Greetings to Observers of the Glorantha Trading Association. Summer's promise met in harvest, the winds of autumn sound their challenge. Now hail Issaries while Yelm and Orlanth move. Hearken to the word on Glorantha, Issaries Inc., its partner publishers, and GTA activity. Welcome new members to the tribe, and thank those who contribute even more.
You receive this newsletter as a member of the GTA. Observers can remove
their name from this mailing list with an email saying "NO NEWSLETTER" to
<gta_at_...>, but now can also go to
<www.rpglist.org/mailman/listinfo/gta-observer> and follow the instructions
to edit their subscriber options. As described below, the GTA has moved the
mailing list to a self-maintaining one, about which you can read more
below. On upgrading your membership, see <www.herowars.com/gta>.
Below you'll find tales about:
Rune for Glorantha Tribes Discovered
Always Another Observers Contest
GTA Promotions
GTA Membership Update
Your Name in Lights (or at least in HeroQuest)
The GTA Email Self-Manager
Orlanth is Dead!
HeroQuest Lives! and Other Updates
Issaries, Inc. Recognizes Companions
Short Takes
Short Plugs
More Miniatures
Another Partnership: Glorantha and Greydog
Parting Shot
RUNE FOR GLORANTHA TRIBES DISCOVERED
Intrepid scholars have discovered the GeeTeeAy or GTA rune, the Glorantha
Tribes Assembled. It marks the long tradition of a great community,
generous contributions, and goofing around that keeps Glorantha going. As
shown at <www.glorantha.com/gta/rune.html>, its triple uprights recall the
Harmony rune with Mastery traced uppermost. (A God Learner analysis
indicates that the rune is formed from the True Exchange rune--which is
also the Issaries rune--crossing the top of the ReCreation rune. The two
scholars involved could not decide to which rune it had the greater
affinity.)
We expect that many people will call this the "GTA Rune," and we have decided to do the same. GTA Demigods are indicated when this rune is surmounted by an arc, GTA Heroes by dots above the three uprights, GTA Runemasters by dots over the outer uprights, and GTA Initiates by a single dot above the central upright. Like Kilroy, GeeTeeAy may appear in unexpected places.
ALWAYS ANOTHER OBSERVERS CONTEST
The winners of the fourth GTA Observers drawing were Markus Battarbee and
Jane Williams. They each chose to receive a copy of Gloranthan Classics
volume 2: Griffin Mountain. If you know someone who would like to keep up
on all happenings Gloranthan, and maybe score a free prize sometime, have
them contact us at <gta_at_...> with the message "Add Observer" in
the subject line so that we can add them to the list of Observers. Or just
send them to <http://www.rpglist.org/mailman/listinfo/gta-observer> to add
themselves!
As usual, the next drawing starts immediately. Once again, we will be giving away two copies of the Gloranthan Classics, this time the Cult Compendium. On November 16th, Issaries will select two non-paid GTA members at random from the entries to receive a copy of this book.
To be eligible for this drawing, we must receive an email message from you by midnight PDT November 15th to <gta_at_...>. To ensure that we do not overlook your message, please put GTA CULTS COMPENDIUM DRAWING in the subject line of the message. Also, please remember to give us your name and address, so that we know who you are if you win! If you have other correspondence for us, please send it in a separate message to help avoid any confusion.
GLORANTHA TRADING ASSOCIATION PROMOTIONS Issaries, Inc. has thanked extraordinary volunteers with upgraded GTA memberships. These people have contributed energy, skill, and mostly their precious time to help Glorantha and HeroQuest to exist and grow. They have given with no compensation expected, just a desire to help Issaries, Inc. and popularize Glorantha.
Issaries takes this opportunity to notify the world of the below listed volunteers: their greatness, generosity, and gifting. These grants come as a surprise to these individuals, unexpected and unpromised. With these promotions, they receive thanks and the GTA is told of this small token of appreciation.
Honored as Hero: Andrew Dawson.
Raised to Runemaster: Fabian Keuchler, Mark Galeotti.
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered their time and services, supported a convention or fanzine, or helped to bring the light of Glorantha to those still lost in the Great Darkness. Without their assistance, Glorantha would not be on the path it is on today. A journey is always easier when there are good companions to aid and be aided by.
