Issue 9 Spring 2011

MINOTAUR
The Official Webzine of the Mazes & Minotaurs Revival

Midgard & MYTHIKA!

RIDE WITH THE CENTAURS OF SICANIA EXPLORE THE ARCHIPELAGO
MASTER THE SECRETS OF THE RUNES ENJOY 70+ PAGES OF FREE M&M
GOODNESS, INCLUDING TWO COMPLETE ADVENTURES, NEW CREATURES
AND TREASURES, OPTIONAL RULES AND PLENTY OF OTHER COOL STUFF !

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 MINOTAUR n9
A Word from the Editor
MINOTAUR MIRTH
Best of Both Worlds
Welcome, dear readers, to the ninth issue of the
Minotaur, the one-and-only official webzine of the
Mazes & Minotaurs movement a truly special
issue, since it will take you to two very different
fantasy worlds of adventure: good old Mythika, with
its pseudo-Greek tropes and trappings and the
Norse-inspired world of Midgard (from the recently
released Vikings & Valkyries supplement), with its
trolls, fjords and horned helmets!

This issue, the Minotaur bring you the best of both

worlds in 70+ jam-packed pages!
- Who said Centaurs cant have sea adventures?
Lets sink our teeth in the Mythika section first! We
start with a Mythika Gazetteer on Centaurs, followed
by Seven Days to War, an epic, 20+ page adventure
by our friend Andrew Pearce yes, the man who Viking Expedition Roster
brought you the Zerzura trilogy is at it again! This
time, Andrew takes us to a hitherto unknown part of
Mythika, the Archipelago of the Seven Islands so
yes, this big scenario also doubles up as a bonus
mini-gazetteer!

Then, we have a very special Mythic Bestiary, with

five new creatures AND five new special abilities,
followed by a scholarly study of the skies and stars
of Mythika (the Almanac is back!) and a handy
game-aid for Maze Masters lists of all the M&M Yelling Jarl: Olivier Legrand.
creatures described in the Creature Compendium
and in our previous issues, categorized by habitat. Scholarly Skald: Andrew Pearce.
Speaking of creatures, Luke G. Reynards A Twist in Valorous Viking: Gabriel Hunter.
the Maze offers us an in-depth study of winged
beasties, along with some optional aerial combat Hearty Huscarl: Peter Larsson.
rules. Not to be outdone, the Official Oracle brings
us some important rule clarifications and updates. Seasoned Sea-wolf: Marcus Bone.
Battle-mad Berserker: Lyzishadow.
Last but not least, we have our super-special
Vikings & Valkyries section which includes a Vanir Veteran: Colin Chapman.
complete introductory adventure, GMing tips by
Peter Larsson, a Maze Masters Lore about (yes!) Troublesome Troll: Luke G. Reynard.
Runes and a Norse-themed collection of new mythic Crafty Cartographer: Tim Hartin.
items in this issues Pandoras Box.
Artists of Asgard: Various Illustrators; Emmanuel
Oh did I mention the Play Nymph? Croquefer Roudier.

Have fantastic adventures in Mythika or Midgard! Some illustrations copyright Clipart.com

All game material included in this webzine uses the

Olivier Legrand (2011) Revised M&M rules (1987 edition).

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wonders & Perils of Mythika
Mythika Gazetteer: Centaurs of the Sicanian Plains 4
Fascinating facts about everybodys favorite four-legged feisty fighters!

Adventure: Seven Days to War 9

An epic adventure (and a new campaign setting!) by Andrew Pearce

Mythic Bestiary: Something Really Special 31

Some new special abilities for creatures and some new special creatures too...

Almanac of Mythika: Mythic Skies 35

Indulge in some scholarly stargazing with Anagnosis of Thena (aka Andrew Pearce)

Bonus Feature: Where the Wild Things Are 39

Ever wondered where to find a Catoblepas or a Leucrota when you need one?

Special Vikings & Valkyries Section

Article: Here Come the Vikings! 50
A closer look at Vikings & Valkyries (and what it has to offer to all M&M gamers)

Griffin Archives: Places to Plunder, Monsters to Slay! 52

Peter Larsson offers Maze Mastering advice - in his own inimitable Viking style

Adventure: Something Rotten in Novorgby 54

An introductory Vikings & Valkyries scenario, to get your Midgard campaign started!

Pandoras Box: Treasures of the Vikings 62

A collection of new, Norse-flavored wonders for your Vikings & Valkyries sagas

Maze Masters Lore: Runes of Midgard 64

At last! An extended study of, yes, RUNES in the world of Vikings & Valkyries!

Miscellaneous Offerings
A Twist in the Maze: Rules of Flying 67
Lyzishadow, a.k.a the Flying Frenchman, hijacks Luke G. Reynards column!

Official Oracle: Move, Fight, Retreat! 72

Some important official clarifications on combat, movement and optional rules

Play Nymph: Andromeda 74

You loved her in issue 6 and now shes back but this time shes by Gustave Dor.

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 MythIKA GAZETTEER

Centaurs
Of THE sicaniaN plains
Written by Olivier Legrand

Located north of the Thanatari Mountains and east

of Amazonia, the great plains of Sicania are the
native territory of the Centaur race. Sicania is often
called the untamed land for it has never been
settled (let alone conquered) by humans which
makes it a unique case in the history and geography
of Mythika. This Gazetteer takes a closer look at the
culture and history of the Sicanian Centaurs, with
some never-before-published information about one
of Mythikas proudest Folks.

Centaur Tribes
Centaur society is formed by semi-nomadic tribes of
hunters-gatherers, with strictly defined roles: males
do the hunting and protect the tribe, while females
do the gathering and perpetuate the tribe.

A very important thing to understand about

Centaurs is that they are a very unruly and turbulent - This is Sicaniaaaa !!!
people one that makes Hyperborean Barbarians
look strictly disciplined in comparison. This restless, Clans & Bands
often bellicose aspect of their nature is directly
reflected in their society, which is based on a few Two very important subgroups exist within each
rudimentary principles and is constantly shaken by tribe: clans and bands. Clans are extended families,
conflict, from friendly quarrels between brothers to often ruled by their elders, while bands are groups
endless family feuds and even all-out tribal wars. of young warriors united by friendship, common
experiences and a willingness to eclipse other
Centaur society is loosely organized into a number bands by their prowess, bravery and recklessness.
of different tribes. Each tribe is led by a chieftain Of course, these two types of groups often overlap:
usually the strongest warrior of the tribe. His position at the core of most bands lies a group of alpha
can always been challenged by other warriors (or stallions who usually belong to the same clan.
stallions as they tend to call themselves) usually
in single combat to the death. The concepts of clan and band also tend to go in
opposite directions: while the clan, with its ruling
Many young, ambitious Centaur stallions have risen elders, embodies a form of stability and order (in the
to glory (or met an untimely death) in this manner loosest sense of the term), the band represents the
and there are no clearly-established other methods spirit of freedom and lust for life (including battle)
of succession. In many cases, however, ageing inherent to Centaur nature. Because of this, these
chieftains choose to designate an heir apparent to two social concepts often come into conflict but
assume leadership of the tribe after their death but they are also frequently rocked by their own internal
such successions rarely go unchallenged. conflicts: personal competition and jealousies often
cause a band to split (usually into smaller, rival
Chironian Centaurs (Creature Compendium, p 25), bands) and many clans have been wracked by
who, as detailed below, play a crucial role in internecine struggles and strife (which usually take
Centaur society, often try to limit the amount of far longer to heal than mere band rivalries and may
bloodshed following the death of a chieftain, which sometimes cause a clan to split into two enemy
is one of the main reasons they travel from one tribe factions a very extreme and irreparable event,
to another, instead of joining a particular community. which the Chironians always try to prevent.

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 The Six Great Tribes
There are six great Centaur tribes in Sicania, each
named after its mythic founder (choose or roll at
random on 1d6 for Centaur adventurers: Epos,
Ekilon, Pholos, Arkantos, Pelion and Ixion.

The Epos tribe is considered to be the mightiest in

war, the Pholos and Arkantos tribes have been
sworn enemies for more than two centuries and
the tribe of Ixion is the main proponents of the war
against the Amazons.

Some legends also mention a seventh tribe, also

known as the lost tribe or the cursed tribe but
this latter title may actually refer to the Brutaurs
(see p 7 for more details).

Centaurides
Sagittarians & Chironians
Compared to their impetuous and bellicose males,
Centaurides tend to be very peaceful and amicable Two types of exceptional individuals play a very
creatures; in fact, they may well be the main reason important (and very special) role in Centaur society:
why the whole Centaur race managed not to Sagittarians and Chironian Centaurs (see Creature
exterminate itself in an endless series of clan feuds Compendium, pp 25-26).
and tribal wars. They never become warriors; to a
Centaur (or a Centauride, for that matter), war is an As master archers, Sagittarians form the highest
exclusive privilege of the male heritage, just like rank of the Centaurs warrior elite and often have a
motherhood is an exclusive privilege of feminity. lot of influence over their own clan, band or tribe.
Within this worldview, a fighting Centauride is not
only impossible but simply inconceivable. This, of Chironian Centaurs tend to travel alone, moving
course, may explain why Amazons and Centaurs from one tribe to another, acting as itinerant Lyrists
find it so hard to get on with each others. and sacred counsellors. Each year, in winter, all the
Chironians of Sicania gather around a supreme
Centaur tradition considers Centaurides to be the sage known as Chiron to exchange information and
property of their clan; they are closely watched by debate the affairs of the world in general and the
the males (as the most valuable treasure of the Centaur race in particular. Despite what many
tribe) and the most graceful among them must humans believe, Chiron is not the name of a single
usually be won by conquest (another cause of individual it is actually a sacred name (which can
bloodshed among young, reckless stallions). A roughly be translated as poetic sage), held by the
Centauride is expected to take her own life rather wisest Chironian alive: when this Chiron dies, his
than let herself be sullied by a non-Centaur male successor is naturally designated by a divine sign
fortunately, this almost never happens, since from Apollo, during the next winter gathering.
(despite what many stallions seem to believe) very
few non-Centaur creatures find themselves
physically attracted by Centaurides; the great
exception to this rule are, of course, Satyrs. The So you wanna be a Sagittarian ?
offspring of such unions are the Sataurs (Creature
Over the last few years, some Minotaur readers
Compendium, p 26), who are always treated as
have been asking for a Sagittarian player-
untouchable outcasts by Centaurs. character class but (a) there is no such thing as
prestige classes in M&M and (b) the Centaur
class as described in the Players Manual already
encompasses the Sagittarian role: to qualify as a
true Sagittarian, a Centaur player-character must
have taken the bow as his weapon of choice and
have a Missile mod of +6 or better.

In other words, a Centaur archer may start as a

Sagittarian right from 1st level or may acquire this
status at a subsequent level, as soon as his
Missile mod reaches +6. This status will give him
no extra benefits in game terms, unless the Maze
Master is feeling especially generous, in which
case he may give the archer an extra Reputation
bonus of +2 when dealing with other Centaurs.

5
 The Quest for the Sun
Having no knowledge of astronomy (and little
knowledge at all, actually), the first Centaurs
wondered where the Sun disappeared during the
night. One day, a band of particularly valorous (or
foolhardy) Centaurs, whose names remain unknown
(but did they have names at all, back in these days
?) decided to go beyond the horizon and find the
nocturnal abode of the great shining globe. And
because this was the Age of Myth, they actually
succeeded; after many perils and tribulations, they
eventually reached the Sun and were consumed
in its glory. But their sacrifice created the spark that
changed the fate of the Centaur race forever, for it
had attracted the divine attention of Apollo.

The Olympian god was so impressed with the

bravery and spirit of the sun-chasers that he
decided to take the Centaur tribes under his
protective wing; the sun god appeared to them in all
his majesty, bringing them a revelation of the divine
The First Centaurs as well as the two objects which would shape the
future of the true Centaurs : the bow and the harp.
Nothing is known about the actual origins of
Centaurs, the earliest recorded moment in their
mythical history being the Quest for the Sun (see The Gift of the Bow
below). It is certain, though, that the first Centaurs
appeared roughly at the same time as the first The discovery of the bow did not simply give the
humans, at the dawn of the Age of Myth. Centaurs a better missile weapon; it also
transformed them into more evolved beings, for true
It is generally believed that these progenitors of the marksmanship with the bow demanded a degree of
Centaur race were created by the goddess Gaia skill and focus far greater than that required by the
(since Gaian is the native tongue of Centaurs); they use of the javelin not to mention the craftsmanship
were much more primitive than their descendants, needed to actually manufacture a bow.
falling somewhere between the two main branches
of the Centaur race in the present day: the true Those who mastered the new weapon became the
Centaurs and the degenerate, beastly Brutaurs. cultural champions of their race and the heralds of
its new way of life the first Sagittarians.
Those Gaian Centaurs (or proto-centaurs as
some scholars now call them) were little more than Ever since these mythical days, Sagittarians have
primitive savages - but they had one thing which always been regarded with the highest respect by
already set them apart from the other Beastfolk: a other Centaurs not simply because they are good
deep reverence for the Sun. shots but because they embody the very spirit of
their races destiny and mythic identity.
The Centaurs had regarded the Sun as their guide
since the first days of their race, always moving from
East to West, from the edge of the world where the
sun rises to the edge where it sinks into glorious
twilights of blood and gold.

It should be noted that Centaur communities

continue to follow this go west pattern even to this
day which is one of the causes of their ongoing
war against the Amazons (but more on this later).

The first Centaurs did not really identify the Sun as

a deity, because they had no concept of the divine;
they simply saw the Sun as a mysterious and
majestic presence, which they felt an instinctive
need to follow in its great course from one horizon
to another. This myth explains the roving spirit that
dwells in every true Centaurs heart but it also sets
the stage for the first recorded event of their
mythical history : the great Quest for the Sun.
The bow: one of the pillars of Centaur culture

6
 So you wanna be a Chironian?
Over the last few years, some Minotaur readers
have ALSO been regularly asking for a Chironian
Centaur character class.

While it should be noted that the Chironians

diplomatic duties and devotion to the cause of
Centaur unity do not really leave them with a lot of
time to go on quests and adventures, this option
could be a refreshing and interesting one,
especially in an all-Centaur campaign.

If this option is used, Chironian Centaur player-

characters should be created as Lyrists, with
Grace and Skill (rather than Luck) as their primary
attributes but their Orphic Voice should still be
calculated as (Grace mod + Luck mod), making
them somewhat less adept at Poetic Magic than
their human homologues.

Their Centaur anatomy, on the other hand, grants

them the Four-Legged and Extraordinary Agility
The harp: another pillar of Centaur culture benefits of the Centaur class (see Players Manual,
p 10). It should be noted, however, that Chironian
Centaurs are not trained to be warriors (giving
The Gift of the Harp them, of course, no weapon of choice) and respect
the same vows of non-violence as human Lyrists,
leaving them few opportunities to take advantage
With the gift of the harp came the discovery of song, of their high Skill score.
music and poetry. This opened a whole new world
to the Centaurs a world where things like honor,
beauty, love or sadness could be expressed in a
way that moved the heart and the spirit. Honor & Glory
Simply put, the gift of the harp made the Centaurs Along with the Hyperborean Barbarians and (quite
aware of their own soul something which definitely ironically) the Amazons, the Centaurs never bowed
set them apart from the Beastfolk tribes, allowing down before the power of the Autarchs, against
them to evolve into nobler beings. Whereas those whom they waged a constant and often desperate
Centaurs who mastered the way of the bow became war during the Age of Magic.
known as Sagittarians, those who mastered the way
of the harp became known as Chironians from an It was during these times of turmoil that Centaurs
old Centaur word meaning sage and poet. rose to their current stature, gaining the respect and
friendship of many humans for their valorous stand
Ever since the revelation of Apollo, there has always against the Autarchs and opening the way for the
been a supreme Centaur lyrist named Chiron, who Age of Heroes.
acts as the counsellor and mentor of the other
Chironian Centaurs, always trying to lead their race Many Sagittarians and Chironians acted as mentors
on the path of wisdom which is not always an for young human heroes in exile; in return, young
easy task, given the impetuous and unruly temper of Centaur warriors were often sent to the Land of the
their Centaur brethren. Three Cities to seek adventure alongside human
companions a tradition which is still observed
today (and which also explains why, among all the
The Brutaurs nonhuman Folks of Mythika, Centaurs were the only
ones to end up as a player-character class).
But some Centaurs refused the gifts of Apollo.
Divorcing themselves from the rest of the Centaur
nation, they followed a path opposite to that of their
former brethren, rapidly descending into barbarism
and beastliness and forever forsaking any hope of
intellectual or spiritual development.

These renegade tribes became known as Brutaurs.

It should be noted that this mythical episode does
not only tell us how the Brutaurs came to be; it also
explains why they cannot make or even use bows
(let alone harps), which remain the sign (and the
sacred prerogative) of the true Centaurs. Men and Centaurs a friendship forged in dire times

7
 Centaurs of the Woods, Seas & Skies
The Sylvan Centaurs described in Minotaur n3
(p. 33) are a unique, hybrid branch of the Centaur
race; their main territory lies well outside the
borders of Sicania, on the other side of the Typhon
Sea, in the dense forests located north of the
Helicon Mountains; their patron deity is not Apollo
but his sister Artemis, the woodsy goddess of the
hunt and a great archer in her own right.

As noted in the Creature Compendium, the origins

of the Pegataurs and Ichtyocentaurs remain a
complete mystery; it should however be noted that,
despite what some true Centaurs might think,
these winged and aquatic hybrids simply share too
many distinctive traits with them to be seriously
considered as completely separate species.

The question is further complicated by the fact that

A typical Aresian Centaur Centaurs do not have any explanation or
etiological myth for their own hybrid anatomy
The Aresian Strife (perhaps because they do not perceive it as
hybrid in the first place I mean, do humans
Most Centaurs worship Apollo, a god who, as we need to explain why they only have two legs ?). So
have seen, has played a prominent role in their far, the most credible scholarly theory seems to be
evolution and mythic history but as noted in the that of the great naturalist Telmon of Seriphos,
who theorize that Ichtyocentaurs were created by
Players Manual (p 16), some of them prefer to follow
Poseidon from Tritons and Sea-Horses in the
Ares, the god of war. same manner that Centaurs had first been created
by Gaia from men and horses, and that Zeus
These self-styled Aresians form a very limited (and himself is responsible for creating the Pegataurs,
recent) minority, which is not present in all tribes; it perhaps as some sort of reply or riposte to
is particularly well-implanted among the Ixionids, Poseidons creation - perhaps the two divine
who now claim that the founder of their tribe was brothers had some kind of contest ?
actually a son of Ares. Aresians are even more
warlike than other Centaurs and could be described
as the neo-conservatives of Centaur society, since
their declared goal is to lead their race back on the Friends & Foes
path of its true fate: the path of war excluding all
forms of compromise with the natural enemies of Centaurs usually get on very well with Nymphs, who
the Centaur race, such as the Amazons. seem to be easily attracted by the men-horses
animal nobility and impetuous temper. They do not,
Needless to say, the Aresian Centaurs often come on the other hand, look very favorably upon Satyrs,
into conflict with the Chironians, who represent and whom they tend to see as capricious, unhealthy and
advocate everything they reject in Centaur culture. debauched creatures - not to mention the fact that
They also have very tense relationships with the Satyrs are very popular with many Nymphs.
Sagittarians for Ares, their patron god, views the
bow as a cowards weapon; perhaps more than Among Monsters, the Centaurs greatest foes are
anything else, this contempt for the revered archers undoubtedly Griffins, who are particularly fond of
has prevented the Aresians from gaining any sort of horse (and Centaur) flesh but they also have
lasting political power among their kin. That being many sworn enemies amongst the nonhuman Folks
said, they are becoming more and more influential of Mythika, including Arimaspians (whose mounted
in some tribes and are actually the main driving hordes constantly encroach on the eastern parts of
force behind the ongoing war against the Amazons. Sicania), Brutaurs, Lycans, Tragos and other feral
Beastfolks; it should also be noted that they do not
For the Chironian sages and their allies, Aresians get on well with quasi-humans such as Wildmen or
represent the greatest menace to the Centaur race Ogres or even the nobler Hawkmen (probably
an inner enemy, which could well lead the equine because of this races closeness to Griffins).
folk back into barbarism, alongside the accursed
Brutaurs. Of course, the Aresians denounce this Centaurs also display a particular hatred for the
discourse as Chironian propaganda, urging their twisted hybrids of their own species - Equinians,
compatriots to forget about the bow and the harp Lycocentaurs and Sataurs, whom they usually try to
and embrace the bloody glory of Ares. Although kill on sight, especially if they are encountered in
most outsiders are unaware of its existence, the Centaur territory. This hostility does not apply to
Aresian strife is the greatest conflict to have rocked Onocentaurs and Bucentaurs, whom the Centaurs
the Centaur world since the Age of Myth for its view as cousins albeit remote and inferior ones,
outcome will obviously have a crucial impact on the lacking the proud and noble spirit of true Centaurs.
future fate of the race as a whole.

8
 SEVEN DAYS TO WAR!
An epic Mazes & Minotaurs adventure set in a hitherto-unknown corner of Mythika

Written by Andrew Pearce

There are many, known inhabited islands there are also hundreds of unknown islands, mysterious locations that may
hold treasures, clues, monsters, allies or enemies. There may be secrets, plots, traps, witches and tyrannical kings

Maze Masters Guide, p 27

settlers grew in number and prospered. They colonized

The Archipelago the other islands of the Archipelago (with the notable
exception of the wild and savage island of Belixa). And
The Archipelago of the Seven Islands (often known by
they began to trade with more distant islands and
its inhabitants simply as The Archipelago) is a new
settlements upon the shores of the Middle Sea.
geographical setting for Mazes & Minotaurs.
But then, forty years ago, a terrible war broke out
The Archipelago is located somewhere in the Middle
between Atreon and Zankros, and has been fought with
Sea. It is fairly remote, situated at some distance from
varying intensity ever since. Many attempts have been
the main shipping routes (if the Maze Master wishes to
made to broker peace, but without success: even the
be more specific, he may of course place it near
Thenans long ago gave up hope of helping the two
Umbria, Tritonis, the Three Cities or any other well-
warring sides settle their differences.
established location within the Middle Sea).

As the name would suggest, the Archipelago is made Then, a year ago, the unthinkable happened: a truce
up of seven islands. The two largest and most fertile was finally declared between the two sides! A new,
islands are Atreon and Zankros. These were first bold king named Pyribus had come to the throne of
settled towards the very end of the Second Age by a Zankros, and had finally managed to reach out the
group of Mineans desperately fleeing from the hand of friendship to the Atreonids, who (privately) were
deprivations of the Autarch sorcerers. Over the three just as exhausted by four decades of warfare as the
centuries that followed, the descendants of these initial Zankrosians.

9
 The Seven Islands

Atreon, Isle of the Mighty

The most highly populated (20,000) of the Seven
Islands, Atreon has always regarded itself as the
foremost island of the Archipelago. Atreon currently has
the largest navy, as well as the most highly-trained
army, in the Seven Islands. However, whilst blessed
with fertile soil, the island has virtually nothing in the
way of mineral resources. This has resulted in a
generally poorer and less cultured society than its chief
rival, Zankros.

In addition to the chief city and port, Atreopylae, there

are a number of other settlements on Atreon the most
important being the towns of Gatica and Idrecuse. The
patron god of Atreon is Zeus, and an impressive temple
to Zeus is located near the most northerly point of the
island, Cape Wrath (so-called because of the
unpredictable and changeable nature of the waters
around this promontory).

The islets of Melipsa are a group of five small islands

off the north coast of Atreon. They are uninhabited by
humans (though it is rumored Sirens live on one of the
islets) and surrounded by treacherous waters.
Is the Archipelago on the brink of war again?
The current king of Atreon, Leomides II, has reigned
The current monarch of Atreon, king Leomides, has for nine years. He is deeply attached to his daughter
agreed to the truce, and has even accepted Pyribus Callidice (having lost his only son prince Atreos in the
bold proposition: that he give the hand of his daughter, last major sea-battle in the Archipelago some four years
the beautiful Callidice, in marriage to the king of ago). He has grown weary of the war that started during
Zankros, in exchange for one of the smaller islands of the reign of his grandfather, and though a proud man,
the Archipelago (currently governed by Zankros). In he is also pragmatic. He realizes that Pyribus visionary
addition, he has agreed that any son produced by the diplomatic overture is perhaps the best hope for a
marriage will one day become king of both Atreon and lasting peace.
Zankros and (by extension) the entire Archipelago.
However, not all the nobles of Atreon agree. Prince
Unfortunately, there's been a rather major complication. Caldamos, the nephew of Leomides and his nearest
On route from Atreon to Zankros, the ship of the male relative, is known to have opposed Pyribus olive-
princess Callidice was ambushed, and most of her branch. The proposed peace treaty, if enacted, would
entourage slaughtered. The princess herself has deprive Caldamos of what he believes to be his rightful
disappeared whether captured or dead is unknown. claim as successor to the throne of Atreon in favor of
Ateron is blaming Zankros for this outrage, whilst many the future offspring of the union between the princess of
on Zankros suspect some fiendish Atreonid plot. Atreon and king of Zankros.

The grief-stricken king of Atreon (who, regardless of his

many faults, truly loves his daughter) has demanded Zankros, Island of Oppulence
that Zankros find and return his daughter unharmed
within just seven days, or the truce will be cancelled, Zankros is about the same size as Atreon, but with a
and the Archipelago will be plunged once more into somewhat smaller population (about 18,000). Its navy,
bloody full-scale conflict. nevertheless, is only a little less numerically weaker
than that of Atreon, and is perhaps more skilled. Its
The adventurers (whoever they are) are recruited by army, however, is definitely inferior, and only because
king Pyribus (who needs most of his men to prepare for of its slight naval edge over Atreon has Zankros been
a possible invasion) to join the search for the princess. able to hold its own for so long against its great enemy.
He feels sure that she's alive, and hidden somewhere in Zankros farming land is as rich as Atreons if less
the Archipelago. Can they find the missing princess, extensive. However, the discovery of a silver mine near
deal with her abductors, and prevent a return to full- the town of Coreina fifty years ago has resulted in a
scale war and all within the space of seven days? richer lifestyle for most Zankrosian citizens than for their
Atreonid counterparts. The arts and sciences have also
The search for the missing princess Callidice is a flourished in Zankros over the past half a century and
suitable adventure for 3-6 heroes of level 2 or above. several Zankrosian scholars have even studied at the
famed Akademia of distant Thena.

