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Welcome
To the ninetieth Briefing and the eleventh scheduled Briefing of 2018.
Dragonmeet 2018
A reminder that the ICE team will be attending Dragonmeet convention on Saturday 1st December at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith, London. We look forward to seeing some of you there. Visit the Dragonmeet site at www.dragonmeet.co.uk
Shadow World
Our intention for Dragonmeet is to have Shadow World: Jaiman: Land of Twilight available in both perfectbound softcover and hardcover. Terry has taken a short break from Haalkitaine in order to do the needful preparation of the print masters.
In terms of other Shadow World projects, Terry and I have agreed that the manuscript entitled “Priest-King of Shade” (by BrIan Hanson) will join my editing queue for an editing pass and will then have a canonical approval review by Terry. The Lethys manuscript needs more thorough revision and I am organising that.
Rolemaster
Joeri has reported some modest progress on RMU Creature Law but not as much as any of us would like. I am reflecting very carefully on how best to get the manuscript to completion.
HARP and HARP SF
The authors of HARP Garden of Rain and HARP SF Poseidon Gambit are still both striving for perfection in their manuscripts before submitting them. I am hopeful that the editing passes on both of these will not be lengthy.
The author of HARP Subterfuge has been methodically working through his various minor corrections and we are in discussions about how to keep the Ninja profession balanced relative to the rest of the professions across all the HARP Fantasy line.
I am quietly working through my editing pass on HARP Bestiary and have nearly completed all of Colin’s chapters, and will then be proceeding to John’s chapters. I still need to perform a matching of our existing creature art stockpile against the animals and monsters in the Bestiary and then commission new pieces as appropriate from our artists, old and new.
Licenses
We are in discussions with some potential licensees, notably a company who would like to publish HARP in Spanish. Once negotiations have concluded and agreements signed, we will be revealing further details.
Until next time
Back to Bestiary editing. The next Briefing will be shortly after Dragonmeet.
Best wishes,
Nicholas
Director, Iron Crown Enterprises Ltd
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Director’s Briefing – November 2018
Real life critical fumbles – Computing
No matter how many adventures you’ve been on, no matter how many foes you have defeated and no matter how many villages you have saved, everyone has moments when they’re not fully paying attention or when they’re a little too hung over or when they are simply having a bad day.
That’s why fumbles exist, because no one is always at their best. In gaming terms fumbles can happen at any time and lead to you injuring yourself, injuring your friends or aiding your enemies, but fumbling in real life can be no less disastrous and fumbling with computers can lead to lost work, lost money or loss of life.
Computing real life critical fumbles:
| 01 – 25 | Your computer needs to restart. This is mildly annoying but hey, go and grab a snack while you wait |
| 26 – 30 | You lose a document that you need -10 to initiative |
| 31 – 40 | You lose all your work and have to do it over again. Lose 10 rounds |
| 41 – 50 | Get caught up in a twitter argument. Lose 20 rounds |
| 51 – 60 | Your favourite RPG manufacturer is having an online sale. Lose half your gold and 5 rounds |
| 61 – 65 | Accidentally send an email in which you are very rude about your friend to that friend – 1 friend |
| 66 | You accidentally like your ex’s image on social media whilst secretly looking at what they’re up to now -10 initiative, -5 Pr, lose 10 rounds as you sit around and panic about what they will think of you |
| 67 – 70 | You forget to check the size of an online purchase and end up with a 355 litre can of soda. Lose 10 rounds thinking about what to do with it and resistance roll against sugar poisoning |
| 71 – 80 | Find a new game on the internet and spend 48 hours playing it without sleep – 25 initiative -10 to all skill checks |
| 81 – 85 | You get caught out by a phising scam. Lose all your gold |
| 86 – 90 | For some reason you attempt physical violence against a machine – 15 hits for punching an inanimate object, -5 to all skill checks due to your inability to focus on anything but the pain in your hand |
| 91 – 95 | Your computer spontaneously explodes. B fire critical |
| 96 – 99 | After years of problems, one of your neighbours finally has enough of their computer and throws it out the window. Unfortunately you were walking underneath it – 25 hits, C impact critical, prone |
| 100 | You mod out your computer a bit too much and it becomes self aware and tricks you into helping it. Within the year humanoid robots are rampaging across the globe destroying all forms of humanity. A small resistance group is hiding out nearby. Unfortunately they know you created these monsters and are out to kill you. The robots are also out to kill you because you are human. Death in 5 rounds |
Six dark secrets of a small town
As your party are travelling across some of the less populated areas of the country, you happen across a small village. It doesn’t appear on the map and it is strangely located. No one comes out this way, how and why would people live so far off the beaten track?
