3 August 2009
Today’s Tabbloid
PERSONAL NEWS FOR riorio2@rogue-games.net
ROGUE FEED
[Lost Works] Books and their
use in WFRP
AUG 02, 2009 08:23A.M.
I think this is one of my favorite pieces I wrote for Warhammer FRP.
Some of these appeared back in my old A&E ‘zine. I alter collected
everything, and wrote an article that appeared in Warpstone.
Rereading this, and some of the other books, I am amazed by how much
this influenced what I have done with books in Colonial Gothic.
Especially on giving each book a meaning and a history
Books and their use in WFRP
Introduction
How many times have you include a library in an adventure? And how
many times have you had a player say they are looking at a book and
want to know what it is about? The general response to give a player is
too give the player a quick title and move along. Yet books can and
should, be important. Books can offer the players a chance to learn a new
skill, or offer a way to make a quick profit.
There are three types of books: common, uncommon and rare. Common
books, are recent books that have been mass produced and widely
available in bookshops throughout the Old World. Uncommon books are
books that are 10 or more years old, or are printed in small numbers.
Rare books are books that are one of a kind and generally are
handwritten journals and such. Rare books also tend to be books that
have been banned, destroyed, or generally publicly available.
Prices depend on the age and type of the book. A common book sells for
1d100 Crowns and can be bought in most books shops in major Old
World cities. A uncommon book sells for 1d12 x100 Crowns, and are hard
to come buy. These books are found in large libraries, and only the oldest
bookstores have this type of book. Rare books can not be bought, and
generally are only available in libraries or private collections. To get a
rare book the PC will have to find one. Prices for a rare books are 1d12
x500 and generally only wealthy collectors will be interested in buy
them. Generally most universities and temples will accept them as
donations, and will not buy them.
Books should be used to give color and texture to the game world.
Controversial books can be published and adventures can find
themselves whether looking to arrest the author, or protecting him from
a hoard of Witch Hunters. Books can also be used to start an new
1
adventure. For example the PC’s discover the personal journal of Bregor
Ironhead. In the journal Bregor writes about a ruined tower that
contains a cache of hidden gems. By reading and studying the journal the
PC’s could use it to find this treasure.
Yet beside a source of adventure seeds, books can be used to learn new
skills. Generally by studying the books for 1d4 months, and spending 100
EPs a PC should be able to learn one skill. Typically most skills will be
History, Art or a mundane one such as Cooking. Also most books will
only be able to teach one skill.
When creating your own books, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First all books need a title and a background. Use the rich history of the
Warhammer world when creating books. As for background include a
name of the author and a brief description of what the book deals with.
Also describe the book. Most books are hardcover, and with the
invention of movable type, most are printed. Finally include notes on
what effect the book has on the game. Does it offer the player a chance to
learn a new skill? Or does it give a bonus to a specific skill? You need to
define this before you unleash the work into your game.
What follows are examples of some books you can introduce into your
ongoing campaigns. You can also use these as examples when creating
your own.
Ars Musica
Published in Tilea in 2483, Ars Musica was written by the singer,
composer and conductor Maris Cirina (2443-2509). This is the first, and
some argue the best, critical examination of musical theory. The work
covers music in all forms and even includes well-researched chapters on
elf and dwarf styles. Also included are numerous arrangements and
scores ranging from operas to solo instrumentation. Yet the best section
is the one that deals with Tilean musical styles.
Ars Musica is a 5-volume set and each volume numbers 1500 typeset
pages. Scores and arrangements are included, and the entire 5th volume
have nothing but them. The work is written in Tilean, and no known
translation exists. The work was first published in 2473, and was revised
one time before Marisa’s death. Currently her son, Leonardo is preparing
a 2nd edition, and this will be published both in Tilean and Reikspiel.
However when the work will be finished is unknown. It took Marisa 20
years to finish the 1st edition, and many speculate it will take Leonardo
as long to compile the 2nd. Ars Musica is required reading for all
students of musical theory and composition. Many others have tried to
write a more comprehensive work, but Marisa’s theories and techniques
are still valid.