10
Along with the capital, Megalis, the main settlements increasingly troublesome. King Pyribus of Zankros
on Zankros are the towns of Coreina and Inos. The proposes to cede Trogina to Atreon as part of the
patron goddess of Zankros is Artemis, and her main peace settlement (in exchange for princess Callidices
temple is located deep in the forest of Zankros. hand): in truth, he'd be quite happy to see the back of
the troublesome Trogs.
The current king of Zankros is Pyribus. Pyribus only
became king four years ago, soon after the last great The leader of the Troginan independence movement is
sea-battle off the islets of Melipsa. In his first twelve named Corintos. Rather mysteriously, no-one seems
months, Pyribus had to contend with several to know what he looks like: rumors abound of a masked
assassination attempts, including one orchestrated by vigilante, whose consummate swords-skill is matched
his jealous younger brother Tryphon and his scheming only by his fanatical dedication to his cause.
ally the sorcerer Xendor. Tryphon and Xendor fled as
soon as their plot was uncovered. They left the The only important settlement on the island is also
Archipelago for parts unknown, allowing Pyribus to known as Trogina. The islands patron goddess is
finally consolidate his throne. Then, a year ago, Pyribus Aphrodite: her main temple is found overlooking Yellow
made his audacious diplomatic overture to Leomides of Cliffs Bay on the eastern side of the island.
Atreon. Although his marriage offer was originally a
purely diplomatic proposal, Pyribus has since fallen in
love with Callidice. He is every bit as enraged as Apollina, the Blessed Island
Leomides that she has been abducted and angry at
the prospect of his peace initiative being torn to shreds. Apollina is the smallest island of the Archipelago, and
home to a temple of Apollo. This temple is the largest in
the whole Archipelago, and its fame has spread even
Trogina, Island of the Downtrodden beyond the Seven Islands. No women are allowed to
step onto the island (a dire prophecy speaks of disaster
The small island of Trogina (population 3,000) is almost for the Archipelago should this ever happen). The
equidistant between Atreon and Zankros, and was first island (population 200 all male) is held in a special
settled about two hundred and fifty years ago. The reverence by all the inhabitants of the Archipelago, and
Troginans (sometimes contemptuously known as although under the formal protection of Zankros, the
Trogs) have been ruled by Zankros for more than a priests of Apollina do not fear attack from the Atreonid
century. In recent years an independence movement fleet. Pirates, of course, are another matter
has sprung up on the island, and has become
11
 Timeline of the Archipelago
AM = Age of Magic; AH = Age of Heroes

285 AM: Minean refugees, led by Damocles the Valiant, settle

in the Archipelago on the principal islands later known as
Atreon and Zankros.
27 AH: Death of Damocles: his sons quarrel over the
succession. Atreos I, the elder, becomes king of Atreon, whilst
Zankrax I, the younger, becomes king of Zankros.
63 AH: Korikos is settled by colonists from Atreon.

69 AH: The sanctuary of Apollo is established on Apollina. The

ban on women polluting the sacred isle is instigated.
90 AH: Trogina is settled by colonists from Zankros.

103 AH: Draxos is settled by colonists from Atreon.

136 AH: Aided by Atreon, the Troginans rebel against
Zankros, and appoint their own ruling council. The First
Archipelago War begins.
141 AH: After five years of fighting the Zankrosians accept
Troginan independence.
188 AH: The Curse of Drafa descends upon the island of
Korikos. Within three months, all the inhabitants of the island
are dead.
Damocles the Valiant and his companions 190 AH: Zankrax II (also known as Zankrax the Great)
Founders of the kingdoms of Atreon and Zankros becomes ruler of Zankros.
197 AH: The Zankrosians invade Draxos, beginning the
Second Archipelago War.
Draxos, the Pirate Island
204 AH: Atreon surrenders Draxos to Zankros, ending the
Second Archipelago War.
This middle-sized island was inhabited for more than
two centuries by humans, but was ravaged and left 229 AH: Rivalry amongst the oligarchs of Trogina leads to civil
deserted early on in the Archipelago War. However, war. The Zankrosians accept an invitation to intervene from
seven years ago it was settled by an unknown number some of the oligarchs, and subjugate the entire island.
of pirates, who have since used it as base of operations
235 AH: Zankrax the Great dies just before the great Armada
for their raids throughout the Archipelago. Neither with which he intends to conquer Atreon, and thereby unite the
Atreon nor Zankros have had sufficient time, energy or Archipelago, is due to set sail. His son and heir, Myles II,
ships to spare against this brood of vipers: but both abandons his fathers planned invasion.
kings have vowed to take action against the pirates
once the peace treaty is sealed. Draxos is very much 285 AH: The last serious attempt to settle Belixa, made by
Leomides I of Atreon, ends in disaster.
an island of two halves: densely-forested woodland to
the east, and craggy rocks and cliffs to the west. A 289 AH: A rich silver mine is discovered near Coreina.
ruined Temple of Poseidon is located on Draxos.
299 AH: The Third Archipelago War begins.

Korikos, the Silent Island 304 AH: Atreon invades Draxos, which becomes the major
battleground of the war for the next three years. By the end of
this period, the island is left utterly desolate, its settlements in
Korikos is a small island, off the coast of Atreon. Once ruins and its inhabitants dead or enslaved.
a colony of Atreon, settled nearly three hundred years
ago, Korikos came to be noted for certain excesses. 325 AH: About this time the Troginans, led by the mysterious
Corintos, begin a guerrilla campaign against the Zankrosians.
However, the island was abandoned as a result of a
mysterious and terrifying plague outbreak (known as 331 AH: Leomides II becomes king of Atreon.
the Curse of Drafa) some one hundred and fifty years
ago. No-one has dared visit the place known now as 333 AH: Pirates based on Draxos begin operating within the
Archipelago.
the Silent Island sinceor so it is commonly believed.
336 AH: The battle of Melipsa leads to the death of prince
Atreos of Atreon. A few months later, Pyribus becomes king of
Belixa, the Dark Island Zankros.

Belixa is the third largest island of the Archipelago, but 337 AH: Tryphon and Xendor flee Zankros following the failure
of their plot against Pyribus.
is little-explored. This island is thickly-forested, and
known to be the abode of many foul creatures. Several 339 AH: Pyribus peace initiative leads to a truce.
attempts have been made by humans to settle upon the
so-called Dark Island, but without lasting success. 340 AH: Princess Callidice is abducted

12
 Lord Dauros raises his arms, and cries out to the
crowd: Citizens of Zankros! People of Megalis! Attend
to my words! An uneasy hush falls once more across
the square. Dauros pauses for a moment, then
continues: Pyribus your king commands that I share
with you the news contained within this scroll so
ominously delivered by the messengers from Atreon. It
is a grave communication, but I beg that you listen to it
with courage and restraint. Dauros carefully unrolls the
scroll, and reads its dire message.

To the ruler of Zankros,

Two days ago as you doubtless know already

the Atreonid ship bearing our beloved princess
Callidice, daughter of our most esteemed king
Leomides, was attacked without provocation whilst
en route to your kingdom. A few hours after the
attack, the ships of the noble navy of Atreon
reached the burning wreck. There were only two
survivors, both gravely injured, who soon thereafter
died of their wounds. Both swore with the honest
breath of dying men soon to go to Hades that the
Citizens of Zankros! People of Megalis! Attend to my words!
attack was made by two ships bearing the colours
and marks of Zankros. Of our beloved princess
there was no sign.
The Adventure Begins This heinous act of treachery is without equal in the
long history of our Archipelago, and your kingdom
An Ultimatum is Delivered should deservedly perish in blood in recompense
for this wickedness. Yet such is the mercy of the
The adventurers arrive in Megalis, the main port and compassionate Leomides for your people
capital of Zankros, on a day of growing anxiety and ignorant as they undoubtedly are of your base
tension. Crowds of people throng the streets, and all treachery that our king offers you one chance for
the whispered talk and wild rumors speak of princess redemption.
Callidice, the Atreonid bride-to-be of king Pyribus
whose arrival in Zankros is now two days overdue. If the princess Callidice is returned to us at
Atreopylae, unharmed, not later than noon on the
The adventurers find themselves in the Great Square, seventh day following the delivery of this message
before the Royal Palace, near mid-day, just as heralds together with the written deed, signed by yourself
announce the arrival of prince Caldamos, nephew of and your counselors, surrendering the island of
the king of Atreon. From their vantage point, the player Trogina for all time to the jurisdiction of Atreon
characters have a clear view as the Atreonid delegation then you shall have peace. If not, our war of
enters the square, and crosses towards the palace vengeance will know no end until every town and
steps. Awaiting them is an anxious-looking Pyribus, village of Zankros is reduced to ash, every field is
attended by his chief counselors and household guard. sown with salt, every man of Zankros lies dead,
and every woman and child is enslaved. This we
There are murmurs of disapproval as the grim-faced swear, before Zeus and all the Great Ones.
Caldamos approaches Pyribus and, without the
customary diplomatic courtesies, flings at his feet a The Council of Atreon commands this message be
scroll. Several of the household guards begin to draw delivered to you in person by Caldamos, prince and
swords, but at a sharp word of command from Pyribus, heir of Leomides.
they desist. For a moment, Caldamos stands at the foot
of the palace steps, looking up contemptuously at The Council salutes our king.
Pyribus: then, abruptly, without a word, he turns on his
heel and marches back the way he came, accompanied
by his attendants. The crowd draws back and lets them Lord Dauros carefully rolls shut the scroll, and looks out
pass in stunned silence. As soon as they have left the across the assembly. Then, in his slow, deliberate
square, a babble of noise breaks out, as the disturbed voice, he says: King Pyribus grieves the abduction of
citizens of Zankros ask themselves what this portentous princess Callidice, his bride-to-be. He pledges that he
display foretells will search for her until she is found. But he denies all
charge of complicity in the attack on her ship. Doubtless
Pyribus picks up the scroll and silently reads it, ashen- there are those who greatly desire that our search for
faced. He exchanges a few whispered words with his peace should fail, that the war between our people and
chief counselor, Lord Dauros, and hands the scroll to Atreon should continue, and intensify. It is to such as
him: then he ascends the steps and disappears back these wherever they may be in our Archipelago that
into the palace. we must look for the perpetrators of this crime.
13
But in the meantime, our king must make all speedy So, if not Atreon itself, where else should we look for
preparation for the defence of this island. We continue the princess? Pyribus looks down at the map of the
to hold out one hand in peace and friendship, but with Archipelago on the council-table before him. Trogina is
the other we must make ready for war and bloodshed. a strong possibility. The Troginan rebels have fought
Return to your homes. Pray to the gods. Trust in your against us for fifteen years now, and neither side has
king. Zankros will prevail. gained the advantage. They cannot break our hold over
the port and coastal villages, but we in turn cannot
dislodge them from their mountain hideouts, and from
An Audience with the King the sway they have over the common people. As long
as the war with Atreon continues, we cannot deal
Despite Dauros appeal for calm, there is much unrest effectively with the Trogs. But should peace come
on the streets of Megalis for the rest of the day (Day 1). then that masked avenger Corintos might really have
something to worry about. Theres plenty of reason,
The city guard is hard pressed to maintain order on the therefore, for Troginans to have abducted the princess.
streets of the city. There is a rush to the docks, as
many citizens decide that their best hope of safety lies Then theres Draxos. That nest of vipers has done well
in getting away from Zankros. Several shops and for itself over the last few years. The pirates of Draxos
businesses are looted, drunks cause a nuisance of just like the Trogs would have little cause to celebrate
themselves, and some of the city guard overreact, peace. Wed be free at last to deal with them. In fact, an
exacerbating an already tense situation. Roll 1d6 on a operation with ships of Atreon and Zankros joining force
1, 2 or 3, the adventurers find themselves inadvertently against the pirates is something Id already discussed
caught up in street disorder of one kind or another. with Leomides. Perhaps the pirates found out about our
plans. Perhaps THEY kidnapped the princess.
The adventurers, naturally, will want to offer their
services to the king. Unfortunately, getting an audience I think we can rule out the priests of Apollina,
with the king, or even one of his advisers, is difficult in continues Pyribus. They havent allowed a woman onto
the current emergency. However, after spending much their island for hundreds of years. Even female
of the first day dealing with guards and lesser officials, livestock are banned, lest they pollute the sacred isle.
the adventurers are finally able to secure an audience And as for the Silent Island he shudders and points
with the king. at Korikos Only a madman would venture there. The
Curse of Drafa lingers on after all these years.
Pyribus is in his Council Chamber, surrounded by his
closest advisers. Security is tight, and the guards seem The possibility of treachery at home cannot be ruled
more than usually on edge. out, my king, says Dauros, interrupting. As I have
already advised you, our own island must be searched
The adventurers, naturally, may only enter the royal thoroughly, lest we find we have a conspiracy in our
presence having first laid aside their arms. Pyribus will very midst. Remember your brother Tryphon!
say nothing at first to the adventurers, leaving Dauros
to do the questioning. Only when Dauros is satisfied The king winces, and replies, somewhat sharply, As if I
that the adventurers are genuine and capable in their could ever forget, Dauros. My greatest fear has always
offer of assistance will the king finally speak. been treachery from within, and that is why the greatest
effort must go into searching this island.
So, you would help Zankros in this desperate hour?
Your offer seems genuine, and the skills you claim are The king looks at the adventurers. I have already this
impressive. In truth, I find that I am in need of day dispatched men to Trogina and Draxos. But you will
assistance. Most of my men are needed here on have doubtless noted that there is one island of our
Zankros, preparing for the threat of invasion, and Archipelago I have not yet mentioned? He looks down
despite my public pronouncements, I have few to spare again at the map: Belixa. There is a murmur of disquiet
for a search that may well prove futile. We have no way from the assembled counselors.
of knowing whether or not the princess is alive or dead;
or even, of course, whether the Atreonid tale of her Belixa, repeats Pyribus, the Dark Island. An island of
abduction is true in the first place. For all we know, her hidden terrors, unexplored forests, and lost expeditions.
father, or even her duplicitous cousin Caldamos, may Every attempt to settle the island has ended in dismal
have hidden away Callidice themselves, and are using failure. The last to try it died half a century ago. No-one
her supposed-abduction as a pretence for war. If that is goes there nowor so weve been led to believe. But
so, then our hopes for peace are already doomed. about eighteen months ago, I did receive a report of a
ship sighted entering the Cove of Crows HERE. He
Pyribus smiles grimly then says: But I think not. points to a location on the map. Curious. It might be
Leomides is too honorable a man to engage in such nothing. But then againperhaps we should include
duplicity. Caldamos, I judge, is more than capable of it: Belixa in our search.
but I doubt he would dare such a thing himself, without
the knowledge of his uncle. Nevertheless, Callidices Unfortunately, I have few men now to spare, and fewer
abduction has been to his clear advantage. The still that have the courage to travel to such an ill-
ultimatum from the Council of Atreon names him now omened island. He looks at the adventurers and smiles
as heir to Leomides. Despite his outward show of anger sardonically. But perhaps you are the exceptions I
and contempt today, Caldamos will in truth be quite need. Will you do this for the sake of my people and
pleased at this turn of events, Im sure. the rewards that a grateful king can bestow?

14
 Religion in the Archipelago
Should any of the adventurers choose to visit a
local temple before setting out on this adventure,
they may be surprised to find that even in a
reasonably large settlement like Megalis, there are
a limited number of deities who are worshipped.
Indeed of the twelve Olympian gods and
goddesses, only six are venerated widely in the
Archipelago: Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Hera,
Aphrodite and Artemis. According to legend, it was
these six deities who guided the ancestors of the
Archipelagos inhabitants to safety three and a half
centuries ago. The other six Olympian deities are The Scarlet Endeavor is treated as a Merchant
referred to, somewhat disparagingly, as the Roundship (but one carrying little in the way of cargo).
Outsider Gods. In addition to the captain, it has a crew of fourteen
sailors (treat as minor NPC Fighters, p 25 of the Maze
Each of the six human-inhabited islands of the Masters Guide). They are all loyal Zankrosians, and are
Archipelago (i.e. excluding Belixa) adopted one of clearly devoted to their captain.
the six accepted gods (the Great Ones) as a
particular patron. However on Korikos the The Scarlet Endeavor is due to leave within the hour.
inhabitants in their decadence and immorality The adventurers will have time for any minor tasks (e.g.
turned away from the worship of their patron Hera, collecting equipment, visiting a local temple etc), but
and for this impiety it is widely believed suffered they will be accompanied by royal guards wherever
the Curse of Drafa. Elsewhere in the Archipelago, they go a discrete, but unmistakable presence.
Hera is customarily described as the Goddess of
Vengeance, and her priestesses, whilst respected,
are also widely feared. Challenges on the Voyage
Adventurers from outside the Archipelago who The journey to Belixa should take a single day (arriving
worship of the six Great Ones will be more readily at sunset of Day 2). Roll 1d6 on the Sea Journey
accepted in the Archipelago than those who Event Table below to judge what befalls the ship:
worship one of the Outsider Gods. This is
especially true for priests. Most other adventuring
classes are reasonably regarded, with the Roll Result
exception of thieves, sorcerers and elementalists,
who are generally viewed with great suspicion. 1 Nothing of note happens.

2 Becalmed. The journey to Belixa takes an

The Voyage to Belixa extra day (arrival on evening of Day 3).

Aboard the Scarlet Endeavor 3 Attacked by a Sea Horror (see p 99 of the

Creature Compendium for a description). As
The adventurers spend the night in comfort in (carefully well as any injury or death to the crew and
guarded) rooms near the palace. Early the next passengers, the Sea Horror will do 1d6 points
morning (Day 2), they are brought before Dauros. He of Structure damage to the ship.
introduces them to a taciturn, brawny man in his mid-
forties named Idemon. Idemon, explains Dauros, is the 4 Attacked by Pirates. The ship is engaged by a
captain of a ship named the Scarlet Endeavor, which pirate vessel from Draxos. The ship is crewed
will take the characters to Belixa. by fifteen pirates (use the profile for Bandits on
p 59 of the Creature Compendium).

Idemons Orders 5 Storm. The ship takes 1d6 points of Structure

damage, including serious damage to the
The adventurers may, of course, have their own rigging, and makes landfall on the isle of
transport. Even if this is the case, Dauros will insist Trogina. Repairing the ships rigging takes a
that Idemon will take them on his ship to Belixa. His whole day (Day 3), reducing the Structure
orders are that he and his crewmen are not to step damage by one point. After setting sail once
ashore, but to remain onboard awaiting the return more, the ship will arrive at Belixa on the
of the adventurers, and, should they find the evening of Day 4.
princess on the island, to immediate transport them
and her to the port of Atreopylae. The clear
impression that the adventurers will get is that 6 Attacked by Atreonids. The ship is engaged
Idemon and his men are to act as minders to by a war galley captained by an impetuous and
ensure that the adventurers go exactly where they belligerent Atreonid commander. The ship is
are meant to go, and have no contact with anyone crewed by thirty men (use the profile for
else in the meantime. Soldiers on p 60 of the Creature Compendium).

15
Belixa the Dark Island

The Cove of Crows

Arriving at the Cove of Crows, the adventurers find
three war galleys moored. The pendants flying from the
ships are of unfamiliar color neither the blood-red of
Atreon nor the fresh-green of Zankros, but instead a
deep purple. They belong, of course, to prince Tryphon,
and form the nucleus of his fleet (alongside several
Zankrosian merchant roundships that await only the
right signal to hoist the colors of their true paymasters).

One of the war galleys (Tryphons Revenge) is slightly

damaged, and is clearly undergoing repairs (it was
involved in the operation to capture princess Callidice,
and suffered some damage in that engagement), with
perhaps half a dozen men on board.

The second war galley (Tryphons Glory) also has a

skeleton crew of three or four men.

Only the third (Tryphons Majesty) is fully-manned, with

about thirty men on board. It is this third vessel that
immediately starts moving towards the Scarlet Many perils await in the jungle of Belixa
Endeavor to challenge her as soon as she enters the
Cove. Tryphons Majesty will not accept any attempted The next morning, the adventurers may have difficulty
explanation offered by the adventurers as to their initially finding the trail inland to the ruined city (unless
presence, and will prepare to board the Scarlet they have at least one amenable prisoner, or they have
Endeavor. Combat cannot be avoided (use the profile a Hunter in the party in which case a single tracking
for Soldiers on p 60 of the Creature Compendium for roll against a target number of 15 should be made). A
the thirty sailors on board Tryphons Majesty). successful Hunter tracking roll (or the aid of a prisoner)
will reduce the journey time through the jungle from one
Assuming the Scarlet Endeavor, her crew and full day to half a day.
passengers, defeat the Tryphons Majesty, the
Endeavor will come alongside the remaining ships. Roll 1d6 on the Jungle Journey Event Table below
Depending how swiftly the Endeavor has overcome her every half-day (i.e. morning and afternoon) to judge
opponent, the ten or so men on board the other ships what befalls the adventurers:
will stand and fight, or cut and run (perhaps trying to
make their back to the City of Belixa to warn Tryphon
and Xendor of the unwelcome visitors). If the latter is Roll Result
the case, then the adventurers will need to act quickly if
they want to prevent Tryphon from being forewarned. 1 Nothing of note happens.
Should the adventurers take any of Tryphons men
captive, they will learn of the route to the ruined City of
Belixa; the location of the main entrance to the Under- 2 Malacorn. The adventurers encounter a single
Deeps of the City; and the identity of some of the Malacorn (use the profile on p 124 of the
creatures that inhabit Belixa. Creature Compendium).

Captain Idemon and his (remaining) men will not come 3 Patrol of Soldiers. The adventurers encounter
ashore, but, as per their orders, will remain in the Cove a patrol of 3+1d3 soldiers loyal to Prince
for the return of the adventurers. Idemon will warn the Tryphon (use the profile for Soldiers on p 60 of
adventurers that unless they return by midday on Day the Creature Compendium).
6, there is no hope of reaching Atreopylae in time.
4 Tragos. The adventurers encounter 6+1d6
If youre not back by then, says Idemon grimly, We
Tragos (use the profile on p 59 of the Creature
wont wait for you. Well be needed back home to
Compendium).
defend our country.

5 Magical Boar. The adventurers encounter a

Journeying through the Jungle single Magical Boar (use the profile on p 16 of
the Creature Compendium).
The forests of Belixa are extremely dense, and so truly
to warrant the title jungle. Clearly, travelling through
such unknown terrain at night-time is inadvisable, and 6 Giant Bats. The adventurers encounter 3+1d3
so it is assumed that the adventurers will make camp Giant Bats (use the profile on p 47 of the
on the evening of their arrival at the Cove of Crows. Creature Compendium).

16
The Ruined City
After journeying for several miles through thick jungle, 6. Balcony
the adventurers eventually emerge into a large clearing
which contains the ruins of the ancient City of Belixa. A wooden walk-way connects the two buildings that
Many of the buildings of the Over-City (as the above stand on either side of the eastern entrance to the City.
ground settlements were known) are now in a perilous The sides of this walk-way are covered with long fibrous
state: every time the adventurers enter one of the tendrils that hang down like a thick, dank green curtain.
buildings, there is a 1 in 10 chance of it collapsing Anyone walking beneath the balcony (or along it) is
(requiring a Danger Evasion roll with a target number of likely to discover to their great dismay that brushing
15 to avoid the falling debris). up against these tendrils will instantly awaken them.
They are, of course, the tendrils of a Vine of Tantalus
Most of the buildings are empty and devoid of interest, (use the profile on p 124 of the Creature Compendium).
the once colourful wall paintings having long-since
faded so that the scenes they depict are virtually
unrecognizable. Here and there fragments of writing 7. Southern Courtyard
can be detected on some of the walls, but the script is
not one that any will recognize (even adventurers with Two Empusae, named Diaphoebe and Asphixea haunt
the Scholar talent). the rooms around this courtyard. They continually wail
how much they loathe the accursed sorcerer, the one
The most noteworthy locations within the Over-City are who doomed our sister if questioned, they may reveal
as follows (numbers refer to map references): to the adventurers that Xendor was the one who
outwitted their now-lost sister Polymanthe when he first
came to Belixa. Clearly, they both fear and hate Xendor
1. Room of Murals but he finds them useful, sending them lone soldiers
from time to time as sustenance when he suspects
This is the only building where the wall paints are them of disloyalty or inefficiency.
sufficiently vivid for some, at least, of the figures to be
recognizable. They depict large, humanoid figures
fighting with reptilian beastmen (that any character with 8. Northern Courtyard
the Scholar talent will recognize as Titanians battling
against a mix of Lizardians and Troglodytes). There is a 50% chance of encountering 3+1d3 Tragos
scavenging around this Courtyard otherwise, they will
be in their Lair (see next entry).
2. Spiders Lair
This courtyard is covered in cobwebs, and is home to a 9. Tragos Lair
family of three unpleasant Cave Spiders (use the profile
on p 49 of the Creature Compendium). Their poisonous This building is home to 3+1d3 Tragos. There is a 50%
sting causes paralysis within 1d6 rounds if the victim chance of encountering them here otherwise, they will
fails his Physical Vigor roll. be scavenging around the Northern Courtyard (see
previous entry).

3. Temple
10. Central Courtyard
This building contains the shattered remains of what
was once an altar, as well as several shards of broken In the middle of this courtyard is what appears to be a
clay votive vessels. It is unclear what god or goddess covered well. However, in reality, it is the top end of a
was once worshipped here, but there remains a faint air wide shaft that descends some 100 feet down to the
of menace and foreboding about the place that will Under-Deeps (to room 29).
make most unwilling to linger.
The shaft is big enough for any Small, Medium or Large
man-shaped being to climb up or down, using the
4. Storage Room rusting iron brackets that are imbedded in the shafts
stonework (the brackets are too widely spaced out to be
Rope, timber, craft tools and laboring implements, and used by a Tiny creature, and a Gigantic creature would
various other assorted supplies, are stored within this not fit in the shaft).
building by Tryphons men.
There is a 1 in 10 chance that any Medium-sized being
(1 in 20 if Small, 1 in 5 if Large) who climbs up or down
5. Guard-House the shaft make separate rolls for each individual will
find that one of the brackets will give way when he
This building contains three of Prince Tryphons men. In places his weight upon it (necessitating an Athletic
one corner, a stone stairwell leads down to a rough Prowess roll to avoid falling, using the characters
stone-lined corridor, which marks the main entrance to Encumbrance total as the target number).
the Under-Deeps of the City of Belixa.

