!

An Avalon Games Product, All rights

reserved, Version 1.0, 2011
Game Geek, Issue 24, Dec 2011

All comments, suggestions and
contacts can be made at
Avalon Games,
avalon@comstar-games.com
Or visit
Avalon Games at
www.avalon-games.com

Some Game design, artwork and layout

by Robert Hemminger
Cover by Joe Calkins
Some art by Sade, LPJ and Art Fantasy
Contents

Musing of the Avalon Stogie .................................................................................................
Behind the Game,
Battle Armor ........................................................................................................
Junkyard Wars Strip #24 ......................................................................................................
Coral Throne
Interlude VII ................................................................................................................
Mark's Musings ....................................................................................................................
Dept 13 Comic, Issue #9 ......
Good Witch, Bad Witch ......................................................................................................
Avalon Pathfinder ................................................................................................................
Multi-Verse ,,,.....................................................................................
Battle Axe .........................................................................................................
Arcana
Reviews ..................................................................................................................................
Cool Stuff ...............................................................................................................................
What
s New ............................................................................................................................
Free Stuff ....

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33
35
39
40
41

Here is to to great years.

Battle Armor
When I started to make plans to put out small Mini-Games I sat down and
made a list of what sort of games I would like to create for the series. The only
criteria for these games were that they had to be small, fast to learn and play
and be fun. On that list was Star Ship Troopers, which was a game produced
by Avalon Hill back in the day, which was itself a tactical simulation of Robert
A. Heinlein's novel by the same name.

A simple system was then needed to move the troopers

about the battlefield and to control combat and range.
While I know that hex and counter based systems have
fallen out of favor these days, they still provide an
excellent way of governing this sort of gaming. Basically
if it ain't broke dont fix it. So I turned to the hex and
counter type game as the way to go about working up
Battle Amor.
The rules themselves were fairly easy to put together and
the choice of using damage circles to indicated wounds and
acquired damage made the troopers themselves a bit more
durable and individualized.
The system of course has evolved from there to now
include tanks, aliens and all sorts of other stuff. I even
used the fluff in the system for several other sci-fi game,
Space Armada, Star Fury and Futures wars all using the
same setting, forces and fluff. I then as time passed, used
the setting for all of my Sci-Fi based games. This in turn
allowed Avalon to then use the setting in IF, and for Nova
Blast.
So this simple little note has evolved into quite the setting
and a butt load of games. Not to bad a start.
As a bonus, we have a new map board for you and some
new terrain tiles. The city terrain shown on these maps and
tiles is blocking terrain and cannot be seen though or
moved through, but of course you can leap over it. The
road hexes act as open terrain.
You can find the new stuff in the Free section of this issue.

That was a Yellow Bot?

Ya, but it should not have been here,

this is my Mother Board's territory.

Smoke!

Smoke?! That's where my factory is located.

!
Wow this must have been a terrible battle.
Its all gone,
Mother, the Bots,
everything.

More Smoke.

That's where the

Yellow Bot
factory was
located. Seems
Month took
them out even as
she way being
destroyed
herself.

Sorry, but my Mother

Board is dying as we
speak. Without the spare
parts we were going to get
from your factory, she will
not last long. You were
our last hope.

I guess we will
have to go back to
your factory.

Then it's just you and me now.

Coral Throne
Interlude VII

The rules of the brotherhood were simple, the strong lead

and the weak die. Wierling thought this over as he
grabbed Farge by his hair and pulled back his head. The
fat pirate captain's jaw was broken and blood flowed
from several cuts and broken teeth but still Farge tried to
scream a curse as Wierling drew the sharp knife across
his throat. Hot blood sprayed across the deck of the ship
as Wierling held Farge's head back and let the wound
open fully. The gathered men cheered as Wierling
butchered his most recent rival, another scalp to add to
his collection.

Anyone else care to question my orders? Wierling

called, looking about him and the gathered captains of
the south. None dared to stand up to him, not with
Farge's blood still running hot off his hands.

This was the way of the brotherhood. Any man could

challenge to lead his fellows, blood and combat the
means to prove one's abilities.

Good, then let us set sail for Avieragon, he said. Let

us sail to our destiny and no more of this crying that we
sail to our doom.

Guriom and the other gathered captains stood to the side

and watched as Wierling hacked the hair off of Farge's
dead carcass. The giant, black skinned pirate king stood
tall in the hot southern sun as he held up the scalp of his
recent rival. He called out an ancient battle cry
belonging to his hill folk ancestors, the gathered pirates
cheering with him. Wierling held them all now, held
their loyalty and their greed, all his to do with as he
pleased.

Farge had dared to challenge him, and now the fat fool
was dead for that challenge. Farge had tried to lead the
gathered captains in another direction, one that would
deign Wierling his revenge. This Wierling would not
allow, nothing, no one would stand in his way at seeing
the Avieragonian wizards all dead.

Marks Musings
by Mark L. Chance of Spes Magna Games

Energy Drain Options

(Link: http://spesmagna.com/archives/683) Now

that I'm back on track again, I just had to finish up
my thoughts about how to add a bit of variety to
energy drain. In a way, this is sort of a companion
piece to my "Common means of defense against
supernatural monsters" musings way back in Game
Geek 6.
(Link:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?pro
ducts_id=81481&)
Energy Drain in the Core Rules
For as long as I can remember, the World's Most
Popular Roleplaying Game has included energy
drain as a special attack for various monsters,
especially certain iconic undead such as vampires.
Regardless of edition, energy drain invokes fear
from players as well as a degree of frustration from
everyone since the mechanics have often been
cumbersome.
The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game defines energy
drain's game effects as follows:
This attack saps a living opponents vital energy
and happens automatically when a melee or ranged
attack hits. Each successful energy drain bestows
one or more negative levels (the creatures
description specifies how many). If an attack that
includes an energy drain scores a critical hit, it
bestows twice the listed number of negative levels.

Unless otherwise specified in the creatures

description, a draining creature gains 5 temporary hit
points for each negative level it bestows on an
opponent. These temporary hit points last for a
maximum of 1 hour.
For each negative level a creature has, it suffers the
following:
A cumulative -1 penalty on all ability checks, attack
rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver
Defense, saving throws, and skill checks.
In addition, the creature reduces its current and total
hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses.
The creature is also treated as one level lower for the
purpose of level-dependent variables (such as
spellcasting) for each negative level possessed.
Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots
as a result of negative levels.
If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total
Hit Dice, it dies.
Negative levels remain until 24 hours have passed or
until they are removed with a spell such as
restoration. If a negative level is not removed before
24 hours have passed, the affected creature must
attempt a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the draining
creatures racial HD + the draining creatures Cha
modifier; the exact DC is given in the creatures
descriptive text). On a success, the negative level
goes away with no harm to the creature. On a failure,
the negative level becomes permanent. A separate
saving throw is required for each negative level.