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Each volume measures 10″ x 8″ and numbers 1500 typeset pages. The
binding is done in a simple brown leather and the title is tooled in the
cover. The pages are sewn into the spine, and are known to fall out. The
work has been reprinted a number of times, but no corrections have been
made to the text. The work which, is published in Luccini by the
publishing house of Bonetti & Seratto, has not been updated since 2496
when the revised version was printed.
Game Note: A number of skills can be gained from studying this work.
A PC can learn: Art—Conducting, Art—Musical Composition, and
Art—Tilean Music. In addition to the skills, a PC can learn a number of
solo musical compositions (the work contains 500 of them). To learn a
skill it will take 1d4 moths and 100 EPs. Only one skill can be learned at
a time. To learn a musical piece it will take 1d4 weeks and a successful
Intelligence test (+10 for the Musicianship skill). If successful the PC has
memorized it, if the test is failed the PC will have to practice for another
1d4 weeks before it is memorized. This work is uncommon, due to it
being published in Tilea. Generally this 5-volume set sells for 1000
Crowns in the Empire, but can be purchased in Tilea for a meager 400
Crowns. When the 2nd Edition is eventually published, it will be
published in both Tilea and the Empire, and the price should be smaller.
The Battle of Praag
This is one of the many folios that exist of the Talabheim playwright,
Whilhelm Spears (2429-2499). Whilhelm wrote a total of 40 plays
during his lifetime, and this is his most famous.
The play is in five acts and deals with the events of fall of Praag to the
forces of Chaos in 2302. With over 25 characters, this play gives a
surprisingly accurate portrayal of the fall of Praag. At the time this play
appeared (2476 in Talabheim) the audience was moved to tears over the
tragedy and the bravery of the Kislev warriors plight. Many scholars
consider “The Battle of Praag” to be Spears best work and the highlight
of his career.
What sets this work off from many of Spears’ folios, is that this is the
original script written by Spears. The folio is 120 pages and stage
directions are included in the margins. The pages are kept between two
wooden sheets and a simple red ribbon secures everything in place.
Through the years numerous copies of Spears plays have been printed.
In fact, he holds the distinction of being the most reprinted author of the
day. Currently all 40 of his plays are available as well as two books of
poetry that was published after his death.
Game Note: Like all of Spears’ works this play is written in Reikspiel.
No skills can be gained from reading this work. Yet a PC can use this
script to put on a production of the play. However here is the list of all
Spears works, also included is the date of its publication. These can be
used to provide background color. This play is considered rare, yet many
reproductions with out the stage directions are available and these are
considered to be common.
Plays Vsevold’s Folly (2429) Merchant of Marienburg (2464)
Magnus the Pious (2450) Thomas the Wander (2466) Margritta
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3 August 2009
(2450) Midnight in the Garden (2466) By this hammer I rule (2451)
The Blizzard (2467) The Drunken Elf’s Folly (2452) The Glutinous
Halfling (2468) Monet Castello (2452) Beatrice the Bloody (2469)
Luis and Genevieve (2453) Holding of Karaz-a-Karak (2470) Ulrich’s
Caress (2454) Time and Time Again (2471) Fall of the House of
DeBray (2455) Manfred Skavenslayer (2472) Tall tales of the Moot
(2456) Oscar (2473) The Drunken Sailor (2456) On Wyven Wings I Fly
(2475) Ludwig (2456) The Battle of Praag (2476) Otillia IV (2457)
Sailing the Seas of Life (2477) Otillia V (2458) Rise of the Merchant
Prince (2477) Ludwig VI (2460) Battle of Grovod Forest (2478)
Rudolf (2461) Vlad von Carstein (2478) Dreamer, Dancer (2462) The
Foolish Priest (2479) Feast of Saints (2462) The Last Days (2479)
Siegfried the Significant (2463) The Four Wizards (2480) The Taming
of Petra (2463) Life of the Poet (2480) Books The Poetry of Spears,
edited by Holger Rack, 2500 Glimmers from the Mind: The
Rediscovered Prose of Whilhelm Spears, edited by Ricardo E’oreo
There may be more poems written by Spears, and a GM may want to
have the players find a collection of them in their adventures. If a PC
finds these lost works they can sell them to a scholar for 1d600 Crowns.
However if the PCs decided to publish them themselves they could see
profits of 1d1000 Crowns a year for 1d4 years.
Berger’s Law Dictionary
First published in 2402 by the lawyer and scholar Konard Berger (2362-
2452), this work is the foremost authority on legal terms and definitions.