17
Map of the Over-City of Belixa

18
Map of the Under-Deeps of the City of Belixa
1 square = 10 ft x 10 ft

19
Perils of the Under-Deeps
The Main Entrance to the Under-Deeps of Belixa is 5. Barracks #1
from the Guard-House (location 5) of the Over-
City. The rough stone-lined corridor that leads This room contains beds and personal efforts (e.g.
underground from this location twists and turns clothes-chests, stools and gaming-tables) for
several times as it makes its way deeper and twelve men. Currently, the room is empty (the men
deeper into the bowls of the earth. Eventually, after who normally sleep here are on duty).
a journey about 300 feet in length, it ends in a
flight of carved steps which enter the first chamber
of the Under-Deeps.
6. Fountain
This room contains a small fish-shaped fountain
The various locations within the Under-Deeps are
that provides perpetual clean water: the hidden
as follows (numbers refer to map references):
plumbing that provide this supply is clearly well-
designed, and the actual source of the water is
1. Guard Chamber unknown. All of the Under-Deeps fresh water is
supplied from this fountain.
This oval-shaped chamber contains two vigilant
guards. In the centre of the chamber is a vertical
shaft, surrounded by a rope barrier, which goes
7. Barracks #2
down to the Hidden Depths - the little-explored
Identical in most respects to room 5, the twelve
level of caves and tunnels beneath the Under-
occupants of this room are currently present. They
Deeps that were once the domain of the Lizardians
are off-duty and are sitting or lying around, idling
and Troglodytes of Belixa.
their time telling stories, playing dice-games, and
the like. If the adventurers fight these guards for
The upper-most rungs of this shaft (to a depth of at
more than 2 battle rounds, there is a 50% chance
least 50 feet) have been deliberately removed by
each round thereafter that the sleeping guards in
Prince Tryphons men to prevent them being used
room 8 will awaken and reinforce their fellows.
by any remaining Troglodytes from below. No-one
knows how big the drop to the next level is at
least 200 feet, it is presumed, and perhaps more. 8. Barracks #3
The evil Sorcerer Xendor occasionally punishes
unsatisfactory servants by ordering them to be Identical in most respects to rooms 5 and 7, the
thrown down the shaft. twelve occupants of this room are present and
sleeping.
2. Champions Chamber
9. Dining Room
This bed-chamber is the private room of Grun the
Barbarian. As well as his sparse private This room contains two long trestle-tables capable
possessions (clothing, furs, a money pouch of seating up to twenty-four people in total at a
containing 5 gold coins and 20 silver pieces), the time.
room contains several weapons (three spears, a
bow and a quiver with 12 arrows), and a half-full
barrel of Hyperborean Beer. Grun himself is not 10. Kitchen
presently in the room.
A brick oven is built into the back wall of this room,
and a hearth stands nearby with cooking
3. Guest Chamber implements. There is a preparation table to one
side, and an alcove containing bedding for the two
This bed-room is modestly but comfortably kitchen-boys on the other. The room is currently
appointed, and serves as a guest chamber for occupied by the cook and his two assistants (treat
visitors: usually spies and associates of Tryphon or as non-combatant minor NPCs).
Xendor, and, on occasion, their chief ally, Prince
Caldamos. Currently the room is empty.
11. Pantry
4. Armory This room contains various food-stuffs: barrels of
grain, amphorae of cheap wine, jars of herbs and
The door to this room is kept locked, requiring spices, and the like. It also contains bedding for
either a key (possessed only by Tryphon, Grun or the cook. Directly behind the cooks bed is a secret
Commander Anterinos) or a Feat of Strength to door. A successful Detection roll with a target
open. Inside, an impressive armory is to be found number of 18 is required to discover this well-
swords, spears, javelins, shields, and other hidden door. Behind this door, a sloping passage
weapons and armor besides. leads down to room 12.

20
12. Vestibule 16. Treasure Chamber #4
This circular chamber is dominated by a statue of an This room contains the following mythic items:
Argusoid (adventurers with the Scholar talent may Spear of the Dragon, Sword of the Underworld
recognize it as a depiction of Argus himself, the (made of titanite), Staff of Water, Ring of Missile
progenitor of his race). Beneath the statue is a text, Deflection (made of titanite), Blade of Treachery
written in the same unknown language as found in (made of titanite).
the ruins of the Over-City above (If it could be
translated which alas it cant be the inscription Note: all the mythic items noted in this room and
warns the wary traveler to keep all his eyes open room 15 are detailed in the Maze Masters Guide,
as he passes through the surrounding doors). with the exception of the Ring of Missile Deflection
(see Minotaur N 6: Pandoras Box) and the Blade
These four doors, which are spaced at 90 degrees of Treachery (see Minotaur N 4: Pandoras Box).
to one another, are all floor-trapped (Type: indoor;
Effect: direct damage swinging blade; 1d6 Hits;
Concealment Rating 16; Danger Rating 16). 17. Empty Chamber
However, the Concealment Rating and Danger
Rating are both reduced by 2 each time as the This oval-shaped chamber contains nothing of
adventurers become more familiar with each trap interest. Just past the entrance to this room
which, while not identical, are very similar to each descending steps lead down to room 18.
other in design and layout.
18. Guard Chamber
13. Treasure Chamber #1
At the entrance to this room there is a cunningly-
This room contains several chests filled with rich hidden pit trap (Type: indoor; Effect: falling + direct
clothes (now rotten), coins (200 gold coins and damage from stakes; 2d6 Hits; Concealment Rating
2,000 silver pieces) and semi-precious gems (to the 16; Danger Rating 16). Inside the room itself are
value of 100 gold coins). three not particularly attentive guards, sat around a
table playing a board game.

14. Treasure Chamber #2 If the adventurers fight these guards for more than
one battle round, there is a 2 in 3 chance each
This room is empty. round thereafter that the guards in room 20 will
reinforce their fellows.
15. Treasure Chamber #3 At the far end of the room is a rich tapestry which,
though faded, can still be recognized as a depiction
This room contains a chest containing 40 gold of the world-shaking struggle between Gods and
coins, as well as the following mythic items: Boar Titans that inaugurated the Age of Myth. Unusually,
Helmet (made of titanite), Tunic of Nessos, Phial of the Titans are depicted as graceful, majestic beings
Styx Water, and a Staff of Power. whilst the Gods are depicted as brutish, ugly and
malevolent.

The Treasury of the City 19. Torture Chamber

This Vestibule, and the four associated treasure This grim room reeks of blood and foulness, and is
chambers, form the ancient and long-lost filled with all manner of instruments of torture: saws,
Treasury of the City of Belixa. Neither Tryphon thumb-screws, eye-gouges, a torture-rack, various
nor Xendor know of its existence, and even the sinister instruments with long wicked blades, chains
last few Titanians of Belixa have lost the hanging from the roof, and the like.
knowledge of its location.

However, many of the mythic items found within 20. Guard Chamber
are made of an ancient metal, Titanite, which
has a distinctive reddish tinge. This will be This chamber contains two vigilant guards.
instantly recognizable to the Titanians should
they see them and will instantly arouse their
interest and, probably, their anger, should they
21. Cell #1
question the adventurers as to how they came
by them. The script found upon the statue of This door to this chamber contains a barred window,
Argus is written in Titanian, the ancient, virtually allowing the guards outside to view the interior. The
forgotten language of the Titans and their door itself is locked (the attendant guards having the
Titanian descendants. only key). Inside the room are two badly injured
men, captured alongside princess Callidice.

21
Both men bear the marks of severe torture. One of
them is so badly injured that he will expire within Fighting Xendor and the Balotaur
moments of being rescued. The other, however, will
revive a little if given water, and will be capable of The Balotaur will operate independently of
moving and, if necessary, fighting, if the adventurers Xendor, but in accordance with his summoners
put a sword or spear into his hands (treat him as a general wishes (e.g. to attack the adventurers).
Fighter Minor NPC, p 25 of the Maze Masters The Archfiend will remain for 2d6+4 rounds (or
Guide, with just 4 Hits left). until it is destroyed, or Xendor is killed).

Xendor will fight until his Hits are reduced to 6

22. Cell #2 or less, and/or the Balotaur is destroyed at
which point he will use his Armlet of Janus to
Similar to room 21, though with certain rough retreat either to his Temple (and from there to
furnishings that give a modicum of comfort. As with the caverns beyond, in search of help from the
the other cell, the only key is held by the attendant Ogres that live there), or to the Titanians
guards. The only occupant is princess Callidice. quarters (where he will seek their aid). Although
power-crazed, Xendor has a strong survival
streak, and if possible will turn to flight rather
23. Summoning Chamber than fight to the death.

This large, impressive room contains four pillars,

each of which is carved so as to resemble one of
the four types of Infernal Archfiends: the Balotaur,
24. Xendors Chamber
the Dracodemon, the Thanator and the Hellazon.
This room is Xendors private room. It is simply
Standing at the far end of the room is the Sorcerer furnished, and contains little of interest, other than a
Xendor: he is just coming to the end of the small chest underneath Xendors bed. This chest is
summoning incantation, spoken in the ominous- locked (only Xendor has a key), though it could be
sounding dark tongue of Stygia, whilst finishing the opened easily with a successful Feat of Strength.
inscribing of the magical Circle of Summoning a
series of glowing lines of eldritch power upon the However, the chest is trapped (Type: indoor; Effect:
floor of the chamber. Hovering in the air above the poison needle trap: death in 1d6 rounds if the
Circle, a dark hazy shape is rapidly taking more victim fails a Physical Vigor roll; Concealment
solid form the Archfiend that Xendor has Rating 17; Danger Rating 15). The chest contains
successfully summoned. It is a Balotaur! 25 gold coins, gems to the value of 20 gold coins,
and several of the Scrolls of Thessalia (Scrolls I-III).
See Minotaur N 3 p 34 for the Balotaurs detailed
stats. Xendors profile can be found in the Appendix
to this adventure including the description of his
25. Empty Chamber
magical Amulet of Acheron, which allowed him to
Behind a locked and heavily-barred door (which
summon the Archfiend.
can, however, be opened by a Feat of Strength) lies
this empty, draughty room. A flight of steps leads
down to a rough-hewn tunnel for this marks one of
the entrances to the Hidden Depths the little-
explored maze of tunnels, fissures and caverns
beneath the City of Belixa. Long ago the Hidden
Depths were home to the Lizardian and Troglodyte
foes of the Titanians of Belixa. It may well be that
remnants of these reptilian races remain, but
reported sightings have been few and fleeting.
Xendor prefers to keep the door to this entry-hall
firmly barred. The door itself is carved on both sides
with images of Titanians battling their reptilian foes.

26. Temple
This small shrine contains that incredibly rare thing
an altar to Hades. That Xendor should have
decided to embrace the worship of Hades is
extraordinary, even given the obviously unbalanced
state of his mind. There is a strong atmosphere of
gloom and foreboding within this room. Located just
to the right of the altar is a secret door (a successful
Detection roll with a target number of 15 is required
to locate it). This door leads to the caverns (rooms
Behold the might of the dreadful Balotaur! 38-44) beyond.

22
27. Titanian Chamber #1
This room (currently empty) is the private chamber
of Molicon, younger brother of Adastrix, and one of
the five remaining Titanians of Belixa.

28. Titanian Chamber #2

This room (currently empty) is the private chamber
of Gymnauris, son of Adastrix, and one of the five
remaining Titanians of Belixa.

29. Titanian Chamber #3

This is the private chamber of Adastrix, the Lord of
the Titanians, and his wife, Solepsa. In the centre of
the ceiling is a shaft that leads up to the Over-City
(emerging at location 10 on the Over-City map).
Currently only Solepsa is in the room, sleeping.

30. Titanian Chamber #4

This room contains the few remaining treasures
possessed by the Titanians of Belixa: beautiful
couches and tables; faded manuscripts depicting
the Titanians forgotten history, written in a language
that even the remaining members of this race now
find hard to read; tattered tapestries and rusted
armor from their days of glory. There are no mythic
items of note to be found here.
A proud, undefeated Titanian warrior
Currently Adastrix, his son and his brothers are all in
this room. All have the usual stats of Titanians, as
found on page 116 of the Creature Compendium 33. Tryphons Reception Room
but see also The Titanians of Belixa, next page.
Here prince Tryphon spends much of his time,
amusing himself with the finely-tuned harp that
31. Titanian Chamber #5 stands in the middle of the room, or sometimes
playing chess with Anterinos, the commander of his
This room (currently empty) is the private chamber guards. The room is decorated with rich fixtures and
of Pardicos, youngest brother of Adastrix, and one furnishings, including a particularly stunning tapestry
of the five remaining Titanians of Belixa. that hangs across the entire rear wall of the room.
This depicts the arrival of Damocles and the Minean
refugees in the Archipelago more than three
32. Outer Audience Chamber centuries ago. It is clearly a work of great
craftsmanship, and was brought to Belixa by
This large room is attended by five guards each
Tryphon when he fled Zankros three years ago.
standing before one of the five tall, richly-adorned
pillars found in this room. If the adventurers fight Currently standing on duty before the tapestry is
these guards for more than 2 battle rounds, there is Tryphons personal champion, Grun the Barbarian.
a one in three chance each round thereafter that See the Appendix for Gruns profile.
Anterinos and Tryphon (currently both in room 36)
and/or Grun (in room 33) will reinforce their fellows
(make two separate rolls). 34. Tryphons Chamber
In an alcove at one end of the room is a large, 20 Tryphons bed-chamber (the entrance to which is
foot statue of Kronos, Lord of the Titans. Kronos is hidden behind the great tapestry of Damocles) is
depicted as an austere cloaked figure, holding a just as lavish as his reception room. To one side
great scythe the Scythe of Time. there is a small household shrine to Aphrodite
Tryphons personal patron. Adventurers who take
The floor immediately before the statue is trapped the opportunity to explore this room will find that
any-one standing there will activate a cunning there is a small desk bureau in the far corner:
mechanism which causes the statues sharp scythe amongst the more interesting items to be found
to swing down upon the hapless victim (Type: there are several letters from Caldamos which
indoor; Effect: direct damage swinging blade; 1d6 implicate him in the kidnapping plot, and a small
Hits; Concealment Rating 17; Danger Rating 15). pouch of gems (with a value of 60 gold coins).

23
 37. Inner Audience Chamber
The Titanians of Belixa
This large room serves as the main planning and
The Titanians of Belixa were once a proud and conference room between Tryphon, Xendor,
noble civilization, responsible for great feats of Anterinos and visiting allies such as Caldamos. The
architectural engineering, and for building both floor is dominated by a large map of the
the Over-City and the Under-Deeps of Belixa Archipelago, with various models representing
sometime in the Age of Myth. ships, troops, settlements and agents. On either
side of the room are a series of imposing pillars,
Unfortunately, the Titanians were not the only each carved so as to resemble one of the Titans.
inhabitants of the island, and for hundreds of
years, during the Age of Magic, they fought a At the eastern end of the chamber is a large statue
bitter war against their reptilian rivals, the of Atlas, one of the foremost of the Titans, who is
Lizardians and Troglodytes. depicted in such a way as to suggest that he is
holding up the roof of this chamber (in reality, this
The long conflict led to the ruination of the statue, running from floor to ceiling, is playing a
Over-City. The dwindling remnants of the significant load-bearing roll should it be seriously
Titanian race eventually overcame their reptilian damaged, requiring a Feat of Strength, then over
foes (though it was rumored that some of the 1d3 rounds the ceiling of not just this room but also
Lizardians and Troglodytes survived in the rooms 33 and 34 would come crashing down).
Hidden Depths below the Under-Deeps).
At the western end of the chamber is a locked door
The Titanian race never regained their vigor, (only Tryphon, Xendor and Anterinos hold the key to
and now just five members of this most ancient it), beyond which there is a series of caverns (rooms
civilization of the Archipelago remain. However, 38-44). This door can be broken open by a Feat of
they have agreed to ally with Xendor and Strength. On the southern wall there appears to be
Tryphon and to share their empty halls with two doors which are actually false, and which are
them and their servants in return for two trapped (Type: indoor; Effect: direct damage
pledges: firstly, that Xendor and Tryphon, once falling boulders; 2d6 Hits; Concealment Rating 15;
they have returned to power in Zankros, will Danger Rating 15). Additionally, there is a pit trap in
help the Titanians finally cleanse Belixa of all the connecting corridor between this chamber and
remnants of the foul Lizardian and Troglodyte room 35 (Type: indoor; Effect: falling; 1d6 Hits;
races; and secondly, that they will procure Concealment Rating 16; Danger Rating 16).
wives for the three younger Titanians, so that
something of their race however diminished or
half-bred will survive into the future. 38. Cavern #1
The profile for the Titanians of Belixa is identical This cave is home to 6+1d6 Tragos. A tunnel leads
to that found on page 116 of the Creature from this cavern to the surface, emerging after a
Compendium. The Titanians will fight the long, winding journey into a cave about a quarter of
adventurers without hesitation if even one of a mile to the south of the City of Belixa.
them is killed, the others will become enraged
(add +1 to their Melee but -1 to their Defense
Class). All the Titanians fight with shields (even 39. Cavern #2
Solepsa). They will fight to the death.
This cave is home to 3+1d3 Tragos.

35. Anterinos Chamber 40. Cavern #3

This bed-chamber is the private room of Anterinos, This cave, the Cavern of Crystals, is filled with
the commander of Tryphons guard. It is simply but hundreds of crystalline structures of different sizes
tastefully-furnished, with everything neatly and and in various bluish hues: indigo, violet, cerulean
precisely ordered. and the like. Crossing the floor of the cave is difficult
(requiring Athletic Prowess rolls, which, if failed,
result in 1d6 of damage from slipping onto
36. Dining Room particularly sharp crystalline rocks).

This well-appointed chamber is where Tryphon,

Grun Anterinos and, occasionally, Xendor, take their 41. Cavern #4
meals. Anterinos and Tryphon are both currently in
this room (see the Appendix for their profiles). This cave is home to a pair of ravenous Cave
Spiders (use the profile on page 49 of the Creature
Tryphon and Anterinos will both fight to the death, Compendium). Their poisonous sting causes
as they know that no mercy will be shown to them paralysis within 1d6 rounds if the victim fails his
for their involvement in the abduction of Callidice. Physical Vigor roll.

24
42. Cavern #5 44. Cavern #7
This cave is home to a malevolent Shadow (use the This cave is home to 3+1d3 Ogres.
profile on p 103 of the Creature Compendium).

43. Cavern #6
Back to the Ship
If the adventurers succeed in rescuing the princess
This cave is home to 6+1d3 Ogres. (and, in all probability, killing Tryphon and perhaps
Xendor, as well as acquiring proof of Caldamos
43a. This cave is inhabited by a Giant Blood-Bug involvement in the plot), then they must journey as
(see the profile below). speedily as possible back to the Cove of Crows.

43b. This cave is home to a small shrine dedicated However, should they emerge above ground at
to Gorgora, the Ogre goddess. It is filled with bones night-time, then they are unlikely to want to travel
of humans, Tragos, and other creatures that have until it is light (unless time really is short, in which
been sacrificed or eaten by the Ogres. case the Maze Master should be prepared for
additional, nocturnal encounters with the dangerous
creatures of Belixa).

Giant Blood-Bug The adventurers may have just as much difficulty as

before finding the trail from the City to the Cove
(unless they have at least one amenable prisoner,
or they have a Hunter in the party in which case a
single tracking roll against a target number of 15
should be made). A successful Hunter tracking roll
Taxonomy: Monster (or the aid of a prisoner) will reduce the journey time
through the jungle from one full day to half a day.
Description: The Giant Blood-Bug appears to
be distantly related to the leech, and has similar Roll 1d6 on the Jungle Journey Event Table (see
foul blood-sucking habits. However, it is p 13) every half-day (i.e. morning and afternoon) to
surprisingly agile and alert - and very skilled at judge what befalls (if anything) the adventurers.
ambush, lurking in darker corner, ledges or on
ceilings, and dropping onto its victims as they If the adventurers get back before mid-day on Day
pass by. It drains blood from its victims via the 6, they will find the Scarlet Endeavor awaiting them.
multiple-toothed suckers that cover the However, should they be late, then Idemon will have
underside of its body, and the pseudopodia-like been true to his word, and will have departed. In this
tentacles it is able to extrude. Although usually case, the characters could, of course, commandeer
dark red or purple in hue, it is capable of one of prince Tryphons own ships: but unless
altering its appearance so as to blend into the there is a Mariner in the party - at least two of them
background better. They are usually found in must have the Sailor talent. Otherwise, short of a
dark and dank places beneath the earth. Divine Intervention, they must admit defeat...
Size: Large
Ferocity: Dangerous The Final Gambit
Cunning: Alert
Countdown to the Seventh Day
Mystique: Weird
Movement: 90 Assuming they have some time left, the adventurers
(on board the Scarlet Endeavor or one of Tryphons
Initiative: 15 ships) will now sail as fast as they can towards
Atreon. The journey from Belixa to Atreopylae
Melee Attack: +7
should take a single day.
Damage: 2d6
Should the Maze Master wish to raise the stakes
Defense Class: 15 (and make for a more nail-biting conclusion), it is
Hits Total: 24 suggested that he lengthen the journey by any
means he deems appropriate (e.g. becalmed
Detection/Evasion: +2/+4 waters; storms blowing the ship off course; rough
Mystic Fortitude: +2 seas making necessary the longer passage outside
rather inside the islet of Melipsa; an encounter with
Special Abilities: Camouflage (18), Entangle sirens, sea serpents or other creatures that
(20, Might 20), Regeneration (2 Hits / round), befuddle, delay or damage the ship and/or the
Stealthy (14), Uncanny Agilty, Wallcrawling. adventurers; etc.). However, the Maze Master
should refrain from adding additional complications
Awards: Glory 280, Wisdom 10
or delays if these cause the characters to be late.

25
Beyond Cape Wrath
As the adventurers round Cape Wrath (preferably
on the morning of Day 7), just a couple of hours
away from their final destination, they find a single
Atreonid war galley awaiting them. It is the
Chimeras Heart. On board is prince Caldamos and
forty Atreonid soldiers (use the profile for Soldiers
on p 60 of the Creature Compendium). Caldamos
does not believe in taking chances. Just in case the
Zankroseans somehow find and liberate Callidice,
he stands ready to intercept any ship that may be
bringing her Atreopylae. As soon as he spies the
characters ship, he gives orders to intercept it.

If the adventurers overcome Caldamos and his

men, they will have an incident-free journey for the
rest of their voyage, arriving at Atreopylae in the
very nick of time. The harbour is filled with war Beware Caldamos last treachery!
galleys, and preaparations for war are almost
finalised: but the adventurers ship will be admitted,
and allowed to berth, where amazed and awe-struck
guards will immediately form an impromptu escort Alternative Scenario
around the princess and the adventurers. Together,
they will make their way to the city plaza, where a The Last Sea-Battle?
disbelieving king Leomides awaits
What if the adventurers succeed in rescuing the
The quest is achieved: on the seventh day, war is princess, but fail to get her to Atreopylae in
averted. The Archipelago will know a new age of time? What will await them? The adventurers
peace and prosperity are likely to encounter the Atreonid fleet,
already amassed and sailing towards Zankros,
with the Chimeras Heart serving as flagship.
Final Rewards Although this is an unpromising scenario, it is
suggested that there should still be hope.
The exact rewards (apart from all the Glory!) that will
be received by the adventurers are left to the Maze The adventurers are fortunate in being able to
Masters discretion. However, if they succeeded in rendezvous with a Zankrosean force that the
getting Callidice to Atreopylae in time, it is likely that wise Pyribus has sent on ahead.
these will be substantial. Possible honors may
include noble titles (or at least honorary freedoms Although outnumbered (12 Zankrosean ships,
of the cities of Atreopylae and Megalis); grants of including the adventurers vessel, to 20 Atreonid
land, or treasures of gold, silver or precious gems; ones), there is hope that the Zankroseans will at
and, of course, invitations to a royal wedding! Mythic least be able to buy the adventurers time to
items are not likely to be awarded (although the intercept the Chimeras Heart and to present
adventurers will be allowed to keep any they princess Callidice to king Leomides, who has
acquired on Belixa, with the exception of Tryphons taken command of the Atreonid fleet on board
Sword of Ruse an heirloom of the Zankrosean the flagship.
royal house that Pyribus will want returned). Both
Pyribus and Leomides are likely to want to reward Of course, prince Caldamos, who is also on
the adventurers. Finally, Lord Dauros will want to board the Chimeras Heart, will do everything in
make a personal gift of the first three of his Scrolls his power to prevent the reunion of father and
of Homeros to any Lyrist in the adventuring party daughter, or the revelation of his treachery.
a personal thank-you from one retired adventurer to
one still creating new legends, he will explain. If the adventure does culminate in this final sea-
battle, Maze Masters are advised to use the
If, however, the adventure ended less successfully Naval Combat rules found in Minotaur N 1, pp
(i.e. after a sea-battle) because the characters failed 30-31. Although individual Zankrosean ships
to meet the deadline, then the rewards are likely to have better combat capabilities to their Atreonid
be less generous. Granted, they rescued the counterparts, it is suggested that the combined
princess: but many have died in a terrible battle that strength of the Atreonids be somewhat greater
could have been avoided. The royal wedding will (in view of their superior numbers).
take place, but in more muted circumstances: and
the characters will not be invited. And what if they Other things being equal, the Zankroseans will
failed to rescue the princess? Well, lets just say lose this battle, unless the adventurers can get
that the word reward may acquire a new and to king Leomides with the princess
unpleasant meaning for our hapless adventurers.

26
 Appendix: Major NPCs

King Pyribus Lord Dauros

Level 5 Lyrist, age 67, chief counselor of Zankros.

