Wild Seas: Gaffer Grime [Deity]

Gaffer Grime

Title(s): Mr. Grime, The Stink, Ole Stinkwater
Home plane: Plane of Ooze
Power level: Lesser
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Portfolio: Filth, disease, toshers, mudlarks and hidden treasure
Cleric Alignments: Any Chaotic
Domains: Chaos, Ooze, Trickery, Water
Favored Weapon: Billhook (treat as Sickle)
"Now from all parts the swelling kennels flow,And bear their trophies with them as they go: Filth of all hues and colours seem to tell. What street they sail'd from, by their sight and smell; Sweepings from butchers' stalls, dung, guts and blood; Drown'd puppies, stinking sprats, all drenched in mud, Dead cats, and turnip tops, come tumbling down the flood." -Jonathan Swift
The vile god known as Gaffer Grime is the patron of corrupted water, disease and the worst filth of the sewers. He appears as a hugely fat man with a wide mouth and filthy beard. Though horribly evil, he occasionally takes a liking to people who dwell in or near sewers, especially those of the tosher and mudlark trades.
Clerics of Gaffer Grime are the scholars amongst scavengers, always ready with sage advice and rough lessons.  There are no priestly raiments for clerics of Gaffer Grime, though a preference for stout boots and layers of clothing to hold off the damp are preferred. Holy symbols are a simple disc of shiny metal that has been gleaned from the muck.

THE CULT OF THE STINK
The Cult of The Stink is what passes for a church for Gaffer Grime. Its members are the downtrodden masses of poor in industrialized or otherwise overcrowded cities such as Kana, Huamato and Faladriad. Beggars, thieves, mudlarks, toshers, ferrymen and all who leave on waterways have members in the cult or at least pay their respects regularly. Humans, Orcs, Half-Orcs, Goblins and Gully Dwarves are the most common members. Monsters often associated with the cult are Carrion Crawlers, Rats, Monstrous Vermin, Ghouls, Ghasts, Scrags and Otyughs.
The Cult has shrines tucked away in secret corners of the sewer systems, with at least one major shrine dedicated to the god. Such shrines have at least one full-time guardian, with wandering defenders coming and going. The city-state of Kana is well aware of the cults existence, and more-or-less allows their presence in exchange for maintenance of the drainage system. The fact that abductions and occasional human sacrifice is conducted by the Cult is not made an issue of unless they abduct someone important. It's all very political.

Ooze Domain 
This domain is all about oozes, creatures quite common in the slippery places holy to Gaffer Grime. Clerics of Ole Stinkwater who take this domain are considered disturbing even to other followers of the sewer god.
Granted Powers:  Rebuke or command oozes as an evil cleric rebukes or commands undead. Use these abilities a total number of times per day equal to 3 + the character’s Charisma modifier.
1. Grease (Makes 10-ft. square or one object slippery.)
2. Melf's acid arrow (Ranged touch attack; 2d4 damage for 1 round + 1 round/three level.)
3. Poison (Touch deals 1d10 Con damage, repeats in 1 min.)
4. Rusting grasp  (The caster's touch corrodes iron and alloys.)
5. Evard's black tentacles (1d4 +1/level tentacles grapple randomly within 15 ft.)
6. Transmute rock to mud (Transforms two 10-ft. cubes/level.)
7. Destruction (Kills subject and destroys remains.)
8. Power word, blind (Blinds 200 hp worth of creatures.)
9. Implosion (Kills one creature/round.)

DAGGER RPG

Fairly recently, I became aware of this nifty little game supplement, DAGGER. Its an attempt by the talented folks over at Brave Halfling Publishing to make a Rules Light key to help present tabletop RPGs to kids (5 and up) without all of the character stats. In my opinion, this is an excellent resource for getting kids into the imaginative aspects of RPG's without intimidating them without too much math.
The DAGGER game is made to allow DM's to use the many published (and homebrew) RPG settings and adventure modules out there, regardless of editions, without any fuss. This way, you and your players can get right to the action and using their imaginations!
The initial rules allow for playing a small number of classes/races; Knight, Wizard, Elf, Dwarf, and Halfling, but can easily be adapted to allow other classes or races as desired. Both Wizards and Elves may cast spells, which include healing, so standard clerics ore not initially available.
Overall I think that this is a brilliantly simple game. I will be testing this system out on some friends kids and see how it does. I will post the games as they transpire.

