DI #7 (January 1997)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction (Short one)
2. Why Won't My Players Train in Foreign Languages?
3. Developing Religions in Ærth
4. Magick Items

Introduction

Well, here is another Dangerous Ideas finished. Now don't get your hopes up that the rest of my issues will be put out this quickly, unless of course you flood me with submissions. That is what I need, submissions. Some of the sections that I am hoping to start and get to be a regular part of this thing, is a section with various ideas to be used as either background events or possible adventure seeds. Another section I would like to have started is a cross-genre section. I know Mike Phillips and myself are working on separate genres (for the Prime game right now), but I would like to see others conversions or completely new genres. People, this thing is yours, I am only your editor. Whatever you send me will make it into Dangerous Ideas. So if you want to see something in here, send it in.

Until Next Time
Scott Payne
Praetor- Editor in Chief of Dangerous Ideas (until brain overload sets in).

Why Won't My Players Train in Foreign Languages?

By: John Schmidt (schmidtj@win.bright.net)

Interesting role-playing situations can occur when traveling in foreign lands or meeting foreign people. One common problem to overcome is communication. Many castings are dedicated to solving this problem, however, the most direct way of communicating is by speaking the same language. This article is designed to stimulate some rules governing the use and advancement of language knowledge/ skill areas. First off we must discuss when it is appropriate to use a Foreign Language and what difficulty ratin g should be determined. Later sections will explain methods of advancement and other special cases which might come in to use on occasion.

I. Understanding Languages within the Mythus System.>

Before delving into other languages, it should be noted that Native Tongue is the language of the entities home land or where they grew up. Now keep in mind that a person may live in the US, but not understand all the subtleties of the language. The differences in any language will be handled by dialects and complexity.

In general, there are two aspects of language to keep in mind, dialect and complexity. Dialect is a different pronunciation of syllable and possibly some other deviation from the core language. Complexity is the ability to understand difficult words, intertwined sentence structure, and subtleties of the language. For game purposes, dialects will be considered to be different foreign languages and complexity within the language will be viewed as the K/S steep score in that particular language. Dialects and related languages function in a similar manner.

Dialects should be considered different languages from the core language, but not too much to be considered a totally different language, thus called a dialect of the core language. American English could be viewed as having at least two dialects (and m any others). As an example, consider British-English and Australian-English, whereas the later two could have a 75% relationship to American English. (My apologies to my biased views to those players over seas.) In Mythus, all three are considered separate languages, thus a persona with British-English would have 75% relationship to the other two similarly. An HP with any one of the three languages could use the other two at a 75% steep. If the player has both, simply use which is highest, the primary language in question in comparison to the percent relationship of the cross-over. Referring to the chart on DJ1 (p146-147), one can see how other languages are used in this manner. In a sense, the HP has those dialects as additional K/S areas, just at lower steeps. Note that this relationship only applies during play and does not cross-feed into another K/S foreign language during HP generation. If a HP has both the core language and a dialect, treat them separately.

High steep in a language will enable a persona to understand the subtleties and difficulties of a language more clearly. Those personas with higher social class, verbal training, and/or formal education will have language skills beyond the normal reflected in higher steeps. Such differences could include technical words, buzz words, words with multiple definitions, complex sentence structure, subtle meanings, etc... Remember, most people in the typical Mythus genre have had little or no schooling, thus their grammar and word recognition will be low. In contrast, a person of High society is expected to keep up with all the local news and printings, where many language use changes occur and will tend to have a higher steep.

The following is a table fo r which to base steep vs. fluency:

STEEP	Fluency Level
00-10	Knows only the essential words, not effective communication.
11-20	Simple vocabulary with sentence fragments, cannot follow conversations or read written works beyond children's books.
21-30	Basic conversation level; can read simple books without aid.
31-40	Competent conversation and reading level; non-native speakers will not have the proper accent.
41-50	Advanced conversational and reading level; non-native speakers will have partial accent if listened for.
51+	fully fluent and literate with sophisticated vocabulary; non-native speakers possess proper accent.