Personality & History: Wise and authoritative,

Dauros left his native Argos in search of adventure
half a century ago. In his younger days, he was a
well-renowned venturing Lyrist. For the past twenty
years, however, he has lived in retirement in
Zankros, having previously saved the life of Pyribus
father, king Xanippus. Despite his foreign origins,
Dauros has become Pyribus most valued counsellor.
Dauros married late, to a Zankrosean noble-woman
of great charm and beauty, who sadly died in child-
birth eleven years ago. Dauros is determined to help
Pyribus secure his legacy of peace not least for the
future of his beloved young son, Galimos.

Attributes: Might 8, Skill 12, Wits 17, Luck 20, Will

17, Grace 15.

Combat: Initiative 13, Melee +3, Missile +7, EDC 16

(no armor), Hits Total 15.

Level 3 Noble, age 31, ruler of Zankros. Magic: Orphic Voice +6, Mystic Strength 18, Power
points 22.
Personality & History: Imaginative, scholarly, and
determined, Pyribus has vowed to end the long war Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +3, Danger Evasion
between Zankros and Atreon. Originally, his proposal +7, Mystic Fortitude +10, Physical Vigor +6.
of marriage to princess Callidice was motivated
Personal Charisma: +9 (+14 to other Lyrists,
purely by expediency but now he realises that he
loves her. Her abduction leaves him angry but also Nymphs and followers/priests of Apollo & Athena).
uncharacteristically uncertain fearful that his Background Talents: Musician & Orator.
personal feelings for Callidice may cloud his
judgement, as he ponders the best cause of action for Mythic Items: Six Scrolls of Homeros (I-VI).
the sake of his people

Attributes: Might 13, Skill 10, Wits 18, Luck 17, Will
13, Grace 13. Captain Idemon
Combat: Initiative 16, Melee +6**, Missile +6, EDC Level 2 Mariner, age 45, captain of the Scarlet
17* (Helmet, Shield & Breastplate), Hits Total 21. Endeavor.

Weapon of Choice: Spear. Also carries a sword and Personality & History: A man of few words, Idemon
a dagger. is an experienced sailor who knows the waters of the
Archipelago well. He is unswerving in his loyalty to
Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +4, Danger Evasion Zankros. He is well-regarded by his crew.
+7*, Mystic Fortitude +9*, Physical Vigor +5.
Attributes: Might 12, Skill 16, Wits 10, Luck 16, Will
Personal Charisma: +5 (+8 to fellow Zankroseans). 15, Grace 10.
Background Talents: Equestrian & Scholar. Combat: Initiative 12, Melee +4, Missile +4, EDC 14
(no armor), Hits Total 12.
Mythic Items: Breastplate of Apollo, Spear of
Conquest. Weapon of Choice: Sword. Also carries a dagger.
* These scores take into account the +1 bonus to EDC, Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +6, Danger Evasion
Mystic Fortitude & Danger Evasion granted by the +4 (+8 on ship), Mystic Fortitude +4, Physic. Vigor +4.
Breastplate of Apollo.
Personal Charisma: +4 (+6 to other Mariners not
** This score takes into account the +2 bonus to Melee
Pirates and followers/priests of Poseidon).
granted by the Spear of Conquest.
Background Talents: Sailor & Wrestler.

Mythic Items: None.

27
Grun the Barbarian
Level 2 Hyperborean Barbarian, age 29, personal
champion of Prince Tryphon.

Personality & History: Brutal, but not particularly

bright. Exiled from Hyperborea for unknown
reasons.

Attributes: Might 18, Skill 16, Wits 10, Luck 14, Will
14, Grace 10.

Combat: Initiative 12, Melee +6, Missile +3, EDC

13, no armor (14 versus melee attacks unless
surprised), Hits Total 19.

Weapon of Choice: Sword (Barbarian weapon),

does 1d6+3 damage. Also carries sling, stones and
dagger.

Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +6, Danger Evasion

+3, Mystic Fortitude +2, Physical Vigor +5.

Personal Charisma: +2, +4 to fellow Hyperboreans

Background Talents: Woodsman & Wrestler.

Prince Tryphon
Mythic Items: None.
Level 2 Noble, age 28, exiled younger brother of
King Pyribus.

Commander Anterinos Personality & History: Brooding, cunning and

paranoid, Tryphon is convinced that his destiny is to
Level 2 Spearman, age 34, commander of Prince return to Zankros in triumph, where he will be
Tryphons forces. welcomed back by a desperate people once
Pyribus peace initiative has been comprehensively
Personality & History: Capable fighter, who wrecked. He has lived on Belixa for the past three
fancies himself (without much justification) as years, slowly building up his forces, and recruiting
something of a ladies man, Anterinos hopes that as allies the last of the Titanians of Belixa. However,
when Tryphon ascends to the throne of Zankros, he he does not fully trust the Titanians, nor his
will be made commander of the Zankrosean guard. Acteonid ally Caldamos. Indeed, his only true friend
is the sorcerer Xendor, who exercises a powerful
Attributes: Might 17, Skill 17, Wits 15, Luck 16, Will influence over this bitter Zankrosean nobleman.
15, Grace 13.
Attributes: Might 13, Skill 14, Wits 19, Luck 19, Will
Combat: Initiative 15 (17 when fighting with spear), 12, Grace 11.
Melee +8, Missile +7, EDC 22*, includes Helmet,
Shield & Breastplate (25* versus melee attacks Combat: Initiative 19, Melee +10*, Missile +9, EDC
when fighting with spear & shield), Hits Total 19. 22 (includes Helmet, Shield & Breastplate), Hits
Total 17.
Weapon of Choice: Spear. Also carries a sword
and a dagger. Weapon of Choice: Sword. Also carries a dagger.

Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +8, Danger Evasion Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +6, Danger Evasion
+7, Mystic Fortitude +6, Physical Vigor +7. +9, Mystic Fortitude +8, Physical Vigor +5.

Personal Charisma: +5 (+7 soldiers loyal to Prince Personal Charisma: +4 (+6 to Zankroseans loyal to
Tryphon only). Tryphon only).

Background Talents: Sailor & Tactician. Background Talents: Musician & Sailor.

Mythic Item: Spear of Defence. Mythic Item: Sword of Ruse.

* These scores take into account the +2 bonus to * This score takes into account the +4 bonus to
EDC granted by the Spear of Defence. Melee attack rolls granted by the Sword of Ruse.

28
 Amulet of Acheron
This very rare item of Stygian provenance allows a
Sorcerer to summon an Infernal Archfiend of his
choice (see pp 33-35 of Minotaur N 3 for details).

The Archfiend must appear within a 25 radius Circle

of Summoning (which takes 3 rounds to magically
inscribe, during which time the Sorcerer can take no
other actions). Once summoned, the Archfiend may
move outside this Circle. It will operate
independently of the Sorcerer, but in accordance
with the Sorcerers general wishes (e.g. to attack
the Sorcerers enemies). The Archfiend will remain
for (2d6+Sorcererss level) rounds (or until it is
Xendor the Sorcerer destroyed, or the summoning Sorcerer is killed).

Level 4 Sorcerer, age 55, the power behind Prince

Tryphons plot.
Personality & History: Gaunt, austere and
fanatical, Xendor dreams of never-ending conquest:
first Zankros, then the Archipelago, thenwho
knows? Xendor first came to Zankros nine years
ago from Seriphos and soon insinuated his way into
the affections of the young Prince Tryphon. It was
Xendor who cunningly prepared the false trail that
suggested he and Tryphon had fled the Archipelago
when their first bid for power failed. In truth, Xendor
had discovered the Belixan Under-City some years
earlier, and had already begun to prepare it as a
bolt-hole should the assassination attempt on
Pyribus prove unsuccessful. Xendor has dabbled in
various dark arts for many years. The resulting
corruption of his soul has left him as a man who is
utterly devoid of conscience.
Attributes: Might 13, Skill 16, Wits 20, Luck 16, Will
19, Grace 12.
Combat: Initiative 16, Melee +5, Missile +8, EDC 14
(no armor), Hits Total 15. Carries a dagger (which Princess Callidice
he rarely uses)
Age 19, bride-to-be of King Pyribus.
Magic: Psychic Gift +8 (+10 using Psychic Attack*),
Mystic Strength 20 (22 using Psychic Attack*), Personality & History: Raised in a royal court
Power Points 20. where she was indulged by a doting father, Callidice
is more than a little spoilt. Beautiful, charming, but
Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +5, Danger Evasion easily scared, Princess Callidice is likely to be as
+8, Mystic Fortitude +10, Physical Vigor +7. much a hindrance as a help to any would-be
Personal Charisma: +6 (+10 to minor NPCs). rescuers liable to scream at the slightest hint of
danger, and liable to make unreasonable and
Background Talents: Scholar & Orator. irrational demands. Adventurers need to be patient
with her and to remember than the lives of many
Mythic Items: Ruby Ring of Sorcery, Silver Lotus in the Archipelago depend upon her safety.
Dust, Armlet of Janus, Amulet of Acheron.
Profile: As far as stats are concerned, Callidice
Silver Lotus Dust. Xendor has only recently started
should be treated as a Minor non-combatant NPC
using this dangerous substance. At present, his
(see Maze Masters Guide, p 25) but with a Grace
SLD usage score is 13 some way below the
of 18 and a Personal Charisma of +6.
dangerous addiction level for some-one with a Will
of 19. Xendor keeps the SLD in a small pouch on
Since Callidice is a Minor non-combatant NPC, she
his person that currently holds 6+1d10 doses.
automatically fails all saving rolls which means her
* This score takes into account the +2 bonus granted fate is entirely in the hands of her abductors (the
by the Ruby Ring of Sorcery. bad guys) or liberators (the adventurers!).

29
 Prince Caldamos
Level 3 Noble, age 26, prince of Atreon.

Personality & History: Haughty and overbearing,

Caldamos cannot face the prospect of peace with
the sworn enemy of his people. The peace plan
King Leomides II also proposes to deprive him of the kingship that he
believes, one day, should rightfully be his. For
Level 4 Noble, age 46, ruler of Atreon. several months, as his uncle has negotiated with
Pyribus, Caldamos has been plotting with Tryphon
Personality & History: A formidable warrior who is and Xendor to wreck the peace initiative. He has
well-loved by his people, Leomides is a man who insisted, however, that Callidice not be harmed by
still grieves the loss of his only son. This has made his allies for unknown to virtually anyone,
him highly-protective towards his daughter, and it is Caldamos secretly lusts after his cousin. This, of
with great reluctance that he has finally agreed to course, only increases his hatred towards the
marry her to King Pyribus. His wrath, therefore, at Zankrosians and their king. Only Callidice herself
her disappearance is enormous. However, at the suspects Caldamos true feelings for her feelings
urging of several of his counsellors and hoping that she most certainly does not reciprocate.
against hope that she is still alive Leomides has
given Pyribus seven days in which to return her. Attributes: Might 13, Skill 20, Wits 14, Luck 18, Will
Leomides does not particularly like his nephew 12, Grace 8.
Caldamos whose ambitions to succeed him as
Combat: Initiative 18, Melee +8, Missile +8, EDC
king have been a little too obvious for his liking but
23* (includes Helmet, Shield & Breastplate), Hits
neither does he suspect him of treachery. Instead,
Total 21.
Leomides has ordered Caldamos to ready the
Atreonid fleet for a full-scale assault upon Zankros. Weapon of Choice: Sword. Also carries a dagger.
Attributes: Might 17, Skill 20, Wits 11, Luck 19, Will Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +8, Danger Evasion
14, Grace 18. +10*, Mystic Fortitude +6*, Physical Vigor +4.
Combat: Initiative 18, Melee +12** (+16 once per Personal Charisma: +2 (+5 to fellow Atreonids).
day**), Missile +8, EDC 23* (includes Helmet,
Shield & Breastplate), Hits Total 27. Background Talents: Sailor & Tactician.
Weapon of Choice: Spear. Also carries a sword Mythic Item: Aegis.
and a dagger.
* These scores take into account the +2 bonus to EDC,
Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +11, Danger Mystic Fortitude and Danger Evasion granted by the
Evasion +9*, Mystic Fortitude +7*, Physic. Vigor +8. Aegis.

Personal Charisma: +8 (+12 to fellow Atreonids).

Background Talents: Sailor & Orator. Adventure maps designed by Tim Hartin.
Mythic Items: Amulet of Protection, Spear of Used with permission.
Striking.
* These scores take into account the +1 bonus to EDC, Visit Tims great RPG cartography site at:
Mystic Fortitude and Danger Evasion granted by the
Amulet of Protection. http://paratime.ca/cartography/
** This score takes into account the +1 bonus to Melee
(and +4 once per day) granted by the Spear of Striking.

30
 MYTHIC BESTIARY

SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL

New Optional & Unusual Abilities for Creatures, by Marcus Bone & Olivier Legrand

Even the greatest scholars of Mythika are continually astounded by the ever growing assortment of creatures, folk and monsters
that travel the land, ocean and air of the world. Many have hypothesised that this collection of sentient creatures points towards
a great change to come; others say that this reflects nothing more that the mighty powers of the Gods themselves. Whatever the
truth, there seems always to be new beings to meet... and new horrors to fight.

Xenon of Seriphos, On the Subject of Monsters

All the Worlds Monsters

Players always like coming up against new and
interesting creatures be they towering giants, fell
beasts or hordes of diminutive warriors. To help
replicate the fantastical array of abilities and powers
available to the supernatural denizens of Mythika,
the Maze Masters Guide describes various special
abilities. The present article expands these
possibilities even further, with five new optional and
quite unusual special abilities - and since nothing
beats a good example, each of these new abilities
comes with the full description of a new creature.
Triffid

Blinding Attack Taxonomy : Animate

Description : Triffids are highly venomous, man-
Creatures with this special ability are able to sized carnivorous plants which can move and spit a
blind their victims or opponents. Depending on very potent blinding acid.
the type of the creature, this may take the form
Size : Medium
of a blinding flash of light, some sort of missile
that covers a targets face in goo, acrid saliva Ferocity : Dangerous
that irritates a targets eyes etc.
Cunning : Average
Whatever the method being used, the effects Mystique : Weird
are the same in game terms. This special attack
counts as one of the creatures regular attacks Movement : 30
but requires no die roll. It takes effect during the Initiative : 12
missile phase of the battle round, according to
the creatures regular Initiative score. It has a Melee Attack : +4
maximum range equal to 5 for Small creatures,
Damage : see below
10 for Medium ones, 20 for Large ones and 30
for Gigantic ones. Defense Class : 13

The chosen target must succeed at a Danger Hits Total : 12

Evasion saving roll (target number 15) or go Detection / Evasion : 0
blind for 1d6 battle rounds. The effects of
temporary blindness are the same as for the Mystic Fortitude : +2
Aura of Helios power detailed in the M&M Special Abilities : Blinding Attack (sap, 10),
Companion (p 19): the victim suffers a -4 Camouflage (vegetation, 16), Mindless, Poison
penalty to Melee, EDC and Danger Evasion and (sting, death in 1d6 rounds), Regeneration (1 Hit /
cannot make missile attacks; if the blinded round), Stealthy (12).
victim moves faster than at half-speed, he must
make a Danger Evasion roll (target number 15) Awards : Glory 75, Wisdom 20.
or fall over and be prone.
Triffids move by crawling, which halves their basic
The Blinding Attack special ability adds 10 to a movement rate. They attack by Blinding their prey
creatures basic Glory award. before striking it with its Poison sting, which does no
damage but carries deadly venom.

31
Blinking
This very unnerving special ability is a limited form
of teleportation which allows a creature to blink
away from an oncoming attack or take even the
most vigilant victims by surprise.

In game terms, this ability can only be used once

per round, either offensively or defensively.

When used offensively, it can be used to gain

surprise against any target within 10 feet, even if the
creature was standing in plain sight a moment
before, unless the target succeeds at a Danger
Evasion roll vs a target number of 20.

When used defensively, it can be used to avoid any

melee or missile attack by teleporting a few feet
away from the intended point of impact; this requires
an Evasion roll made before the attack roll itself
against a target number of 15. If this roll succeeds,
the attack is automatically avoided; if this saving roll
fails, the attack roll can be resolved normally. This
form of defense is completely useless against Dimensional Hunter
surprise attacks or magical attacks of any kind.
Taxonomy : Monster
Blinking has a range of 10 and cannot be used to
teleport in a location that the creature cannot see Description : Blue-skinned humanoids with huge
(such as on the other side of a wall). bulging eyes, scaly skin and nasty claws. These
vicious beings from another plane of existence are
This powerful ability adds 20 to a creatures basic sometimes used as guardians and assassins by
Glory award and 20 to its Wisdom award. powerful evil Sorcerers.
Size : Medium
Ferocity : Dangerous
Defensive Spikes
Cunning : Clever
This ability can only be possessed by creatures with
Natural Armor or Invulnerability. It takes the form of Mystique : Weird
viciously pointed spikes, barbs or other similar
Movement : 60
extrusions on their body. Creatures with this ability
always have Tough Skin or Natural Armor. Initiative : 18

Anyone attempting a wrestling attack against such a Melee Attack : +5

creature automatically suffers damage from its
Damage : 1d6 (claws)
defensive spikes, before the Melee roll for the
wrestling attack can be made. The damage roll Defense Class : 17
corresponds to the Size category immediately below
the creatures; in other words, Defensive Spikes do Hits Total : 16
no damage if the creature is Tiny (but may deliver
Detection / Evasion : +8 / +8
poison - see below), 1pt of damage if Small, 1d3 if
Medium-sized, 1d6 if Large and 2d6 if Gigantic. Mystic Fortitude : +6

Attackers who make a successful Bashing attack Special Abilities : Blinking, Magic Resistance,
(see M&M Companion, p 14) against the creature Sixth Sense, Stealthy (16), Supernatural Vigor,
will also suffer such damage, unless the attack is Tough Skin, Uncanny Agility.
made with a shield.
Awards : Glory 200, Wisdom 60.
Note that this ability can be combined with Poison Additional Lore : The ritual needed to summon a
for a truly lethal defense. In this case, no Poison Dimensional Hunter on Mythika can only be found in
attack is needed: the poison is simply an additional some ancient scrolls of eldritch forgotten lore. The
effect of the damage from the spikes. Sorcerer is advised to Enslave the demonic creature
as soon as it appears and if he fails to do so, the
This ability adds 5 to a creatures basic Glory. Dimensional Hunter will most likely turn on him

32
 Tail Lash
This special ability can only be possessed by Large
or Gigantic creatures with a tail. It allows them to
use their tail in melee for an extra special attack,
just before one of their regular melee attacks (and at
the same Initiative).

This tail lash does not require a Melee attack roll but
can be avoided with a an Athletic Prowess saving
roll (target number 15 if the creature is Large or 20 if
it is Gigantic). The tail lash does no actual damage
but has the same effects as a Bashing attack (see
M&M Companion, p 14).

This ability adds 5 to a creatures basic Glory award.

At the Maze Masters discretion, it could be added
to the repertoire of some existing Monsters, such as
Capricorn Horrors, Dragons, or Hydras.

Beast of Abaset
Taxonomy : Monster
Description : The Beast of Abaset looks like a
rhino-sized porcupine but is actually carnivorous
and surprisingly nimble and devious. Its quills
are covered with a nasty poison which it uses to
paralyze its victims before eating them.
Size : Large
Ferocity : Dangerous
Reptosaur
Cunning : Alert
Mystique : Weird Taxonomy : Monster
Description : Rhino-sized but surprisingly agile and
Movement : 90
stealthy carnivorous lizards with very powerful tails
Initiative : 13 and a highly venomous bite; they inhabit the rocky
parts and caverns of some Mysterious Islands.
Melee Attack : +6
Size : Large
Damage : 2d6
Ferocity : Dangerous
Defense Class : 15
Cunning : Alert
Hits Total : 30 Mystique : Normal
Detection / Evasion : +6 / +4 Movement : 90
Mystic Fortitude : +6 Initiative : 15
Special Abilities : Defensive Spikes, Magic Melee Attack : +7
Resistance, Poison (paralysis, on quills), Sixth
Sense, Supernatural Vigor, Tough Skin. Damage : 2d6
Defense Class : 18
Awards : Glory 300, Wisdom 40.
Hits Total : 24
Additional Lore : These creatures live in some
remote parts of the great Charybdian Jungle; Detection / Evasion : +2 / +4
they are said to be the spawn of an ancient, Mystic Fortitude : 0
forgotten deity known as Abaset, who was once
worshipped by an equally forgotten race of Special Abilities : Natural Armor, Poison (bite,
beastmen known as the Porkupios, who were death in 1d6 battle rounds), Stealthy (14), Tail Lash,
apparently conquered by the Orycters sometime Uncanny Agility, Wallcrawling.
during the Age of Magic. Awards : Glory 280.

33
 Visual Distraction
This special ability allows a creature to actively
distract and disorient its opponents using some
special visual effect. Depending on the type of
creature, this visual effect could be a natural
feature (like a peacocks feathers) or some sort
of magical illusion (like a shimmering halo, a
slightly distorted or displaced image etc). Since
the creature must be fully aware of the
attackers presence to use this ability, its effects
do not apply to surprise or rear attacks.

In all other circumstances, anyone attempting a

Melee or Missile attack against the creature
must make a saving roll to avoid being
distracted by this visual effect. This roll has a
target number equal to 10 plus the creatures
Cunning and Mystique modifiers and must be
made before each attack roll; it uses either the
characters Danger Evasion (if the distracting
Bird of Hera visual effect is natural) or his Mystic Fortitude (if
the visual effect is magical or supernatural).
Taxonomy : Monster
If this saving roll is successful, the character will
Description : Giant magical peacocks blessed by be able to attempt his attack normally, as per
the goddess Hera the goddess answer to her the usual rules; if the roll is failed, the character
husbands Olympian Eagles. Birds of Hera are often will be so affected by the distraction that he will
found guarding ancient sites which are sacred to be unable to attack.
their divine mistress. They can distract opponents
with their magical, many-colored feathers and turn This special ability adds 10 to the creatures
them to stone with their piercing gaze ! basic Glory award and to its Wisdom award.
Size : Medium
Ferocity : Dangerous
Cunning : Alert Available NOW for FREE!
Mystique : Eldritch
Movement : 60 Vikings & Valkyries
Initiative : 13
Melee Attack : +4
Damage : 1d6 (beak)
Defense Class : 14
Hits Total : 16
Detection / Evasion : +6 / +4
Mystic Fortitude : +8
Special Abilities : Magic Resistance, Petrification
(40), Sixth Sense, Supernatural Vigor, Visual
Distraction (13, magical)
Awards : Glory 220, Wisdom 90. Killing a Bird of A Whole New World of Adventure!
Hera is also a sure way of attracting the goddess
wrath on oneself.

Birds of Hera do have wings but are not able to fly and
thus do not have the Winged ability.

34
 ALMANAC OF MYTHIKA

MYTHIC SKIES
by Anagnosis of Thena, translated (and annotated) by Andrew Pearce

The fires that arch this dusky dot

Yon myriad-worlded way
The vast sun-clusters gatherd blaze,
World-isles in lonely skies,
Whole heavens within themselves,
Amaze our brief humanities.
1
(The melancholic Lyrist Tennisonos )

How the celestial spheres have entranced us and

terrified us in almost equal measure! For as long as
Man has existed, wise sages have looked up to the
heavens above, and pondered how the stars in their
courses might speak to our earthly existence below.
In their stately journeying through the cosmos, can -At last! The second part of the Almanac of Mythika!
the stars offer us guidance, counsel or warning? Is
our destiny writ large in the skies above? The Celestial Sphere
Stories and legends about the heavenly lights have Regardless of the extraordinary theories recently
been passed down since the Age of Myth. Over propagated by Aristarchus of Heraklia (see next
many centuries, our knowledge and understanding page), It is almost universally accepted that our
of the skies above has steadily progressed. world of Mythika stands at the centre of the
celestial sphere.
There is no doubt that many of the most important
early observations and discoveries were made not The stars are emblazoned upon the celestial
by Mineans, but rather in the Desert Kingdom and sphere, and as the sphere rotates, so the stars rise
the Land of the Sun. The ancient Hazirians are and set, carrying them from east to west. All the
believed to have had extensive star catalogues of stars move around two points on the celestial
the heavens. The pyramids of the Middle Kingdom sphere, the north and south celestial poles. Only the
of the Khettim were aligned towards the Pole Star. north celestial pole is visible from the skies above
And one of the greatest past observers of the the Three Cities the south celestial pole and the
celestial heavens came from the time of the Middle stars of the farthest southern skies are never visible
Kingdom, Amenhop the Farsighted. His Catalogue from the lands around the Middle Sea (but perhaps
of the Universe (tragically lost soon after his death) wayfarers who travel southwards beyond Charybdia
reputedly contained the fruits of a lifetime of and the Desert Kingdom might be able to see stars
painstaking observations. previously hidden from our view).
There is also some evidence of a surprisingly Three types of star are found in the heavens above:
advanced understanding of celestial motions,
especially of the Sun and the Moon, amongst - the fixed stars
cultures that many would normally dismiss as
primitive, such as the Amazons, and the Galleans of - the moving stars, or planets;
Hyperborea. Nevertheless, most of the more recent
discoveries have been made by Minean scholars, - the bearded stars, or comets, whose appearances
such as Callippus of Cyrenos, Demosthenes of are unpredictable.
Pylene, Eudoxus of Argos, and, last but not least,
Ptolemeos of Thena. We will look at each of these in turn. By far the most
numerous grouping is that of the fixed stars.
1
Or, in our own reality continuum, please refer to The
Charge of the Heavy Brigade by the English poet Alfred
Lord Tennyson.

35
 4
Ptolemeos of Thena , about one hundred and
twenty years ago (although most of them, of course,
long predate his time). Ptolemeos classified them
into three groups: the twenty-four constellations of
the northern skies; the twelve constellations of the
equatorial skies; and the twelve constellations of the
southern skies (remember that the skies of the
5
furthest south remain hidden from our view).

