Superstitious Bastards: The Horror of Nosferatu (1922)

Despite the vampire arc of the story it is actually about the Second Cholera pandemic in 1837 (though set in 1838). And its actually about the Spanish Flu of 1918, or perhaps its a retrospective about our little Pandemic in 2020 made by a Time Traveller...

Lots of Spoilers...

The male character heads to south-eastern europe to oversee a realestate sale of a townhouse in germany to count orlok (an inbred and deformed nobleman). He is 'infected' while there and locked up in his room by the count but escapes confinement and flees back to Germany.

We have a shipment of dirt samples (along with live rats) in coffins by boat. The manifest says they contain scientific samples but the ships crew break one open in search of valuables and the rats escape onto the ship. Later one of the crew falls ill, and it quickly spreads to the rest of the crew- the first mate jumping overboard choosing option B and the captain lashing himself to the wheel as he dies so it sails into port with all hands dead, the pandemic that has spread in south eastern europe reaching a german port.

After the town authorities examine the captain's corpse and ships log they declare it to be plague. They order a total lockdown and doors and windows bolted. They also declare hospitals off limits to the sick as this will only spread the disease.

Now to the female character whose husband has been in eastern europe at the moment of the plague outbreak. She of course goes batshit crazy but is happy when he returns, having read some book her husband acquired on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of vampyrism decides she knows the cause of the pandemic, and not responding well to lockdown, proceeded to open the windows of her room. She is dead from the plague by sunrise. -film ends.

Pandemic Tropes

It basically contains all the tropes of the modern pandemic:

1. Mistrust of Scientists involved in the source of the initial outbreak.
2. Spillage of biological samples resulting in spread into civilian populace.
3. Public access to superstition-based misinformation. After all, the Nosferatu isn't real.
4. Government imposed city-wide lockdowns with bans on hospital visits to stop the plague spreading.
5. Lockdown violators who succumb to and further spread the disease.

The Physical Manifestation of Superstitions

We get to see more than just the Nosferatu in this film...

The Werewolf

The Werewolf, A large, deformed wolf like creature roams the landscape attacking travellers at night.

Except its decidedly Hyena-like or some other deformed super-Predator. And just the sort of 'preys on peasants' kind of Pet a backwater Monarchy might keep.

Nosferatu

The Nosferatu roams the halls of his lonely and ancient ruined keep... when not sleeping in the family Crypt.

Except Count Orlok is just a man, though one creepy and deformed due to generations of repeated inbreeding in the Anime 'my Sister is my prefered Wifu' kind of way. But a man none the less.

Superstition vs. Truth

If you believe the film is about a Vampyre named Nosferatu, then that is what you see, and the Nosferatu unleashes plague rats into fragil civilization so that he might feed on the populace unnoticed amid the chaos.

But if you understand that the Nosferatu is just the Superstition rampant in your mind and everyone elses, then its about the struggle of Science to fight both the ongoing Pandemic and the Superstition and fake news spread in opposition to their activities that has more sway over human minds than scientific truth.

Either way the performance by Max Schrek is amazing and frightening.

Antisemitism?

I'm going to say yes and no, thats not what it's about though blaming Jews for a plague is like blaming vampyres- something that surfaces from the superstitious counter-narrative in opposition to facts. Coming out of the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 and WW1 its not about a Jewish boogy-man though projecting forward, it will be.

It is at its core and beyond the 4th wall, about Science vs. Superstition in the middle of a Pandemic.

The Film

Enjoy...

Mystaran Campaign: Bartok of Moundsdeep

Bartok of Moundsdeep
Lawful Neutral (lawful evil) Barrow Dwarf; Str 15, Int 10, Wis 9+9(18), Dex 9+6(15), Con 12+10(22), Cha 6+9(15)

Description: Physical height 4'10", black hair and eyes, long hair and beard, wearing black leather armour, wielding a battle axe in combat.

Background: Bartok was one of several Dwarf loyalist supporters to an exiled Dwarf King of a clan who spent their last centuries living beneath a Barrow mound near the village of Sulescu. Commanded by his aging king to find a solution to death by old age that the king might seek revenge, he located a nosferatu who could be used to turn the dwarf clan.
Bartok, at the command of his exiled king became a nosferatu along with the rest of the exiled ones- though he did betray his king by having the Nosferatu Child Mirsa Sulescu infect each of the dwarves individually rather than just the king- avoiding establishing a hierarchy of servitude within the clan. Unfortunately his clan became enslaved by Mirsa Sulescu for the next century and a half.

Template or Artefact of the Immortals?

A bit of both...