II. Establishing communication.

The purpose of language is to communicate ideas. This particular perspective of communication will be neglecting the non-verbal gestures that accompany our every conversation. Since different cultures have different or even some similar non-verbal communication, it is assumed to be part of the foreign language. For a more details on non-verbal communication see the section on Lip reading and Sign Languages. To establish communication it must be determined how difficult the subject matter is to convey. The following is a suggested chart using the FL steep.

* A persona need not roll when using native tongue for these, and in most cases not for the hard DR unless the material is clearly over the comprehension of the persona. In addition, any foreign language steep above 50 can be considered proficient enough not to have to roll these checks (at JM's discretion.)

Normally the opportunity for such a roll occurs when traveling in a land or district where a foreign tongue is used or when first meeting an entity speaking a foreign tongue.

When using foreign languages for short stays in an area, HPs are allowed a time frame roll once per day at their desired DR of communication. This reflects the amount of consideration and concentration they wish to expend before venturing forward. If the HP wishes to upgrade the form of communication, it may be done by an additional checks for each encounter throughout that day. If the initial roll is failed, communication is considered to be garbled and not productive. Any individual checks done that day are one DR harder for the duration of that day. For longer stays, checks can occur on a weekly or monthly basis.

At any time when HPs are interested in overhearing or speaking to individuals in a foreign tongue use the above chart (remembering the DR modifier if they missed the initial time frame roll.)

III. Reading, Writing, and Translating.

Reading and Writing a foreign language is more difficult than speaking it, but if allowed the time and resources to do so it can be done easily. If someone spends enough time with reference materials such as dictionaries, translators and the like, the job will only be as difficult as the material itself. The problem of translating develops when the HPs need the information immediately or if they are willing to spend some time interpreting it. Use the following table if the script is viewed only once and read in a normal reading pace where the object is to get a paraphrased summary:

Modifiers: gain a very general overview - 1 DR easier
take time to mull over and reread- 1 DR easier ( if days are spent up to 2 DRs)
have references available and time - 1 DR easier (up to 2 DRs if cross referenced)
successful Drawing at DR hard - 1 DR easier (this may not always apply)
brief look or rushed - 1 DR harder
translating verbatim - 1 DR harder
translating Magick research (including spells) - 1 DR harder
using Linguistics instead of FL - 1 DR harder

# Spellbooks in this particular system can involve as much as two language checks depending on what you prefer. These systems will be explained later in the Arcane Magickal section or in the Appendices. Unlike conversational language, written language can be attempted many times.

Keep in consideration the length of the message. A short message reread in a five minute period should be 2 DRs easier, however, a five hundred page excerpt on the use of Phæree metals in Heka forging may take weeks, months, or more and require multiple rolls (perhaps one per 50-100 pages.) A failure would mean the translation does not make sense. However, a special failure would mean the work has been mistranslated and the HP may have no way of knowing it. For this reason the JM may wish to determine this roll if players are not willing to roll play out the part.

IV. Spoken Only or Written Only Applications.

As an option, a persona may desire to have the ability to communicate in either verbal or written form only. In this case, the persona forgoes any possibility of performing the language in the undesired form. He or she was simply not trained in it. In response to the personas specialization in their chosen form, he or she is rewarded by a 1.5 multiplier on the FL steep. This would be expressed in the form: Foreign Language - Atlantlin spoken (40), where the applied steep would be at 60. If at a later time the HP is interested in gaining the other form, he or she would have to train in that area. Thus in the above example, gain Foreign Language - Atlantlin written. When the two steeps match, then the HP would have the complete language: Foreign Lang uage - Atlantlin (40). As an incentive, some JMs may wish to give the higher steep of 60 after both have been obtained at forty.

V. Impressing other Persona and Verbal Combat.

Some HP may be challenged to a 'dual of words' from time to time.

