Forum: The Pit – Topic: Forest Ridge and Crimson Savannah

One of the Chronicles of Athas books has the characters go into the Forest Ridge. I forget which one but I want to say Cinnabar Shadows. The one where Pavek wears silk as armor against halfling poison darts.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Tyr Pentalogy Project

Is there any news or update to this?

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Are there any active projects?

Bump :)

Grummore, an e-mail was just sent to pick up where we left off…

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Athas Map

Hey Fezzik,

Where did you let the corkboard version be made?
Have you got any links to the company website…I might have to find some sortlike company that does that over here where I live, but it sounds good.

How did the map you order from flamesofwar.com turn out?

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Forest Ridge and Crimson Savannah

Beyond I think you could find some useful information in the second edition Thri-Kreen of Athas. As for the Forest Ridge… hum… I think there is a small adventure in the Second edition of the DS Boxed set.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Forest Ridge and Crimson Savannah

so im getting into the process of running a game for the group I play with and I was wondering if there is any place out there any good sources that have info on the Forest ridge and the areas beyond? it doesnt matter to me what the edition is, I just need it for info. any help you scholars can throw this greenhorn’s way would be great!

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Cartographer Wanted

Maybe you could put this on the news page of athas.org?

And did you tried cartographerguild?

Forum: The Pit – Topic: FY1 Timeline

I know its been a long time ago that you asked, but if it still helps…
Crimson Legion specifies that Tithian has ruled for six months on the day that news of Urik’s approaching army reaches him. Figuring that this coincides with the beginning of Road to Urik, and that both product and novel are dated as taking place in FY 2, Kalak’s death must be in the latter half of the year of FY 1.
Another possible clue – the gestation period of a mul offspring is 12 months, and Rkard is born at the end of FY 3, so he must be concieved at the end of FY 2. Figuring that Neeva and Caelum wouldn’t take too long in getting down to business, we can presume that Crimson Legion ends somewhere towards the end of FY 2.
Thus, working the timeline of that novel backwards can give a decent starting point of when to minus those 6 months. As the events in the novel take about a month, definitely no more than two, I think its safe to say that it must begin closer to midyear (as it can’t be later than that). Thus, Kalak’s death must be very close to the end of the year.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Cartographer Wanted

The templarate has been working on Secrets of the Dead Lands. In order to finish the project, we need a cartographer to make the maps that go along with it. Anyone with good cartography skills and willing to help, please contact the templarate at: templarate@lists.athas.org

Forum: The Pit – Topic: wotc deleting old website materials, 3x, and dark sun

Here is one spot is is currently being tracked:

http://www.demonoid.me/files/details/2777357/22…

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The end if near!

Sure we owe a great deal about athas.org for the huge work that have been made to keep DS alive during the Dark Age. The Third edition is great and really well done! Though, the 4th ed happening (before we knew DS4 would happen) clearly decimated most of those who were productive at Athas.org.

Where is that pictured Core document?
What happened to all the peoples that were working on several 3.5e projects and why weren’t they replaced?
Etc…

It’s not a blame, it’s just a fact. Athas.org have become a front page for news and nothing more. If something is happening in background, we just don’t know.

If athas.org status have never been clear or never been answered by WotC geeeeezzz we gave them ENOUGH time to consider what should happen! No? Athas.org SHOULD start new or continue old project and put them to completion. Maybe that would bring attention and they would answer us about our official status! If they don’t? Well then we are not enough important for them to threaten their market, let’s proceed with the real stuff!

If I had to play DS again, I would GM it with the 3.5 edition (or maybe Pathfinder). This is a fact. No disgusting 4e mechanic.

Well… maybe 5th ed will prove otherwise.

But hey. We are getting older.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The end if near!

Agreed – personally, I feel that Dark Sun will survive regardless of whether or not it is supported by a parent company. Athas.org has proven this point already.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The end if near!

Let’s not start jumping to conclusions just yet. As far as I’m concerned: if there are still players interested in the 3/3.5 edition and the 4th edition places like Athas.org will continue to exist.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The end if near!

