The Abbot, raspvoiced and hunchbacked. He anointed us the sacrificial slaughterlambs to venture outward into the threatening leagues. Full was the city and with tearstained pity he sent us on our way. Seek another clearing in the darkwood to found a fresh Cathedral to shield you, he told us. Blessings intoned and our banners bold with the golden threads of the Church’s work, we alone could face the dangers in the wildewood and wideworld.

Threescore, soulsick and fearfed. We marched into the darkness and soon were lost. Our steel glinted dimly in the little light that filtered through the twisted trees. Our nightfires burned slowly and scarcely kept the gloom at bay. Five died firstnight, drawn into the wildewood by weeping tears and entrancing breathless entreaties from women unseen. At firstlight we found their bones picked clean just beyond the edge of our nightfires’ light.

Twoscore and fifteen, terrorblind and horrorshaken. We marched on into the darkness and knew we were beyond the lord’s reach forevermore. Our feet leaden, burdened as they were with the weight of the wildewood’s watersoaked floor. Seven died secondnight, torn from our circle by redfleshed hands as big as horses. At firstlight we beheld the trees felled by the giants’ footsteps, but naught of our number sought to follow that dire path.

Twoscore and eight, brokenwilled and heartshattered. We marched ever on into the darkness and understood our doom too well. Our backs bowed beneath the weight of own ghosts. Thirteen died thirdnight, dragged down into damp earth by talons and teeth that dwelt beneath our feet. Only their twisted faces remained in view when firstlight arrived. Blessed snow soon covered their grizzly graves.

Onescore and fifteen, hollowsoulled and graveshocked. We marched on and on into the darkness and were consumed by dreadgrief. Our limbs near frozen, we stumbled through brambles and barrows and blight. Fourteen died fourthnight, shrieking in agony as our own nightfires turned against us. Firstlight revealed blasphemous ashen symbols where once our companions stood.

Onescore and one, heartnumbed and soulweary. We marched yet on into the darkness and were deaf to our surroundings. At highsun we found ourselves in a clearing and resolved to travel no more. We built stonewalls low and archways high. None died fifthnight, though the holwingwind and screamingbeasts drove us nighmad. At firstlight we continued to build. And building we have continued. In building we survive.

**********

These words are carved into the walls of the Cathedral that stands at the heart of Onescore-And-One, the city where you were raised. The elders say the city has stood for longer than any living can remember. They also say that the city has grown too crowded and that one day soon three score souls must needs be sent into the wildewood never to return.

Assassins

Vælar Solm (aka “The Prince”) / Human Assassin 1 NE
Headgear: Classic open-faced Mongol-style helm
STR 13 INT 12 WIS 9 DEX 14 CON 9 CHR 11
HP 6 AC 6 Gold 74
Long Sword, Dagger, Light Crossbow & 10 Quarrels, Leather Armor, Shield

Marghal Nightbane / Elf Assassin 1 CE
Headgear: A black hood with sickly mustard-colored stripes
STR 15 INT 14 WIS 10 DEX 16 CON 13 CHR 11
HP 7 AC 6 Gold 31
Long Sword, Dagger, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Leather Armor

Druids

Arthur Oakheart / Human Druid 1 N
Headgear: Bare, revealing his mohawk haircut
STR 12 INT 5 WIS 13 DEX 8 CON 11 CHR 17
HP 8 AC 8 Gold 197
Scimitar, Sling & 10 Bullets, Leather Armor, Wooden Shield
Druid Spells: Pass Without Trace, Purify Water, Shillelagh

Asharahsa / Human Druid 1 N
Headgear: A three-tasseled hat
STR 9 INT 10 WIS 15 DEX 5 CON 12 CHR 16
HP 8 AC 9 Gold 145
Sickle, Sling & 10 Bullets, Leather Armor, Wooden Shield
Druid Spells: Animal Companion, Divine Weather, Shillelagh, Speak With Animals

Monks

Jiang Jin Lo / Human Monk 1 LG
Headgear: An albino white wrap with an attached grilled gladiator style mask
STR 12 INT 9 WIS 16 DEX 16 CON 9 CHR 5
HP 8 AC 9 Gold 14
Long Sword, 4 Darts

Oralt / Human Monk 1 LN
Headgear: A single-tasseled forest green hat
STR 13 INT 10 WIS 15 DEX 17 CON 13 CHR 10
HP 9 AC 9 Gold 12
Spear, Short Bow & 20 Arrows