This is an excellent opportunity to use native tongues in the ability to out-compliment or over-insult a person. Such repartee' was common during battles of sword and foil. Although most JMs prefer to hear the real role playing comments, if an HP wanted to impress a young lass or defend the virtues of another through verbal combat, here is an option and opportunity. Handle by a K/S vs. K/S contest with the two individuals (as per page 127) using the language steep they are conversing in.

Trying to impress another persona by using large words and complex structures of the language could also be done using the same method, however the object may not be necessarily to win. Stalemates might be considered a success. Allow the HP to go for th is goal if chosen by making a success or a special success to be whatever is desired. In this manner, a metal based character can initiate some impression in higher social circles without charismaticism. This may initiate some fun when using K/S areas s eldom brought forth in play.

VI. Impersonation of persona outside your SEC.

The best way to impersonate is to have the impersonation K/S area, but to impersonate outside you SEC class the persona must also have a Native Tongue of at least 41 (as per page 155.) Also, allow impersonating a different SEC class using another languag e, if appropriate, if the FL steep is at least 51. This of course must be appropriate for the person or class of person being impersonated or else all is for naught. If impersonating in the incorrect SEC (low, middle, or high) assign a 2 DR penalty. It is also possible to mimic a person by using a dialect you have a cross over with using the chart on pages 146-147. This mimicry is as effective as if you had that language at the particular percentage of the cross over and are imitating within the HP 's SEC. It does not allow a persona to correctly mimic an SEC outside there own unless the cross over steep is at least 51. ( Note that with certain additional castings it could be: Mah Chi as an example )

VII. Lip Reading and Sign Language

For lip reading one must consider that the HP must know the language spoken. In addition, range is also a modifier in that ability. Start with a moderate score, and for every twenty feet removed from the person reduce it one DR. Also consider these modifiers:

Sign language is the ability to communicate with gestures, most commonly hands. Many uses include talking to the mutes to operating covertly and silently. When created, the HP should have choose sub-areas from the list on page 154. Most of these langua ges are not designed to explain detailed information, but to efficiently provide instructions or communication. Material of a detailed nature is best written out unless there is long time to sign it out.

DR modifiers will vary depending on each circumstance. Range of sign language depends on the material or message sent. One signaling danger or attack in a soldier language could be many rods apart whereas someone having a conversation with a mute should be relatively close. The above modifiers may be useful in assigning DR, but be open minded and liberal when possible. Usually start with DR easy and work from there. The sign languages are usually more streamlined and efficient in order to communicate using hands and gestures.

VIII. Reading Gestures Without Knowing the Language.

Second guessing another persona's intent by reading gestures is a psychology K/S area. Until that time when it is used in this system, or the HP changes genres, discourage players from this abuse. If they are trying to read lips, use the appropriate K/S area. If they don't know the language or do not possess the K/S area, possibly allow a Mental Perception roll at Extreme or Very difficult. Only if the HP has collected previous information should the JM allow easier DRs as the situation demands.

IX. Linguistics.

Linguistics is a global language K/S area meant to establish base communication with anyone. This K/S is not meant to replace all the individual FLs, but is to be used until a better form of communication is utilized. After all, an HP can't have every FL. Linguistics is extremely useful for the well traveled, but for fluent communication, linguistics is much harder than FL. Using linguistics, it is also much more difficult to establish detailed plans or transfer scientific/magical research without a v ery high steep. In all other aspects, treat it as though it were a FL. Here are some base modifiers.

As with foreign languages, allow one roll per time period (typically one day unless using over a prolonged period) at their desired DR of communication. This reflects the amount of consideration and concentration they wish to expend before venturing forw ard. If the HP wishes to upgrade the form of communication, it may be done by an additional checks for each encounter throughout that day. If the initial roll is failed, communication is considered to be garbled and not productive. Any individual check s done that day are one DR harder for the duration of that day. For longer stays, checks can occur on a weekly or monthly basis.