I think there’ll be support in Dungeon/Dragon, but not sure if there’ll be another setting. THey’ve said that with D&D Next you will be able to use all of your old D&D stuff. We’ll see.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The end if near!

Now they have announced a 5th edition, do you think it will be a good excuse (reason) to dump the Darksun setting? Will they bring DS to 5th ed.? I doupt it.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Trembling Plains

@phoenix – Thanks! I will be posting as much as I have concerning the Trembling Plains, and you are welcome to whatever suits your needs.

As for including ‘Star Wars’ creatures into Dark Sun, I’ve been using the dewback and rancor as native Athasian creatures since the 1990’s (although their stats have evoloved), and so I suppose that I just don’t see them as being unusual; they are just a normal part of the landscape in my campaign.

I took a creature or two that were specifically designed for a desert world, added a little detail, and adapted them to my version of Athas. Dewbacks (in my campaign) are an alternative beast of burden, similar to the inix but more docile, and the rancor just seemed like a natural fit to Athas. They have been part of my game sessions for so long now, that I have stopped seeing them as anything but just another monster in the DM’s bag-of-tricks. If it seems too weird to have then in your world, I understand; they are just another option.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Trembling Plains

Agi, thank you so very much! My group just entered the Trembling Plains, I’ve been hunting down bits of information trying to stay one step ahead of them as GM.

I do have one little “Uh, what?” moment, Star Wars beasts?

Again, thanks for posting your Eloy and other DS materials.

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Trembling Plains

The Eloy: Part Two -

Possessions, Special Equipment, Food, Treasure, Creatures and Allies,

Possessions: "The Eloy are primarily herders and therefore live a nomadic lifestyle. Their possessions are few, and what they do possess is functional and practical. If there is a tool or item that one of the Eloy need, they are more than likely able to produce the item themselves, or find someone else in the tribe that can. The Eloy are quite talented craftspeople and some of their unique items, such as the boksi elo, a specially woven bag that is able to hold water, are quite popular in the trade towns and cities which border the Trembling Plains. Most of the items a typical Eloy owns pack into a set of twin leather or braided packs, and are slung over either side of a pack animal. For larger items, such as their shelters, the use of drag-poles, made of mekillot rib bones, help reduce the weight of the loads draft animals are required to haul.

Special Equipment:
Bolas
Game Stats —
Function: Entanglement weapon.
Size and Weight: Varies, but usually one meter in overall length, roughly 1kilogram in weight.
Materials and Construction: Bola weights are made from very hard polished seeds of a slightly concave shape or of smooth, round stones; they stack lightly in a woven pouch made of plant fiber. Bolas string is made from plant fiber. Eloy bolas use three straps of equal length. There are hooks, or barbs, that catch on the rope after wrapping around the target.

Three-Season Cloak
Game Stats —
Function: Concealment clothing.
Description: This hooded, mixed-colored cloak has dried scrubland vegetation sewn into its surface. When worn with the hood drawn, this cloak gives the wearer a +2 circumstance bonus on Hide checks during the Flamesky, Cold Nights and Ral’s Rest seasons while worn outdoors in the scrublands of the Trembling Plains.

Food:
Aish Bread – The most traditional, and common food the Eloy eat is aish bread. This flat bread is made by combining ground grain flour with water. Small balls of dough are formed and rolled, then flattened between the palms of their hands. They are then placed on a heated rock and left to bake. Aish bread is eaten by tearing off small, bite-sized pieces. It will be found at nearly every Eloy meal.

Cheneau Root – This tuber is a lateral root, which grows directly below the plant of the same name. Easily identified by those familiar with it, the low growing plant has large broad leaves, dark green to brown in color, which shade the ground underneath; helping to preserve moisture and prevent evaporation. The cheneau plant contains many natural toxins, however, they are all stored in the stem, leaves, and blossoms. The toxin, when ingested, affects the nervous system causing weakness and confusion. The root, however, naturally filters these toxins out and once dug up, is safe to consume. A common cheneau root is about the size of a man’s fist. The outside skin of the root is edible, put is very bitter, and is often carved away. The root is very starchy and is made more palatable by breaking these starches down – either by baking, boiling, or steaming. The tissue of the cheneau root varies in color from pale yellow to dark orange, and is filling and slightly sweet in flavor.