8
!

I had intended these musings for the October issue

of Game Geek, what with Halloween being at the
end of the month and all. Unfortunately, my
writing plans were derailed by a variety of things,
including a heart attack.

To get a grip on what this means, let's look at one

increasing scale of conditions:
1st Degree
shaken
A Problem: Energy Drain & Sameness
The core rules for energy drain do an adequate job
of making energy-draining monsters fearsomer,
but the rules themselves lack something I as a GM
desire, namely variety. Other than differing save
DCs and differing numbers of negative levels
inflicted, all energy drain is pretty much the same.
This seems a shame. After all, there isn't just one
type of poison or disease, even though almost all
poisons and diseases use the same basic
mechanics.
Feeling the lack of energy drain variety
unacceptable, I said to myself, "Self, let's see if we
can 'fix' this 'problem'."
A Solution: Energy Drain
as Inflicted Conditions
To use these optional rules, you don't have to
change the energy-draining monster. Use the same
save DC, the same attack mode, and the same
number of negative levels inflicted. Instead of
using the energy drain rules explained above, give
these are whirl.
Each negative level inflicts a condition. Additional
negative levels increase the severity of the effect.
Conditions are tracked by degree of severity, and
can be immediately resisted by a saving throw.
Degrees of severity (DoS) above the first DoS fade
after 1 round per Hit Die of the inflicting monster,
but the first DoS remains and the higher degrees
may reassert themselves under the right
conditions.
The inflicting monster still benefits from
condition-causing energy drain as outlined above.
Thus, the monster gains 5 temporary hit points for
each negative level it bestows on an opponent.
These temporary hit points last for a maximum of
1 hour.

Fear Condition DoS

2nd Degree 3rd Degree 4th Degree
frightened panicked cowering

Now imagine your PCs are facing a vampire

spawn. This is a 4 Hit Die monster that inflicts one
negative level with a 14 save DC. This particular
vampire spawn, however, doesn't actually inflict
negative levels. Instead, it inflicts fear conditions
of increasing severity.
Combat starts, the vampire hits a PC, and the PC
must make a DC 14 Fortitude save. The PC fails
the save, becomes shaken for 4 rounds, and the
vampire spawn gains 5 temporary hit points.
Another round starts. The PC is hit again, fails the
Fortitude save again, and is now frightened for 4
rounds. The vampire spawn is defeated despite the
10 temporary hit points it gained. The PC is no
longer frightened, but he remains shaken.
Now here's where things get interesting. The PC
stays shaken until 24 hours have passed or until
the shaken condition is removed with an
appropriate spell. (I recommend the spell be of at
least 4th level even if you don't opt to let
restoration work.) If the shaken condition is not
removed before 24 hours have passed, the PC must
attempt another DC 14 Fortitude save. On a
success, the shaken condition goes away with no
harm to the PC. On a failure, the shaken condition
becomes permanent (albeit only in the sense that it
now requires magic to dispel, as mentioned
above).
What's worse, as long as the PC remains shaken,
he is more vulnerable to fear effects. Should the
PC be affected by any effect that inflicts a fear
condition, he automatically gains the fear
condition that is equal to highest DoS caused by
the energy-draining creature (unless the
fear-causing attack would normally inflict a more
serious condition).

Imagine our shaken PC. The vampire spawn

encounter is over and done with, but he still can't
pull himself together. A gnawing dread nibbles at
the fraying edges of his imagination. Several hours
later, the PC is still shaken when he encounters a
hill giant. The hill giant uses Intimidate to
demoralize the PC and succeeds. Normally, this
would cause the PC to become shaken, but he's
already shaken. Instead, he automatically becomes
frightened, since this was the highest DoS inflicted
by the vampire spawn.

When using monsters that inflict more than one

negative level with an attack (such as vampires
and spectres), consider combining the core rules
with these optional rules. A vampire that inflicts
both a negative level and forces a Fortitude save to
resist fatigue condition DoS presents a different
threat than players would normally expect.
And how could shaking up too comfortable
players be a bad thing?

DoS for Other Conditions

With some thought (and descriptive refluffing
where necessary), energy drain could inflict other
conditions with varying DoS. For example:
Fatigue Condition DoS
1st Degree 2nd Degree 3rd Degree
fatigued
exhausted unconscious
Lethargy Condition DoS
1st Degree 2nd Degree 3rd Degree
entangled staggered paralyzed
The fatigue condition DoS represents energy drain
that saps physical vitality. An affected PC is
winded as from great exertion, and more
suspectible to effects that cause fatigue. The
lethargy condition DoS simulates energy drain
making a PC's movements slower. The entangled
condition doesn't prevent movement, but has its
other normal effects, which are that the entangled
creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge,
and takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4
penalty to Dexterity. Also, an entangled character
who attempts to cast a spell must make a
concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose
the spell.

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10

So with the right materials we

should be able to rebuild the
Infinity Chair.

Problem is professor; we dont

have enough of those "Right"
materials.

As I suspected. Carbonate
in enough refined amounts
is very difficult tom obtain.

And the Nazis

control most of
the mines for
this metal.

So what do we do?

Impossible to get
I'm afraid.

Well I might
have a possible
source, but I
will have to do

I will leave you two

to figure it out then.

Bad Baby Productions, 2011

Art and Story by Robert Hemminger

We have to talk
my dear.

Concerning?

Concerning that
thing which
saved both of
our lives.

Yes I suppose we should

discuss it. I do have to thank
you for staying quiet during our
debriefing report and my lack of
full discloser.

So just
what the
hell was
that thing?

Vampire? And you

say her name is Lilith.

I would say that Lilith is a

vampire, although I cannot be
100 percent sure.

Yes, again I cannot

be sure but I do
not think she was
the biblical Lilith.
She is quite ancient
though.
Why did she
help us?

Enemy of my
enemy my dear.

So she hates the

Nazis and
helped us?

Nazis no, the Elder Gods

are her true foe. The
competition. With the Elder
Gods held tight in their limbo
prison, Lilith and her kind are
free to sate their appetite
for human blood.

So she wants to remain the

big predator in the jungle.

We should keep
this to ourselves.

Correct.

If the others in the

Department found
out about her, they
might be in danger.

Why?

Do I have to start
wearing Garlic
necklace?

Danger?

Yes, I am quite sure that this

Lilith is a dangerous threat to mankind, as
dangerous as the Elder Gods. If the
others knew of her and her kind she
might kill them all.

No, but the two of us will

need to so some extensive
research on her and
her like.

Ow!!!

What is wrong,
are you all
right?

A scream, in my
mind, god its like
a call for help.
Who,
where?

I'm not sure who, but I

know the where, a place
called...

