Friday 10 June 2011

The Callarii Woodlands

The Callarii
by Havard
From the Mystara Message Board posted 18 October 2005.


The Callarii
Most elves encountered in Karameikos (at least before WotI) belong to the Callarii Clan. The Callarii are related to the elves of Alfheim and are similar to them in lifestyle and appearance. What perhaps sets Callarii elves most apart from other clans is their knowledge of horses and mastery of horsemanship. The name Callarii comes from their Epic heroine, Lady Callarii, who is still worshipped as an immortal among the Callarii today.

Callarii Settlements:
The Callarii make their homes in most of Karameikos' forests, but the largest concentration of Callarii are found in the Radlebb Woods. Quite a few also dwell in the western edge of Dymrak. However, due to the presence of Goblins and fouler things within that forest, even elves hesitate to go deep within those woods. The largest known settlement of Callarii is Rifllian, village built by the elves to make trade with humans and the other races. Many of its population are thus, in addition to the elves; Humans, halflings and gnomes, though Dwarves rarely stay long in Rifllian. The Callarii breed and trade horses and also sell woodcraft, weapons, fruits, berries, animal skins and meat.

The Elves of Duke Stefan
During the Thyatian Invasions of Traladara, the elves stayed out of human affairs. But they did not enjoy to see their Traladaran friends suffer. When Duke Stefan arrived in Karameikos, they hoped he would make conditions better. The Duke was thus able to make a deal with the Callarii. He offered simply that they could rule their forests in their own ways as long as they recognised him officially as their Ruler. As a symbol of this agreement, the elves send some of their best warriors to serve as an honorary guard at King Stefan's Castle.

The Elven Horses of the Callarii
When Mealiden's migration arrived in the lands south of the Nithian Empire. They were attacked by the Nithians, and were soon driven west passing through the grasslands of Kerendas, they were fascinated with the wonderful wild horses that roamed the land, and befriended them. Elves do not domesticate animals as the humans had begun doing, but some horses were brought along as the elves travelled into the Forests of Traladara. As the Callarii remained there their fascination with horses grew. This was encouraged by their Clanmaster, Lady Callarii. She seemed relieved of some of the sorrow she felt when she was around horses. As the centuries passed, the Callarii became master horsemen and their horses were admired by all others.

Centaurs had also moved into Karameikos. They came from the great Ethengar Grasslands in the north, and also offered advice on how to raise the best horses. But one day the Centaurs approached the elves with a problem. A strange Plague raged the land. (The Lycanthropic Plague of 425 AC -Ed.) It mostly affected humans, causing them to take the form of predator animals and turn to evil ways. Some said the days of the Beastmen had returned. Others believed it was an ancient Taymoran Curse that had been brought upon them. The elves seemed unaffected by this Plague. Some Centaurs, however had been affected. The elves brought the Centaurs to their Treekeeper, who was after a while able to find a cure. However, it was not a complete cure. The Centaurs who had been cured were no longer affected by the madness associated with the disease, but were still able to change their shape between Centaur and Horse form. Thus the Chevalls were born. These became Sages and Shamans of their Tribes. To thank the elves, the Chevalls, who were given an even deeper understanding of horses, due to their shapeshifting abilities, had a proposition. With the aid of Unicorns, they could create a new kind of horse for the elves. These horses, magical creatures in their own right, became known as elven horses, and were superior to even the best ordinary horses. The elves felt that the elven horses were the symbol of eternal friendship between them and the Centaurs and Chevalls and agreed that only elves would be allowed to ride these magnificent beasts. However Lady Callarii, still the Clanmaster now, 400 years later ordered that some of these horses should be taken to Alfheim as a gift to their allies and friends in that new Forest Kingdom in the north.

Thursday 9 June 2011

Lady Callarii

Lady Callarii
by Havard
from the Mystara Message Board posted 14 October 2005.