Now in its 6th edition, Berger’s is the one source that lawyers and
students can turn to for legal definitions.
Berger was a lawyer of great renown in Altdorf, and his clients could be
found not only in the Empire, but Tilea as well. His dealings with the
various laws lead him to define the terms and practices commonly found
in the courtrooms at the time. Yet he went farther when he researched
old laws and terms, and included their definitions as well. Through the
years it has become the most authoritative source for lawyers to turn to
when seeking a definition of a legal term.
With the 6th edition the publishers, The Witzenberg Group, have
included Estalian, Bretonnian, and even Sea Elf terms. The work is found
on every lawyers desk, and in every law school.
Measuring 10″ x 8 “, the work is cloth bound and the 500 type set pages
are sewn into the spine. The binding is loose, and many copies are
missing pages. Lawyers complain that every year or so a new copy must
be bought due to the number of missing pages. A solid work, but really
only useful for lawyers or students of the law.
Game Note: Like all the Witzenberg Group publication, this is written
in Classical and is invaluable for lawyers. Any lawyer who uses this work
gains a +10 to Law tests. This is a common work, but like all of the
Witzenberg Groups books is very expensive. Generally this book sells for
1000 Crowns, but lately a black-market has been discovered. Many of the
Witzenberg Groups warehouses have been robbed, and the books for sale
at half the price. The publishers are angry, yet lawyers are looking the
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other way. After all, it is highway robbery what the publisher is doing.
Diaries of the Plague
This small tome is a work of the most vile. It is an handwritten diary by a
unnamed priest of Nurgle. The book measures 5″ x 3″ and is bound in a
sickly green leather. The 500 pages, which are made form human skin,
are sewn into the binding. The work itself is written in Classical, and the
writer though debased, writes elegantly. These are not the rantings of a
made man, but of a well-educated, though evil, genius.
The work describes the rites and rituals for the faithful of Nurgle.
Though the author is unknown, it appears that this diary was written
between the years of 2300 and 2304. This is due to first person accounts
of the Incursion of Chaos in Kislev. These passages possess too much
detail, and describe events that only the foremost scholars know.
There are no spells included in this work, however there are many
descriptions of the rituals and practices of this cult. The passages are
horrific to read, but offer a clear view of the beliefs of this group. Yet still
the most fascinating reading are the accounts of the war in Kislev, and
the siege and sacking of Praag. Also included are sections dealing with
the demons that serve Nurgle. These section are filled with so much first
hand knowledge, that many feel the author was a high-ranking priest in
the cult.
A few of the librarians that have handled this work have contracted
Nurgle Rot. Great care must be used, and currently the work is rests in a
lead box in the deepest vault of the Unseen Library.
Game Note: The work is written in the Dark Tongue. If a PC reads this
work they will gain 1d4 Insanity Points. However after 1d4 months of
study and 100 EPs, they will gain the skill Theology—Nurgle. This is a
rare work.
Reading the work will give the PC Nurgle Rot (WFRP, pg. 318) . Every
month of study the GM should secretly make a Willpower test. Failure
indicates that the PC contracts it.
Giovanni’s Notebook
Composed over the years of 2420 to 2425, this is the personal notebook
of Giovanni Vitti a Tilean inventor. Gio, as his friends called him, was a
man of science, art, music, botany, engineering, alchemy, and magick.
The pages revile the ideas of man whose interests were everything. There
is no order to the entries. Giovanni apparently wrote in the book at
random, but fortunately dated all entrees. A reader will find designs for
“water walking shoes,” sketches of flowers, half finished musical
compositions, thoughts on the forces of magick, numerous inventions,
and a recipe for pizza(?). What is remarkable about this work is the sheer
brilliance of the man. His ideas and theories were before his times. The
few spells that are contained in the work (only four can be deciphered)
are amazing in their power and simplicity.
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There is also a rather lengthy essay on the effects of magick on the
human body. Giovanni gives medical evidence that prolonged use of
magick cause, damage to the body. He also hypothesizes that the
seduction of Chaos can be attributed to weak-minded people working
with the forces of magick. Interesting reading, but how accurate this is, is
unknown.