Roswell.

"Now available on Kindle

and other ebook formats!"

Good Witch, Bad Witch

by
Ramsey Tome Wyrm Lundock
All Rothgard wanted for Christmas was a girlfriend; and
on Christmas morning there she was under the tree. The
tree was only an 18 inch tall decoration he had put on his
end table, but the way the woman was sleeping on the
couch, her blond head was under its outermost branches.
She was wearing a Santa cap and one of those red-withwhite-trim minidresses that only cartoon characters wear
in newspaper ads. Rothgard could understand why real
women didn't wear them: the way she was curled up on
the couch, he could see her white panties sticking out
beneath the hem and at the same time it looked as though
her breasts could slip out of the top at any moment.
There was a sweet smell about her, like fresh
home-baked cookies.
Rothgard grabbed his coat and headed for the door. The
convenient store on the way to the Physics Department
sold coffee. If he tried to make coffee himself while he
was still this asleep he'd probably burn down the
apartment building. He could make progress on his
experiment today since no one would be around to bother
him.

What are you doing here?

You wished for a girlfriend for Christmas and here I
am.
I mean: how did you get in?
Santa brought me.
Rothgard stepped all the way into the apartment and
closed the door against the cold. He started at the floor
for a while, gathering his thoughts. How could such
clear, concise responses completely fail to answer his
questions?
Is something wrong, Rothgard?
You know my name?
Of course. You don't think Santa Claus leaves an elven
maiden at someone's house without letting her review his
file do you?

*******
Elven maiden?
...sounds good. Look, I'm walking up to my door right
now, so give me, say, half an hour to get cleaned up and
then swing by and we can catch dinner...Okay, See ya.
Rothgard hung-up and pocketed his cel phone, then
fumbled out his keys, unlocked the door and started to
open it.

Oh, right, the hat. She pulled off the red cap and held
it politely in front of herself. The tips of her ears reached
the crown of her head, but as she shook her head, tossing
her long, golden lock, her ears relaxed to tilt out and
away from her head.

Welcome home, Dear.

So you're an elf. Is there anything else I should know?

Rothgard slammed the door. He lived alone. Had he

stopped at the wrong door? No; the number was right,
and he realized, slightly embarrassed, that the key
wouldn't have worked if it was the wrong door. He
opened the door just enough to stick his head in.

Let's see...I'm also a witch.

Welcome home, Dear. It was the woman from his

dream that morning. Rothgard couldn't tell if her breasts
were oversized, or just seemed that way since the rest of
her figure was so petite. She looked about freshman age.

Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Rothgard

laughed.
Well, I try to be good, but the other Polar Elves would
say there is no such thing as a good witch.
Not big fans of magic?

16

No. They take Christianity very seriously. Which, I

guess is to be expected, since our leader is an immortal
saint.
That does it! Where's the camera? Rothgard looked
around for a film crew to come pouring out of the closet
or in from the balcony.
The elven maiden's face lit up, What a wonderful idea:
a picture of our first Christmas together. Where do you
keep the camera?
With that she spun and darted out of the living room,
dropping the hat in her haste. From the bedroom Rothgard could hear cabinets and drawers opening. He
sloughed his coat by the door. It was getting warm in
here. He was almost to the bedroom door when he
heard the phone ring.
I'll get it. The woman called.
No! Rothgard lunged forward but his feet got tangled
in a dirty sweatshirt on the floor. He crashed down hard
on the carpet. He made a mental note to clean up the
apartment, right after he figured out what was going on.
Yes. He's right here. The elf said into the phone,
Oh, I'm Mary, Rothgard's new girlfriend.
Mary handed the cordless phone to Rothgard as he sat
up.
So THAT'S why you didn't want to come home over
Christmas break.
Hi, Mom. Rothgard couldn't think of anything else to
say.
Well, it's about time you got a girlfriend.
It's not that...
Mary sounds like a nice girl.
Mom, you're not listening.
Does she have a last name?
I don't know! Rothgard blurted out.
...So it's THAT kind of relationship.

No. I mean I don't know that woman. He regretted

his phrasing as soon as it left his mouth.
Well, you know your father and I trust you not to do
anything that would embarrass the family.
There is no relationship! He yelled, but it was too
late. The dial tone was the only response to his pleas.
He sat listening to the continued beeping in a stupor.
I found the camera! Mary sang.
Rothgard looked up just as Mary flung herself into his
lap. She smiled and gave the peace sign to the camera
floating in the air. The flash blinded Rothgard. He was
still recovering his vision as Mary stood up to retrieve
the camera.
What is going on?
She stopped just short of grabbing the camera, and the
camera started to spin in the air above her palm, I did
tell you that I'm a witch.
She caught the camera, and showed him the digital
display on the back. Mary was as cute in the photo as
real life. Rothgard's short black hair was disheveled,
and his brown eyes looked like a deer in the headlights
an 18 wheeler logging truck doing 80 mph downhill on
an icy road.
Rothgard held is head, trying to keep the blood
pounding in his temples from bursting out of his skull.
Then he let out a sigh and patted the floor besides him,
Mary would you sit with me for a while.
She sat down sidesaddle next to him and fixed her
attention on his face. Rothgard caught himself fixing
his attention down the top of her dress, but was able to
regain his composure.
You seem like a very sweet girl, Mary, but I don't have
a clue who you really are. So, once more, slowly, from
the beginning: who are you and what are you doing
here?
I'm Mary Longwood. I'm a Polar Elf. One day while I
was taking a long walk over the glaciers, a blizzard
came up and I ran into the nearest ice cave to wait out
the storm. It was a very deep cave, and I like exploring
(that's why I was out on that part of the ice shelf in the
first place) so I decided to see how far it went.

I came to a room that lit up with blue heatless torches

when I entered it. In the center was an old man in
flowing grey robes encased in a pillar of ice. I wanted
to help him, but if I accidentally cracked the ice, his
body would shatter with it. The rest of the room was
filled with clay pots full of funny smelling things, a
couple of mirrors, some walking staves and a bookcase
full of old tomes.
I had some time to pass until the blizzard let up, so I
started reading the books. They described how to
summon power from the ley-lines, manipulate mystical
energies and entreat spirits and forgotten primal deities.
By the time the sky cleared the next day, I found that I
could perform simple tricks. To punctuate the point
Mary turned her palm up and a small fireworks display
erupted over it.
Rothgard considered it a simple stage magic trick for a
moment, then realized that the pyrotechnics weren't
accompanied by customary acrid smell of burnt
black-powder. Instead, all he detected was the sweet,
almost cinnamon, aura around Mary.
The storm had passed, but the entrance to the cave was
blocked with snow. One of the books had a talked
about controlling the weather, so I went back and found
that one. I picked out a spell for summoning wind and
cast it on the snow drift in the entrance. A cyclone filled
the height and breadth of the tunnel. I was barely able
to direct it out the mouth of the cave. She shook her
head at the memory.
I never should have tried to cast even that strength of
spell as a rank beginner. The power coursing through
me literally knocked me off my feet. It almost knocked
me out cold. She smiled, But what a rush.
I admit, I was fascinated. I started going back to study
more. Then, I made the mistake of bringing one of the
books home to read.
Your parents found it?
I wasn't trying to hide it. I mean, I wasn't doing
anything wrong. Mary retorted, Some of the spells
dealt with demons, but I wasn't going to try any of
those.