GTA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Welcome to the still growing GTA Tribe. Those of you thinking about joining
this loyal band should know that you can now donate to Issaries via PayPal
<www.paypal.com> since strange technologies continue ancient ways.
Donations can be sent via Paypal using <greg_at_...> as the
recipient. If you are not yet a PayPal member, list our email address as
your referrer to give Issaries additional benefits.
New GTA Observers may score a free prize if they register by November 15th,
you know. Issaries will next be awarding a copy of Gloranthan Classics
volume 3, the Cult Compendium, from Moon Design Productions. Anyone who
wants to follow all happenings Gloranthan, and maybe score a free prize,
should contact <gta_at_...> with "Add Observer" in the subject line
so that we can add them to the list. Or just send them to
<http://www.rpglist.org/mailman/listinfo/gta-observer> to add themselves!
As of this newsletter the GTA has 2 Demi-Gods, 34 Heroes, 45 Runemasters, and 168 Initiates, for a total of 249 members. There are also over 750 Observers (the number is down primarily due to removal of many duplicate and old email addresses). If you know anyone else who might want to join the Glorantha Tribe, have them contact us at <gta_at_...>.
The Hero Wars continue, and we are still out of touch with members away harrying Chaotic Lunars, Rebellious Orlanthi, or other ne'er-do-wells. If you know of a working email for any of the following GTA members, please email it to <gta_at_...> or ask them to contact us:
Laurent Deborde Michael Hill Dan McCluskey Al Petterson Michael Pose Phil Posehn Adrienne Ramsay Andrew Reichart Russell Smith Randy Tomaszewski Don Walli Michael Zaitz
We have names but no good email addresses for several anonymous members as well. Unless you keep your email contact information current, you will regularly miss out on special offers and information updates. You have been warned.
Thanks to everyone who has contacted us with new ideas, enthusiasm, good wishes, and the inevitable questions. Happy HeroQuesting!
YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS (OR AT LEAST IN HEROQUEST) Issaries, Inc. will list ALL current GTA members in HeroQuest (except for Anonymous members, of course), regardless of their membership level. This is in addition to all other membership benefits, including members' original or ongoing patronage choice, which will not change. GTA Observers will not be so recognized.
If you have been thinking of joining the GTA or upgrading your membership, now is the time to do it! This is your last chance to ensure that your name is enshrined forever in HeroQuest, the game twenty-five years in the making. Go to <www.glorantha.com/gta> for details on how to join or upgrade! Do not delay: membership contribution must be received by December 31, 2002 to be included!
As an example of membership benefits, Heroes now have access to the current, near-final drafts of Imperial Lunar Handbook and HeroQuest. These drafts are available to them, and only them.
THE GTA EMAIL SELF-MANAGER (with serious thanks to Graham Robinson) GTA members and observers can now manage for themselves how they receive GTA messages. You can set a password and thereafter set or reset your mailing preferences. (Issaries had a minor problem or two with getting the list initialized, but all is now resolved. Many apologies for any difficulties these problems caused.)
Here's how the self-manager works: Once you set a password, you can
thereafter reset your mailing preferences. Change options are at
<http://www.rpglist.org/mailman/listinfo/gta-observer>. Near the bottom of
the page is a box to enter your e-mail address. Then click the "Edit
Options" button. That takes you to a page with options that you can change.
If it does not, please check that the e-mail address you entered is the one
Issaries uses send your e-mail. Changing any of the options requires a
password. To find out the default password, click on the "Email My Password
To Me" button, at the left top of the page. Using that password from the
e-mail, you can then change it, if you wish.
Changes not listed, like substituting a new email address, are not
currently offered. If you have questions about a specific option, contact
<gta_at_...> for assistance.
At present, to change your email address you need to unsubscribe from the list and then re-subscribe using the new address. GTA Observers do NOT need to notify the GTA separately, as no verification is needed. Observers can unsubscribe at will, or by email to the GTA, at their option.
Names and other information about GTA observers are not stored in the rpglist.org database, only email addresses. No one besides the list administrators (GTA Steward Mark Leymaster, Sysop Nils Weinander, and Issaries, Inc., as well as Graham himself) can even see the email addresses, so your privacy is being preserved.