The northern constellations were all named after

the monsters of Mythika. They include such groups
as Basiliskos (the Basilisk), Cerberus (the three-
headed hound of hell), Draco (the Dragon), Hydra
(the largest of all the constellations), Minotaurus
Hey havent we used this illustration twice, already? (the Minotaur), Monoceros (the Unicorn) and
Pegasus (the Flying Horse).
Fixed Stars and the Constellations The southern constellations were all named after
important legendary heroes and heroines, mostly
Few individual stars have names of their own, save from the Age of Myth. They include such luminaries
the very brightest. Notable stars include Sirios as Antianera (first Queen of the Amazons), Orpheus
(called Sothis, or the Dog Star, by the Khettim), (greatest of all Lyrists), Pandora (of the legendary
which is the very brightest; and the Pole Star, which Box), and Prometheos (the Stealer of Magic).
is almost directly situation over the north celestial
pole, and is therefore an important navigational Finally, the twelve equatorial constellations are
2
marker for sailors). named after the twelve Olympian gods and
goddesses; Apollo, Athena, Hera, Zeus and the
Rather more important than individual stars are the rest. The equatorial constellations are accounted
groups into which they are organized. The hundreds the most important, because the seven moving
of fixed stars are grouped into patterns known as stars, the planets, all travel along their paths
constellations. In these patterns the imaginative through these twelve constellations and none
and the perceptive are able to discern the form of other. These constellations form a band that is
6
gods, heroes and monsters, creatures and beings collectively referred to as the theodiac. The
that have directed or obstructed the destiny of Men constellations of the theodiac (or houses as they
on earth in the past, and which the wise and the are also called) have always been regarded as the
pious know have power to shape our destiny still. most important star patterns, partly because they
are named after the gods, and partly because the
Different cultures have given different names to their movement of the planets (representing mortals)
constellations (although it is interesting to note how through the divine constellations is regarded as
many similarities there are the Minean being a particular indicator of human destiny.
constellation Aphrodite is, for example, identical to
the ancient Hazirian constellation of Ishtar, whilst The study of the stars, and in particular the
the constellation of Minotaurus is virtually identical movement of the planets through the divine
across almost all Mythikan societies). The forty-eight constellations, is variously known as astronomy
3
constellations recognized by the Mineans today (law of the stars) or astrology (study of the stars).
7
were definitively codified, it is believed, by the great The two terms are interchangeable.

2 4
Because of a phenomenon known as precession, the Ptolemeos of Thena is based upon the famous Ptolemy
Earth wobbles on its axis over the course of 26,000 years of Alexandria, who in his book The Almagest (c. AD 150)
or so. This causes the position of the celestial poles to did indeed list the 48 constellations associated with
shift, and therefore the nearest star to the poles alters over classical times. Others were added later, making the
time. The Pole Star of today (Polaris) has actually been the modern total 88 including such unmythical-sounding
nearest visible star to the north celestial pole since about additions as Caelum (the Chisel), Musca (the Fly), and
500 AD. Other stars that have previously acted as the Pole Pictor (the Easel)!
Star include the stars we know as Kochab (Pole Star from
5
1900 BC to 500 AD) and Thuban (4000 BC to 1900 BC). Dont forget, if adventurers travel (whether by land or
We can perhaps be non-specific as to whether or not the sea) into the far south, they may well observe and
Mythikan Pole Star to be equated with Polaris or any other therefore discover (at least as far as the Three Cities are
star in the real world. concerned) new stars and new constellations!
3 6
Not all the 48 constellations are name-checked in this The term theodiac parallels the zodiac in the real world.
article deliberately so as to encourage Maze Masters to The term zodiac is an abbreviation for zodiakos kuklos
be inventive with constellation names of their own. Notice meaning circle of animals appropriate given that eight of
that the constellations named by Anagnosis include ones the twelve signs are either animals or mythological
that may well be are identical to real world ones, such as creatures. Given the divine associations of the Mythikan
Draco, Hydra, Monoceros and Pegasus, whilst others, equatorial constellations, the term zodiac seems
such as Cerberus and Orpheus, do not have real world inappropriate hence theodiac, suggested as an
counterparts though the Greeks, of course, could easily abbreviated term for circle of gods.
have included them in the heavens.
7
As indeed they were in our world until the 17th century.

36
The Moving Stars, the Planets
Since ancient times, sages have recognized seven
planets, or wanderers stars that travel on their
own particular courses through the heavens, each
passing through the twelve houses of the theodiac.
The two greater planets, the lights that govern day
and night, are Helios (also called Sol, or the Sun)
and Selene (also known as Luna, or the Moon).

Heavens Above!
Controversies and Heresies
Aristarchus extravagant theories
Many of the theories about the heavens above, the
world of Mythika below, and their relationship to
one another have been the subject of much Long ago (as I observed in the first part of the
controversy among philosophers and scholars. Almanac of Mythika), it was noted that the Sun
takes 365 days to complete his transit through the
Opinion remains sharply divided, for instance, as heavens. During the month of Hereon, the first
to whether the world of Mythika is a flat world (as month of the year, the Sun rises in the House of
maintained by most sages in the past, and strongly Hera; in the following month of Areson, he rises in
defended in recent times by Callippus of Cyrenos,
the House of Ares; and so over the course of the
amongst others) or a spherical one (a view first put
forward, it is believed, by Eudoxus of Argos, and
year. Helios is an associate of the Olympian Apollo,
further supported by Ptolemeos of Thena). The and the power of the Sun is at his greatest during
latter view is one that seems to be gradually the month of Apolleon.
gaining in ascendancy. Of course, few mariners
are willing to sail any great distance beyond the The other planets move at widely different rates
Bronze Gates to test the flat Mythika theory (the through the heavens, waxing and waning in
perils of the Great Ocean, from marauding brightness as they do so; most notably so in the
Atlanteans to terrifying sea monsters, are case of the Moon, as she passes through extreme
formidable enough without vainglorious quests for phases of greater and lesser luminosity the Full
the edges of the world!) and so, for the moment, Moon and the New Moon - over the course of 29
there is no conclusive proof one way or another.8 days. Selene is an associate of the Olympian
Artemis, and the most important Full Moon of the
Much more controversial is the recent idea put year, to Amazonians and other devotees of Artemis,
forward by the brilliant but erratic scholar is the Full Moon that falls in the month of
Aristarchus of Heraklia. Artemiseon the Hunters Moon, as is often known.
Aristarchus has presented a model of the universe
The five lesser planets are Heraklon, Argo,
that places the Sun, not Mythika, at the centre.
Seriphon, Thenos and Proteon. These give their
This so-called heliocentric model has been
condemned as heresy in all of the Three Cities, names to five great Minean or proto-Minean
and as a result Aristarchus although regarded as cultures, namely those of the Three Cities, Seriphos
perhaps the most original and inspired intellect of and Proteus (for a discussion of the relationship
his generation to have come out of the normally between the names of these planets and cities, see
non-scholarly Heraklia has been forced to live in the first part of this Almanac (in Minotaur N7 ).
exile for the past fifteen years in the Midian city of
Solus. Needless to say, his heretical views have Heraklon is often known as the Red Planet, and is
not attracted much in the way of support.9 regularly identified with war and destruction. He is,
appropriately, the patron planet of the city of
Heraklia, and is often associated with the god Ares.
It is possible than the older name for Heraklon,
dating back to the Age of Myth, was Pyroeis
(meaning fiery one). The advent of Heraklon is
8 often believed to be a potent for bloodshed and war.
Pythagoras, in the 6th century BC, may have been the
first real-world philosopher to propose the idea of a
spherical Earth. Although the idea took several centuries to Relatively faint and often overlooked, Argo moves
take hold, by the 3rd century BC it was widely accepted by across the sky faster than any other planet, and so
all serious thinkers. Contrary to common thought, belief in came to be associated with the messenger god,
a flat Earth was not widespread in medieval Europe. Hermes. He is the patron planet of the city of Argos,
9
and his advent is believed to be a powerful portent
Aristarchus of Heraklia is inspired by the real-world within the spheres of commerce and diplomacy.
astronomer Aristarchus of Samos who in the 3rd century
BC 1,800 years before Copernicus first proposed the
heliocentric model of the Solar System. Needless to say,
the idea took a very long time to catch on

37
By the Mineans, radiant Seriphon has always been altering change. It is believed that the birth or the
associated with Zeus. This may be because death of significant individuals often coincide with
10
Sepiphon takes twelve years to pass through the the appearance of a bearded star.
theodiac, spending an entire year, as guest or as
lord, in each House. He is the patron planet of the Past examples of bearded stars accompanying
island of Seriphos and the city of Minea, and his momentous events upon the earthly plane include
advent is seen to be a sign of kingship and the comet of 215 AH, which appeared in the skies
authority, as also joy and abundance. as the Tritonians sailed hubristically against the
Sea-lords of Atlantis; and the triple-tailed comet of
Thenos is the very brightest of the five lesser 156 AH, which many regard as a presage of the
planets. In some cultures, this has caused this terrible Yellow Plague that caused much misery
planet to be associated with the goddess of beauty across the lands of Mythika in the following year.
or love. However, amongst Mineans, the divine
association appears always to have been with
Athena, in her aspect as bringer of truth, justice and Conclusion
wisdom. She is the patron planet of the city of
11
Thena . It is possible than the original name for When he looks up into the skies, and beholds the
Thenos in the Age of Myth was Phosphoros marvels of the heavens, the man who is both wise
(meaning light-bringer). and humble is surely made more and more
conscious of how small we frail mortals truly are.
The final planet, Proteon, is named after the island
Proteus, home of the ancient culture that was the How insignificant our petty concerns are, he must
precursor of the Mineans (though whether or not think, compared to the mysterious designs of the
they truly thought of Proteon as a patron planet is gods, to which the heavens bear ineffable witness!
now unknown). Curiously, there is no Olympian
association with this planet (though some associate
the planet with the Titans, the precursors to the The Great Eclipse:
gods of Olympus, and in particular Kronos, father of
Zeus). The sluggish Proteon takes longer than any Sky-Demon or Divine Wrath?
other planet to pass through the twelve Houses of
12
the theodiac (thirty years in all) , and his advent is
seen as a portent for chaos, darkness, disease,
decay and death.

As the planets (with the exception of the ever-

radiant Helios) vary in luminosity, so their influence
upon the destinies of men is believed to ebb and
flow. Conjunctions (or meetings) of planets are
believed to be especially auspicious, and Perhaps the greatest, and the most terrifying, of
particularly so if they take place in a House which celestial occurrences, is the unpredictable
has an association with that planet (for example, a phenomenon known as the eclipse (from the
conjunction between Proteon and Heraklon in the Minean eklipsis to cease to exist). There are
House of Ares is believed to be a particularly bad strictly speaking two types of eclipse, namely that
omen, perhaps signifying a time of war or conflict of the Moon and that of the Sun. But it is the
that will result in disaster and great suffering). eclipse of the Sun that, not surprisingly, tends to
be the focus of most fear and wonder.

The Bearded Stars, the Comets Many people believe that an eclipse, much like a
comet, is an omen of some natural disaster or the
The final category of stars is collectively known as death or downfall of a ruler One pervasive story
the bearded stars, or comets (from the Minean involves an invisible dragon, or perhaps a sky-
cometes, meaning stars with hair). Bearded stars demon, who devours the Sun during an eclipse.
are so called because they leave a long wispy trail For others, an eclipse is but a foreshadowing of
of starlight in their wake. Their appearances are the final conflict between light and darkness that
completely unpredictable, and are regarded by the will come at the end of time. For Mineans, of
wise as harbingers of doom and as omens of world- course, an eclipse represents the most powerful
assertion possible of the supremacy of the gods,
10
and above all Zeus.
Actually, Seriphons equivalent Jupiter takes more like
11.86 years to traverse the heavens. But a nice round The most famous solar eclipse catalogued in the
twelve years does sound better, doesnt it? history of Mythika was probably the one that
11 occurred in 300 AM, seven days before the Days
In the real world, of course, the equivalent of Thenos is
of Wrath, as a final warning (it was later believed)
Venus named after the Roman goddess of love,
Aphrodite being the Greek equivalent. But remember, the from Zeus to the proud Autarchs as they prepared
Mythikan world is not intended to exactly mirror the real to march against the Olympians. The stiff-necked
world. Autarchs ignored the warning, and thus brought
upon themselves the vengeance of the gods in the
12
More precisely 29.46 years for Proteons equivalent in closing drama of the Age of Magic.
the real world, Saturn.

38
 SPECIAL BONUS FEATURE

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

M&M Creatures by Habitat, by Colin Chapman, with assistance from Lyzi Shadow & Olivier Legrand

The following pages list the most common habitats for the various creatures of the vast Mazes & Minotaurs
bestiary. These are only guidelines, however; a Maze Master should feel free to place any creatures anywhere he
chooses, especially if this makes the adventure more interesting for the players (and more challenging for the
adventurers). Each creature is listed with its corresponding page number from the Creature Compendium or,
in the case of the various new creatures detailed in past issues of the Minotaur, with the letter M followed by
issue and page number This article also gives us an excellent excuse to reprint some of our friend Croquefers
wonderful artwork from the Creature Compendium.

Caves
Albinotaur 76
Argusoid 7
Bearman 13
Bronze Minotaur 77
Brown Bear 12
Cave Bear 12
Cave Spider 49
Cockatrice 28
Common Giant 45
Dancing Minotaur 77
Daughter of Arachne 34
Empusa (during day) 39
Giant Bat 47
Arctic Giant Rat 47
Albinotaur 76 Gigantic Spider 49
Children of Ymir M6-25 Gorgon 51
Common Eagle 38 Hag 54
Common Fox 42 Harpy 54
Common Wolf 125 Minotaur 76
Great Hyperborean Bear 12 Ogre 86
Hyperborean Rhinoceros 93 Psychotaur 80
Hyperborean Wolf 126 Ratling 93
Ice Dragon M4-42 Red Minotaur 80
Silver Minotaur 81
Atlantean Outposts
Stone Titan 110
Atlantean Noble 9
Troglodyte 120
Atlantean War Slave 9
Twinotaur 81
Bronze Colossus 18
Two-Headed Giant 46
Midas Man 75
Wildman 125

39
 Forests
Acteon 5
Bee-Folk 13
Boarman 16
Brown Bear 12
Caliban 97
Catoblepas 23
Chimera 28
Deserts Classic Harpy M3-31
Anakite Champion (Land of the Sun) M3-36
Classic Unicorn 123
Anubian (Desert Kingdom) 6
Cockatrice 28
Asheeba (Desert Kingdom) 8 Common Eagle 38
Basilisk 11 Common Fox 42
Blood Tree M5-38 Common Giant 45
Camel M5-38 Common Stag 108
Cockatrice 28 Common Wolf 125
Common Eagle 38 Cynocephal 32
Common Fox 42 Demi-Satyr 98
Giant Eagle 38 Dwimmerlaik (Hyperborea) M6-26
Giant Rat 47 Enkidu (Land of the Sun) M8-21
Giant Scorpion 48 Faun 98
Giant Snake 49 Giant Boar 15
Golden Minotaur (Land of the Sun) 78 Gigantic Spider 49
Gorgotaur (Land of the Sun) 78 Green Man M6-36
Hooded Horror 57 Hag 54
Human 59-60 Hamadryad M3-31
Hyenakin (Midia) 62 Human 59-60
Leonid (Midia) 68 Hyperborean Fox 43
Leucrota (Midia) 68 Hyperborean Wolf 126
Mirage Demon M5-39 Impostaur 79
Phoenix 90 Juggernaut Boar 15
Red Minotaur 80 Lycan 70
Sand Demon M5-40
Sand Folk (Desert Kingdom) 96
Scorpion Folk 99
Shaalud M5-41
Skeleton (with Anubians) 105
Sphinx (Desert Kingdom) 107
Thirst Demon M5-40
Tricephalous Vulture 119
Ubasti (Desert Kingdom) 122

40
 Bronze Horse 19
Catoblepas 23
Chimera 28
Common Giant 45
Crushing Woman M6-37
Dragon 37
Gigantic Cyclops 31
Golden Ram 51
Gorgon 51
Human 59-60
Iron Warrior 64
Mechanical Archer 74
Forests (cont.)
Minoton 82
Magical Boar 16
Muscus (near Rhabdosians) 84
Magical Fox 43
Phoenix 90
Magical Giant Boar 16
Rhabdosian (near Muscusii) 84
Magical Stag 108
Roc 94
Minotaur 76
Silver Beetle 104
Myrmidon 85
Singing Keledon 104
Orkoi 88
Siren 105
Peryton 90
Stone Titan 110
Satyr 97
Titanian 116
Silene 98
Titanic Statue 117
Stichlos 109
Tragic Floating Head 117
Sylvan 113
Turtlemen M6-32
Sylvan Centaur M3-33
Two-Headed Giant 46
Teumesian Fox M2-31
Tragos 118
Tragostomos 118
Two-Headed Giant 46
Vine of Tantalus 124
Wight (Hyperborea) M6-26
Wild Boar 15
Wood Titan 126

Isolated Islands
Argusoid 7
Automaton 10
Bronze Bird 17
Bronze Bull 18
Bronze Colossus 18

41
 Mazes
Albinotaur 76
Argusoid 7
Automaton 10
Bronze Bull 18
Bronze Colossus 18
Bronze Minotaur 77
Crushing Woman M6-37
Dancing Minotaur 77
Giant Rat 47
Golden Ram 51
Jungles
Gorgotaur 78
Apeman 6
Iron Warrior 64
Catoblepas 23
Mechanical Archer 74
Cockatrice 28
Megataur 79
Common Eagle 38
Minotaur 76
Elephant 39
Minoton 82
Giant Snake 49
Psychotaur 80
Gigantic Spider 49
Red Minotaur 80
Hellephaunt 56
Rocky Python 95
Human 59-60
Shabti (Desert Kingdom) M5-41
Leonid 68
Silver Minotaur 81
Pterodactyl 91
Stone Titan 110
Stichlos 109
Titanic Statue 117
Tarasque 114
Twinotaur 81
Tetrax 115
Tigerman of Kathai 116
Tyrannosaurus 121
Vine of Tantalus 124
Wildman 125

Marshes
Bapharon 11
Classic Hydra 61
Ghost 44

Giant Rat 47
Giant Snake 49
Human 59-60
Serpentine Hydra M3-32
Singing Hydra M4-42
Swamp Folk 112

42
 Impostaur (near settlements) 79
Klaatakaarr (Charybdis) 65
Leonid 68
Lemure 67
Lycan 70
Magical Fox 43
Magical Ram 92
Manticore (Thanatari) 73
Megalopodoi (snow cap) 74
Mountains Minotaur 76
Aberrant Beast 4 Mountain Giant 45
Abominathol (Hyperborea) 4 Nyctogryph (Thanatari) 53
Bicephalous Wolf (Thanatari) 125 Ogre 86
Blue Men (Bones of War) M6-25 Pegasus 89
Bronze Minotaur 77 Pegataur (Thanatari) 89
Brown Bear 12 Phoenix 90
Degenerate Man (Helicon) 34 Pyrohydra (near volcanoes) 62
Children of Ymir (Hyperborea) M6-25 Red Minotaur (near volcanoes) 80
Chimera 28 Roc 94
Common Fox 42 Rocky Python 95
Common Giant 45 Rugog 95
Common Ram 92 Stone Dragon (Helicon) M4-43
Common Wolf 125 Stone Titan 110
Draconian (Thanatari) M4-41 Titanian 116
Flying Unicorn 123 Trolith (Hyperborea) 121
Giant Eagle 38 Two-Headed Giant 46
Giant Ram 92 Wildman 125
God-Shadow 50 Wyvern M4-43
Golden Minotaur (Helicon) 78 Zorba (Helicon) 127
Gorgon (Helicon) 51
Gorgotaur (Helicon) 78
Griffin (Thanatari) 52
Gryphon (Thanatari) 52
Hag 54
Hawkman 55
Hippogriff (Thanatari) 57
Hooded Horror 57
Human 59-60
Hyperborean Wolf 126
Icarian 63
Ice Worm (snow cap) 63

43
Plains
Aberrant Beast 4
Arimaspian (East of Thanatari) 8
Bucentaur 19
Brutaur 24
Catoblepas 23
Centaur 24
Centauride 25
Chironian Centaur 25
Common Bull 20
Common Fox 42
Common Horse 58
Common Lion 69
Common Ram 92
Common Rhinoceros 93
Common Wolf 125
Lycan 70
Cynocephal 32
Lycocentaur 72
Equinian 40
Magical Bull 20
Elephant (Land of the Sun) 39
Magical Fox 43
Giant Bull 20
Magical Horse 58
Giant Eagle 38
Magical Lion 69
Giant Lion 69
Magical Ram 92
Giant Ram 92
Myrmidon 85
God-Shadow 50
Onocentaur 87
Golden Minotaur (Arcadia) 78
Orycter (Midia) 88
Human 59-60
Pegasus 89
Impostaur 79
Rhinotaur 94
Lemure 67
Sagittarian 26
Leonid 68
Sataur 26
Spectral Hound M2-31
Sylvan Centaur M3-33
Tricephalous Vulture 119

Rivers / Lakes
Hippopotamus (Desert Kingdom) M5-41
Lake Monster M6-34
Crocodile (Desert Kingdom) M5-39
Sons of Sobek (Desert Kingdom) M5-42
Undine (Waterfalls) M8-55

44
 Living Caryatid 70
Megataur 79
Minoton 82
Minotaur 76
Mummy (Desert Kingdom) 83
Psychotaur 80
Rocky Python 95
Sand Folk (Desert Kingdom) 96
Ruins Seven-Mawed Thing 102
Albinotaur 76 Shabti (Desert Kingdom) M5-41
Alseid 5 Shadow 103
Argusoid 7 Shedu (Land of the Sun) M8-23
Bronze Colossus 18 Silent Lurker 103
Bronze Minotaur 77 Silver Minotaur 81
Cacodemon 21 Son of Cecrops 106
Chimera 28 Spectral Hound M2-31
Classic Harpy M3-31 Sphinx (Desert Kingdom) 107
Cockatrice 28 Stone Titan 110
Common Giant 45 Tetrax (Charybdis jungle) 115
Crushing Woman M6-37 Titanic Statue 117
Dancing Minotaur 77 Tragic Floating Head 117
Daughter of Arachne 34 Twinotaur 81
Dichotomian 36 Two-Headed Giant 46
Empusa (during day) 39
Rural Areas
Floating Eye 41
Cat M6-29
Genie (Land of the Sun) M8-53
Common Bull 20
Ghost 44
Common Eagle 38
Ghostling 44
Common Fox 42
Giant Bat 47
Common Horse 58
Giant Rat 47
Common Ram 92
Giant Scorpion 48
Common Stag 108
Giant Slug 48
Human 59-60
Gigantic Spider 49
Impostaur 79
Gorgon 51
Lar 67
Hag 54
Harpy 54
Lemure 67

Hooded Horror 57
Iron Warrior 64
Lamassu (Land of the Sun) 66
Lamia 66
Lemure 67

45
 Sky
Bird of Ares 14
Bronze Bird 17
Carnivorous Cloud 22
Common Eagle 38
Dragon 37
Flying Unicorn 123
Giant Bat 47
Giant Eagle 38
Griffin 52
Sea
Gryphon 52
Abyss Lurker M1-32
Eolian 40
Attack Kelp 10
Hawkman 55
Dolphin 37
Hippogriff 57
Fomoros 42
Icarian 63
Giant Crab 47
Ker 65
Hexapod M1-32
Klaatakaarr 65
Hogrebos (Umbrian) M1-33
Lamassu 66
Human (seashore / shipboard) 59-60
Manticore 73
Ichtyocentaur 64
Oracle Owl 87
Ichtyosatyr M1-33
Pegasus 89
Killer Fish M1-34
Pegataur 89
Langustos M1-34
Peryton 90
Large Octopus M1-35
Phoenix 90
Merion M1-35
Pterodactyl 91
Mermaid 75
Roc 94
Morid M1-36
Shedu (Land of the Sun) M8-23
Psychic Medusa M1-36
Singing Keledon 104
Quinotaur 91
Siren 105
Sea Gorgon M1-37
Tricephalous Vulture 119
Sea Horror 99
Sea Horse 100
Sea Hydra 61
Sea Lion 100
Sea Serpent 101
Sea Titan M1-38
Siren (seashore) 105
Son of Dagon 106
Telchine 114
Triton 120
Tyrodon M1-37

46
 Daughter of Arachne 34
Derros 35
Derros Warcraft 36
Empusa 39
Flamoid (near Lesser Cyclops forges) 41
Floating Eye 41
Giant Rat 47
Giant Slug 48
Gigantic Spider 49
Gigantosaur 50
Gorgon 51
Stygian Bastions Grotesk 53

Archfiend, Type I (Balotaur) M3-34 Iron Warrior 64

Archfiend, Type II (Dracodemon) M3-34 Ker 65

Archfiend, Type III (Thanator) M3-35 Lesser Cyclops (near volcanoes) 31

Archfiend, Type IV (Hellazon) M3-35 Lizardian 70

Empusa (at night) 39 Mechanical Archer 74

Hippodrac 56 Minoton 82

Malacorn 124 Minotaur 76

Shadow 103 Moon Spawn 82

Skeletaur M7-46 Morlock 83

Skeleton 105 Obsidian 86

Stygian Hound 110 Psychotaur 80

Stygian Lord 111 Pyrohydra (near volcanoes) 62

Stygian Minotaur M7-46 Pyroid (near volcanoes) M8-55

Stygian Serpent 112 Ratling 93

Red Minotaur (near volcanoes) 80
Subterranean World
Rocky Python 95
Albinotaur 76
Salamander (near magma) 96
Argusoid 7
Selenite 101
Automaton 10
Black Stalker 14
Bronze Bull 18
Bronze Colossus 18
Bronze Minotaur 77
Cacodemon (near volcanoes) 21
Capricorn Horror 21
Carapax 22
Crushing Woman M6-37
Dactyl (Land of the Sun) M8-54
Dancing Minotaur 77