Z’tal Jerky – Cut into strips, trimmed of fat, and rubbed with salt or harrow seeds, z’tal meat is dried by placing out in the sun on small racks made of twigs. This method allows the Eloy to preserve large amounts of food in a short period of time, which is then easily stored and carried. The jerky remains edible in this state almost indefinitely (as long as it is kept dry).

Trange Fruit – This small, round, succulent fruit grows on large bushes found around oasis. The skin of the fruit is light brown and is covered with short, stubbly hairs. The inside of the fruit is bright green, speckled with small, edible black seeds. The flavor of the trange fruit is sweet and refreshing. All but the skin can be eaten without any worry of ill effects. The Eloy sometimes peel and mash trange fruit in order to spread it on the aish bread.

Yypr Tea- The hard, flat needles of the yypr tree, boiled in water, produce a refreshing, although slightly bitter, tea. This tea can be sweetened by adding small pieces of dried kank honey, however, the Eloy tend to drink it plain. For special occasions, the Eloy will flavor yypr tea with various other spices and brew large quantities. The Eloy prefer yypr tea over most others, however, they are not opposed to drinking any type of tea offered or available.

Other – Aside from being herders, the Eloy are also hunters and gatherers. They collect what they can as they wander the Trembling Plains; nuts, berries, and numerous plants are all common elements of their daily diet. Meat is eaten sparingly, but is normally the center piece for feasts, ceremonies and gatherings.

Treasure: Eloy have no use for gold, silver, copper, or gems; they are too heavy and cumbersome to bother with, and tend to draw the unwanted attention of bandits and thieves. Instead, the Eloy use lead beads or ceramic bits if they must, however, they prefer to trade or barter for goods. The Eloy view their wealth in their herds, and their investments are placed with merchants such as House Azeth.

Creatures and Allies: As nomadic herders, the Eloy utilize a variety of creatures in their everyday life. Dewbacks are the primary beasts that the Eloy maintain in significant numbers. They are the beasts of burden and the primary source of outside income, and therefore wealth. The number of Inixes (ToA 158) that the Eloy maintain are limited and are trained primarily as mounts for combat.

Kanks (ToA 181) are sparse on the Trembling Plains and are considered to be wild creatures; not intended to be utilized under normal circumstances, however, kank nectar is often collected and dried as part of the Eloy diet.

Mekillots (ToA 166) roam wild in vast herds throughout the Trembling Plains. They are held in reverence by the Eloy, and are almost considered sacred. The Eloy believe that the mekillots are a gift from the earth spirit and are the bringers of life. It would seem that this is, in fact the truth, but is in actuality, just part of the creatures’ migration pattern. Still, the Eloy believe that the mekillots maintain balance by bringing life and also destroying it. Mekillot are enormous creatures and can cause a great deal of destruction when a herd stampedes. When this happens, Eloy camps are destroyed and often many Eloy are killed, or injured. But the mekillots provide nutrients for the soil, which in turn allows the abundance of short grasses to grow, creating a somewhat unusual, and particular environment, unique only to the Trembling Plains. (See Spirits of the Trembling Plains.)

The Eloy are extremely wary of outlanders, or anyone not Eloy. They have, however, created and maintained working relationships with the traders at towns such as Azeth’s Rest, Kurn, and Fort Ral. As a rule though, the Eloy do not give allegiance nor commitment to anyone other than to other Eloy."

~ Agi

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Trembling Plains

The Eloy: Part One —

Environment, History, Physical Characteristics, Alignment, Language & Worldview

Environment: “My journeys into the lands north of the Tablelands have introduced me to many new and interesting people, places and cultures. Unlike the seared lands of the Tyr region, the Trembling Plains are a vast, short grass prairie that, except for a few random highpoints and numerous gullies or washes, is a nearly flat expanse of land. Further to the north lies the Glowing Desert; to the south, the Tablelands. To the east lies the Sea of Silt and the west is broken by the beginnings to the low northern foothills of the Ringing Mountains.