She stopped, as if waiting for Rothgard to yell at her,

then continued meekly, avoiding eye contact, It not
like we're not used to magic. You could say our entire
village is a miracle in itself. But between the references
to demons and primeval deities, Mom and Dad were
ready to burn the book. I begged them not to. The
lectured me and lectured me. Part of me wanted to do
burn the book like they said and beg The Lord for
forgiveness, but part of me is happy being a witch.
By now her voice was barely a whisper, It was wise
old Saint Nicholas who offered a solution. Every year
there are a handful of very good boys who wish for a
girlfriend for Christmas. Polar Elves normally aren't
allowed to live in the human world, but I could look
over their files, and if I found one I liked, I could go to
him as a gift. That would get me away from the Ice
Cave and also I wouldn't disrupt the Polar Elf
community with my magic. And this way and my
parents wouldn't have to face their heretic daughter on a
daily basis.
She perked up, It was a choice: my family and my
faith or you and my magic. I made my choice.
Mary's false smile lasted only a couple of seconds. She
burst into tears and lunged forward, burying her face in
Rothgard's shoulder. I already miss them. It's not that
I'm not happy to be here, but they're my parents.
Rothgard put his hand and on the back of her head and
held her. He whispered, It's going to be okay. These
Christmas miracle stories always have a happy ending.
She looked up at him, tears flowing down here cheeks,
I don't want you to think I was forced to do this, or that
I only came for the sake of my magic. Reading over the
files, when I came to yours, it was like fate.
They were so close their noses almost touched. They
both froze. Rothgard's heart pounded in his ears. He
swallowed hard and started to lower his face ever so
slowly.
Open up, Dude. It's cold out here! Came the
pounding of a fist on the front door.
Rothgard and Mary both jerked backwards.
Oh, right, the Exile Colony. Rothgard muttered.
The what? Mary asked drying her eyes.

 'Exile Colony.' Wasn't it in my file? That's what those

two guys I hang out with call our group. Okay, Haruka
isn't technically a 'guy', but you get the idea. We were
going to go catch Christmas Dinner at the local fast
food joint.
That doesn't sound very festive.
It's great. The place is deserted. The staff glares at
you like you are personally to blame for the fact that
they had to come in to work on Christmas. For a bunch
of guys who don't belong anywhere, going some place
where no one belongs; it's almost like we fit in.
Dude, you in the shower or something? Open up.
More pounding from the front door.
I'd better get that before he knocks the door down.
The man at the front door was large and well muscled,
carrying a just enough body fat that he was constantly
trying to diet. His wild blue eyes were impossible to
predict, because even he didn't know what his next
move would be, There was no traffic, so we got here
early. Nobody on the roads on Christmas; go figure.
Right. Look, Charlie, about tonight... Rothgard
stepped aside to let him in before the Arian forced his
way in, Things have gotten a little...
Meri Curisumasu. Haruka said in her faked Japanese
accent as she walked in behind Charlie. She was
Japanese American, heavy on the American. Ever since
her science fiction obsession had introduced her to
Japanese Anime, she had been attempting to rediscover
her heritage. But so far, all she had accomplished was
to make herself neither American nor Japanese. She
was cute, in a mousy sort of way, behind her large
wire-rim-glasses, but Rothgard had never considered
asking her out, since she was 'one of the guys.'
Who's The Lady in Red? Charlie asked nodding
towards the bedroom door. Rothgard jerked his head
around as Mary walked into the room.

Rothgard stared slack-jawed at the elf.

What? You think my family doesn't get satellite TV?
But satellite reception requires a clear view of the
Southern horizon.
Mary returned his stare, with the faintest hint of a smile.
Oh, right! I get it. Rothgard closed his eyes in self
admonishment.
You two must be Charlie Phillips and Haruka Nakamura.
Mary came forward and bowed politely.
Rothgard caught himself again wondering how Mary
managed not to fall out of that tiny dress. Then he turned
to face the other to members of the Exile Colony. You see
Mary is a, well...
Charlie cut him off with a wave of his calloused hand.
Even in the dead of winter, his work hardened hands didn't
need gloves to protect them, Dude, if Mary says she's a
Vulcan, then as far as I'm concerned, she's a Vulcan.
Actually, I'm a Polar Elf.
Charlie corrected himself, If she says she's one of Santa's
elves, then she is one of Santa's elves.
What was one of Santa's elves doing in your bedroom?
Haruka asked.
I'm Rothgard's girlfriend.
Charlie and Haruka burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Hey? It's easier to believe she's an elf than that she's my
girlfriend? Rothgard puffed up with indignation.
His mood of wounded pride was spoiled by Mary flinging
her arms around his neck and pressing her cheek against
his, I'm so happy. That's the first time you've called me
your girlfriend. And in front of all of your friends...

I'm Mary Longwood.

Wait! Calling these two 'all' of my friends is a bit harsh.
Haruka took one look at Mary's ears, and raised her
right hand with the middle and index fingers separated,
Live long and prosper.
Mary returned the salute, Peace and long live.

Un-Uh Mary rubbed her cheek against his, Everyone

else cross referenced in your file was under 'Coworkers',
'Classmates' or 'Family'.

The truth hurt, but right now Rothgard was just glad
Charlie and Haruka were laughing too hard to hear
Mary's reference to his file.

Haruka blushed. Rothgard swallowed hard then shot a

jealous look at Charlie, but the gentle giant was staring at
his own shoes.

Haruka was starting to recover her breath, You two

are serious, aren't you?

Haruka was still fixated on Mary as she turned around.

Rothgard managed to tear his eyes away at the last
second.

Well, I wouldn't say that we've gotten, ah, serious

about it yet. Rothgard stammered.
Then how do you explain you hand on her hip?
Charlie smiled.
Rothgard looked down. So that's what he'd grabbed to
steady himself as Mary had pulled his head down to
her level. He pushed himself free of her chokehold and
changed the subject, So are we still on for dinner?

Mary caught their gaze and shrunk half a step backwards,

Is something wrong?
No! Nothing! Haruka blurted out, as much
embarrassed of herself as embarrassed for Mary.
On the way back could we stop for some milk? Mary
changed the subject, Then you can help us eat some of
the cookies I baked today.