The work measures 15″ x 10″ and has 500 hand written pages. Two thin
wood covers protect these pages. This is a fragile book due to the fact the
covers and pages are drilled, and three wooden rings are all that keeps
the pages together. The cover is simple, and Giovanni’s name is carved in
the wood. Also carved is: “2420-24. #14.” It is thought that this note
book part of a larger set, but the exact number is unknown.
Game Note: The work is written in Tilean and the PC will have to be
able to read that language to use the book. There is enough information
contained in this journal that a PC could learn the Herb Lore skill. This
requires 1d4 weeks of study, and 100 EPs. This is a rare book.
There are a total of twelve inventions in this notebook and players may
choose to have their character build one. To do so a PC will have to have
the following skills: Carpentry, Engineer, Numismatics, and
Read/Write—Tilean. It will take 1d4 months to build on invention and a
skill test will have to be made in the following order: Read/Write,
Numismatics, Engineer, and Carpentry. A failure on any of the rolls
means that the invention does not work.
As for what inventions are included use your imagination, but keep it
practical. All inventions are designed to help a person with day to day
life. Water walking shoes, and a self-propelled coach is just two
examples.
Greta’s Cookbook
This large book was the personal cookbook of the halfling chef, Greta
Potstuffer (2430-2510). Like the chef this is a large work which shows
the culinary arts of one of the greatest chef to have come from Mootland.
Greta is best known for opening a chain of restaurants called “The
Halflings Pantry.” These restaurants were known for their inventive
menus and for one of the few places to serve an authentic halfling dinner
(13 courses and took 4 hours to finish). The success of her restaurants
lead Greta to publish the first publicly available cookbook for people to
buy (published by Reitz & Reitz, Talabheim, 2489). This was a
controversy among her fellow halfling chefs, because they felt that the
recipes should have been kept a secret.
Greta’s answer to this was: “I am not including the kitchen sink. If
someone wants my recipe for my quail egg soup they can have. I am not
giving away all my secrets.”
Unlike the mass produced cookbook of the same name, this is the chef’s
original handwritten book. The volume measures 20″ x 15″ and numbers
over 400 pages. Besides recipes this volume contains Greta notes on
spices and herbs. What is also surprising is a section dealing with
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poisons and how to mask their use in cooking. All of this is written in
Greta’s own hand, and raises serious questions about Greta’s past.
Game Note: Both versions of this work is written in Reikspiel. PC’s who
use this work or one of the widely published ones will gain a +10 to all
Cooking tests. If the original work is studied the PC will gain after 1d3
weeks and 100 EPs the Prepare Poisons skill as well. The original work is
considered rare, yet the widely available work without the notes on
poison, are considered common.
The Journey of Lommel & Cloos
Published in 2479 in the city of Marienburg by the noted biographer
Alfons van der Steen this two volume work details the overland journey
of the explores Marius Lommel and Wilhelm Cloos. Unlike the other
works of van der Steen, this work is very accurate and primary sources
were used in its writing.
Marius Lommel(2325-2401) and Wilhelm Cloos (2331-2392) were
explorers and adventures who lived in Nuln. In 2364 Lommel and Cloos
left Nuln with a crew of fifteen and embarked on a ten-year journey to
the Far East. The group arrived in Cathy and Nippon and took part in the
war between the two countries. The group was captured in Cathy in 2366
and managed to escape after six months of imprisonment. With only
seven of the crew still alive the group managed to make their way to
Nippon. In Nippon the crew were treated well, but viewed as oddities.
They helped the armies of the shogun defeat a Cathian invasion. This act
of bravery propelled the group to fame, and they were viewed as heroes.
Lommel, because of his rescue of the Shoguns daughter, became close
friends with Shogun Hito.
The group arrived in Nuln in 2374 ill, malnourished and close to death.
Once recovered both Lommel and Cloos began to describe what they
saw. They also displayed many of the trinkets they brought with them.
Alfons meet the two explores when they arrived in Marienburg in 2377
and began working on an account of their expedition. He was provided
access to maps, journals and any information that he needed to compose
the work.
The original printing is a two volume set that numbers 2000 typeset
pages. Each book measures 14″ x 10″ and is covered in a green tooled
leather. The pages are sewn to the spine; and are secure. Also included in
the work are a number of colored plates, which are tipped in. The plates
depict drawings and scenes of Cathy and Nippon. Also included are
numerous maps that the group drew of their expedition. Only 1000
copies of this work was published, and a few copies can still be found in
antique bookshops and in University libraries.