A FREE black & white version of this game can be downloaded HERE. And a color version (for a mere $1.50) can be purchased HERE.

Music To Game By: Epic Fantasy I

Black Blade by Two Steps From Hell (Invincible)
One of many excellent tracks from the Invincible album which I highly recommend (buy it here). The work of this production company covers a wide range of musical tastes suitable for epic fantasy, but is particularly useful for action scenes.

A Celtic Journey by Peter Crowley Fantasy Dream
This selection comes from the album Legend of The Dragon (purchase it and other works here). Anything put out by this company is highly recommended. Most fantasy fans are at least partially familiar with Celtic or Celtic-like music, and so this album is excellent for setting a mood for a fantasy game or story.

Music from Ancient Rome by Synaulia
Synaulia is a team of musicians, archeologists, paleorganologists and choreographers dedicated to the application of their historical research to ancient music and dance, in particular to the ancient Etruscan and Roman periods. This is excellent for older cultures (such as Elves or Giants) in a fantasy setting.

Arae: Divine Patrons Pt II (Saints)

The Holy Trinity is widely revered in the Land of Arae, with many a village cleric serving the Almighty in their communities or abroad. Such clerics are the standard clerics of Law (LG, CG, NG) referenced in page 11-13 in the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook, with all of the benefits and restrictions mentioned therein. However there are many clerics who identify strongly with a particular Holy Saint, once-mortal men and women who served The Holy Trinity, and now have powerful rank in the court of The Most High.
Below are detailed three Saints who serve The Holy Trinity. They are powerful beings who are completely loyal to The Almighty. Individually they can (in DnD terms) be considered Demigods in their own right, but all would react poorly to being called addressed as such.
Each stat block of the Saints has the following details:
Alias: Different spellings and names in other cultures.
Feast: Days in which the Saint is celebrated.
Symbols: Symbols by which the Saint is recognized and invoked.
Patronage: This is what the Saint in question most interests himself. Any event that effects a large amount of the Saints patronage will draw that beings attention.
Cleric Alignments: Clerics who identify and seek to coordinate with a particular Saint must be of this listed alignment.
Power: Rather than turning or destroying undead, clerics of a particular Saint gain the listed power.
Favored Weapons: Clerics of a specific Archangel are also proficient in these weapons, as they are symbolic of their patron Saint.


St Brigid

Alias: Mary of the Gael, Brigit (Elves), Hestia (Dwarves)
Feast: February 1st
Symbols: Brigits Cross, arrows, bells, open flame
Patronage: Babies, bastards, midwives, vets, poets, scholars and dairy farmers
Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to St Brigid can speak with domesticated animals commonly found of farms (cattle, sheep, dogs, chickens etc) as though under a permanent speak with animals spell.
Favored Weapons: Club

“We become that which we love.”
-St Brigid
Saint Brigid is a Half-Elf woman who lived along the Gael Coast centuries ago. It is said that she was the daughter of the ancient Elf-Lord Dagda and a mortal woman. And though it was her mother who raised her, she retained much of the majesty of her mighty father.
She is the patron saint of babies, midwives, and children whose parents aren't married. Brigid also serves as a patron saint for scholars, poets, and farmers (especially dairy farmers). She is widely revered as a model for the industrious woman, especially midwives and those who work with farm animals. Halflings, Half-Elves and Humans are her most ardent followers, though females of all Northerly races revere her, as her blessings in childbirth are greatly desired.
In art, St Brigid is depicted as a beautiful Human or Half-Elf maiden with golden hair and a serene expression. Fire symbolism, including light, candles, illumination, heat, warmth or sunrises are all often used. Arrows, bells, thresholds and doorways are also included in St Brigid symbolism.