Illusionists

Kashord the Sly / Human Illusionist 1 CG
Headgear: A scarlet bishop’s mitre
STR 9 INT 15 WIS 11 DEX 16 CON 13 CHR 10
HP 5 AC 7 Gold 82
Silver Dagger, 6 Darts, Spell Book
Illusionist Spells: Hypnotic Pattern, Misdirection

Errom Tir / Gnome Illusionist 1 CE
Headgear: A sky blue, 4-tired ziggurat hat
STR 7 INT 16 WIS 12 DEX 17 CON 15 CHR 10
HP 5 AC 7 Gold 54
Quarterstaff, 3 Daggers, Spell Book
Illusionist Spells: Blur, Magic Mouth

Paladins

Fidela the Charitable / Human Paladin 1 LG
Headgear: Bare, revealing her shortish black hair tied back in a ponytail
STR 15 INT 9 WIS 15 DEX 6 CON 9 CHR 17
HP 10 AC 4 Gold 2
Scimitar, Banded Mail, Shield

Haerund, Sword of St. Berestin / Human Paladin 1 LG
Headgear: A long heavy scarf knit from deep sea blue wool
STR 13 INT 10 WIS 13 DEX 12 CON 13 CHR 17
HP 11 AC 4 Gold 40
Long Sword, Chain Mail, Shield

Rangers

Dennent Brock / Human Ranger 1 NG
Headgear: A plain helmet with a wolf-faced mask
STR 14 INT 13 WIS 12 DEX 9 CON 15 CHR 7
HP X AC X Gold 25
Bastard Sword, Longbow & 20 Arrows, Chain Mail, Shield

Argun Trailminder / Half-Elf Ranger 1 CG
Headgear: A classic, Roman-style helmet
STR 11 INT 14 WIS 14 DEX 10 CON 15 CHR 8
HP X AC 6 Gold 94
Short Sword, Hand Axe, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Studded Leather, Shield

Recruited by the young apprentice Jet to free the master of her order, this motley crew has flown directly into the heart of the black hole that conceals the mechanical planet Faalryn VI, home of the Dark Lord Syrtok. Will the combined might of the barbaric Kygar of Old Earth and the gruff bearman called General Bentusz be enough to defeat the dark one’s diabolical drones? Can “Katie” the science unit and Lq-vraal the beetleman smuggler’s collective craftiness lead them past the traps that are sure to confront them on their course? Will young Jet herself – inexperienced and fragile – survive this desperate rescue attempt? And just what does the nefarious Syrtok want with Master Iliryx, anyway? Find out when these five daring misfits array themselves Against The Dark Lord Of Faalryn VI!

Jet / Human Psychic (Apprentice)
STR 4 DEX 4 MEN 6 KNO 4
Hit Dice 3 Hit Points 16 Skill 4 Luck 4
Defense 9 Fight 7 Shoot 7
Skills: Activate Psychic Power, Fast Talk, Leap & Swing, Swim
Specials: Telekinesis (DC 15)
Gear: Laser Sword, Robes

Kygar of Old Earth / Human Star Warrior (Veteran)
STR 7 DEX 6 MEN 4 KNO 3
Hit Dice 6 Hit Points 46 Skill 6 Luck 1
Defense 11 Fight 13 Shoot 12
Skills: Climb, Leap & Swing, Pilot Ship, and Swim
Gear: Ray Gun, Laser Axe

General Bentusz / Ursoid Space Ranger (Ranger)
STR 6 DEX 3 MEN 4 KNO 4
Hit Dice 8 Hit Points 40 Skill 11 Luck 0
Defense 9 Fight 14 Shoot 11
Skills: Avoid Notice, Climb, Leap & Swing, Pilot Ship, Swim, Tracking
Specials: +1 DEF, Claws (d6), +1 STR
Gear: Ray Gun, War Club, Survival Gear

K8-E / Gynoid Scientist (Doctor)
STR 3 DEX 5 MEN 4 KNO 6
Hit Dice 4 Hit Points 22 Skill 8 Luck 1
Defense 10 Fight 7 Shoot 9
Skills: Defeat Security, Identify & Use Device, Invent Device, Navigation, Repair Device, Retrieve Data
Specials: Immune to mental domination, fear and poison
Gear: Scientific Tools, Stun Baton, Force Screen, Invizo-Screen