Game Note: A PC reading this work and studying it for 1d3 months will
be very familiar of the voyage. Upon spending 100 EPs they will gain the
skill, History–Journey of Lommel & Cloos. This will be important if the
PC decided to retrace the voyage on their own. The book is written in
Reikspiel and is easy to read.
The Journals of Otto Nightbane
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These 20 volumes are the personal journals of the Witch Hunter known
as Otto Nightbane(2353-2402). Otto was once a cleric to Morr, but left
the clergy to carry on his personal war against the undead and Chaos.
These journals kept from his first day in the clergy to the day before he
died, paint a picture of a dedicated, if not obsessed man.
The reader is in for a surprise when reading this work. Because not only
do you read Nightbane’s personal thoughts, but are treated to a wealth of
information on topics better left unknown. Detailed information on all
manner of undead are presented here, as well as accounts of a number of
necromancers and cultist who Nightbane brought to justice. More
shocking is the journal dealing with the years of 2398 and 2399.
Nightbane writes about his crusade against a cult of Kháine worshipers
who had infiltrated a number of the temples of Ranald. His first hand
accounts are chilling and surprising. Otto wonders in these passages how
the Kháinites managed to infiltrate the Ranald cult. What is shocking is
that Otto speculates that the two faiths are more linked then they know.
Otto was killed in 2402 in a dark alley of Marienburg. How he died no
one knows. The journals arrived to the Unseen Library last year (2512),
and they were accompanied by a note that read: “Add to your
knowledge.”
The books are all 9″ x 6″ and are bound with a soft leather cover and the
pages glued to the binding. Each book numbers 150 pages, and they each
have a small leather strap that keeps the work securely closed. The entire
collection is handwritten and dated. The journal is also written in both
Classical and in Reikspiel, but the majority of the entries are done in the
Classical.
Game Notes: This work has enough information that if the work is
studied for 1d6 months and 100 EPs are spent, the PC would gain the
skill Undead Lore (new skill, see below). The book is written in Reikspiel,
but due to the handwriting, a PC will have to make a
Read/Write—Reikspiel test with a -10 penalty to read this work. This
work is considered rare.
New Skill: Undead Lore —Characters who have this skill can recognize
a form of Undead and are aware of their weaknesses and disposition. A
character is also sensitive to the small and can tell when they are within
30 yards of them. When confronted by the Undead, a GM secretly tests
against the PC’s Intelligence and if successful the PC will know about the
undead. Anytime the PC comes into contact with that Undead type again
they will automatically know the details.
Langenburg’s Cyclopediea
Published in 2489 in Nuln, the Cyclopediea is a bestiary written and
conceived by Lou Langenburg. Though he possessed no University ties,
Lou was an explorer and hunter who tracked all manner of animals and
beast in the southern part of the Empire.
The work lists over 400 types of animals, plants and monsters. Each
entry is accompanied by sketches and factual information dealing with
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the subject. The information on the numerous animals and plants is
accurate, but the monster entries are quiet comical. The fact that
halflings, gnomes and dwarves are listed as monsters, caused an outcry
by the respective communities.
A minor work, and can be found among many private collections.
University libraries have pulled this work from their shelves on account
of the many errors that have been discovered. The book measures 15″ x
12″, and the binding is a simple thick paper one. The front and back
covers are made from paperboard, and the pages are glued to the spine.
It is a cheap binding, and many argue the binding suits the work.
Game Notes: This work is not significant in any way. There is so much
wrong in this book, that any PC who tries to use it will suffer a -10 to all
Intelligent rolls. This work is common, and inexpensive to buy at 10
Crowns.
The Log of the Sea Sprit (2466-2499)
This large tome is the three-year log of the Estalian ship The Sea
Spirit.The log was written by the ship’s captain, Jose Jimenez, and is a
good example of the life of a merchant ship and the voyages it takes.
Normally a ship’s log would be of interest for the weather and
astronomical data it contains, however this one is different due to the
voyage the ship took. The entire log deals with the ships voyage to and
back from Lustria.
