From: "JOHN & CHRISTY THOMPSON" To: Subject: Chaosium Digest v35.08 Date: Thursday, February 21, 2002 3:39 PM Chaosium Digest Volume 35, Number 08 Date: Thursday, February 21, 2002 Number: 1 of 1 Contents * Call of Cthulhu 20th Anniversary Edition (REVIEW) by John W. Thompson Editor's Note: Yes, it has been a while since our last issue. A combination of offline hassles and my not having received a single article submission since last issue have contributed to the delay. The Chaosium Digest is entirely dependant upon reader submissions for its content. Even the contest offering from Chaosium hasn't motivated more than a small handful of submissions over the past year. If only one out every ten subscribers would send in just one submission, I would have enough content for the next year's worth of bi-weekly issues. If you're at all interested in seeing the Chaosium Digest continue, please make the effort to compose a small submission or even a letter to the Editor and email it to chaos-digest@prodigy.net . The deadline for this quarter's contest is March 31, so get those submissions for Call of Cthulhu and/or Stormbringer (BRP or D20 versions) written if you're interested in a chance to win $40 of Chaosium product. As always, even though they don't qualify for the Chaosium Contest, I still accept submissions for Nephilim, Pendragon, Glorantha, Delta Green, Cthulhu Live, Pokethulhu and about anything else that's related to the aforementioned games. Check out past issues at http://pages.prodigy.net/gobackstage in the Chaosium Digest Archive for examples of what's been submitted and accepted in the past. I've had subscriber requests for Pendragon and Stormbringer articles as well as numerous requests for more GM advise and story/adventure ideas for all the above game lines. Thanks for your support. ANNOUNCEMENTS * Good News and New Goods from Issaries Do clothes make the gamer? Have you ever wanted to show your allegiance to the Storm Tribe? Ever wanted to get drunk with Orlanth? Have the entire Lunar Empire on your desktop? Now you can! Issaries, Inc. is proud to announce a new venture in on-line sales of t-shirts, caps, mugs, mousemats, and other products featuring splendid art and slogans from Glorantha. The merchandise is bought through and from the renowned CafePress.com on-line store, who print to order using good quality materials. You can buy safely with credit card, check, or money order and have your purchases shipped anywhere in the world. Issaries, Inc. would like to thank Mark Galeotti of the Unspoken Word for designing and setting up these stores. There are, at present, three Hero Wars stores: Glorantha http://www.cafepress.com/glorantha The store for everyone, with Issaries t-shirts and other items. Why not turn up to a convention showing your true allegiance? Orlanthi http://www.cafepress.com/orlanthi Wonders of the Storm tribe, including the new Deity of the Month range. Each month we will feature the image of a different deity from the pantheon on mugs and clothes. These wonderful "in world" icons were drawn by Simon Bray. The line starts with mighty Orlanth Thunderous, and will change at the start of March and thereafter around the beginning of each month. Lunar Empire http://www.cafepress.com/lunarempire Tribute from across the wide and rosy Empire! This site is still under construction, although there are a couple of items available now (including the Map of the Lunar Empire mousepad), with more to come soon. There will in due course also be a Lunar Deity of the Month range. More stores will be opened in time as the Goldentongue returns from his travels with new wares. Coming soon: a "Book of the Moment" site that will always feature art from the latest book in the Issaries line, starting with Barbarian Adventures. We would also like to open stores offering goods for other cultures of Glorantha; let us know what you would like to see! Under normal circumstances, at least one month's notice will be given before a line is withdrawn from sale, but for now, Issaries Goldentongue waits to tempt you with his wares! * Unspoken Word to produce Pre-Finished Works Issaries, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to have The Unspoken Word produce and distribute the Pre-Finished Works to customers outside North America. The Pre-Finished Works are detailed and in-depth source works on Gloranthan myth and history, "nonprofessional compilations of the notes of Greg Stafford, creator of Glorantha. They have many gaps in information, and the author stridently claims the right to change anything in them before