47
Subterranean World (cont.)
Serpent Man 102
Seven-Mawed Thing 102
Shabti (Desert Kingdom) M5-41
Shadow 103
Silent Lurker 103
Silver Beetle 104
Silver Minotaur 81
Stone Titan 110
Stublings (Desert Kingdom) M5-42
Temples & Sacred Sites
Titanic Statue 117
Alkenian Dog (Hephaestus) M2-28
Triclope 119
Artemesian Greyhound (Artemis) M2-28
Troglodyte 120
Bird of Ares (Ares) 14
Swamps Bronze Colossus 18
Bapharon 11 Curete (Zeus) 29
Classic Hydra 61 Golden Ram 51
Cockatrice 28 Hound of Zeus M2-30
Common Eagle 38 Human 59-60
Ghost 44 Iron Warrior 64
Giant Rat 47 Olympian Eagle 38
Giant Snake 49 Oracle Owl 87
Gigantic Spider 49 Salamander (Elemental Fire) 96
Hag 54 Shabti (Desert Kingdom) M5-41
Hooded Horror 57 Singing Keledon 104
Ker 65 Stygian Serpent (Sethos) 112
Serpentine Hydra M3-32 Titanic Statue 117
Singing Hydra M4-42
Tombs
Stichlos 109
Argusoid 7
Stirge 109
Automaton 10
Swamp Folk 112
Bronze Colossus 18
Swamp Horror 113
Crushing Woman M6-37
Vine of Tantalus 124
Daughter of Arachne 34
Dwimmerlaik (Hyperborea) M6-26
Empusa 39
Floating Eye 41
Ghost 44
Giant Bat 47
Giant Rat 47
Giant Scorpion 48

48
 Urban Environment
Cat M6-29
Tombs (cont.)
Common Horse 58
Giant Slug 48
Automaton (palaces) 10
Gigantic Spider 49
Bronze Colossus (palaces) 18
Gorgon 51
Ghost 44
Hag 54
Giant Rat (sewers) 47
Hooded Horror 57
Human 59-60
Iron Warrior 64
Iron Warrior (palaces) 64
Lamassu (Land of the Sun) 66
Lamassu (palaces, Land of the Sun) 66
Lamia 66
Ratling (sewers) 93
Lemure 67
Shedu (palaces, Land of the Sun) M8-23
Living Caryatid 70
Minoton 82 The Underworld
Mummy (Desert Kingdom, Stygia) 83 Argusoid 7

Ratling 93 Cacodemon 21

Rocky Python 95 Cerberion M2-29

Shabti (Desert Kingdom) M5-41 Cerberus 27

Shadow 103 Charont 27

Shedu (Land of the Sun) M8-23 Empusa 39

Silent Guardians (Urok Tombs) M7-45 Ghost 44

Silent Lurker 103 Gorgon 51

Skeleton 105 Ker 65

Son of Cecrops 106 Orthos Hound M2-30

Stone Titan 110 Shadow 103
Stygian Hound (Stygia) 110
Stygian Lord (Stygia) 111
Stygian Minotaur (Stygia) M7-46
Stygian Serpent (Stygia) 112
Titanic Statue 117

49
 Here come the

Vikings! Twelve Questions about VIKINGS & VALKYRIES

1) What is Vikings & Valkyries? Skalds, for instance, are the exact Norse equivalent
of Barbarians, Nobles and Lyrists (respectively),
Vikings & Valkyries is a 50-page PDF supplement while Elves share many similarities with Nymphs
for the Revised Mazes & Minotaurs RPG; it presents (but can be either male or female, with special rules
a whole new setting, the world of Midgard, inspired for males); Valkyries, on the other hand, are closer
by Norse sagas, pulp fantasy and Hollywood Viking to Spearmen than to Amazons in terms of abilities.
movies, along with all the rules you need to play in
this alternate setting. The book also details two entirely new classes: the
big, bad, dumb Half-Giant and (of course) the
2) So is it a supplement or a whole new game? Viking, an all-purpose warrior-adventurer with no
real equivalent in classic M&M.
Well, as far as actual play is concerned, it IS a
Lastly, the book also includes additional character
different game, since the world of Midgard is
options, allowing players to create adventurers from
obviously very different from the classic M&M world
mythic folks such as Dwarves, Nixies or Merfolk.
of Mythika but it is not a standalone product, so
you still need the M&M core rules to play.
4) What are the new rules about?
3) What character classes are available?
Vikings & Valkyries offers additional rules on a
variety of topics specifically tied to its Norse setting
Players can choose between five warrior classes
or to what we might call Viking spirit: some new
(Berserker, Half-Giant, Prince, Valkyrie and Viking),
combat options, a few things about magic (including
five magician classes (Elementalist, Elf, Priest,
two new divine gifts and the new elemental power of
Skald and Sorcerer) and the two specialist classes
Ice!), as well as rules for various types of Viking
of Thief and Hunter. Some of these classes are
games (you know, arm wrestling, shield running,
simply M&M classes under another name or with
braid cutting etc) and, of course, heavy drinking.
some minor adjustments: Berserkers, Princes and

50
5) What are the new combat options?

Well, lets see We have rules on berserker rage,

breaking shields, throwing axes and some nifty
optional rules which allow you to severe an
opponents hand, pierce one of his eyes, disfigure
him or even decapitate him in a single blow, for
some good old-fashioned, maximum Viking
bloodshed! Ah yes, believe it or not, we also have
about going to Valhalla after a heroic death.

6) Do we finally get some REAL sailing rules?

Next question, please.

7) What are the new creatures and mythic items? - Hey, whats wrong with our helmets?

The Vikings & Valkyries bestiary includes detailed

notes on all the regular M&M creatures which can 10) Is there anything in this book that could be
be transposed in the world of Midgard, as well as of interest to a standard (i.e. Mythika-based)
complete stats for a variety of new creatures, Mazes & Minotaurs campaign?
including Trolls (five different kinds!), Giants (Frost,
Fire, Storm, you name it!) and some new, nasty Thats a fair question and the answer is YES. The
mythic monsters, from Sea Hags and Fenrir Wolves rules on Viking games, for instance, could easily be
to Frost Wyrms and Fjord Serpents (not to mention adopted by Mythikas own Hyperborean Barbarians,
the Six-Armed Berserker ah, perhaps we shouldnt while the new combat options are ideal for Maze
have mentioned THAT). Masters who wish to give a bloodier, grittier (but still
heroic) feel to their Mythika campaign. As for the
On the mythic items front, the book includes a new rules on heavy drinking, well, lets say they work
assortment of Norse-flavored weapons, amulets, equally well with Minean wines.
rings and other magical treasure, including some
unique artirfacts like Mjolnir, the mythic hammer of Some of the new creatures could also find a niche in
Thor, the mighty god of thunder! a Mythika campaign including the new breeds of
Giants or even, perhaps, the Six-Armed Berserker
(who knows?). The same reasoning can be applied
8) Is the world of Midgard covered in detail?
to some of the new mythic items (although Mjolnir
would probably feel a bit out-of-place in Mythika).
The world of Midgard is covered in a 10-page
chapter, along with the surrounding otherworldly
realms of Outgard, Asgard, Jotunheim and other 11) Will the MINOTAUR webzine support Vikings
mythic lands. Just like the first chapter of the Maze & Valkyries in the future?
Masters Guide (which detailed the world of Mythika),
this chapter covers topics like geography, deities, The issue you are currently reading includes quite a
mythic and more recent history, as well as the most fair amount of Vikings & Valkyries material: new
salient aspects of Viking culture. It also includes a mythic items in Pandoras Box, game-mastering
nifty map of Midgard. advice by Peter Larsson on adventuring in Midgard,
a Maze Masters Lore article on Nordic runes and
9) How close is this new game setting to Norse even a complete adventure! Future issues will
definitely include some Vikings & Valkyries stuff
myth and sagas?
but on a more occasional basis: standard Mazes &
Of course, our version of Midgard is based on Norse Minotaurs and the world of Mythika will always
myth and sagas - but it is a fantasy world, with its remain the main focus of the webzine.
own reality. It differs from legendary Scandinavia in
the same way as M&Ms original world of Mythika 12) Where can I find this wonderful supplement?
differs from mythic Greece, with a similar mix of
mythical elements and pop culture tropes which is You can download the Vikings & Valkyries PDF from
why, for instance, our Vikings (unlike their real-world its own webpage or from the usual Revised Mazes
counterparts) wear those cool horned helmets weve & Minotaurs website:
all come to associate with the Viking stereotype.
http://mazesandminotaurs.free.fr/VIK.html
Vikings & Valkyries can ultimately be described as
M&M gone Viking: it encourages the same style of http://mazesandminotaurs.free.fr/revised.html
play, the same spirit of adventure mentality but
in a different world, with different challenges (and, of And remember this e-book, like all other Mazes &
course, different helmets). Minotaurs material, is 100% FREE!

51
 Each issue, Griffin Archives unearths an old Griffin article from the glorious 80s or 90s

PLACES TO PLUNDER,
MONSTERS TO SLAY!
Creating Epic Adventures for Vikings & Valkyries, by Peter Larsson

Midgard and Beyond!

Vikings & Valkyries draws most of its inspiration
from the heroic tales of the Norse sagas as well as
from modern adaptations of these tales, such as the
classic comic book series Prince Valiant.

A typical Vikings & Valkyries campaign will involve

bloody battles against horrible monsters, exploration
of caves deep underground and lightning raids on
coastal settlements.

Vikings & Valkyries adventures can be divided into

two broad groups: those that take place in Midgard,
and those that take place in Outgard. Of the basic
scenarios outlined below, the first three detail typical
adventures that may take place in Midgard (but they
may also bring the adventurers across the borders
to more terrible lands). Finally there is a section on
adventuring in the weird wilderness of Outgard.

Gathering the Heroes

But before play begins, the Maze Master and the
players should decide where, how and why the
heroes begin their adventures. Here are a few
typical possibilities:
Monster Slaying
Defend the Land: The adventurers are the brave
retainers and warriors at the hall of a King or Lord, Norse myths are full of terrifying monsters and
or stalwart champions of a region. The people look savage beasts. Dragons, wolves, trolls and other
to them to defend the land from curses, gods, terrible creatures need to be slain for the good of
monsters, raiders and other dangers. If the heroes men and the defense of the land.
succeed, lavish rewards, or the gratitude of the
people, await them. Sometimes the monster is just a large and more
dangerous version of a normal animal (like the
Follow A Leader: The adventurers are the loyal Fenris Wolf) and the adventure takes the form a
friends of a lord, ruler or prince who has been exiled proper hunt. In other cases the monster is an
and now wanders across the world trying to find unnatural beast, and the adventure must make a
some way to regain his throne. As his closest allies, perilous raid on its underground lair.
they carry out all kinds of dangerous quests and
heroic challenges to aid him in this daunting task. There are many reasons to kill a monster. Perhaps
the hellish creature is terrorizing the great hall of a
The Gods Command It! : The adventurers have king or lord, or perhaps it is guarding some valuable
been chosen by a god (or Odin, king of the gods treasure. The death of the beast itself might actually
himself) to carry out a series of quests and be the prize; perhaps some part of its body is
challenges, which they cannot refuse. Perhaps the valuable dragon scales or venom, or a magic pelt.
heroes have angered the god in the past or A simple monster hunt might be a quick and easy
committed a crime. Sometimes the god selects an task, especially if the lair of the beast is well known.
earthly king to hand out the god's requests and Sometimes killing an unnatural beast might be truly
orders. Sometimes the god personally appears to heroic task (such as when Beowulf slew Grendel)
heroes between adventures. that requires the full ingenuity of the slayer.

52
 Raids
What would Viking adventuring be without lightning
attacks on mysterious islands, well defended
villages, and coastal keeps? An important part of a
raid is the sea journey. Looking for plunder and
adventure, the adventurers must cross churning,
uncharted seas using ancient maps and word of
mouth. Upon landing theyll encounter secrets,
plots, traps, witches and tyrannical kings.

A single location might form the focus of the

Treasure Quests adventure or it can be a stopping point or episode
on a longer journey. The differences between
Vikings are always hungry for loot, and they are voyaging in Outgard and Midgard are clear. The
especially keen on legendary artifacts and weapons. seas of Midgard are frothy and challenging; those of
A treasure quest could be for the silver of the Fir, for Outgard are pitch black and torrential. Islands in
the gilded statues of the Golden Cities or for Midgard harbor cunning pirates and other human
legendary items such as the divine bracelet foes in addition to the odd supernatural being.
Draupnir or Siegfrieds famous sword Balmung. The Outgard isles are more likely to contain lost or
steps to finding these artifacts can be many and cursed cities, wraith-kings, and chained gods.
varied. The quest will often involve traveling to
exotic locations in distant parts of the world:
mysterious islands, lost mountains, strange lands. Outgard
Such epic quests may require information to be
discovered, enemies and guardian monsters to be Vikings & Valkyries adventurers are driven by the
defeated, puzzles to be solved, and traitors to be lust for gold and the lure of the unknown. No place
uncovered. Sometimes the treasure quest is more is more packed with adventure, more ripe for
mundane: overpowering guards, stealing into exploration than the many realms of Outgard. Men
treasuries and ambushing caravans. think of Outgard as a single elemental wasteland.
These vast lands are actually hide secret kingdoms
Whatever the nature of the quest, the heroes should and pocket dimensions outside the laws of nature
be ready for surprises such as cursed artifacts and and order that the Aesir have imposed on Midgard,
crafty ambushes. Often a treasure quest will spiral Heroes who venture there had best be prepared for
out of control a sacred artifact may be guarded by anything.
the gods or be of symbolic rather than actual value.
If a wealth-laden caravan is under the protection of Outgard can be reached by crossing the frothing
a mighty lord, the plunderers may find themselves western seas or by travelling east or north or south
outsmarted, defeated or even enslaved. They then over land and across mountains or glaciers. It can
may need to rescue their comrades or to break free also be reached through the deep chasms that
themselves. As warrior-slaves in a far flung corner leads down to Hel and the underworld.
of Midgard they could rise to fame and influence in
the armies of the Golden City. A resourceful Viking Adventures in inhospitable Outgard are similar to
will see an opportunity in any twist of fate. raids in that the journey is an important part of the
story. In addition to the usual uncharted territories
Heroic Wars ruins, misty islands, lost valleys and hidden caves
voyagers will encounter enchantments and powerful
Wars are common in the world of Vikings & mystical creatures. Theyll discover that often wit is
Valkyries, both skirmishes and great battles leading as important as brawn when facing clever giants or
up to the greatest battle of them all, Ragnarok. ancient worms (Jack and the Beanstalk might be apt
Heroes can get embroiled in warlike adventures inspiration). Even more than in the realms of men, a
very easily. The player-characters are the elite hird wrong turn can result in a horrible fate.
(retinue), the leaders, commanders and
commandoes of any battle that they take part in, Finally, there are many places scattered throughout
and combat hinges on them. They are the heroes Midgard that function as gateways to Outgard. An
mentioned by name in the sagas and in the Eddas. oddly shaped rock arch might lead to the land of the
Frost Giants, and a deep well might lead to watery
Where is the war? Why is it occurring? Who are the graves filled with serpentine monstrosities. The
participants? Who are the allies? Are there any chaotic realm of the giants is full of rocky crags, acid
crucial situations that may arise in the fighting to seas, lakes of fire, massive keeps and fortresses,
turn the tide? How will the PCs stop them or magical rivers, oddly shaped rocks, giant footprints,
encourage them? What are each sides haunting enigmas inexplicable noises, and bizarre
weaknesses, and can they be exploited or wildlife. The geography of the place does not make
protected? Heroes may be following a leader into sense and may not stay consistent; an island easily
the war, or fighting for their city or even their god. hailed on the outward trip may not be there on the
Lesser folk, spear-armed commoners, can follow the return journey. The adventurers should clearly feel
heroes' lead, and mop up afterwards. that they arent in Beornia anymore

53
 SOMETHING ROTTEN IN
NOVGORBY
An introductory Vikings & Valkyries adventure for first level characters, written by Gabriel Hunter

Introduction The location of this scenario has been deliberately

kept vague so it could be placed anywhere suitable
This short Vikings & Valkyries adventure was for the Maze Master, either in Beornia, Havmark or
designed with first level characters in mind. It also Vedland (see Vikings & Valkyries, pp22-24 & 28 for
happens to correspond to the following rolls on the more details about the Norse lands).
Adventure Plot generator given in the Maze Masters
Guide (p 34-35):
Welcome to Novorgby
Patron = 4, populace of a village.
Over the course of their travels through the Norse
Main Location = 4, a dangerous forest. lands, the adventurers happen to stay for a few
days (or at least for a single night) in the village of
Secondary Location = 5, perilous mountains. Novorgby; if the characters do not know each other,
they could meet while attending Novorgbys
Adventure Goal = 5, rescue important captive. renowned Winter Meet, a large annual fair where
many Norse men and women gather to trade all
Complication = 2, two parts, roll another location. sorts of goods and services.

54
 Most villagers take much pride from housing a
renowned adventurer (not least because it's also
customary to share ones wealth with ones host,
which has led to some battles for the hosting of
returning heroes among the villagers).

The people of Novorgby are typical Norsemen,

valuing hospitality and bravery, as well as a good
time, but being wary of magic and quick to anger.

A couple of NPCs are described more fully below,

but the Maze Master is encouraged to flesh out a
number of other denizens of Novorgby to add color
to the village and bring out that Viking way of life
(whether it be it a burly innkeeper with battle-scars;
rowdy city guards trading tall stories and mead
mugs; an aloof warrior maiden; a brooding smith; or
a suspicious Chiefs counselor).

Even if most of Novorgby welcomes the influx of

money and reputation brought about by the Winter
Meet, seeing it as a wonderful opportunity for trade
and commerce, some could do without the crowds
and the bad elements it also brings each year. The
events unfolding in this adventure will surely make
these critics rather more vocal.

- Mmmh Theres something rotten in Novorgby Basic Storyline

If the party includes at least one Prince, the One night, when almost everyone is sleeping, the
characters could stay as guests of the local alarm horns will sound, abruptly waking the
chieftain, Ulfgar the Grim, allowing the Maze Master adventurers, as a monster is sighted just outside the
to start the adventure with a typical Viking evening village.
of feasting, mead drinking, arm-wrestling, axe-
throwing and other typical Viking games (as detailed Quickly dealt with by the local chieftains huscarls,
in Vikings & Valkyries, p 15-16). this seemingly-resolved matter will take a dire turn
as it is discovered that, at the same time, a fair
If the Maze Master is planning to use this adventure damsel was kidnapped by another group of
as the start for a campaign, do feel free to monsters (Trollmen) who have since fled with their
incorporate each players background into the victim into the woods.
region (e.g. born in Novorgby or a nearby village;
family, friend or love interest in the village; etc.) so Asked to lead a search party for the missing girl, the
as to make it an important place to get back to or adventurers must follow the trail of the captors
start from, rather than being just a name on a map. before the incoming snow storm erases their tracks
and any chances of finding her alive and well. In
Being at a crossroads, the village has always their hurried race through the nearby forest to
benefited from the attention of many passers-by rescue the unfortunate maiden, the party will first
(travelers and merchants alike), but never enough to have to confront or evade a pack of wolves and their
become a full fledged city due to its wilderness surprisingly-cunning leader, a red-eyed Dire Wolf.
location. However, the Winter Meet (an idea of a
previous Chieftain to attract people to the village in Then, climbing the treacherous mountain path which
the less frequented winter months) has rapidly will hopefully lead them to the captors hideout, they
grown in popularity and is now a regional event of will face the icy breath of a monstrous Ice Spider
importance, spanning a full week of trade, barter (new monster) who is blocking their path.
and feasting. During that time, the local population
of 100 goes up to nearly 300! Merchants and Finally, upon arriving at a strangely-warm cavern,
craftsmen of all types will also peddle their wares in the adventurers will join battle against a band of
the covered marketplace built for the occasion. Trollmen and their brutish commander, Grodd the
Half-Giant.
Lodging can be found at the Hovedhallen (Main
Hall), for Princes and their following; the local inn, During the ensuing feast in honor of the new
the Golden Axe, can hold up to 50 people (at 4 to a heroes, a malevolent illusion will give a chill to the
small room); the local tavern, the Red Horn, another villagers and the adventurers as the hidden
30 sleeping on the floor; whilst the rest seek bed mastermind behind the events is finally revealed as
and board at villagers homes. a Dark Elf an ill omen for the future of Novorgby

55
 Adventure Map : Novorgby Area

1 hex = 250'

D
C

A
B
Novorgby
A

56
 Celebrating the Winter Meet in the grand Viking tradition

The Gathering
Tracking the kidnappers will use the rules set in the
The Winter Meet is one of the best times for Mazes & Minotaurs Players Manual p45, but using a
adventuring Norsemen and women to either recruit base of 10 instead of 15 (easier to track in the snow),
henchmen, find a part-time or full-time employer, as but increase this difficulty by 2 per hour once the
well as buy, sell or trade goods, ranging from the snowstorm hits, bringing with it high winds and
mundane to the exotic, or simply renew contacts with deteriorating visibility. If the adventurers are having
old friends and make new ones. trouble following the trail, or get lost, the Maze Master
should have them meet Eirik the Bold, a hunter who can
Prospective patrons and job-hunters usually meet at the provide assistance and/or shelter. See p XX at the end
inn, the tavern or the main hall to discuss their needs of the adventure for Eirik the Bolds statistics.
and qualifications all weekend.
While the snowstorm rages (it will start at the beginning
Outside, in the marketplace, goods of all types, but of Part Two and last for 2d6 hours), use the rules given
mostly weapons and magical charms (with no real below for Snowstorm Exposure.
power in game terms), are offered, bought or traded
amid the same cacophony of voices and sounds.
Snowstorm Exposure
Of course, such a large gathering of Norse men would
not be complete with the mandatory drinking contests Each full hour without proper protection (fur boots,
and other typical Viking games (arm wrestling, shield mittens, hats, coats etc) from cold requires a
running, axe throwing etc) along with some more Physical Vigor saving roll: the first roll has a target
refined entertainment, allowing Skalds to demonstrate number of 5, the second one a target number 10,
their musical, poetic and storytelling skills. the third one a target number of 15, and so on.

Failure on any of these rolls will mean that the

The Storm and the Hunt character suffers 1d3 Hits of damage.

After the news hits that someone has actually been Furthermore, each hour in the storm also requires a
kidnapped by a band of foul monsters, the Chieftain will Danger Evasion Roll (plus any Hunting bonus) at
quickly marshal a small rescue party (no more than 1d6 the same target numbers to avoid getting lost.
huscarl NPCs, because he dares not leave the village
undefended, especially with a snowstorm starting), and Also, keep in mind that snow is considered difficult
he will ask for the aid of the adventurers if they are terrain for movement (Players Manual, p20).
present (or readily accept their help if they offer it).

57
The Scenario
Part One: Meeting in Novorgby
Having traveled, together or apart, from their
respective starting points, the adventurers finally
make their way to the somewhat remote village of
Novorgby, where they are to attend its renowned
Winter Meet (see

The crowd of adventurers, merchants and travelers

is filling the streets and public places of the small
community, with lineups in front of the local inn, the
Golden Axe, the tavern and the main hall. If the
party includes a Prince, they will be the guest of the
local chieftain, Ulfgar the Grim, at the Main Hall. If
not, they may be lucky enough to acquire a room at
the inn or the tavern or they may end up at a
villagers house.

During the night, the adventurers are suddenly

wakened by shouts and screams coming from
outside. Quickly putting on clothing and grabbing
weapons, they follow the running guards toward the
villages gate where a small crowd is already A treacherous Trollman
present. Outside, while a snowstorm is slowly
starting to take hold, a battle is raging between a This part of the scenario uses the Novorgby Area
seemingly mad Cave Bear, the chieftain and a map (see p 55). Assume that it takes 1 hour to
couple of guards. cover a 1-mile hex in this difficult terrain on foot.
The Maze Master can either describe the outcome
of the combat as a cut-scene, where the combined A: Wolf Territory
strength of the assembled warriors wins the day
over the fearsome red-eyed beast, or actually play it Hurrying in the snow, trying not to lose the tracks,
out, with or without the adventurers intervention, you suddenly see gray shades coming out of the
making sure the animal is slain in the end. woods, a faint growl coming from their open maw as
they leap into attack.
A close examination of the bear carcass will reveal
a strange fire-like mark on its forehead. A pack of Common Wolves is hunting in the area
and the adventurers (and/or Ulfgars Huscarls if they
are apart) will have to confront them while tracking
Part Two: To the Rescue the Trollmen. See Handling the Opposition next
page for some suggestions. Stats for Wolves can ne
The sighs of relief after the victory over the crazed found in the Creature Compendium (p125).
bear quickly turn to gasps of dread as new shouts
and screams erupt from the other end of the village. As you stumble upon the wolves den, a dark knot of
Quickly following the chieftain and his huscarls to tree trunks, you immediately notice that their leader
the latest trouble spot, and expecting to find another is bigger and stronger-looking than the others, his
beast assaulting the walls, the gathering crowds are fur more whitish than gray, made even more
taken aback to learn that another group of monsters menacing by the eerie red glow of his eyes.
has seemingly kidnapped a helpless woman.
The last encounter will also feature the pack leader,
After gathering vital information from witnesses, it a Dire Wolf (Creature Compendium p126) with
appears that Sigrid, the daughter of the villages glowing red eyes. After the combat, a close
recently-deceased priest of Frey, was taken by a examination of the wolf's body will also reveal a
small group of monsters, who promptly left with her. strange fire-like mark on its forehead.
From the descriptions given by the witnesses, the
adventurers should be able to identify the creatures Searching their den will unearth a small horn-like
as Trollmen. vial, probably lost by a previous victim, bearing a
rune which magicians will recognize as the rune of
Deciding to send a rescue mission, the chieftain Loki and holding some hot reddish liquid.
dispatches them (and hopefully the player
characters) on the monsters trail before it See Lokis Draught next page for a description of
disappears under the increasingly heavy snow. this magical potion.