Lq-vraal / Coleopteran Smuggler (Rogue)
STR 4 DEX 5 MEN 5 KNO 4
Hit Dice 5 Hit Points 32 Skill 8 Luck 1
Defense 16 Fight 9 Shoot 10
Skills: Avoid Notice, Defeat Security, Disguise, Fast Talk, Hide Contraband, Pilot Ship
Specials: Expertise (+2 Defeat Security), Disinterest (-2 Disguise), Mandibles (d6), Multiple Arms
Gear: 2 Cutlasses, Smuggler’s Tools, Freighter (The Squonk’s Tears)

This post, by the way, is in lieu of commenting on the post itself. Why? Because I can’t comment on Blogger-based blogs. Their authentication method and I don’t see eye to eye. We did at one point, but then it stopped working. Roughly around the time I switched from hosting Strange Stones at WordPress.com and started hosting it myself. So if you’ve ever wondered why I don’t chime in with anything pithy on your Blogger-based blog, now you know why.

But the important thing here is to cheer for another geek blog that made it to the two year mark. So huzzah!

Runnert of Lomax / Human Thief 1 NG
Headgear: Bare, revealing his long flowing hair (tied back)
STR 10 INT 14 WIS 4 DEX 15 CON 11 CHR 11
HP 6 AC 7 Gold 57
Long Sword, 2 Daggers, Hand Axe, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Silas Smokesky / Elf Thief 1 CG
Headgear: An extravagant tri-cornered hat
STR 15 INT 12 WIS 9 DEX 16 CON 11 CHR 12
HP 6 AC 6 Gold 57
Short Sword, Silver Dagger, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

D’Neeta Sahav / Human Thief 1 CG
Headgear: A reversible hood that is black on one side and brilliant copper on the other
STR 13 INT 12 WIS 13 DEX 18 CON 11 CHR 5
HP 6 AC 5 Gold 111
Bastard Sword, Dagger, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Ghentlex / Halfling Thief 1 CN
Headgear: A fancy top hat
STR 12 INT 13 WIS 13 DEX 16 CON 10 CHR 11
HP 6 AC 6 Gold 104
Mace, Silver Dagger, Sling & 10 Bullets, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Torbald Keeneye / Half-Orc Thief 1 CN
Headgear: An open-faced helm adorned with spikes
STR 13 INT 11 WIS 12 DEX 14 CON 16 CHR 10
HP 8 AC 7 Gold 127
Long Sword, Light Crossbow & 10 Quarrels, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Andhal / Human Thief 1 CN
Headgear: Bare, revealing his amazing curly mane
STR 13 INT 12 WIS 10 DEX 14 CON 12 CHR 12
HP 6 AC 7 Gold 77
Scimitar, Sling & 10 Bullets, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Milius Darkwater / Half-Elf Thief 1 NE
Headgear: A blank-faced masked helmet adorned with bat wings
STR 6 INT 14 WIS 10 DEX 17 CON 10 CHR 7
HP 6 AC 6 Gold 48
Short Sword, 3 Daggers, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Hyaldi the Rat Catcher / Human Thief 1 CE
Headgear: A heavy fur-lined hood of pea green cloth
STR 13 INT 11 WIS 10 DEX 14 CON 13 CHR 9
HP 7 AC 7 Gold 38
Flail, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

Burrus the Toad / Gnome Thief 1 CE
Headgear: A deep green & black headscarf
STR 9 INT 13 WIS 11 DEX 17 CON 11 CHR 10
HP 6 AC 6 Gold 92
2 Hand Axes, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Leather Armor, Thieves’ Tools

I would be remiss in noting this anniversary without extending hearty thanks to all my loyal readers. You dudes & dudettes make this something worth doing and I’m glad I’ve gotten to know some of you by way of this exercise in geeky self-indulgence.

Also, I haven’t given up the idea of trying to run some kind of game or another online with you fine folks. I just haven’t had the time I’d like to have to really delve into that kind of thing. Soon, though, I should. And then you’ll all be in trouble. Muhaha.