publication. Thus, these are recommended for the hard core Gloranthaphile, but not for the newcomer or casual fan." They are, however, a wonderful resource for the enthusiast who really wants to dig deep into the rich background, myth, and history of Glorantha. While the price will be the same as that charged to North Americans for sales through Wizard's Attic ($30.00 US), The Unspoken Word is able to offer much more favorable postage terms, thus reducing the overall cost to overseas fans of Glorantha dramatically. These will be printed in the United Kingdom (and thus on A4 paper, slightly taller and narrower than its US equivalent), but the contents will be identical to the Issaries-produced versions. Each will be perfect-bound. The Unspoken Word is taking advance orders from January 2002, and hope begin shipping in February. The current Pre-Finished Works available from Wizards Attic and The Unspoken Word are: 8801. The Entekosiad The pre-Solar, Darsenite, and Pelandan mythology and history of Peloria. Essential background information to fully understand the mythology and secrets of the Red Goddess. 8802. The Glorious Reascent of Yelm Myths and history of the glorious Empire of Dara Happa. In addition to the main title document, this volume also includes The Perfect Sky and The Gods Wall, to key Dara Happan writings. 8803. The Fortunate Succession The best detailed source on the Empire, detailing the history from the original Yelm dynasty through to the Red Emperor. Also includes notes on the religion of Yelm. 8804. Missing Lands The oceans and seas, islands and seafolk, and Pamaltelan lands and myths. 8805. Revealed Mythologies Malkioni, Vithelan, and Pamaltelan mythology and philosophy. We anticipate that The Unspoken Word will sell future releases in the series. The Unspoken Word can accept payment either by sterling cheque (made out to 'M Galeotti & S Bray', posted to The Unspoken Word, PO Box 278, Crewe CW3 9YY, UK) or through PayPal, to the account Mark@Galeotti.fsbusiness.co.uk. The following prices give sterling rates for cheques and dollar rates for PayPal orders. Orders from North America The Unspoken Word is unable to sell the Pre-Finished Work to North America addresses. Instead, please contact the Wizard's Attic . Orders from the United Kingdom Base price £20 ($30) plus £2 ($3) p&p, for a total of £22 ($33). Orders from the rest of Europe Base price £20 ($30), plus £3 ($4.50) p&p for a total of £23 ($34.50). Orders from the rest of the World Base price £20 ($30), plus £5 ($8) p&p for a total of £25 ($38). For more information on The Unspoken Word, please see . Stephen Martin Issaries, Inc., publisher of Hero Wars, Roleplaying in Glorantha 900 Murmansk St., Suite 5; Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 452 1648 Fax: (510) 302 0385 See our extensive web site at www.HeroWars.com * Issaries, Inc. News Release January 18, 2002 Oakland, CA Issaries, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Barbarian Adventures, the first book in the Sartar Rising campaign series. This scenario book for Hero Wars details typical activities and unusual adventures for Heortling heroes. Seek the advice of the clan Lawspeaker, fight Chaos monstrosities, become embroiled in a blood feud because of a horse, and escort a group of friendly (perhaps more than friendly) healers around the countryside. The book also includes a Clan Questionnaire to help players understand the mythology and attitudes of their clan. Barbarian Adventures will auto-ship from Wizards Attic beginning on Tuesday, January 22. It is the first of two books originally planned for release as a single volume, Sartar Rising. The second book in the series, Orlanth is Dead!, will be released in March. Mugs, t-shirts, and other merchandise featuring artwork from Barbarian Adventures will soon be available from Issaries through CafePress.com. For more information, see . ISS 1401 Barbarian Adventures ISBN 1-929052-05-7, 72 pg. 8 1/2" x 11" paperback, $14.95 Stephen Martin Issaries, Inc., publisher of Hero Wars, Roleplaying in Glorantha 900 Murmansk St., Suite 5; Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 452 1648 Fax: (510) 302 0385 See our extensive web site at www.HeroWars.com * ISSARIES PRESS RELEASE Oakland, Ca February 1, 2002 Dark Ages Miniatures Releases Glorantha Archive Miniatures Dark Ages Miniatures and Issaries, Inc. are pleased to announce the 25th anniversary re-casting of the FIRST licensed Gloranthan figures. Dark Ages Miniatures will release roughly 30 figures originally produced by Archive Miniatures between 1976 and 