itself in in, there’s no turning back...
grave danger. A plot is slowly revealed to the characters, mostly

2 ^" Warpstone - Issue Ten

 Warhammer Armies: Dogs of War Regarding background clashes, there are very, very few, and none
Published by Games Workshop of immediate import unless you have a burning desire to introduce your
PCs to Hrothyogg the Ogre. (The fact that very few people will know
Reviewed by Robert Clark
what I am talking about proves my point!) Each of the city states is added
When I first considered writ¬ to and enhanced rather than rebuilt from the ground-up. Indeed Nigel
ing this review, a few months Stillman has previously raised the point that the WFRP text waxed lyrical
after Dogs of War was con¬ about fishing and not much else. I can see his point, and I have no prob¬
firmed for release, I had vi¬ lems when he clearly does not contradict anything, or rewrites the whole
sions of doom. I could see my¬ mythos as he did with Bretonnia and the Lizardmen.
self writing things like, ‘has no The new background is very good, and I am glad to report that
use for WFRP’, and not even there are no pretensions to ‘Ancient Remas’, though hints of Rome do
bothering to suggest ways that crop up from time to time, they certainly do not cause any harm. The
the book could be used, given timeline is creative, managing to stick with the IC 1000 ‘Birth of the Old
that so much of the World nations’ line whilst suggesting that the Tileans are a rather civilised
Warhammer world had been people. Unlike Realm of Chaos, the timeline is much more than a list of
changed. Eager to find the truth, battles, and I believe it will add to WFRP rather than detract from it.
I ordered my copy and held my Throughout the book it is almost as though the last few years of
breath. For at least a minute. WFB had never happened, that a copy of WFRP (or at least the original
Two weeks later the book ar¬ background) sits on the desk of the writers, and that GW humour has at
rived. I was in for a shock. long last been rediscovered! This book is chock full of the stuff, one of
Just to set the scene, my favourites being a brilliant story about Golgfag’s Ogres which I won’t
Dogs of War is an expansion tell to avoid spoiling the punchline. Perhaps those favouring the ‘Grim
of the Warhammer Armies books, offering a number of mercenary regi¬ World’ aspect of WFRP will balk at much of this flippancy, but it has
ments in order to introduce a new dimension to the game. There are been around since day one and without it Warhammer just wouldn’t be
fifteen in all, ranging from the legendary ‘Golgfag’s Mercenary Regiment Warhammer. Some of the puns are so bad you just want to show peo¬
of Ogres’ (who originally appeared way back in the orginal Warhammer ple, especially if you don’t pick them up first time around.
Fantasy Battle - Now that’s continuity) to ‘Long Drong Slayer’s Pirates’, By far the most promising things are yet to come. Not only is the
with a lot of Tileans in between. A lot of Tileans. As expected, the book Winter’s Teeth Pass from the Doomstones campaign given a mention,
has a Tilean theme, meaning that most of the mercenary regiments and but so to is the road that links the Old World with Cathay. The world is
nearly all the background concentrates on Tilea. I’ll come to this once more open for business! Also, the Hobgobla Khan and his minions
later, but first the regiments. are back in print once again. The intention is to follow this book with
Despite their WFB origins, each regiment provides a bite- more of the same: more mercenary regiments, more background and lots
size piece of Warhammer background that can fit seamlessly with more GW humour.
your WFRP campaign. Most of them are (in)famous throughout the The onus once again is on the players to write in saying what they
Old World, which can be used as a plot device. Perhaps the PCs are want, which is an invitation I’m sure none of you will refuse. I suspect
trying to hire a band of mercenaries for one reason or another, or this is how they intend to shape the Warhammer world from now on,
even trying to enlist? Each group is distinctive, and most of them are testing the water so to speak with new regiments. As with Tilea, WFB
human to boot. Each is a joy to read, and full of GW humour rang¬ seems to have come out of the Dark Ages and into the Renaissance, and
ing from bad to even worse. The writers have clearly put some effort hopefully it will stay there.
into design, with each unit having an individual imagery and back¬ No doubt Hogshead will have a field day with the potential that
ground. I’m sure an inventive GM could put at least one of these to Dogs of War has thrown up, not only for Tilea but for the myriad
good use. One surprising aspect of this is that most mercenaries will other realms that it touches upon. Moving away from the all-
work for any army, including the forces of Chaos and the Goblinoids. out battle stance that WFB has been stuck in since WFRP
This suggests that the Warhammer world is not so hate-fuelled as disappeared from GW stores can only be a good thing. Af¬
was once believed, which can only open the doors for more monster ter all, less fighting means more chance to role-play and
race interaction in WFRP. explore the world.
Disregarding the rules (of which there are few), we come to If you have the money, buy this book and
the background section, of which there is a good 30-odd pages. Words be glad. If you haven’t the money, go
defy how much of a relief this was when I saw it. This is probably and badger your GM to
the best piece of writing GW have done in the last five years. Tilea buy it; I’m sure they will
has never been well-defined in either WFB or WFRP, but there was comply.
still the possibility of messing it up. Thankfully the authours Messrs
Nigel Stillman, Rick Priestley and Toumas Pirinen have pulled this
one right out of the top drawer. Tilea owes much to renaissance
Italy, as you might expect, but it is done in an appealing rather than
obvious way, with the people of Tilea retaining an individual charac¬
ter of their own. It is clear why Tilea was chosen for Dogs of War,
when you consider all the mercenary antics that take place between
the city states and their ruling merchant princes. Indeed Tilea doesn’t
even bother with an army, instead employing the numerous regiments
as and when needed.

Warpstone - Issue Ten s

WARPSTONE FRAGMENTS
BRIEF REVIEWS AND NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WARHAMMER
Hogshead Publishing
The change of address that Hogshead
announced last month is a result of Hogswash
their move to new offices. They now Hogshead have just published issue 4 of their
share premises with Profantasy Soft¬ (nearly) annual newsletter/fanzine Hogswash. An
ware, publishers of Campaign Cartogra¬ A5 16 page booklet it manages to fit plenty in.
pher. Both companies have announced that they hope There is an entertaining introduction to the Baron
to learn from each other, especially in relation to the' Munchausen game but most of it is dedicated to
American market (WFRP’s biggest market). WFRP. The forthcoming Marienburg sourcebook is
On the WFRP front, Hogshead is now in the enviable position of the dominating theme, with a
having four completed manuscripts ready for editing (Marienburg: Sold Down preview of the cover art and HOG WASH
the River, Doomstones 3 .Heart of Chaos, the Skaven soucrebook and Apocry¬ an introductory scenario.
pha 2: Charts ofDarkness). According to rumours the second draft of Realm Entitled ‘Bad Tidings’ and
of Sorcery will shortly be added to that number, but right now the company is penned by James Wallis it is
pouring all its efforts into Marienburg. Scheduled for an April release, it’ll be straight forward, but also very
160 pages long and contains a poster-map, retailing for US$19.95 -that’s about atmospheric and fun. Not
UK£ 13.95. Something Rotten in Kislev is due out soon after to make room for sure about the main villain
a big summer release. Hogshead aren’t saying “Realm of Sorcery” yet but it’s however....
clear that’s what they’re hoping. They’re also reprinting Apocrypha Now, Finally, the remaining
Doomstones 1, Doomstones 2 and the GM Screen. volumes in the Enemy Within
Fftf sti i* the

Now up and running is the Hogshead website , which gives product campaign are discussed. This
information on all their games, not to mention including some free downloads is mostly concerned with
which will be of interest for WFRP players, (www.hogshead.demon.co.uk) Empire in Flames and the proposed rewrite. Best of
Hogshead are also negotiating busily for other RPGs, including a all, Hogwash is free. For your copy, write to
translation of a French game and - whisper this - something based on a Games Hogshead, 18-20 Bromell’s Road, London, SW4
Workshop game. It’s not Warhammer 40,000, and that’s all they’re prepared to OBG or [email protected]
say at the moment. And following the success of The Extraordinary Adven¬
ISfew Address ^
tures of Baron Munchausen, they’re planning not one but two follow-up games
in a similar format. Munchausen will also shortly be appearing in Italian, Warpstone has a new address. See inside
German and French. ^front cover for details. j

Space Marines Cure Cancer!

The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Although Games Workshop have nearly 200
Reviewed by Marquis Tom McGrenery, Duke of Arlesey High Street shops in the UK, they still seem
to be unknown to the general populace. Oc¬
Hogshead has done well to unearth this veritable gem of an antique - casionally, however something pops its head
a role-playing game written by none other than Baron Munchausen up. In the 26th July edition of the Guardian
himself! Though the greater share of the glory must, as always, go to newspaper, Peter Silverton had a surface
this esteemed nobleman a curt nod of the head wouldn’t be amiss in look at the hobby. It was a fairly balanced
the direction of Messrs James Wallis, Derek Pearcy and Michael article although he does claim Ian
Cule. Livingstone invented fantasy games. It also
This is a role-playing game like no other, for it requires no GM, covers the fact that GW customers are get¬
has a character generation system which the authors encourage you to ting younger (“...it’s my creche,” claimed one
ignore and not one but two combat systems (to whit - “Duelling” and mother; and a hobby to be discovered be¬
“Duelling for Cowards”). It also recommends the use of fine wines tween Teletubbies and Girls, claims the au¬
which I heartily encourage. thor) and that they are struggling with profits
Each persoij is asked to tell a story (such as “Tell us Baron, the due to the strong pound.
story of why every blacksmith in London owes you three guineas”). The object of the game is to Far more bizarre was the appearance of
recount the most wonderful story of all those present, thus winning the esteem of your fellow 40K on the Channel 4 news. During a piece
aristocrats (much as I myself won the Duchy of Monaco in such an endeavour three years ago, on why children should not be so clean (as
although I gave it back). Wagers (“I’ll wager Baron, that the elephant was no more afraid of your it weakens their natural immunity to disease),
plumed hat than I of a Frenchman”) or objections (“But Baron, there are no roast chestnut sellers- the presenter announced that the fact could
permitted on that highway by an ancient ordinance”) may both disrupt and enliven the game. be illustrated with the latest craze of young
At the finish, whomsoever is declared the finest storyteller purchases a round of drinks, accom¬ boys. This was 40K with Space Marines
panied by some well deserved choruses of “Huzzah!” and Imperial Guard representing the body’s
The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a brilliant concept, backed up with defences and their enemies representing the
elegant rules , prose and art. It’s cheap too (£3.95/S4.99). I can’t recommend highly enough. Buy bacteria trying to defeat them. Very Odd!
4his game. Let us know of any more Warhammer
sightings.

4 Warpstone - Issue Ten

Noble Films
Games Magazines
A couple of new films on current release in the UK are
The Power
perfect inspiration for WFRP plots, especially those
Has finally gone bust. Last issue claimed to
involving the nobility. The best of the pair is the excellent be the Ultimate Games Magazine, concen¬
trating almost exclusively on computer
Elizabeth, directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Cate
games. It began life heavily focused on
Blanchett, Richard Attenborough and Geoffrey Rush. Set RPG’s but ended up dropping them com¬
at the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign it concerns the pletely. Just the latest RPG magazine that has
failed to work.
various plotting and conspiracies that take place against a
background of religious struggle. Historically, Elizabeth
FT
Ei E 17ARFTF4
X JLj jTx. 13 XL X 1. X? Valkyrie
x i:mn.. ttmm Issue 17 is out now (£3.00 from all good
is not accurate, dates and characters being thoroughly itANCHOT '• RUSH ' ECCIBTON HiNNIS " ATTENBOROUGH
games shops). It appears that Valkyrie has
mixed around but it captures the feel of the period perfectly. Unlike many period films the look of decided to take a new approach to the inte¬
rior look of the magazine. It contains more
the locations and costumes feels authentic, and the whole feel is dark. Such atmosphere and plot comment articles and non-generic articles
is perfect inspiration for WFRP, Walshingham, Norfolk and Elizabeth would all make fine NPCs, than ever before and is much the better for
them. These balance the game-specific arti¬
and I recommend it highly.
cles which cover a wide variety of games. If
Lighter in execution, and later in period, but very still entertaining is the Daniel Auteuil Valkyrie can become more regular it will be
starrer Le Bossu. A French swashbuckler, directed by Phillipe de Broca it follows the fortune of a strong contender to become the UK games
magazine. Available from all games shops
Lagardere a swordsman for hire. After gaining the trust of Due de Nevers, he is left holding the or direct from Partizan Press, 816-818 Lon¬
baby after the Due’s wedding ends in a massacre. He sets about to avenge the Due and restore the don Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex,
SS9 3NH England.
rightful Nevers heir. Some of the cinematography is excellent and Auteuil makes a good-WFRP
style adventurer as opposed to the clean cut type. The film is soured slightly by a somewhat imazine
A free magazine that looks at roleplaying in
dubious undertone but for WFRP it again gives ideas for Noble based scenarios and plots. general and is always entertaining. The re¬
views are always in depth and the discus¬
Tales of Two Cities sions are lively. Issue 30 is out now and can
“Welcome, good folk! Welcome to Bergsburg! Blessed city of Shallya, golden treasure of the Hochlands, and home to be obtained from http://www.tcp-ip.or.jp/
our dear Baroness! Perhaps you could use a guide? For a few mere shillings....” ~panurge or contact the editor Paul Mason
at 101 Green Heights, Shimpo-cho 4-50,
And so begins an adventure involving a fledgling project on the internet. Back in early 1998, r put up an idea to
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-0072 Japan or
the members of the WFRP mailing list which met with a strong positive response - developing a city which could
[email protected] (imazine is a paper
“belong” to anyone who played the game. A “council” was formed of five volunteers to run the project, develop their based magazine, it is just distributed across
counterparts in the city’s government, and review submissions. Any member of the list could submit an idea, NPC, the net.)
location, etc. which could then be reviewed, revised, and then placed within the city to help it grow. Anyone on the net
could go to the Warhammer archives and use all the city’s material in their own campaigns. Carnel
An A5 fanzine that covers RPG’s in an
The city chosen was Bergsburg. It was chosen for several reasons: location (on the road between Middenheim
entertaing way, usually in a discussion style.
and Talabheim), Iocation(adventures possibilities galore between the Drakwald and the Middle Mountains), and It has been irreguraly printing the Oriental
locations (undeveloped by GW and Hogshead). The basic foundations of the project present Bergsburg as a walled river WFRP “supplement” Tetsubo. Contact Roert
city with a “trade town” located to its west. At its northern end is a holy temple to Shallya surrounding the blessed fails Rees at The Garden Flat, 14 West Mall,
known as Shallya’s Falls. The Council of Five runs Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BQ. Issues 1-10 50p
per issue, Issue 11 onwards £1 (Plus an
World of Warhammer the day to day affairs of the city and local mystery
SSAE).. Issue 12 is out now.
surrounds each of these well known personages.
Carlton books released
Perhaps some unwritten submission yet to come will
this coffee table style 'WARHAMlWtf: detail these mysteries?
Games Gazette
Reviews of the latest games, RPGs, compu¬
the official illustrated guide to the fsfttoy 'v/nri4
book just before Christ¬
. v y Getting the project off the ground was much
more difficult than the Council had imagined. Basic
ter, boardgames and anything else that quali¬
fies. Bi-monthly, it can be picked up from
mas. It is 192 pages thick
4| j backgrounds, population size (much bigger than good game stores or by contacting Chris
and filled with loads of Baylis, 67 Mynchens, Lee Chapel North,
“official” material), mapping, and layout had to be
illustrations and maps. It Basildon, Essex, SSI5 5EG. £1.25 each or
set. Submission guidelines had to be written to keep £9 for a subscription.
contains information on some uniformity to the process and to guarantee each
each of the Warhammer author’s credit and intentions. Each of the council¬ Games Games Games
lors were assigned a different category of submission Concentrates on boardgames, espically Eu¬
races as taken from the ropean ones, but does have some RPG cov¬
to review and edit.
pm mn
various army books Unfortunately, the “real world” came
erage. £2.50 for the latest issue from SFC
Press (GG), Freepost BR2522, Littlehampton
without ever bringing in game rules or statistics. It crashing down on several of the Council during the BN 16 1BR
looks pretty impressive and we will be reviewing it summer months and much of the work virtually
stopped. We are now actively seeking submissions Fantastic
in full next issue. A quarterly german RPG magazine, that in¬
for Bergsburg. If you are on the net, visit the
archives (www.warhmmer.net), read the guidelines, vites publishers of the RPG to fill a number
Warhammer Siege of pages each issue. The first two issues have
and email us at [email protected]. Send us
contained a scenario from the publishers of
The new Warhammer Siege has just been released, your comments, ideas, and submissions and become the German version of WFRP. Contact
a part of Bergsburg! Games In Verlag, Karl Heinz Strietzel,
and is essentially a very cut-down version of the
“Ahh, a little rest you are seeking? Follow Karlstr. 43, D-80333 Miinchen
original. Of interest to WFRP players are the de¬ me my friends to the finest inn in Bergsburg and I Germany, http://www.truant.com/fantastic.
scriptions of the different styles of fortress for each will show you the sights along the way!” (Bob
Le Grimoire
of the different races, including mentions of Tilea, Goodenough)
An irregular French magazine. Each issue is
Warpstone is currently working on fully
Norsca and Cathay from the Dogs of War book. The now becoming more like a supplement, dedi¬
developing the Empire’s ‘fourth city’ of Talabheim. cated to a specific area. Issue 17 is dedi¬
“High Fantasy” aspect pervades though in the text, Part One should appear in issue 11 or 12 and the cated to Tilea, spefically Sarotosa. 200+
but will provide some ideas for the thought-starved. series will run for a good few more after that. pages with a lot of artwork and maps. Con¬
tact at 3 A. Le Notre, 49300 Cholet, France.
(Robert Clark)

Warpstone Issue Ten

- 5
 THE CORRESPONDENT
In the beginning by Tim Eccles
Theodor sneaked past the sleeping temple chaos and law? What is the rationale and tactical po¬ urge anyone looking seriously at warhammer religions
guard and unlocked the heavy door. Placing sition of the ultimate battle between heaven and hell? to take this starting issue seriously.
WFRP needs a heaven and a hell in order to define its Part of the problem with any old system is that it
the candle down he pulled open his master’s
good and evil. I would go further and say that even can only survive so many additions, before it becomes
chest. From the books and scrolls piled the first edition AD&D alignment system offered more something completely different. Obviously, within the
within, he took just one. In the flickering light help. It may never have bothered to explain it prop¬ current rules framework we can write descriptions of
he unrolled the parchment and began to read.... erly, but at least everyone understood the good/evil the gods/goddesses and their worship. However, whilst
bit, if not the law/chaos paradigm. In many ways the description can help, we are still hampered by the
Introduction latter was the most interesting, and has some relevance magic system, and the fact that we are writing the re¬
I am well aware that, in the “real” world, structures to WFRP where we also have undeveloped differences sult before the event. By this, I mean that we are writ¬
and systems have long been replaced by post-modern between good and law, and evil and chaos. ing about the gods without seriously analysing why
randomness. However, it seems to me that a fantasy What is clear is that there are certain broad clas¬ they are there and how they came about. I look for¬
roleplay background system needs a creation myth, sifications of divinity: ward to Realms of Sorcery, and also Realms of Divine
and that this creation is necessary as a starting point Magick, which is under development. However, un¬
1. Apotheosis of the Earth Mother into the “family”
for a world and its religion. For creation begats gods/ less the authors are prepared to radically change the
groups: Rhya, Taal, Manann, Ulric; Morr, Verena,
goddesses begats worshippers begats religions begats rules, I think we are still left with a number of struc¬
Myrmidia, Shallya. Of course, Taal is also Torothal,
codes of behaviour. Whilst I agreed with Anthony tural defects; and if they are, why not do the job prop¬
Karog and Kamos. Morr is Sarriel, Gazul and Forsagh.
Ragan’s editorial on alignment (in Warpstone 9), I think erly and revise the rules in a holistic manner.
Rhya is Haleth, Dyrath and vestiges of Old Faith.
that he missed the point. The alignment system is Verena is Daora. Manann is also Mathlann, Stromfels,
simply to allow players to get started in the Old World, and a number of local river gods. The Earth Mother is Conclusions
and to have some basic idea of their character’s still found in what WFRP terms the four life forces It seems to me that we can develop broad viewpoints
motivations. The “good” elf is given a basic view¬ (earth, fire, water, air) which oppose chaos. on creation within WFRP, but these really need to be
point that can then be developed in the light of his developed into a creation myth.
experiences of the world, its inhabitants and his gods. 2. Lesser deities of uncertain origin, including The world is disintegrating via a sort of cascade
This is the point. Alignment is relative. Good is rela¬ Ranald, Bogenauer and Handrich. These may actu¬ effect, which leads to ever more gods and god-like be¬
tive. And they are relative to the belief systems of the ally be equivalent to the self-made gods. ings to hold it together if we follow the logic of the
world. 3. Self-made gods, most notably Sigmar, who was chaos incursion and the creation of law as an ultimate
And all this is the result of a creation story. With¬ originally human. Presumably anyone can enter such anti-chaos force. This is a sort of eternal balancing
out a fundamental story of creation, there is no align¬ a ‘heroquest’, or perhaps the idea is to relate them to act, as every move by one side is countered by the
ment, nor basic ‘glue’ to the world. I am even pre¬ Warhammer 40,000 sensei. other, although it still does not give us any real idea of
pared to accept different versions of the story (even what the sides are, what they stand for and who they
different stories) for each race to fit in with modem 4. Saints, who are probably representative of local are.
views of the relative nature of absolutes. But we need areas or specialist expertise within a god’s overall re¬ If we ignore the excess of the chaos incursion for
a universal thread. sponsibility. I like the political nature of saint crea¬ a moment, we can see the world as a more eternal con¬
The point of all this? WFRP does not have any tion within the Old World, but it does not help the sistency. We have the same gods eternally; it is the
creation story. Or, at least, not a consistent one. Eve¬ overall picture of faith. Nor does it explain the differ¬ followers need to simplify one aspect into one god,
rything seems to start in some vague way with the Old ence between Sigmar, St Helena and Bogenauer to a because of their simplistic natures. Thus, even though
Slann experiments in WFB2, and has haphazardly Bogenhof militiaman. all are the same god, it appears there are different gods.
evolved since then. A number of gods are loosely 5. Non-empire gods and their relevance to the Em¬ I would suggest, that the best way to take this within
described in the rulebook, others have been invented pire. How does a Sigmarite explain the ancient spir¬ the implications of the rulebook, are that all gods are
at whim by scenario writers. And then, of course, we its in Something Rotten in Kislevl sentient parts of the “Mother” changing as ‘nature’
have non-human gods who may or may not be human changes. Gods thus rise and fall and evolve over time,
gods worshipped in different forms. And now we have 6. External gods, particularly Chaos but perhaps also as different parts of the planet are somehow made
saints as well. those of Law. Some see Law as an aspect of Chaos; a aware or brought to life. Chaos and the warp is, of
creation myth would solve this. Indeed, Chaos gods course, a complication to all of this. It does seem clear
The Problem alone are rife with contradiction, and not simply that that the majority of gods are indigenous, but Chaos
The rulebook offers only a cursory look at the major related to their being chaotic. gods are exogenous. It might be argued that the Law
gods of the Old World, very little on the lesser and 7. The non-human gods are even more garbled. The gods are also external, or an internal defence formed
chaos gods, and nothing on gods elsewhere. Even Dwarf pantheon are “ancestor” gods, including to counter the invasion.
worse, there is no real before or after. In other words, Grungni, Gazul, (an aspect of Morr), and Smednir. In It is not that I expect PCs (or even GMs) to phi¬
there is no explanation of who the gods are or what the Elf pantheon, we find Liadriel, Sarriel (Morr) or losophise over divinity and the nature of religion. But,
their purpose is. There is no real idea of how they af¬ Sho’sarrah, Karnos & Torothal (both Taal), Adamnan I do want to know where a Bogenhof militiaman be¬
fect the world or their worshippers, or of how they are Na Brionha, a Mathlann (Manann), Meneloth, and lieves he will go when he dies, how he believes that he
affected by worship. mentions of Kumous, Isha, Ariel, and Orion in WFB. should act, and how his beliefs affect his attitude to
We are effectively left with a catalogue of gods The halflings are deemed to have little to interest us the PCs he runs across. And as a PC, I want to de¬
and goddesses and some divine magic. Nor is it a beyond Esmeralda. The Goblins throw up Khakkekk velop my characters and their beliefs beyond a simple
very clear catalogue, since it varies with both race and (an aspect of Khome but able to use magic?). And, of “chaos and evil are evil” without reinventing arguments
nationality. Elf, dwarf and halfling are offered one course, we have the immortal Drachenfels. about the Old World every time and in every group I
god each; chaos worshippers are offered five. This play. In order to do this, I think we need a strong and
catalogue is then haphazardly increased at the whim 8. Gods are also, of course, divided into official and coherent myth about how the world was formed, how
of various resource materials. Again, the quality var¬ unofficial. Why? Is Ranald less of a thief than the gods came into being, exactly where chaos fits in
ies; TEW campaign guides help flesh out some of these Handrich? This is another example of a rich vein of and exactly what an individual’s place is in all this. I
dieties, but others simply mention new gods by name. ideas undeveloped by WFRP. Why not ban the wor¬ have always thought that given the prevalence of di¬
(Smednir, anyone?) ship of Taal in cities or areas seeking to develop vir¬ vine magic in fantasy role play backgrounds, no logi¬
Glossing over religion like this hampers the WFRP gin woodland, for example? cal PC (or NPC) would ever be an atheist. In WFRP, I
milieu. On the surface, WFRP offers piety in the face see little reason to do otherwise since no priesthood
of evil and sanctimonious charlatans haranguing those A Solution has any story to tell me to either help me make sense
trying to do the right thing, but it fails to deliver this The simplest solution is to start again from scratch of the world or scare the **** out of me if I do not
at a deeper level. Exactly what is the divine nature of with a new WFRP rule book, and I would certainly believe.