At any time when HPs are interested in overhearing or speaking to individuals in a foreign tongue use the above chart (remembering the DR modifier if they missed the initial time frame roll.)

When reading, writing, and translating using linguistics assign an additional DR harder and use the table as in section III.

If both the FL (or some partial dialect of the FL) and linguistics is possessed for the purpose of speaking or otherwise, allow two rolls. First, off of the FL steep. Then, if it is a failure, allow a roll off of linguistics after applying all the appro priate modifiers.

X. Trade Languages.

This language is used to initiate commerce and communication among shipping and trade routes. It is most often an accumulation of many parts of many languages. A potpourri of communication used for barter and exchange of goods and to some point, inform ation. Most trade languages are not meant for aristocracy, research, or magick. It simply doesn't have the complexity to handle such specifics and technicalities. It is often viewed as vulgar and gruff, thus these languages are almost exclusively used by middle and lower classes, but rarely by the upper classes. Such guttural speech is far beneath the station of the well to do. Even though most people understand it, the wealthy often prefer to ignore it, justifying themselves as promoting national pride. In conclusion, these languages are used for travel and trade and is interpreted to loose and general meanings, except when money is concerned.

XI. Gaining STEEP in Foreign Lands.

Players tend to concentrate on improving Combat and Heka areas above all others. In order to stimulate breath in K/S areas, some incentives have been put into place. The first is an AP/S bonus to HPs who spend a great deal of time in one country. The s econd type of bonus is for those who study abroad. The third bonus is for those who actively spend AP/Gs while spending time in a foreign land. These bonuses only apply to HPs who have spend the time, effort, and APs to initially get the FL. It does no t apply to the point where the HP has a steep greater than forty. Beyond forty, the HP must train or spend APs in the appropriate ways as detailed in DJ1 (page 134-136.) The justification for these bonuses is the ability to learn "by hard knocks."

The reason for the cut off at forty is that some solid research or justification should be done for a person to obtain a doctorate level. Initially, the cut off was at thirty (certainly an option for a JM), but forty seemed more justified due to the fact that languages can be mastered through travel and concentration. This level of mastery would appear to be the same as though someone studied at an institution and received a masters degree. It is agreed that study and travel is the best mix, but to be balanced, forty seemed to be the right choice. There is a point, however, where pure exposure would not be enough. Thus it is justified by not allowing the HP to advance beyond forty by this method. JMs should also keep in mind that if the HP spend all his or her time in the slums and taverns a more appropriate cap might be 20. Whereas those who are hop nailing with the rich and royalty as well as those who are well read with the local merchants, investors, mages, and priests should be capped at forty . The following is a suggested chart for where HPs should be capped on using this bonus system.

Be loose with these AP/S. If the HP has spent a great deal of time conversing, running a business, involved with the local militia or government on a day to day basis, perhaps a bonus every three or six months is more applicable. But, if the HP never me ets the public, is always researching, is in solitary confinement, the reverse may also be true. In most instances, HPs are justified, even if they only go out to the market once or twice a week. As a general rule, the HP should be spending 90% of his or her time in the country to get this bonus.

When HPs are based for long terms in foreign lands they may find it necessary to adapt to the language most used. They may wish to become more versed in that particular language. As a general rule, HPs gain 1 point of steep per every year in a foreign l and as long as they possess the FL K/S steep between one and forty. If the HP has spent time and APs to initially learn the FL, he or she will be able to learn some more of the language by continuously being exposed to it and its culture. Country jumping to gain as many points as possible should be discouraged. The incentive system is meant to be a bonus to reward players for adventuring and spending time in other areas of the world to produce a worldly role-playing persona. Players who lord rules like these over the JM should have the appropriate anti-joss in addition to their demands. Similarly, some JMs may allow the same type of advancement for Native tongue for those patriots who stay at home or Trade language for those merchants traversing the world. The fastest way to learn a FL is to train in a country where that FL is the primary spoken language and then practice it. Typically it would take two-thirds the time to study ( 1/3 with Linguistics at hard.) Again, bonuses should not be allowed past a st eep of forty.