Only a few people can post directly to the lists, so there should be no
Spam. If you want to suggest a posting, contact <gta_at_...>. Please
feel free to express your opinions about this move to <gta_at_...>.
Technical questions are better sent to Graham directly at
<graham_at_...>.
ORLANTH IS DEAD!
It must be so. How else could he have been supplanted by Doburdun, the
Pelandan Loyal Storm? As winter deepens and spring fails to come, the
rebellion begins in southern Sartar at the supernatural struggle later
known as the Battle of Iceland. The end of the world is not just for great
heroes and famous leaders, for it encompasses everyone in its deadly
embrace. During the days of doom and the final battle, ordinary Orlanthi
tribesmen have a chance to begin their own epic careers--if they survive!
Orlanth is Dead!, the second book in the Sartar Rising campaign series, was
released on August 12th, ISBN 1-929052-15-4, US$14.95. It begins the Sartar
Rising campaign and the Hero Wars with an epic conflict against the Lunar
Empire. Victory or defeat at this battle will determine the fate of the
Heortlings for years to come. Mugs, t-shirts, and other merchandise
featuring artwork from Orlanth is Dead! are available now from Issaries
through CafePress.com. For more information, see
<www.cafepress.com/issaries>.
HEROQUEST LIVES! AND OTHER UPDATES
HeroQuest is not done, but it is getting closer. The manuscript is in the
final stages of editing. It will to layout next month. Although this means
we will not quite manage to release it by the end of the year, we will
definitely have it in time for the release party at Gloranthacon VIII. All
public GTA members will be listed in the book, so hurry up and join or
upgrade your membership.
The HeroQuest table of contents has changed; go to
<www.glorantha.com/products/1001.html> for details. Moreover, Issaries
plans to make this edition special in many ways as a forthcoming GTA
dispatch will detail. GTA Heroes can see much more at
<www.glorantha.com/gta/hero>, as the entire current draft is now available
for their review.
But before HeroQuest, the Imperial Lunar Handbook (ISS 1302) will arrive in
time for Christmas, absent colossal bad luck. For content information, see
<www.glorantha.com/products/1302.html>. Again, heroes now have access to
the draft manuscript.
As announced online and recently in a Hero Wars Dispatch, Issaries hosted a contest for submissions of Lunar art. The grand prize of a gorgeous Lunar map goes to two joint winners, since we could not decide between Fernando Mart�nez Flores' Pelandan Silver Box and the sheer quantity of excellent weapons and other spot illustrations by Darran Sims (he submitted a total of 33 separate illustrations--Mark Galeotti is even now preparing the Imperial Lunar Weapons Handbook cataloguing and illustrating every single weapon type used anywhere within the Lunar Empire. Just kidding!). Fernando's illustration, and several of Darran's, will appear in Imperial Lunar Handbook. We thank all of the people who contributed well over 60 images total, we plan to use several more in future projects.
Kerofinela, Land of Thunder (ISS 1502) is next. It is also ready for final
editing, and will appear as soon as time and finances allow. This detailed
gazetteer of Sartar and the surrounding area includes a poster-size map of
the land (by Wesley Quadros, who drew the gorgeous Lunar Empire map) and
several additional maps of local sites of interest. Most of the information
in this book is new, and helps set the stage for future scenario books by
detailing the lands and myths of mystical Dragon Pass. Visit
<www.glorantha.com/products/1502.html>.
Mark Galeotti's Hero's Book has been delayed to ensure that it is compatible with the HeroQuest rules. Its contents have been expanded to include some material cut from HeroQuest due to space constraints, but that should not delay its Spring release. We hope to release it soon after (or before!) HeroQuest. For more see <www.glorantha.com/products/1002.html>.
Hero Bands (ISS 1303) has been pushed back to late Spring, until after the release of HeroQuest. Its contents have changed only slightly since they were made available to Heroes last month. A current Table of Contents is available at <www.glorantha.com/products/1303.html>.