While this environment appears to be less inhospitable than many other regions of Athas, it is in fact just as harsh, and often, just as deadly. One of the most common mistake outlanders make when venturing into the Trembling Plains, is taking for granted the seemingly more abundant plant life as a sign that there is more water available to be found. The low-growing plants found across the Trembling Plains have adapted over the ages, like all other species of flora and fauna found on Athas, to the environment in which they grow. The fertility of the soil comes not from what many mistake for as abundant water, but rather the nutrient rich dung left by the enormous herds of wandering mekillots.

History: "There are, upon the Trembling Plains, a proud group of nomadic herders, known as the Eloy. These half-elven people breed and maintain large herds of dewbacks, which they trade to caravans and at merchant towns such as Azeth’s Rest, Dry Spring, South Guard and Kurn. The Eloy maintain a unique racial trait, in that they are all of mixed human and elven descents; half-elven children of half-elven descendants. Human Kurnans and Eldaarish, fleeing their cities when those Sorcerer-Kings began to gather annual tributes for the Dragon, ventured out onto the Trembling Plains seeking sanctuary. Here, they met with elven tribes who had once been part of the Table Land tribes, but who had also ventured onto the Trembling Plains during the Cleansing Wars, seeking escape from the 8th Champion of Rajaat – Albeorn of Brunswich (Andropinis) ‘Slayer of Elves.’

The two races learned the benefits of cooperation, intermarried, had children, and established their own unique culture. Since those long ago times, ages ago, the Eloy have since remained an elusive and secretive group of people, endlessly roaming the Trembling Plains, migrating as the seasons change, forever weary of the sedentary races who sometimes venture into their territory."

Physical Characteristics: “Like other half-elves encountered on Athas, the Eloy are bulkier than elves, and taller than humans. The Eloy tend to share characteristics from both races, however the majority of the Eloy bear more Elvish physical characteristics than human, due to the fact that they live their lives in the wildlands and endure the elements, much like the closely related Elven tribes. Upon meeting the Eloy, however, it is quite apparent that they are not Elven, and are certainly not Human either; they are a distinct and unique combination of the two, altogether very natural in the setting in which they are encountered.”

Alignment: “Eloy will most commonly be chaotic neutral in personality due to their worship of Wind, but many are lawful neutral. They value unpredictability, but work together for the benefit of all and follow a fairly regimented lifestyle.”

Language: "The Eloy have a very simple, minimalist language. The vocabulary focuses on simple concepts and elements that are relatively universal among all cultures; the entire language consists of approximately only one hundred and twenty words. The language is a combination of Common and Elvish sounds, with many words unique only to the Eloy.

An example of Eloy, when describing the lands they live upon, translates ‘eloy mata,’ literally as ‘Eloy land.’ It could, however, also be interpreted as: ‘the land of the Eloy,’ or ‘the land the Eloy possess,’ or just ‘Eloy territory.’ While Eloy is a very easy language to learn, it is also closely guarded from outsiders and therefore most of the communication the Eloy do with non-Eloy is in the Common or Elven Tongue.

The Eloy have also developed, and commonly use, a complex code of insect and bird calls to signal and warn each other of approaching dangers."

Worldview: “The Eloy see all things in life as they relate to nature and to the natural cycle of life. This cyclical worldview seems to be integrated into all aspects of the Eloy’s daily life.

An example of this worldview is the Eloy encampment. The camp will always be set in a circular pattern, with the shelters of individual families arranged facing inwards, towards the open communal space traditionally left in the center. This space is used for ritual, ceremonial and public functions, as well as a protective refuge for the tribe’s most valuable animals should danger threaten.