Daunielle / Half-Elf Cleric 1 LG
Headgear: A 3-tasseled indigo hood
STR 13 INT 7 WIS 15 DEX 15 CON 7 CHR 9
HP 7 AC 3 Gold 8
Mace, Sling & 10 Bullets, Chain Mail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Detect Magic, Remove Fear, Resist Cold

Dzja Mrbeq / Human Cleric 1 NG
Headgear: A spiralled conical hat
STR 9 INT 14 WIS 16 DEX 14 CON 6 CHR 9
HP 6 AC 3 Gold 30
Flail, Sling & 10 Bullets, Chain Mail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Detect Magic, Resist Cold, Sanctuary

Ardeienne Spirttalker / Elf Cleric 1 CG
Headgear: Bare, showing her shaved & tattooed head
STR 13 INT 11 WIS 14 DEX 7 CON 12 CHR 7
HP 8 AC 8 Gold 1
Heavy Flail, Studded Leather, Wooden Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Detect Evil, Purify Food & Drink, Remove Fear

Dalbin the Anvilguard / Dwarf Cleric 1 LN
Headgear: A helm incorporating a snake-faced mask
STR 9 INT 8 WIS 16 DEX 8 CON 14 CHR 7
HP 9 AC 4 Gold 23
War Hammer, Banded Mail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Detect Magic, Light

Kir Artrin / Human Cleric 1 N
Headgear: Bare, revealing his long, braided hair
STR 13 INT 10 WIS 16 DEX 10 CON 10 CHR 12
HP 8 AC 4 Gold 6
Heavy Flail, Banded Mail, Wooden Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Protection From Evil, Sanctuary

Sauldo Wert / Gnome Cleric 1 CN
Headgear: A metal skullcap
STR 8 INT 8 WIS 15 DEX 10 CON 13 CHR 14
HP 9 AC 4 Gold 28
Mace, Sling & 10 Bullets, Chain Mail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Light, Remove Fear

Rewald Weslav / Human Cleric 1 LE
Headgear: Bare, showing his shortish, pony-tailed hair
STR 11 INT 10 WIS 17 DEX 12 CON 8 CHR 11
HP 7 AC 4 Gold 37
Flail, Banded Mail, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Detect Good, Fear, Light

Lurghra / Half-Orc Cleric 1 NE
Headgear: A bedouin-style wrap
STR 12 INT 9 WIS 14 DEX 12 CON 13 CHR 10
HP 8 AC 3 Gold 25
Mace, Banded Mail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Cause Light Wounds, Fear, Resist Cold

Aghaan Malthu / Human Cleric 1 CE
Headgear: A classic Mongol-style helm
STR 12 INT 12 WIS 15 DEX 11 CON 7 CHR 13
HP 7 AC 4 Gold 14
Morning Star, Chain Mail, Shield, Wooden Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Command, Detect Magic, Putrefy Food & Drink

Gilby / Halfling Fighter 1 LG
Headgear: A tasseled black hood
STR 13 INT 10 WIS 5 DEX 13 CON 13 CHR 12
HP 11 AC 5 Gold 60
Short Sword, Sling & 10 Bullets, Dagger, Studded Leather, Shield

Aethyn Starwillow / Elf Fighter 1 NG
Headgear: A daisy-yellow hood decorated with Norse runes
STR 16 INT 7 WIS 10 DEX 14 CON 9 CHR 6
HP 10 AC 4 Gold 10
Long Sword, Short Sword, Longbow & 20 Arrows, Dagger, Chain Mail

Kir Bralghan / Human Fighter 1 CG
Headgear: An open-faced helm adorned with tusks
STR 14 INT 9 WIS 11 DEX 12 CON 13 CHR 16
HP 10 AC 3 Gold 77
Battle Axe, 2 Hand Axes, Banded Mail, Shield

Maarlyne of the River People / Human Fighter 1 LN
Headgear: Bare, showing his amazing curly mane
STR 14 INT 12 WIS 7 DEX 13 CON 10 CHR 10
HP 10 AC 3 Gold 7
Spear, Silver Dagger, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Chain Mail, Shield

Parl Joost / Human Fighter 1 N
Headgear: Bare, showing his impressive dreadlocks
STR 15 INT 10 WIS 8 DEX 12 CON 13 CHR 11
HP 11 AC 5 Gold 29
Mace, Light Crossbow & 10 Quarrels, Scale Mail, Shield

Dek The Bonecrusher / Half-Orc Fighter 1 CN
Headgear: A metal skullcap
STR 15 INT 7 WIS 11 DEX 13 CON 13 CHR 10
HP 11 AC 4 Gold 24
Heavy Flail, Scimitar, Dagger, Short Bow & 20 Arrows, Chain Mail