 Nosferatu's Curse                                                                  
 Powers                                                                                       
   Telekinisis                                                                               
   Control Animals (Horses)                                                    
   Ability bonuses: Dex +6, Con +10, Wis +9, Cha +9          
                                                                                                     
 Penalties & Handicaps                                                        
   Permanent alignment shift to any evil.                         
   Instantly Destroyed by direct Sunlight.                         
   Must consume Human Blood to recharge power.         
   Fingers elongate into claws while hungry for blood.   
   Must sleep in coffins filled with cursed earth or           
   -1 Con per day.                                                                      
   Written communication carries a curse of insanity.   
   Aflicted with deformities that causes Fear to strike     
   any who look upon you (-2 Reaction).                             
                                                                                                    

Coronavirus Memes: Why its your Fault

Nosferatu is a fascinating exploration of Pandemics and human behaviour patterns.

Creature Catalogue: Rainbow Wyrm

Rainbow Wyrm
Hit Dice:             1/2* (3hp)
Armour Class:   4   
Movement:        60' (20')
     Fly:                 240' (80')
Attack:                1 Bite
Damage:             3hp
No. Appearing: 1(0)
Save As:              Normal Man
Morale:               5
Treasure Type:  1 gem or scroll
Alignment:          Neutral

An Ancestor of the Blue Dragon, the Rainbow Serpent is quite smart with a 5% chance of being able to speak and cast spells. It will have on its person one gem or magic scroll. Its only found in Rainforest, and can bite for physical damage equal to its hit points. Its five feet long with a three feet wingspan capable of considerable flight. Its quite shy and will avoid contact. Its feathers are brightly coloured similar to various flame colours.

Pacific Protocols: Elder Care

Short Fiction: The New Priest

Title: The New Priest
Grod Tall-Trees was waved aside by the old cleric at the end of services as the other worshipers departed to attend the more enjoyable aspects of their daily lives.
"You are not from the Village."  The Old cleric placed a hand on Grod's shoulder and smiled. "What is your name?"
"My name?" Grod felt awkward with the priest's hand on his shoulder but he sensed no threat. "Grod."
"Ah..." The old cleric waited for the last of his worshipers to depart before continuing, the candles illuminating the small chapel. "Welcome Grod."
"So Grod," The old cleric eventually removed his hand from Grod's shoulder causing Grod's face to relax. "What brings you to our village church this evening?"
"I like to listen to the good words," Grod felt concern about some of the words the priest had spoken that evening. Not all churches said the same words. "I like the light of the church in the darkness."
"Yes..." The priest nodded, aware that everyone was looking for a shelter from the Darkness. "That is what the church exists to provide Grod."
"Would you like to join the church Grod?" The priest walked to a small dark wooden altar in an alcove and lifted a purple cloth revealing cabinet doors from behind which he retrieved a small wooden cup and a bottle. "I can convert you to the church so you will always be welcome just like one of the villagers."
"Yes." Grod wanted to be a part of the Light of the Village. "I want to be a part of the village."
"All right Grod," the priest filled the small cup with the contents of the bottle and turned to face Grod. Let us Begin."
"Almighty one," The Priest placed his hand on Grod's shoulder. "Grod comes unto the church seeking the shelter of the light from the darkness."
"Kneel Grod." Grod got to his knees. "Do you accept your role as a member of this church and this village?"
"I do." Grod watched the priest smile and hand him the drink.
"Drink Grod." The Priest watched as Grod drank the contents of the wooden cup. "Well done Grod."
"Welcome Villager Grod." The priest retrieved the cup from the smiling Grod and set it aside. "May the light protect you from the darkness in the trials ahead."

