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Rolemaster Moments for Sept 2003- page 2
<< RM Moments Homepage | 1 | 2 |
I have found that decisions that “friends” make for the good of the party make some interesting moments for a GM that had no intention of killing anyone. Still, when the party gives you lemons, you make PC lemonade.
Oh, the party had potential, a Northman Paladin, a Dwarvish warrior, and of course, the High Elf mage. Every party has to have a High Elf mage, don’t they? Anyway, the 3 managed to be captured by orcs, escape and bring ruin to their captors, and continue on their way to right some wrong or some nonsense. Completely full of themselves, and feeling large, I decided to throw them a curve, something they’ve never seen before, the Chaos Warrior.
Oh thank you, creative and mean-spirited ICE writers, for giving me such a great tool that is the Chaos Warrior. By all appearances, normal plated warriors, but so much more. With a perception roll I couldn’t believe, the Elf noticed the 3 approaching warriors ahead, long before they could be seen. The Elf knew the intent of the warriors was ill, due to the 3 goblins on a leash, acting as hounds, moving with the Chaos warriors.
Now, I should tell you that this is the same group featured in my very first rolemaster submission on Dec of 2001. Yep, these mental giants lived long enough to get here. The Elf informs the Paladin of the nature of the approaching party, and he’s just itching for the chance to use that darn lance. While the Dwarf and Elf cower in the bushes, the Paladin mounts his warhorse, and rides out to the middle of the road.
“I call out for the light of Varda,” and charge the evildoers.
“Alone?” I look at the rest of the party.
“Alone,” replies the dwarf.
Well, you can guess how that went. The deity he invoked, was not available. A poor riding roll, a fumble with the lance, and our Paladin is unhorsed, and quite out of it. Only one warrior met the challenge, and it’s over in 4 rounds. The orcs are still on leashes. Now, the remorse sets in for the other two, they feel compelled to act, and it is here, where the dwarf shows utter brilliance.
“I have an idea. You (to the Elf) have dabbled with black magic when the Paladin wasn’t looking, and I’ve never told him about the evil tome you swiped from the orcs. Go onto the road, a sell the evil mage bit. They’re sure to buy it. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
Now that’s something, but who would do that? Yep, Tristar, master of essence did. And stride out onto the road did he, and with confidence, spite, and malice, called out and summoned the 3 riders to him.
“I am Tristar, master of light and dark, wielder of the powers of essence, and invoker of the powers of darkness. I command you to come forth, and do my bidding.”
For a moment, I think he thought it worked. The 3 rode up, holding the snarling orcs at bay. That’s when the Elf noticed the glowing eyes behind the visors.
“With a dark chuckle, the lead warrior drops the leash.” Priceless.
Can you guess what 3 orcs with claw gloves did to that poor guy? Sad, real sad. Medium claws vs. AT 2, using those delightful rip criticals? Sad.
Sure, the dwarf charged, but only to his certain doom. And while it sounded like I enjoyed it, I had the whole evil temple thing all set up to rock. Hours, wasted, all because some guy had to be the hero, and two other guys fared even worse. Well, maybe I did enjoy it, just a little.
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