Clerics and Churches

Clerics dedicated to St Brigid are almost always women, but a small number of male clerics do serve her, especially among Half-Elves and Half-Orcs. Clothing is typically white or tan plain spun robes meant to be serviceable but not showy. A cross made from rushes or straw is their holy symbol. Chuches dedicated to St Brigid are often orphanages where orphans are trained as clerics, midwives and animal doctors.

Saint Christopher 

Alias: Reprobus, The Traveler

Feast: July 25, May 9

Symbols: Giant or Ogre, Dogs Head, Spear and Shield

Patronage: Bachelors, travelers, gardeners, toothaches, epilepsy

Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good, Neutral

Power: Clerics dedicated to St Christopher are skilled at bend bars, break down doors and swimming.

Favored Weapons: Greatclub or Quarterstaff

"Si en San Cristóbal confías, de accidente no morirás" ("If you trust St. Christopher, you won't die in an accident") -Engraving on a Medallion of St Christopher

Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travel, physical labor and opposition to evil. In life he was a particularly intelligent Ogre who, after a wild life of raiding and wickedness, was converted to Christianity by a hermit. In seeking to lead a holy life the Saint dedicated himself to helping travelers cross a dangerous river where he eventually met the Christ Child himself.
Christopher is widely popular, and is especially revered by bachelors, travelers (especially those who need help finding transportation), people dealing with storms, gardeners, people suffering from toothaches or from epilepsy, and people who are dying and want to make peace with God.
In art, St Christopher is depicted as a middle-aged, bearded giant or ogre with a staff who wades across a river carrying a child on his shoulders. In many depictions his staff is a living tree.
Clerics and Churches
Clerics of St Christopher are always physically powerful people (STR 14+) and many are Half-Orcs, Half-Ogres, Orcs and Ogres who have left the ways of their wild people. All clerics of the Saint are used to working outdoors and many are skilled or semi-skilled laborers of one kind or another. Churches to St Christopher are always in rough country and along pilgrimage routes. Such churches are at least half-inn, serving food and drink to traveler.

St. Nicholas

Alias: Sinterklaas, Wonderworker, Father Christmas,  De Goedheiligman (Dwarves)

Feast: December 6

Symbols: Gold Coin, Twin Candles

Patronage: Christmas, children, candy, students, poor people, merchants, pawnbrokers, bankers, travelers, sailors, judges, prisoners

Cleric Alignments: Any Good (Chaotic Good predominates)

Power: Clerics dedicated to St. Nicholas are skilled in Hide, Move Silently and Trickery. Clerics dedicated to St Nicholas have no special power over undead.

Favored Weapons: Whip

"These are your presents, and they are tools not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well." -Father Christmas, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

St Nicholas is the patron saint of Christmas, children, students, poor people, merchants, pawnbrokers, bankers, travelers, sailors, judges, prisoners, and many different cities and churches. In life the Saint was a Bishop in a far away land, where he performed many miracles and acts of charity. He was particularly well known for aiding children and the poor, and for pursuing those who prey upon them. In The Land of Arae he is widely loved by nearly all of the people, particularly among the Elves and Gnomes, who were his first converts in Arae. The Gnomes in-particular adore this saint, whose moniker of "Wonderworker" inspires them to create elaborate toys and other devices.
In art Saint Nicholas is depicted as a smiling, white-bearded Human or Gnome adorned in red, green and gold. He is generally depicted with children and riding in a wagon or sleigh.
Clerics and Churches
Clerics of St Nicholas are happy men and women who seek to bring hope and joy into the lives of others. Those who can grow beards do so (Dwarf women included!), and are frequently blessed by the saint with thick luxuriant growth. Such clerics are always "good with children" and are full of stories, and quickly become a favorite person of the young and young at-heart.
Churches dedicated to St Nicholas are happy places, and usually have sizable food pantry's and a few rooms for travelers. Orphanages dedicated to the Saint are considered the happiest of any such establishment. Gnome made churches are often workshops for mechanical toys and wondrous devices. 