Grod woke to the sounds of voices calling his name and spat out the mouth full of dirt. "Grod! Grod! Grod!"
"What?" Grod struggled to his feet. "What happened?"
"Villager Grod is awakened." Grod didnt recognize the voice. "Place your wagers."
"Where am I?" Grod shook off the effects of the poison and looked upward from the bottom of the pit at faces hidden by the darkness of the cave before recognizing the priest amongest their numbers. "What's going on?"
"These are your trials to become a villager Grod." The priest looked over Grod's head at someone above the other side of the pit. "Release it."
"Grod! Grod! Grod!" The chanting of his name changed as a small, green fanged beast devoid of skin and fur emerged from a hole in the wall of the pit.  "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
The creature bared its fangs as it snarled and attacked.
"Fuck!" Grod narrowly evaded the bite noticing that it had no paws, but rather, hobbled on the sharp, bone ends. "What is that?"
"Damn it..." Grod, devoid of any weapons used his fist, striking hard on the undead hound which was staggered by the blow. "At least it takes damage."
"Its coming again Grod!" The old priest's warning alerted him to the rush of the small horror and Grod again evaded its bite. "Well done Grod."
"Damn it!" Grod struck a second blow ending the beast. "Yes."
"You!" Grod pointed at the old priest accusingly. "Why do you do this to me?"
"Why?" The crowd laughed pissing off Grod. "You wanted to be a Villager and join our church so this was your initiation."
"Welcome Grod!" The crowd continued laughing. "This is your place in our village."
"Okay." Grod mumbled, accepting the situation and then snatched up the hound's remains by a hind leg and stepping into a shadow, threw the carcass at the priest. "I accept."
"Damn you!" The priest evaded the carcass knocking another villager into the pit who died landing on his head. "What have you done Grog?"
"I didn't do anything other than throw that carcass out of my pit." Grod countered the priest's criticism. "You are the one who pushed him into the pit to avoid that carcass."
"Lets see if he is alive..." Grog rumaged the corpse of the dead villager extraditing a dagger which he immediatly threw at the priest. "No... he's dead all right."
"Fuck you Grod!" The priest narrowly evaded the blade that struck the villager next to him causing the villager to topple forward onto the previous corpse. "Kuro!"
"So this one is Kuro?" Grod checked the body of Kuro who was still alive and removed his thrown dagger from Kuro, and the dagger in Kuro's belt which he threw at the priest. "Kuro is still alive."
"Someone..." The priest was visibly upset as he evaded Grod's dagger. "kill that bastard!"
"Someone lower down the priest so he can heal Kuro." Grod's mocking suggestion enraged a villager. "Come now...Kuro needs help."
"How dare you mock us,"  Parvo stepped to the edge of the pit with his crossbow enough that Grod threw his second dagger. "You Animal!"
"Argh!" Parvo took the dagger in the chest and toppled forward screaming, his crossbow firing and shattering its bow in impact in the pit. "Help!"
"Thats three priest," Grod claimed the shattered crossbow and threw it at the holy man. "How many more will you sacrifice to escape punishment?"
"Fuck!" The crossbow stock took the priest in the knees tipping him forward to the edge of the pit. "Get some oil and torches!"
"Unrepentent?" Grod retrieved the dagger from Parvo and threw it at the Priest taking him in an eye socket, killing him. "Oops."
"Father!" A villager ran forward to check the dead priest while other villagers fled the cave. "He's killed Father Dante!"
"Are you sure?" Grod removed a scarf belt from Parvo and looped it over the priest's neck from below pulling him into the pit onto Parvo and Grod paused to examine the corpse for its belongings. "Yes."
"You are right," Grod pulled the dagger from the priest's eye socket and threw it at a fleeing villager too close to the pit. "It definatly looks like you need a new priest."
"Fortunately for the village," The villagers fled the monster in the pit as the sixth villager died from the thrown dagger. "I have time to punish the rest for your sins."

"Anyone?" Grod stripped the Priest of its belongings and dragged the body of the priest across the pit floor which he piled on Kuro eliciting moans from the wounded villager. "No?"
"Its all right Kuro," no longer naked, Grod walked over to Parvo tying the priest's black robes in place with the scarf as a belt. "I'm going to get help."
"Fuck..." Parvo moaned the insult as Grod dragged him back over to the bodies piled up against the cliff wall. "...you."
"That's no way to behave." Grod lifted Parvo atop the pile of bodies and bunched it into a ball achieving extra height. "Considering you are just helping out Kuro."

Grod climbed the pile of bodies and reaching the edge of the pit, pulled himself up out of the pit. From here Grod could see the pit was in a cellar cut from rock and a roof supported by a vaulted ceiling. A stairs led up.

"Fascinating." Grod examined the vaulted stone ceiling as he fetched the daggers from the two villagers left behind by their companions. "It looks like we are under the church."

Basic Expert: Eskar the Grey

Eskar the Grey: 5th level Magic-user; 15hp; Lawful; AC10; Str (7), Int (13), Wis (11), Dex (8), Con (9), Cha (12); Spellbook, Grey Robes, Staff of Striking (17 charges);
Eskar is a wandering Magic-user who specializes in Protection Magic such as protection from Evil 10' radius when going up against undead, or protection from normal missiles when up against groups of regular folk. He then engages in physical combat with his Staff of Striking inflicting 2d6 per charge expended. Eskar will violently oppose low level parties who perform chaotic acts.

Spellbook: 1-Read Languages, Read Magic, Protection From Evil, Light, 2-Locate Object, Detect Evil, Detect Invisible, Continual Light, 3-Clairvoyance, Dispel Magic, Protection from Evil 10' radius, Protection from Normal Missiles, Water Breathing.

Creature Catalogue: Precs

Precs
Hit Dice:            1-1* (7hp)
Armour Class:   6
Move:                  90' (30')
Attack:                1 Bite or Claw
Damage:             1d4+poison or 1hp
Save As:              Norman Man
No. Appearing:  10-100 (1)
Morale:                12
Treasure Type:    V
Alignment:           Chaotic
Experience:          6xp

This appears to be a small, deformed dog that has shed its skin revealing the meat layer. Its fangs oozing a green poisonous ichor (incurable by anything short of a Wish or Heal) that inflicts 1hp damage per round until the opponent is dead at which one of these emerges from the corpse, and its legs ending in spikes rather than paws. They turn as special making them very difficult for clerics to destroy or drive off.
It has shown up in the wilderness around the edges of civilization in large packs and is unlikely to be found indoors unless someone has put them there.