6 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 THE WARPSTONE INTERVIEW: PHIL GALLAGHER
Questions by John Foody
Phil Gallagher was one of the original authors way) on Hogshead’s proposals and drafts. I find
of WFRP and his name appears on many of the it very gratifying that the game continues to sell,
subsequent releases. He is still employed by even without GW’s distribution behind it.
Games Workshop as Company Secretary.
Warpstone would like to thank him for his time. Were you happy with the work you did on
WFRP?
Could you give us a brief biography, cover¬ Some of it. As most players will have guessed,
ing how you came to work at GW & what we weren’t happy with the magic system and
your current responsibilities are? planned to fix it as an urgent priority (that’s why
Bom at a very early age, I didn’t get into gam¬ the original rulebook is full of references to the
ing until I was supposed to be studying for my forthcoming Realms of Sorcery). Unfortunately,
finals at Cambridge. Once introduced to AD&D, commercial reality got in the way, and the
I blew my double-starred first and future career project was postponed to death. But the work I
in the diplomatic service in favour of all-night did on the background, the campaign plot, the
sessions in smoke-filled rooms with a bunch of Empire, and Death on the Reik was all im¬
nutters who thought they were wizards or half¬ mensely satisfying...
elves. One good thing was that I was handily
placed to go to work for TSR UK, who were Was WFRP the game you set out to write?
also based in Cambridge when I graduated from Nope. Not at all. The project was underway
being penniless student to penniless unemployed when I came to GW. However, I did manage to
person. I spent two and half years there, work¬ grind one or two personal axes in the bits that
ing with Jim Bambra and Graeme Morris on the weren’t already cast in stone. (What a strangely
UK series of modules. That was also where I mixed metaphor - it’s very late here, so forgive
met Tom Kirby (then General Manager of TSR me if my writing style goes completely to pot...)
UK, now Executive Chairman of Games Work¬
shop Group PLC) - if only I’d kept the nega¬ What were your influences for WFRP?
tives... Three main ones, I think - Warhammer, AD&D
Anyway, when TSR UK got some and Traveller. The first of these gave WFRP its
rough treatment from its US parent and several Chaos theme, and the setting of a late-medi-
staff were made redundant, Tom Kirby and Paul eval/fantasy world. AD&D gave it character
Cockbum both moved North to work for GW. development and dungeon exploration. Trav¬
Three months later, Jim, Mike Brunton and I eller gave it role-playing and trading and com¬
followed. Eleven years later, I’m still here and plicated plots and a determination to give the
so is Tom, although the others have gone their GM more help than GDW ever did!
various ways. I’ve been designer, editor, man¬
ager, and am now Company Secretary and all¬ You didn’t mention Call of Cthulhu; a game
round in-house legal person - beats working for which many compare with WFRP? Was this
a living, that’s for sure! an oversight or did this influence only appear
with Shadows over Bogenhafen?
Do you still game yourself? What about Role- Shadows was really Graeme Davis’ baby - he
playing? and Jim Bambra were the big Cthulhu fans. I’m
I still play games whenever I can get away with not really sure of the extent of the influence, or
it. (I have two small children, and the demands whether it owes more to HP Lovecraft or to
of fatherhood make it difficult to spend too many Chaosium’s game. I guess I always assumed that
weekends playing games.) But basically, I’ll play anything and every¬ there were more parallels than direct influences, but maybe you’re better
thing at the drop of a hat - from classics like Cosmic Encounter to, of placed than me to assess that.
course, Warhammer. I have a huge Undead army for Warhammer, and
collect other models, too. (my excuse is that they’re for when my boys Were you surprised at the impact Shadows over Bogenhafen had
grow up, but my wife isn’t convinced.) I also spend far too much time on WFRP?
playing computer games like Civilization II, as well as “playtesting” the Erm... what impact would that be? You mean when the whole town is
games being developed by GW’s licensees. (Warhammer: Dark Omen is consumed in a demonic conflagration?
just great!) These days I can’t make the commitment to a regular slot for
role-playing. I did try introducing my neighbours to the concept via Call The impression I had was that Shadows over Bogenhafen gave
of Cthulhu, but they never did get the hang of it -1 don’t think I helped WFRP a new direction due to its form and then its success. Is this
by slaughtering their characters in the Milan Opera House in the Orient a misconception?
Express campaign... Ahh. I understand the question, now! But no, that’s not what happened
- we mapped out most of The Enemy Within campaign before SoB was
Do you still follow WFRP? written. If there’s a contrast, it’s between the Oldenhaller Contract in the
Absolutely. Our French licensees are slowly putting together some origi¬ rulebook and all the subsequent scenarios. And that’s because the
nal material, and I keep tabs (in, hopefully, a quiet, unobtrusive kind of Oldenhaller Contract was written before Jim and I started working for

Warpstone - Issue Ten 7

GW. We were never going to produce anything in that vein - TEW was do. Most gamers can write, after a fashion, but very few of them can
always the sort of stuff we did. make exciting models. That’s where the problem is.

Where did the Germanic influences in WFRP come from? Are you surprised considering the success of GW that no-one else
Well, the Old World is very loosely modelled on Western Europe. has made a go at competing?
Bretonnia is France, Albion is Britain, etc. The Empire was similarly Yeah, absolutely amazed. There are one or two companies now delib¬
modelled on the Floly Roman Empire, and given a suitably Germanic erately following in our footsteps, one or two others trying to steal our
feel, using my pidgin German wot I learnt whilst working in the Kelloggs look-and-feel, and more and more instances of petty infringement crop¬
factory in Bremen as a student! ping up all the time. But there are still no real competitors.

Is there anything about WFRP that you would change, now? GW is viewed as distinct from the rest of the UK gaming hobby. Do
The magic system! you are agree with this? Why do you think this view has arisen, and
is it a good thing?
Did you ever read Ken Rolston’s version of Realms of Sorcery? If so, Yes. The GW hobby is distinct from “fantasy gaming” or “role play¬
where did it fail? ing”. It’s arisen because we’ve made it that way. It’s self-contained (or
Yes. 1 read many drafts. I had many long conversations with Ken ”Way- can be). It’s not about traditional role playing, and it’s got nothing to
Too-Many-Ideas” Rolston. The basic problem was that Ken was just do with, say, collectable card games. The GW hobby is about collect¬
way-too-creative to be willing simply to create a rules system that would ing, painting and gaming with Citadel miniatures. It’s fun, it’s friendly,
allow the introduction of a role-playing form of Warhammer magic into it’s accessible. To my mind, a more pertinent question is, what is a
WFRR Ken’s strengths lie in plots and scenarios and story telling and hobby? And the answer we give is that it has three elements:
writing, not in rules systems. Oh, and he said “way too” way too often! 1. A degree of skill - manual skill - you can’t be part of our hobby
As a magic system, what Ken came up with was great. But it was way without acquiring certain basic modelling and painting skills. This is a
too long to be a practical publishing consideration (like twice the size of good thing!
Realm of Chaos), and it just wasn’t Warhammer enough. All of which, 2. A degree of commitment - it takes time. Time to collect and assem¬
could, in theory, have been fixed. But at that time, we didn’t have the ble an army, time to play the games. If it’s something you can pick up
luxury of devoting that amount of editorial and production resource to every now and again - it’s not much of a hobby.
something whose commercial success was far from certain. 3. A degree of imagination - it makes yer think: if you’re not playing,
you can be thinking about the game, what to collect next, how better to
Have you followed WFRP’s progress over the years? If so, how do marshal your forces next time you play, etc etc.
you think it has developed?
I’ve tried to stay in touch, but won’t pretend to have my finger on the Is role playing a hobby then? Not if all you do is role-play your charac¬
pulse. It seems to me that more than anything it’s become a players’ ter - where’s the manual skill? This is just a pastime. And CCGs? En¬
game - belonging to the gamers rather than the publisher. joying these involves neither manual skill nor much commitment... See
what I mean? There’s nothing wrong with these other activities - it’s
Was Death on the Reik’s Castle Wittengstein influenced by Meryn just that they’re not like the GW hobby.
Peake’s Gormenghast? If not, was there an inspiration?
Naw. I never did manage to finish Gormenghast. I just wanted a huge Were GW right to drop role playing products?
castle full of weird and frightening mutants and bad guys. I wanted the Oh absolutely. Games Workshop is a business, first and last. It has a
castle to be like a real castle - i.e. a whole community rather than a responsibility beyond that of the individual gamer (who, in my experi¬
fortified manor house. Space constraints reduced the size of the thing in ence is a bloody awkward sod who can never be satisfied - “things were
the end, unfortunately, but I don’t think Gormenghast came into it. Kafka always better 2-3 years ago”) - to its shareholders, and to its staff. Over
did, of course - with the metamorphosed Ludwig, and I’m sure there 1500 people depend directly on GW for their livelihoods, to pay their
were other things, too, but I can’t remember them now. mortgages and feed their kids. Of course the company has to put its
resources where the greatest return is. And wargaming - tabletop
At what stage did you leave WFRP behind? Was this personal choice? wargaming with armies of toy soldiers - is the gaming background of
Don’t think I ever did, really. I stopped writing and designing because I the vast majority of staff here (even the accountants paint models!).
didn’t want to be stuck forever behind a word processor, because I wanted Not role playing. So you’ve got to play to your strengths. Do what you
to get involved in other things, and because Bryan Ansell (da Boss) asked do best. And besides, look what’s happened to the rpg companies.
me to! Where is GDW? Gone. What’s happened to TSR? Saved from going to
the wall by WotC. FASA’s still there - but that’s not due to rpgs. Steve
Could you give us the story behind Flame Publications? Could it Jackson Games, White Wolf, Chaosium? I guess there’ll always be a
have worked? place for rpg publishers who are happy to stay small and exclusive - at
It all seems so long ago, now. The idea was to try to find a way to let the least, I hope so.
undoubted talents of the guys at Flame develop and blossom. Maybe it
could have worked - but maybe it was always doomed to failure, given Do you believe that GW’s decision to withdraw from the rest of the
the strong personal leadership at GW, and the characters of the individu¬ UK games markets was correct?
als concerned. Still, I look at what Andy Jones is doing now with GW Hmmm. Not sure what you mean by that. You mean abandoning the
Publishing - bringing out Inferno, the Journal, and a monthly comic - distribution of other companies’ products to concentate exclusively on
and I can’t help thinking that Andy has exactly the attitude that was our own? Or dropping our line of board games and things to concen¬
required back then to make Flame Publications really fly. trate on Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000? In any event, the same
answer applies. As a business, it would have been irresponsible of the
Have there been any Warhammer clones that GW has had to resort directors to do anything else. The former was done to fund the compa¬
to legal intervention to stop? ny’s growth. The latter simply because we weren’t very good at selling
No, not really. Copying game systems is not something people tend to these things - see my previous answer!

8 Warpstone - Issue Ten

Have the legal problems with the US distributors been completely Bretonnia, for example, to that of the army book is as much due to the
resolved? fact that Nigel Stillman was given carte blanche to write up his own
They have as far as we’re concerned. Their suit was always, at best, vision of Bretonnia. But the dark, brooding, grim world of perilous adven¬
dubious, and only dragged on because of the unbelievably arcane system ture is still there.
of US civil justice. In a nutshell, they were arguing that we were not
entitled to change our terms and conditions of sale, because it was against What is the best part of WFRP?
the consumers’ interests and anti-competitive. Which is an outrageous The setting, the world, the atmosphere.
allegation when you think about it. They were trying to prevent retailers
from being able to buy direct from the manufacturer, trying to protect What is the worst part of WFRP?
their own profits and hide their lousy service behind a claim that we had The magic system!
“stolen” their customers - even though the names and addresses of those
customers were regularly advertised in Dragon magazine. Well, the fact What is the best WFRP scenario? And why?
that our games and models are now more widely available in the US, and Death on the Reik. Cos I wrote it. It wos all my idea, mine, I tell you,
sold through far more outlets than ever before, gives the lie to those mine! Oh all right, then... because it’s about as non-linear as anything
arguments. that was published as a commercial rpg
scenario at that time.
How many companies have WFRP li¬
cences? What is the worst WFRP scenario?
Jeux Descartes publish it in France; And why?
Nexus in Italy; Distrimagen in Spain; The Oldenhaller Contract - because it’s
MAG in Poland; Das Schwarzes not really a role playing scenario at all -
Einhorn in Germany; and more like one of those old-fashioned
Shakaishisosha (try saying that after AD&D modules which were really un¬
three pints) in Japan. derground skirmish combats.

How much control does GW exert

Will we ever see another WFRP prod¬
over it WFRP licences across the
uct with your name on?
world? Has any company had their
Who knows? Maybe I’m beavering away
contract withdrawn?
on another epic adventure in my spare
We’ve never had to cancel a contract time even now...
(but we’ve got close, once or twice).
The control is about quality and con¬
What do you see as the future of WFB
sistency. The artwork is very precious
and WFRP?
to us. New illustrations have to be con¬
sistent with the world and of a compa¬ WFB is as much about the models as the
rable quality. Translations have to use game and its setting. And I think the
the same terminology as our own trans¬ models will keep getting better, while the
lators of Warhammer. Otherwise, the game will be translated into more and
licensee can do what they like - they more languages. Beyond that, I hesitate
don’t have to publish all the material. to speculate lest it be taken as some kind
of sneak preview... but... I think one
They can bring it out in whatever order It wos all my idea, mine, I day there’ll be an Epic Warhammer,
and whatever format (boxes, books, etc)
there’ll be a real skirmish game - where
they like. They can chop it about, use tell you, mine!” you control individual models rather
White Dwarf material, whatever. As
long as the published product is true to the Warhammer world, I’m happy. than units... and, and, and...
Oh. And I don’t like surprises! Every licensee has to get approval before As for WFRP -1 really don’t know. I hope that the nice people at
they publish. Warpstone and Hogshead will manage to keep it alive. But, as I said
above, I don’t think rpg publishing is ever going to be a huge commer¬
Should WFRP be allowed to go its own way instead of being tied to
cial success - there just aren’t enough gamers spending enough money
GW’s Warhammer Fantasy Battle world?
on the publications to make it worth the effort required from writers,
editors and publishers.
Yes. And it is... up to a point. The point is this - both games are called
Warhammer, but WFB outsells WFRP several times over. To the pub¬
lishers of WFRP, it seems to make sense to keep the world as close to Finally, one of our readers wondered how much would it cost some¬
that of the more popular game as possible, in the hope of selling stuff to one it buy the WFRP license outright, just in case they won the lot¬
players of the battle game. On the other hand, I’d be very reluctant to let tery! Any hints?
someone casually introduce a new race to WFRP, say, or to publish a Hmmm... the hard ones last, eh?
Nippon or Cathay supplement. The very fact that they were entering I can’t think why anyone would want to do this. We’d never sell
uncharted waters would attract so much interest that the pressure to please the exclusive rights to produce a role playing game set in the Warhammer
everyone would be overwhelming; and yet, of course, it isn’t possible to world - so, if we sold the rights to WFRP, we’d always reserve the right
please everyone. But apart from that, as long as WFRP stays true to to produce another Warhammer Roleplaying Game. Only the huge mega¬
itself, it does not have to be bound by what we publish for Warhammer. corps can really publish world wide; everybody else licences out foreign
language editions.
The WFB army books have moved towards a much ‘higher fantasy’ That said, if the rest of the terms were right, we might be pre¬
bias? Has this been a deliberate policy? pared to consider offers around half-a-million... (but only consider, mind
They have? Er... no, not as such. The “change” from the WFRP you!)

Warpstone - Issue Ten 9

 THE PASSING OF TIME
Thoughts on usine the seasons in WFRP bv John Food}

When runninga campaign it can be dif¬ weather, have plenty of food available
ficult putting across the passage of time. I don’t mean (quantity if not quality) and be safe from
on a smaller day-to-day scale within a scenario, but on a^ the marauding hordes. Safe and warm. OK,
larger scale of years. WFRP has a very good calendar probably not, knowing most PCs. Winter is
and The Enemy Within encourages GMs to begin their the ideal time for characters to start new pro¬
campaign in 2512, which has meant that most games^ fessions, which allows for plots to be based
take place in the years following this. This is a^ on these months of training. Indeed, city-based
great strength of Warhammer, but only if the dry * plots can be run as normal, with trips into the
passing of numbers can be injected with a little wilderness becoming far more daunting. Go-
colour. j Jng into the wild requires a complete new set of
A simple solution is to break down the year 1 Kills and equipment. Skies will be overcast
into seasons. This sounds obvious, but in my experience and navigation by the stars will be difficult.
few people take advantage of seasons. They provide a simple way River travel is also potentially hazardous, with large stretches prone
to add atmosphere to the game and to give campaigns an overall to freezing. Remember, during the 16th century the ice on the
structure. The Almanac bundled with the GM screen also recom¬ Thames was so thick that a fair was held on it.
mends this, and gives some brief thoughts on how to incorporate So for three months a year, the PCs will have to set them¬
the idea. Ars Magica from Atlas Games also does this. Players selves up in a town or city. They will have to buy or rent a house,
may keep close track of the passage of time on a calendar but this maybe get proper jobs and generally behave themselves. Over
should add to, not interfere with, the atmosphere. When setting a time they may grow to think of that city as home and the people
scene, telling your players spring is coming is far better than say around them as friends. Next year, they’ll come back. Such a
it’s the 17th Nachexen. By making each season unique it gives a change in the pace of the campaign gives a real feeling of Winter
real feel of the years moving on. and the passing of another year.
For most people Winter is made bearable by Mondstille, the
Winter (18th Kaldezeit to 16th Nachexen) Winter Solstice. This is the shortest day of the year and a Holy
When Taal and Rhya sleep, their kingdoms die. The bear hiber¬ Day of both Ulric and the Old Faith. People prepare for this from
nates and the green disappears (except for the evergreens, eternally the Autumn. In villages and towns, it consists of a large commu¬
watching for their lord’s return). It is the season of Ulric, a time nity gathering; in cities it is more elaborate, and people brave the
when harsh winds blow across the land, heralding the snows and roads to travel to the celebration. The largest celebration is held in
the rain. Wolves become more daring and encroach on human Middenheim (see Power Behind the Throne) where the city be¬
settlements as their own food supplies become scarcer. Manann comes filled with revellers and lights. Indeed, light is an important
enrages the seas so that the ice of winter does not harden their aspect of the festival, and huge bonfires are always lit. The cel¬
surface. ebration pushes back the darkness and brings on the Spring. Much
Winter is much harder in the North of the Empire, and that is alcohol will be drunk and the last of the dried fruits will be con¬
where the worship of Ulric is strongest. Rural areas have much sumed. Holly and Mistletoe will be hung from houses to bring
more to fear than the cities, including being cut-off, attacked by Taal’s help and to keep out evil influences. Dancing, singing and
hungry beasts or running out of food. These are also problems the telling of stories will be much in evidence. Travellers arriving
faced by adventurers who decide to travel in the Winter. With bad anywhere on this day are guaranteed a good reception, although it
weather and shorter days, journeys will be slow, potentially grind¬ is customary for them to give gifts to their hosts.
ing to a halt. After a heavy snowfall, they might find themselves
stuck in a village in the middle of nowhere, faced with the choice Spring (17th Nachexen to 17th Sigmarzeit)
of sitting it out or risking their lives by pressing on. Horses may be Taal and Rhya awaken from their slumber, and with them their
next to useless and forests will be full of starving beastmen, gob¬ kingdoms. Manann, pleased to see them, calms the seas and Ulric
lins & wolves. These creatures will be also be far more confident travels the world, a reminder that he never truly disappears. The
under cover of the long nights, knowing that any organised mili¬ bear awakens, leaves grow on the trees and animals are bom.
tary retribution will be slow. Something of a siege mentality de¬ Winter is officially over, but for a few weeks at least the
velops among communities as they await the first thawing of spring. weather is unpredictable. In rural areas farmers and their families
Food prices start to increase as its quality decreases, until almost are already at work, ploughing the fields, starting the lambing and
everything left is salted or dried. ploughing the crops. This all follows a pattern handed down from
On the main roads things will be better. Travel will still be father to son. During the Spring prayers and offerings are made to
hazardous, with washed out roads, less roadwardens, and some Taal and, for followers of the Old Faith, to the Goddess. As well
inns closing for the winter months. Prices will increase and every¬ as tending their land, some mral populations will be expected to
one is just that little bit more suspicious. repair nearby stretches of road that have become impassable after
It’s all a pretty grim picture, and for adventurers the best place the ravages of winter.
to be is in the city. Here, they will be sheltered from the harshest Travel becomes easier with the improved weather, although

10 Warpstone - Issue Ten

many of the smaller roads are still muddy. The nobility begin to an issue in certain locations. This will be balanced by the ready
mount military expeditions, and these can offer opportunities to availability of food, especially to those with herb lore or hunting
characters who find themselves cash-strapped after a slow winter. skills.
These expeditions will range from hunting down the Beastmen The major festival in the season is Sonnstill, the summer sol¬
and Goblins who have encroached in the long, dark months, to stice and the longest day of the year. This is of major importance
going to war. to followers of The Old Faith, and to a lesser extent Taal and Rhya.
Spring is the natural time for characters to set out on their It is celebrated with long ceremonies climaxing at dusk, and may
own journeys. The weather will be generally mild and the days involve everyone from nearby villages. The celebration of Sonnstill
are getting long enough for a good amount of travel. Also, it will is almost exclusively honoured in rural areas and ignored elsewhere.
probably be a great relief to travel after being cooped up all win¬
ter. Autumn (17th Nachgeheim to 17th Kaldezeit)
Taal and Rhya, having watched long, make their decision. If man
Summer (18th Sigmarzeit to 16th Nachgeheim) has been lax in his respects then they may take their gift away.
Ulric, tired of his travels, and knowing that there is food enough Taal may send his storms or even wake his brother Ulric to bring
for his wolves, sleeps. With their kingdom now complete, the about his winter quickly. Only rarely are Taal and Rhya angered,
crops growing and foals and cubs bom, Taal and Rhya meet. and more often, the crops are plentiful. Even when they are angry,
Manann, having made sure his rivers are full, sometimes joins Rhya cannot bear to see her children suffer, and tempers her hus¬
them. His seas are calm, although he is easily enraged enough to band’s destructive rages with some kindness.
return. Together the three sit in long judgement over man, the sun Autumn is the time when the harvests are gathered and prepa¬
staying aloft longer so they may see better. “Have they praised rations are made for winter. Animals are slaughtered and salted, as
enough, and been grateful for what we have done?” Sometimes, not to do so means they consume too much food. If the harvest
they cannot decide, so the rains are not sent in order to let them was good it is a time of plenty; prices fall, and everyone can eat
continue their observation. their fill. Rural areas will celebrate the end of the harvest with two
The nights are short. Sowing is over and harvest is yet to or three days of feasting, dedicated to the gods, though this event
come, and therefore there is opportunity for free time to be spent occurs at different times in different places.
out of doors. Some evenings may be filled by extended periods Although this is a rural event, towns and cities have started to
of Militia training. hold their own equivalent. This is the Halfling celebration ‘Pie
The weather is predictable during the summer, and thus travel Week’, dedicated to Esmeralda. The last of the summer fruit and
plans can be made with certainty. The nights are short and the some of the newly slaughtered meat, are baked into a huge array of
creatures that traditionally thrive in darkness are at their weakest. pies, and these are devoured over the course of a week with much
Goblins and Beastmen keep a low profile knowing that should drinking and merriment. In population centres with Halflings (i.e.
they be chased down, the shadows that hide them are fleeting. most of them), their businesses traditionally close for the duration.
However, the forests and rivers are full of food and only the most However, their non-Halfling neighbours, knowing a good thing
foolish starve. Many may even use this period to travel to newer when they see it, have started to join in the fun. The evenings have
hunting grounds in preparation for winter. become events of excess, and are increasingly a profit-making time
Although crops and herds must be tended, summer is the for the Halfling communities.
easiest part of the year for farmers. The long days help dispel the Many armies return during autumn, their campaigns over. Few
fear of nature and of chaos, and give more time for couples to commanders want their troops to be stuck away from home in win¬
court. Everyone enjoys themselves. Even in the towns there is ter. As it gets colder, food becomes scarcer and travel harder. This
daylight enough to enjoy the hours after work. hardship means that less and less can be achieved, and the rarity of
Chaos Cultists keep a low profile during these months. There food leads to disease and bad morale.
are few days of importance to them, except for the appearance of Traffic on the road during this season will be plentiful, as
Morrslieb on Geheimnistag. Even this is of less significance than supplies are transported to the towns and people travel home be¬
that of Mondstille in winter, although it symbolises the start of fore winter hits. This is also a good time for PCs to make their way
the coming of darkness (i.e. winter). Recruitment is also gener¬ to somewhere comfortable. During this time the weather will af¬
ally slow, as people are more content with their lot. fect them little, apart from the occasional storm. However, with the
Not all is good though. Long journeys in heavy armour be¬ shortening days the goblins and Beastmen start to return.
come impossible due to the heat, and water supplies may become In the heavens Ulric fully awakens and winter comes.

Warpstone - Issue Ten

 FOUNDATION AND FAITH
By Anthony Dawber
The Warhammer World is a well-detailed place; its people and clerics of the areas’ patron god - which provided the bulk of
lands are colourful and interesting. Nonetheless, from my expe¬ his income) and taxes than it was for shopping. A great many
riences as a GM I have found that players tend to forget one families grew their own food, made their own clothes, and
thing when role playing in the WFRP setting: that they are play¬ picked up fuel from the commons, woods and forests (of which
ing characters with a mixture of archaic, medieval and early there were far more than today). In order to pay rent, tithes
renaissance beliefs. To help make campaigns more realistic (and and taxes, some members of the peasant families had to work
to help players get more out of roleplaying), one needs to know part-time in industry. This usually meant the women and
what these beliefs are. Both parts of this article look to enrich children doing spinning and weaving at home for cloth mer¬
your WFRP experience and help your players using characters chants. This reliance on cottage industries meant when there
from a medieval/early renaissance era, rather than modem day was a depression in the clothing industry (as there was in the
characters with swords and horses and substitute-technology in early medieval period) it caused extreme hardship among thou¬
the guise of magic. sands of agricultural families who depended on industrial bye-
Much of the article is based around English customs and earnings to make ends meet.
laws, but all can easily be applied to life in the Empire. Such
beliefs are spread throughout The Old World, albeit varied to a Attitudes and beliefs
greater or lesser degree. Perhaps the most significant differences, however, were in
the attitudes and beliefs of these people. Whereas today
The Social Situation changes in trends tend to be welcomed as signs of progress
The differences between social classes were much greater than and improvement, to the medieval mind it represented a threat
they are now. Rich landowners lived reasonably comfortable to the established order and so was viewed with fear and sus¬
lives. ‘Comfortable’ is a relative term, though, since they lacked picion. However, as the renaissance era dawned on the world,
many of the amenities that we take for granted. The poor, who there were many learned minds that began to see progress as
accounted for more than half of the total population, lived on good. Religion still influenced all aspects of life, however.
the edge of starvation. While the gentry and yeomanry (a class Attendance at church was obligatory, and it was illegal to
of prosperous farmers immediately below the gentry in the so¬ worship in any way other than that prescribed by the Church
cial hierarchy) lived in houses built of stone or brick, poor towns¬ of England. The Church played an important role in govern¬
people lived in houses of timber. Those in the country had to ment at both local and national level. Similarly, the cults of
make do with clay and mud. The situation in the Warhammer WFRP would have laws making it mandatory to attend their
Did you know...? World is very similar, with rural areas being backward and poor churches on important holy days, and there will almost cer¬
Io the early Renaissance, (like Sylvania for example), and rich merchants and the middle tainly be laws making it illegal not to attend the church of the
distinctions of apparel between classes staking their claim in urban areas (as shown by the power areas’ patron deity on his/her weekly holy-day. It is unlikely
tbe different classes were not just of merchant guilds). that the population will ignore any of the gods, even if they
matters of convention: they fire The Old World is a society with more extreme class divi¬ favour one above the others. In their minds, to do so would
actually laid down by law. sions than our own. Moreover, these divisions are immediately bring disaster (see WFRP pi93 under the section “Popular
Dressing up as one of your betters visible. Just as a clergyman or a soldier is identifiable by his Attitudes”). The cults will be political institutions, like the
was a prosecutable offence. clothes, so are lawyers, academics, farmers, craftsmen, labour¬ Christian Church, and will have far more influence than the
ers and gentlemen. A man of lower rank thus knew when he Church has today.
must give way to his superior, or doff his hat to him. Although
these restrictions might be relaxed somewhat in big cities (espe¬
cially Marienburg, Altdorf and Middenheim), characters could
still get into a lot of trouble for having an indistinct social rank
and not paying deference to their betters. Race confuses these
conventions somewhat. High Elves would definitely have some¬
thing to say about paying deference to a human, Dwarf or
Halfling. It is likely that there are specific laws covering these
eventualities, although these will almost definitely change from
place to place.