This lively account is fascinating reading. In it you learn he was hired by
the merchant house Dominguez & Vergara to voyage to Lustria and
attempt to obtain anything that could be sold abroad in the Old World.
The log contains notes on the preparations and a complete roll call of the
crew. Also included are star charts and navigational aids used to arrive at
Lustria. The cartographer’s skills are quiet good. The map of the
northeastern coast of Lustria that is included is detailed and fairly
accurate.
Also found in the log are a number of accounts of clashes with the
natives. Description of frog like creatures are included, and a city that
teamed with these creatures. Also is an account of a run in with a group
of pirates who attempted to seize The Sea Spirit’scargo. In all it took Jose
and his crew three years to complete this journey.
The journal is a large tome measuring 20″ x 14″, and the log is covered
with a deep rich red leather. The binding is good, and the 1000 pages are
glued and sewed to the spine. The work is written in a flowing script and
is written in Estalian. There is an intricate sliver clasp on the front cover,
which locks.
Historical Note: Jose voyaged to Lustria a second time, and he was
last seen in 2472 sailing out of the harbor of Los Cabos. Jose and the Sea
Spirit was never seen again.
Game Notes: This log will offer the PC’s enough information to voyage
to Lustria. The charts and maps are accurate, and a navigator will gain a
+10 to all navigation tests. As for accuracy, Jose and his crew only saw a
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little of Lustria and there will be many surprises for the PC’s. The work is
written in Tilean, and in order to read the passages the PC will need to be
able to read Tilean. The work is still usable with out knowing the
language, and this is due to the accuracy of the navigational aids. Yet the
PC’s will have no idea what they are about to face, or read Jose’s advice.
This work is considered rare.
Malal —The Lost and Misunderstood God
A rare work published in Tilea during the year of 2488. The work was
written by Nunzeo de Beppo, and is a scholarly look at the Chaos God
Malal. Through exhaustive research, and archaeological evidence, de
Beppo presents a picture of the God that conflicts with all that is known.
In the work de Beppo presents the doctrines and beliefs of the Cult of
Malal. He traces this beliefs to the first appearance of the cult, and claims
that its origins can be found in the Wasteland. According to de Beppo the
first known temple to the God was erected 2283. When the worshipers
prayed to their savior to protect them from the forces of Chaos! Also
troubling is claims that many who were fighting the forces of Chaos
during the Incursion prayed to Malal to protect them from their enemy.
However, de Beppo’s troubles began when he translated into Tilean
many cult writings and teachings. These translations do not present the
God in his usual light, instead they depict him as an enemy to Chaos. Yet
what damned the scholar was his calling Malal the savior of mankind,
and not a force of evil but a force for good. He argues that Malal could
protect the masses from Chaos’ touch He writes:
“Malal is not Chaos. This is
propaganda that has been
spread by the established
cults and by the very forces
of Chaos. Malal is a threat
to all, because he is a force
of nature that can deliver
the masses from the
dangers of Chaos!”
Once this work was published de Beepo was publicly executed by a group
of Witch Hunters known as “The Brothers of the Light.” After the scholar
was killed, all known copies were burned, and the publishing house was
torched. The group even killed all workers and everyone associated with
the publishers in order to cleanse the land of their chaotic taint. Only 10
copies are known to exist, and two of these are held by the Unseen
Library.
The work is 8 1/2″ x 11″ and bound in a blue leather. The 400 type set
pages are both glued and sewn into the spin and is perhaps one of the
best printing jobs seen. It is a shame that the printing house Rittaze &
Sons was destroyed, because they could have offered much to the world
in printing techniques.
On a side not, the Marienburg printing house of Nieawkop and Assoc.
publishes books in a similar manner. Even their paper stock watermarks
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and end papers designs bear a strange resemblance to Rittaze & Sons.
Game Note: Written in Classical, this work is accurate and contains
numerous cult documents. A PC who studies this work for 1d4 months,
and spends 100 EPs will gain the skill Theology-Malal. They will also
gain 1d4 insanity points as well. Due to the subject matter this work is
rare, and very hard to find.
Ramblings from the Edge
Written in 2013 this book is one that is surrounded in controversy. It was
written by the seer and wizard Pascal Varennes, of Bretonnia who stated
that these are predictions and his visions of the future. Many has taken
this to mean that Varennes knew what would happen and have tried to
link these predictions to current events.