58
 Loki's Draught Handling the Opposition
Drinking one of the 1d6 doses will give its user The adventurers will have to face a number of
protection from the effects of normal cold and opponents in this adventure, including a pack of
add a +4 bonus to Physical Vigor saving rolls Common Wolves, their Dire Wolf leader, an Ice Spider,
against supernatural cold for 1 hour. and finally a small gang of Trollmen and their Half-Giant
leader, all of which can spell doom for the party if the
However, the heat from the magic will force the Maze Master isn't prepared.
removal of outer clothing, including armor,
unless the drinker succeeds at a Mystic At the Maze Masters discretion, the villagers sent on the
Fortitude roll versus a target number of 10. rescue mission can act as either backup, if the
adventurers have problems, or as quickly-killed
expendables to show how the monsters work. If the
group splits to cover more ground or because they
B: Hunter Cabin
would be too numerous for the planned monsters, the
Maze Master can also use cut-scenes involving the local
As you come across a clearing in the woods, you
chieftains Huscarls (Minor Soldier NPCs) to foreshadow
see a small cabin in its center, the axe stuck in a log
the trouble ahead.
and the pelts half finished outside, betraying the
probable presence of a local hunter. The first encounter (Wolves & Dire Wolf pack leader)
should not be too difficult (say at one wolf per two party
This is the hangout of Eirik the Bold (see below for members) which the Maze Master can then double (i.e.
full description), who could also be encountered in up to one wolf per party member) if all goes well for the
the forest nearby looking for game or roaming second brush with the wolves, finally adding the pack
wolves. leader for the last encounter. An injured or less battle-
ready party could also easily miss that last encounter
in order to avoid crippling them.
C: Old Bridge
The Ice Spider should at least scare the party a bit, so if
At the end of the woods, crossing the half frozen they dealt with the wolves relatively easily, have the
river beneath it, lies a small stone bridge in obvious spider sneak on the least dangerous party member first
need of some repairs, but still safe enough to and use its Entangle ability on him (Target number 19
support travelers, if not a horse and carriage. instead of 15 due to surprise). Make effective use of its
size to knock the adventurers about (Danger Evasion
D: Mountain Path roll at 19 to avoid being displaced 10' away) instead of
simply attacking them.
Beginning in the rolling hills at the foot of the
daunting mountains ahead, a small and sinuous- As noted in the description of this new creature, any
looking path climbs up rather rapidly, disappearing adventurer using fire (natural or magical) upon the
into the shadows of the rocks forming the peaks spider will immediately get its undivided attention until
blocking the way. that particular threat is dealt with. If the party is weaker,
however, the Maze Master should give them a chance to
An Athletic Prowess roll vs the usual target number sneak up on it first, or if you really feel generous - roll
equal to the characters Encumbrance (plus a boulder on its head (treat as a 2 or 3d6 Crushing
applicable snowstorm modifiers +2/hr) is required to Missile attack, requiring a Feat of Strength).
avoid a 2d6 fall off the treacherous path.
The Trollmen represent a rather stronger menace than
the wolves but should receive a similar treatment (if the
party hasnt so far been overwhelmed, two trollmen per
member is suggeasted). However, if he is not sure about
the level of danger, the Maze Master can subtract one or
two from the total e.g. six or seven trollmen for an
adventuring party of four).

Grodd the Half-Giant is the big boss of the adventure

and as such fighting him should be suitably challenging.
If the party is weaker, the Maze Master should have him
unable to Charge into Battle because of Close Quarters
due to the caves tunnels. Maze Masters wanting to give
a more serious challenge to their party (either because
they had an easy time of the earlier parts of the
scenario, or are of a higher level) can even go so far as
to replace the Half-Giant with a suitably taxing Troll
(Common, Cave, Green, Shadow or Stone).

Do not forget that Norsemen live for the battle, so don't

Watch out, theres a Dire Wolf about! make it too easy, and keep it bloody!

59
E: Ice Spider Lair
Struggling against the increasing snow and winds,
you suddenly spot a large unmoving form ahead.
Squinting, your heart skips a beat as you realize
theres an enormous white and blue spider in the
middle of the trail, waiting to attack.

This is the lair of the Ice Spider (see details below

and the Handling the Opposition section above for
some guidelines on this encounter).

Probing around will reveal its hiding place

(Detection roll vs a target number of 15 plus
applicable snowstorm modifiers +2/hr), and
searching it will uncover an Amulet of Thor (see
Vikings & Valkyries, p48).
Can Grodd really be the BRAINS behind all this?

Ice Spider
F: Half-Giant Cave
Finally reaching the end of the Trollmen's trail,
despite the now heavy snowing and the winds, you
manage to spot the kidnappers hideout, the
entrance to a small cave in the side of the mountain
where they have taken the poor girl.

As you approach and make out shadows on the

Taxonomy: Monster walls made by the fire burning inside, you steel your
Description: Rumored to have been magically resolve and prepare to face a last challenge as a
created, these huge white and light blue spiders great roar echoes from within the cavern, making
can attack two medium-sized opponents at the you wonder what you are about to confront
same time, and usually live in the colder
climates of the north or on top of icy mountains. This is the hiding place of the Trollmen and their
monstrous leader, Grodd, the Half-Giant (see
Size: Large Vikings & Valkyries, pp38 & 40 and Handling the
Ferocity: Aggressive Opposition above for some guidelines on this
encounter). If they can sneak in, the party can take
Cunning: Alert on the two Trollmen guarding the entrance before
the others join in.
Mystique: Weird
Movement: 90 The captured girl, Sigrid the Fair, is huddled in fear
in one corner of the cave.
Initiative: 14
Melee Attack: +5 Searching the cave after defeating the kidnappers
will turn up a Sword of Tyr, a Belt of Protection, an
Damage: 2d6 (hooked legs) Amulet of Horsemanship and a Perpetual Drinking
Defense Class: 17 Horn (see Vikings & Valkyries pp47-49)

Hits Total: 24 A close examination of the half-giants body will

Detection / Evasion: +2 / +4 reveal the same strange fire-like mark as before on
its forehead. Inquisitive adventurers may also notice
Mystic Fortitude: +2 that even allowing for the fire within, the warmth in
the grotto is unnaturally high, and seems to be
Special Abilities: Camouflage (Detected on
coming from the reddish-tinted walls.
19), Entangle (Icy Breath, 20' range, Might 20),
Stealthy (12), Supernatural Vigor, Tough Skin,
Uncanny Agility, Wallcrawling.
Aftermath
Awards: Glory 130, Wisdom 20.
The snowstorm ended, the return to Novorgby is
Like Frost Giants (see Vikings & Valkyries, p 37), much easier, and the adventurers are greeted as
Ice Spiders are completely immune to all cold- heroes by the villagers and attend a special banquet
based damage but they also suffer double in their honor where they are asked to recount their
damage from all fire-based attacks. There is no courageous deeds against the foul beasts that
additional Glory or Wisdom award for this
dared to kidnap the poor Sigrid.
ability/weakness.

60
Abruptly interrupting the loud merriment, the ghostly
head of a Svartalf suddenly appears, hovering over
the table amid gasps of surprise, and laughing evilly Ulfgar the Grim
before shouting: Fools, enjoy your pitiful feast while
you can! You may have defeated those pathetic
trolls, but you have not heard the last of Amaroq the
Black! and disappearing just as quickly, his wicked
laughter still echoing around the walls of the now
silent main hall.

With the safe return of Sigrid to the village, the

Winter Festival can continue where it was
interrupted, although not with the same enthusiasm
as before. People will talk about the rescue, but also
about the ominous threat of the Svartalf. Some will
leave the village early, maybe never to return; and
by the following spring, despite Ulfgar the Grims
best efforts to play things down, Novorgby will have
gained a reputation in the surrounding
neighbourhood as a place to avoid.

Rewards
The adventurers will receive the equivalent of 5 gold Level 3 Prince, age 35, Chieftain of Novorgby.
coins each in ornamented equipment (worth twice
the usual price) from Ulfgar the Grim if they manage Personality: Stern and stubborn, courageous in
to save Sigrid. combat and in his political duties; Ulfgar believes
that the needs of the many outweighs the needs of
Warriors will also receive 10 Glory each for that the few.
action, and 75 Glory each if they vanquish all
monsters in the adventure without outside help. Attributes: Might 14, Skill 15, Luck 19, Wits 13, Will
17, Grace 11.
Magicians will receive 30 Wisdom each for finding
at least two of the fire-like marks on the monsters Combat: Initiative 17, Melee +7 (+9 w/Great Axe),
and noticing the unnatural warmth of the Half-Giant Missile +7, BDC 16, EDC 18 (22 w/Helm), Hits Total
cave. 21.

Hunters will gain 50 Experience Points for Weapon of Choice: Great Axe.
successfully tracking the Trollmen to their lair or
preventing the party from getting lost in the Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +7, Danger Evasion
snowstorm (Thieves can also get 50 Experience +7, Mystic Fort +8 (+9 w/Helm), Physical Vigor +8.
Points for that action).
Personal Charisma: +7 (+10 with Reputation
bonus).
Loose Ends
Background Talents: Sailor, Warlord.
While not apparent at first, the kidnapping of young
Sigrid is anything but coincidental and has been, in
Languages Known: Norscan, Firian
fact, entirely engineered by Amaroq the Black to
gain possession of one of the 9 pieces of the Krown
Patron Deity: Tyr.
of Kommand, a dread artifact used to control giants.
Mythic Items: Helm of Protection (+4 EDC, +2 MF),
Unknown to her, the medallion she inherited from
Axe of Conquest (+2 Melee).
her father (who incidentally, was killed by a Dire
Wolf while investigating the source of a mysterious
Ulfgar is an illegitimate son of King Rothgar of
corrupted energy close to the village) was imbedded
Beornia. He was sent away with his mother while
with a stone from the terrible magic item. Those who
still a young child, to avoid political complications
know her well will notice she no longer has the
and has never claimed his heritage. He is still angry
medallion she wore before her abduction (she will
at his father, and settled in Novorgby some years
say that she probably lost it during the struggle of
ago, after roaming the seas in search of adventure,
her journey to the cave). It would be even more
where his leadership and prowess have led him to
upsetting if anyone were to know that a fire giant is
become a celebrated chieftain.
held in a magical sleep deep under the village, and
that Amaroq intends to use the Krown to wake him
up and wreak havoc on the region.

61
 Sigrid the Fair Eirik the Bold

Level 2 Hunter, age 23, Free Hunter.

This beautiful girl is the daughter of the village's
priest of Freyr and its most eligible maiden, even Personality: Cheerful and unruly with people,
though her obvious intelligence has stopped many watchful and disciplined in the wilderness; Eirik
from courting her. As far as stats are concerned, loves the great outdoors and especially despises
she should be treated as a noncombatant Minor unnatural creatures.
NPC (see Maze Masters Guide p25).
Attributes: Might 13, Skill 15, Luck 13, Wits 15, Will
13, Grace 13.

Amaroq the Black Combat: Initiative 14, Melee +4, Missile +5 (+2 dmg
vs Beasts or Monsters), BDC 12, EDC 13, Hits
As a Dark Elf, Amaroq the Black has the same stats Total 13.
and special abilities as an Alseid (see Creature
Compendium, p 5). Weapon of Choice: Bow

Having found an entry to Midgard from Svartalfeim Saving Rolls: Athletic Prowess +4, Danger Evasion
via a cave near Novorgby, Amaroq was plotting to +5, Mystic Fortitude +4, Physical Vigor +3.
take over the local trolls in the region when he spied
the village priests frequent travels to the nearby Personal Charisma: +2 (+4 w/ Reputation bonus)
river. Curious, he soon discovered a portal of power
leading deep underground where he found a sealed Special Ability: Hunting Bonus +4.
chamber protected by powerful magic. Searching
his arcane lore-books, he learned of an ancient Background Talents: Woodsman, Mountaineer.
battle from the Age of Legend during which the gods
trapped a ferocious lieutenant of Surtur deep under Languages Known: Norscan, Kvenish, Alfan
the earth. Wanting to keep that secret all for himself
he used a magically enslaved Dire Wolf to dispatch Patron Deity: Uller.
the nosy priest, but not before noticing the glow of
his medallion when near the portal. Mythic Items: Bow of the Elves (no penalty while
moving, 600' range)
Madly seeking the answer to this new discovery, he
finally recognized the jewel from a picture of the The hunter known as Eirik the Bold is a well known
Krown of Kommand, an ancient artifact used by character in the region, who lives in a cabin in the
Surtur to insure the loyalty of rebellious giants, woods near Novorgby and trades furs and meat for
which was rumored destroyed by the gods during other goods. He has acted as a guide for a number
their last battle with the Jotuns. Amaroq has devised of travelers seeking to reach hard-to-find places and
a cunning plan to take it back from the is rumored to have saved many from an untimely
villagersand will continue his search for the demise, including a Wood Elf who has since
remaining pieces. become a friend.

62
 PANDORAS BOX
A regular selection of mythic items for Mazes & Minotaurs

TREASURES OF THE VIKINGS

This issue, Pandoras Box goes all Vikings & Valkyries, with a collection of new mythic items inspired by Norse
myth and sagas, brought to us from the perilous shores of Midgard by our friend Andrew Pearce!

Book of Runic Lore

The Book of Runic Lore is an extraordinary work
that contains arcane magical knowledge that is only
of benefit to Sorcerers. They are identified by their
chapter numerals (I to VII). Any Sorcerer reading
portions of this work will receive 100 Wisdom points
per chapter for the first four and 200 Wisdom points
Armlet of Draupnir for each one of chapters V to VII. It is as rare a work
as the Book of Eddas; use the same system to to
Every ninth night, eight gold arm rings drop from ascertain the composition of any copy found.
Draupnir, the gold arm-ring of Odin. These copies of
Draupnir are given by Odin to brave warriors and
princes, and many have found themselves into the Chains of Laeding
treasure-hoards of kings and rich jarls. Wearing an
Armlet of Draupnir, as these rings are called, adds The monstrous wolf Fenrir is bound until Ragnarok
+2 to the wearers EDC against all attacks, as well by the silken fetter Gleipnir. Before successfully
as to his Mystic Fortitude and Personal Charisma. binding him with Gleipnir, the Aesir unsuccessfully
tried to shackle him with two incredibly mighty
though lesser chains, one of which was named
Book of Eddas Laeding. Fenrir shattered Laeding into a hundred
pieces, each of which is made up of a hundred links.
The Book of Eddas is a compendium of myths and Each of these fragments is absolutely unbreakable
legends in poetic verse, compiled by Snorri (except by direct Divine Intervention) and can be
Samundson, one of the greatest of Midgards used to chain anything, including most gigantic
Skalds, in the early part of the Age of Adventure. monsters (provided they have been subdued first)
Three of the poems were written by Snorri himself. but not unique, semi-divine creatures like Fenrir,
Jormungand the Midgard Serpent etc.
The Book of Eddas is inscribed on sheets of thick
vellum parchment, with each chapter taking up
several double-sided sheets. A complete set of the
Eddas is made up of seven chapters, but most
Books are incomplete, and are made up of only a
few chapters. Snorris work is written in runes, and
can therefore be read by any magician - but only
Skalds will gain inspirational benefits from them.
Any Skald reading portions of this work will receive
100 Wisdom points per chapter for the first four and
200 Wisdom points for each one of chapters V to VII
(which deal with the Story of Creation, the Death of
Baldur, and Ragnarok, the most important tales
concerning Midgards past and future).

The Book of Eddas is a far rarer work than its

Mythikan equivalent (the Complete Works of
Homeros), and it is a very rare Skald indeed who
has ever caught sight of a complete copy of these
epic tales. If a Book of Eddas is to be found, a 1 D6
roll is made to find out how many chapters it
contains (thus a roll of 4 means chapters I to IV): if a
roll of 6 is made, make a second 1D6 roll (on a roll
of 6, the Book is made up of chapters I to VII,
otherwise chapters I to VI). (Enc 1 for each chapter). - Yes, mlord, these are authentic Chains of Laeding!

63
 whom she encounters, and who spots the lock. The
Priest will demand the lock, in order to burn it as on
offering to Thor and Sif (and to remove any physical
evidence of Sifs shame). Failure to comply is likely
to have unfortunate consequences. (Enc = 0).

Mead of Kvasir
Kvasir was the wisest man of the Age of Legends
and his learning was appreciated even by the gods.
Unfortunately, the greedy dwarves Falar and Galar
murdered him and filled a large jar with his blood.
Mixing Kvasirs blood with honey, they created the
magical drink known as the Mead of Kvasir. The
foolish dwarves lost their prize after boasting too
much of it, and the Mead was eventually recovered
by Odin, who from time to time graciously offers a
draught to those who especially please him.
Chess Pieces of the Aesir
Drinking of the Mead of Kvasir will add 1d3 points of
Originally a set of 32 chess pieces, the chess pieces Wits permanently (up to a maximum of 18). The
of the Aesir were stolen by Loki, playing one of his Mead can only be drunk once in a lifetime.
characteristic tricks on the gods, and were hidden, a
piece at a time, in the chess sets of princes and Skis of Uller
wealthy jarls of Midgard.
These allow the user to move at up to 240 per
Made of walrus ivory (like most of the chess sets of battle round over snowy terrain and also adds +2 to
the Norse lords), they are not immediately obvious his Defense Class (against all attacks) and +4 to his
as anything other than ordinary playing pieces. Danger Evasion; however, characters cannot
perform any other actions whilst using them. When
However, if thrown into a hot fire, a divine chess not worn, they have an Enc of 4 (2 per ski).
piece will spring out of the flames, greatly enlarged,
with the same characteristics and special abilities as
a Bronze Colossus (Creature Compendium p 18). Staff of Skirnir
The chess piece will stay animated as long as its This is named after the magical staff used by Skirnir,
master (the person who threw it into the fire) wishes the servant of Freyr, which helped him to persuade
(or until it is killed, i.e. reduced to zero Hits, at the giantess Gerd to marry the love-sick Freyr. This
which point it will shrink back to normal size, ready staff, made from enchanted ash, gives a +2 Mystic
to be re-animated by the next person who picks it up Strength bonus to any Sorcerer using it. (Enc = 2)
and throws it into a fire. It is said that only after
Ragnarok will Baldur and the new gods of Asgard Sword of Maiming
recover the lost chess pieces of the Aesir, and play
once more on golden boards in Gimli, the hall that This magical sword, of Dwarfish origin, has a very
will replace Valhalla. (Enc = 1 for each piece). nasty knack for severing hands, piercing eyes and
inflicting similar mutilations. It inflicts the usual d6 of
Glove of Grid damage but every time a natural 6 is rolled on its
damage die, it also inflicts a maiming effect (which
These magical iron glove allows the wearer to inflict normally requires a critical hit, as detailed on p 13 of
(1d3 + Might mod) Hits of regular damage using the Vikings & Valkyries book). This maiming effect
only his fists. Such attacks are delivered as regular cannot be the dreaded Decapitation Option (see
pugilistic attacks (see Players Manual). (Enc =1) Vikings & Valkyries, p 14), which still requires a
critical hit. Scoring a critical hit with this weapon
brings no extra benefit. (Enc = 1).
Lock of Sif
As a prank, Loki the trickster god once cut off the
golden tresses of Sif, the wife of Thor. Later, Loki
made recompense by arranging for some Dwarfs to
made for Sif a new head of hair made of pure gold.

However, locks of Sifs original hair have survived

down the ages, and still retain considerable magical
power. Any woman who braids a golden lock of Sif
into her own hair will gain 2 points of Grace (up to a
maximum of 18) for as long as she wears it but
she will also incur the wrath of any Priest of Thor

64
 MAZE MASTERS LORE

runes of MIDGARD
An in-depth look at the sacred script of the Norse realms, by Andrew Pearce

discovered by Odin, who sacrificed one of his eyes

in order to gain insight into their use. Odin shared
his discovery with his fellow gods, and with the
Elves, and later still with the priests and skalds of
the Norse.

Sorcerers and Elementalists are a different matter,

and there are several, conflicting tales as to how
these magicians gained access to the secrets of the
runes. The most widely accepted belief is that the
trickster god Loki impetuously shared this
knowledge within them, to the intense annoyance, it
is said, of Odin (Odin later came round, of course,
and many Sorcerers and Elementalists today follow
Odin rather than Loki).

The Runic Script

The runic script of Midgard is made of 24 different
letters, including both vowels and consonants. It is
- So you wanna be a rune master, eh ? an austere, angular one (in strong contrast to the
rounded, flowing script of the Imperial alphabet of
the South). It is ideally suited to inscriptions on
Literacy is far rarer in the Vikings & Valkyries world wood, bone and stone: indeed, it is only in the last
of Midgard than in the classic Mazes & Minotaurs century or so of the Age of Adventure that writing on
world of Mythika. In this worldwriting takes the animal skins (vellum) has become more common.
form of Runes, an ancient sacred script which is
only taught to (and is used by) magicians Each of the runes is named after a being, object, or
(Vikings & Valkyries, p.7) occasionally an abstract state, usually one that
begins with the same sound as that which the rune
represents. So, for example, the first rune of the
Who uses the Runes? runic script is called Fyr (meaning cattle) and
represents the letter f.
In the world of Vikings & Valyries, oral traditions are
generally far more valued than written ones. No self- The Power of the Runes
respecting warrior or hunter would ever show the
slightest interest in learning how to read, whilst the Priests of the Norse deities need to use specially-
only value of a book to a thief is the price that some made runesticks to call a Divine Vision. This is
magician might pay for it. known as casting the runes.
And even magicians are very careful about how and (Vikings & Valkyries, p.19)
when they exercise this talent. Skalds, for instance,
pride themselves in their great recall of memory, In addition to their linguistic representation, each
and the skill which they employ in conjuring forth rune has a mystical meaning. These mystical
images with words, rhymes and kennings. To be meanings are well-understood by magicians, and
called a book-learnt Skald is a pretty damning are used as part of their spell-casting. However, the
insult. Even the great Snorri Samundson, author of most significant magical function of the runes is in
three of the epic poems recorded in the Book of the form of the rune-sticks used by Norse priests
Eddas, is remembered more for his ability to enthral when calling a Divine Vision.
an audience with his charismatic presence and
verbal dexterity, than for the undoubtedly literary Each of the twenty-four runes has a variety of
skill he exhibits in the Eddas. meanings, ensuring that any Divine Vision
This is not so say that written records are (especially of future events) will have a degree of
completely scorned, of course. Indeed, the Norse uncertainty about its interpretation. The following list
peoples believe that the runes which are used in gives the most common symbolic associations of
writing are of divine origin. They were first the various runes:

65
F Fyr (f), meaning cattle. Cattle are the
livelihood of most Norse clans and families, and so Vw Vyn (v), meaning happiness. This rune
this rune generally symbolises wealth and success;
symbolises joy, fulfilment and harmony. It is
but it can also, negatively, stand for greed or
associated with the blessings of the realm of Asgard
excess. This rune is also associated with the Vanir
itself.
Freyr, the god of wealth and plenty, and also with
the Dwarves.

H
U
Haegal (h), meaning hail. Sometimes
known as the weather rune, this rune can symbolise
Ur (u), meaning auroch. The rare and disruption but also cleansing. It is also associated
majestic auroch requires great skill to hunt, and so with the Aesir god Thor, the god of storms.
this rune symbolises strength, speed and survival.
This rune is also associated with the Aesir Uller, the
god of hunting.
n Nyd (n), meaning need. This rune
symbolises necessity, purpose, doom and duty. It is

T Thuris (th), meaning thorn. Thorn-bushes

represent obstacles, and so this rune symbolises
associated with the three Norns, the goddesses of
destiny.

i
difficulty, struggle, anger and pain. This rune is also
associated with storm giants and trolls, with the
giant god Ymir, with Jotunheim and Trollheim, and Isa (i), meaning ice. This rune can
with the East. symbolise clarity and truth, or alternatively inaction
and stubbornness. It is associated with the frost
giants, with winter, with Nifellheim, and the North.

a Ansuz (a), meaning mouth. This rune

governs communication, and symbolises signs, J Jera (j), meaning harvest. This rune
intellect, insight and inspiration, especially of divine symbolises autumn, reaping and reckoning, the
origin. This rune is associated with the Aesir god earning and receiving of rewards, endings and
Bragi, the patron deity of skalds, and also with Odin, beginnings. It is associated with the Aesir goddess
the patron of wise sorcerers and many rune- Frigg.
masters.

R Raedo (r), meaning rider. This rune

symbolises change, discovery, riding and journeys.
1vI Yr (y), meaning yew-tree. The yew-tree is
an ancient keeper of knowledge, but is also known
for its poisonous berries. This rune symbolises
This rune is associated with the Aesir god Odin in
many things, including dangerous sorcery, dark
his aspect as the One-eyed Wanderer.
desires and even death. It is also associated with
darkness, monstrous creatures, Dark Elves, and
Hel, the goddess of the dead. It is generally

K Kaen (k), meaning torch. This rune

regarded as the rune of ill-fate.

P
symbolises passion and wildfire. As both can be
difficult to control, it can also symbolise chaos. This
rune is associated with both Freya, the goddess of Pyrth (p), meaning cup. This rune depicts
passion, and Loki, the trickster god of fire. It is also the dice-cup used in games of chance, and
associated with the fire giants, with Muspellheim, represents changing fortunes, uncertainty and
and with the South. unpredictability. It is, not surprisingly, also
associated with the Aesir god Loki.

G Gyfu (g), meaning gift. This rune

symbolises not only gifts, but also the spirit of Z Algiz (z), meaning elk. This rune is a
openness, generosity and hospitality itself. pictorial representation of an elk, with its massive
Sometimes known as the friendship rune, it is also antlers. It is seen as a rune that symbolises
associated with the Aesir god Baldur. shielding and protection. It is also associated with
Heimdall, watchman of the gods.

66
S Sigel (s), meaning sun. This rune
symbolises summer, light, health, wholeness,
D Daeg (d), meaning day. This rune
symbolises clarity and purpose, honesty and hard
happiness and good fortune. This rune is associated work. It is also associated with the Aesir god Thor,
with the Aesir god Baldur. as patron of the labouring classes.

t Tyr (t), meaning Tyr. This rune, the

warriors rune, is named for, and associated with,
Using Runes in Adventures
the Aesir god Tyr. It symbolises fame, honor, Although the 24 Runes of Midgard are based upon
heroism, sacrifice, justice, and victory in battle. the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark, the earliest runic
script used by the Germanic peoples, some of the
names, values and mystical associations are

a
somewhat different. There is, in any case, no
universally agreed interpretation of the supposed
Berk (b), meaning birch-tree. Named for mystical value of the Norse runes be it historic or
the birch-tree, which is noted for its ability to survive modern-day.
fire and regenerate quickly, this rune symbolises
protection, fertility, spring, growth, nurturing and There are many possible ways in which Maze
motherhood. It is associated with the Aesir goddess Masters may use rune-sticks in V&V adventures.
Frigg. One possible way is the Rule of Three: i.e. to give
a rune-casting reading of three runes whenever a
priest casts Divine Vision. It is suggested that the

E
Maze Master chose three runes that he feels may
accurately reflect aspects of the adventure ahead
Ehwaz (e), meaning horse: Named for (or, alternatively, a past event, or a present
one of mans closest allies in the animal kingdom, dilemma), and that he offers a single line possible
this rune symbolises loyalty, partnership and interpretation (emphasis on the word possible).
progress. It is associated with Odin, via his faithful He may allow the priest casting the Divine Vision
to ask up to three questions of his deity, to further
steed Sleipnir.
refine the possible meaning of the runes the
answer given will always be truthful, but not

M
necessarily clear or complete.