New Immortal: Lady Callarii
Status/Sphere: Initiate of Thought
AL: LN (N)
Portfolio: Horses, Nature, Elves
Domains: Nature, Animal, Good
Symbol: Sad elven maiden sitting on a white horse
Favoured Weapon: Shortbow

Allies: Mealiden, Ilsundal, Ordana
Enemies: Orcus, Demogorgon, Leptar

Background
The elves of Ilsundal lived for many years in peace in the Sylvan Realm, that their Immortal Champion had provided for them. But King Mealiden grew restless. He sought some other destination for his people. Mealiden discovered the Path of the Rainbow and lead those who would follow him to a new part of the world, just as Ilsundal once had lead the elves from Grunland.
Thousands of elves decided to follow their King.

Accompanying King Mealiden, was also his lover, Lady Callarii. She was both fair and wise, and some say, as much a leader as Mealiden was. The elves travelled by the Rainbow into what is now Thyatis, then ruled by the Nithians. The Nithians attacked the elves, driving them off to the west. The elves were aided by other elves, known as The Vyalia, but it was clear that they could not stay there for long. Mealiden decided to continue his Great Migration north towards the Plains of Canolbarth where he would found his new realm. But many elves were wounded, or too old or too young to travel. Others decided to stay to protect these elves who were unable to travel. They asked Lady Callarii for help. She was the only one who could lead them, they said. Lady Callarii was forced to chose between her true love and the people who depended upon her. In the end she chose the people. Though the sadness of her lost love would remain with her in the decades that followed. The lands these elves settled in were known as Traladara and humans already lived here, talking about old days of Glory under the rulership of King Halav and his Companions. The elves were allowed to stay in their forests and they formed a clan, and named themselves simply the Elves of Callarii. But the elves guarded a great secret. For Mealiden had not been oblivious to the choice of his love. As a parting gift he gave her one of the branches of the Tree of Ilsundal, the holiest of all elven relics, so that the Callarii could plant a Tree of Life of their own. It is said that this Tree of Life, known as the Tree of Callarii has unique powers, different from the other Trees of Life.

Lady Callarii eventually achieved Immortality as an Epic Hero, and became the patron of her clan and of horsemanship. She is remembered for her solemn yet wise rulership. She is often depicted next to a horse since the Callarii are famous horsebreeders and consider the horse a holy animal.

OD&D Elven Clerics: Elf Clerics of Lady Callarii use the elf class, but gain Clerical spells rather than elf/magic user spells.

Source: B10 Dark Night's Terror



-Havard

The Callarii

The Callarii
by Havard
from the Mystara Message Board posted 14 October 2005

The Callarii
Most elves encountered in Karameikos (at least before WotI) belong to the Callarii Clan. The Callarii are related to the elves of Alfheim and are similar to them in lifestyle and appearance. What perhaps sets Callarii elves most apart from other clans is their knowledge of horses and mastery of horsemanship. The name Callarii comes from their Epic heroine, Lady Callarii, who is still worshipped as an immortal among the Callarii today.

Callarii Settlements:
The Callarii make their homes in most of Karameikos' forests, but the largest concentration of Callarii are found in the Radlebb Woods. Quite a few also dwell in the western edge of Dymrak. However, due to the presence of Goblins and fouler things within that forest, even elves hesitate to go deep within those woods. The largest known settlement of Callarii is Rifllian, village built by the elves to make trade with humans and the other races. Many of its population are thus, in addition to the elves; Humans, halflings and gnomes, though Dwarves rarely stay long in Rifllian. The Callarii breed and trade horses and also sell woodcraft, weapons, fruits, berries, animal skins and meat.

The Elves of Duke Stefan
During the Thyatian Invasions of Traladara, the elves stayed out of human affairs. But they did not enjoy to see their Traladaran friends suffer. When Duke Stefan arrived in Karameikos, they hoped he would make conditions better. The Duke was thus able to make a deal with the Callarii. He offered simply that they could rule their forests in their own ways as long as they recognised him officially as their Ruler. As a symbol of this agreement, the elves send some of their best warriors to serve as an honorary guard at King Stefan's Castle.