Society and income

Independent households predominated in the economy: fami¬
lies have their own holdings, which they might supplement with
other earnings. The family provided the only type of social se¬
curity anyone could hope for. There were no unemployment
payments, of course, nor sickness benefits, paid holidays, wid¬
ows’ or old peoples’ pensions - indeed no retirement at all, ex¬
cept through incapacity. Most men and women simply had to
work for as long as they could. If the family would not or could
not look after an able-bodied unemployed member, he or she Diet
took to the road, joining thousands of others in the elusive search Most people in rural areas live by a totally unmechanised ag¬
for employment elsewhere. Such a search forms a perfect ex¬ riculture. They depend on the weather to an extent that is
cuse to adventure. The impotent poor, meaning cripples and the difficult for us to grasp. If the harvest fails, people starve and
aged, received ‘poor relief’ if they were permanent inhabitants food prices will go up in the cities. A large part of the popu¬
of a parish. Pauper children were compulsorily apprenticed to lation will be undernourished, even in a good harvest year.
masters, irrespective of whether or not these individuals would Epidemic diseases - plague, influenza, and so on - recur fre¬
treat them well. This led to large numbers of children living quently; smallpox and syphilis ruin many faces. In the cities,
rough in some cities. some houses of the well-to-do have piped water; elsewhere
Money was more important for paying rent, tithes (a pay¬ there is no running water. There are no flush toilets. There
ment to the local clergyman - in the Warhammer World, of the are few hospitals or doctors, and no good anaesthetics: most

12 Warpstone - Issue Ten

people have to put up with a great deal of unrelieved pain. of addresses were the norm. Seating in church was governed by
You should be aware that PCs are also subject to pain, dis¬ social status, with those of higher rank nearest to the pulpit.
ease and starvation. In WFRP, epidemics and starvation often Clothing was regulated by sumptuary laws that restricted the ^ Did you know...?
wearing of silk and velvet to the gentry. Gentlewomen wore It is estimated that about a third
lead to the misguided worship of Nurgle in the lower classes.
It was only in the early renaissance that the human body was gowns, whereas labourers’ wives wore separate petticoats and fc of the European population were

properly studied, and that the practice of medicine as we un¬ bodices. This inequality between different levels of society was •. under the age of 15. and that
average life expectancy v _
derstand it began to be carried out. There is much that is accepted as being perfectly natural and was believed to have t
been ordained by God. somewhere between 35 and 40
unknown about the body and even about basic hygiene; many
In effect, there were two social hierarchies that coexisted (This was higher for men. due to
are prepared to simply blame witches, nurglings, and divine
and overlapped. Rural society was dominated by the nobility the perilous nature of childbirth).
curses and retribution for sins as the cause of their ills and
and gentry, with the yeomanry below them and the peasants at Thus the age distribution of the
pains.
the bottom. Urban society was dominated by a merchant elite of population of medieval England,
Diet is very restricted by our standards, and varies with
wholesalers, entrepreneurs and financiers, beneath which was a for example, differed markedly
the seasons. Meat becomes expensive in winter. There is no
middle group of manufacturers and retailers, who in turn were from then of modern Britain in
refrigeration; salted meat and lots of dried or salted fish are
above the artisans, apprentices and unskilled labourers. These which less that 20 per cent of the
consumed. There are no potatoes, tea or coffee at prices that
restrictions should be taken into account wherever your PCs may population is below the age of 15
ordinary people can afford; far more beer and cider are drunk
be. They should be careful to watch what they wear! and average life expectancy is 69
per head of the population than in most modem societies.
for men and 75 for women. This
These drinks are both safer and cleaner than the dirty water
The Community makes it likely that your
available, especially in population centres.
As well as holding a recognisable social rank, people were also adventurers could be as young as;

Times and seasons members of a number of overlapping communities which cut f 13 years old. and would not expect
across these distinctions. These included the family, the village, to live a long or a healthy life. It
People measure time by the seasons; by our standards they N* is also likely that, because of the
are extremely unpunctual. There is obviously no electricity the parish (the area of influence a local cult has), the town, the
county (city-state, Grand Duchy or whatever) and the country. years of study, meditation and
or gas for heating or lighting. The rural poor tend to go to bed
Within each of these communities there was an established hier¬ training, PC wizards would be at
when it gets dark, since candles and even mshlights are ex¬
archy. The family was ruled by the head of the household; the least in their late thirties and not
pensive. There is no street lighting, except in the towns and
village was dominated by the squire; the parish was guided by expecting to live much longer.
cities, so people are much more aware of the moon and stars.
the priest; the town was governed by the mayor and aldermen or For this reason, there would be
Because of this, and through their dependence on the weather
guildmen; the county by the lord lieutenant, sheriffs and justices few high level mages in the Old
and the seasons, they are prepared to attribute importance to
of the peace (who, in WFRP, would work for the nearest Elector World, and to common men. Elves
the influence of the sun, moon and planets on everyday life.
Astrologers tried to make a science out of such belief, which in the Empire); and the country by the monarch and the govern¬ V- would seem all but imm ‘

nearly everyone shared. The darkness at night helped to pre¬ ment. Adventurers are outside of these communities most of the
serve traditional beliefs in ghosts, hobgoblins, fairies, witches time, unless they have a base of operations. As mobile people
and the supernatural. Of course, for the people of WFRP they may be seen to rank alongside itinerant beggars, peddlers,
most of these beliefs are justified. However instead of talk¬ gypsies and thieves, and so be viewed with similar suspicion. In
ing about tiny elves and fairies in the forests, as happened in the city, however, they can fade into the background as the dis¬
medieval culture, the people of the Old World would talk about tinctions between these communities fade also. Even here,
beastmen, mutants and the tall, elegant Wood Elves. Still, though, it may be hard to get help from the local cult as PCs will
the mystery and fear would remain, as it would be unlikely not be recognisable as parishioners. Way-temples are an excep¬
that the average person would ever see any of these creatures. tion to this.
However, malformed births, beastmen attacks and adventur¬
er’s tales would be enough to make the supernatural more of The Family
a reality for these people than our ancestors. The basic and most important unit of social order was the fam¬
ily. Authority within the family rested entirely with the head of
The Social Hierarchy the household - the man. His wife, children and servants were
Medieval and early renaissance society reflected the enormous required to obey him without question. William Gouge, in
:c in the
difference in wealth between rich and poor. In the words of “Domestical Duties”, published in 1934, described the family as
h the hi
the historian C. V. Wedgwood, “at the topmost level were a “little commonwealth, wherein the first principles and grounds
fabfh society and
noble men of the old school who kept two hundred servants of government and subjection are learnt...inferiors that cannot
k anarchy
of all degrees, from their Master of the Horse and Gentlemen be subject in a family will hardly be brought to yield such sub¬
Ushers, their Yeomen of the Buttery and Pantry, to laundresses jection as they ought in Church or Commonwealth”.
s a degree... Take the
and grooms. At the lowest level was the day labourer with Obedience in the family was considered to be a vital
aegrcc away, untu ncthat strin
one coarse shirt to his back, earning a night’s lodging and a element in the preservation of social order. Therefore, if a man
jf and hark what discord follow
share of pease-pudding”. could not control his wife, the courts or his neighbours would do
A person’s social rank was determined by the inter-rela¬ it for him. Nagging wives were sentenced to wear a scold’s bri¬
I So adventurers may be viewed to
be a social banc, or even as
tionship between a number of factors, such as birth, esteem, dle or a nag’s mask or to be ducked in the village pond. Unfaith¬
anarchists flaunting the social
wealth, occupation and lifestyle. The most important deter¬ ful or violent wives and their husbands would be ridiculed in
hierarchy, and the attitudes of
minant of gentility was land ownership. It was this that enti¬ ‘charivari’ or ‘skimmingtons’, which were processions to the
people, towards them may reflect
tled a man to become involved in the government of his coun¬ offender’s home accompanied by rough music. In cases of infi¬
this disapproval. It is likely that
try or to represent it in parliament. This is certainly the case delity, a man wearing horns would symbolise the cuckolded hus¬
they will be ranked alongside
with the Empires’ Electors. Guild members are often bom band. If the wife was unruly and violent, the offence would be
beggars and prostitutes if they are
into their roles, too. Your PCs ought to have a detailed back¬ parodied by neighbours with the husband riding backwards on a
poor and unsuccessful, and with
ground for their families, as were they come from and who horse and holding a distaff, the symbol of female subjection,
merchants and soldiers if they arc
they were bom to plays such an important role in all aspects and the wife beating him with a ladle. The GM could set up an
well known and successful. Being
of life. (For some thoughts on this see Get a Life in Warpstone amusing encounter involving a skimmington when the PCs first
an adventurer is prob
9.)
enter a settlement, enriching an otherwise routine encounter, or
way to be socially m
This social hierarchy in our world and the Old World a PC could be subject to something like this himself (lay it on
was based on precedence and deference. People of higher thick!).
social rank took precedence over those below them, but also
had responsibilities towards them. Those of lower rank owed Village, Town and Parish
deference and respect to those above them. Precedence and Although it is now recognised by historians that the horizons of
deference were constantly being reinforced. Deferential forms the poor in medieval times and the early renaissance were wider

Warpstone - Issue Ten 13

 Did you know..,? that was once thought, for most people the village and the parish following these careers must be aware of activities of this
Society’s belief in thrstrpeijo were the most important communities outside their immediate kind in society. This will help enrich adventures based around
of traditional methods led people m
family. The village was where they earned their living and, in their activities and the role-playing experience in general.
to behave io ways that we might lighter moments, socialised with friends, drank in the alehouse, The poor were also controllable because the government
find surprising. For instance in
played games on the green and took part in harvest celebrations was relatively efficient by the standards of the day and did
England, when James I and Charles
and village feasts on religious holidays. The parish was the ba¬ not place unreasonable demands on them. The taxation sys¬
* I ran into genuine financial
sic unit of religious organisation, which is likely to be extremely tem was progressive, especially in the early renaissance era,
difficulties because inflation had ~
complex due to the influence of so many cults. However, it was so that the richest people paid most while the poorest paid
reduced the value of their income
also much more than that. Even though one god will have pre¬ nothing. There was an effective system of poor relief in which
from crown lands, members of
dominance in a region, the rest are still observed. Moral and the richer members of each parish contributed to the mainte¬
parliament refused to recognise the
social values were regulated and enforced by the local cleric. His nance of those in need. On occasion, the government even
problem, assuming that since the
pulpit was used by the government to disseminate information acted to protect the poor from the unreasonable behaviour of
monarch had been able to make
and propaganda; poor relief was organised by the parish; parish their betters. However, there were other occasions when the
ends meet in the past, he could
courts punished criminal activities and social misdemeanours; crown united with nobles and gentry to crush violent out¬
continue to do so. They blamed
and many other aspects of village life were regulated by church¬ bursts. To the outsider, the politics of the land must seem
the problem on extravagance at
wardens and parish constables. In larger settlements, these roles very capricious, and form a perfect excuse to throw the odd
court rather than recognising the might be so time-consuming as to make them full-time careers. surprise at your PCs every now and again.
need for a fundamental overhaul of Neighbourliness was regarded as a virtue, especially in ru¬ Thus, while there was a great chain of being and every¬
'the revenue service.
ral areas, and could take many forms. Villagers who did not own one knew their place within it, those on the lower rungs of
their own ploughs borrowed them from neighbours. In the ab¬ the social ladder were quite capable of rattling the chains in
sence of banking facilities, borrowing and lending money were defence of what they considered to be their legitimate rights.
commonplace. Good neighbours lived in peace and harmony and
placed no unreasonable demands on the community. They took Fear of Innovation
part in parish administration, helped each other with sheep-shear¬ In many respects the attitudes and beliefs of people living in
ing, assisted in gathering the harvest and maintained good social the medieval and early renaissance periods were very differ¬
relations with each other. The importance of neighbourliness is ent from those which we hold today. This was partly because
emphasised by the many complaints received by local magis¬ the world they lived in was so different from ours. Disease
trates about people who failed to conform to expected standards and poor nutrition meant that life was precarious. Recurrent
jPid^ibu know...? by being quarrelsome, idle, immodest, drunken or generally dis¬ epidemics of the plague decimated the population. Many of
ruptive. Such people were subjected to charivari and rough music the scientific, medical and industrial developments that have
%Thetimportance of the Bible on all
and, in extreme cases, were excluded from Holy Communion. shaped our world were unknown then, though one must take
parts of society was considerable.
In WFRP they could be excluded from any important religious into account Dwarfen innovations. Even here, though, the
As an example, the Book of
Revelations was particularly
ceremony akin to Communion and, if the circumstances were Dwarfen guilds place tight controls over innovation, prefer¬
important to the Puritans. In
extreme enough, draw the attentions of local witch-hunters. ring tried and tested creations.
chapter twenty, it predicts that
It is probable that the sense of community was greater in Faith and superstition provided answers to questions
villages than in towns because the population of towns was larger about the origins of man, the causes of disease and other
Christ would reappear upon Earth
and more mobile, and therefore individuals were likely to be phenomena for which there are now scientific explanations.
to begin a thousand-year reign that
would precede the Day of
more anonymous. In smaller communities everyone will know Their world was one of stability, whereas ours is one of change.
everyone else’s business, creating a potentially claustrophobic So, it is hardly surprising that people in medieval times did
Judgement. Many (English)'
atmosphere. This would be a good reason for people to leave. not share our view that change is, on the whole, to be wel¬
people believed that the English
However, towns had the same type of parish organisation as vil¬ comed because it implies development and improvement.
were God’s chosen people, and ^ /
that this Second Coming would ^ ^
lages, and craft guilds and local sub-communities provided some Magic in the WFRP campaign should only be appreciated by
degree of neighbourliness. The GM must remember this when the enlightened and educated as the renaissance has not
take place in England. Further¬
PCs interact with the local community. dawned on the general populace yet. Any wizard, legitimate
more. books such as “Foxes Book
of Martyrs’* convinced them that or otherwise, should be an object of fear, awe and fascina¬
The County and Country tion, as they embody change and manipulate the forces that
the Millennium was immanent.
The bonds of community and neighbourliness operated between are used to explain so much of everyday life. Clashes be¬
Wile millenariantsm was a widely
people of broadly similar social rank. Thus, the community of tween mages and clergy should be common, and your PC
held belief before the 1640s. the
the poor tended to be the village, while the community of the wizard should always be the focus of attention, and never an
upheaval of the civil wars and the
gentry often encompassed the entire county. Unless your PCs object of indifference. They will also be an obvious target.
execution of the king led to the
are nobles or involved in political intrigue then the former com¬ The desire for stability and fear of innovation under¬
emergence of sects such as Ranters,
munity will concern them the most. pinned many other medieval and early renaissance beliefs
Quakers, Mugglctionians and
Fifth Monarchists. In their own such as the Great Chain of Being, the Divine Rights of Kings
Social unrest and Ancient Constitutions.
distinct ways, these groups began
Society was not always as peaceful and deferential, in spite of
to plan for the imminent arrival
on earth of Christ: the Apoca¬
belief in the divine order of things. Riots were not uncommon. The Great Chain of Being
Football matches and other sports played on public holidays were Inequality was evident in all aspects of medieval and early
lypse. However, the restoration
violent and frequently got out of hand because they were seen by renaissance society. The rich lived in relative comfort while
of the Stuart monarchy in 1660
many as an occasion to settle old scores. Deference was not the poor eked out an existence in which the threat of starva¬
was difficult to reconcile with an
always observed, as the behaviour of the congregation in Nor¬ tion was never far away. Those who owned land had politi¬
imminent Apocalypse and
wich Cathedral during the 1630s illustrates: on successive Sun¬ cal rights, whereas landless labourers did not. Forms of ad¬
millenarian belief faded rapidly
days, the mayor and aldermen, whose pews were below the pub¬ dress, seating in church, clothing and many other outward
after that date. It was briefly
lic gallery, were showered with prayer books, foot stools, dung signs constantly reminded the poorer sort of their inferiority
revived in the year 1665, as the
and salvia. Similar displays could be encountered by your PCs, to those of higher social rank. With such inequality, how
next year contained thenumber of |
and they may even be directly involved themselves. was social order preserved? Why did the ‘have-nots’ tolerate
the Beast (666) and meant to
Although society was unruly, it was controllable. Violent a system that put them at a permanent disadvantage?
result in the ultimate battle
protests acted as a safety valve and, provided they did not threaten The traditional explanation contains two main strands.
between good and evil. People’s
the social order, was viewed with a certain tolerance. Rioters The first relies on the commonly held view of the world as a
beliefs deemed justified when the
Black Plague hit England and
who were reacting to the misconduct of government officials great chain of being. This descended from God (or the com¬
parts of Europe, and London
were liable to be bound over to keep the peace, whereas those munity of gods in WFRP) at the top through the king and the
almost burnt to the ground.
who attacked the system itself were usually executed. Here the various ranks of humanity (and other races) to animals, plants
job of the agitator and demagogue becomes very interesting. PCs and, at the bottom, rocks. Such a belief regarded human

14 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 W ft
Did you know...?:
v One reason for the popularity of *

^Providtntialist tracts was the large I

number of anecdotes t|eyg*»
* ccmtaihed. These incltide^lror*
example, that of Elizabeth
Earwackef who fell dead on
H appealingV God it confirmation
of a lie, or Mary Adams, who
named herself virgin Miry, and
said that she was conceived with
child of the Holy Ghost. On
being cast into prison soon after,
Mary was delivered of the ugliest,
most ill shapen Monster that r*“~
beheld. These tales were dcsi
fto impress upon the reader the
dangers of immorality and
ungodliness. However, in an
uncertain world beset by disease;
crop failures and other natural
disasters, a belief that everything
was a pre-ordained part of the
inequality as natural, and a part of God’s plan. Their place in sinful and destined to be dammed, but that God, in his mercy, had divine master plan provided
the scheme was viewed as predetermined, a belief reinforced chosen to save some people, known as the elect, from the conse¬ comfort in the face of inexplicable
by the church. This all helped to encourage deference to¬ quences of their sinfulness. Salvation was not a question of living occurrences. Such a belief is very
wards those of higher social rank. a good life and earning it: the elect were predestined to be saved. useful in WFRP, and allows GMs
The second strand focuses on the control that the rul¬ This belief was based on a passage in St Paul’s letter to the to justify their PCs having a
ing classes had over the machinery of justice. This enabled Ephesians, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not “destiny”. The example of Mary
them to protect their privileged position by punishing those of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man Adams could also be an interesting
whose words or deeds threatened the status quo (possibly in should boast.” one to use in an adventure. She
the name of Solkan). The importance of order would be During the reign of James I, Calvinist predestination was a may claim to have Sigmar’s child
even more serious in the Old World as Chaos is a real, per¬ theology shared by almost everyone in the country of England. in her belly, only to give birth to a
sonified force. It is likely that any change is viewed with However, in 1633, Charles I appointed William Laud to succeed ^ mutant, resurrecting Ulrican
suspicion. Progress and social changes and unrest would George Abbott as Archbishop of Canterbury. Under Laud, ■ claims of Sigmars daemonhood
meet with violent retribution, and reactionary and conserva¬ Armininasnism flourished, replacing predestination with the be¬ once again (sec the Sigmarite
tive politics and religion would be the order of the day. The lief that salvation was a matter of free will and could be earned in Heresy inThe Enemy Within).
tyranny of Old World society, politics and religion must be this life. This emphasised the authority of bishops rather that that
emphasised, because this control is at least partially justi¬ of the scriptures, promoting church ceremony at the expense of
fied by the ever-present threat of Chaos, and the very real preaching. Given the widespread suspicion of innovation, large
threat of genocidal races like Skaven, Fimir, beastmen and numbers of moderate Anglicans rejected the Laudian reforms.
Ores. Instead, they turned to the Puritans as the guardians of the predes¬
tination, scriptural authority and preaching with which they were
The Divine Rights of Kings familiar.
A logical corollary of the Great Chain of Being was the Whilst WFRP’s distinct religious climate means that a direct
Divine Right of Kings (or Emperors). This belief envis¬ adoption of these events impractical, they could be used within
aged God as having delegated power on earth to kings. Thus, one faith, possibly a Law cult. Additionally, these events empha¬
kings were answerable to no one but God, and opposition sise that the GM should keep in mind the relationship between
to their actions was not only treason, but also a sin. Sub¬ scripture, religion and politics when dealing with the WFRP cults.
jects had no right to participate in government other than
that which the king granted them. In WFRP, this authority Anti-Catholicism
could be delegated by the country’s patron deity, such as Many Puritans claimed that Laud and Armenians were attempt¬
Sigmar, and might lead to interesting tensions when powers ing to reintroduce Catholicism into England by stealth. Catholi¬
authorised by different deities (such as Witch Hunters and cism was reviled as the whore of Babylon for its lavish ceremo¬
the Imperial Court) clash. The medieval period was a time nies and its emphasis on free will rather than predestination. The
when absolute monarchies were emerging all over Europe, images of the saints and of the Virgin Mary in Catholic churches
justified by this belief. The authorities in WFRP would were regarded as evidence of idolatry. Several events contributed
certainly play on this, especially given public events such to this paranoia: the attempt of extremists to blow up the king and
as those described at the end of EiF. parliament in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the reinvigoration of
Catholicism in Europe during the Counter-Reformation, and the
Predestination and free will Thirty Years War of 1618-48. The conflict between Protestants
One of the most widely held beliefs among Protestants at and Catholics were seen by many as the contest between the forces
the beginning of the seventeenth century was predestina¬ of good and evil, in which the Pope was characterised as the An¬
tion. This Calvinist doctrine held that man was essentially tichrist, who had to be defeated as a prelude to Christ’s Second

Warpstone - Issue Ten 15

 Coming. A steady stream of literature fuelled this Anti-Catholi¬
cism.
Such rivalries could be rife between the religions of WFRP,
particularly between the cults of Ulric and Sigmar. Scenarios
could be built around events like the Gunpowder plot or the sup¬
pression of new theologies such as Calvinism (obviously with a
)7. Jam< different name). This kind of religious intrigue will be espe¬
wrote: a bool
book entitled cially convoluted given the sheer number of cults in the Old World,
Daemonlogie' which denounced making the religious situation a very volatile one indeed. Much
witchcraft. This sparked witch of European history has been shaped by the religious situation of
hunts in Scotland and in England. the time. WFRP should be the same.
Shortly after he ascended the
English throne as James I, Providence
parliament passed an Act against Closely related to predestination was a belief in divine provi¬
witchcraft which provides an dence that was shared, to a greater or lesser extent, by most peo¬
insight into the supposed ple. Providentialism taught that nothing occurred by chance;
activities of witches. everything was ordained by God. Thomas Beard’s “The Theatre
of God’s Judgement”, which was one of a number of
Providentialist tracts popular in the seventeenth century, put for¬
ward the view that God punished the sinful and rewarded the
devout in this world as well as in the next. One of those influ¬
enced by Beard was Oliver Cromwell, who attributed all his suc¬
cesses and failures to the work of God. He described his victory
at the battle of Worcester in 1651 as “Gods crowning mercy”,
and the defeat of his expedition to Hispaniola in 1657 as a just
reward for his sins and those of the nation. It could also become a plot device for GMs who would like to
give their PCs helpful predictions, or plots hooks to get them
Millenarianism involved in something. Astrology as a part of Divination is
Knowledge of the scriptures was far greater in the middle ages something I hope to cover in-depth at some later date.
than it is today, and all parts of the Bible were accepted as literal
truth. If anyone had questioned the reliability of Old Testament Religion in the Old World
stories such as those concerning Adam and Eve, Moses, or King My interpretation of Old World religion is that the gods are
David, they would have been arrested for heresy and punished similar to those of the ancient Greeks. Because the
severely. Biblical examples were an accepted part of everyday Warhammer World has many different aspects, this has been
conversation and were used frequently to support political argu¬ taken to imply a plurality of gods. These gods are more like
ments. The same ought to be true of WFRP’s holy books and powers than persons. It is certainly the case that even the
religious stories, and the GM should definitely detail the cults of same god could have contradictory aspects.
the PCs patron gods to allow this aspect of early renaissance role- Though the Old World religion is essentially polytheis¬
playing. tic (Araby not included as it only worships one god - Allah
Millenarianism could easily be related to the advent of a according to WFB 3 or Ormazd according to the Warhammer
Chaos Incursion occurring in the Old World, and would be Archives on the ‘net), there is a tendency for regions to focus
whipped into a frenzy by events in ‘Shadows over Bogenhofen’ on one god. There is Taal in Talabheim, for example, or Ulric
and ‘Dying of the Light’. White Dwarf 96 details a group of in Middenheim. This form of worship is called henotheism.
“Neo-Millenarianist” agitators in Middenheim. These are the Another form of demarcation is over the nature of the
perfect example of this kind of belief, although it’s more likely in tasks each god is responsible for. People may take a patron
WFRP that Millenarianism would be replaced by Incursionism. god that is most useful to them, but none of the gods are
excluded completely from worship. People are too supersti¬
Astrology tious to want to fall out of favour with any god, and all gods
Did you know„+? It was widely believed that the motions of the stars and the plan¬ are in some way venerated or respected (WFRP rule book
Queen Elizabeth I had her own ets exerted an influence over the destinies of nations and the fates pi93). However, people being fickle, whichever god is the
personal astrologer* John Dee. of individuals. Therefore, people consulted astrologers (perhaps most useful at the time is the one that is worshipped. The
Popular London astrologers, such a new career, or a job taken by wizards or Seers specialising in gods are not worshipped so much for love as out of fear or
as Simon Forman or William divination?) for advice and predictions on matters as diverse as expediency. They are always bribed or coerced or offered
Lilly, would cast as many as 1.000 romantic problems, business decisions, lost property and the something in return for help, never just for the sake of piety
horoscopes a year for people as chances of survival of someone who was ill. It is clear from the (as any act of worship is always to keep the god on their
diverse as serving maids, peers and surviving records of professional astrologers that their services side). Some feel so strongly about a god that they choose to
even members of the clergy. were sought after by people at all levels of society. champion him, or devote their whole lives to him. This re¬
However, belief in astrology declined rapidly during the early sults in a strong competitive force between cults, and though
renaissance in the face of new scientific explanations of natural the sides respect each other, there will inevitably be atroci¬
phenomena. The replacement of the Ptolomaic system of ex¬ ties and power struggles.
plaining the universe with the Copemican system, and the dis¬ So it is in this atmosphere of religious struggle and in¬
covery that the earth was a planet and was part of a galaxy of tolerance that the cults exist. In spite of their factionalism,
other stars, destroyed the mystique of the heavens and fatally they still manage to hold considerable political and social
undermined astrology, at least among the educated classes. power, and their impact on the lives of people in the Old
These theories were violently opposed by the Church, which World should not be underestimated.
relied on the Ptolomaic system for its religious cosmology. Any
progress akin to this in WFRP ought to be opposed by the Cults.
An astronomer like Vogelgesang from Dying of the Light could These ideas should give GMs and players plenty of material
involve the PCs in an adventure along these lines. There are also to work with, all of which will help to make the WFRP expe¬
many today who believe in horoscopes and astrology, which has rience more realistic and enjoyable. A number of ideas raised
met with an increased interest due to the recent New Age move¬ in this article could be developed further, looking deeper into
ment and the revival of Wicca (or witchcraft). these aspects of the Old World. Warpstone will be covering
In WFRP, astrology could be used to add realism to the game. some of these in coming issues.