From the mouths of babes
The village seems ordinary enough but there is a strange terror in the look of the villagers when they see you approaching. They don’t like outsiders but you’re not quite sure why. This fear of the unknown doesn’t reach as far as the village’s children though, they’re as happy and carefree as any other children you might have met. If not happier and more carefree.
With some investigation it becomes clear that several of the village children have innate magical abilities and are using their powers to control the grown ups and do whatever they want! That explains why the village makes so much candy and yet exports so little.
Domesticated bliss
The village is old and run down. Huge chunks of wall are missing from various building and the entire place seems to bear the scars of some great battle. The villagers don’t appear to notice though. There are no works to improve the place and everyone is happy as they are. This is until you show up. No one is particularly hostile but they make it very clear you are not welcome to stay in or near the village. They tell tales of bandits in the local area and suggest that you move on as quick as you can and get as far away from here as possible before nightfall.
With some investigation it becomes apparent that the villagers are all werewolves. They live here happily, free from judgement and hatred. They are far enough away to not pose a threat to anyone (except roving adventurers such as yourselves). They just want to live in peace.
Lost in a crowd
The village is lovely. Ideal in fact. But something just doesn’t feel right. Why does everyone seem so vacuous and happy and what is that disgusting old shack doing there when everything else looks freshly built and pristine? The people of the village will help you with anything they can but they all seem a bit… vacant.
With some investigation it becomes clear that the entire village is an illusion built by one lonely magic user who lives in the tumbledown shack (the only building that actually exists). He is harmless enough, but if confronted, he may get angry.
The elixir of life
The village is very self-sufficient. For the most part everyone who lives there seems content. There is a wisdom amongst the inhabitants beyond their years. And it is this that starts you wondering… Where are all the old people? Where are all the children? Everyone that you meet seems to be in their twenties and yet speaks as if they have existed forever.
With some investigation you find that the village have discovered a potion that can reverse the aging process. The side effect (which was discovered too late) is that it removes their ability to reproduce. The potion, the recipe and the village’s secret is carefully protected. They have lived too long to let it slip now. People who uncover it will find themselves in mortal danger.
Evil in our midst
The town seems normal. They send out traders to get everything they need and everyone works hard to keep the village going. A bit too hard. Why are they living this isolated and why is there such high security everywhere in this sleepy little rural village? The people are friendly enough but they’re definitely not comfortable having outsiders around.
With some investigation you find that the village is guarding an ancient evil relic and that all of them will defend it at all costs to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. That is the way it is and the way it has been for a very long time.
What’s yours is mine
This village is very affluent. Strangely affluent. So far away from everything and yet everyone lives in luxury. Despite being sparsely populated, the village elders will not allow people to move into the area and no one has ever wanted to leave. The village is built on an old dwarven settlement. Some of the old architecture is still visible in places but no one knows why the dwarves left.
With some investigation you find that the dwarves never left. The dwarven town was overrun by bandits who enslaved the dwarves and forced them to mine the gold beneath the settlement for them. Decades have now past and the descendants of the bandits continue to enslave the descendants of the dwarves and reap the rewards of their hard work.
Director’s Brefing – October 2018
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Welcome
To the eighty-ninth Briefing and the tenth scheduled Briefing of 2018. A short Briefing this month as it has been busy in the real-world with the start of a new academic year, but still happy.
Shadow World
While you have been enjoying the second edition of Shadow World: Jaiman: Land of Twilight, Terry has been busy working on Haalkitaine. His approach has been to combine the editing and revising of the existing text with adding new material as he goes along. Terry’s expectation is that the second edition of Haalkitaine will have 100+ pages of new content, with a particular emphasis on groups and people that player-characters might encounter. As an occasional change of pace, he is also making modest progress on Emer IV.