The Elven Horses of the Callarii
When Mealiden's migration arrived in the lands south of the Nithian Empire. They were attacked by the Nithians, and were soon driven west passing through the grasslands of Kerendas, they were fascinated with the wonderful wild horses that roamed the land, and befriended them. Elves do not domesticate animals as the humans had begun doing, but some horses were brought along as the elves travelled into the Forests of Traladara. As the Callarii remained there their fascination with horses grew. This was encouraged by their Clanmaster, Lady Callarii. She seemed relieved of some of the sorrow she felt when she was around horses. As the centuries passed, the Callarii became master horsemen and their horses were admired by all others.

Centaurs had also moved into Karameikos. They came from the great Ethengar Grasslands in the north, and also offered advice on how to raise the best horses. But one day the Centaurs approached the elves with a problem. A strange Plague raged the land. (The Lycanthropic Plague of 425 AC -Ed.) It mostly affected humans, causing them to take the form of predator animals and turn to evil ways. Some said the days of the Beastmen had returned. Others believed it was an ancient Taymoran Curse that had been brought upon them. The elves seemed unaffected by this Plague. Some Centaurs, however had been affected. The elves brought the Centaurs to their Treekeeper, who was after a while able to find a cure. However, it was not a complete cure. The Centaurs who had been cured were no longer affected by the madness associated with the disease, but were still able to change their shape between Centaur and Horse form. Thus the Chevalls were born. These became Sages and Shamans of their Tribes. To thank the elves, the Chevalls, who were given an even deeper understanding of horses, due to their shapeshifting abilities, had a proposition. With the aid of Unicorns, they could create a new kind of horse for the elves. These horses, magical creatures in their own right, became known as elven horses, and were superior to even the best ordinary horses. The elves felt that the elven horses were the symbol of eternal friendship between them and the Centaurs and Chevalls and agreed that only elves would be allowed to ride these magnificent beasts. However Lady Callarii, still the Clanmaster now, 400 years later ordered that some of these horses should be taken to Alfheim as a gift to their allies and friends in that new Forest Kingdom in the north.


-Havard

Newts of Thunder Rift

Denizens of Thunder Rift
by Havard
from the Mystara Message Board posted 11 October 2005.

In addition to the Major Races, many other creatures also dwell within the Valley....

Newts
This ancient lizard race lives in the swamps near Torlynn. They have a strong dislike for humans, but get along well with Lizardmen. The origins of this race is unknown, though there are rumours that they have been in the valley since the Age of Blackmoor. The Newts worship Stodos, Lord of the Icy Wastes (See MSOLO1 for more on Stodos.)

A modified type of armour is perhaps even more interesting than a new feat. I agree that losing the leaping ability should remain in force.

Perhaps the armour could be something like this:
Newt Chainmail
This modified chainmail is created to accommodate the newt's special disdain for heavy and warm armour. It is lighter and allows for more air to help keep the Newt cool, even in combat situations. When worn, the Newt does not suffer his normal -4 penalty for wearing armour, but still loses his Leap Ability.

Perhaps combined with this feat:

New Feat: Newt Knight
Requirement: Newt, must have become accustomed to living among humans, wis 13+
You are a true Knight of Newts. You are able to overcome your disdain for armour. A Newt Knight does not suffer the normal -4 penalty for wearing metallic armour. If wearing special Newt Chainmail, he can even retain his Leap Ability.
Normal: Newts suffer a -4 penalty to combat rolls while wearing metallic armour, and lose their Leap Ability.


-Havard

Elven Horses of the Callarii

Elven Horses
by Havard
from the Mystara Mailing List posted 22 September 2005.

When Mealiden's migration arrived in the lands south of the Nithian Empire. They were attacked by the Nithians, and were soon driven west passing through the grasslands of Kerendas, they were fascinated with the wonderful wild horses that roamed the land, and befriended them. Elves do not domesticate animals as the humans had begun doing, but some horses were brought along as the elves travelled into the Forests of Traladara. As the Callarii remained there their fascination with horses grew. This was encouraged by their Clanmaster, Lady Callarii. She seemed relieved of some of the sorrow she felt when she was around horses. As the centuries passed, the Callarii became master horsemen and their horses were admired by all others.