The camp circle is also symbolic of the group’s interest in providing both social and spiritual space. The ring of shelters, sometimes surrounded by a ditch, or a tangle of bramblevines, is pierced by two entrances. These opposite openings are oriented to the prevailing wind – as the seasons change, and wind direction changes, the entrances are adjusted to match, guaranteeing that the wind can always flow easily through the center of camp. Part of this function is for practicality, allowing the winds to blow unrestricted, and partially because the Eloy believe the winds will blow and cleanse any ‘bad spirits’ out of their encampment. The chieftain of each tribe will always pitch his shelter so that the entrance faces the direction of wind, thereby being able to bless the winds as they enter the camp.

Another example of the Eloy’s reverence for the natural cycle of life is how they refer to being born, or ‘coming from the earth.’ While alive, the Eloy refer to living as ‘being kept alive by the earth,’ and when death comes, it is referred to it as ‘returning to the earth.’ The Eloy believe in the balance of the natural world and will often base any decision they make on what they feel would create, restore or maintain that balance."

Forum: The Pit – Topic: The Trembling Plains

I will be posting in this thread all the material I have written over several years regarding the cultural, environmental and historical setting of the Trembling Plains. There has been very little canon material written about this geographical region, and so much of what I will be providing comes from my own imagination. Take what is useful, leave what is not.

For images and other bits of information, you can visit my blog, “Of Dust and Wind” at http://agithewanderer.blogspot.com/

Forum: Product Feedback – Topic: City-State of Balic - playtesters wanted

I would like to be a tester of City of Balic.
darkwizard87@hotmail.es

Forum: DS 3 – Topic: Darksun with Pathfinder RPG, Cleric domains

I’d like to be able to help, but I am very pointless in rules stuff. I usually gamemaster a campaign and I question my player about the rules when needed ( I have 3 real good number cruncher out of 5 players). Actually I am not playing any DS, but I plan to eventually. I don’t even know pathfinder! But I sure want to try it out. The hell with 4th ed. Never.

Forum: DS 3 – Topic: Darksun with Pathfinder RPG, Cleric domains

Downloaded everything yesterday already. I discovered your site and downloaded everything I could (or found)! What about Blue Goblin studio? Have you had any discussion with these guys about their own conversion?

Forum: DS 3 – Topic: Darksun with Pathfinder RPG, Cleric domains

Grummore – I have a whole set of house rules for a DS campaign I’ve been running since September, and they’ve worked out pretty good. You can check them all out at http://underableedingsun.wordpress.com/category…. I put a lot of work in on some customization, as well as browsing the web and taking the best of what I liked. I hope that helps you out. My parties been having a blast, and our whole story is there as well. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I am running a series of 2e modules and ones from here on Athas.

Forum: DS 3 – Topic: Darksun with Pathfinder RPG, Cleric domains

Kamelion? Any news or any documents you’d like to share about your Pathfinder DS conversion?

Forum: Product Feedback – Topic: Praise for "Athasian Emporium"

understanding of the costs involved and was startled when I looked at the cargo capacity in detail.)
It also compares poorly to the skiff, which is a smaller vehicle, yet has a larger capacity at 5 tons.
The other vehicles have similarly low cargo capacities, although are not as bad as the skimmer.
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Forum: The Pit – Topic: Death Mark Novel Review

“It’s easy to tell that Schwalb not only knows the setting (he is one of the 4th edition authors), but that he’s a fan.”

Read more of Raddu’s “Death Mark novel review”:http://athas.org/articles/death-mark-novel-review

Forum: Site – Topic: [arena] Feature requests

Here is a feature request for you, get rid of this horrible forum software. Use SMF or phpBB or MyBB or vBulletin, or really anything else at all. This one is feature poor & clunky as hell.

I’m not going to suggest changes without offering help either. I don’t know php or anything, but I have set up a few phpBB & SMF forums.

/mytwocents

Forum: DS 3 – Topic: Secrets of the Dead Lands?

Looking forward to it!

Forum: The Pit – Topic: Shattered Lands & Wake of the Ravager

I agree with Jaysyn. In fact, I quite like planar creatures in a dark sun campaign because it gives some depth behind the elemental planes and how and why they exist and what control they exert over Athas.