Wait. The Exile Colony is for misfits and freaks only.

'Mary Christmas' is obviously on her way to a holiday
party. Haruka pointed an accusatory finger at Mary,
So we shouldn't hold you two up.

Fresh baked cookies? Charlie looked up, salivating.

Rothgard put his hand over Haruka's and gently pushed

it down, Trust me Haruka. Please don't ask the
details, because it will only make her cry, but Mary
belongs in the Exile Colony more than we do.

Are the two mutually exclusive?

Haruka's glare soften, and she regarded Mary with

new, almost maternal, tenderness.

I'll buy, Dude. Charlie laughed.

This is the part where I awkwardly clear my throat

and ask about dinner. Charlie said.
Right. Rothgard agreed, Mary, grab your coat and
let's go.
Coat? It's not chilly outside.
That statement brought the three humans up short.

What about your hat? Rothgard reached up and
tapped his own ear.
Oh. My hat? Mary reached up and felt her ears,
checking for the cap.
The hat was still where Mary had dropped it when she
had gone looking for the camera. As she bent over to
retrieve it, her already short hemline climbed up her
thighs. Like the dress, her panties clung close to her
curves.

I also made a pumpkin pie if you'd rather have a slice of

that.

Mary thought for a moment, I guess not, but we might

need more milk.

It was natural that Rothgard was the last one as they filed
out the apartment, since he had to lock up. He used the
opportunity to steal a look at Mary's rump. The skirt had
slid back down into place, like magic. Of course he
should have expected nothing less from a witch.
The maintenance man had left his salt barrel on the curb.
Haruka grabbed a handful and tossed it on the road in
front of them. She raised her right foot to the side and
gave an exaggerated stomp, sinking into a crouching
stance.
Are you purifying the road so we'll have a save journey.
Mary asked.
Haruka blushed and stood back up, Actually I was just
fooling around. But you know about sumo wresters
purifying the ring with salt before each match.
Using salt to ward off evil sprits is actually a pretty
widespread practice.

Charlie cut in. Haruka, you throw salt at my car again

and the two of us are going to sumo wrestle for real.

Just because my parents and I have irreconcilable

differences doesn't mean that we don't still love each
other and help out from time to time.

Rothgard opened the rear passenger side door for

Mary, then moved to get in himself.

That's not the point. What is my landlord going to say if

he finds reindeer in my apartment?

Hold it, Dude. I'm not going to let you ride in the
back with your girlfriend. Even I haven't had a chance
to break in that backseat yet. You're riding shotgun
where I can keep an eye on you.

That's why I told them they have to stay on the roof. I

just hope they're handling the heat better than I am. The
apartment was refreshingly cool compared to the
sweltering temperatures outside, but Mary still had sweat
dripping from her.

Rothgard started to object that he wasn't going doing

anything. Instead of arguing, he just got in the front
seat.

I'm sorry Mary. This is as low as I can afford to keep the

air conditioning turned down.

As the car pulled out, Haruka called from the back

seat, Turn on the heater, its freezing back here.
The heater is on. Charlie replied, Just give it some
time.

I could use magic to cool things.

Not after the blizzard!

How much time?

Mary thrust out her lower lip, You can't call two inches
of snow a blizzard. Besides I've studied more since then,
I'm sure this time I could...

About as long as it will take to get to the burger

joint.

There was a loud 'thud' from the balcony. A large deer

was staring in the glass door. It bellowed.

********
Even the bitter cold of that night seem like a pleasant
memory now that the blazing heat of summer had
arrived. The weather forecasters had been reminding
everyone that today was the first official day of
Summer, but the heat had been here for weeks.
Rothgard rolled onto his back and looked at the ceiling,
What's all that noise today? It sounds like a herd of
elephants on the roof.
No, they're reindeer. Mary said walking in. From his
vantage point on the floor Rothgard caught a glimpse
of the floral-print bikini she was wearing under her
powder blue pleated skirt. Her breasts bounced in the
matching bikini top as she knelt down to place an iced
tea on the floor besides Rothgard's notes and textbook,
I'm looking after Comet and Vixen while parents
vacation on the Greenland beaches.
We're keeping your parent's reindeer? Rothgard sat
bolt upright.

Mary bounced over to the door and let herself out onto
the balcony. She rubbed the beast between its wide
antlers. Okay Vixen, lets go get you dinner. I'll even
throw in some carrots, since the two of you have been so
good today.
The elf slipped behind the antlers and pulled herself
sidesaddle up onto the deer's back. Vixen gathered
herself for a leap, then shot strait up out of sight.
The hoof beats on the roof became faster and more
boisterous for several minutes, then settled down to an
occasional pawing and scraping. With another thud,
Mary dropped down onto the balcony. She caught herself
just short of falling on her face. She inspected her
reddened forearms as she let herself back in, Now that
it's getting dark, they'll bed down after they've finished
eating.
How long are they here, Mary?
Just four days.
Rothgard gave a lopsided grin and shrugged, then laid
back down on the floor and buried his nose in the book.

I'm going to take my ice water bath. Mary said, Do

you need the bathroom first?
I'm good. He called without looking up. He did
however look up as Mary sauntered out of the room.
There was something mystical about the way a pleated
skirt showed all the swaying of the hips without ever
revealing their form.
Rothgard managed to get half a page read before he
was interrupted by more bumping on the balcony. He
rolled on to his back to look out the glass doors.
Where he was expecting to see a reindeer stood a black
cloaked figure, holding a straw broom in its
outstretched hand. The other hand made a disdainful
wave and the glass doors exploded inwards.
The cloud of glass shards raked over the top of
Rothgard like dozens of tiny claws. The force of the
blast knocked over the iced tea, spilling onto his notes.
The figure floated into the room in the wake of the
destruction. The supernatural wind threw back the
cowl and whipped the young woman's long black hair
into a frenzy.
Where is the elf witch? She menaced over Rothgard.
Under the cloak she wore, black leather boots, black
tights and an oversized dark purple shirt, belted at the
waist. A rune covered sheath on her belt held a dagger
with a golden dragon pommel. As she drew closer,
there was smell about her like the back shelves of a
library.