16 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 J GM s SECTION L

CAMEOS
Here we present the two winning cameos from preservation will overcome his need for money. He will back down
and attempt to get as far away from the bag as possible before it is
our Death on the Reik competetion back in issue opened. If restrained, he will gesture and shout warnings as best he
5. We start off with the runner up entry The Man can, becoming increasingly frantic. At no point, however, will he
actually admit to knowing that there is a daemon in the bag, as such a
with The Bag, followed by the winner Between a confession would mean hanging for sure.
Perhaps the PCs join in the persecution of Mateo. Perhaps one
Rock and Chaos.
of them opens the bag, in which case the daemon attacks them once
before scuttling off behind the bar. If an NPC opens it, they are
horribly killed as the creature makes its escape. Another alternative is
THE MAN WITH THE BAG
that the PCs may try to intervene to stop the bag being opened, trying
by John Clare to help the foreigner being ‘picked on’ by locals. Inevitably, though,
the bag will be opened at some point in the evening.
It is, of course, a dark and stormy night when Mateo Vasquez walks Once the daemon is free, the adventure could go a number of
into the coaching inn where the PCs are enjoying a drink. He seems ways. There could be a straightforward bug hunt, with the added
nervous as he casts his gaze around the room, heads towards an empty complication of an inn full of innocent guests. If he can communicate
table close to the bar, and puts his bag down. It’s a thick sack, tied with the PCs, Mateo will throw himself on the PCs’ mercy, and explain
with rope, and has a strange symbol burned into the cloth. This is a his predicament. Mateo’s family needs the money. Will they help him?
rune of containment, and the sack contains a small, vicious, and very For a cut or for free? Can the daemon even be returned to the bag?
unhappy daemon. Mateo knows what’s in it. He’s carrying it from a Perhaps the adventure could progress with the PCs either pursuing or
wizard in Middenheim to a colleague called Mario Montoya in escorting Mateo to Bilbali. Looking further ahead, what are the long¬
Bilbali, a task for which he is being paid 50GC. term implication of this chance encounter? Are the two wizards
An immigrant from Estalia in search of work, Mateo has had demonologists, or are they just misguided, believing that by experi¬
little luck in the Empire, and his family is living in poverty. The 50GC menting on the daemon they will learn how to fight the threat of
would help them out of the slums. He speaks no Riekspeil, but Chaos? And would PCs believe them, even if this were true?
manages to order a drink and sit down before the bag begins to squirm
on the table.
Several people at the bar, slightly drunk, will start to ask BETWEEN A ROCK 6 CHAOS
questions of him - none of them are sure that they really saw the bag
by Paul Slevin
move (they often see strange things by this point in the evening...).
However, with his poor grasp of the dialect, Mateo can hardly Background
This cameo takes place in a large village or a small town. I have placed this
understand them, and just looks increasingly nervous.
close to Altdorf, though this can easily be changed, so long as the action takes
Mateo wants to avoid suspicion. Mainly he wants the bag to
place on a major trade route.
stay shut because he fears the daemon, but he’s at least as afraid of Gotdz Hudrezig was bom the son of a mayor of a small town. Having
losing the 50GC. If faced with violence, however, his instinct for self- shown a flare for academia, He was sent away to attend university in Altdorf.
However, Gotdz was too curious for his own good, and soon became embroiled
with a minor Tzeentch cult, The Infinite Morning. When his time at the
university came to an end, Gotdz was ordered to return home and set up both a
new cult cell, and a safe bolthole for members of the cult.
Gotdz did just that, and now, five years later, he has a good-sized cult
based in the town. All was well until a few weeks ago when he received a letter
from the cult head telling him to consolidate his position by murdering his father
and then taking his place.
The best way to do this, Gotdz reasoned would be through magic. So,
Gotdz arranged to summon a Shadow Daemon. However, Gotdz had never
summoned anything before. The ritual went wrong, and the Daemon will be
free to do as it wishes after it has killed Gotdz’ father. To make matters worse,
Gotdz has had word that a witch hunter is in the area.
At this time of year, quite a few groups of adventurers pass through the
village. Hiring a passing Protagonist to help him, Gotdz has arranged a series
of events to incriminate the next such group to pass through the village.

The Plot Unfolds

As the PCs arrive in the village, they see a beautiful young lady, Karina Graue,
the daughter of the local barber, being pestered by an ugly looking man. This
is actually Kurt Meinz, the protagonist. He is obviously causing grief, when
the girl’s father, Erik Graue, a cultist, runs out of his shop to help. This has all
been arranged, but Karina has no idea of this, and Kurt easily smashes Graue to
the ground.
The idea is to get the PCs to help the young lady out. If they do Meinz
will be seen to put up a tough fight, but has been ordered to leave the PCs with
just a “few Scratches”. He should have, and make use of, Strike to Stun. After
a short fray, Meinz will flee.
After she has helped her father, Karina will bring him over to the PCs.
He introduces himself, and offers his services as a barber as a reward. This is a

Warpstone - Issue Ten 17

 J GM's SECTION 1
clever ruse to gain the materials needed for a curse spell. While they are in the The Ritual
barbers’ shop, you might want to have Karina flirt with one of the male PCs. Unless the party has some major spells or magic items, they will probably
If the PCs try to leave town, Erik will find them just before they do, and undertake to banish the Daemon by the ritual. Karina will agree to help
invite them for a meal that Karina is cooking for them. This will be very well provided they don’t tell her the real reason for the ritual. The ritual is quick,
prepared and totally innocent. and you may want your players to actually chant. If the party do not have
The PCs should end up staying in town overnight. That night a cult enough numbers to make the circle with Gotdz and Erik helping, then masked
member, visiting from Altdorf, will cast a Curse spell on the PCs so they look cult members will make up the numbers.
like minor chaos mutants. One might have green skin for example. Also that
night, the Daemon will kill Gotdz’ father. The Aftermath
The witch hunter arrives the next morning. There have been several If the PCs help him, Gotdz will assume the roll of mayor, and explain to the
sightings of the Daemon over the last week, and people have told him so. He witch hunter that the locals are too superstitious for their own good, and that
will also be anonymously tipped off about a group of Mutants, who managed his father recently wiped out a group of cultists hiding in the woods. He
to trick the innkeeper into letting them stay last night, and who where plotting explains the anonymous letter as someone with acute xenophobia, and vouch
to see the Mayor. personally for his “Old friends from Altdorf’.
That day is the first day that the Daemon is free. It has sensed the If the PCs refuse to help, Gotdz’ new position as Mayor will allow him
presence of a Lawful entity (the witch hunter), and will attack him just as he to help the witch hunter, or villagers if the witch hunter is dead, to persecute
approaches the PCs. It will look bad for the PCs if they don’t help the witch the PCs. He will then take a “Business” trip to Altdorf to sort out the matter of
hunter. If he dies, they will most likely be lynched. The Daemon will then the Daemon. How and if the PCs get out of this one is up to you.
hunt down Gotdz (he knows its name), then Karina (the only maiden of purity in
the village). This event is best played after Gotdz has approached the PCs. The Cast
Gotdz will seek out the PCs and offer to get them out of their predica¬ Gotdz Hudrezig: Gotdz is in his early thirties, and appears pretty much
ment if they help him destroy the Daemon, and promise never to return. If they average and forgettable. He is ruthless, cowardly, and, when it comes to
agree, he will let characters with Chaos, clumsy. He is willing to do anything which will not incriminate him
the appropriate skills to read the further, including sacrificing Karina. He is totally uncaring about anyone but
section of his spell book on himself.
summoning the Daemon. Erik Graue: Erik is in his late forties. He joined the cult three years after the
Gotdz doers not know how death of his wife in a fire. He loves Karina - now his only family - greatly and
to banish the Daemon would do anything for her. He is a good man and does not realise the
but does know its consequences of the cult’s actions. Otherwise he would leave.
name, and that there is Karina Graue: Karina is a stunningly beautiful young woman, who has just
a sword of one Axle had her sixteenth birthday. She is complacent with the local men - they’re all so
Wullffskar, a minor hero ordinary - and will be attracted to any male human/elf PCs with a high Fel. She
from Norsica who died is a little naive, since her father is a little over-protective of her.
locally, hung over the If any PCs start making advances towards her, Erik will object strongly. If
fireplace in the they seduce her (which is quite easy - she is not very worldly), then Erik will
Mayor’s house. have some of the cult members dispose of them in an unpleasant manner.
Herrikk Shnitval: Witch Hunter. Herrikk is a typical with-hunter, and is
passing this way on his way back home to Altdorf for a short rest. He can’t
fight chaos if he’s tired can he? He has no interest in the village, and it is
pure coincidence that he is passing through the village.

The Shadow Daemon

Shadow Daemons (T’sami-K’cham’I-d’n’h) appear as
humanoid-shaped darkness, as if made from shadows.
They can fly, and are vulnerable only to weapons of Law
or Daemon Weapons of Malal & Nurgle. The
particular Daemon in this adventure is called Uh-
Haruua-ai’oo-u’l, though it is unlikely the PCs
will discover this.
When a Shadow Daemon is
summoned, it is usually bound
and given a task to do, often to
kill -one or more persons, then to
return from whence it came. After
its task is completed it is free to
do as it wishes. Gotdz failed to
include “Return from whence you
came” in the binding ritual, so
after it kills his father, it can do
whatever it wants.
There are seven ways to banish a
..Shadow Daemon:

I) Kill it with a weapon to which it is vulnerable;

II) Use a Zone Of Demonic Nullification in a place its task will force it to enter;
III) A Banish Greater Daemon spell;
IV) Kill whoever bound it before it completes its task;
V) Complete its task before it can;
VI) Sacrifice a maiden purity to Tzeentch, within ten yards of it;
VII) Seven people stand in a ring and call out the Daemon’s name seven times,
while a maiden of purity stands in the centre holding the sword of a true hero.

18 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 THE ALTERNATIVE TROLL SLAYER
by John Foody
He was happy then. Perhaps for the first time. and generally strive to live in the ‘Dwarfish of individuals following an age-old set of rules.
Happy as he ran down that tunnel, alone, into the fashion’. These rules are not passed down in any written
coming horde and into death. Allowing us to As an old saying goes, ‘You can’t build a form or in organised form of teaching but are
retreat, his words followed us surface-wards: collapsed tunnel again.’ Dwarfen society does not enshrined in folk law and story.
“Come on then, who’s first...? Want some more of forgive mistakes. Their many grudges and feuds When a Dwarf chooses to become a Troll
that... ? Eh? Eh! SLAYERRRRR! ” would never have got started if someone had just Slayer it is often a sudden decision following many
said, “anyone can make a mistake’. This is an weeks of despair and wallowing. This usually
Troll Slayers are one of the unique things in understandable mindset from a culture where takes place well away from others, as the Dwarf
Warhammer. However, they are (to my mind) mistakes traditionally cost lives. goes through the full range of emotions and comes
misunderstood. I don’t mean in the Tm-a-mad- The extent of the beliefs that impinge on a to terms with his disgrace. They are traditionally
Dwarf, me!’ way, but in they way they are Dwarfs life is so large that it is easy to let them supposed to destroy all their property except for
portrayed. Too often they are played simply for slip. Such psychology also extends to being their favoured weapon, which is left beside the
laughs, an exaggeration of stereotypical Dwarfen disgraced in such a way that the Dwarf believes hearth (this can be anywhere safe). Then, using
traits, with orange hair, of course. This article they have lost face and are no longer a true Dwarf. dye, they colour their hair and sculpt it into spikes
looks at the role of the Troll Slayer in both human However, being disgraced does not automatically with animal fat. Their subsequent emergence into
and Dwarf society, as well as some of their mean that one must become a Troll Slayer. the world after this decision tends to be quite a
attitudes and beliefs. In particular it looks at a way Ironically, it is those that have the most honour that shock for loved ones.
around the common path of Demon Slayer/Dragon take this drastic step. And it is a drastic step... Becoming a Troll Slayer is the worst thing a
Slayer advancement that has been put forward. In Dwarf can do. They are declaring that they are a
parts it may differ from the WFB canon, but as Troll Slayer! disgrace to their race and to themselves. With
always, take the bits that fit with your campaign, When a dwarf believes that he has disgraced or every action from now on they seek absolution. To
and adapt or ignore the rest. shamed himself and his people, they may choose to many, this will come through death as they throw
become a member of themselves into combat. For others, however, it is
“He was always such a nice Dwarf...” the so-called Cult of the first step on the road to becoming a Dwarf once
Dwarfen society is strictly regimented and its the Troll Slayer. more.
members are expected to live by certain rules. This isn’t an Most slayers are dedicated to following
This cohesion is largely maintained as a result organised Grimnir, the Ancestor God of Warriors and Slayers.
of the constant external threat posed to them. cult but a At Karak Kadrin stands a shrine to Grimnir and
They are a dwindling people who are group Slayers. Many slayers journey here early in their
constantly at war. However, even Dwarfs careers to publicly dedicate themselves to him and
living outside the realms of the Dwarf King, the Slayer ideals.
especially in the Empire, share these values.
They look back at their spiritual homelands

-
=* '• «> j

Warpstone - Issue Ten

Society first tattoo will always be Grimnir’s personal rune. for pleasure. The main motivation is believed to
Troll Slayers hold an odd and occasionally Tattoos will usually be drawn on by a Dwarfen simply to block out their shame, while others are
incendiary place within Dwarfen society. While tattoo artist, of which all major cities have a least taken to enhance combat performance. These
they expel themselves from Dwarfen society, their one. stimulants are widely available among the criminal
elders recognise that they are in fact still following As the Troll Slayer no longer cares whether he fraternity in larger towns, the risks that dealing
an age-old tradition of Dwarfdom. Slayers are seen lives or dies, or considers himself a member of with Slayers brings often pushing prices up. Of
to be rebelling against the rules of Dwarf society in Dwarfen society, his psychology changes. They course the Slayer often ends up becoming an
a peculiarly Dwarfen way. To have a son follow desire to experience everything they can, trying to addict.
the path of Slayer is an embarrassment to parents, fill the gap left by their disgrace and drive the A Slayer’s death wish is the most difficult
many of whom consider their offspring to be thought of it from their mind. They take every¬ factor to play for both the player and GM. After
already dead. The Slayers do little to discourage thing to extremes. all, a character whose answer to every situation is
this attitude, and will cut themselves off from their The question of armour is also one that violence is going to prove very short-lived, not to
family in order to disassociate them from their confuses many. Wearing a helm of any kind is a mention boring. If this is the case, why take up
heinous misdeed. definite no-no. It would hide the hair, which adventuring? Why not just wander into the
However, Slayers remain a part of Dwarfen misses the whole point. Shields are also seen as Badlands with an axe and an attitude? The answer
society, and are expected to conform to their laws. cowardly. However, they are acceptable against has to be that the character is seeking to do mighty
Officials do take their peculiar social position into deeds to redeem himself. For each
account, however, and prefer to individual the nature of this
encourage Slayers to move on rather than redemption will be different. Some
attempt to punish or imprison them. of them do just wander into the
Most spend their time fighting in Badlands, but others choose a more
Dwarfen armies as irregular units. They complex route.
are often used quite ruthlessly by Most Slayers are not simply
commanders. Acting as a rearguard or seeking death. They are seeking a
charging the enemy centre in order to meaningful death. They also
form a diversion. Of course, the Slayers recognise the values of loyalty and
are more than happy about this. friendship - dying for their comrades
Human society is far more confused is a good way to end their journey;
about Troll Slayers, not really under¬ risking comrades’ lives in order to
standing the psychology behind it all. throw away ones’ own is unaccept¬
Because they are so readily identifiable, able. However, anyone who calls
many people recognise them on sight. themself a friend to a Slayer ought to
Even if they have not seen one before, realise that this is an inherently
their description will have been passed dangerous position to be in.
down through stories and songs. Essentially, a Slayer may not act
Unfortunately, these stories are often in a cowardly way; it is not in their
greatly exaggerated and distorted. nature. Remember, the fact they have
Nevertheless, humans usually view become a Troll Slayer is because they
Slayers as unpredictable thugs. Arrest is are so honourable. A single slip has
unlikely until the point where they fall led them onto this path. Retreating
over unconscious. Most officials are too from superior odds for a good reason
afraid to challenge them. is acceptable, as is being captured if
Dwarfs living in human society are it allows for a tactical advantage.
in a particularly awkward position. However, Troll Slayers will never run
Whilst they recognise the Slayers as a from goblinoids or Trolls. Such an act
necessary part of traditional Dwarfen would be an anathema to everything
society, they become extremely irate they believe.
when humans use them as the standard
against which to judge the whole of their Absolution
culture. Some Dwarfs who have grown This article assumes that Troll Slayers
up in the Empire have even been heard have chosen this path looking for
to comment that the Slayers’ behaviour absolution from their disgrace. Troll
lowers the perceived standards of Slayer and Giant Slayer form,
Dwarfishness. between them, a long career path that
will take considerable time to
“Live fast! Die Young!” complete. At the end of this time the
A number of ideas and images are Dwarf will have faced death many
strongly associated with the Troll Slayer. Some of the equally cowardly use of missile weapons, times and become the living embodiment of the
these are assumptions that have grown up around simply because they allow the Slayer to die in Dwarfen warrior. He is ready to become a Dwarf
them; myths passed around in human society. combat, rather than being struck down whilst again and rejoin their society. This was the reason
The spiked orange hair of a Troll Slayer is his running around on the battlefield. There are many he set out on this road in the first place.
most important statement. It declares loudly who debates about other types of armour. Slayers After finishing the career of Troll Slayer
and what he is. He will therefore carry dye and recognise their usefulness to society, and have no (signalled perhaps by a dream or sign) he must
animal fat with him in order to maintain the image. wish to throw their lives away cheaply. On the travel to the Cave of Black Skulls, deep in the
Jokes about vanity are generally ill advised. other hand, they are trying to atone through a World’s Edge Mountains, some miles North of
The same reasoning lies behind the tattooing valiant death. No hard and fast rules seem to Karak Kadrin. This is a dangerous journey
and piercing. His dishonour is being shown in a apply; for most, wearing a mail shirt seems to form through treacherous terrain; which the Dwarf must
way that cannot be removed, as is his intent to an acceptable compromise. complete alone. Either they will find the cave or
resolve the disgrace. Each Troll Slayer has his own The excessive consumption of drink and food else die in the attempt. Outside of it sits two Cairns
reasoning behind the tattoos. To some they are is simply one example of the way Troll Slayers do of skulls. Both are made of blackened troll skulls,
purely for display, for others a count of the number things. They are taking Dwarfen characteristics to although those of other creatures, including giants,
of days of disgrace, the number of dead, or even a extremes once more. Drugs, however, are another can be seen here. Three Slayers then appear at the
pictorial description of his quest. However, the matter. One thing is for certain, they are not taken cave mouth, dressed in ceremonial armour and

20 Warpstone - Issue Ten

weapons. Only when the Troll Slayer places a Troll On taking it, the Dwarf becomes frenzied, ranting,
skull on the pile is he allowed to enter the cave. screaming and frothing at the mouth at the same Author of Hogshead s forthcoming
Inside the small dark cave, the walls are time, whilst becoming immune to fear and
covered with many crude paintings. Axes hang reducing Terror tests to fear tests. Dwarf soucebook, Alfred Nunez,
from the ceiling, some broken, others rotting. The Type: Stimulant Price/Dose: 15GC
guardians say nothing, but beckon the Dwarf to lay
gives us his view on Troll Slayers
Dependency: 5 Addictiveness: 5
down on the floor where he is tied to four stakes. Overdose: 1 Duration: 1D6
THE REAL TROLL SLAYER
They then ask the guardians if they have avenged . rounds
the wrong they committed (or avenged the Side Effects: Each time the drug wears off the Dwarf culture and psyche stresses honour and
disgrace). The Guardian then speaks for the first dwarf may have a heart seizure. There is a 1% reputation above all else, and no Dwarf thinks
time, saying that only the Gods can decide. Into chance for each dose taken, and he will suffer 3D6
of Troll Slaying as a “normal” career. In fact,
the Troll Slayer’s mouth a draft is poured, sending wounds. The drug also causes depression.
the way of the Slayer is not so much a career
him into dark nightmares for days. Should the GM Dosage: Black square, chewed for effect.
decide he has tried to live up to the ideals of the Availability: Rare in Dwarfholds, Very Rare choice as it is an act of atonement. If a Dwarf
Slayers, he awakens outside with one guardian elsewhere (price x2) commits an act that leaves him disgraced, hu¬
waiting by him, and is told, “you are not yet miliated, or disowned by his clan, his only hope
worthy - begone and fight Giants”. They will, Axe-Powder (aka Whack) of redemption is usually an honourable death
from that point on, be a Giant Slayer. Related to ‘Laughing Powder’, this is believed by in combat against overwhelming odds. Shame¬
If they haven’t been worthy of the name Troll some scholars to have been used by Dwarfs for ful acts that could lead to a Dwarf becoming a
Slayer, then they awaken befuddled and weakened centuries, enabling them to fight for days. It
Slayer might include failing on watch at an
and must take some advances again before they increases the user’s stamina but the usual penalties
return. (I recommend that they lose the lOOexps
outpost allowing a murderous enemy to slip
last twice as long (i.e. 2 days for each dose taken).
and one point of strength.) A large amount of alcohol will double the Duration through undetected; committing a serious crime,
The same ceremony is re-enacted once the and also the penalties. such as burglary or murder, against one’s own
Giant Slayer career has been finished, although the Type: Stimulant Price/Dose: 1GC clan; and continued cowardly acts when faced
skull of any large creature as tough as a Giant may Dependency: 10 Addictiveness: 40 with a clan enemy.
instead be used. If the Giant Slayer has been well Overdose: 1 Duration: 4D3 Once a Dwarf becomes a Slayer, there is no
played (as judged by the GM) then the guardians No. Doses to Side Effects:30+ldl0 turning back. With few exceptions, Slayers con¬
tell him, “Fellow Dwarf, you have travelled far and Side Effects: Gluttony, Alcoholism, Shaking,
tinue on this road to destruction for the (prob¬
proved your honour and Dwarfhood. Go now, and occasional paranoia
live.” His head is shaved and he is led outside.
ably short) remainder of their lives. Only rarely
Dosage: Small crystals smoked in a pipe
The Dwarf’s first journey is to travel back to Availability: Scarce will a Slayer perform a momentous deed that
collect the weapon he left at the hearth when he restores his honour without also requiring his
became a Troll Slayer. Once collected, the circle is Dark Nite death. A deed like this should be something
complete. Made from the leaves of a plant growing on stupendous, like saving the Emperor from an
No longer a Slayer, the Dwarf is once more a mountains, this was traditionally used to help assassin’s blade or rescuing the High Priest of
full member of Dwarfen society. Only a very few patients through surgery. It is often used by Grungni by single-handedly slaying a Greater
who start down the path of Troll Slayer ever make Slayers to help them forget.
Daemon of Khome. His honour restored, the
it this far, and they are treated with respect by all Type: Tranquilliser Price/Dose: 2GC
Dwarf regains his place in the clan. In fact, for
Dwarfs. Most continue in combat careers, often in Dependency: 10 Addictiveness:
high-ranking army positions. Although new hair 25 a Dwarf, “honour” and “clan membership” are
grows back, the scars, tattoos and sometimes the Overdose: 15 Duration: 1D4 inseparable ideas.
jewellery remains as indicators of what they No. Doses to Side Effects:2D20 For the vast majority of Slayers, only hon¬
endured. Few ever find true peace. Side Effects: Introversion leading to Catatonia, ourable death will remove their sin, and the
Agoraphobia death rate among Troll and Giant Slayers is very
“Kill! Maim! Kill” Dosage: Liquid high. Still, there are a few survivors who find
There are a couple of points that I would raise, Availability: Rare
themselves in a dilemma. What are they to do
rules-wise, in connection with Slayers. Firstly, I
when it seems they are unworthy even to die?
don’t think a character entering the career should Hate
pay lOOexps. Instead they must convince the GM A nasty drug, rumoured to have been created by How does this affect their already unhinged
that they have good reason for such a drastic the Dark Elves. The version now in circulation is minds? Are there any drugs powerful enough
change and that they fully intend to follow the less effective but more harmful than the now-lost to let them overcome this additional shame?
ideals of the Slayer. I’d also recommend that each original. The taker becomes frenzied and subject The Slayer’s obsession with his failure be¬
scheme is only completed if the player has fully to hatred against those it has animosity against. comes unbearable. This mania forces a surviv¬
completed some heroic and exemplary deeds. All Fear/Terror tests are taken with a +20 bonus. ing Troll Slayer to become a Giant Slayer. A
For obvious reasons, Slayers should not suffer Each time a dose runs out the user must pass a
Giant Slayer who finds no peace in death will
from Fear of Trolls. Similarly, Giant Slayers will be Cool test in order not to take another. If it is failed
immune to psychology caused by Giants.
seek out far more dangerous prey than mere
and no more doses are available the user gains
Hatred against everything. In addition, every five Giants. But, simply adding the Dragon and
Stimulants & Other Drugs rounds spent under the influence of the drugs, a T Daemon Slayer careers does not convey the ex¬
The following drugs are popular among Slayers must be made or 1 point of damage is taken tent of a Slayer’s shame, so the inclusion of
and can be found in most human cities, although because of the extreme heat the body is generating. insanity points is intended to add an element of
they are illegal. They can be bought in Dwarf Only after a successful Cool test is passed (after madness to the unfortunate character.
holds, where their sale is legal, but regulated, each ldlO rounds) do these effects subside. Slayers are forever seeking their own deaths.
expensive and highly disapproved of. For rules on Type: Stimulant Price/Dose: 40GC
Should the Daemon Slayer find himself still
drugs in WFRP see Middenheim: City of Chaos. Dependency: 10 Addictiveness: 20
Overdose: 10 Duration:
without honour, there is only one place left for
Wyld lDlOrds him: the Chaos Wastes. Through some un¬
Distilled from a mixture of underground mosses No. Doses to Side Effects:2D6 known means, the Daemon Slayer eventually
and plants, Wyld is used to induce Frenzy. It is Side Effects: One insanity point per dose, realises that his continued life has marked them
extremely rare outside the Dwarfholds and is Heroic Idiocy, gains one new Animosity each time as “Grimnir’s Chosen.” His mission? Nothing
poisonous to everyone but Dwarfs (for whom it Dosage: Swallow grey powder less than closing the Warp Gates at the poles.
isn’t too good either), provoking extreme sickness. Availability: Very Rare