Dice Crazy: So Dungeons & Dragons & Tik Tok are a thing...

Apparently I am True Neutral...

Linguistic Archaeology: Pict Names

Pict Names
1. Bredei
2. Drost
3. Drostan
4. Talorc
5. Talorcan
6. U(u)rgust
7. Unust
8. Unuist
9. Onuist
10. Oengus
11. Aonghas
12. Dee

Popularity by use
A          %           E           %           I            %          O           %          U           %
4           33%      3           25%       3           25%      7           57%     5            41%

B         %           C           %           D            %          F           %          G           %
1         8%         2           16%       4            33%      0           0%        3            25%

H         %           j           %           K            %          L           %          M           %
1           8%        0          0%        0            0%        2            16%     M          0%

N          %           P           %           Q            %          R           %          S           %
7           57%       0           0%         0            0%       6            49%     7            57%

T          %           V           %           W            %          X           %          Y           %
6           49%      0            0%         0              0         0%           0           0%

Z          %
0           0%


Popularity of Use
57% S, N, O:
49% T, R, S, N, O: Snot,
41% U, T, R, S, N, O: Unust,
33%: A, D, U, T, R, S, N, O: Drostan, Drost,
25% G, E, I, A, D, U, T, R, S, N, O: Dee, Oengus, Onuist, Unuist,
         U(u)rgust,
16% C, L, G, E, I, A, D, U, T, R, S, N, O: Talorcan, Talorc,
8% H, B, C, L, G, E, I, A, D, U, T, R, S, N, O: Aonghas, Bredi,

Conclusion:
Dee is considered the earliest Pict name, yet this is incorrect. It represents a 25% peak in linguistic development of Pict Language, but it is predated by Unust (41%), and Drostan/Drost (33%).

Coronavirus Memes: worst case scenario

Basic Expert: The Dungeon Boss

"Without a doubt here is a sentience at work behind all of this..."

The Dungeon Boss
Minor Artefact of Enthropy
Powers
 -  Wish (100pp)
Recharge (5pp/turn)
Handicaps & Penalties
 - Handicap: the Artifact is a Sentient Immortal who creates dungeons.
 - Penalty: anyone touching the Artefact is wished away to 1-3  the opposite side of the world or 4-6 another world.

The Dungeon Boss will use its power to duplicate other artefact powers as desired, excavating the dungeon, creating traps and treasures, summoning creatures, and every kill is experience points earned toward personal growth of the power of the Artefact's form.

Actions

• Create a Stone Golem to excavate a 10'×10'×10' section.
• Create a stone golem to mimic a stone wall, floor, ceiling. Illusionary terrain to paint a tunnel on a wall.
• Use disintegrate to excavate and collapse a 10'×10'×10' wall section.
• Create (1000cn) normal items as permanant treasure.
• Create food & water.
• Create undead.
• Create permanant/temporary spell effect.
• Others.

Comic Relief: Comic Relief plays D&D

If you can watch through three plus hours of gaming...

Creature Catalogue: Dedent

Dedent
Hit Dice:              16*
Armour Class:     3
Move:                   60' (20')
Attack:                  1 Club + Special
Damage:               8d6 + Special
No. Appearing:    1 (1d4)
Save As:                 Fighter L16
Morale:                  12
Treasure Type:     B
Alignment:             Chaotic

Description: Dedent is undead Treant recognizable by its broken limbs, lack of foliage, and necrotic purple glowing eyes. It can crush a target for 8d6 damage with a limb, and it has a dark miasma that will drain two levels from every living thing in ten feet per round. This horror dwells in heavy forests and swamps and fens.

Bakers Street: The only Sherlock Holmes you remember

Without a Clue is probably the best Holmes.

Cat Folk: Neko Funjatta

Short Fiction: The thin Holy line

"You all enjoyed Baron Sherlane's wonderful speech in the Chapel this morning," The Patriarch looked about the classroom of young clerics making a mental note of those not paying absolute attention as he toyed with a small wooden sphere. "About how we must trust our fellow citizens and get along with all those Non human races whose cultures contribute so much to the diversity of our great Kingdom of Karameikos,"  "Well..." The Patriarch smiled. "You are in for a little treat."
"Its all BULLSHIT!" The wooden sphere engraved with the map of Mystara impacted against the head of a student at the back of the class knocking him out. "THE IMMORTALS WHISPERING IN THEIR MINDS ARE NOT OUR FUCKING IMMORTALS!"
"YOU DON'T SEE PRETTY LITTLE ELVES TURNING UNDEAD ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE ETERNAL WAR AGAINST THE UNLIVING!" The Patriarch walked toward the back of the traumatized class and dragged the unconcious student back into his seat by the scruff of his clerical habit. "NO."

The Patriarch spoke the words <Cure Light Wounds> and the student's injury healed.