Finally, Gathering Thunder (ISS 1403) is the title of volume 3 of the Sartar Rising series (it was formerly named Adventures in Dragon Pass). It is in the final stages of content editing, to be ready to go well before Issaries may have the resources to get it published. The target is a release no later than early summer of 2003. For an updated description and table of contents, go to <www.glorantha.com/products/1403.html>.
ISSARIES, INC. RECOGNIZES COMPANIONS
Issaries, Inc. gets along these days in large part through volunteers. Our
acknowledgement has been slow and late, but we want to finally take this
opportunity to recognize the roles and activities of several members of the
Glorantha Tribe. These people are official representative of Issaries
within the job that they do for us. They are the leaders of the Glorantha
Tribe. Some have been working for Issaries for months or years as
non-employees, volunteering their time and energy to help keep Issaries,
Inc., HeroQuest, and Glorantha running and growing.
This announcement recognizes their work, and grants them authority to speak for Issaries within their specified areas:
Acquisitions Editor and Editorial Coordinator Mark Galeotti is our Editorial Coordinator and overall Acquisitions Editor. Send any unsolicited submissions to him at <acquisitions_at_...> for initial evaluation. If you wish to head up a project, contact him, but be prepared to demonstrate your dedication and qualifications. We prefer not to make assignments to anyone except those people who have proven their ability to us. One way to do this is by submitting a finished scenario.
Mark will also work with each of the Project Coordinators (see below) as necessary to coordinate their efforts for Issaries.
Project Coordinators
We have a staff of people established, already working on a variety of
projects for HeroQuest. We get many offers, but these people have
demonstrated their dedication and shown their ability to finish material.
They are the official Acquisition Editors for these projects, and they will
either write the entire book or will coordinate contributing authors.
Issaries will work with these editors (either directly or through the
Acquisitions Editor) as necessary.
Anyone interested in contributing to these projects/areas should contact these editors directly. They will compile and edit material, then submit it to Issaries. Issaries, Inc. naturally reserves the right to reject the submission or ask for revisions, and of course to edit the material before publication.
Shannon Appelcline: Aldryami series
<appel_at_...>
Ian Cooper: Kerofinela (Sartar gazetteer)
<ian_hammond_cooper_at_...>
James Frusetta: Uz series
<gerakkag_at_...>
Mark Galeotti: Imperial Lunar Handbook series, Lunar Adventures 1
<Mark_at_...>
Martin Hawley: Sailors and Oceans series
<Martin_at_...>
Chris Lemens: Prax/Greatlands series
<chrislemens_at_...>
Stephen Martin: Hero Bands
<stephen_at_...>
Ian Thomson: Secrets of Pavis series
<pelgrane_at_...>
Promotion Coordinators
Promotion coordinators receive requests from conventions for support and
send appropriate materials, coordinate the narrators and other
demonstrations for conventions or other events, and document the volunteer
efforts to get GTA credit for their work.
Rick Meints: Promotion Coordinator for North America. Mark Galeotti: Promotion Coordinator for the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Rick and Mark are seeking individuals now to run HeroQuest games at local conventions and game stores, and can be reached at <events_at_...>. We cannot pay, but convention coordinators will document volunteer time for GTA credit. This will allow narrators to become members of the GTA, or upgrade, in return for their sweat equity, and allow us to honor them in that small way.
Glorantha Trading Association Steward
Mark Leymaster is our GTA Steward, keeping the organization moving forward
and growing. Anyone with any suggestions for the GTA should contact
<gta_at_...> with your ideas. Let us know what you want to do and
see!
Volunteer Coordinator
We extend a very big thank you to Graham Robinson for his work as Volunteer
Coordinator for Issaries. If you are able to do some work for us (such as
entering typed manuscripts onto an electronic format, updating online
material, or anything else), contact Graham at <volunteers_at_...>.
He will coordinate with Rick Meints and Mark Galeotti to document volunteer
work for GTA credit.
Glorantha.com Sysop and Host
Everyone seems to like our great website, and we want to recognize the
people involved in keeping our online presence online.
Nils Weinander is our sysop, who faithfully and consistently updates the web site for Issaries, Inc. with the frequent assistance of Doug MacKenzie and the occasional assistance of David Dunham and Stephen Martin. He can be reached at <webmaster_at_...>.