Centaurs had also moved into Karameikos. They came from the great Ethengar Grasslands in the north, and also offered advice on how to raise the best horses.

But one day the Centaurs approached the elves with a problem. A strange Plague raged the land. (The Lycantrophic Plague of 425 AC -Ed.) It mostly affected humans, causing them to take the form of predator animals and turn to evil ways. Some said the days of the Beastmen had returned. Others believed it was an ancient Taymoran Curse that had been brought upon them. The elves seemed unaffected by this Plague. Some Centaurs, however had been affected. The elves brought the Centaurs to their Treekeeper, who was after a while able to find a cure. However, it was not a complete cure. The Centaurs who had been cured were no longer affected by the madness associated with the disease, but were still able to change their shape between Centaur and Horse form. Thus the Chevalls were born. These became Sages and Shamans of their Tribes.

To thank the elves, the Chevalls, who were given an even deeper understanding of horses, due to their shapeshifting abilities, had a proposition. With the aid of Unicorns, they could create a new kind of horse for the elves. These horses, magical creatures in their own right, became known as elven horses, and were superior to even the best ordinary horses. The elves felt that the elven horses were the symbol of eternal friendship between them and the Centaurs and Chevalls and agreed that only elves would be allowed to ride these magnificent beasts. However Lady Callarii, still the Clanmaster now, 400 years later ordered that some of these horses should be taken to Alfheim as a gift to their allies and friends in that new Forest Kingdom in the north.


-Havard

Origins of the Callarii

Origins of the Callarii
by Havard
from the Mystara Mailing List posted 20 September 2005.

Part I: Tale of Lady Callarii

The elves of Ilsundal lived for many years in peace in the Sylvan Realm, that their Immortal Champion had provided for them. But King Mealiden grew restless. He sought some other destination for his people. Mealiden discovered the Path of the Rainbow and lead those who would follow him to a new part of the world, just as Ilsundal once had lead the elves from Grunland.
Thousands of elves decided to follow their King.

Accompanying King Mealiden, was also his lover, Lady Callarii. She was both fair and wise, and some say, as much a leader as Mealiden was. The elves travelled by the Rainbow into what is now Thyatis, then ruled by the Nithians. The Nithians attacked the elves, driving them off to the west. The elves were aided by other elves, known as The Vyalia, but it was clear that they could not stay there for long. Mealiden decided to continue his Great Migration north towards the Plains of Canolbarth where he would found his new realm. But many elves were wounded, or too old or too young to travel. Others decided to stay to protect these elves who were unable to travel. They asked Lady Callarii for help. She was the only one who could lead them, they said. Lady Callarii was forced to chose between her true love and the people who depended upon her. In the end she chose the people. Though the sadness of her lost love would remain with her in the decades that followed. The lands these elves settled in were known as Traladara and humans already lived here, talking about old days of Glory under the rulership of King Halav and his Companions. The elves were allowed to stay in their forests and they formed a clan, and named themselves simply the Elves of Callarii. But the elves guarded a great secret. For Mealiden had not been oblivious to the choice of his love. As a parting gift he gave her one of the branches of the Tree of Ilsundal, the holiest of all elven relics, so that the Callarii could plant a Tree of Life of their own. It is said that this Tree of Life, known as the Tree of Callarii has unique powers, different from the other Trees of Life.

Lady Callarii eventually achieved Immortality as an Epic Hero, and became the patron of her clan and of horsemanship. She is remembered for her solemn yet wise rulership. She is often depicted next to a horse since the Callarii are famous horsebreeders and consider the horse a holy animal.

Denizens of Thunder Rift

Denizens of Thunder Rift
by Havard
from the Mystara Message Board posted 14 September 2005.