Rolemaster
I don’t have any progress to report on RMU Creature Law this month, but I have not forgotten RMU.
HARP and HARP SF
I completed the HARP Subterfuge sourcebook draft. The second half of the sourcebook covered chapters such as deceptive combat, martial arts and ninjas, magic and subterfuge, adventuring, organisations, loot, getting caught, ethics, and countermeasures. The second half was as excellent as the first. The draft with requests for changes is now with the author.
It is currently a race between which of the adventure modules HARP SF Poseidon Gambit and HARP Garden of Rain will reach complete draft first and will be arriving in my inbox for editing.
Until next time
Various projects require my attention to get them safely started and then I will be returning my attention to the editing of the text of HARP Bestiary and getting the art commissioned for both Subterfuge and Bestiary.
Best wishes,
Nicholas
Director, Iron Crown Enterprises Ltd
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Roleplaying adventure hooks
Looking for inspiration for your next roleplaying adventure? Then look no further! We’ve put together these three adventure hooks to give you some ideas for your next gaming session. Enjoy!
A gift from the gods
You find an amazing artefact. A true relic with unimaginable power. Now that it has been discovered, there are some that will stop at nothing to own it!
Synopsis
Whilst adventuring you find a relic. Older than time itself, this item holds unimaginable power and potential. You know that you don’t have the power to wield it, that no human does, but what to do with it? Now that it has discovered there will be no end of people coming to take it from you. From religious zealots to power hungry monarchs and everything in between. You must find somewhere or someone who can hide it from the world until the end of time.
Standing your ground
A small trading post is being constantly raided by pirates. As it lays outside the borders of the surrounding kingdoms, no one is willing to protect it. But people are dying and something must be done.
Synopsis
A small port where people from the surrounding kingdoms trade is being menaced by pirates. The traders are all leaving but the locals are stuck. Constantly hounded by the pirates and with no army or militia, there is nothing they can do. They need help. Your adventurers will need to find all the resources they can and put together defensive plans to defeat or scare off the attackers and dissuade them from ever returning.
Back from the brink
A small group of druids are successfully bringing species back from the brink of extinction but a local religious group believe they are playing God.
Synopsis
A group of druids that live in the forest have been successfully altering creatures on the brink of extinction to give them a better chance of surviving in the increasingly urbanised environment. However, with crops being damaged and recent attacks on citizens, a local church is leading a group against the druids to stop them ‘playing God’. Your adventurers must ease the tensions between these two groups or pick a side and fight.
Previous adventure hook posts:
Adventure Hooks #1
Adventure Hooks #2
Adventure Hooks #3
Adventure Hooks #4
Adventure Hooks #5
Adventure Hooks #6
Adventure Hooks #7
If you think you could turn one of these adventure hooks (or one of your own creation) into a full blown adventure module for publication, we’d love to hear from you – Get in touch >>
A guide to Medieval swords
Want a quick and easy way to better explain the weapons in your game? Check out this guide to Medieval swords created by Yuexin Huo.
Jaiman: Land of Twilight available now!
We are thrilled to announce the release of the greatly anticipated second edition of Jaiman: Land of Twilight!
Between the Forbidden Sea and the Barren Waters lies Jaiman, a majestic continent of powerful cultures in conflict. The Forces of the Unlife and the armies of the Dragon Lords seem destined to clash again; Men and Elves must fight or flee.
You can get a pdf copy of Jaiman: Land of Twlight now for a special introductory price of $12 (normal price $18). Don’t wait too long though, this offer won’t last forever.
Print on demand copies will be available in the not-too-distant future.
Buy it now >>
Jaiman: Land of Twilight
Jaiman: Land of Twilight is a fantastic setting material book for Rolemaster‘s official setting: Shadow World. The new second edition contains loads of brand new material including:
- Updated and greatly expanded text, particularly the overview of the continent, including Urulan and other regions.
- Updated Timeline with many new events.