If APs are spent, allow a bonus point for every point purchased.

This would only come into effect after the HP has spent at least three months in the country. The bonus should not be allows past forty. These are all mere suggestions, but it may help players decide to branch out and expand their personas to include new role playing K/S areas not commonly used. As a JM, encourage the use of these K/S areas and you will find more roll playing opportunitie s in your campaign.

XII. Arcane Magickal.

Arcane Magical is not completely described in the Mythus rules.

Some JMs have ruled that this is the language of spellcasting. At first glance this may appear a simple explanation, however it may not be that consistent. Consider the argument of the Priestcrafter. Should he or she learn arcane magickal to cast spell s or should prayers work. How about the Astrologer, Apotropaist, Exorcist, Hekaforger, etc... It is far to complicated for each heka casting area to have its own language. It is equally unjustified that all these areas, whether physical or spiritual tr aits, must be dependent on a mental trait K/S area to perform. Also note that in the vocations documented, only the Dweomercraefters have this K/S area.

A more reasonable explanation would be that is it specifically meant for dweomercraefters. Although there could be many possibilities, only two will be explored. The first is a mages language meant solely for those whom cast and research dweomercraeft s pells (or eyebites, cantrips, etc...) This language is used to communicate, share ideas, coordinate castings, or identify other casters of the craft. This would be similar to the Thieves Cant language or other languages used by secret organizations.

A second possible explanation is that Arcane Magickal is the script used for writing spellbooks and is a heka language that is written only. Even though it is under a mental trait, other heka casters could certainly hire this out as a service or develop it on their own, but it is not required in order to cast. Base cost for scribing in such a form is 100 heka per hour. Mages, scribes, and anyone with this K/S can then scribe spellbooks. Arcane Magickal would then allow the persona to channel heka to copy spells. This conveniently disallows the printing press potential of spreading castings around and creates a balanced consequence of reproducing spellbooks. For a more detail explanatio ns and possibilities, see Appendix I : Spellbooks.

XIII. Acknowledgments.

Most of this project was done by A J Schmidt. He is most willing to entertain new ideas, interpretations, criticism, and additions. Please contact him through SchmidtJ@win.bright.net. Many thoughtful insights and additions came from John Teske and Steven Gullerud. Remember all of these are mere suggestions and personal interpretations of Mythus. Use all, any, or none and above all...Have Fun! Good gaming!

Appendices

The following are topics not directly related to Languages, but indirectly discovered when completing this work. Languages are used in the creation of the following, thus they are included as an afterthought of possibilities. Again, these are only suggestions used to clarify some rulings.

Appendix I : Spellbooks.

There exist many theories of how spells are (or should be) recorded in the Mythus game system. The following appendix is dedicated to describing two methods. The first best matches the Mythus system rules, but has some drawbacks. The second is a modification of the Arcane Magical FL to solve some of those problems.

The first method requires no heka. A typical spellbook is simply a tome of great quality with the written instructions of how to evoke certain castings. This tome can be written in any language, encrypted with symbols, translated by a mental game, use any type of visible spectrum ink (including infrared through ultraviolet ), or be written in invisible ink.

The second method is consistent with the Arcane Magickal section discussed earlier. All spellbooks would be written using this heka language at a cost of 100 heka per hour. AM is the language how to write spells on prepared parchment, paper, cloth, or the like. The writings are in an arcane scripture, designed to hold and protect the power of heka castings. The language itself is phonetically designed to be compatible to any language the writer wishes to use. This is assuming that verbal components of spells are similar (variances do certainly exist.) Thus an HP can use Arcane Magickal to scribe his or her spells using the Celtic language. This tome could be used by anyone who can read Celtic and has the other appropriate means ( K/S area, STEEP, etc...) In addition, this language also reveals the somatic needs of the castings by having them encoded into the script. When a capable persona reads the casting, the somatics are placed into memory and described perfectly. This is why it is a heka language, for no translated language is perfect. The gestures of castings are far to precise to be left to mere words to explain. AM is simply the means of writing down the casting. It is a precise and complete method.