Warpstone - Issue Ten 21

 CHILD OF PRAAG
A short story by Stephan Passey
It began with early morning, the first placing of time, ures, then shadows, then impenetrable fog. I noticed a see then whether he was boastful or on the brink of a
The streets then were cobbled, the stones all worn south- strange trick of perspective, that in the fog they appeared, revelation. He turned to me with an odd smile. “I know
wards, away from the slums, away from the nightmares for the most part, to be queuing across my path at a right your house - it’s the one with the red shutters that creak
at the walls, cut by eras of refugees into thrusting flinted angle. I saw as I approached that the truth was that they mostly on weekdays, because your father only oils them
teeth. I remember the dull grey mists, the thick fogs; the were ordered by height, the shortest closest to me, so that on Beckertag.”
various shrouds behind which we hid. One could easily as they grew; their distance made them proportionally I told him everyone in the neighbourhood knew that;
fall in the daily darknesses; I often saw them in the al- taller. Trailing away into the mist I saw that heights were he was trying to scare me. He grew a look as if I had just
leyways. Such visions, tints to an otherwise transparent about equal, the width of the dim line decreasing some- hit him, but then it wilted, and we stood turning our caps
childhood, the little subrealities indistinguishable from what rapidly to the end. in the mist. As the queue moved he kept telling me things
the conscious truth in its common absence. Our memo- I joined the queue. Perhaps it was my purpose, about himself, and about me - his knowledge was fright¬
ries are told to us by liars. As I attached myself to the end of the line I was ful, bitter in its presentation. I’m not sure how much
The many dealt with these descents in different followed by others - smaller boys who closed behind, older he was than me, since he was taller only by a slight
ways. Some saw the tiny droplets of water, carried on dragging off into an indistinct darkness. I felt a part of degree and his face was indistinct in the mist. If I had
the air, trapped by cold - the lucky orthodox of science, something; it would have been betrayal to leave. had his level of intelligence then I would have seen the
Others perceived them as a veil before the eyes, or within I was curious as to the reason for this queue in the truth: we were all the same.
the eyes, waking screaming in the rubbish, drunken by middle of the emptied streets. I knew the way of things in I questioned his sharp behaviour.
the gutters of the road. The true blind men, striding be- that district, and I did not remember ration queues, or even “In a few weeks father will die,” he said, quite bluntly.
tween marked obstacles, felt the fog only as a dampness the Tsar’s soldiers, being there before. I decided to inter- I ignored it then, in the overall mystery of the event. Now
on the skin, did not worry. To me it was also different: rogate the slightly older boy ahead of me; the younger I know his feelings, have known them day by day, yet I
a chance to hide or to seek, to find or to escape. lads behind had, most probably, joined as I had done. I am never ready, I never took the chance to believe that
Just what the journey was for I do not know; I may was given a strange idea of the nature of human curiosity the information was true. We moved on a few paces and
not even have known then. Only the accepted necessity in such a hostile, normally cautious, environment, the fog closed in like a blanket, sodden with icy river
of any journey having an end makes me seek it. Like Hoping that he too had not joined out of a whim, I water. I lost the others, even those following me.
any child-mind memories, I recollect abstract observa- tapped the boy on the shoulder. I only remember now.
tions, the wandering eye of youth. There is no under- “What is it you want, brat?” he snapped at my hopes The whole memory is clear, but useless. I can see
standing there, merely brute image; I saw only what was that he knew the line’s end. the fragments of my life in line. They stretch behind me
real, despite my imaginative state. I asked him politely why he was here. As we spoke, like a thin trail of ghosts, spirits of past people whom I
The curtains of greyness gave the unhealthy sur- the queue moved forward a few paces, wearing the cob- am no longer a part of. I feel animosity towards some of
roundings a further pallor, and fed the slimy things that blestones down a mote more. their decisions, as my time descendant did in those first
crawled upon the stones beneath my steps. Wraiths “It’s a fool who joins something he doesn’t know days of memory. I have no wish to inform them as back
passed by, shades lost in the white shadow of mist, seek- about,” he said. Those were words my father used to say. then.
ing their journeys’ ends. I remember that I knew my “It’s to the end, don’t you know?” There is only a wraith before me. It is a constant
whereabouts, I knew where I was going. It was the path He didn’t speak sarcastically at all - “It’s to the end” self, free from the chain of future lives. I take the step
that was unsure, concealed by northern breath. - was plainly said. Everything in our day, those days, was. forward, and become a part of the great absolute.
A line of people trailed through the street: first fig- He spoke again, “I’ve been here before.” I could not It was to the end.

RUMOUR MILL
by Robert Clark

Once again I found myself travelling south for that an¬ which the reply was ‘Yes, why not’, though I’ve long since smaller, not dominating the Dark Lands as was believed.
nual Games Workshop experience. Games Day. Pen and learnt not to trust everything Mr. Priestley says... Again, the Moumgul horde are reintegrated into the back¬
paper in hand, I was determined to find out as much as ground.
possible about the future developments of all things Bretonnia Nigel Stillman is working on a number of things,
Warhammer. I succeeded, but unfortunately I found my¬ Tuomas Pirinen made the point, while discussing the dif¬ including new background and rules for the Khemri
self completely unable to decipher the copious notes I ferences in background between WFB and WFRP, that Undead. I’ve seen his draft and it looks quite moody,
made, due to a combination of exhaustion and notori¬ “for WFB, the new direction Bretonnia has taken is a good though it won’t be immediately useful in a normal The
ously bad handwriting. Weeks later, I’ve managed to glean decision, since they are so much more popular than they Enemy Within-style WFRP campaign. This material will
a few details from this collection of heretical scrawlings... used to be. However, the older background is much bet¬ first appear in White Dwarf.
ter for a roleplay game.” Nigel added, “well, the Tuomas has also been working on the Sylvanian
Regiments of Renown Bretonnians might view themselves in one way, but the Undead. Although the material has yet to be finalised, he
It appears that the future for Warhammer will involve the outside world might see otherwise.” I asked Nigel whether has covered the origins of Vampires and some of their
release of new regiments of renown, both in new army he would have a problem if someone wrote a book taking exploits. Tuomas is keen to make the Sylvania book, going
books (a la Dogs of War) and in White Dwarf. Each book this angle, to which he replied, “I couldn’t give a toss!” under the name The Restless Dead, very dark. As Tuomas
will probably be themed around different areas of the Ample ammunition for anyone wanting to have a go at was largely responsible for the Dogs of War background
Warhammer world. It was revealed that around forty regi¬ writing a Bretonnia book without having to rigidly stick section, I believe that we are in for a treat.
ments had been drawn up. Not all were going to make it with the WFB dictum. Rick Priestley is doing very little indeed on the de¬
to final production though. Some of these regiments were sign front. He seems to be concentrating more on the
on display either as miniatures, as rules, or both, includ¬ What the designers are up to overall development of GW at the moment.
ing Mudmen (south sea islanders), an Albion Druid and Tuomas Pirinen has re-written the Chaos Dwarf book,
two giants (called Cruchoth and Bologs), Wood Elf Stag though it is yet to be placed on the production schedule. Other Stuff
riders, Fishmen (I kid ye not, though Nigel Stillman may Apparently this is due to a problem with space in Games The Black Library will be releasing a new range of nov¬
well be winding us up), a Black Ore hero, lots of Arabian Workshop stores and the fact they can only hold limited els next Easter, including a full-length Gotrek and Felix
stuff, Dwarfen Longbeards, trained baboons (another mad ranges of miniatures. The new Chaos Dwarf book ex¬ tale by Bill King. Epic Scale Warhammer is very close to
idea by Rick Priestley), The Mad Rasputkin, Amazons, pands on the background, and has also jigged things completion (again), and could even make an appearance
something for Lizardmen, Norse Valkyries, Lumpin around a bit. Farside is back - it never really went away in 1999. It will be very different to EPIC40K in approach,
Croop’s fighting cocks (Halfling poachers) & Hobgob¬ according to Tuomas, who says that the map was just and the scale will be larger.
lins from the Moumgul horde. misleading. This was also the case with the perceived And a final word of warning: never, ever ask the de¬
I did ask whether Pygmies are now a possibility, to domain of the Chaos Dwarfs, which in reality is much sign team about female greenskins...

22 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 _| GM’s SECTION"!_

THE BLACK GATE

A complete scenario by John Foody
“I am the one whose words will lead you to the God of Death, is the cult’s natural enemy but locations specific to the City, as detailed in
eternal life. For in flesh is salvation ” he is also central to its teachings. They blame him Middenheim: City of Chaos, and is mentioned in

Hans Otto Neinerten for death, and he therefore must be overcome if the Player Handout. A change of location will
immorality is to be achieved. require a little more work. Also, bear in mind that
This scenario takes place in four parts. It can be Hans Otto Neinerten is a highly charismatic the PCs will not necessarily expect the presence of
played straight through, but we recommend that individual, with a voice that could turn homespun ghouls and so when they first meet them, they
other encounters and adventures be run between cloth into silk. Sadly he has put his talents to dark should be described descriptively for maximum
them. You could even include some of the shorter use. He is a necromancer who wants to achieve effect.
sections, such as part one, as part of other more than raising a few skeletons in a backwoods
scenarios. All this will help create the impression
of a coherent world in which matters develop
irrespective of the PCs’ influence. Even though
the PCs do eventually come face-to-face with the
villain of the piece, it is possible that he will
escape. If this happens, GMs are encouraged to
somewhere. He desires to create an army that will
obey his every word. He encourages his followers
to feast on the flesh of the dead so that slowly but
surely they become ghouls, the pitiful Undead who
haunt graveyards. These ghouls will then be his to
control. His plan will take a long time to come to
A
jJBL,
Part One 4

build on the plots developed here. fruition but there is no rush: for he too is almost A Madman tells the future
The adventure concerns a group who call Undead. He has reached this state through the use This short encounter can take place in any
themselves The Cult of Everlasting Life. They are of a powerful and dangerous magic item. population centre larger than a village and does
small but spread across The Empire. The Cult has As the PCs come nearer to him, they will little except set the scene. As they walk the streets,
sprung up over the last twenty years, nurtured by slowly become aware of his malignant influence. they see a man shouting to the passing crowd, who
its founder and leader, Hans Otto Neinerten, He has become confident enough to risk founding are nervously avoiding him. He is dirty, thin and
known to his followers as The Leberverkin. He the first Temple of his faith. He also intends to try ragged, a white beard the prominent feature of his
promises immortality and power, a life free from and open a mythical gateway (The Black Gate) to face. No one is listening as he shouts and rants.
disease and fear, a life in which they will be raised Morr’s Realm, a plan that will enable the He tells them that his lord will give them everlast¬
above the unworthies. All that the faithful have to quickening of the corruption of the ghouls. ing life as long as they follow him and his word.
do to achieve this goal is follow The Leberverkin’s The final two parts of this adventure are set in He has promised them the food of life and that
word. However, whilst these individuals may care Middenheim, with the second in Delbrez. those who eat from it will live forever. It is quite
little about what they do, they will soon find out Although any other town could be used in place of obvious he believes this. If he is reported to a
that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Morr, as Delbrez, the Middenheim part takes place in cleric or member of the watch, he will be arrested.

Warpstone - Issue Ten 23

 I GM s SECTION
However, nothing can be gained apart from his room a strange smell. A young man in a blood- the man who has given Khris some strange and
evangelical ranting. No one in town knows him as splattered apron is hacking the head off a dead unwholesome ideas. He talked to the man and
he has only just arrived from Altdorf. A PC who cow. He points them in the direction of the owner, found him incredibly charming but completely
demands that the man be punished may will be Armin Blutgmpe. evasive. The man left town soon after.
able to have the man hung for his dubious ranting. A big muscular man, his head shaved to the Krippen last saw Khris yesterday at the jail.
Fear of the unknown and the insane will easily allow skin, Armin will happily talk about Khris. Armin He had been arrested for attacking Brother Turney,
this happen. too has been worried about his old friend, and had the cleric of Morr. The Sergeant said he had been
The madman’s ranting has no direct bearing to fire him recently for stealing. All he stole was ranting and raving but had calmed down on his
on the plot and simply shows how far Neinerten’s meat, but he kept doing this even after he was arrival. Krippen thought he could look after him
word has spread. Of course, PCs won’t realise the warned. His behaviour has become stranger since and promised the Sergeant so. However, when
significance of this encounter until later. the death of his wife, who died six months ago. they entered the street Khris ran away and escaped

i
They had both been sick with the Consumption at down an alleyway. The Doktor has come to the
the time. “Something” got into their house and conclusion that Khris now needs to be handed over
Part Two S attacked them. It mauled her badly and carried to the care of the clerics of Shallya.
_ him off. However, he was left in the street when
the Watch gave chase. Armin knows the address of Shrine of Morr
A Hole to Fill the house, and will also add that Khris frequents The shrine stands outside town, just at the edge of
Part two is intended to take place at least a week the Wynch & Whip tavern. the graveyard. The PCs need to tell the gate guards
after the PCs have encountered the madman. It they are visiting the shrine or they will have to pay
should also be set in a completely different location The House to get back inside. Brother Tourney is still bruised
- ideally, Delbrez. In this section, the PCs come Khris’ house is small, the hom windows dirty from the attack, his forehead stitched after a nasty
across a problem that should show them the enough so that they can’t be seen through. All the cut. Last night, he awoke to hear scratching sounds
significance of the madman’s ranting; they will doors are locked (CR+10) and the windows nailed from outside. Picking up his sword, he went
also hear the name Neinerten mentioned for the down. Inside it is messy, and has a similar smell, outside and found a man digging at a grave. He
first time. but ranker, to the abattoir. This smell is worst in had shouted, and the man jumped at him, spitting
On the morning they are due to leave town, a the kitchen where a dead raven has been left on the and growling. They struggled together, falling
woman, tired and nervous, approaches the landlord table. In the larder hangs a rotting sheep carcass, back into the shrine. After calling for Morr to give
of the inn they are staying in. He soon points her flies buzzing around it. What looks like a small him strength he threw the man into the anteroom,
in the direction of the PCs. Her name is Margret. shrine has been built in the main bedroom, the locking the door. He raised the city guard who
She is in her early thirties, and her clothes show furniture pushed to one side. A black arch has came and took him away. The grave belongs to
her to be of lower middle class. On the verge of been painted on the wall and offerings of meat and Marion Ruy, and he has restored it. It was only
tears, she says that her father, Khristofer Ruy, has coins have been placed under it. this morning when Sergeant Letzbyave came to
gone missing. He has been behaving strangely The neighbours all say that he has been acting visit him that he discovered the man had been
recently, locking himself away and preaching strangely since the death of his wife, ignoring them Khristofer Ruy. He has been around a lot recently,
strange words at her. These have been about the and coming and going at all hours. His next door even more than when his wife first died. If asked,
corruption of the body and the food of life. He has neighbour, a young mother, says that Doktor he will say that one or two other graves have also
been behaving like this ever since he met a man Krippen has regularly come knocking. When she been disturbed recently. Wolves frequently do this
named Hans Otto Neinerten. She thinks the man last saw Khris he was sweating, and seemed when searching for easy pickings.
was peddling some strange religion, and is worried nervous, saying ‘he had been saved from the flesh
that her father has fallen under his spell. She prays by his word’. By the time the PCs call on the watch, night is
that he has not chosen to follow one of the encroaching. The rain still lashes down but the
forbidden gods. “My father has been weak since The Wynch & Whip dark sky is illuminated by the flash of sheet
mother passed away.” There is no reply from his At this run-down tavern, the landlord and patrons lightening, followed seconds later by attendant
home and his colleagues don’t know where he is. all know Khris. However, apart from saying, “he thunder. Any townspeople they meet will be
She can only afford to pay the PCs 15GC for this don’t come in much now,” or, “strange fellow,” calling on Taal to protect them.
one day’s work. She will pay in advance. they know little. They will point them towards
Khristofer Ruy has fallen victim to the Karl, his best friend. Karl works as a night The Watch
seductive words of Neinerten. At the time, he was watchman for various buildings and is a bit of an The Sergeant knows Khris from years back.
depressed at his wife’s illness and fearful of his old drunk. He says that whatever killed Khris’ Although they have never been friends it is not
own morality; this made him ideal for the purposes wife tried to drag him off too, but the city guards hard to tell that he’s changed. Sergeant Letzbyave
of the Necromancer. Ever since Khris has been scared it off. He hasn’t seen Khris lately. Says he says Khris has been ‘touched by the moon’ (i.e. is
slowly turning into a Ghoul. Under the influence was acting strangely before then anyway. He was mad) and seemed almost beast-like at moments. He
of Neinerten’s teachings, he killed his wife, but in weak after the disease but some travelling doctor, ranted and raved until Dr. Krippen came, when he
doing so was overheard by Watch Patrol and forced Hans Otto “something or other,” had given him his calmed down. He had been screaming that he
to escape. He eventually collapsed exhausted in a strength back. When he had last seen Khris he had would bring his family together again. He cried he
nearby alleyway. His story that a creature attacked been heading to the Shrine of Morr, and seemed ill would gain strength from them, then he howled. In
them and carried him off was believed. Now his and confused. Karl called out, but Khris just a quieter moment, he said he had been saved. He
mind has completely snapped and he desires to looked straight through him and wandered off. told the Sergeant he should find Neinerten, who
feast on the flesh of both his wife and daughter. Karl assumed he had been on the way to visit his would lead them all out of slavery.
The PCs may be able to save Margret, but her wifes friend. Dr Krippen, an old friend of Khris Questions about the night of Marion’s death
father is lost forever. has also been searching for him. will have the Sergeant shaking his head from the
memory. Even for a hardened man like him it was
The Abattoir The dark clouds of the morning start to give way to a disturbing sight. One of his patrols had been
Located at the edge of town, Khristofer worked rain. What begins as light drizzle soon turns into passing the house when they heard an inhuman
here as a butcher, and has done so for thirty years. great sheets of water beating down. Nearly scream. Kicking open the door they made their
As they approach, the smell of blood and fear can everyone gets off the streets and, unless precau¬ way upstairs to find the body of Marion half eaten,
be felt, and soon the cut-short calls of slaughtered tions are taken, characters will get very wet. blood everywhere. In time to see a creature run off
cattle are heard. The abattoir is small, but big with Khris over his shoulder, they gave chase.
enough to supply those in the town that can Dr. Krippen They chased him for a mile but when they thought
regularly afford meat. Inside, carcasses hang from Dr. Krippen has been a friend of Khris since their they were gaining, the creature dropped his captive
the ceiling, and blood trickles down into small days in the city guards. He is thin and distin¬ and lost them. The men thought it was mutant,
trenches. A concoction of herbs bums on a brazier. guished looking, his face compassionate and standing seven feet tall, with horns and huge claws.
Intended to keep the flies away, it also gives the intelligent. He is worried about the influence of Of course this is a version of events distorted by

24 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 CM's SECTION |..
about what happened to her father.
Khristofer Ruy If the PCs didn’t make it to the graveyard on
A loving family man, Khris’ purposes in life were his family and work. He has lived his whole life in time, matters can be resolved in two ways.
Delbrez, marrying Marion, a local girl, and raising three children. Two died in their early teens, and he Margret can be killed and eaten, with Khristofer
became devoted to the youngest, Margret. He was a loyal and hardworking employee at the abattoir, and haunting the town, feeding on the dead. Other¬
had the respect of his boss and fellow workers. wise, he will be discovered by Brother Tourney on
It all began to go wrong when the couple fell prey to the ravages of the Consumption (TB). All they his nightly patrol and slain.
could do was to lie in bed and wait to see if they would die. They both survived, but Khris’ body was weaker
than before and Marion was even weaker. It was at this time that Khris met Hans Otto Neinerten. The self- Although the PCs have now heard the name of
styled prophet preyed on his weaknesses, telling him how he could receive eternal and strong life. His Hans Otto Neinerten, his plans remain vague.
preaching on the unfairness of the gods hit home. In his weakened state, Khristofer was easy prey. Also, his trail seems to have run cold. If you wish
Slowly, he began to slip into cannibalism, and his mind became unhinged. He tried to convince the to provide a clue to his destination of Middenheim,
dying Marion that she should follow him. When she wouldn’t, he killed her and began to feast on her, but was a clerk at the Coaching Offices remembers him and
almost discovered by the watch. At this point, he was still coherent enough to convince them that an unseen points them in his direction. Otherwise, simply
creature was responsible. He has become fixated that he can bring his family together once more. His wait until the matter is forgotten by the PC s as
thoughts have become warped and he is no longer logical. they continue their adventuring, and wait for the
When the PCs encounter Khristofer, he is not yet a Ghoul. His clothes are ragged and dirty, his hair moment of revelation as they finally link part three
greasy and rank. He is almost incoherent, snarling and hissing. His teeth have started to grow and sharpen to these earlier events.

A
and his claws are developing. However, he can still just barely pass as human. With the death of Margret,
though, his transformation will be complete.
Khris’ statistics are slightly higher than most
ghouls as his insanity has lent him great strength. 1 Part Three
Additionally, the venom that ghouls secrete is not
yet strong; failure of a T test when injured results in The final two parts ot the scenario take place in
a -1/-10 modifier to the victim’s profile instead of Middenheim and concern the plans to dedicate a
paralysing them. Any skills he had have been lost Temple to Hans Otto Neinerten. The dedication
with his mind. will revolve around the opening of The Black Gate,
M WS BS s T w I
a mythical portal to Morr’s realm. To achieve
these goals the cultists need to gather enough
5 25 10 4 4 6 30 corpses to feed upon, including the corpse of a
Cleric of Morr. This is a symbolic gesture,
A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel showing that Morr has no power over them.
1 45 10 21 33 47 3
Body Snatchers
The PCs are asleep in their inn when one of their
darkness, fear, confusion and imagination. Ruy’s jumps to the ground and bounds towards the number is woken by the watchmen calling ‘three
version of events confirmed this. However, it has graveyard, only occasionally lit by the lightening. o’clock and all is well’ from under the window.
become the excepted version of events. The It is raining far too hard for missile weapons to The night is cold, and around them their friends
Sergeant didn’t see the creature, only the mauled have any chance of hitting at this distance. A snore happily away. As they try and get back to
body.. character leaping from the wall onto the shed takes sleep a cry is heard. In the house opposite the PCs
4-ld6 wounds and has a 10% chance of crashing window, shadows can be seen moving behind a
Kidnapping through the roof. curtain. Through a window a lamp moves and
By this point, the PCs should realise that Khris is
then falls to the floor.
on the loose, and looking for the members of his Graveyard Five cultists of from The Cult of Everlasting
family. Given that the daughter is his only living Arriving in the graveyard Khris tenderly places life are stealing the dead body of an old woman
relative, they will hopefully rush across town to the Margret on the ground and then begins to claw at who has been lying in state, waiting for her family
daughter’s house. Here they find the door standing the grave of his wife. He does this only briefly to arrive from Marienburg. Morrspark has become
open. In the hallway a man (her husband) lies before becoming frustrated. Grunting, he takes up too risky recently (see below) so they are stealing
unconscious on floor, blood trickling from his Margret in his arms, and promptly rips her throat bodies from other locations. If the PCs go to
mouth. He is not in any immediate danger. The out with his teeth. He then feeds on her until he is investigate, they will not have time to put on any
four children are screaming above. If someone full. armour. At the house, a woman, obviously woken
goes upstairs they will hear a smash from the main If the PCs challenge him at any time during from her bed, is screaming that her mother “has
bedroom. Entering the room they see what they this process he turns on them angrily and attacks been stolen”. Down the side alley five figures can
guess to be Khristofer Ruy crouched on the them unthinkingly. He will fight to the death. be seen scurrying off with a bulky shape carried
windowsill, his unconscious daughter in his arms. It is possible that the PCs will have been between them. With a good head start on the PCs,
His hair is lank, his skin wan and stretched, and waiting in graveyard for Khristofer to reappear and they turn into an adjoining street. When the
his clothes are ragged. With sunken eyes wide and wait to see what will happen. If they wait too long pursers arrive, they see nothing. However a
staring, he hisses at the PCs. and Margret is killed in front of them, Insanity successful I for everyone with M4 or greater sees a
As soon as they approach, Khris leaps from Points should be given. manhole cover closing (Excellent Hearing will
the window and onto the walkway of the town
allow a PC to hear a faint metallic ring).
walls. A flash of lightening illuminates him as he Outcomes
runs a short distance before leaping over the wall. The best outcome here is for Margret to be saved Into the Sewers, once more...
If a PC wishes to follow they will have to either and Khristofer to be killed. He is completely If the PCs follow, they clamber down into the dark
find the staircase, by which time he will be long insane at this point and death will be a release. If sewers (without light probably) and see two torches
gone, or attempt to jump across. It is 3 yards he is captured alive then the Doctor will try to have moving rapidly away from them. Should they
across and there is no room for a sufficient run-up him sent to a Shallyan asylum. Brother Tourney, pursue and gain on the Cultists, two of the five are
(i.e. the character needs to roll above 3 on M x2 - suspecting his true nature, will want the city guard ordered to kill their pursers. The pair turn and
2D6 or take 6 -1D6 Wounds for the 3 yard drop. to execute him quietly. The opinions of the PCs grin, calling, “Prepare to lay down your lives, for
See WFRP page 75 for full rules). could well be the deciding factor in this incident. we cannot be killed for we are the blessed!”
A character succeeding in the jump will see Either way, the Doktor and Sergeant ask the PCs (“Wanna bet?” will probably be the answer they
that Khristofer has leapt down onto a cattle shed not to sully Khristofer’s memory. No information get.)
that has been built against the wall. The distressed can be gained from the now incoherent maniac. If The party should make short work of these two
cows inside screech and kick their stalls as he the PCs so wish, the Doktor will talk to Margret but the delay has allowed the others to escape.