A millennia ago LeFey bested Merlin, not only in a

contest of magic but a battle of wits. She imprisoned
him in a pillar of ice. By that victory she earned the
right to all the magical secrets he hoarded in his cave
of ice. But in a revenge from beyond the grave he
killed her before she could claim the spoils of her
victory.
That sounds more like a draw than a victory.
Rothgard interjected.
Morgan ignored him, She had been killed, but her
spirit has remained with us. Every year on
Midsummer, we have held a sance to call her back to
us. Every year for over a thousand years she has tried
to tell us how to find the Ice Cave. Every year Merlin's
lingering will has kept her from being able to reveal its
whereabouts. There can be no greater depths of Hell
for a witch of her caliber, than to know the exact
location of such a treasure trove of magic, and to be
unable to use it or even tell us, her descendents and
loyal disciples, how to find it.
Morgan, does this story have a point? Rothgard
asked.
Morgan glared at him in annoyance, Yes. Because, in
his conceded stupidity, Merlin made an oversight.
Lefey can not tell us the location of the Ice Cave, but
this year, this evening, in the dusk of Midsummer's
Night, she told me of one who does know the location:
the elf witch!
You can call me 'Mary'.

Mary rushed into the room clutching closed a white

blouse over the bikini. Her eyes went wide, Morgan
LeFey!

Morgan's shoulders slumped, I'm about to threaten

your life. Could you try to be a little more serious
about this?

Well, actually it's Morgan Thompson. But on my

mother's side I can trace my lineage back to LeFey.

Why are you going to threaten me? Mary gasped.

An awkward pause followed. The wind died down as

Morgan landed, deepening the silence.

Well, you're not actually going to tell me where the

Ice Cave is are you?
Not if you're working with LeFey.

Rothgard rose to his feet, taking care to avoid the

broken glass sprinkling the floor, What do you want,
Morgan?

I didn't think so. She pointed an accusatory finger at

Mary and lightening arced across the room. The elf
ducked behind the door frame, saving herself at last
instant as the electricity blacked the drywall.

Rothgard tacked Morgan to the floor. The broken glass

crunched under them.
Get off. Morgan ordered in a monotone. She pressed
her palm against his chest. Rothgard felt the grip of an
icy hand. It wasn't Morgan's but seemed to be touching him in the same place as hers. With inhuman
strength, the spectral hand tossed him into the air like a
rag doll.
Rothgard crashed back down on to the floor. He
grabbed at the dark hand still pressing against him, but
his attacks when straight through it. The shadowy
fingers curled down, into his chest, and the icy grip
squeezed his heart.
Let Rothgard go! Mary pleaded.
Tell me the secrets of the Ice Cave!
Alright, just let him go!
Tell me, and then I'll let him go.
It will take too long.
Then talk fast.
The grip around Rothgard's heart tightened. He
moaned and collapsed to the floor. Through his pain
clouded vision, Rothgard could see Mary looking back
and forth between him and Morgan.
If you truly follow Morgan's ways, after I told you,
you would still kill him. Mary swallowed hard and
planted her feet. A howling wind churned in the room.
Mary's hair, blouse and skirt flew wildly around her. A
simmering blue light behind her threw Mary's shadow
across the room. Morgan's confidence deflated. She
shrank back a step and the grip on Roghgard's heart
relaxed.
Mary continued, And then you'd kill me, to hoard the
secrets to yourself. I'll tell you nothing. Let Rothgard
go and get out!

The blue light concentrated around Mary's hand and

she threw it at Rothgard. The light banished the
shadow. Rothgard gasped for breath as he looked
down and felt his chest. He was honestly surprised
there wasn't blood running down his shirt.
The heat wave of an explosion washed over him. The
walls were blackened and the sofa was in flames.
Morgan was backing to the remains of the glass doors.
She held a disk of moaning specters in front of herself
as a shield against the hailstorm flying at her from over
Mary's shoulders. She threw her broom down on the
balcony and stepped on to it, Don't think you've seen
the last of me.
Mary Lunged after her, You're not getting away. Not
now that you've made me mad!
From inside her cloak Morgan withdrew a glowing
green skull and threw it to cover her retreat. Mary
dodged nimbly out of the way. Her hand closed around
the broom and together the witches shot up into the air
out of sight.
The luminous skull screamed over Rothgard's head.
He turned around just it time to see it explode in cold
flames against the wall of the kitchenette. The
resulting blast showered Rothgard with Mary's baking
and magic ingredients. The salt drum hit him hard in
the thigh, and fell to his feet.
Rothgard stared at the destruction.
There is nothing I can do to help. If I even try,
Morgan will just cast another hex on me. Mary is
better off without me to get in the way. He thought to
himself, But how can I sit here and do nothing. You
call yourself a man, Rothgard? It doesn't matter if it
gets you killed. Go out and fight for your woman!
He looked down, closing his eyes against the tears of
frustration. He could barely even see the blue form of
the salt drum. He sucked in his breath.

Morgan puffed up again, You forgot whose holding

all the cards.

A soft muzzle nudged him in the back. A reindeer was

standing in his ransacked apartment looking up at
Rothgard with big brown eyes. It was larger and had
more white on its chest than the other one.

The spectral claw ripped into Rothgard.

Let's go save Mary. Rothgard said.

*********
Outside, fireworks were raining down. Mary was still
dangling beneath the erratically swerving broom.
Rainbow colored patterns arced up from her left hand
but bounced off of a shell of clouds surrounding
Morgan. Meanwhile, Morgan's booted foot stomped
on Mary's right hand, clutching the broom.

Don't think I won't be back. With that, she took to

the sky, crashing through the tree again on the way up.

Let go! You're too heavy. You're going to make me

crash.

She shook her head, It only works on the restless

dead and other incorporable beings.

Mary bit her lip against the pain and pressed her attack.

Rothgard's shoulders slumped.

Neither one of them saw the oak tree until after they
had crashed into the branches. Morgan lost her
balance and fell from the broom. She tumbled down to
the ground through the oak fingers. Mary lost her grip
and tumbled down. The hard roots knocked the wind
out her.

But that doesn't change the fact that you saved me by

doing something very brave. She gave him a kiss on
the cheek, I'm sorry I caused you all this trouble. She
came after me and I was the one who blew up your
living room. I try to be a good witch, but sometimes I
get mad.

As she lay stunned on the ground, the roots under and

around Mary began to writhe. They wrapped around
her arms and legs pinning her to the ground.

It's okay. Trying to protect someone doesn't make

you a bad witch. He put his arm around her.

Morgan's face and arms were bleeding from small

cuts. A twig stuck out of her disheveled hair. She
staggered up to the helpless elf, threw back her cloak
and drew the dagger on her belt. The blade glinted
silver in the moonlight.
Now, are you going to tell me where to find the Ice
Cave? Or are we going to have a Midsummer's Night
pagan sacrifice?
Rothgard gave a battle cry, and Morgan looked up as
Comet dove down out of the sky. Rothgard ripped the
top from the salt drum and threw the contents at
Morgan's face. She screamed and staggered backwards
clutching her eyes.
Rothgard dismounted, I knew it! Salt stops evil
magic, so now you're powerless!
You idiot! That trick only works on zombies and
ghosts! Morgan yelled, I can't see because some jerk
just threw salt in my eyes. Ow Ow. Now it's getting in
my cuts.
The broom floated next to Morgan. She clutched at
open air, finally getting her hand around it. She pulled
herself onto the broom.