- Stats for Rolemaster Classic/RM2 and RMSS/ RMFRP.
- All-new layout with full color interior.
- New Jaiman map for the GM to give to PCs; other region maps collected.
- Many new illustrations, including races, various locations around the continent, and of the Six Helms.
- Eight adventures, including four extended scenarios that link to form a massive quest.
- Layouts, including the Dragon Lord’s citadel, and the catacombs of the ancient kings of Tanara
Two new products for ERA out now!
Iron Crown Enterprises are very pleased to announce the release of two brand new packages for the brilliant Electronic Roleplaying Assistant (ERA) for Rolemaster. Please welcome to the ERA family ERA for Rolemaster RMC Oriental Companion and ERA for Rolemaster RMSSFRP Races & Cultures.
ERA for Rolemaster RMC Oriental Companion
The RMC Oriental Companion package for ERA includes 13 races, 10 professions, 88 talent descriptions, 19 creatures and 3 spell lists with complete description and parameters.
Leave the west behind and enter the world of the Shogun, where Ninjas are assisted by shapeshifting Hengeyokai, Samurai battle for honor against evil Wu Jen, and the Shinto Priests study the Way of the Kami.
Oriental characters benefit from 4 new whole sets of background options. The Way of the Warrior includes powers such as Nerves of Steel and the Family Outlawed flaw. With the Way of the Ninja you can create a Poisoner or a Master of Facades. The Way of the Mystic could give your character a Magical Rage, but also a Patron Demon. Those born under the Way of the Gods could find themselves with an Enlightened Sight, or charged with a Sacred Oath.
When adventuring in the Orient, the party could stumble upon a malevolent Oni, dream about a Baku, or find themselves bowing in respect to a Kappa. Of course, the Oriental Dragons are also included.
Buy it now >>
ERA for Rolemaster RMSSFRP Races & Cultures
The RMFRP Races and Cultures package for ERA offers 58 different races and has 11 varied cultures.
Apart from the well know types of humans, elves and orcs, this package brings to the world animal fusions like the lion centaur and the shark shaped shuikmar, alien looking urlocs and grotesque quishadi.
For Shadow World players, you will also find an assortment of races: specific human types, the sub-races of iylar elves and many half-breeds, flying hirazi and savage garks.
Once the race is chosen, proceed to specify the actual culture in which the character was raised. A harsh life with the arctic people, or a quiet farming adolescence in a rural environment? Has your character learned to move around the tunnels of the mining culture, or the sunny beaches of the littoral tribes?
Buy it now >>
Electronic Roleplaying Assistant (ERA)
ERA (Electronic Roleplaying Assistant) is the ultimate companion for Rolemaster campaigns. Just by running this free application players can create their characters using a step by step wizard, then level them up and configure all details in stats, skills and special abilities, even overriding the automatic calculations. Afterwards, they can be added to a running campaign in the adventuring module. From there, the game master can control all aspects of the game: resolve maneuvers, resistances, resting, and of course, spell casting and combat.
Players can also oversee the current status of their characters as the adventure progresses, simply by accessing the application with their mobile devices. This also allows them to check all known spells with full descriptions, current skill values and more. Inventory and game master-to-player communication also have their own systems.
Try ERA for free >>
Love ERA? Check out our complete range of addition modules:
Rolemaster Classic
Character Law
Spell Law
Arms Law
Armory
Shadow World Module
Combat Companion
Rolemaster Companion I
Creature Module
Rolemaster Fantasy Role Playing
Core and Character Law
Spell Law
Arms Law
The Armory
Shadow World Module
Combat Companion
Mentalism Companion
Essence Companion
Channeling Companion
Arcane Companion
Creature Module
Fire and Ice: The Elemental Companion
Treasure Companion
You can also now get ERA modules in one of three different bundles:
RM Classic core dataset (containing Arms Law, Character Law, Spell Law and RMC Creatures)
RMFRP core dataset (containing Core and Character Law, Spell Law, Arms Law and RMFRP Creatures)
RMFRP companion dataset (containing Arcane Companion, Channeling Companion, Essence Companion and Mentalism Companion).