Graham Robinson's rpglist.org provides hosting space for Gloranthacon.com, the Glorantha Digest, the new GTA Email Self-Manager, and other Gloranthan community lists.
Official Issaries Lists Administrators
Three officially approved online lists serve our community. These are not
run, managed, or reviewed by Issaries, Inc.
Jeff Kyer is the administrator of the HeroWars list (for Hero Wars games set in Glorantha). This is the beginner's place. Ask anything you want about the world and about things in general at this site.
Steve Lieb is the administrator of the HeroWars-Rules list, and has also done work for Issaries in the past. The rules list is the place to ask nitty gritty questions about how to use the rules to enhance your game.
Graham Robinson is administrator for the long-running Glorantha Digest. The Digest is the place for complex, deep or just long-winded discussions on the esoterica of Glorantha.
Chief Merchandiser
Mark Galeotti is our Chief Merchandiser. He reviews licenses and oversees
our many stores on CafePress.com. Look there for a chance to purchase a
variety of coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other amusing
articles. These items constantly change, usually not to be available again.
Contact him if you have suggestions for artwork, slogans, or other items to
add to the stores, at <cafepress_at_...>.
Also, if you wish to make something (other than a computer game) with an Issaries license, contact him. He will look at offerings, communicate with the prospective licensee, and contact us with details.
Other Recognition and Thanks
Finally, Issaries thanks two other people for their extended assistance.
David Camoirano has been stepping in to help out with many projects. He has playtested many scenarios with two groups of players (one beginning, one experienced, both of whom we thank as well), has provided valuable commentary, and has even contributed material for us at the last minute. Without his work, the last few books would be less than they are.
Jonas Schiott has consistently provided commentary and errata for our books, making future products better. He has now joined our editorial team as our Final Proofer, and will be scrutinizing each manuscript to eliminate as many errors as possible. (The fact that so many errors appeared in the errata for Orlanth is Dead is not his fault, but ours.) His assistance has been invaluable.
SHORT TAKES
The Children of the Moon gather for ceremony and celebration at
Gloranthacon VIII (March 7-9, 2003 in Toronto, Canada at the Colony Hotel,
<http://www.colonyhoteltoronto.com/home.htm>). Gloranthacon VIII revives
the old tradition of fun and intensive conventions concentrating on the
fantasy world of Glorantha and the Hero Wars and HeroQuest games systems
Guests of Honor include the *Rad* Emperor himself, Greg Stafford, and the
indefatigable Mark Galeotti. Also expected are Nick Brooke, Martin Laurie,
Robin Laws, Stephen Martin, Sandy Petersen, Roderick Robertson, and Ken
Rolston. John Hughes is unable to attend, but *is* organizing a volume of
essays, articles, and Gloranthan esoterica entitled MOON RITES, to explore
the Great Empire and its relations with distant Heortland.
To raise funds and to start getting people into the spirit of the event,
Gloranthacon organizer Jeff Kyer and Issaries, Inc. are proud to announce
that a range of products featuring convention art and logos is now
available through the CafePress online store. The store, at
<www.cafeshops.com/gloranthacon>, includes t-shirts, fleeces, mugs, and all
kinds of other items, from a clock to a mousepad. Full convention details
are at <www.gloranthacon.com>, while discussion of the convention as well
as help and advice for events can be found at
<gloranthacon_at_yahoogroups.com>. Email us directly at
<gloranthacon_at_...>.
The Glorantha Digest searchable archives are back on-line. Point your browsers at <http://www.gloranthadigest.com/archive.html> for lots of Gloranthan goodness from years gone by. Well done, Graham!
Got Names? Max Kalus has a random name-generating tool that is pretty
snappy, and even comes with a Windows installer/uninstaller. It should even
be possible to customize the name lists. Visit
<http://www.beimax.de/programms/namegenerator.html>. Nifty idea, Max.
Want maps? Don't miss GTA member Matti J�rvinen's maps of areas where
"other cartographers fear to tread" at
<personal.inet.fi/koti/matti.jarvinen/runequest/kartat/indexeng.html>.
