From: owner-runequest-rules@ (RuneQuest Rules Digest) To: runequest-rules-digest@lists.MPGN.COM Subject: RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #35 Reply-To: runequest-rules@mpgn.com Sender: owner-runequest-rules@ Errors-To: owner-runequest-rules@ Precedence: bulk RuneQuest Rules Digest Wednesday, February 17 1999 Volume 02 : Number 035 RuneQuest is a trademark of Hasbro/Avalon Hill Games. All Rights Reserved. TABLE OF CONTENTS [RQ-RULES] RE: RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #34 [RQ-RULES] RE: Ogres as PCs RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs Re: Witness Bashing (was: [RQ-RULES] RE: RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #34) RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs Re: [RQ-RULES] RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #32 [none] [RQ-RULES] DMD - Sunnis for RQ/Greyhawk RULES OF THE ROAD 1. Do not include large sections of a message in your reply. Especially not to add "Yeah, I agree" or "No, I disagree." Or be excoriated. If someone writes something good and you want to say "good show" please do. But don't include the whole message you praise. 2. Use an appropriate Subject line. 3. Learn the art of paraphrasing: Don't just quote and comment on a point-by-point basis. 4. No anonymous posting, please. Don't say something unless you're ready to stand by it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:50:23 -0500 From: "Weihe, David" Subject: [RQ-RULES] RE: RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #34 > The fact that SOMEONE is killing people [and probably eating them] is going > to get known fairly soon in most citys. It's the Fear, Ignornace and > Loathing that'll be the fun bit. Public Lynching of the Innocent is always > good for drama. Marginal people (think bag ladies, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other functional unsane types) will have to all disappear, first, unless your ogre is *very* careless or wildly reckless. Furthermore, if people disappear outside the city walls (like local hunters or some small traders) it could be put down to the advance guard of an invading army, as well. During an actual siege, well, a little starvation and "ordinary" cannibal gangs will start up, as well. All will hide the ogre's activities very well in a city, though not in a small town (only a couple hundred people). The fun comes when some religious fanatic ogre starts invoking Cacodemon every week near the city, and the local ogres start making foolish mistakes. As to whether an ogre requires, or merely prefers manflesh, can anyone find anything in folklore about the Cornish Ogre, the RW archetype? BTW: An ogre's strength (physically speaking) will not come from huge muscles but from better attachments. A RW adult chimp is smaller than most men, but is far stronger, as an illustration. At worst, expect an ogre to look like he/she has insipient arthritis, with somewhat oversized joints. Anyway, don't most ogres fall within the extreme limits of humans? They can always hide as blacksmiths or circus strongmen. Who will watch to see that they don't exercize enough, and who but a few Rune levels or GodLearners with RQ Sight would realize it? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:58:59 -0500 From: "Weihe, David" Subject: [RQ-RULES] RE: Ogres as PCs From: Simon Hibbs > I looked this up last night, and the writeup says that they are not > noticeably different to humans, despite having nearly double the average > strength. On the down side, they *only* eat sentient flesh (it might not say > this categorically, but the implication is very strong, IIRC). More likely, animal flesh except food man isn't kosher, unless eaten to fool their local neighbors. They might toss it up in the outhouse, later on, if it is a real rather than social requirement, which I doubt. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:53:11 -0600 From: "Rich Allen" Subject: RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs > Nobody is saying that trolls can't have a variety of personality types, > emotional responses and aspirations. On the other hand we know that they > do not have many of the emotional responses associated with feelings of > community, morality and impartiality. These concepts have no meaning for > trolls, yet they are the whole body of aldryami psychology. For aldryami > there is no 'self', there is only the forest, of which they are a part. This discussion is going in circles, so I'll close my part of it by reminding everyone that the discussion was started because of comments about Ogres and how they are played in RQ3. NOT how they are played in Glorantha, but how they are played in RQ3. Nowhere in the RQ3 rulebooks does it say that elves are plants, or that ogres must eat humans to survive, or that trollkin can't assume human mannerisms. In Glorantha, myabe, I don't know, but Glorantha does not equal RuneQuest. Rich Allen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:01:18 -0600 From: "Rich Allen" Subject: RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs > I looked this up last night, and the writeup says that they are not > noticeably different to humans, despite having nearly double the average > strength. On the down side, they *only* eat sentient flesh (it > might not say > this categorically, but the implication is very strong, IIRC). Actually, the passage reads "They eat all forms of sentient beings, and are esentially malignant. ... ogres