Rothgard helped Mary free herself from the roots.

Salt doesn't stop evil witches from using magic?

She smiled, I don't think Morgan is a bad witch

either. She just has the wrong role model.

Avalon
Pathfinder
Master Scholar
By David Caffee

The master scholar is a wandering adventurer and jack of all trades who strives for
knowledge and wisdom. He is a student of life who believes that understanding is its own
reward. Bored with academic learning, the master scholar seeks his education among the
stars. He seeks knowledge both through first hand exploration and by exposing himself to
the learning of various cultures. A master scholar seeks to enhanced his own expertise in
fields as various as art, science, history, mathematics, craftsmanship, athletics and
self-defense. A master scholar is a soldier as well as a philosopher. During his search for
wisdom and knowledge a master scholar may often find himself in the service of generals,
politicians and aristocrats. These people are in need of both learned advisors and trusted
guards.
Characteristics: The master scholar is
proficient with simple weapons. He gains
bonus proficiencies with one personal firearm
and one archaic weapon of choice. Master
scholars are proficient with light armor as
well. The master scholar trains hard to
increase his physical and martial prowess as
he also furthers his academic life.
Background: Master scholars can come
from almost any background. Sometimes
they are dropouts from a formal school of
higher learning. Sometimes a scholar who is
retired from wandering will train a small
class of child prodigies. A good portion of
master scholars have personal financial
resources that allow them to focus on
academic study during their younger years.
Others master scholars begin their careers as
military officers and then later devote
themselves to a life of learning. In the end a
master scholar learns most of his skills from
the years he spends wandering from world to
world in the name of research or
enlightenment.

25

Prerequisites:
PerceptionSkillRankof2
TwoormoreKnowledge Skills Ranks of 2
Hit Die: d6
Class Skills
The master scholar's class skills and their related abilities are: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Chr), Craft (any) (Int),
Diplomacy (Cha), Drive (Dex), Handle Animal (Cha), Knowledge (any) Linguistics (Int), Perception (Wis), Sense
Motive (Wis)
Skill Points at 1st Level: (6 + Int modifier) x 4
Skill points at each additional level: 6 + Int modifier
Level BaseAttack Fort
1

+0
+0

Ref
+2

Will
+2

DefenseBonus

+1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

+1

+2

+3

+3
+4
+5
+6/+1
+6/+1
+7/+2

+0
+1
+1
+1
+2
+2
+2
+3
+3

+3
+3
+4
+4
+5
+5
+6
+6
+7

+3
+3
+4
+4
+5
+5
+6
+6
+7

+2
+2
+3
+3
+4
+4
+5
+5
+6

Special

Bonus feat, eclectic knowledge,

transcend technology level
Sage talent

Sage talent
Bonus feat
Sage talent

Sage talent

Sage talent, bonus feat

Class Features
All of the following are the class features of the master scholar.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A master scholar is proficient with simple weapons, one personal firearm and one
archaic weapon of choice. He is also proficient with light armor.
Bonus Feat: At 1st level the master scholar gains a bonus feat from the combat list. He gains an additional feat at
levels 5 and 10.
Eclectic Knowledge: A master scholar picks up bits and pieces of information from a variety of sources. This means
that in any given situation there is a chance that the master scholar will know something that might be helpful. This
applies even in situations were the master scholar has no formal training. The master scholar can use any skill
untrained. He can also add his master scholar level to all Rumor and Lore checks.
Transcend Technology Level (master scholar exclusive ability): The master scholar has a knack for thinking
beyond the boundaries of current knowledge. This makes him uniquely suited for dealing with technology that is
beyond his own tech level. He can make an Intelligence check in order to use a device from a higher tech level
normally. The master scholar must study the item for 16 hours before attempting to use it. The DC of this check is
15 for common items, 20 for tools and equipment and 25 for highly complex items. A failed rolled means that the
master scholar will have to spend another sixteen hours of concentrated study before attempting to use the item again.
A master scholar who makes his Intelligence roll to use a weapon does not gain proficiency in it but he has the option
of taking the feat Exotic Weapon Proficiency for that specific implement of war.
Sage Talent: At 2nd level a master scholar can choose a sage talent. If the talent chosen is a feat, the master scholar
does not have to meet the prerequisites for that feat. An additional sage talent is gained at levels 4, 6, 8 and 10. Sage
talents can be chosen from the following list; combat martial arts, defense bonus +2*, great fortitude, increase
charisma +1*, increase intelligence +1*, increase wisdom +1*, iron will, lightning reflexes, run, skill focus, telepathic
resistance +2*, toughness, weapon focus, weapon proficiency (any).
*This talent can be taken multiple times, its effects stack.

Multi-Verse
ArenaofFire
AScenarioforWarriorsoftheFourCircles
ThewarriorsofthelandsoftencometothearenaofBire,bothtotesttheirskills
andtheircourage.
ThearenaofBireholdscompactionsonceayearforthebeatwarriorsofthefourlands,the
winninggainsnothingbuttherighttosaytherearethebestofthebest.
Fightthebattleasnormal,butcharactersmust"Jump"fromstonelandingtostonelanding.A
Jumpactionisaspecialmoveactionandrequires2movementpointstojumponesquare.Thusif
thecharacterwishestojump2squaresofBire,thentheymustspend4movementpoints.Atthe
endofeachjumprollasingleD6.Iftherollsoa"6"thecharacterhasmisstimedtheirjumpand
mustspendanAdrenalpointtolandsafelyorfallintotheBirepitbelow.FailtospendtheAdrenal
pointresultsinthecharactertaking2D6hitsandthelustspendtheirnextactionclimbingoutof
theput,returningtotheirladingsquare.(Climbingoutofthepitcostsamoveaction)

27

Become Fan of Avalon

Games and join our
Newsletter. In each issue we
offer insights into Avalon
Games, the people that make
it a great little publisher and
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Have a chilling great time with Avalon this winter.

29

Battle
Axe
ThismonthwecontinuewithimagesofBiguresyoumaybeabletouseinyourBattleAxegames.

TheRealmforcescanbedeadlyandsomeofthebestwarriorsinthesystemare
foundintheirranks..AlloftheseOiguresareGW,butyoucanOindallsortsof
knightandhumanwarriorsbyothercompanies.
A.ThePriestisastandardBigureinaRealmforce,theirhealingandotherspacial
abilitiesmakethemamusthavecharacter.

B.TheLordisakiller,plainandsimple.Oneofthebestwarriorsinthegame,the
RealmlordcanbeBieldedonfootormounted.
C.TheSeerbringsinabilitiesthatallowsyoutochangethecourseofthebattle.She
isaBineadditiontoanyWarBand,butkeephersafe.