Larry Lynch-Freshner's adaptation of the Clan Questionnaire will soon match
the contents of "Orlanth is Dead!" See the new version at
<http://www.glorantha.com/tools/clan_start.html> shortly! In addition, a
version for the Wintertop Exiles matching "In Wintertop's Shadow" will be
up on the Unspoken Word website at
<www.celtic-webs.com/theunspokenword/clan_exiles.html> at the same time.
Great job, Larry!
SHORT PLUGS
Issaries licensee Moon Design Publications has released Gloranthan Classics
volume 3, the Cults Compendium. This 352 page volume is available in
softcover ($45.00 US) and hardcover ($60.00 US) from Wizards Attic, and
contains the complete contents of Cults of Prax and Cults of Terror, plus a
whole lot more. More is expected from Moon Design next year, including both
volume 4 (Borderlands and More) and a special map compilation.
Missed the Gloranthan comic "Path of the Damned"? Now you can get the
second issue and its predecessor, each a 48 page, full color comic with a
continuing Orlanthi story set in Jonstown. For more information, visit
<www.tradetalk.de>.
THE Glorantha computer game, King of Dragon Pass (which I'm giving this
Christmas), is still available for only $19.95 from Wizards Attic and other
fine retailers. It also has a new update; go to
<http://www.a-sharp.com/kodp/update/> for details.
Not only has Unspoken Word distributed the "Thieves Arm" and "In Wintertop's Shadow", with "SkyFall Lake," "Imther: Edge of Empire," and "The Far Place" to follow, but now Simon and Mark are offering Paper Heroes. All power to those of you who have painted miniatures, but for those like me who do not enjoy painterly skill, UW now offers a paper alternative: get graphics images designed to be printed, cut and stood upright as 25mm figures, as many as you want, of Gloranthan heroes, daunting Lunars and all kinds of creatures. These are a dandy way to try out Roderick Robinson's Glorantha War skirmish rules if you lack the appropriate figures. Free shipping anywhere if you pre-order. For more information on Paper Wars and the other Unspoken Word products, point your browser towards <www.celtic-webs.com/theunspokenword>.
MORE MINIATURES
Lance and Laser Models, Inc. has released additional figures in the range
of licensed Gloranthan miniatures. These brand new miniatures are cast from
lead-free pewter and sculpted by leading artists. Many are inspired by
artwork in current Hero Wars publications.
The second group of figures is mostly available now, with a few due out in the next few weeks. Additional figures are in the design stage and will be released as they are available. The second release contains 29 figures, all of which are listed at <www.glorantha.com/products/ll_minis.html>.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please visit the Lance and Laser web site at <www.lanceandlaser.com> or read the Issaries press release at <www.glorantha.com/news/pr02_08.html>.
ANOTHER PARTNERSHIP: GLORANTHA AND GREYDOG Fans of the fantasy world of Glorantha can now buy rune stones, pendants, and even plush toys inspired by the Hero Wars and HeroQuest game lines. Issaries, Inc., has licensed Greydog Designs to produce and distribute these items, which were available at Convulsions and will soon be available at the Chaos Society's online store at <www.tradetalk.de>.
Sarah Evans, already known for her fine Glorantha-inspired art, has
established this new venture, starting with a line of ten plush toys (from
the Crimson Bat to a Dragonewt) and a huge array of rune-inscribed resin
pendants, keyrings, and badges. "Glorantha fans already have access to a
regularly-changing range of products through our CafePress.com stores,"
said Greg Stafford, president of Issaries. "Our agreement with Greydog
Designs allows us to make a wider, more personalized range of goods
available. We hope that Sarah will be able to expand her product line over
the next year." Visit Greydog at
<www.glorantha.com/products/cafepress.html>.
PARTING SHOT What stalled John Hughes' wonderful Heortling Stead project? I was truly impressed with the activity and wide ranging scope of the Glorantha project to detail a typical Orlanthi stead? The mail group just stopped after June. If there was an eulogy, I missed it?
I'm one (of a at least a few) who hugely enjoy working out the mechanics of political economy along antique lines, like Iron Age Ireland or in the Heortlands. I've found real joy in reading about, building models, and working through consequences of pre-industrial demographics and transferring major value by barter. I had just stopped lurking when Stormsteads went away ...
Can the tribe resurrect that project?
Hawkbear a.k.a. Mark Leymaster
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