Each passage is a small four to five line statement. The statements are so
vague that any meaning can be given to them. For example here is
passage #93:
The city on the hill will
dwindle.
Rot will rise and destroy
life.
The raven rises in the East.
Its’ flight will take it to the
corpse.
A feast will be had on the
dead.
In all there are over 200 passages similar to this. Many have said that
Varennes predicated the exact date of the end of the world. Yet 500 years
after the alleged date, the world is still here, and no end has arrived.
The book measure 7″ x 3″ and the cover is a brown leather. The 100
hand written pages are sewn to the spine. The work is written in an older
version of Breton, and translations to modern Reikspiel or Breton is
possible, but time consuming. There is no markings on the cover and the
spine simply states Varennes. The title given to the book was given by the
publisher Albrecht Mack, who recently published a version last year
(2512) in Nuln. The new version was based on the copy of the original
work, which resides in Vault 24, Floor 2, Isle 24, Case 123, shelf 6 in the
Unseen Library. Surprisingly the new version is accurate to the original
hand written one. How Mack got a copy is unknown.
Historical note: Pascal Varennes, was rumored to be mad. He rambled
that he could hear voices, and that “spirits” haunted him. There are royal
accounts of Varennes petitioning the King to look into this. Many
considered him mad, but no threat. Varennes was found dead in his
study in 2017, hanging from the rafters. It was thought to be a suicide,
but there is one report that written claims a written message was found.
The message was written in blood and stated: “He knew the truth.”
Game Note: This book can be used by a GM to give players cryptic
descriptions of things to come. The accuracy is up to the GM, but one
6
3 August 2009
way to use these is let the players draw their own conclusions. To read
the work the PC will have to be able to Read/Write—Breton, but due to
the age of the language all tests will be at a -10. This is a rare book,
however PC’s can purchase the new translated edition. The book is of the
same title, yet written in Reikspiel, and is commonly available.
Theories on Pre-Sigmar Tribal Religion Practices
A recent work published in 2513 in Marienburg, Theories was written by
the reputed theologian and scholar Henrick von Bresburk. Though
recently banded in the Empire the work is available in Marienburg,
Estalia and Tilea. The work is a critical examination of many of the
myths and fables surrounding the deity of Sigmar. Yet Sigmar is only
part of a larger work that deals with deification of other tribal leaders.
With archaeological evidence including cave paintings and sculpture,
von Bresburk describes three chieftains that predate Sigmar by 500
years. These chieftains were worshipped as Gods, and if the evidence is
to be believed shamans were able to perform feats in their name. What
has caused the book to be banded and von Bresburk to live in hiding is
the following statement:
“Thus it was through political connections, and
strong arm
tactics that Sigmar slowly was placed to the
position it
enjoys today. Unlike with other cults, where
members and
the faithful are converted, the Sigmar faithful
used fear
and intimidation to prop up a collection of fables
and legends.”
Needless to say this work made the Sigmar faithful unhappy. However
the Ulrich leaders, though publicly have denounced the work, are
secretly pleased and are looking for ways to use the work in their
continued battle with the Sigmar faithful. Sigmar faithful have loudly
denounced the work, and some have gone as far as to suggest that von
Bresburk has been tainted by Chaos.
The work measures 8″ x 6″ and is bound by a simple black leather cover.
The pages are glued to the spine, and the 300 pages are typeset and easy
to read. Though it has recently been published, no copies are known to
exists in the Empire. A few copies have been found in bookshops in Tilea
and Estalia. However many of the bookshops in Marienburg have the
book for sale.
Game Notes: This work adds nothing but background color to a
campaign. However PC’s could be contacted by von Bresburk to protect
him from a pack of Witch Hunters. This work is considered uncommon
outside of the Empire, and rare inside the boarder of the Empire.
Posted in Games, thoughts Tagged: Games, Gaming, Lost Works,
Warhammer FRP
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR riorio2@rogue-games.net 3 August 2009

ROGUE FEED

Old School Sociology

AUG 02, 2009 07:28A.M.

Kellri, author of what is undoubtedly one of the best things ever to come
out of the old school movement, has kindly done his bit for science by
providing us with a taxonomy of old school gamers.