The cost of such spell books will vary through out campaigns, worlds, and geographical locations. The books can be made by any quality, but should be enchanted by a heka forager or the like to preserve the quality. As a perspective, consider a scribe as paid at least 20-50 BUCs per hour (more or less may depend on the campaign and the commonality of scribes.) As a rule, assign one hour per level of the casting and use the following as a time multiplier depending on the type of casting.

Using this as a guide, one can determine the cost having others write spells in spell books. The base cost for the book and ink is highly variable on the genre and campaign, as stated earlier.

Upon completion of the time requirements, the scribe must make a roll verses arcane magical at moderate. The scribe should be in a relatively quiet area working without distraction. Under normal circumstances, the casting should be written in one sitting where the scribe works uninterrupted for the complete time. It will be necessary for the scribe to make an endurance roll at moderate dr. at end of each six hours in such a position. Some JMs may consider progressively harder DRs at every six hours.

Those scribes without endurance may instead roll verses physical trait at extreme. For each failure, the roll vs. Arcane Magical will be one dr. harder. Also consider the following suggested situational modifiers:

This method of copying spellbooks is not altogether unreasonable when reviewing the Mythus system. The genre supports most castings to be known or recallable, not in books. In addition, the mentors and teachers can easily demonstrate somatic gestures and movements while tutoring, while written language, even with pictures, would make that quite difficult (perhaps extreme!) Remember these are all optional rules to be modified at the JMs discretion.

Appendix II: Some vague notes on Scrolls.

Since any spell can be read out of a spellbook, there is not strong support for scrolls as they are used in novels and EGS. Scrolls would be created as any other magical devise, although individuals may run this differently.

Scrolls should be written using Arcane Magickal under very special circumstances. First special inks must be created out of reagent material with enough heka to power the casting. The ink or paper must also have the appropriate components built into the ink or the parchment. If the components are not feasible, alternatives should be researched. Possible areas to do this may include : Arcane Magickal, Heka Forging, Alchemy, and/or Herbalism.

Developing Religions for AErth

Michael S. Phillips, msphil@widomaker.com

I have done a significant amount of work with religion development for the Mythus game, and particularly for AErth. Before undertaking said activities, I did quite a bit of work with some other settings. One might say that I tended to emphasize the religion of the characters during campaigns, perhaps overly so, in reaction to other campaigns, wherein I saw that aspect of the setting ignored.

On AErth, of course, there is a wealth of background if you know where to look and how to adapt it. Unfortunately, the game went into a hibernation of sorts, and the material being developed vanished, never to be seen again. Into this (to me) gaping void I boldly ventured, attempting to capture the flavor of given pantheons and deities for gaming use. Of course, there are special considerations in developing material based on real mythologies for gaming purposes.

The biggest consideration when developing anything for AErth, regardless of whether it's a culture, a religion, a technology, or a nation, is that AErth's level ranges from ancient through late Renaissance. Christianity never took hold, and whole sections of the history are parallel enough that, for all intents and purposes, cultures and such survived on AErth for anywhere from 500 to 2000 years more than they did on Earth. There will inevitably be changes.

The Norse culture, to pick a random example, lasted a solid 1,000 years longer on AErth without records being obliterated by well-meaning individuals. The church had time to develop sophistication, the people became more entrenched. I simulated this to some extent by postulating some overall shifts within the pantheon.

First, the religion is at once wide-spread and personal. *Everyone* pays some homage to a few gods (Thor and Odin at least), and many would pray to lesser beings to intercede on the supplicant's behalf. A sailor might drop a petition to Njord, where a fisherman would to Aegir.