30

D.TheSquireisacheap
knighttobringin,andcan
dealenoughdamageto
yourfoetomakeitwork
thepointshecosts.

E.TheWizardcanbringalotofmagicalpowertothetable,andisaexpensive
Bigures,butwellworththecost.HErehehassomeWOtCFireelementals.

31

F.Fast,hardtohurtanddeadly,theknightispoundforpoundonthethebest
warriorsinthesystem.Theycanbringdownthebiggestfoesorrunoverlittleones
withlittleeffort.

32

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By Megan Robertson
The Stars our Destination
by
Posthuman Studios
Diving straight in, the work opens with a brief note
about how it provides a ready-made, populated
location for gamemasters to use, or useful
background for players whose characters are
scumborn or belong to a scum faction... and just in
case you are not sure what that means, it then
launches into an introduction to the whole concept.
Briefly, a scum swarm is a space-faring community
with a very democratic - even anarchic - approach
to everything: collective decision-making,
concensus... and little regard for rules or reverence
to what more settled societies may find important.
From such generalities, the narrative turns to a
specific group, the Stars swarm. Born out of
industrial unrest in turbulent times, the swarm
began with workers in lunar orbital facilities taking
control of the resources around them... just when
the situation back at headquarters took a turn for
the worse, and so nobody was in a position to
object as the collective upgraded propulsion
systems and took off, gathering many other refugees as they departed. Rather more ordered than
some swarms, they now follow a set route around
the system, trading as they go but still adhering to
their original libertarian collectivist lifestyle.
Looking at the swarm's relations with others also
provides ideas for how they may feature in your
game. Provided you are not in a hurry, for example,
hitching a ride can be an interesting way of
relocating to a different habitat or planet. Some
habitats send those they don't want around any
more to the swarm in a form of exile. The swarm
does the same in reverse, dropping off those unable
to conform to their particular way of doing things.
There are plenty of examples of specific collectives
and individual ship crews for you to select one

whose interaction with your characters should

prove interesting. As for characters wanting to
have background or history with the swarm,
there's plenty for them as well. Most of what is
here is what would be regarded as 'common
knowledge' - or at least what you could acquire
with minimal research - so there should be no
difficulty allowing players access to this work.

35

Next comes descriptions of some of the actual vessels that comprise the physical swarm, sufficient for
any interaction or character visits you may have in mind. This is followed by a selection of NPCs to
populate the vessels, or act as representatives of the swarm wherever your characters meet them.
Finally, if what has come before hasn't already given you plenty of ideas, a selection of plot hooks is
presented to help you interweave the Stars swarm into what is going on in your campaign.
Overall, this adds an extra, fascinating element to the already rich tapestry of life in this setting. If you
are happy with a lot of adaptation, you could retool the swarm to provide a really unusual encounter
for any other spacefaring game that you play.

Avalon Games/Avenger Presents

Far Avalon

Avalon Games/Avenger Presents

Far Avalon
Book 2: Star Systems

Book 1: Background and Spacecraft

Requires the use of the TravellerTM <Wh7lWbedFW]['

Main Rulebook, available from Mongoose Publishing

Avalon Games/Avenger Presents

Far Avalon
Book 3: Conversion for

Requires the use of the TravellerTM Main

Rulebook, available from Mongoose Publishing
<Wh7lWbedFW]['

Requires the use of the TravellerTM Main

Rulebook, available from Mongoose Publishing
<Wh7lWbedFW]['

36

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1%&(2$&'.3&'4(43$&
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38

Cool Stuff

Roger Zelazny

Few wirers have had as big an impact on me as Roger

Zelazny. His whole Princes of Amber series is a classic of
fantasy and sci-fi, spawning some really great stories.
While its a bit outdated and old, the whole Amber series is
still one of the best reads out there. I have read the series
time after time, played in several spin off Play by Mail
games, and even own a copy of the Diceless RPG system
based upon the series. Still nothing comes as close to
grand fantasy then Roger Zelaznys Amber.
Here it is in all its glory
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Book-Amber-Complete-Ch
ronicles/dp/0380809060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&q
id=1276109962&sr=8-1

39

APMR #3 will be out this month; vehicles

and giants Robots are covered with this
expansion.

Of course we have more Arcana with the

last journal of the year. Dont worry, we
have another 16 all ready to go for next
year.

Want to turn your kids into gamer

nerds, well here you go, the sure fire
ways to get your kids into gaming
and how to play with them

No month is complete with our new

Avalon Pathfinder, Clip Art, counter sets
and more, so get ready, as always it a grab
bag of good stuff coming out this month.

41

DARK Q UEST B OOKS

Lets You Have It With Both Barrels!
Introducing Books Three and Four in the Award-Winning
Defending the Future Anthology Series

Book One
978-0-9796901-9-8

Book Two
978-0-9796901-5-0

Book Three
978-0-9830993-5-2

Book Four
978-1-937051-02-0

Series features stories by science fiction greats such as:

Jack Campbell/John G. Hemry, Jack McDevitt, John C. Wright, Brenda Cooper,
Bud Sparhawk, Charles E. Gannon, Lisanne Norman, Lawrence M. Schoen, Maria V.
Snyder, Deborah Teramis Christian, Andy Remic, Lee C. Hillman, Jonathan Maberry,
Judi Fleming, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Patrick Thomas, Phoebe Wray, James Chambers,
Jeffrey Lyman, S.A. Bolich, James Daniel Ross, Nancy Jane Moore, Tony Ruggiero,
Ann Wilkes, Kimberley Long-Ewing, Robert E. Waters, Jennifer Brozek, Laurie Gailunas,
Jeff Young, and C.J. Henderson

Iits easy to imagine yourself at the off-base bar on a deep-space transfer station,
overhearing the tales of passing space marines, naval officers, and assorted other soldiers.
If you enjoy a well-told story in the military SF genre, this is the book for you.
Don Sakers, Analog

WWW. DARKQUESTBOOKS . COM

All games available at

(Click on the name to visit their site)
RPGNow.com
e23.sjgames.com
wargamedownloads.com
wargamevault.com
Yourgamesnow.com
Drivethrustuff.com
www.ecardmodels.com
Paizo.com










 






 






















Avalon is a proud participant of Kiva,

making loans that change lives.







Avalons premier game system the S&G battle system allows you to play skirmish level
engagements, and do so with a fast, easy to learn system that also allows for endless
expansions and genres. With S&G you can fight battles between fantasy based elves and
orcs, or blast off into the cold hard future with space marines and aliens.








Weapons and Armor

'

Warlord Grom

Weapons
Scimitar
Dagger

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Fantastic artwork, wonderfully created and well thought out
as well as a beautiful addition to any fantasy RPG.