"YOU DON'T." Picking up his train of thought the Patriarch snatched up his wooden globe and headed back toward the front of the class continuing his speech. "THE THIN HOLY LINE BETWEEN THIS FUCKING KINGDOM AND THE EVER-MARCHING ARMY OF DARKNESS IS YOU."
"IN FAR OFF GLANTRI THERE ARE FUCKING VAMPIRES SITTING IN PARLIAMENT NEXT TO THOSE PRETTY LITTLE ELVES," The Patriarch snarled in disgust. "AND ALL THE WHILE THEY ARE SUCKING THE MARROW FROM THEIR ENSLAVED PEASANTS."

"Now you will each be tested this morning." The Patriarch's voice dropped in volume. "Behind the door at the back of the classroom is a stairs that will take you down to an old chapel where an undead Skeleton waits in a cage."
"I will call each of you down in turn and you will turn undead." The Patriarch then proceeded to move toward the small postern at the back of the class room they had spent months concidering the secret of and now watched in horror as he inserted the holy symbol from around his neck into an unnoticed crack and pulled back the locking bar. "Then I will grade your result and send you to your new instructor."
"Acolyte Alexi," The aged Cleric bowed his head slipping through the Postern and down the stairs hidden in the wall behind it. "You will be first."

Acolyte Alexi descended toward a now magically lit chamber to find the Patriarch lifting a dried corpse at the bottom of the stairs to one side, its recently rotted robes suggesting it had been a student.
"We now know where Acolyte Antonov went to." The words <Speak With Dead> issued from the Patriarch's lips.
"Acolyte Antonov," The Patriarch began his interrogation. "How did you come to enter this room?"
"I...searching for treasure," The skeleton answered despite the lack of a tongue. "Skeleton in the cage took my dagger."

Alexi looked at the cage. It was definatly devoid of a skeleton. There was a tight hole in the stone cellar floor of its cage punched through into a tunnel below.
"All right," The Patriarch removed his hands from the corpse. "You may return to your rest Acolyte Antonov."
"Acolyte Alexi," the Patriarch examined the escape hole. "Go inform Father Thakary that there is a skeleton loose in the old crypt escape tunnel."

"Yes Patriarch," Acolyte Alexi hurried back up the narrow stone stairs. "Immediatly."

"Now...back to testing." The words <Animate Dead> caused the remains of Acolyte Antonov to stand at attention. "Go up the stairs and stand at the far side of the classroom."

The Patriarch smiled as the ragged robed skeleton climbed the stairs to the classroom and waited for the explosion.
"In... in the holy Light of..." The students struggled to turn the undead that was now amongst them, the panic and sound of crashing seats. "B...begone undead thing."
"By the Light of Halav!" The calm voice of Acolyte Gregor resounded loudly down the stairs followed by the fleeing skeleton. One point to Acolyte Gregor.
"Come here skeleton." The corpse marched to the Patriarch who hung an old amulet of protection from turning around its neck. "Go back up stairs and stand at the far side of the classroom."

"Lets see who can handle this one." The Patriarch waited for the panic...
"By the Light of Halav!" The panicked voice of Acolyte Franz rose in volume. "By the Light of Halav!"
"Its not working." The voice of Acolyte Haas screamed. "By the Light of Halav!"
"Hold your holy symbol properly idiot!" The rational voice of Acolyte Davros gave them sensible guidance. "What happened to the Patriarch?"
"He's probably dead," Acolyte Rolov had a sound of betrayal in his voice. "Now hold your holy symbol properly and turn that damn thing."
"By the Light of Halav!" Sounds of relief were followed by the Skeleton's return down the stairs to the bottom. "Well done Petrov."
"Go stand in the corner over there." The skeleton was compelled by the Patriarch to take up residence in the far corner of the chamber. "Now to allocate Grades."

The Old Patriarch climbed the stairs...

Linguistic Archaeology: Balinese Names

Balinese Names
1. Wayan
2. Putu
3. Gede
4. Made
5. Kadek
6. Nengah
7. Nyoman
8. Komang
9. Ketut
10. Balik


Popularity of Use
A        %          E        %         I        %       O          %            U          %
7       70%       5       50%     1      10%    2           20%      2          20%

B         %         C        %        D         %         F          %           G          %
1        10%      0        0%       3         30%    0        0%          3          30%

H          %        J         %       K           %       L          %         M           %
1            10%    0       0%      4           40%   1        10%      3          30%

N            %       P         %       Q           %     R           %        S            %
4           40%    1         10%    0          0%     0          0%      0          0%

T              %         V           %       W         %      X           %       Y           %
2               20%    0          0%       1         10%    0         0%     2          20%

Z           %
0          0%

Popularity of use
70% A:
50% E, A:
40% K, N, E, A:
30% M, G, D, K, N, E, A: Kadek, Made, Gede,
20% U, Y, O, T, M, G, D, K, N, E, A: Ketut, Komang, Nyomang,
         Nyoman, Wayan,
10% H, I, B, L, P, W, U, Y, O, T, M, G, D, K, N, E, A: Balik, Nengah,
         Putu,
0% F, C, J, Q, R, S, V, X, Z

Conclusion
I'm going to assume by the phonetics in 30%, the Balinese naming conventions originally begins with three brothers (Ka-de, Ma-de, and Ga-de)?
This is at odds with the first son (Wayan), second son, third son, fourth son... naming convention that is in current use by Balinese peoples.