Warpstone Issue Ten

- 25
 ^iGMjsSECTIO^^^^
Should one be captured alive, he will refuse to is arriving to consecrate their Temple. This, they task but that the cult (he looks pained at this point)
talk. Torture will get him to spout Cult nonsense believe, will quicken their own immorality. Many simply cannot spare the men to deal with it. The
about the coming of the saviour, salvation of the Cultists have not actually partaken in Watch has been alerted but seem more interested in
through flesh, overcoming mortality and the like. cannibalism yet, slowly being indoctrinated into other crimes.
Both of them are local traders and will be hung the ways of the cult first. However, they have all Brothers Reginald and Octavius were on guard
should be they handed over to the local authori¬ been involved in stealing corpses, to the extent that in the shrine the night that the body was stolen.
ties. One wears a brooch of a
raven being crushed by mailed
fist. This is the cult brooch
(Player Handout One).

Investigating
Intrigued players will get little
satisfaction from their enquires.
The daughter of the deceased is
distraught and, unless a PC
remains with her, will have
summoned the Watch. She heard
a noise from downstairs and,
sneaking down, saw the hooded
men running out of the house, her
dead mother roughly handled
between them (one leading, the
others with a limb each). She
died of old age some three days
earlier after weeks of being bed
ridden.
Talking to the watch will
reveal plenty of stories about
increased incidents of body
snatching from homes and from
Physicians. Further investigation
reveals that there is no particular
pattern to who is being taken.
Most rumours suggest that necromancers and they are afraid to go against the cult for fear their Octavius is currently on duty in Morrspark and
demonologists are involved. Knowledge of each involvement is revealed. The sentence for such a Reginald is recovering from his ordeal at the
death was widespread in the relevant neighbour¬ heinous crime is death. Apart from this fear most Temple of Shallya.
of the Cultists are weak and cowardly individuals, The Cultists mounted a raid on the shrine to
hood.
The most likely destination for the PCs is the who feel they have been dealt a raw deal by fate steal the body. They then proceeded to desecrate
Shrine of Morr, located in Morrspark. Here they and the gods. This is precisely why Hans Otto the holy building with the mutilation of the other
receive confirmation that the number of Neinerten chose them. bodies, although their hearts have a part to play in
disappearances has indeed increased recently. the ceremony. The death of the Cleric was seen as
However, robberies from Morrspark have Summoned a fortuitous sign, sent by the Leberverkin to herald
decreased in recent months. Other than this they Early one morning, a young initiate of Morr his coming. The theft and devouring of the cleric’s
will learn no more, although they may get the approaches the PCs. Barely more than sixteen, he body is symbolic, showing their power over Morr.
feeling the Cleric is hiding something. nervously asks if they would come with him. He
Indeed, the Cleric is hiding something. They says that the senior Cleric of Morr, Albrecht Brother Octavius
have learnt that a Champion from the Cult of The Zimmerman, wishes to talk to them. How the PCs An ageing and bitter man, Octavius is to be found
Running Sore (followers of Nurgle) has arrived in have come to the attention of Zimmerman is up to sitting among the tombs, a box of tools at his feet.
the city and has dark plans involving Morrspark. the GM to decide: they could have been recom¬ In his hand is a bottle and he well on his way to
The Clerics have their hands full protecting the mended by a previously satisfied client, or may being drunk. He claims to remember little, saying
catacombs filled with the dead. They are keeping simply have drawn attention to themselves by someone he didn’t see knocked him out from
very quiet about this. In part this is because the asking questions previously. behind. He has the bump to prove it and has
Champion escaped from their brothers in Nuln, They are taken to the parochial house, nothing else to say.
some months ago. This has little relevance to the opposite the Shrine of Morr, where the Clerics live In fact, Octavius is feeling highly guilty. He
plot of this adventure, except to remove the and perform part of their duties. Here, they are was in fact paid for the information about the
Clerics from some of their standard duties. They met by Brother Erwin Schmidt, who informs them location of the body and where the guards would
have been investigating the missing bodies, but that Herr Zimmerman is otherwise engaged at be that night. He has also been paid by the cult
this new threat has been given higher priority to present. This middle-aged Cleric looks tired; his before, for telling them where new corpses were
their undermanned local presence. The Clerics of hair is scruffy and his robe crumpled. He thanks located.
Morr are unaware of the existence of the Cult, them for coming so promptly and asks them to
believing that ghouls are an evil but unorganised excuse his appearance. The Temple wishes to hire
the party to execute a task, one that must be Middenheim Locations
presence.
performed with delicacy and tact. Of course In the scenario various locations in the city
adequate payment will be made. If the PCs concur can be found in the Middenheim sourcebook.
he will continue. . Page numbers for these are as follows;
JC Part Four X He wishes the PCs to find a corpse that has Dwarven Engineers’ Guild
Physicians’ Guild
Pg 45
gone missing from the shrine. Looking embar¬ Pg 36
rassed, he informs them that the deceased was Shrine of Mon- Pg 47
Brother Schaad, a long-serving Cleric of Morr. Temple of Ulric Pg 35
Cult of Everlasting life Temple of Verena Pg 35
Two other bodies lying in state were defiled and
The members of the Cult of Everlasting Life in Wizards’ & Alchemists’ Guild Pg 45
their hearts stolen. It was clearly the work of a
Middenheim are excited. Their Lord and prophet
skilled surgeon. He says that it is very important

26 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 GM’s SECTION
Brother Reginald Shallyans. If they wish to see him, they will be the situation, he looks shocked and saddened. He
Arriving at the Temple of Shallya the PCs will discouraged. If they insist they will be taken to a says many Physicians carry their instruments in
have to ask to see Brother Reginald. The Sister large out-of-the-way room. This is filled with a such a bag. He cannot think of who would
who takes them in to see him explains that he is dozen men and women whose minds have gone. perform such a deed but he volunteers to consult
still shaken after having been bitten. He may lose They are all dirty and ragged, showing various the list of members. He opens a cabinet door and
his leg, as the dog-bite seems to have been signs of severe mental illness. The madman is offers them a glass of brandy. After these have
infected. This young cleric is^awake, but is incoherent and does nothing but mutter to himself, been poured he takes out a scroll and returns to the
sweating and uncomfortable. He was standing occasionally shouting “He will lead us to eternal table. As he looks down at the names on the scroll
watch in the shrine when at least six or more men life”. If a character bends down to listen to his he begins to ask general questions about the PCs.
rushed out from the shadows. They hardly spoke mutterings the man will attempt to bite their ear After a couple of minutes there is a knock at
but hissed and laughed. One was a tall and pock¬ off. the door and a clerk enters. “Herr Calpadi, your
marked Norscan-looking man; another was small, patient awaits”. Alfonse looks up and says, “I shall
dark and weasly. Two of them wore hooded robes. The Physicians’ Guild attend in a moment.” He looks down at the list and
One of these carried a black bag adorned with a Located opposite the temple of Ulric is an then his face lights up. “Ah! I am a fool. Why did I
“crossed pair of funny knives, I think they were”. impressive building faced with Marble. Inside the not think of this before? Only one physician has
This was in fact a crossed pair of scalpels, the sign PCs are met by a bored Clerk who is expecting been known to carry out such horrible experiments.
of the Physicians’ Guild. The only words he them to make a complaint. If they ask to see Karl Nugeon. He has long been suspected of such
remembers spoken where when the tall man said, someone senior they will be told to wait until the deeds, but although he is believed to carry them
“after this we shall be honoured by the Senior Clerk available. After an hour’s wait they out in his house, proof never been found.
Leberverkin. He will allow us to cut the wood.” will be shown in to see him. However, when they However, it was felt appropriate to bar him from
The other snapped at him, “By the gods, shut up explain the situation the Senior Clerk will also ask the Guild.” He supplies Karl Nugeon’s address
about it”. If shown the ‘crushed raven’ brooch he them to wait, and then leave the room. They will and entreats the PCs to pass on any proof, should it
will say he is not sure that he remembers it, but then be shown into a far more impressive office, be found, so that appropriate measures can be
that one of them may have possibly worn such a where they are asked to wait once more. taken.
brooch. Another hour later Alfonse Calpaldi, a Senior Alphonse is in fact the leader of the Cult in
Guildsman, enters the room. He shakes their Middenheim. Nugeon is his bitter rival. This has
Another Madman hands as he introduces himself. One character will long been both a personal and professional rivalry.
As they leave the temple they hear shouting from a feel his hand and arm go slightly numb, thinking Over the years Alphonse has grown to despise
barred window. “Your body will feed the lord and perhaps Alfonse has a stronger grip than shows. (In Nugeon, who suspects him of selling bodies to
he will lead us to eternal life.” This is another fact it is the first stage of his Ghoulish venom.) He Necromancers. This is the eve of his great
mentally unbalanced man, whose belief in the spends the conversation staring at any female triumph, and Alphonse wishes to make it complete
words of The Leberverkin finally sent him over the member of the party (although for a different by finishing off his rival. However, simply
edge. He has been handed over to the care of the reason than they might imagine). If they explain murdering him would not be enough. If the truth

htl I. ';

to******* 1
1*1?

Warpstone - Issue Ten 27

 GMsSECTIO^^
for the dedication. These victims will the Gods’ by Terro Julmeir. This is the only item
make fine meals. that the robbers took. Karl said the book “should
PCs searching the surrounding never have existed, and proves that Alfonse had
area will only find the remains of intended to dabble in the dark arts”.
the two shattered glass vials. Whether or not they believe Rico, the PCs
A variety of answers will be should be starting to become suspicious of
gained from talking to the crowd. Alphonse, although it’s obvious that they currently
When PCs talk to those from the lack any proof of his apparent misdeeds. Asking
upper and middle classes they will around about him will enable them to gain some of
hear only compliments about the the information from The Cast section below.
Physicians and their great charity in Otherwise, they need to resort to the time-honoured
taking in the afflicted ‘no matter tradition of breaking and entering. Although
their status’. Meanwhile their Alphonse believes he has disposed of all incrimi¬
poorer fellow citizens are somewhat nating evidence, there are still traces to be found.
more cynical claiming ‘they must be
getting something outta it. Doc’s Alphonse’s House
don’t even look at you for nought’. Alphonse lives in a middle-sized town house in the
The Clerics of Ulric will be Ulricsmund district, not far from the Guild House.
diplomatic and evasive, simply A small statue of Shallya stands by the front door.
because they are far too busy to talk, Two elderly servants maintain the house, both
beginning their investigations in to usually leaving after Alphonse has retired to bed.
what happened. However, tonight they are leaving at dusk as
Alphonse has told them he won’t be home. The
Karl Nugeon house is filled with expensive furniture and is well
This disgraced physician has long maintained.
been a bitter rival to Alphonse Hallway: An Inscription upon the wall reads:
Calpadi. The night the PCs are sent Through Knowledge can we maintain Life &
to him is the night that Alphonse Health. This is a standard motto, as a physician or
has decided to finish their acquaint¬ a physician’s student will recognise.
ance. Members of the Cult have Bedroom: A Cult brooch has fallen under the bed.
taken back the stolen book, wrecked Small Library: Books & pamphlets on medical
his house and left him with a small matters. Most of these are actually the property of
gift. Returning home he found the the Guild.
book missing and despaired. He Study: In the desk there is an appointments ledger.
sent his servant, Rico, out to look Yesterday’s (or the day before the PCs where
for some adventurers or other such retained) entry reads - 50GC Pay O. Today’s date
be told, Nugeon forced Alphonse’s hand by low-lifes that could get the book back for him. says, ‘Guildhouse, stage two. Chk with
stealing an important book from his library. This Meanwhile, he opened a bottle of Bretonnian Keppelmull to find number needed. The
theft worried Alphonse, and after that he made sure brandy and waited. Outside a cultist saw he had Leberverken due.’ Tomorrow’s says, ‘Dedication’.
that he had no incriminating evidence in his house returned and set off to inform the watch that the In the margins he has scribbled Karl’s address and
or office. Doktor had been performing his evil experiments. ‘the black gate’. A ripped out journal page has
Unless the PCs take a long time at the Temple they fallen behind the desk : “Feel stronger & fitter
The Attack will arrive just before the watch does. than ever but the su..”
This event can take place after the PCs leave the The door to the house swings open and
Guildhouse, or perhaps later if they are simply revealing furniture, clothes and books strewn about The entries in the ledger give the PCs enough hints
watching the building for some reason. the floor. Sitting at a table in the middle of the to confirm that Alphonse is up to no good. The
The street between the Temple of Ulric and the floor is the Karl, drunkenly sleeping. An empty reference to “O” refers to Brother Octavius. The
guildhouse is busy with passers by, visitors to the bottle of brandy sits on the table next to him. He is mention of The Leberverkin hints at his impor¬
two buldings, pilgrims, etc. Everything seems completely senseless and cannot be woken. If they tance. Stage two is the spore attack and the
normal when a sudden scream causes everyone to search the house they come across a wooden box, reference to the Dedication gives the PCs a
stop and stare. From down the street floats a red sitting on the floor. Inside is a fresh human heart. timescale.
cloud. Those caught in it cough and stumble. Some Soon after they arrive Rico returns. Bravely
scream that they have gone blind; others collapse he challenges the adventures and, when introduc¬ The Physician’s Guild
to the ground. The cloud is made up of spores tions are made, he thanks Shallya. A little while That night twenty victims (who are all still alive) of
from a form of Red Fungus (WFRP pg. 237). PCs later the Watch arrive with the intention of hauling the spore attack are drugged and then kidnapped
who go to help straight away must make a T test at Nugeon off to Jail. If the PCs hide the heart and by the cult. They are to be killed in preparation for
+10. Failure means they go blind for 1D6 hours, indulge in some fast-talking, they can convince the the forthcoming ceremony.
whilst failure of 30 or more results in unconscious¬ Sergeant that the Doctor has been the victim of After dinner is held at the Guild house,
ness. The cloud clears after a minute or so, leaving scurrilous rumours. Either way, Rico will be left to Alphonse, and a fellow physician and cult member,
behind a sea of frightened people in pain. tell the story. If Nugeon is still free, Rico will get dismiss or drug the staff on duty. Once they made
It is not long before the people are being him to bed. sure the doors are locked and the windows
helped into the Physicians Guild, who “as a sign of Rico is willing to tell his story to whomsoever shuttered, they nervously await the arrival of two
compassion” take the afflicted inside to be tended. will listen. Nugeon and he returned from visiting loyal accomplices. Once assembled, the four men
Overseeing all this is Senior Guildsman Alponse the Temple of Verena to find the house wrecked. carry the, already drugged, bodies down into the
Calpadi. If the PCs stay and watch, he will be seen Some important papers have been stolen from him, cellar. Here a heavily barred door into the sewer is
talking to Clerics from the Temple, whose including a valuable book. He tells that Karl has opened and the bodies are placed on a narrow
followers number among those taken into the Guild been investigating Alfonse, believing him to be barge. This has been hired for the night from a
House. His answers obviously don’t please them, involved in selling bodies to necromancers, and group of local criminals, two cultists guiding it
as there is much shaking of heads. perhaps of performing experiments on them through the dark. Once the six men have finished
The attack was caused by members of the Cult himself. It seems a number of bodies have gone the dark deed the door is shut and the four return
of Everlasting Life smashing vials of the spores missing recently. Rico suspects Alfonse tried to set upstairs.
onto the ground and running like hell. Alphonse him up, to discredit him. Karl had stolen a book The barge is pushed slowly through the
intends to have a goodly number of fresh corpses from Alfonse titled, ‘The Death of Man - A joke of effluence, a lantern lighting the way. Soon they see

28 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 _[ GM’s SECTION 1_
two torches in the distance. These are two fellow gladly offer his services. If he is in prison, they will The Black Gate
cult members awaiting their arrival. One knocks be able to see him after bribing a guard or two. His If asked about The Black Gate, Karl will say that
loudly on the sewer wall and the panel opens out, hate of Alphonse Calpadi is obvious, his personal the book did mention such a place. It was said to
the light from a lantern seeping through. One of animosity overriding his distaste of what he be a Gateway through which the dead return from
the cultists then take his cap off and places it over believes the Senior Physician is up to. Morr’s realm. That is all he knows. To find out
one of the unconscious victim’s face until they stop After reading passages from the stolen book, more the PCs need to go investigating. Some of
breathing. Two of the others than wrap the corpse “a foul, blasphemous tome, not to mention badly the more likely locations they may visit are listed
in a white shroud before passing them through to written”, he has changed his mind about below.
Brother Octavious (for it is he!). There is no danger Alphonse’s dark ambitions. He suspects that he
of being discovered as this area is under the has taken to the path of necromancy and is himself Shrine of Morr: Any cleric will be able to tell
Cleric’s protection this night. experimenting on the corpses he steals from the them that The Black Gate is said to allow access to
Guild House. The book argued that it is only a Morr’s realm by those wishing to travel through it.
Alphonse Revealed whim of the gods that forces us to die, for if they It is seldom referred to, and does not necessarily
If Alphonse is discovered at any stage he will so chose we could live forever. It specifically saw have evil connotations.
attempt to go to ground. He will make no attempt Taal and Morr as the enemy, as they both promoted
to warn any of his comrades or to collect any of his death, in Taal’s case as part of a circle of life. The At the Temple of Verena, after hours of searching
belongings. His primary loyalty is to the book contained a curious mixture of anti-Morr through their library (for a suitable donation of
Leberverkin and the imminent ceremony. sentiments and Law-inspired values, stating that to course) the clerics will locate the vital clue. In the
those chosen few who found the true path life thick tome, “Myfteries of ye Old World”, they find
Sobering Up would never change. The author spent some time the only reference (see Player Handout Two) to the
At some time during the night the half-drunk, half- theorising on methods of cheating the gods. Gate.
hungover Karl Nugeon will awaken. If PCs are However, he only read part of the book, afraid for
wounded from encounters with the cultists he will “my mortal self’ to read it all. The Black Gate was first described by Claufo

Warpstone - Issue Ten 29

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 _[ GM’s SECTION 1_
to exit through the crack in the ceiling. Once he is 5 for not allowing Karl being taken by the Watch of occasions from making allegations that would be
gone, the ghouls panic and retreat into a comer. 5 each for helping the victims of the Spore attack harmful to the organisation itself.
The surviving cultists will attempt to escape 5-10 for getting the information from Alphonse’s Alfonse’s talents lay not in day-to-day
through the sacrificial pit, some leaping into it. To house. medicine but in his bedside manner. His good
halt their escape they will have to be physically 10 for saving the lives of at least fifteen of the looks and easy charm meant that he became
restrained. kidnap victims
5 for finding the reference at the Temple of Verena
Outcomes 30 for stopping the ceremony
If the PCs stop the ceremony by massacring the 30 for killing Hans Otto Neinerten
participants, the threat from Neinerten is halted for
the foreseeable future. The Cult is all but
destroyed in Middenheim, and Neinerten will not I The Cast S
risk returning to the city. The Temple of Morr will JfL_jlfct
offer the PCs a hefty reward (and perhaps an Brother Reginald
apology, although they will talk about the gods Brother reginald is a young man who only joined
moving in mysterious ways). The temple will be the Temple because, as the youngest son, his
sealed properly by The Engineers’ Guild. Any family expected him to follow orders. He had no
surviving cultists don’t stay that way for long; they reason to disappoint them, but has little enthusi¬
will be hung in public. The threat of imminent asm. He is newly arrived in the city after serving
death coupled with the betrayal or death of their his apprenticeship locally, and is still naive about
Lord results in a few breaking down and telling all the ways of the cult. He was actually sent to the
they know. Unfortunately, this is very little. They City by his superiors in the hope that he would
won’t even know if there are similar groups in become a better Cleric. Tall and thin, he has a
other cities, nor have any idea about how to dark complexion and a slightly distracted air about personal physician to a number of small noble
contact other cultists. him. When he can, he goes walking in the Great households. His charm and athletic ability soon
If the PCs stop Klaus and Ked returning with Park or occasionally around the edges of the forest. meant he had become part of the social circle. He
the Ravenwood, the ceremony is cancelled for the He has yet to make any friends in the city. was treated like a brother by many of the men of
night. Although exhausted, the cult will attempt it his age, and these were the finest years of his life.
again the following night. However, the Temple is Brother Octavius However, some resented him for his arrogance. He
abandoned by the time the duo reveals its location. Octavius has long been bitter about his life in the was used as an innocent pawn in a political power-
Three cultists are sent out in the morning to wait in Cult. He has failed game, the end result of which was that Alfonse was
the forest, cut a branch from a well-hidden tree and to be promoted a beaten to within inches of his life. He spent years
then return. It is likely that the ceremony will number of times recovering, but never regained the level he had
succeed this time. and has now given maintained previously. Keeping it secret, he also
If the ceremony is successful, the temple is up trying. He has began to suffer hallucinations and blackouts.
dedicated, and the gate is open. Although not begun to actively When a dying patient told him about the word of
visible, those with Magic Sense can feel it. This avoid taking part in The Leberverkin, he was intrigued, seeing a way to
portal feeds the undead, its effects covering all of ceremonies, instead make himself whole once more.
Middenheim. The process of becoming a ghoul maintaining the
quickens. This rapidly becomes a problem, with graves and Tombs Karl Nugeon
the undead proliferating in the city depths. Also, of Morrspark. Alphonse’s old, bitter rival. They have been
necromancers find that all Summoning spells When a Cult enemies ever since they began training together.
summon an additional creature, and that all member who wanted to procure a body for Karl was the
Instability roles are made at +1. The cult slowly important medical purposes approached him, he superior surgeon
grows in the city, and in time pilgrimages are made agreed to help - for a price. As soon as it was but lacked
there. Neinerten, as the opener of the gate, draws done, however, he felt very guilty and vowed it was Alphonse’s charm.
its power from wherever he is. This is potentially a the last time. Unfortunately the cult had other After growing
very powerful force in a campaign. However, the ideas, and started blackmailing him. He was bored with his
PCs did have good opportunity to stop it. Closing trapped, and since then has been forced to carry practice he began
the gate is harder, although eliminating Neinerten out the occasional task for them. He is always well to teach surgery at
will close it permanently. Otherwise, it is left in rewarded of course, whether he wishes to be or not. the Guild and spent
the hands of the GM to decide how - if at all - the He is of medium build, slightly tending to fat. He much of his time
PCs can end the threat. is nearly bald and his breath smells of alcohol, researching. His

A
even when not drunk. papers on new
surgery techniques caused much discussion in the
Experience •$* Alfonse Calpaldi Guild, with debates growing increasingly heated
A well built, handsome man, always dressed in the once Alphonse started to lead the attack. The
richest of clothes, often with a container of technique was finally rejected as irresponsible, and
Points jJL. pungent flowers hung around his neck. His black further papers showing evidence of its usefulness
hair is slicked back and his beard has, in a were rejected unread. Karl started to become a
The following rewards are guidelines only, so feel somewhat unorthodox manner, been tied into nuisance, hassling Guild members and berating
free to change them as you see fit. pigtails. His accent contains only the very slightest Alphonse to all within earshot. Such public rivalry
In Delbrez trace of Tilean, his family moving to Middenheim became an embarrassment to The Guild, who
5-20 each for roleplaying & clue finding when he was four. He walks with a slight limp and supported a plan by Alphonse to frame him and so
10 Saving Margret’s life his left hand is slightly twisted, but the signs of have him thrown out. He has narrowly avoided
5 each for killing Khristofer Ruy ghoul-hood are restricted to a very slight sharpen¬ further, more serious, attempts to discredit him.
In Middenheim ing of the teeth. His father was a respected As Alphonse became more involved in the Cult,
10-30 each for roleplaying & clue finding physician and, as expected, Alfonse followed him Nugeon spotted another way to get his revenge,
5 for going after the body snatchers into the Guild. Early in his career he and Karl going as far to steal from his house. His only
5 for showing Reginald the brooch Nugeon became firm enemies. Their rivalry ambition in life is to see Alponse brought crashing
5 for successfully managing to talk to Alphonse continued as both climbed the later of success, and down, and doesn’t care how it’s done.
5 for revealing Octavious to be a traitor both had to be restrained by the Guild on a number Karl, like Alphonse, has just turned forty. His

Warpstone - Issue Ten 31

 GM’s SECTION
hair is grey and disorganised. He sports a three-day translating the mysteries of one of the stolen books. Once the process is complete (after around ten
stubble, and has a pair of oft-mended half-moon This led him to the location of The Ring of years), the bearer is fully undead and can be
glasses on his nose. His clothing is sensible but old, Necrosis, and the knowledge of how to open The identified as such by those with the Identify Undead
patched and re-patched. He carries a sturdy cane Black Gate. skill. At this stage each blow to the body will only
for defence, believing Alphonse will send his Neinerten affects the guise and effects of a ever do a maximum of 1 wound damage. Neinerten
assassins soon. merchant when travelling. His clothes are is still some way short of achieving this state.
Rico is the only person he has regular contact expensive, flamboyantly topped off by a feather
with any more. He was taken on as a student, and collar. This contains the wing feathers of an eagle: Cultists
now performs all the household duties and keeps the ingredients of the Fly spell. A pair of rings on The cultists are a mixture of the middle- and upper-
Karl out of any real trouble. each hand contains magnets for the Aura of classes, drawing from all professions, but all male
Resistance spell. His followers gather other and mostly middle-aged. Personality-wise, they
Hans Otto Neinerten ingredients as he requires. He affects the manner of could all be described as morally flawed. This made
The self-proclaimed Leberverkin, Neinerten is an a sick man, looking pale, coughing, and pretending them perfect targets for the words of their charis¬
extremely clever and to suffer a chill. It explains the paleness of his matic lord. There are slightly under two dozen of
charismatic man. The appearance. However, he cannot hide his fierce them at present, and all but a handful have already
faith that he offers his intellect or suave charm. eaten human flesh. Those that have are in differing
followers is one in that stages of becoming a ghoul. The profiles for these
he has complete belief M WS BS S T W I
individuals are detailed below. During the
in. He is convinced dedication they will be under the influence of a drug
4 34 23 3 4 8 56 cocktail and suffer -10 to all percentile statistics.
that he can lead them to
the eternal life they A Dex Ixl Int Cl WP Fel They are not the bravest of men, and if attacked
want. He cannot see only five will remain in combat once the first of
1 38 40 60 42 43 50
why they wouldn’t want them dies. Of course, things are different if the gate
this gift. However, he opens...
2nd Level Necromancer, ex-1st Level Necromancer,
is astute enough to ex-1st Level Wizard, ex-Wizards Apprentice, ex-1st
M WS BS S T W I
recognise that not Clerical, ex-initiate, ex-Physicians student
everyone will see the Skills: AL - Magick; Necromancy, Cast spells - 3 25 25 3 3 6 30
appeal in what he offers, and is gifted enough to relevant, Charm, I Plants, I Undead, Luck, Magic A Dex Ixl Int Cl WP Fel
identifying those who will be susceptible to the sense, Man drugs, Meditate, Night vision, Prepare
word. poison, Public Speaking, R/W, Rune lore, Scroll 1 29 29 29 29 29 29
Bom in Carroburg, he showed a gift for Lore, SAL-Estilean, SL-Classical, Theology (Morr)
medicine in his teens. To the disappointment of his Penalties: Nocturnal lifestyle, Cadaverous Skills: As you see fit.
mother he wasn’t accepted into the Temple of appearance
Shallya. Instead, he was apprenticed to a physician Ghouls
Insanity: Mild Megalomania
who a year later travelled to Luccini. Here Four of the cultists have almost become ghouls.
MP: 24 Spells: Curse (1), Magic Flame (1), Marsh
Neinerten was accepted as an Initiate of Morr. Their teeth and claws haven’t grown to their full
lights (1), Aura of Resistance (2), Flight (3),
Indeed, he was to make a good Cleric, in time. His length and they can pass as human still, but only
Summon Skeletons (4), Zone of life (4), Control
charisma and rhetoric made him a valuable just - all look decidedly ill. They are completely
undead (3), Control undead (ghouls) (4). Note that
preacher. This was short lived, as he became loyal to The Leberverkin, the Lord that has led them
Neinerten has learnt how to use the Summon
disenchanted with the Temple life. He chanced to this blessed state. If he should not be in the
Skeletons to raise a similar force of Zombies, where
upon a number of forbidden books that had a locality they resort to standard ghoul behaviour. See
fresh corpses are available.
profound effect on his mind. Stealing some of WFRP rulebook pg 248 for more details.
these, he struck a deal with a necromancer warning The Ring of Necrosis - Cast in silver, this artefact
him that Cult Templars were on their way in return M WS BS S T W I
was forged by powerful necromancer of years past.
for apprenticeship in the necromantic arts. Some of his blood is still contained inside. The 4 25 0 3 4 5 30
Reaching the level of his master, his ambitions wearer of the ring slowly becomes undead. Their
grew and he set out to create his army of followers. A Dex lx! Int Cl WP Fel
need for food and water disappears, followed by the
He travelled The Empire and preached to those who need for air. Their blood turns to dust and their skin 2 43 6 22 43 43 '
would listen, and slowly their numbers began to becomes leathery and drawn. Removal of the ring
increase. In time followers were spread across all the means ageing one year for each month it was worn, The ghouls have developed their venom but it is still
major cities. At this time he also succeeded in a curse attaching the bearer to the ring forever. weak. T tests are made against it at +10.