Man (m), meaning mankind. This rune Although most thoughtful Maze Masters will
symbolises humanity and friendship, and can also prepare a set of runes in advance should his
represent a persons individual destiny, the self. It is adventuring include a priest, particularly daring
also associated with the Aesir god Heimdall, in his Maze Masters may allow a player character using
aspect as defender of the human race. This rune Divine Vision to make a rune-casting reading for
themselves (using a previously prepared set of
can also represent Midgard, the world of men.
runes marked pieces of card will be perfectly
sufficient). The Maze Master must then try to

L
ensure that subsequent events can fit some kind of
reasonable interpretation of the runes cast. This
Lagu (l), meaning water. As well as the requires some skill, and is recommended for
obvious representation, this rune symbolises confident and flexible Maze Masters only, but
emotion, fertility, intuition and womanhood. It is could bring an added dimension of atmosphere to
associated the Vanir Njord, the god of the sea, but a Vikings & Valkyries campaign.
can also represent the fertility goddess Freya, his
daughter. It can also represent the West. Remember, the interpretation of rune-sticks will
always be rather uncertain, given the many
possible meanings attached to each rune. Take

N
the following three runes, for example:

Ing (ng), meaning Ing (an obscure name

for the Vanir god Freyr). This rune symbolises
growth, change and creativity. As well as Freyr ZMT
himself, this rune is also associated with the Light
Elves, and their realm of Alfheim. One possible interpretation might be: Shield
yourself against a friend who will cause you great

O Othila (o), meaning home. This rune

symbolises family and home. It can also represent
pain. Another possible interpretation might be:
Heimdall will protect you on your journey to
Jotunheim. Two very different interpretations: but
both consistent with the runes. So beware against
ancestry or lineage. This rune is associated with over-confidence in casting the runes!
both Odin and Frigg, as joint heads of the
household.

67
 A TWIST IN THE MAZE

RULES OF FLYING
A Closer Look at Winged Creatures, by Lyzishadow with a little help from Luke G. Reynard

Reading the Ability Again!

The description of the Winged special ability in the
Maze Masters Guide reads as follows:

The creature can fly. When using full movement, a

flying creature's movement rate is quadrupled, it
cannot be hit by Melee attacks and all Missile
attacks against it are made with a penalty of -2. This
ability also adds +2 to the creature's Evasion.

So what do we make of it? The main purpose of

Winged seems to be to increase the movement rate
of the creature. As such, it can be seen as a
variation of Gallop / Cruise and maybe Lightning
Fast. Like the latter, Winged also grants bonuses. A
permanent +2 bonus to Evasion, and what basically
amounts to a +2 bonus to EDC against Missiles,
restricted to full movement only.

Taking only this into account, Winged is little more

than a movement-boosting ability - there is no sense
of height, flight or anything three-dimensional here:
it's only another way to improve movement and
How Ideas Get their Wings grant side-bonuses. And the actual usefulness of
movement abilities in combat is not that significant.
It all started with the Griffin. Im sure every reader of Sure, having a high movement rate allows you to
the late magazine still remembers that letter you flee from battle (and out of missile range) faster
know, the one about flying creatures in M&M, which but it does not grant you any substantial advantage
contained such unforgettable lines as: in an actual combat situation.
I am afraid that Griffins, Hawkmen and other aerial That being said, there Is more to the Winged special
beings are nearly completely useless in the absence ability than a mere movement boost and a few
of detailed rules for aerial combat. Here are my own bonuses: the fact that a flying creature using full
house rules on the subject. Flying creatures can be movement cannot be hit by Melee attacks - yes,
grouped in five Aerial Maneuverability classes, thats right, a complete immunity, something none of
which, for simplicity's sake, are called Q, R, S, T the other abilities described in the rules can provide,
and P. Within each Aerial Maneuverability class, with the exception of Insubstantial.
several specific categories...
And this, of course, is the most interesting tactical
I am also sure I wasnt the only reader annoyed by advantage of this ability, one which Maze Masters
the arrogant tone of the author not to mention the can use in clever ways to bring more fun and
sheer absurdity of his proposed optional system, surprise to the table. It is also the only feature of this
which simply overcomplicated things for the sake of ability that really gives a feel of actual flight: the
complexity, without adding anything to the game. implied idea is that the creature is flying high
enough to be just out of reach of characters'
That being said, that letter did raise some valid weapons. As per the standard full movement rules,
questions, which this article attempts to answer in a the creature "forfeits all actions", therefore won't use
simpler manner: how can a Maze Master make Melee attacks either. In this specific case, it can be
Winged creatures more challenging in his games seen as the creature flying out of melee reach and
and, above all (ah!), how can he make his players out of reach of its own natural weapons. Yet, one
feel that they are facing an aerial, flying opponent ? should keep in mind that this immunity against
Melee attacks wont matter that much, since full
So without further ado, lets take off! movement is seldom used during regular battles.

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 I'll Be Back!
This situation works best when the main quest of
the characters is to kill a Monster which has been
terrorizing the local populace or attacking travelers
going through its territory. The party first encounters
the creature while journeying - maybe already
heading for its lair. The powerful Monster attacks,
like it did with everyone else before the adventurers
involvement, and causes some damage to the
characters, maybe killing most of their followers.
When the creature has taken some wounds, it
breaks combat, flies out of reach, and disappears in
the distance while shrieking an awful sound that is
- Mr. Maze Master, Ive got these really neat ideas unmistakably interpreted as a vicious "I'll be back!"

Apart from this tactical advantage, the Winged Of course, the characters cannot immediately catch
special ability is not really different from land-based up with it. The final fight will take place at the end of
abilities such as Lightning Fast. Let us now see how the scenario, when the characters have the Monster
we can make combat with flying creatures different, cornered in its own lair, after having vanquished
and how we can allow Winged creatures to make a many perils to get there in the first place.
more advantageous use of their unique ability
Note that this would be an exception to the
affirmation that Monsters always fight to the death.
So okay, Monsters obviously do not rout and never
Tricks & Tactics surrender, but we can make them retreat from time
to time, for the sake of storytelling, can't we?
Here are some genre tropes and personal ideas that
could be used as tactics for Winged creatures. Creatures that fit this trope need to be powerful
Some of them might require a bit of tampering with enough to justify a quest, as well as survive an
the official rules but nothing any Maze Master attack against a group of heroes. They also need a
worth his salt would not consider. high Defense Class, so they will have a chance to
disengage from combat. This trope works best with
Death From Above Large Winged Monsters, such as the Winged
breeds of Chimeras, Sphinxes and Manticores (not
The adventurers are traveling through a pass to mention the Gigantic Dragons!), which all have
between some mountains. They have an open view high-to-very-high Defense Class and Hits Total.
in front of them, to their rear, and even below.
With some changes, this trope could also fit to an
Above them, the cliff is impassable on foot. There is
evil Sorcerer or a Stygian lord riding a flying mount,
no way someone can sneak up on them, and if they
such as a Bronze Bird, a Hippodrac, a Hippogriff, a
Randomly Encounter some ogres or other monsters
Tricephalous Vulture or even a Wyvern.
those can be slain with ranged weapons before they
can even reach the characters.
Hit & Fade
Then, suddenly, the pass resounds with horrible
shrieking. Before the characters can even react, The creature, or swarm of creatures, is harassing
winged creatures appear out of nowhere, and the adventurers. They Dive into Battle, make a
descend on them in a surprise attack. Melee attack, disengage as soon as possible (which
can only happen if all the creatures opponents have
Creatures with the ability to Dive into Battle would missed their attacks against it this round), move out
be especially fitting with this kind of trope, especially of reach for one round (effectively retreating), then
Bronze Birds, Giant Eagles, Harpies, Klaatakaa'rr, Dive into Battle again.
Pterodactyls and Tricephalous Vultures (and maybe
Dragons if you really feel sadistic). Remember that you don't have to forfeit your attacks
to try to disengage: this is only required when you
Such creatures should be allowed to use their full start retreating (see Players Manual, p 21). During
movement to enter melee out of nowhere in the the retreating round, the creature forfeits all of its
first round, and deal a first melee attack with their attacks but can only be hit by missile fire (or magic).
increased Initiative and Melee. Theoretically, the
rules make this impossible, since full movement This tactic can be devastating (as well as quite
cannot normally be combined with any other form of infuriating) against warrior characters who rely
action) but since diving from the sky is hardly the exclusively on melee combat - but that is precisely
same thing as charging on land, it seems only the point! Since it does require (or reflect) a certain
logical to make an exception here, for the first round amount of viciousness, it should only be made
of combat. Combined with the possible effects of available to Winged creatures who have a Clever or
surprise, this would make a very deadly (and Crafty Cunning (in addition, of course, to the Dive
memorable) entry into combat. Into Battle special ability).

69
Aside from rushing inside the nearest building, cave
or densely covered forest, the only viable defense
against this tactic would be the trick used by Jason
and the Argonauts against the Harpies in the
famous Ray Harryhausen movie: to trap the Winged
creatures below a "roof" of nets.

Grab & Drop!

Of all the Winged creatures detailed in the Creature
Compendium, only the Klaakataa'rr are said to be
fond of the "grapple and drop" trick, but there is no
reason why this trick couldnt be used by other flying
creatures with the Grapple ability, such as Griffins or
Olympian Eagles. Maze Masters may choose to
restrict it to creatures of Alert Cunning or better,
leaving Pterodactyls and other flyers of Average - I say, do you have any idea how high were flying?
Cunning out of the picture.

But where do we start? There are not many models

Two-Dimensional Logic of aerial combat. I don't know of any great example
of aerial fight in swords and sorcery settings. The
The flying movement rules as they stand only cover closest thing to it in a Ray Harryhausen's movie
horizontal movement, treating vertical movement as would be Perseus riding Pegasus to attack the
negligible, for the usual reason of simplicitys sake. gigantic Kraken in Clash of the Titans: here, the
Yet, some Maze Masters (or players, for that matter) hero was airborne, and the head of the big creature
might wonder how high flying creatures can actually he was fighting highly elevated. But even that didn't
fly a tricky question which may not be as purely last long, since (as you all remember) Perseus and
academic as it first seems: how do we know, for his mount were quick to fall into the sea.
instance, whether or not a Winged creature flying
high in the sky is out of arrow range? It would NOT be good idea to take inspiration from
real-life WW1 or WW2 aerial warfare I mean, just
Well, lets face facts: the M&M rules were designed take a look at aerial combat simulation games: even
for a 2D (thats two-dimensional, not two dice! the simpler ones involve a degree of complexity far
Ed) resolution and trying to change this will most higher than the M&M system - and we wouldnt want
likely result in the kind of unnecessary complexity that, would we? Aerial combat in M&M should be
and computational headaches we want to avoid. resolved as if occurring in the same two-dimensional
environment as ground-based battles. Do not bother
That being said, it might be worth knowing a thing or about keeping track of relative altitudes and such
two about how high real-world birds can fly. Small intricacies: just assume that all flying creatures are
resident birds usually do not fly very high firstly on the same level or that they can catch up with
because they lack the strength to gain as much as each other if needed, so that it does not really
altitude as larger, stronger birds, and secondly matter whether they are fighting at 20, 200 or 2000
because they do not need to. Migrating birds, on the feet above the ground. Why would any creature fly
other hand, can reach much higher altitudes. On further up if the other one can catch up anyway? In
short-distance migrations, they usually fly below 150 other terms, just forget about the Z axis.
meters (450 feet). On long-distance migrations, they
start at 1500 meters (4500 feet) and progressively
rise to 6000 meters (18,000 feet). Swans have been
Aerial Combat Rules
known to reach 9000 meters (yes, thats 27,000
feet). So, basically, if we decide that Winged beings Aerial Melee
can reach the same heights as birds, they too can
stay well out of missile range as long as they please Lets start with a common-sense clarification of the
(and can easily fly over any man-made buildings). Winged special ability. According to its description in
the Maze Masters Guide, a flying creature using full
In a typical M&M combat situation, trying to locate a movement cannot be hit by Melee attacks.
creature in a 3D environment at a height of several
miles is simply pointless (and a pretty good way to This, of course, was written from the point of view of
get a migraine too): either the flying creature is ground-based attackers. A flying creature using full
within missile range or it is not. Its as simple as movement CAN be attacked in Melee by another
that as long as player-characters are on foot (or flying creature - as long as the attacker actually
riding on horseback). But what happens if, say, an catches up with its intended target: all things being
adventurer happens to ride a Pegasus, a Hippogriff equal, a faster creature will always be able to outfly
or some similar mount? Thats where some aerial a slower one but hey, thats how movement works
combat rules may come in handy in M&M, aerial or otherwise.

70
 the same battle round. This, of course, only applies
to the creatures first attack; once engaged in
melee, the creature will not be able to use full
movement and will need to disengage to do so, as
per the usual rules.

Aerial Riding 101

As far as game terms are concerned, riding a flying
mount is no different from riding a horse the
regular horsemanship rules described in the Players
Manual (p 46) can be used equally well with Pegasi,
Hippogriffs and other winged steeds. The only
difference is the amount of damage suffered by the
rider if he falls to the ground

But how do we determine this damage, you ask, in a

- Hey, do I look like a two-dimensional monster? system which does not take vertical distances (also
known as heights) into account? Well, again, by
Movement & Distances keeping things as simple as possible.

As far as game mechanics are concerned, all aerial If, for some circumstantial reason, the Maze Master
movement in M&M is treated as horizontal, standard happens to know exactly how high the mount is at
(i.e. ground-based) movement. the time, the usual amount of 1d6 Hits of damage
per 10 feet fallen should be used with an extra d6
This applies to all matters where distances come if the creature was using full movement.
into play including missile fire. In such cases, the
movement rate of the flying creature allows the Most of the time, however, the Maze Master will not
Maze Master to determine an abstract distance know the exact height at which the mount was
between the shooter and his flying target whether flying. In such cases, simply calculate damage as if
this distance is horizontal, vertical or a mix of both is the character had fallen from (1d6 x 10) feet or, in
NOT relevant in a game like Mazes & Minotaurs. other words, roll a first d6 and then roll that number
of d6s to calculate the falling damage. Add an extra
Ranges for such attacks should be calculated d6 of damage if the mount was using full movement
normally, taking only this overall abstract distance at the time of the fall. Thus, a Pegasus-rider falling
into consideration, without worrying about height, from his winged horse while on full movement will
angles and other complexities. suffer from 2d6 to 7d6 Hits of damage probably
more than enough to kill him.
Keep in mind that flying beings using full movement
can cover great distances in a single round, which In all cases, assume the falling character will hit the
allows them to get out of missile range very quickly. ground at the end of the current round; if another
Whether they manage to do this by flying away or flying (and friendly) creature happens to be nearby,
upwards does not really matter. A Winged Chimera, a generous Maze Master might allow a dramatic
for example, can move up to 480 in a single round aerial rescue attempt, if the intervening creature is
of full movement - and since the maximum range for (a) not currently engaged in melee and (b) within its
a bow in M&M is 600, our Chimera only needs two own full movement rate of the falling character.
rounds of full movement to fly out of arrow range. Such a daring stunt should be resolved as a
perilous horsemanship maneuver, requiring Danger
Also remember that, as mentioned in the description Evasion roll from both the rider and his mount.
of the Winged special ability, flying creatures using
full movement impose a -2 penalty on all Missile
attacks aimed at them, regardless of actual range.

Dive Into Battle

In the regular M&M rules, Dive Into Battle is simply
defined as the aerial version of Charge Into Battle.
Within the context of these optional rules, this ability
should also allow a flying creature to enter melee
combat right after a full movement, delivering a
melee attack with the usual Dive/Charge bonuses.

Obviously, this is an exception to the general rule

which normally prevents creatures from using full
movement and performing another activity during - Thanks for making aerial archery easy, guys!

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Aerial Maneuverability Classes
Ah ah, sorry, I couldnt help myself. I really HAD to
use this phrase somewhere in this article.

Seriously, though, the M&M system does not need

things like aerial maneuverability classes simply
because flying creatures in M&M already have a
score which reflect their aerial mobility and alertness
in game terms: the Evasion modifier (which, as you
all know, is based on Cunning and modified by
abilities like Lightning Fast, Sixth Sense, Uncanny
Agility and, of course, Winged). And this Evasion
modifier is even more important for flying creatures
than for anybody else as detailed below.

Aerial Evasion
This special action can only be attempted by a
Winged creature in flight using full movement. It
allows the flying creature to evade attempts by other
flying creatures to engage it in aerial melee.
- Hey, Mr Reynard, got any rules for THIS?
Since it must be combined with full movement,
aerial evasion cannot be attempted once a creature While making its full movement, the creature must
has already been engaged in melee: it is primarily a make a special Evasion saving roll, against a target
way to avoid being engaged in melee by another number equal to the would-be attackers Initiative
flying creature by using all the possibilities of score. If the attacker is trying to Dive Into Battle, its
aerial, three-dimensional movements to evade its Initiative bonus is also applied to the target number.
attempt to close in. This Evasion roll is made during the Melee phase of
the ongoing round, just before the intended attack.

Aerial Evasion - Exempli Gratia. If the Evasion saving roll is successful, the evading
creature has managed to avoid being engaged in
If a flying Griffin (Initiative 19, Evasion +10) melee for this round; if the saving roll fails, melee is
attempts to Evade another flying Griffin, he will inevitable and will be resolved normally.
have to roll 19 or more on 1d20+10 (a 60% chance
of success) but if the aggressive Griffin is Diving
If several attackers are trying to engage the evading
Into Battle, the target number will be raised to 21
creature at the same time, only one Evasion roll
(50% chance of success). If, on the other hand, a
Pegasus (Evasion +14) is trying to Evade a Griffin, must be made, against a target number equal to the
he will have to roll 19+ on 1d20+14, giving him a highest Initiative score in the group.
80% chance of success (or only 70% if the Griffin
is Diving). If the attacking creature was a Gryphon Thats how it works. Lets now take a quick look at
(Initiative 19 but Large Size), the target number the reasoning behind all this. The use of the
for evading its diving attack would be raised to 23, potential attackers Initiative as the target number
giving our Pegasus a 50% chance of success. means that more ferocious, cunning and quick
attackers will be harder to evade. In addition, the
These high chances of success means that aerial Initiative bonus granted when Diving makes such
melee will actually be quite rare between such attacks harder to evade - especially if they are made
creatures and will probably not occur before at by Large or even Gigantic creatures, since they
least a few rounds of aerial evasion. receive a higher Charge/Dive bonus.
Let us now see what happens with a significantly As for Dive Into Battle above, this maneuver is a
less-agile flyer the Bronze Bird. With its Evasion blatant exception to the general rule which normally
of +2 and Initiative of 10, the Bronze Bird has
prohibits the combination of full movement with any
almost no chance of Evading an attacking Griffin
other type of activity. In both cases, making this
(rolling 19+ on 1d20+2 means a 15% of success)
and that its own attempts at aerial melee will be exception allows us to reflect the tri-dimensional
quite easy to avoid: a Griffin trying to Evade a nature of aerial mobility in game terms in a simple
Bronze Bird, for instance, would automatically and abstract way, without having to worry about
succeed (since it would theoretically need to roll vectors, aerodynamics, trigonometry and other
10+ on 1d20+10), unless the Bronze Bird was sources of computational headaches.
Diving Into Battle, in which case the Griffin would
only have to roll 14+ on 1d20+10 yes, thats a May the Gods of Simplicity and Fun watch over your
85% chance of success. aerial adventures!

72
 OFFICIAL ORACLE

MOVE, FIGHT, RETREAT!

Official Oracle is a semi-regular department offering answers to questions on the Mazes & Minotaurs rules and
how they can be interpreted in situations which are not explicitly covered in the various M&M rulebooks. As its title
implies, all the answers given in this column can be treated as official rulings (if such things really matter to your
gaming group.) This issue, we bring you some welcome rule clarifications about movement, combat and actions.

Movement & Missile

The Missile Combat Modifiers (Players Manual p
26) list a -2 penalty for using tactical movement:
does this mean that a character making a
missile attack and using tactical movement in
the same round will suffer a -2 penalty to his
Missile attack roll, even though missile attacks
are resolved BEFORE movement?

Yes. It means exactly that.

Retreating
Once a character has managed to disengage
from melee in order to retreat, when does his
Tactical Movement retreating movement take place? At the end of
the round in which he disengaged or during the
Why is tactical movement called so? What is so movement phase of the next battle round?
tactical about it?
Retreat takes place during the movement phase of
Back in the days when M&M was first designed, the the next battle round, just like any other movement.
term tactical movement was supposed to convey Otherwise, retreating characters would be whizzing
the idea that this type of movement was the one away from battle before anyone else can react (and
most often used in combat situations (since it can, would also be immune to missile or magic while
under some circumstances, be combined to a retreating, which would simply make no sense).
combat action). If your players find this terminology
misleading or confusing, feel free to use an
alternate term such as standard movement. Initiative & Decision
Can combat actions be aborted or changed once
Movement & Melee they have been declared in the Decision phase
in order to react to an enemys own action, for
I find the rules on movement and melee combat instance? In my games, Ive had characters
somewhat confusing. The rules on Sequence of declare their action during the Decision phase in
Action (Players Manual, p 20) state that tactical reverse order of Initiative (i.e. from lowest to
movement can be combined with a combat highest), so that characters with a high Initiative
action and I quote: usually a melee or missile score can always take into account the intended
attack. Does this mean that characters engaged actions of those with a lower Initiative, which
in melee can move at 60 per battle round while works well enough - but some official ruling or
fighting? How does this make sense? clarification would be greatly appreciated.
This section of the rules should indeed really have The reverse Initiative house rule you suggest for
been clarified (but hey, better late than never!). the Decision phase is indeed used by many Maze
Characters who are engaged in melee combat are Masters, either as standard procedure or as a quick
assumed to be locked in battle and cannot move way to solve conflicting declarations of action when
away from their opponents as long they remain they occur. Many Maze Masters also simply ignore
engaged - which is why they need to disengage the Decision phase in order to make combat more
before being able to retreat. Characters may only dynamic and fast-paced: in this variant approach,
use tactical movement and then make a melee characters do not have to declare their action as the
attack in the same battle round when they are start of each round and simply act when it is their
entering melee, i.e. on the first round of combat. turn to do so, during the Missile, Movement or
This first round clause also applies to the Charge Melee phase. Magic use, however, must still be
Into Battle maneuver, which can only be used when declared at the start of the round, before any other
entering melee combat. action is carried out. And speaking of magic

73
 Official or Optional?
Over the last four years, various rule modifications,
options and variants have been published in the
pages of the Minotaur. With our tenth issue looming
on the horizon, we thought it was a good time to
take a look back at all those new rules and
classify them in two categories:

Official rules include rules which cover topics left

untouched by the core books (such as curing poison
or naval warfare) as well as variants which must
now be considered official changes to the Revised
M&M game system such as Luke G. Reynards
popular variant formulas for Danger Evasion and
Mystic Fortitude (originally found in issues 2 and 3),
which are now the official standard for all Revised
M&M characters; starting with this very issue, the
Danger Evasion and Mystic Fortitude scores of
NPCs will now be calculated according to Lukes
rules (Ah! Triumph ! Luke)
- What? No tactical movement?
Optional rules include all the rest alternate or
additional rules and stuff which every Maze Master
Movement & Magic is free to adopt, ignore or alter as he sees fits.
The Sequence of Action (Players Manual p 20)
section states that any combat action may be
Official
combined with a tactical movement and that a Alternate formula for Danger Evasion (issue 2, p 35)
combat action may also be replaced by another
activity (such as magic use). This seems to Alternate formula for Mystic Fortitude (issue 3, p 37)
imply that it is possible to use magic while using Renovated Noble class (issue 2, p 23)
tactical movement, but the wording is somewhat
ambiguous. The matter is further confused by Alternate repertoire for Lyrists (issue 4, p 33)
the section on Using Magic (p 29), which states Curing poison (issue 3, p 44)
that using magic normally requires one full
battle round of full concentration, during which Staff-fighting and knife-throwing (issue 4, p 49)
no other action can be performed. There really
Elementalism clarifications (issue 8, p 61)
seems to be some contradiction here. Could you
please tell us in clear and unambiguous terms, Clarifications on movement (issue 9, pp 74-75)
whether or not a magician can use magic and
make a tactical movement in the same round? Naval warfare (issue 1, p 30)
NPCs & Glory awards (issue 5, p 56)
You are right about the bit in the Sequence of Action
section: it is extremely confusing and should really Optional
have been clarified when the rules got Revised. But
hey, better late than never So here is our clear, Alternate Amazon class (issue 3, p 6)
official and unambiguous answer: the use of magic
Alternate Armaments (issue 5, p 55)
cannot be combined with tactical movement.
Fate points and Destiny (issue 6, p 21)
The total concentration required by the use of magic
is simply incompatible with tactical movement. In the Tricks and stratagems (issue 4, p 27)
case of powers with a duration measured in battle Expanded unarmed combat (issue 8, p 44)
rounds, minutes or hours, this only applies to the
round during which the magic is activated (and the Wrestling for blood (issue 5, p 56)
Power points expended): once the Power has been Magicians, armor & concentration (issue 4, p 44)
expended and the effect has been activated, the
magician can move and act freely. Elemental tricks (issue 8, p 51)
Feats of Strength (issue 8, p 45)
Poetic Magic powers are a special case, since they
either require one full minute of singing and playing Alternate advancement rules (issue 6, p 38)
the lyre before taking effect (Songs of Inspiration,
Creatures & Size (issue 6, p 45)
Freedom and Comfort) or are only active while the
Lyrist is singing and playing. In all cases, the rule is Minotaur options (issue 7, p 47)
the same: Lyrists cannot use tactical movement
while playing music and singing All new classes (various issues)

74
Minotaur Play Nymph n9

Andromeda,
Andromeda, by Gustave Dor (1832-1883)
75