In addition to the Major Races, many other creatures also dwell within the Valley....

Newts
This ancient lizard race lives in the swamps near Torlynn. They have a strong dislike for humans, but get along well with Lizardmen. The origins of this race is unknown, though there are rumours that they have been in the valley since the Age of Blackmoor. The Newts worship Stodos, Lord of the Icy Wastes (See MSOLO1 for more on Stodos.)

Gnolls
Gnolls arrived in Thunder Rift as early as during the Great Gnoll Invasions. Since then, their numbers have dwindled, mainly due to internal strife, but many Gnolls still live in the valley. The northern parts of the Gauntlin Forest are still under Gnoll control, in spite of elven efforts.

Bugbears
Bugbears entered Thunder Rift during the Humanoid migrations.

Hobgoblins
Hobgoblins entered Thunder Rift along with many other Humanoid races during the Humanoid migrations. Many are found in the southern parts of the valley, and some are in the service of the Black Knight.

Centaurs
Centaurs are found in the Brichtwood, along with Unicorns and other sylvan races (Fauns, Dryads, Fairies). Centaurs also roam the Great Grasslands of the valley. Centaurs worship their patron Immortal Chiron as well as other Sylvan Immortals. They get along well with elves and humans, but have little contact with dwarves.

Lizardfolk
Lizardmen are found in the Marshwoods and the Black Swamp area, and often work alongside Newts, an other lizardfolk race thriving in the same kinds of environment.

Trolls
Trolls are said to live in the Black Swamps. It is unknown whether they act on their own or whether they have made an alliance with the Black Knight.

Ogres
Ogres are believed to live in the Grakken forest, but never leave the borders of the forests.

Undead
Undead creatures can be found in many places of Thunder Rift, especially in the Marshwoods, the Gloomfens and around Wizardspire. Vampires, Wraiths and others are believed to be found here.

Dragons
Few dragons are known to live in Thunder Rift, but a Red dragon, whom the locals refer to as Scortch controls the Bone hills.

Gakkarak Treant
Gakkaraks are the distant and sinister cousins of Treants. A powerful Gakkarak Druid is believed to reside within the Grakken Forest. Perhaps he is responsible for the strange rumours of Ogres dwelling within those lands. The Gakkarak is an enemy of the Sylvan creatures of the Brichtwoods.

Minotaurs
A band of Minotaurs control the Horned Hills, which lead to one of the exits of Thunder Rift. Their control over the hills is due to Three Minotaur heroes who supposedly have a Manticore ally. The Minotaurs probably entered the valley around the same time as many of the other humanoid races did.

Orcs
In addition to the Goblins, this race represents the main humanoid population in Thunder Rift. Many can be found in the Farolas Hills and in the Great Grasslands.

Goblins
As Orcs, but these creatures are found mainly in the Burning Hills. They have had many conflicts wit the Legendary Thief known as Raven who once made his home within these hills and now is rumoured to have returned.

Kobolds
These tiny creatures arrived around the same time as the Goblins and the Orcs. They live in the mountains are hill areas of Thunder Rift.

New Monsters

I hope to provide stats for these for 3E (and for OE where missing) later on:
Dwelf
Newt (see Knight of Newts)
Ratling (See Quest for the Silver Sword)
Spider, White Widow (See Quest for the Silver Sword)
Golem, Ice (See Quest for the Silver Sword)
Golem, Armour (See Quest for the Silver Sword)
Beetle, Spitting (See Quest for the Silver Sword)
Galumph (See Assault on Raven's Ruin)
Rakasta Warrior (see Rage of the Rakasta)
Rakasta Ninja (see Rage of the Rakasta)
Bamboo Golem (see Rage of the Rakasta)
Ebon Tiger (see Rage of the Rakasta)
Abelaat (See the Penhaligon Trilogy)

I don't own The Phantom Ship, Sword and Shield and the TSR Promotional modules (Trouble Below, Palace of Dread and Red Hand Trail) so if these have more creatures or other interesting information, do let me know!