NEXT ISSUE

THE UNDERWORLD
Undercover and Underground OUT
DOWN IN THE PIT
Pitfighters in the Old World
WARPSTONE
JULY
Uses and Abuses
A COMPLETE SCENARIO 1999!
6 ALL THE USUAL ARTICLES

32 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 CLERICS OF SHALLYA
By Tim Eccles
Introduction Whilst the stereotypical Shallyan Cleric is female, such activities by acting as a salve to the consciences
I have always found Clerics of Shallya to be very dif¬ the church has no restrictions on the sex of its fol¬ of the elite. Whilst lacking influence, Shallya is not a
ficult to play due to their aversion to violence and lowers, Initiates or Clerics. Certainly, certain orders cause that anyone dare publicly criticise. Indeed, a
strictures against killing. However, they are both use¬ such as the Sisterhood of Shallya are exclusively fe¬ number of rich women are known to give their time to
ful PC healers (sorry, ‘allies’!) and a necessary and male, but a significant number of priests are male. charity work in hospitals, and a number of senior Phy¬
important part of the Old World cultural milieu. What Given the nature of Shallya and the beliefs of her cler¬ sicians from the Guild offer their services to the cult
follows is an attempt to flesh out the Church and its ics, most humans in the Old World are willing to ac¬ annually on their birthday. As a result, the cult does
clerics within The Empire. Character career progres¬ knowledge the goddess and offer the occasional manage to raise standards in public institutions using
sion, skills and spells are outlined which may be of prayer. This is particularly true in times of war, fam¬ public perceptions to lever those in power, sometimes
interest to PCs, but my main aim is to offer a guide to ine and pestilence. Shallya is also echoed within going so far as to point the finger of blame at people
the Cult that will allow GMs to create more interest¬ demi-human pantheons, although this article will only who appear niggardly, miserly, uncaring or worse.
ing NPCs. examine the beliefs and structure of her human church Much more importantly, however, is the cult’s
and followers. power within the poor sections of towns and cities.
The Church Shallyan Clerics are well respected for their work in
It is difficult to make generalisations about the cult The Church in the Community: An Overview hospitals, schools and nurseries. The respectable poor
of Shallya because it is a highly de-centralised or¬ As the church of Shallya seeks primarily to help the are openly grateful; even those operating outside the
ganisation. Even the ruling scriptures are open to poor, it could be assumed that it would hold little law respect what the church does for them and for
some debate. Whilst training and theological teach¬ power in the world. Certainly the church has very their families. As a result, Clerics of Shallya are safe
ing follows a standard tradition, there is considerable limited political and economic influence, for the poor in almost every part of Old World cities.
variation between regions. This is partially due to are largely ignored and their needs unfunded. Money
resources available. The cult centres such as for medicine comes from the powerful guilds or pow¬ Beliefs
Couronne, and, to a lesser extent, Altdorf and erful individuals, and usually goes straight to the The basic beliefs of the priesthood of Shallya can be
Middenheim, are run and maintained by well-trained streets: full of doctors who pander to the upper ech¬ found in the WFRP rulebook (pg. 200). However,
staff. Rural areas, on the other hand, have few volun¬ elons of society. whilst the cult strictures are quite clear in theory, the
teers, only a handful of Initiates and precious little in Public hospitals are rare, overworked, run-down lack of a central enforcement of beliefs has led to some
the waf of facilities. Even towns such as Bogenhafen and short of everything. How¬ dispute over their exact meanings. For example, when
have only a token cult presence. ever, the church does a cleric is told that they should “never refuse healing”
manage to raise some to one “genuinely” in need and coming as a “suppli¬
small revenue for cant”, does this mean all healing or magical healing?
How does one define genuine? Exactly what is the
cult definition of supplication?
Over the years a number of distinct schools of be¬
lief have developed, and whilst all conform to the origi¬
nating theology, each has interpreted these in their own
way. A selection of these will be sketched out later
for GMs wishing to develop the cult theology further,
but for the purposes of most PCs these differences
are negligible.
The church neither encour¬
ages nor discourages marriage
for its priesthood. Certainly
childbirth is a wonderful
thing, and integrates

Warpstone - Issue Ten 33

with the beliefs of the cult. The cult also has little Other titles may be used in certain circumstances Nurgle. No other weapon is normally permitted.
property and few titles that families of Clerics could or locations. The Great Hospice near Frederheim In my own view, there are a number of traits that
lay claim to, which are primary reason for other Old (Apocrypha Now) uses the terms Orderly and Sister should be possessed by clerics in general. I present
World cults’ bans on marriage. In reality, however, it to differentiate the servants from the Clerics. The cult two here as skills for this cult, but I think that most
is recognised that the priesthood is tiring and time also has a number of priories and abbies where the clerics should have the opportunity to be taught these
consuming, and that Clerics are in the presence of con¬ terms Prioress, Abbottess and the like are used. as part of their religious indoctrination. These skills
stant and infectious disease and illness. Socially, moth¬ Sometimes members of the cult are called by nick¬ may be purchased at any time from level one with
ers are expected to remain at home with their chil¬ names such as Nanny-Goat or Gammer. These are 100 experience points. Under certain exceptional con¬
dren, rather than to go out working in hospitals. In terms of friendly abuse, indicating that clerics are ei¬ ditions (see below), these can be ‘redeemed’. These
reality, few senior Clerics have families. The family ther old women, or else act like old women in their skills are only available to Clerics, or others similarly
of Shallya consists of the patients, children and sup¬ ministering and pronouncements on eating properly, “brainwashed” (perhaps Templars, Witch Hunters,
plicants at the cult’s hospitals, orphanages and soup keeping warm and not drinking too much. dwarfs, some Nobles, Seers, and a few Lawyers and
kitchens. Childbirth outside marriage is disapproved Scholars). They are the result of religious (social or
of, although given the cult’s compassionate world¬ Skills academic in the case of some others) indoctrination
view, lapses are treated tolerantly. The rulebook provides Clerics with the skills Cure Dis¬ through their teachings. Their loss reflects a loss of
The central document for Clerics of Shallya is the ease (automatically at initiate level), Heal Wounds, conviction in their beliefs. Should they have a crisis
Hagtesse, a book containing the teachings of Shallya Herb Lore, Immunity to Disease and Surgery (at one in faith, or leave the clergy, this loss opens up new
from the dawn of time (or so it is said). An original per level). Immunity to Poison is also available as a avenues for them. At this point, 100 points spent on
version written by the goddess herself is said to exist, Blessing. As an ordinary initiate, the skills Read/Write, the skills can be re-used, and spent upon some new
and to include certain lost chapters covering, amongst Scroll Lore, Secret Language (Classical) and Theol¬ revelation.
other things, the treatment of chaos. The more recent ogy are learnt. In addition to those skills listed in the
Gesta Shallyanorum is a document of philosophical rulebook, as an Initiate, Clerics receive training in the Righteous Certainty: Clerics know that they are cor¬
musings and practical tips. arts of defending themselves. Whilst opposing need¬ rect, that their teachings are universally true, and that
Clerics of Shallya believe that their faith is not so less violence, Clerics are not stupid. In game terms, they cannot be wrong. Quite how this is to be played
much a philosophy as a practical Calling, and their they traditionally learn the skill Specialist Weapon: is a little difficult to specify, but if players enter into
religion is frequently called the Call of the Ministra¬ Quarterstaff at Initiate level. (Note that this is treated the spirit of things (intolerance, droning on, even big¬
tion or the Call to the Unclean. Certain wags also call in the same way as any other extra-curricular skill.) otry etc) then a +10 bonus can be given to WP tests at
it the Call to the Unwashed. Not only is this skill used for self-defense, but it also the GM’s discretion. They do, however, suffer a -10
assists them in their battle against the minions of Int to all tests regarding matters outside their faith that
The Church Hierarchy
The Church of Shallya has little in the way of a for¬
mal hierarchy; each region tends to administer itself. Clerics of Shallya - Careers Advances
The cult is unusual in that Shallya is worshipped fairly INITATE
uniformly throughout the Old World, without any
sense of regional or national jingoism. The cult is
m j VYS | ns S j
*T.■ At Dex j Ixl Int O WP III

+i +10 +10 +10 +10

thus, in theory at least, organized on an international
basis. For each nation, there is a council consisting Skills: Career Exits:
of the nation’s chief priest. This usually convenes at Cure Disease Agitator, Cleric - Level 1, Clerical Specialist-Herbalist,
the Temple of the chief priest, which is invariably Read/Write Clerical Specialist-Pharmacist, Clerical Specialist-
found in the capital city of the nation. In the Empire, Righteous Certainty Physician’s Apprentice, Clerical Specialist - Scribe,
Scroll Lore Herbalist, Pharmacist, Physician’s Apprentice, Scribe,
the temple at Altdorf provides this central locus, and
Secret Language - Classical Wizards Apprentice
each electoral capital organises its own district. The Specialist Weapon - Quarterstaff
chief priest in Altdorf, currently Kristen Dolben, rep¬ Stubborn Determination
resents the Empire at the bi-annual conclaves at the Theology (Shallya)

■
great spa in Couronne. Cleric- Level One
The cult is perhaps one of the few meritocratic
M WS I BS s 1 r I A Dex Ld Int a WP tel
organizations within the Old World. Status is largely
a product of skill and favour of Shallya. That is not to +1 +10 +10 +10 +20

n ■
say that there are not careerists or bureaucrats within
Cleric- Level Two
the cult - there are, and these will most likely be the
representatives that troublesome PCs will meet. It’s M j[ WS BS S 1 ;1 w A Dex Ld Int || Cl WP m
more fun for the GM that way... +20 +20 +10 +10 +10 +20 +30

Cleric- Level Three

■P
Titles
Those seeking to become formal members of the M WS BS j S T A Dex Ld Int a WP lei
church are first termed postulants, and then become
+20 +30 +20 +20 +20 +30 +40
novices on reaching the level of Initiate. This is
achieved by being deemed initially worthy to join the Cleric- Level Four
priesthood. The postulant travels to Couronne, and M WS 1 | BS j
■ vv t | A Dex Ld Int |Jj ]j WP lei
attends one of the monthly Rites of Initiation in which
they must bathe in the holy water. Those who pass +1 +4 +30 +40 +30 +30 +30 +30 +40

the test become novices and enter the career of initi¬ Skills (General - one per level) Meditate Etiquette
ate. On achieving this first level, the Cleric is termed Heal Wounds Manufacture Potions
Goodman or Goodwife, or more commonly Goody. Herb Lore Skills Level 2
All clerics of Shallya are nominally termed Goody, Immunity to Disease Cast Spells Clerical 2 Magic Points
Surgery Magical Sense 2D8 per level
and this is always a safe title to call anyone within the
cult. Certain regional differences do exist in the title
Blessings Skills Level 3 Career Exits
- in Marienburg and the Wastelands, Gommer is of¬ Immunity to Poison Cast Spells - Clerical 3 Charlatan, Cleric of next level, Clerical Specialist - any
ten used, and Clerics are referred to as Gutfrau in the Any from Skills (General) Magical Awareness option as per initiat, Clerical Specialist - Scholar, Dema¬
rural heartland of The Empire. The title Sister or Manufacture Scrolls gogue, Physician, Scholar
Brother is used for level two Clerics and above, but in Skills: Level 1
this most bashful of cults, such elitist terms are infre¬ Arcane Langauge-Magick Skills Level 4 *This gives access to the Petty Magic & First Level Spells.
quently applied. Cast Spells - Clerical One* Cast Spells Clerical 4 Petty Spells cost 50 eps to buy and First Level lOOeps.

34 Warpstone Issue Ten -

may have an adverse effect on their beliefs. Notes also wish PCs to join the Merciful Knights, who are
The spells available to the Clerics of Shallya may seem described in the section upon Radical Doctrines, or
Stubborn Determination: Clerics will not be swayed rather AD&D-esque, but they do fill a niche within offer another service to the cult in addition to paying
in their beliefs or actions, nor turned from their course the game, and create a number of balances to the in¬ this fee. To summarise, Clerics of Shallya are not sim¬
by physical or magical obstacles. At the GM’s dis¬ fluence of Chaos. Many believe that Shallya, as god¬ ply PC healers, they are servants of a goddess of mercy
cretion, a +1/+10 bonus to appropriate S, Cl or WP dess of mercy and healing, is the embodiment of the and compassion.
tests can be given when facing relevant trials. As Old World’s defences against the Chaos intrusion. All material components for a spell must be com¬
above, a -10 Int modifier may be applied in circum¬ Remember that these spells are divine rather than pletely pure for the spell to take effect. If the material
stances relating to challenges to faith, such as in real¬ arcane; when casting a spell, the caster is contacting is not pure, the spell will fail, although not necessar¬
ising that a patient is not recovering by use of divine his/her goddess, who will expect complete humility ily with any visible sign of having done so. The cult
healing. This can be cumulative with the penalty and appropriate seriousness. I am not entirely con¬ failed to prevent the red pox that decimated Blutroch,
above. vinced by the need for components in divine magic, for example, partly due to contamination of the local
but have provided notes for them. Remember also clerical supplies. Similarly, one region within the
Spells that the sparse distribution of the priesthood will make Empire has failed to note an infiltration of its ranks
Shallyan Clerics are able to call upon the will of these spells rare. Within The Empire, for example, by Nurgle cultists due to a similar contamination of
Shallya to perform a number of miracles in her name. there will only be one or two level 4 and three or four the materials used for the weekly Detect Nurgle divi¬
These spells serve to aid the poor and needy, and fur¬ level 3 Clerics of Shallya to be found. nation...
ther spread the doctrines of the goddess. All Clerics Healing potions can be made available from tem¬
learn the use of divine magic, the power and blessing ples if a GM wishes, if a Cleric of an appropriate Career Paths
of Shallya, rather than arcane magic use. Clerics use level can be found at the temple. These will be very The prospective Cleric of Shallya begins as a simple
this divine power to supplement the mundane heal¬ expensive given the time and expertise needed to pre¬ initiate. On completion of their initiacy, they undergo
ing techniques of the Herbalist, Physician and Sur¬ pare them. Certainly, Shallya is merciful, but a big a ceremony of attestation whereby they are awarded
geon. However, it is not necessarily a pre-requisite payout from a loaded adventurer will pay for lots of their Staff of Compassion. This is a sturdy
for clerics of Shallya to be magic-users; Physicians medicines for the poor. Rumour suggests that the quarterstaff, to act as prop and defence in their future
and Physicians’ students are also allowed to be Cler¬ Aldorf ‘Healthcare in the Community Programme’ service to the goddess. It is accepted that families
ics, although it is likely they will also study the use of was set up by Magnus the Pious on his return from may contribute to the production of a more decorous
divine magic. (Spell Lists for Clerics of Shallya can his crusade in thanks for the cult’s aid. Middenhiem: staff, if they are both supportive and wealthy, although
be found on page 38.) City of Chaos states that the city’s temple charges some of the clergy regard this practice as ostentatious
10 GCs per MP expended. A more radical cleric might and wasteful.

Hypnotist Career Exits

Careers Advances - Agitator, Cleric of appropriate level. Physi¬
M WS S W
cian, Clerical Specialist - Physician
BS T
Clerical Specialists I

+1 + 10 Physician
Alchemists Apprentice A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel
M WS BS S T W I
Level Three + 10 + 10
M WS BS S 1 w i +1 +1 +3 +30

+i M WS BS S T W I Skills A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel

Hypnotise, Magical Awareness
A Dex Ld Int a WP Fel +3 +20 +30 +20 +30 +20 +20 +20

+ 10 + 10 A Dex Ld Int a WP Fel Career Exits

Skills
Agitator, Charlatan, Cleric of appropriate
+30 +20 +20 +20 +30 +40 Manufacture Drugs
Skills level, Physician’s Student, Entertainer - Prepare Poisons
Brewing, Chemistry, Evaluate Skills Hypnotist, Clerical Specialist - Physician’s Surgery
Cast Spells - Clerical 2, Magical Aware¬ Student
Career Exits
ness, Manufacture Potions, Meditation, Career Exits
Alchemist - Level One, Charlatan, Rune Lore Pharmacist Cleric of appropriate level, Physician
Clerical Specialist - Alchemist Level One
Level Four M WS BS S T w 1
Scholar
Alchemist
Level One
+i + 10
M WS BS S T W I
M WS BS S T w I
A Dex Ld Int a WP Pel
+1 +4 +30
M WS BS S T w I +2 +30
+ 10 +10
A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel
+2 + 10 A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel

+40 +30 +30 +30 +30 +40

Skills
A Dex Ld Int a WP Fel +10 +30 + 10 +30 + 10
Brewing, Chemistry, Heal Wounds, Immu¬
+ 10 + 10 Skills nity to Poison, Manufacture Drugs, Prepare Skills
Cast Spells - Clerical 3, Identify Magical Poisons
Astronomy, Cartography, Cryptography,
Skills Artifact, Manufacture Scrolls, Theology Demon Lore, History, Identify Plant, Iden¬
AL-Magick, Cast Spells Petty Clerical, Met¬ Career Exits
tify Undead, Law, Linguistics, Magical
allurgy Herbalist Agitator, Charlatan, Cleric of appropriate
Sense, Numismatics, Rune Lore, Scholar¬
level, Clerical Specialist - Physician, Phy¬
ship, Theology
Level Two M WS BS sician
S T W i

Career Exits
M WS BS s T w I +i
Physician’s Student Cleric of Appropriate Level, Demagogue,
+3 +20 A Dex Ld Int a WP Fel
Lawyer
M WS BS s T : w 1
A Hex Ld Int a WP Fel + 10 + 10

+1 + 10
+20 +10 +20 +10 + 10 + 10 Skills
a ; Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel
Brewing, Heal Wounds, Herb Lore, Iden¬
Skills
tify Plant + 10 +10
Cast Spells - Clerical 1, Herb Lore, Magic
Sense, Prepare Poison Career Exits Skills
Agitator, Charlatan, Cleric of appropriate Heal Wounds
level, Herbalist, Physician’s Student

Warpstone - Issue Ten 35

 The newly promoted cleric is also initiated into the the furtherance of unity and Shallya. The Precisionists stone 6), the Sigmarian Saint of Health, Fertility & Mar¬
paths of divine magic, and taught (for the usual 100 are a minor group who argues that debate is irrel¬ riage, is a typical example of such a move, although
experience points) the skill Cast Spells - Clerical Petty. evant, and that all believers should stick with tradi¬ officially she is regarded as an example of the pres¬
They then may proceed into the career Cleric Level 1. tional teachings. ence of Shallya in everyone, even the god Sigmar.
Note that Clerics who wish to become specialists need The smallest school within the various doctrines The cult recognises two classes of saint: the com¬
not learn the skill, and may proceed directly into their are the Ultra, who believe that the lifting of stric¬ mon (or religious) saint and the patron saint. The com¬
career. However, if they do so, they will not be able to tures for followers of Nurgle is a weakness in the mon saint is invoked by commoners and offers a sim¬
learn other cast spells skills at higher levels. faith caused by the influence of the Lord of Decay, ple representation of some aspect of Shallya. A fa¬
For the Cleric of Shallya, the general clerical pro¬ and that compassion should perhaps be shown in even vourite is Saint Werner who died during Magnus the
gression table (WFRP pg. 150) is incorrect. The pri¬ greater quantity to his minions. Pious’ crusade after joining up as a medical assistant
mary difference is that clerics of Shallya do not gain The Travellers of the Feather (or Featherists) are and refusing to leave the wounded in a convoy that
martial characteristics; for example, clerics do not gain a group of travelling healers, who believe in pilgrim¬ was overrun. The religious saint is similar to the com¬
any BS advance, but do gain a +10 FEL advance for age to all holy sites and the spreading of mercy, com¬ mon saint, but is a portrayal of a perfect religious
each level. This reflects that Clerics of Shallya are passion and healing via such journeys and through model for clerics and novices. Examples include
popular and respected, even by those who feel the cult action in the outside world. Saints Grunhilda, Urda, Skulda, Genofa and Gerther
to be too liberal and tolerant for their own good. The Gospellers are missionaries who believe pri¬ whose actions form primary tenets of faith. They also
In addition to the standard clerical career path, marily in preaching. illustrate part of the problem faced by the cult, as some
Clerics of Shallya have two other options open to them. The Sisters of Shallya are outlined in The Great of their tenets may be seen as contradictory.
They may elect to become a clerical specialist or a Hospice {Apocrypha Now). They are the largest sepa¬ Patron saints relate to specialist areas of Shallya’s
lapsed cleric and leave the priesthood. rate Order and their membership is limited to women. ministry, such as pharmacy, surgery and medicine. A
Clerical specialists within the cult are for those Whilst some of the order live in nunneries, many can good example is St Beguine, the patron saint of phar¬
who feel unable to make the complete religious tran¬ be found working throughout The Empire alongside macists. Such sainthoods form minor units within the
sition, whilst wishing to remain as servants of Shallya. other Orders. Similarly, whilst they are involved in cult. Patron saints are legendary figures from history,
Clerical Specialists include Alchemists Apprentices all the temples, hospitals and orphanages of the cult, similar to Sigmar Heldenhammer, within their own cult’s
(and thereafter Alchemists of the next level), Herbal¬ they also operate a number of hospitals peculiar to beliefs.
ists, Pharmacists, Physician’s Students (and thence to their own Order. They run the Great Hospice at For PCs, the skills and blessings from saints are
Physician) and Scholars. Note that some of these spe¬ Frederheim, for instance. negligible, but individuals will frequently call upon a
cialisation’s differ from their secular equivalents. The Cenobites believe in a particular article of saint in difficult situations. Hospitals, pharmacies,
However, there are certain restrictions on the ca¬ faith known as Cenobitism, named after their mon¬ hostels, etc. are frequently named after saints. The
reer path followed. Broadly, Clerics of Shallya follow astery at Cenobite. They operate solely from their most famous cult holy place in The Wasteland is
paths of pragmatic healing, arcane investigation or monastery and believe in a complete purity that can Beguinage, the House of the Beguines, which is es¬
philosophical theology, and this is reflected in their only be achieved away from the world and its temp¬ sentially a giant laboratory. It is run by the sisterhood
career exits. Specialists follow the teachings of the tations. They seek to offer a spiritual healing for the of St. Beguine, who was responsible for developing
patron saint of their order; for example alchemist’s world. This is not a popular order since its members the art of alchemy away from transmutation and into
apprentices and pharmacists will travel to the House are very puritanical, proclaiming as diseases and vices pharmacy. Regardless of their faith, many alchemists
of the Beguines in the Wastelands before returning to those activities encouraged by Slaanesh such as and pharmacists acknowledge the Saint, and the House
their sponsoring church to work. They will also peri¬ sexual activity, eating and drinking. of the Beguines is both a holy site and a centre for
odically return to the House to develop their skills. research and visiting scientists.
Some decide that the priesthood is not for them Particular tenets of note include: The Markovite Ukase is a doctrinal tract published
after all, usually because of the passive nature of the by the Kislevian Markov, a Priest-Scholar of the Free
cult in the face of all the misery they see, or because Grunhilda’s Creed (aka Grunhilda’s Folly): all City of Erengrad. In my own campaign, I have devel¬
they are offered an apparently lucrative job with a wiz¬ strictures must be followed regardless of recipient or oped the Kislev described in SRIK in a number of
ard or alchemist. Normal lapsed career exits are Agi¬ consequences. ways, one of which is to use an equivalent to the Rus¬
tator, Alchemist’s Apprentice, Charlatan, Herbalist, Gerther’s Compassion: Shallya expects mercy and sian Revolution. Thus, Erengrad has thrown off its
Pharmacist, Physician’s Student or Wizard’s Appren¬ compassion before all. noble oppressors and declared itself a free city run by
tice. Whilst not strictly careers, recidivists may also Urda’s Lament: mercy and compassion allow a pa¬ a universally elected Commune. The Ukase essentially
join The Greys (Warpstone 5) or the Merciful Knights. tient to be helped into Morr’s domain. calls upon the cult to voice (and act upon) its objec¬
Skulda’s Wrath: Followers may help those seeking tions to the poverty and squalor created and main¬
Tenets Of Faith to slay enemies whose nature is antithesis to the gen¬ tained by the current political system and its ruling
Shallya is the goddess of healing, mercy and compas¬ eral demeanour of Shallya and her divine family, and class. Although the cult within the Empire sympathises
sion. In particular, she is responsible for childbirth. should not regard this as the equivalent of carrying with Markov, its current cult position is that mercy and
The basic faith of the cult is that all life is sacred, that out a killing themselves.
healing of a supplicant should never be refused, and The Waldenhof Accord: the cult accepts, and
that no priest may slay a human (except a cultist of is accepted by, the medical profession, and both
Nurgle) or other intelligent being (except in self-de¬ will work to the benefit of the sick.
fence). The cult celebrates birthdays as being holy Genovafa’s Vision: the cult must instil its creeds
days for rejoicing; its holy days are the birthdays of into those who seek treatment, and not allow their
saints, but most Old Worlders offer prayer to Shallya services to be abused by those deliberately abus¬
on their own birthday. ing themselves or others.
Officially, there is no distinction between any of
the followings or teachings of Shallya. In reality, those Schisms
who lead the cult tend to be traditional clerics, having There are four major doctrinal disagreements that
both public standing and doctrinal experience. There have the possibility of forcing deep religious di¬
are few tensions between the different types of Cleric, vision. The most immediately worrying are the
although the general dislike between herbalists and concept of Sainthood, and the Markovite Ukase.
the more scientific alchemists and pharmacists remain. The primary problem with Sainthood con¬
The primary disagreements within the cult are on cerns exactly how a saint is created and by whom.
matters of faith. The cult of Shallya is particularly averse to the
The Unitarian (or Union) creed holds the largest political facet of Sainthood, used in particular
number of believers, arguing that the whole of the faith by the cults of Sigmar and Ulric, who seek to
is more important than the squabbling of philosophi¬ convert villages by canonizing local heroes and
cal theorists. Most of the remainder are Pragmatists, absorbing minor local gods through represent¬
allowing for differences within individual preaching in ing that individual as a saint. Saint Helena (Warp¬