Stylix Freyn, Future Warlord / Human Fighter 1 LE
Headgear: A full-visor style great helm adorned with multicolored feathers
STR 18 INT 11 WIS 7 DEX 15 CON 15 CHR 7
HP 11 AC 2 Gold 7
Morning Star, Dagger, Banded Mail, Shield

Hourrun the Selfish / Gnome Fighter 1 NE
Headgear: A pure white turban
STR 16 INT 11 WIS 5 DEX 10 CON 11 CHR 11
HP 10 AC 9 Gold 17
Short Sword, Silver Dagger, Chain Mail, Shield

Kine / Half-Elf Fighter 1 CE
Headgear: A fancy top hat
STR 17 INT 12 WIS 12 DEX 12 CON 10 CHR 6
HP 10 AC 9 Gold 30
Pole Arm, Longsword, Dagger, Long Bow & 20 Arrows, Banded Mail, Shield

Stavros / Human Magic-User 1 LG
Headgear: A pea green hood w/ long tassel that has a figurine of a ship
STR 6 INT 17 WIS 10 DEX 15 CON 9 CHR 11
HP 5 AC 8 Gold 111
Staff, Silver Dagger, 4 Darts, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Enlarge, Jarring Hand, Sleep

Sylania Sunsong / Elf Magic-User 1 NG
Headgear: A hat, the brim of which comes to points at the front and back
STR 8 INT 15 WIS 5 DEX 8 CON 13 CHR 13
HP 5 AC 9 Gold 110
Staff, Dagger, Spell Book, Owl Familiar
Magic-User Spells: Feather Fall, Read Langauges, Summon Familiar

Kir Dannos / Human Magic-User 1 CG
Headgear: None, showing his balding head
STR 10 INT 15 WIS 12 DEX 12 CON 13 CHR 15
HP 5 AC 9 Gold 147
2 Daggers, 4 Darts, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Jump, Manipulate Fire, Shocking Grasp

Loric / Half-Elf Magic-User 1 LN
Headgear: A short, conical hat
STR 13 INT 14 WIS 11 DEX 14 CON 10 CHR 13
HP 4 AC 8 Gold 113
Staff, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Light, Mending, Shield

Gedrald The Fisher / Human Magic-User 1 N
Headgear: A large beret
STR 11 INT 17 WIS 9 DEX 6 CON 12 CHR 14
HP 4 AC 9 Gold 93
Staff, Silver Dagger, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Allure, Floating Disc, Shield

Zadlo of Ghen / Human Magic-User 1 CN
Headgear: A long, heavy, dark brown scarf
STR 13 INT 18 WIS 5 DEX 14 CON 13 CHR 7
HP 5 AC 8 Gold 35
Silver Dagger, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Burning Hands, Erase, Unseen Servant

Maeryn Dawnwind / Elf Magic-User 1 LE
Headgear: A multi-colored (black, brilliant copper, ivory white) hood with a single tassel ending in a figurine of a skull
STR 10 INT 13 WIS 12 DEX 12 CON 10 CHR 10
HP 4 AC 9 Gold 128
Staff, Dagger, 4 Darts, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Feather Fall, Identify, Manipulate Fire

Occarlon, Seeker of Damned Words / Human Magic-User 1 NE
Headgear: An open-faced classic samurai helmet
STR 12 INT 15 WIS 8 DEX 13 CON 11 CHR 12
HP 4 AC 8 Gold 69
Silver Dagger, 2 Daggers, Spell Book
Magic-User Spells: Floating Disc, Message, Magic Missile

Faar Draal / Elf Magic-User 1 CE
Headgear: Bare, showing his shaved & tattooed head
STR 12 INT 16 WIS 8 DEX 15 CON 14 CHR 8
HP 5 AC 8 Gold 80
Staff, Dagger, Spell Book, Quasit Familiar
Magic-User Spells: Hold Portal, Jarring Hand, Summon Familiar

If you’re not familiar with Battledroids, it’s the original version of Battletech, that Macross-esque miniatures wargame that FASA used to produce back in the olden days. When they first released the game it was indeed called “Battledroids” but then a certain purveyor of science fiction films got all chippy with them over the use of the word “droid” and forced them to change the name to Battletech. So this is something of a rarity.

If you’re one of the StrangeStonesHeads and you wind up winning this auction, let me know. It would please me to know this set was going to a good home.