Hyang is an ancestral spirit regarded as the beginning of Balinese mythos. Hyang comes in at 10% and is likely a reflection of the ng- phonetic (*ng*, *y*ng) at 10%-20%.


So... who were the three brothers? There is a legend of three brothers hunting deer in the forest. One of them, having killed a deer, encounters a giant. The brother climbs a tree to hide from the giant, while the giant eats the deer and departs... he remains up the tree until his brothers arrive and help him out of the tree by climbing on each other's shoulders.

Basic Expert: The Gnogn

Gnogn (or Gn'gn) are an obscure species descended of Gnome-Goblin ancestry.


                            Goblin                 Gnome               Gnogn
Armor Class:      6                           5                            6
Hit Dice:              1-1                       1                             1-1
Move:                  |------------ 60' (20') --------------|         60' (20')
Attacks:               |---------- 1 weapon -------------|        1 Weapon
Damage:              |------- 1-6 or weapon ---------|        1d6 or as wpn
No. Appearing:  2-8 (6-60)            1-8 (5-40)              1d8 (5-50)
Save As:              Normal Man      Dwarf L1               Elf L1
Morale:               7 or 9*                 8 or 10*                  7-9*
Treasure Type:  R(C)                      C                             R(C)
Alignment:         Chaotic                Lawful/Neutral    Any

*+2 ML bonus when with High Chief.



The Gnogn have a High Chief who has 3HD (18hp), and 8 bodyguards of 2+1HD (16hp).

Family Clans of up to 20 Gnogn are led by a 2HD (12hp) Clan-Chief.

There is a 10% chance that 1 in 4 Gnogn encountered outdoors are riding dire wolves with a rocket propelled spear (1d6, 50'/100'/150'), the remaining unmounted grenadiers armed with 1-4 ceramic pot grenades (explosive: 5d6, 20' blast radius). They are often painted blue, though their skin is a purple colour.

The convergance of the death-earth clan and the Wick clans has resulted in the Dragon-fire clan whose combined knowledge of death-earth and tool-making have resulted in the development of primitive gunpowder weapons (grenades and rocket propelled spear batteries).

Family Clans include the War Clan, and the Alchemists of the Tar clan, the Arid dwelling Bushsnakes who use poisons to hunt, and the outcast Fen who indulge in cannibalism.

Short Fiction: NX Omega

Captain Lee H'qar alighted from the turbolift entering the Atrium of Admiral Harry Kim's office and crossing it to the office sized alcove where the Admiral sat at a desk, his back to a display window.

"Welcome Captain H'qar," The Admiral, standing, extended a hand in welcome. "I hope you are well."
"Ye..." Before he could say yes, Lee, sneezing into his palm at the unexpected assault of some unidentified irritant, wiped his palm on his uniform and extended his hand to meet the Admiral's. "Sorry, I'm fine, its probably just some irritant in your Atrium."
"Ah, of course." Admiral Kim invited Lee to sit with a gesture. "A Raqdjino?"
"No thank you Admiral," Captain H'qar waved off the offer. "I'm cutting back."
"Well, in that case there is no beating about the shipyard," Admiral Kim lifted a heavy Alloy case marked with the symbols NX Omega onto his desk from the floor which caught the attention of Captain H'qar who went stiff at it's presence. "lets get to your mission."
"You will be taking command of the NX Omega." Captain H'qar nodded. He would command the first Omega powered Federation Starship. "Your mission will involve traversing intergalactic space to the Andromeda Galaxy to establish an Observatory."
"Wait..." They were effectively sending him on a one way trip to... the Andromeda Galaxy? "I'm to go to the Andromeda Galaxy?"
"Yes." Admiral Harry Kim wished it was his twenty year mission just to cross the vast expanse of Intergalactic space. "Good luck."
" How?" Captain H'qar "I mean... I know the Omega molecule is powerful, but there is no vessel capable of traversing the Boundary safely."
"Its all in your mission briefing," Admiral Kim bought up a display of a Borg Cube. "This Borg Cube was found to have entered intergalactic space passing beyond the Barrier."
"You will commandeer a Borg Cube and make its crew your own." Harry Kim pursed his lips at the shear risk that such a daring expedition posed. "You will then use it to cross the Barrier and head for the Andromeda Galaxy."
"Commandeer a Borg Cube." It wasnt what he was expecting on Day One and Captain H'qar looked at the alloy case containing all their expectations hoping it was up to the task though fucking with the Borg wasnt exactly what he was looking for in his career. "Okay."
"Good." Admiral Kim placed a Starfleet comm badge emblazoned with an Omega symbol on his desk and pushed it toward Captain H'qar with a smile. "In that case, the NX Omega is all yours, Captain Lee H'qar."
"You realize Admiral," Captain Lee H'qar nodded in acceptance of the transfer of ownership picking up the comm badge and replacing his old comm badge with it. "You are not getting her back."
"I look forward to hearing from you in twenty years Lee." Smiling, Admiral Harry Kim stood and was joined by Captain Lee H'qar before he gave the Captain a Salute. "On the expected Stardate."