36 Warpstone - Issue Ten

 The Priest-Scholar Markov tion, although St. Genofa’s teachings can be read in and practical training programme for its clergy. In real¬
such a way. In any event, any cleric who performs an ity, however, they do not have the resources or per¬
abortion can be argued to be a murderer and hence be sonnel, and most people are served by under-trained
expelled from the cult. clerics. The official GW material offers examples of
this, such as The Great Hospice (which is underfunded)
Radical Doctrines Associated With The Cult from Apocrypha Now and Bogenhafen (which has
The Greys: A secret society dedicated to treating only one single full-time priestess). PCs are thus likely
mutants with compassion. Those affected by Chaos to find overworked clerics operating in run-down fa¬
are helped to secluded sanctuaries, or should their cilities with few resources. The clerics are also likely to
mutation be too extreme, mercy killings are given to be lacking skills, spells and complex theological de¬
relieve their sufferings. bate. Warhammer City offers the more liberal
Middenheim temple, as an example of a rather better
The Merciful Knights of the Hospitals of Shallya: resourced temple, with some half dozen volunteer phy¬
Whilst not strictly a formal part of the Cult of Shallya sicians and surgeons, a third level high priestess, and
- indeed in some ways they are its opposite - this 1 x 2nd level, 2 x 1 st level, 2 cleric physician and 3
group are the self-appointed defenders of the cult’s initiate attendants.
temples, hospitals, clergy and followers. In their heal¬ The most impressive temple is to be found in
ing work, many knights and soldiers are saved and Altdorf, however. Here the cult inhabits a simple and
healed by the Sisters, many fathers find lost sons, efficient temple-hospital-shelter-workhouse, built to
and much joy is brought. Many of these people wish traditional designs, from which it operates a
to repay the cult, but not all are wealthy, and many ‘Healthcare in the Community’ scheme. Both temple
are excluded from joining by their histories. The and scheme were a gift from a grateful Magnus the
Merciful Knights grant membership to all those who Pious, and show both the grandeur of his plans and
wish to offer their aid to the cult. This aid can be in the degradation of this noble endeavour by succes¬
the form of direct military support, guarding build¬ sive petty emperors. In theory, the temple operates as
ings or individuals. It is widely understood that the a hub for a number of street medical centres in all
compassion is not compatible with violent revolution cult in its entirety is protected, and that any affront districts of the capital; in reality most of these sites no
or political action, and it has no wish to involve itself whatsoever will cost the malefactors dearly, however longer exist, their leases having been sold to raise funds
with a battle against the Emperor, the Electors or the long it takes the knights to track them down. There for the treasury.
state. However, many novices are more idealistic and are two classes of knight within the group: the Knight By agreement with the Physicians Guild (since they
less restrained than their elders. The influence of Ukase Hospitaler and the Knight Sergeant. Both should be did not dare refuse Magnus), all registered physicians
could lead to a politicisation of the cult, and its coming treated as titles rather than as specific careers, as were also obliged to offer the cult their services. In
into conflict with the Electors. Some further ideas on anyone wishing to serve in the defence of Shallya reality, most now send apprentices or supplies in lieu,
this can be found inter alia in the Warhammer Novel can join. Wherever there is a cult presence, there many doctors and surgeons are members of the alter¬
Beasts in Velvet and in Cultist Scum (Warpstone 8). will be at least a Knight Sergeant in the vicinity. The native Imperial Medical Council (formed after Magnus’
The final two problems facing the cult are conflict¬ order is only small, and resources can be rather agreement, and thereby exempt) and most of the re¬
ing attitudes to violence and battling chaos, and the stretched in rural areas in particular, but it does use mainder simply refuse. Even the obligation to offer
problem of abortion. Neither is likely to bother PCs, its members’ personal wealth to purchase assistance. training to clerical medics has fallen into disrespect.
but are worth covering briefly for background. Those joining swear poverty, offering their wealth to Those that do offer aid frequently do so in an attempt
The position with regard to Nurgle is clearly de¬ both the cult and the knights, and swearing chastity to poach assistants.
scribed in the rulebook, and followers of Nurgle can whilst members. They renew their oaths periodically Within the Old World, most official (and unoffi¬
be attacked and slain by Clerics. Normally, no hu¬ or have the option to resign their membership with cial) organizations are tolerant of the cult, recognis¬
man may be killed, and other intelligent beings may full honour if they feel they cannot continue. ing it as an ally in the war against chaos. Relations
be only slain in self-defence as a last resort. How¬ can be said to be cordial throughout The Empire. How¬
ever, the teachings of Saint Skulda offer some addi¬ Running The Cult In The Empire ever, as the cult that has the most dealings with the
tional latitude to cultists who seek a more martial and There are likely to be two types of situation in which underclasses, official religions, guilds and state rep¬
active path. The skaven of Clan Pestilens, where they PCs interact with the cult. The first is in a visit to resentatives are likely to be less than helpful. Also,
are believed to exist, are considered targets equal to one of the great places of the church. The second is the peaceable nature of the cult is anathema to the
followers of Nurgle. The slaying of chaos in general within rural or urban areas where characters need to more warlike religions. Whilst most pantheons and
(even humans or intelligent beings) is condoned, and base with clerics over healing or aid. secular authorities may be deemed to be friendly, they
even encouraged. Self-defence is always permissible, The cult’s hospices are unlikely to be choice lo¬ are effectively neutral; few in the Old World are ar¬
except under the Grunhilda Creed which prevents even cations for PCs! The two most famous within The dent friends.
the slaying of a Nurgle worshipper. In game terms, it Empire are to be found at Seuchenshof in Nordland Morr, Verena and Myrmidia form Shallya’s theo¬
is up to each PC to decide what actions their con¬ (for treatment of the Black Plague) and Frederheim. logical “family”. Ranald offers unretumed support,
science will allow. Once they have decided on their Those with an interest in magic and science may wish partially for theological reasons, and partially in his
stance, however, the GM should feel free to needle to visit the House of Beguines in the Wastelands. It role as icon of the poor. Verena is perhaps most friendly
them as soon as they step out of line. PCs should al¬ is located at Jutonsryk, which was once the political in recognising the injustice that the cult is facing. A
ways remember that Shallya is a peaceful goddess, centre of that nation. St Beguine established his number of Wood Elf and Halfling deities are also
devoted to mercy and compassion. House before the Empire’s annexation of the region, friendly, both to their own deities closely resembling
A social reality problem facing the cult, especially which they termed the province of Westland, but it Shallya but also to the human cult. Certain chaos cults
in its role as an easer of childbirth, is the issue of abor¬ proved politically difficult to rename the actual habi¬ are also amused that Nurgle faces his nemesis in such
tion. The teachings of Saints Grunhilda, Gerther and tation of the same name. Now the burghers of an inconsequential source.
Genofa offer different interpretations of the abortion Marienburg control the newer Oedland (sometimes For its part, the cult is vehemently opposed to
issue. Officially, abortion does not exist, because the called the Marienburg state), and time has faded Nurgle, strongly against the Horned Rat and Khaine,
cult cannot envisage such a thing. In reality, most memories, the name and even the great House itself. and opposed to all forms of chaos. Theologically it is
cultists have witnessed the back street butchers and The greatest cult site in the Old World is now the spa intolerant of Ranald’s duping of Shallya, and the ille¬
the rich physicians who offer abortions, and the mess of Couronne, where PCs may like to take the waters gality of theft concerns this most upright of churches
they frequently make. Most will therefore counsel al¬ for their health. since those most commonly affected are the poor. How¬
ternatives and offer adoption, but will ultimately per¬ Most human habitations contain some small site ever, many within the order tacitly overlook and even
form such operations in order to prevent suffering and representing Shallya, but the cult is relatively small support the actions of the tricksters. Different orders
cruelty. However, in doing so, they may be expelled and underfunded. Often, small towns and villages are within the cult also disapprove of the excesses of Ulric,
from certain branches of the Order. It is almost un¬ supported only by a lay-priest or initiate. The cult Sigmar, Handrich and even localized deities such as
heard of to turn away a recipient of a botched opera¬ dislikes this, and in theory has a complex theological Bogenauer.

Warpstone Issue Ten

- 37
 mgm&m
?w«r
allya Spe
Petty Cleric Spells of Sorcery book should hopefully make this mys— 2
Detect Nurgle terious process much clearer.
Cure Hurt Spell Level: 1
Spell Level: Petty Magic Points: 1 + l per turn Summon Flock of Doves
Magic Points: 1 Range: see below Spell Level: 3
Range: Personal Duration: 1 + turns Magic Points: 10 per hour
Duration: Permanent Ingredient: Dove; must concentrate Range: Nearby
Ingredients: Soothing words Duration: 1+ hours
The caster is granted the ability to sense the prescence Ingredients: a living dove
: A simple spell that will heal minor cuts and bruises, and position of any beings touched by Nurgle (either
IpSease aches and pains and restore 1D2 wounds. It suffering from mutation, carrying one of his diseases, This spell allows the cleric to summon a flock of
will not heal the heavily injured (those who have two or some other such direct influence) within a radius equal doves. The ingredient is set free with a call to
wounds or fewer remaining). to the caster’s WP in feet. They will also detect the summon a swarm. The spell takes 1D6 minutes
aura of decay and disease left by such individuals for to take effect, after which the be-magicked dove
m Gift of Tongues the period since the last sunrise in the range of the spell. returns with a swarm of around 1D6 dozen doves
1: As per the petty magic spell. The caster must have full concentration, any distraction per level of the caster. This number becomes*
(causing a failed WP roll) ending the spell. The spell 1D6 hundred where doves are prevalent, such ;
|y Merciful Compassion operates through the flight of the dove who will react as in temple enclosures. The swarm’s charac¬
pL| Spell Level: Petty should any such prescence be detected. Although the teristics can be found in the bestiary (under
& Magic Points: 2 spell will not reveal followers ofNurgle unless they have Swarm). Note that a directed swarm does not
ft1 Range: Personal been directly affected by his power, the flight of the suffer from stupidity and is capable of following
Duration: one use; lapses upon the next sunrise dove is such that the caster can deduce that someone in relatively simple instructions.
k Ingredient: a charm the area follows Nurgle on a successful Int test.
The swarm remains for 1 hour, and thereafter
This spell allows the caster to deliberately affect the Zone of Life may be kept by the expenditure of 10 magic
laws of chance. Once, a character may adjust any As per the necromantic magic spell. points per hour. This spell may only be used •
roll by +/- 10 (on D100) or +/-1 (on D6). However, offensively against those allowed by cult stric¬
should the spell fail for any reason, the result is one Clerical Two Spells tures.
of bad luck in a similar manner. This spell is not
■
cumulative and works only in situations that are Aura of Protection Zone of Demonic Nullification
deemed worthy by Shallya; again, trying to use it to As per the battle magic spell. As per the demonologist spell, although the in¬
say kill someone, will result in it operating in reverse gredient is the blood of any good creature. This ^jl
as bad luck. As an aside, this is also mischievously Cure Disease can include the caster.
known as Ranald’s Luck, and is available to clerics As per the Druid Magic spell in The Restless Dead,
of Ranald. although the ingredient is a healing poultice created by Clerical Four Spells
a holy recipe.
.Produce White Dove Aura of Invulnerability
§#|||As per the petty magic spell, Produce Small Crea¬ Enthuse As per the battle magic spell.
ture, except only a dove is produced. As per the level one Battle Magic spell. The nobleness
of the cleric and the purity of Shallya is a powerful mo¬ Restore Critical Injury
Remove Curse tivator. Spell Level: 4
As per the petty magic spell, although clerics of Magic Points: 10 + 10 per D10 wounds
Shallya can remove curses placed one level higher. Flight Range: Touch if
As per the battle magic spell except the ingredient is Duration: Permanent
Sleep the wing feather of a dove. Ingredient: A dove’s heart
As per the petty magic spell.
Treat Illness This spell will re-join amputated limbs, restore
Zone of Warmth A specialist spell for Shallyan Clerics. sight and generally repair all bodily damage. It
As per the petty magic spell. cannot be used to grow new limbs, eyes,' etc.,
* A.
Zone of Sanctuary only restore (and re-join) what remains. ThuS%
Clerical One Spells As per the battle magic spell, although the ingredient is muscles that have been burned in a fireball cap:/
a small silver holy symbol. be restored, but an arm that has been swallowed ’?
Aura of Resistance by a dragon cannot be re-created. However, this !
As per the battle magic spell. Clerical Three Spells spell mustbe cast shortly after the injury occurred
(usually within 24 hours) and must be the sole
Cure Light Injury Cure Insanity means of healing to the injury. It cannot regen¬
As per the battle magic spell, although it will even A specialist spell for Shallyan Clerics. erate an already healed body, such as one that
aid characters suffering from heavy wounds, such is has been affected by a Cure Severe Wound spell. *
the power of Shallya. Healing is also permanent. Cure Severe Wound
As per the battle magic spell. % Miraculous Cure
Cure Poison Spell Level: 4
A specialist spell for Shallyan Clerics Heal Injury Magic Points: 10+1 permanent
A specialist spell. * Range: Touch
Hand of Shallya Duration: Permanent
, As per the necromantic spell Hand of Death. This Manufacture Medicinal Potion Ingredient: The entire wealth of the recipient in
spell is only effective against creatures and followers As the skills Manufacture Drugs/Manufacture Potions, a donation to some appropriate project f
ofNurgle. but the process is part natural and part supernatural. A This spell is the ultimate beneficence of Shallya 4,
cleric can capture the substance of any healing spell of for it is able to heal the afflictions, mental and fS
Immunity From Poison one level below their own within a potion using the ap¬ physical, of Chaos.
As per the battle magic spell. propriate ingredients. The WFRP rulebook is vague on
such manufacturing. Hogshead’s forthcoming Realms
 THE FORUM
An entertaining batch poor dungeon. However, I must admit that to a large “Atmosphere of the Old World”
letters this issue. extent an emphasis on this sort of thing bores me. Graham Kinniburgh: I see from recent editorials that
There have been plenty of While it is true that the politcal side is good, it’s not you are seeking feedback on a number of topics, so for
contentious points raised in really what the scenario is about, and the GM will what it’s worth I’ll give you my own humble opinions,
articles over the last few months', have to do a lot of work to flesh is out. which are that of a long-term fan of the game. (I recall
and it seems that many of you have that I was a runner up in the White Dwarf competition
had firm opinions to voice in re¬ “Jungian archetype” that helped initially promote the game and won a dis¬
sponse. However, we’re sure that com¬ James McGraw: The biggest problem with the WFRP count off the original hardback rules, so we go back a
paratively little is filtering back to us system as it stands is the magic system. Magic is por¬ fair way!)
(we’re sure this is just the tip of the trayed as nothing more than a dull set of standardised Perhaps the most interesting of the questions
iceberg). So go on, put pen to paper, effects. Worse still, this bears no relation to the way in you’ve raised concerns the possible contents of a 2nd
or fingers to keyboard, and write to us. which magic is stated to work in the Old World. Magic edition of the game. I think that any 2nd edition should
is supposed to be drawn from the warp gates and the fulfil two basic requirements. It should address the
“piss-poor Foody gamesmastering” Realm of Chaos in the extreme North and South, concerns and experiences of long term fans who have
Stuart Weir: WARHAMMER ROLEPLAYERS: Pur¬ whereas the rules, in particular the concept of “magic identified weak areas and seek to improve upon them.
ists or monoidyllic fascists? points”, point towards an “inner source” for magic. (The Magic system springs readily to mind here!) Sec¬
Issue. Graeme Davis has said that, ‘Doomstones A good example of magic is in the excellent Con¬ ondly (and I think, more importantly), it should seek
adventures were an experiment to see if a more tradi¬ spiracy X, a modem day aliens/supematural/conspiracy to gain a wider audience - new players can only be of
tional type of FRP adventure would work in WFRP’. In game from Eden Studios. In this game, all humans benefit in the long run. With the latter point in mind,
issue 8, John Foody responds, ‘all this is little more have psychic potential, but due to lack of control, psy¬ any 2nd edition should concentrate on the strong point
than.... a dungeon bash’, while praising this last Doom- chic energy “seeps” out constantly. This “seepage” is of the game - the background. I think we would all
stones adventure for strong political shenanigans and a semi-sentient mass of psychic energy, moulded by agree that this is what keeps us hooked, and that it is
NPCs. What we have here is a dichotomous explana¬ the beliefs and fears of the human race. Seepage then what sets WFRP apart from AD&D and the like. Any¬
tion, or more simply, piss-poor Foody gamesmastering. pools at sites with a supernatural or religious signifi¬ thing that gets new players immediately into the at¬
‘Lack of moral uncertainties!’ What greater un¬ cance - Stonehenge, Vatican City or the spooky old mosphere of the Old World would be of benefit - more
certainty than to encounter two factions of the same house on the comer. Humans can be corrupted by the scenarios might be one answer... (I think it would be a
stalwart race who are totally unreconcilable, and be seepage, slowly transforming into a Jungian archetype good idea to have at least one scenario that linked di¬
practically forced to choose sides? For myself the du¬ defined by mass human belief. Magic is the process rectly to The Enemy Within - this would encourage
plicitous early arrivals provided more than ample anxi¬ of channelling seepage with time-consuming rituals new players to continue exploring the world they find
ety .You can, however, be forgiven (by me, I can’t speak to attain a specific effect. A failed ritual can result in themselves in.)
for your players) for turning this first class the corruption of the participants. Any reform of the rules should be made with this
traditional-hybrid into a paltry one dimensional tech¬ This is the kind of magic system that I believe emphasis in mind. After the Magic system, my guess
nicality. The mammoth Doomstones 4 was question¬ WFRP needs. If seepage energy is replaced by warp would be that the single area in most need of improve¬
ably the most rigorous exercise in GMing because the energy, pooling around the polar Chaos gates and in ment would be the Career system. This provides a
writers chose not to include a sequence of trigger events the presence of Warpstone, and magic is the process perfect opportunity to enhance a new player’s knowl¬
thereby leaving one reliant upon reflex-roleplaying; of channelling this energy, magic takes on a far more edge of the game world - each basic Career has the
very mentally strenuous. For those with a comfortable coherent and atmospheric shape. potential to inform the player about the importance of
grasp of character, buy Doomstones 4, the most Magic could be easier in high levels of warp en¬ politics, social class, Guilds, Religions etc. etc. within
mind-boggling dungeon I’ve ever used; a real ergy, but correspondingly more difficult, but safer, in the Empire. A beginning character should have an
ground-breaker. low areas of energy, e.g. on the equator. Failed at¬ idea of his place in the scheme of things, and have a
Issue. Last editorial reads, ‘the world has been tempts at casting spells could result in physical muta¬ rough notion of where he stands on important topics
tightly regulated and therefore has become believable’. tion, insanity or the accidental summoning of a de¬ (e.g. the worship of Sigmar in relation to Ulric, or the
Transcribe the last word as, ‘inevitable’. Dying of the mon. notion that the peasantry exist to serve the Nobility).
Light was exemplary entertainment but with the open¬ This brings an element of danger into spell use, The Character Pack had some useful ideas along the
ing up of Marienburg, and thus the seas, Warhammer which I feel should always be present. It is often stated lines I’m thinking of - players were able to generate a
players are soon to be in for a culture shock. E.g. does that wizards in the Old World are feared, but why? hometown, among other things. Perhaps the idea could
Norsca even have taverns? These pinko imperials are The magic system as it stands gives no reasons for this, be developed further, by illustrating how a character’s
gonna have to wise up. other than the disabilities gained by necromancers, de- origins may have influenced their beliefs...
Issue. Poor Bobby Clarke mauled and blackballed monologists and evil/chaotic wizards. If only these My own idea would be to have simple templates
by the ‘great and good voices’ of WFRP (Marienburg, wizards are negatively affected by magic, why are all that can be used as player handouts. These would pro¬
Marienburg, where for art thou Marienburg?) for sug¬ magicians feared? No, magic should always be dan¬ vide, for example, a brief summary of what is com¬
gesting the novels make good source material. Beasts gerous. Wizards, even ostensibly “good” ones, should mon knowledge to the average citizen of the Empire
in Velvet is an absolutely indispensable source for any¬ suffer for their art. Long, difficult rituals could make or the beliefs and prejudices held by a particular Reli¬
one resident in Altdorf when compared with say Death magic safer, but using magic on the fly could be dan¬ gion or Race. With a few brief notes any new player
on the Reik (and on the left ladies and gentlemen we gerous. would be ready to have his character interact with the
have the Imperial palace. You will notice it’s, erm.... What I have basically tried to say is that thought Old World at large, and it would immediately illus¬
big??). Don t you worry Bobby, if this Ragan charac¬ is needed on where magic comes from, to make it more, trate the difference between WFRP and any old bog
ter fails to come up trumps with (what one can only well, magical. Magic is the stuff of raw Chaos and standard ‘fantasy’ world. Anyway, just a suggestion...
suppose to be) his life’s work then I’m sending the should be treated as such.
boyz after him. “Mutant Spikies from Spurgle”
Issue. Bitchy, bitchy, bitchy. My apologies Editor (JK): This raises an interesting thought about Robert Jane: In Warpstone you often talk about di¬
Keane/Foody, you’re doing a fantastic job. I’m envi¬ the illegal use of Warpstone (even by seemingly repu¬ vergence between WFB and WFRP, well I became dis¬
ous and profoundly in your debt; cheers from this sanc¬ table wizards) to enhance magical potency of spells. illusioned with White Dwarf about 6 years ago having
timonious ingrate. Editor (JF): Much like a magical Viagra I assume. purchased it from issue one. I was becoming fed up
Many of the ideas James raised I like. Some of them with a company I had supported through the early days,
Editor (JF): “Piss-poor gamesmastering,” no, “piss- may end up being too fussy for my taste, but the cor¬ link ups with Ral-Partha, the first tentative releases of
poor reviewing, ” possibly. What 1 tried to say about relation between slow magic being safe and fast magic their own figures, the board games, the first edition of
Doomstones 4 is that the political background jarred being dangerous is one that I could see myself using. WFB. Then came the emergence of a new adult role-
badly with the dungeon-bash side. These things are a Of course, the face of WFRP Magic will probably playing game (and I don’t mean “Judge Dredd”) WFRP
personal opinion but I stand by my view that it s a change once Realms of Sorcery appears. was brilliant, gothic, dark, just what a young goth like

Warpstone - Issue Ten 39

 myself found irresistible. This was the golden age of denominator. Fine for a quick fun game, but what No punter should make profit on an each way bet.
GW, a company full of enthusiasts, producing es¬ happened to the infantry wedge, formations for light Two contenders, one at even odds and one at two to
capism for an eager market. cavalry, tactics? I dropped out not long after, changed one, mean that by placing 10 Guilders on the favour¬
Then it started to change, along came the new my identity, okay the hair fell out and I forgot about ite and a mere 8 on the outsider, which ever cock
corporate image, slow at first but soon to become the old days. wins the astute betting man will make money when
Games Workshop the Mircosoft of gaming. I must For my tuppence worth, let WFRP and WFB he gets his stake and his winnings back. Shame on
add here and now that the marketing was spot on, separate, they cater for two diverging markets WFRP you! Remember, it’s only ever the bookmaker that
and they are now a successful multi-national that cannot harm GW if it is allowed to follow its own des¬ wins. For that reason they’d be against rigging the
employs a lot of people, and brings untold wealth to tiny, but I fear for its future in a sanitised Workshop contests anyway.
the exchequer. Good for them, they never forced world. J hasten to add that I offer this pearl of wisdom
anyone to part with their dosh for the 15th edition of not from my own gambling experiences. That is one
“Mutant Spikies from Spurgle”, and a lot of what “They’re all mugs” vice at least I am innocent of. No, it is my own girl¬
they print is actually quite brilliant. But (there is as Toby Pilling: I can see, John, that you’re not a gam¬ friend, a manager of a bookies herself, who has im¬
always a but) why did they have to discard the loyal bling man. If you were, you would have noticed that parted to me knowledge I have on gambling and gam¬
following that had supported them through the early the betting odds on the cockfighting at the blers. Her verdict? “They’re all mugs.”
years. WFB II was a fine set of rules but thereafter Saldderbeam in your scenario ‘Once Upon a Time in
each successive set was dumbed down to a lower Marienburg’ contravene the first law of bookmaking: Editor(JF): Err...!

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