Arae: Divine Patrons I (Archangels)

The Holy Trinity is widely revered in the Land of Arae, with many a village cleric serving the Almighty in their communities or abroad. Such clerics are the standard clerics of Law (LG, CG, NG) referenced in page 11-13 in the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook, with all of the benefits and restrictions mentiond therein. However there are many clerics who are moved to become closely allied with one of The Trinitys mighty servants; The Archangels and The Holy Saints (to be detailed soon).
Below are detailed the Seven Archangels (or Seven Spirits) who serve The Holy Trinity. They are immensely powerful beings who are completely loyal to The Almighty. Individually they can (in DnD terms) be considered Lesser to Intermediate deities in their own right, but all would react poorly to being called "gods". Rather they are the "Children" of the Most High.
Each stat block of the Archangels has the following details:
Alias: Different spellings and names in other cultures. Dwarves and Halflings usually use the standard (Human) names and Gnomes usually use the Elven versions of the names. Orcs are universally terrified of the Archangels, and so rarely address them at all.
Feast: Days in which the Archangel is celebrated.
Symbols: Symbols by which the archangel is recognized and invoked.
Patronage: This is what the archangel in question most interests himself. Any event that effects a large amount of the archangels patronage will draw that beings attention.
Cleric Alignments: Clerics who identify and seek to coordinate with a particular Archangel must be of this listed alignment.
Power: Rather than turning or destroying undead, clerics of a particular Archangel gains this listed power.
Favored Weapons: Clerics of a specific Archangel are also proficient in these weapons, as they are symbolic of their patron archangel.


Auriel (God is my light)

Alias: Uriel, Usiel, Uzziel, Oriel, Suriel, Urian, and Uryan. Bridhil (Fey), Varda (Elves),
Feast: September 29 (Western), November 8 (Dwarven)
Symbols: Flaming sword, Fire in palm
Patronage: Sacrament of Confirmation, Summer, art, poetry, science and crafsmanship
Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to Auriel have the same abilities as sages to answer questions (see page 42 in the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook for details).
Favored Weapon: Knife or Dagger

"You cannot understand the things with which you have grown up; how then can your mind comprehend the way of the Most High? And how can one who is already worn out by the corrupt world understand incorruption?" -Ariel to Ezra, 2 Esdras 4:10-11
Ariel means “God is my light.” Ariel is known as the angel of wisdom. He shines the light of God’s truth into the darkness of confusion. People sometimes ask for Auriel’s help to: seek God’s will before making decisions, come up with fresh creative ideas, learn new information, solve problems, resolve conflicts, let go of destructive emotions such as anxiety and anger that can prevent them from discerning wisdom, and recognize dangerous situations so they can try to avoid them.
In art, Auriel is often depicted carrying either a book or a scroll, both of which represent wisdom. Another symbol connected with Auriel is an open hand holding a flame, which represents God’s truth.
Clerics
Clerics dedicated to Auriel are always deeply learned, compassionate men and women. Humility is a vital trait of these clerics, even though they are widely sought as counselors, and confidants. Clerics allied with Auriel look more like tutors, scribes and scholars than priests, and think more of their scrolls and books than they do their persons.