must keep their identities secret, and indulge in their cannabalistic tendencies only in secret..." The use of the word "tendencies" means they absolutely do not ONLY eat sentient flesh. Rich Allen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 23:00:03 -0500 From: Tal Meta Subject: Re: Witness Bashing (was: [RQ-RULES] RE: RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #34) Weihe, David wrote: > > Marginal people (think bag ladies, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other functional > unsane types) will have to all disappear, first, unless your ogre is *very* Hey... one of my best friends is a Witness. While I consider her religious views (well, anybody's religious views, to be honest) intellectual suicide, she's sharp as a tack otherwise. :) - -- talmeta@bellatlantic.net - Heretic & Dilettante ICQ - 12594453 AIM - talmeta1 Homepage - *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 13:43:20 -0000 From: "Hibbs, Philip" Subject: RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs >The use of the word "tendencies" means they >absolutely do not ONLY eat sentient flesh. This is semantics, but "cannibalistic tendencies" implies a tendency to eat the flesh of one's own species, not a tendency to eat sentient flesh - I'd interpret it as a necessity to eat sentient flesh, and a tendency for it to be of one's own species (treating human as the same species). IMO, if it were just a preference, the text would have been "They prefer to eat all forms of sentient beings", rather than just saying "They eat all forms of sentient beings". It can be interpreted either way, and as with all things, it's up to the referee to work out the specifics. >Nowhere in the RQ3 rulebooks does it say that elves are >plants, or that ogres must eat humans to survive, or that >trollkin can't assume human mannerisms. In Glorantha, >myabe, I don't know, but Glorantha does not equal RuneQuest. That's true, but only literally. RQ3 doesn't go into the psychological and physiological depth that the Glorantha supplements are, but that doesn't mean that all non-Gloranthan RQ creatures are just humans in rubber suits, I'd tend to lean towards giving them some differences other than just in the stat rolls. I use Gloranthan examples, because that is the only world that is described in detailed RQ terms, and most RQ players are at least passingly familiar with the creatures (most of them are in the RQ rules). Opinions expressed may not even be my own, let alone those of any organisations, nations, species, or schools of thought to which I may be affiliated. http://www.snark.freeserve.co.uk/ Failure is not an option, it's integral to the o/s. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 09:07:36 -0600 From: "Rich Allen" Subject: RE: [RQ-RULES] Ogres as PCs > This is semantics, but "cannibalistic tendencies" implies a tendency to eat > the flesh of one's own species, not a tendency to eat sentient flesh - I'd > interpret it as a necessity to eat sentient flesh, and a tendency for it to > be of one's own species (treating human as the same species). Well, I think that cannibalistic in this case means eating sentient creatures (we are the only sentient species on Earth, but if there were other species, would we consider eating them to be cannibalistic? I think so, considering how we, in general, feel about the killing of dolphins, apes, etc.) but you're absolutely right, it's up to the GM to decide. I really do think that if the intention of the editors was to restrict the Ogre diet to only sentient flesh, all they had to do was add the word "must" in the "They eat all forms of sentient..." sentence. Because they didn't, and because it also isn't in the official errata, I'll interpret the rules as saying they enjoy eating the flesh of all sentient creatures (including ogres) but do not have to do so to survive. Let's just say there isn't a wrong way to play this, and move on. Rich Allen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:31:10 -0500 From: "Bob Stancliff" Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #32 > > What is the dominant race on Glorantha? > Dragons I like it!! > > Name one fantasy setting that contains humans and > > mortal non-humans where the humans are not the dominant > > race. > Steve Brust's series starting with Jhereg. Touche'... this is also a world with sorcerous elves... VERY TOUGH!! They walk all over mere human mortals. Bob Stancliff *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:40:25 +0200 From: "Pasi Vettenranta" Subject: [none] auth 86ef942e subscribe runequest-rules pvettenr@Helsinki.FI *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 18:21:44 -0500 From: Tal Meta Subject: [RQ-RULES] DMD - Sunnis for RQ/Greyhawk 'ullo. The muse has begun to beat me again, for a little while at least. For those who are still keeping track, I've gone through and begun to completely revamp my take on the Bakluni pantheon. I booted about a third of the ones I'd created, reassigned their spheres to existing deities, and generally cleaned house. I'd wanted to go through and do a pseudo-Islamic take on the whole matter, but that didn't quite work, either. So it's back to the Arabic/Genie slant. :) SUNNIS (The Court of Stone) Runes: Earth, Mastery, Magic Sunnis is the Princess of the Dao, and High Adjudicator of the Court of Stone. Cult in the World In mythology, Sunnis rose from being a minor warrior among the dao to a leader of glorious countenance in