1980. Originally produced in lead, this new edition will be cast in a lead-free white metal for a VERY LIMITED time. Issaries, Inc. has licensed Dark Ages Miniatures (a USA based company) to produce these miniatures over the next two years (from February 1st, 2002 to December 31st, 2003), after which the molds will be destroyed. The Gloranthan Classics Miniatures will be released in three groups of approximately 10 miniatures each. The first group of figures is available now. The second and third groups will be released in April and June of 2002. The first group contains these figures: GLO-001 INHUMAN KING $ 5.00 GLO-002 SERPENT MOTHER $ 2.50 GLO-003 EVENING STAR $ 2.50 GLO-004 WHITE PRINCESS $ 2.50 GLO-005 GUNDA THE GUILTY $ 2.50 GLO-006 DANCER OF DARKNESS $ 2.50 GLO-007 GOBBLER $ 5.00 GLO-008 HARREK THE BERSERK $ 2.50 GLO-009 BEAT POT AELWRIN $ 2.50 GLO-010 CRAGSPIDER $ 5.00 GLORANTHA-SET-ONE All 10 Figures $32.50 + $5.00 S&H worldwide Bonus Figure: GLO-SPECIAL-01 MASTER OF FIRE (not for sale separately; see below for details) Figures can be ordered individually or as a set. As an added bonus, customers who order all 10 figures in a group as a single order will receive an 11th miniature free. These bonus figures will not be available for sale separately. Here's how to order: BY MAIL Full set only. Send payment in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. Bank payable to: Discount Hobby, Inc. 2376 W. Michigan Avenue Batte Creek, Mi. 49017 USA ONLINE Full set or individual figures. Cost will include Shipping & Handling. Go to or for details. WWW.PAYPAL.COM Full set only. Orders and payment can be sent to user . In the Subject line or text box put "GLORANTHA-SET-ONE". BY FAX Full set or individual figures. Cost will include Shipping & Handling. Include credit card number and expiration date, full order details, billing address, and shipping address (if different). FAX orders to 616-969-0064. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact . For more information about Glorantha, please contact . Stephen Martin Issaries, Inc., publisher of Hero Wars, Roleplaying in Glorantha 900 Murmansk St., Suite 5; Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 452 1648 Fax: (510) 302 0385 See our extensive web site at www.HeroWars.com * Here's what's new at Chaosium: Shipping Now! Slaves of Fate (CHA 2018 $15.95), written by Jason Durall, is now shipping to distributors world wide. Many game shops could have this book in stock by February 1st. Far out to sea, captive on an Vilmirian slave ship, the adventurers' troubles are just beginning. If judged worthy they are destined for the slave markets of corrupt and terrifying Pan Tang, If not, they will be callously slaughtered at sea, their souls left for the dread undead galleys of the god Pyaray, Tentacled Whisperer of Impossible Secrets. While struggling to escape before matters get any worse, the Chaos goddess Eequor, Blue Lady of Dismay, takes an interest in the adventurers' plight. Their fates are forever changed. A d20 adventure for character for levels 1-3. Stormbringer conversions will be online soon! For more info see: http://www.chaosium.com/woec/2018.shtml . Chaosium Happenings: Chaosium dude Dustin Wright will be attending Ghengis Con February 14 - 17th in Denver Colorado. Swing by and say howdy! For more info see http://www.denvergamers.com The Rumors are true! Chaosium is working on a 15th anniversary edition of Arkham Horror. Our classic Lovecraftian board game of monster hunting is being resurrected late this year. Chaosium Author Bruce Ballon has unveiled his new Unseen Masters website. You can view the site at http://www.sff.net/people/bruce-ballon/um/index.html We're taking submissions for all of our game lines. You too could be a Chaosium writer. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/guidelines.shtml , this links lead to our Cthulhu guidelines. We'll be updating our general writers guidelines soon. Did you miss our December State of Chaosium address? You can still read it. http://www.chaosium.com/chaosium/news.shtml There are Several Chaosium related conventions this year. Check them out. Tentacles is held in Germany this May: http://www.Tentacles-Convention.de/ Convulsions will be held in the UK this July: http://www.glorantha.co.uk/ Chaosium will of course be attending Origins and Gen Con this Summer. We always need more volunteers to run some Chaosium games if you have the time. Here's our upcoming releases: Go let your local shop know you want these books! For Call of Cthulhu The Creature Companion #2375 $21.95 ISBN 1-56882-133-6 Our Manual of Mythos Monsters will be reprinted in Late March 2002. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/rpg/2375.shtml H.P. Lovecraft's Dreamlands (Hardcover) #2394, $34.95 ISBN 1-56882-157-3 We'll be releasing a hardcover edition of our Dreamlands Sourcebook in April 2002. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/rpg/2394.shtml The San Francisco Guidebook #2378 $16.95 ISBN 1-56882-136-0 Delayed due to hard drive crash. No word on when it will be re-created. Spring 2002 Release. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/rpg/2378.shtml For Call of Cthulhu Fiction: Encyclopedia Cthulhiana (reprint) #6022 $16.95 ISBN 1-56882-119-0 Our reprints have been delayed in favor of newer books. Expected April. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/fiction/6022.shtml The Necronomicon (reprint) #6012 $16.95 ISBN 1-56882-070-4 Expected May 2001. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/fiction/6012.shtml The Book of Eibon #6026 $15.95 ISBN 1-56882-129-8 February release. This book is nearly done and should be sent to the printer soon. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/fiction/6026.shtml Disciples of Cthulhu II #6033 $13.95 ISBN 1-56882-143-3 February Release. This Book is nearly completed, and should be sent to the printer soon. http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/fiction/6033.shtml For Dragonlords of Melnibone (D20) & Stormbringer Straits of Chaos A new Dragon Lords of Melnibone d20 adventure. 2019 $8.95 32 pages ISBN 1-56882-155-7 Chaosium has reassigned this book to a new author, who has just turned in a completed manuscript. Expected March 2002. http://www.chaosium.com/woec/2019.shtml Cults of Law & Chaos A New Dragon Lords of Melniboné & D20 system sourcebook. This book is currently being written by Gareth Michael Skarka. Expected to release May 2002. 2020 $23.95 192 pages ISBN 1-56882-158-1 http://www.chaosium.com/woec/2020.shtml For Call of Cthulhu d20: Pulp Cthulhu: Reckless adventures in the 1930's (D20) A new setting for Call of Cthulhu & Call of Cthulhu D20. 8800 $29.95 256 pages ISBN 1-56882-159-X Expected March 2002 http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/d20cthulhu/8800.shtml We have plenty of other books in the works, but we expect to print the books above in the next four months. Thank you for your support everyone! -- Dustin Wright- Chaosium Southwest "Leng Embassy" /|\_(@jjjj@)_/|\ http://www.chaosium.com Celebrating Call of Cthulhu's 20th Anniversary We need writers! http://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/guidelines.shtml. ----------------------- Call of Cthulhu 20th Anniversary Edition (Review) By John W. Thompson This review of the 20th ed. CoC limited edition rulebook will focus mostly on the physical form of the book itself. In content, it is the same as the 5.6 ed. hardcover unlimited book that I reviewed in issue 32.08 (http://pages.prodigy.net/gobackstage/chaos-digest/chaos-digest-v32n08.txt). Now, on to the book itself. With its deep green leatherette cover, gold lettering (and Yellow Sign) on the spine and red Elder Sign on the cover the Anniversary Edition is a striking tome. Combined with the red ribbon bookmark and the gorgeous sepia toned pages, this book boldly stands out on the shelf compared to most other gaming books. In addition, the weight of the book, the feel of the cover and even the scent of the pages combine to trigger an almost reverent handling of the book. When flipping through it, I find myself slowly and gently turning the pages as one would with a old, expensive and fragile book. The artwork, illustrations and layout draw the eye easily across the pages. In addition, the sepia tones and aged look of the pages is quite easy on the eye. As beautiful as this book is, I'm afraid to actually use it in playing the game for fear of damaging it in some way. That, combined with the $80 price tag, limits the utility of this book compared to the normal hardcover. However, for the serious Call of Cthulhu fan, little this side of a mint condition Horror on the Orient Express would make a better gift. Over all, the Limited 20th Anniversary Edition Call of Cthulhu rulebook is a wonderful tribute to one of the great classics of role-playing. -- To unsubscribe from the chaos-digest ML, send an "unsubscribe" command to chaos-digest-request@chaosium.com. Chaosium Inc., Call of Cthulhu, and Nephilim are Registered Trademarks of Chaosium Inc. Elric! and Pendragon are Trademarks of Chaosium Inc. All articles remain copyright their original authors unless otherwise noted.