"As will I Harry." Captain Lee H'qar returned the Admiral's Salute and reached for the case on the desk. "You can count on it."

Captain H'qar retreated to the Admiral's Atrium with the case while the Admiral caused the atrium ceiling to retract before following.
"Lets see if this works." Lee touched the Omega Series comm badge on his uniform. "NX Omega, assume Delta Flyer design."
The NX Omega Case projected the holographic form of the Delta Flyer, barely fitting the Admiral's Atrium at which Captain H'qar boarded the vessel.
Admiral Harry Kim laughed at the surprising appearance of the antique and shook his head before offering the departing Captain one final salute.

The NX Omega backed out of the atrium with a few milimetres of clearance on either side before gently turning and heading for the upper Atmosphere. Captain Lee H'qar guided the controls gently until the vessel was clear of the planet.
"NX Omega," Captain H'qar slid his fingers across the controls. "locate the nearest Borg Cube and set in an intercept course at maximum warp."
"Nearest Borg Cube is four hours away." The computer voice of the NX Omega was distinctively beautiful. "Engaging Warp Ten."
The Galactic Starfield became liquid as the NX Omega achieved Warp Ten.

The NX Omega passed Deep Space Nine, detecting the distress call of a small shuttle craft on the edge of Cardassian Space.
"Vessel in distress detected." The computer comprehended the situation. "Warp core breach underway."
"Engage Transporter." The Transporter engaged fetching the aging Ferengi named Brunt a moment before the Ferengi shuttle's warp core perished. "Welcome Aboard."
"Much appreciated..." Brunt stared at the very unfamiliar warp field distortion. "...I think."
"I'm Captain H'qar." Captain H'qar turned his head, looking at the Ferengi. "Computer prepare to transport our guest to Ferenginar."
"Let's not be hasty." Brunt raised an objecting finger and looking about the unpopulated vessel and sensing profit Brunt scratched an ear lobe. "I don't suppose you need crew?"
"My mission will be taking me into Borg Territory." Captain H'qar shook his head at the Ferngi's suggestion. "You might want to think again."
"Normally, yes." Brunt sat down in the Navigation position. "But if I assume you came from Earth, your course past Deep Space Nine takes you in the wrong direction for Borg space."
"Computer," Captain H'qar noticed they were approaching the Borg Cube's location and smiled. "Intercept the Borg Cube."

The NX Omega adjusted to match the Transwarp velocity and course of the Cube.

"Oh my," Brunt gripped the console in panic. "That is impressive from a distance."

"Yes it is." Lee analyzed the data on the Cube. Their course would take them into the Gamma Quadrant. "They appear to be headed into the Gamma Quadrant."
"Computer, lets get the Borg Cube's attention." Captain Lee H'qar smiled at his Ferengi passenger. "Borg Vessel, this is the Federation Vessel NX Omega."

"We are the Borg." The cube slowed sufficient to allow the NX Omega to penetrate the Cube superstructure like an arrow-head into a corpse. "Prepare to be Assimilated."

"You don't usually see that from a Borg vessel." Brunt commented on the situation barely feeling the impact as the two vessels merged, and he turned to look at the Captain next to him. "Or a Federation Captain come to think of it."

"My mission is a long one." Lee adjusted the holographic projection of the NX Omega until the ship exterior was the same organic structure used by Species 8472. "You can still get off at Deep Space Nine before It takes us out of reach."

"And miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime?" Brunt wanted in on wherever this was headed. "I dont mind coming along at all."

"Computer, Assimilate the Cube." The Cube superstructure took on an organic quality as the ship was assimilated centimetre by centimetre by the organic infection, each section then protected by multiphasic shields once secured from the Borg. "I'm headed for Intergalactic space."

Babylon Five: The Centauri

The Centauri
Centauri Males are often depicted with a comb of hair. The comb is infact a solid mass of tissue fed by dark arterial blood flow. This is present on males only, growing with maturity increased, then reducing in old age.

Centauri Females being bald and combless are far more human-like.

Appeasing Kaiju: I think we can join that cult

Art Folio: Surveillance State

That Surveilance Camera from Blakes 7.