Second, the pantheon would evolve. More figures would be added to the pantheon, covering spheres of interest which were ignored or not recorded on Earth's sketchy records. Svipdag, for instance, a mage who sought knowledge to reach his true love, might become a significant figure for dweomercraefters. Or Volund might become a god of smithing (an activity which would not fit well into Thor's domain, despite his hammer and thundering reputation). Frigga's handmaiden could very well evolve into a representative of unrequited love.

Third, religions will interact with each other. Popular concepts will pass across borders. One such potential crossing would be a softening and idealizing of Freya, at once incorporating some aspects of Venus and Minerva (whose spheres Freya already loosely agreed with). In fact, depending on the exact interactions, Freya and Minerva might become very close in kind to the outside observer, with only the devoted able to tell the difference.

Fourth, no matter how you slice it, it's still a game. In a game setting, religion is not an all-consuming thing, it is not the primary focus. Certain things are expected, and certain things are expedient, particularly in a world where magick works (again, Svipdag would probably become the heroic warrior-mage). The pantheon should be internally consistent and draw on the mythological sources, but accuracy can be sacrificed to make it more appropriate for the setting and the campaign. Don't hold the game to historical accuracy to the exclusion of an enjoyable setting!

Working out such changes is time-consuming, particularly in keeping them (hopefully) logical and accurate. I made only minor additions and changes, but the Norse mythology purist probably will not approve. I can only hope that the Mythus player approves.

Magick Items

This collection by Keith Russell (gearz@auracom.com)

Hammer of the Stone Cutter

Uncharged: 4D6 blunt
Charged: Smashes rocks to dust DR modifier according, 30" sphere + 200 heka
4D6 electrical damage + pt. for every 3 heka
Must charge every month, 1900 heka per month, stored in head to be called upon in battle
Negates 7 pts of armor either charged or uncharged

Dimensions: head: 1" x 6" x 6"

Background

Only seven of these tools of lore were made by a powerful heka forger to be used by master masons during the construction of his secret lair built inside a mountain. In payment to the masons they were allowed to keep these magical tools. Centuries later the hammers were all but stories in local folklore until 3 of them were re-discovered by Egyptian soldiers and turned over to the Pharaoh who carried them into battles and used their great power against his enemies.

The high Priests in Egypt considered these hammers to be to powerful to be used for war and in a power struggle the hammers were stolen and sent to the Temple of the Stone Cutter where they remained hidden for years.

These hammers appear quite large measuring 3' 6" long and having a head 1" x 6' x 6' and have Latin script written down the handle with a magical glyph of two hammers crossed at the handles on each side. This glyph negates the withdraw of heka from the hammer.

When uncharged the hammer appears to be made from onyx and gives the impression of being of exceptional quality

When charged for battle the head of the hammer glows a soft incandescent blue with occasional flickers of lightening giving it an immense aura of power.

The Six Swords

Each sword has an individual power

Dimensions: 3"3' long from tip to hilt

Background:

The six sword were created before AErth's great reckoning. Some say they were created to ward of a great prophecy of a battle in the future. The swords were scattered around the world so that the chosen one of each generation must quest to find them. Anyone can harness the power of each individual sword but if one of the unchosen holds two swords at once a dark fate is said to the befallen of which they can not escape. The blades of the swords are not decorated in any way making the difficult to tell from an everyday bastard sword only of an older style. Only searching for heka in the swords will reveal their enormous power. Looking at two swords at once while detecting heka has been known to blind some wizards. Also they have a lower speed factor than a normal bastard sword of about 5.

The Serenity Dagger

This dagger was made for a thief. The ability of this dagger is that it makes a sphere around the user that renders the handler silent. There was only supposed to be one of these weapons made but greed overtook the creator. 9 were created before the craftsman was murdered. Never more than 4 have been accounted for at any one time in history

Description: 25" long

Leather bound gold hilt with heka light and a red gem in the center on the hilt.