opposition to the demon-spawn Ogremoch, who has set his intentions on becoming the ultimate tyrant of the Plane of Earth. Their battles, while infrequent, are evidenced by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the mortal realms. She was chosen by Dorgha Torghu to teach mortals the magic of her realm, as well as proper respect for her servants. Sunnis' followers observe the 17th of Planting as their High Holy Day, with lesser services on the 17th of each month. Chantries to Sunnis are built of the living stone, dwur fashion, wherever mountains or rocky outcrops can be found. Initiates of Sunnis wear caftans and keffiyah of brown and tan, with an agal of black. Higher level members of the cult often add gold trim to their caftans, and string gemstones into their agal. Lay Membership Requirements: Lay members of this cult are considered students, and are treated in all ways as such. They are taught the following skills: Climb, Ride, Orate, Speak Languages, Craft Stone, First Aid, various Lores (Dao, Human, Jann, Magic, Mineral and World are common), Read/Write Languages, and Ceremony. Sorcery Arts and Magick Manipulations are learned as skills, and the Arts of Intensity, Maintain, Multispell, Range, Force, Hold, Permanence and Reinforce are available. (Lay members are not taught any Arts except Intensity). Sunnis' High Vow requires that her followers may only use implements made of or from the earth with minimal refinements (i.e. stone, pottery, glass, or brick, but not metals), may only dwell in homes/buildings that meet the same test (i.e. no wooden structures) and must always maintain physical contact with the ground (no shoes or sandals). Initiate Membership Requirements: Standard, though must possess and INT of 16 or higher. Initiates of this cult are considered journeymen in their craft, and are accorded all the responsibilities and benefits of that position. All of Sunnis' followers function as Earth Warlocks, (i.e. skill/5 for water related magic) no matter what their specialization. Those who choose to specialize as earth warlocks use skill/3. Note: Sunnis' cult does not offer spirit magic to it's followers. Instead, they utilize a form of magic known as mysticism, that employs eight spheres and eight runes. Followers of Sunnis are bonded to the sphere of earth, but may select whatever runic association they please. Knowlege of a sphere and a rune in this fashion does not affect the initiate's Free INT for purposes of memorizing spells, or their vow of the Vessel. Acolyte Membership Requirements: as per Priests. Acolytes are generally accepted as having achieved adept status as sorcerers or magicians. Priesthood Requirements: Standard. Sunnis' priests are also magus sorcerers. Virtues for Sunnis' followers include: Conservative, Loyal, Private, and Stubborn. Common Divine Magic: all Special Divine Magic: Analyze Magic, Command Gnome, Earth Grip, Gnome to Gargoyle, Shake Earth, Summon (Dao, Gnome). Sorcery Notes: Common vows for this cult include Abjure (Alcohol, Armor, Arms, Arts G/L, Spirit Magic), Adulation, Celibacy, Fasting, Humility, Location, Never Kill, Rituals, Seclusion, Shun (Air, Immortality, Water), Tend Familiar. Common speicalties include Autotheist, Healer, Enchanter, Earth Warlock, and Woods Mage. Dao Ancient legends among the Bakluni say centuries prior to the Twin Cataclysms, Warlocks serving their Elements infused themselves with their chosen element, becoming wild and strange to their fellows until they merged with the Element they had chosen, and became the first members of the various genie races. Whether this is true or merely a fanciful legend, none now can say; whether the most ancient temples of these gods still contain the formulae for such transformations or not is similarly unknown. What is known is that the Fate of the Bakluni is definitely tied to the genie races, for good or ill. Dao are the type of genie most closely associated with the element of earth. More than just intelligent gnomes, dao are the nobility of the Plane of Earth. Dao are often powerful spellcasters, utilizing earth spells at their skill/2. Dao SV: 151 STR CON SIZ INT POW DEX 12d6 3d6 5d6 5d6 6d6 5d6 Powers: Armor (12), Burrowing (16), Dust Cloud (3d6 damage, centered on self, 5m radius), Eyeballs x2, Hands x2, Knowledge (where buried treasure can be found), Legs, Transmute (Copper to Gold). Skills: Cloud Attack (3d10+POW%), Command Gnomes (POWx2%), Fist Attack (6d10+POW%), Scan (2d10+POW%), Transmute (5d10+POW%). In addition to their spells, dao can strike the earth with their fists, causing tremors equal to a 6 point Shake Earth spell. The most famous ability of dao, however, is their knowledge of, and ability to retrieve wealth that lies buried beneath the earth. A bound dao may be compelled to do so three times, after which it is freed of all other obligations. Associated Gods None - -- talmeta@bellatlantic.net - Heretic & Dilettante ICQ - 12594453 AIM - talmeta1 Homepage - *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of RuneQuest Rules Digest V2 #35 ************************************ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. RuneQuest is a Trademark of Hasbro/Avalon Hill Games. With the exception of previously copyrighted material, unless specified otherwise all text in this digest is copyright by the author or authors, with rights granted to copy for personal use, to excerpt in reviews and replies, and to archive unchanged for electronic retrieval.