Linguistic Archaeology: The Seven Cities of Gold

The seven cities of Gold

1. Hawikuh
2. Halona
3. Matsaki
4. Quivira
5. Kiakima
6. Cíbola
7. Kwakina

Developmental Alphabet by popularity of use

A        %         E         %       I       %       O       %       U       %

7         100%   0         0%    6       85%   2       28%    2       28%

B        %       C       %       D       %        F        %        G        %

1        14%    1       14%  0        0%      0        0%       0        0%

H        %       J       %       K        %        L       %       M       %

2         28%   0       0%    4         57%    2       28%   2        28%

N       %       P       %       Q       %        R       %        S       %

2        28%   0        0%     1       14%    0        0%     0        0%

T        %       V       %       W       %       X       %       Y       %

1        14%    0       0%     2        28%    0       0%     2       28%

Z        %

0        0%

Popularity of use

100% A:

85% I, A:

57% K, I, A:

28% O, U, H, L, M, N, W, Y, K, I, A: Hawikuh, Halona, Kiakima, Kwakina,

14% T, Q, B, C, O, U, H, L, M, N, W, Y, K, I, A: Matsaki, Quivira, Cibola,

Conclusion

Of the seven cities of gold there are four that exist with a smaller developmental alphabet. If you think of the percentages as growth rings on the tree of civilization, its going to start out as the four cities of gold Hawikuh, Halona, Kiakima, Kwakina. You could these analyze further...

The 28% Group
100% A:

75% K, I, A:

50% N, H, W, K, I, A: Kwakina,

25% U, O, M, N, H, W, K, I, A: Hawikuh, Halona, Kiakima,

So Kwakina is the oldest of the four oldest cities based on linguistic development. Kia is a potential older name than all of them, so its possible that kiakima is that first city, but its name changed with the inclusion of the -kima suffix. Quivira is apparently the only city never found.

And just in case you were wondering...

Maori                                                                      

ki: (particle) to, into, towards, on to, upon - indicates motion towards something.

(r)aki: (noun) north

mā: (particle) Used to join two compass points to indicate a direction midway between the two, e.g. tonga-mā-uru south-west.

aki-mā-rāwhiti (noun): north (raki) - east (rāwhiti).

Kiakima

Origin: Maori

Ki-(r)aki-mā:

1. "that way (indicative) & north (midway between)";
2. "that way (indicative) - north (from here)."

So, the first of the Cities of Gold may represent Contact with the Maori/Polynesians, or colonization, or the population flow from South Ameeica across rhe Pacific.

Dungeon Mastery: The Cult of the Kaiju

The Islanders worship their dormant Kaiju God of Destruction, and every night until dawn, the sacred Twins sing the song of the Destroyer that their god might be appeased.

Royal Pain: He-Man Marvel Superhero v. D&D

Prince Adam                                                                                        
Marvel Superhero                                    Dungeons & Dragons
Fighting (Gd): Some formal Training.   Strength (15)
Agility (Gd): Some Agility Training.       Intelligence (12)
Strength (Gd): Press 400lb.                      Wisdom (14)
Endurance (Gd): Moderate Exercise.    Dexterity (12)
Reason (Ty): Operate 1980s Tech.           Constitution (13)
Intuition (Gd): Above Average.               Charisma (14)
Psyche (Ty): Normal Human.
Health: (32)                                                   Stats: Fighter (Level 1);
Karma: (18)                                                   Lawful; 9hp

Sword of Grayskull
Stabbing the Sword skyward and declaring: "By the Power of Grayskull!" activates the Sword's He-Man Statbuff and Penalties and grants access to the sword's other Powers.

He-Man                                                                       
Marvel Superhero
+5 Fighting (Mn): Superhuman Maximum
+5 Agility (Mn): Dodge energy beam fire.
+1 Strength (Ex): Press 800lb (max. Human).
+3 Endurance (In): Enhanced & Trained.

+146 
Health: (178)
Karma: As Prince Adam

Sword of Grayskull
Magical Power (Monstrous Intensity)

• Energy Generation (Mn): as Burning explosive chemicals.
• Body Armour (Mn)
• Healing Energy Touch (Mn): heals monstrous injury/round.

Dungeons & Dragons

Sword of Grayskull (Minor Artefact of Enthropy)

Powers (100pp)
Recharges 5pp/turn, 30pp/hour

• Ability Bonus (effect: 18 Strength, duration: 6 turns)  20pp
• Raise Dead* (effect: 132 days dead, Range: 120')          60pp
• Cure Light Wounds (Effect: Heal 7hp, Range: Touch)  15pp

*Raise Dead kills Undead entities like Skeletor unless they save vs deathray.

Handicaps & Penalties

• Ability Score Penalty (-4 Intelligence when Ability Bonus in use).
• Ability Score Penalty (-4 Wisdom while in posession).

Dungeon Mastery: The Krak in the Earth

A deep cavern descends into the earth...