Gabriel (God is my Strength)

Alias: Jibril, Gavriel, Gibrail, and Jabrail. Aldaran (Elves), Bema (Dwarves), The Wild Huntsman.
Feast: September 29 with Saints Michael and Raphael, November 8
Symbols: Trumpet, White Hound with a Red Head (Gabriel Hound)
Patronage: Revelation, music, annunciation, gossip, Winter, righteous vengeance
Cleric Alignments: Any Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to Gabriel can use music to cause one or more creatures to become fascinated with him in the same manner as a bard. This music must come from either singing or a wind instrument (such as a trumpet or horn).
Favored Weapons: Mace

"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil." -Rom 13:4
Gabriel means "God is my strength." Other spellings of Gabriel's name include . Gabriel is known as the angel of revelation. God often chooses Gabriel to communicate important messages. People sometimes ask for Gabriel's help to: clear away confusion and achieve the wisdom they need to make decisions, obtain the confidence they need to act on those decisions, communicate effectively to other people, and raise children well.
Gabriel is often depicted in art blowing a horn. Other symbols that represent Gabriel include a lantern, a mirror, a shield, a lily, a scepter, a spear, and an olive branch. Other (older) depictions show Gabriel with a pack of huge hunting dogs, which he uses to harry evil spirits.
Clerics
Clerics dedicated to Gabriel are often musicians and many are renowned animal trainers (particularly horses and dogs). All spend at least some time learning to read music and songs. Clerics of Gabriel are relentless pursuers of justice, looking to correct wrongs and to aid those under the boot of oppression.


Michael (Who is like God?)

Alias: Mikhael, Mikael, Mikail, and Mikhail. Manwe (Elf), Wolcanfrea (Dwarven), The Elder King
Feast: November 8 / November 21, September 29 ("Michaelmas"); May 8
Symbols: Archangel; Treading on a dragon; carrying a banner, scales, and sword
Patronage: Autumn, Churches of The Holy Trinity, Good Dragons, dragon-slayers, paladins, soldiers, guards, grocers, sailors
Cleric Alignments: Lawful Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to Michael can can smite chaotic (CE, LE, NE) creatures in the same manner as a paladin.
Favored Weapons: Morningstar

"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." -Daniel 12:1
Michael means "Who is like God?" Michael is known for his exceptional strength and courage. He’s a leader who reigns as the head of all the angels. Michael fights for good to prevail over evil. He protects and defends people who love God. People sometimes ask for Michael's help to: gain the courage they need to overcome their fears, obtain strength to resist temptations to sin and instead do what's right, and stay safe in dangerous situations.
Michael is often depicted in art wielding a sword or a spear. Other symbols that represent Michael include armor, banners, and scales. Gold and Silver Dragons are sometimes shown as companions or mounts.
Clerics
Clerics allied with Michael are Crusaders through-and-through, with many being dual or multi-class fighter-clerics. All clerics of Michael are monster hunters, and will seek to oppose any and all manifestations of evil, particularly those instigated by Infernal beings or their servants. Paladins are mightily drawn to the banner of Michael, for obvious reasons.


Raphael (God heals)

Alias: Rafael, Repha'el, Israfel, Israfil, and Sarafiel. Irmo (Elves), Eord (Dwarves), Losfan (Gnome), The Great Healer
Feast: September 29; October 24
Symbols: Archangel holding a bottle or flask; Archangel and a young man carrying a fish; young man carrying a staff.
Patronage: Apothecaries, alchemists, blind people, love, Spring, laughter, magic users
Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to Raphael gains a +2 bonus to save vs. mind control and can cast break enchantment 1/day.
Favored Weapons: Quarterstaff

“Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, and do not be slack in thanking him." -Raphael, Tobit 12:6
Raphael means “God heals.” Raphael is known as the angel of healing. He’s full of compassion on people who are struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Raphael works to bring people closer to God so they can experience the peace God wants to give them. He’s often associated with joy and laughter. Raphael also works to heal animals and the Earth, so people connect him to animal care and environmental efforts. People sometimes ask for Raphael’s help to: heal them (of illnesses or wounds that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual in nature), help them overcome addictions, lead them to love, and keep them safe while traveling.
Raphael is often depicted in art holding a staff that represents healing or an emblem called a caduceus that features a staff and represents the medical profession. Sometimes Raphael is depicted with a fish (which refers to a scriptural story about how Raphael uses parts of a fish in his healing work), a bowl or a bottle.
Clerics
Clerics allied with Raphael are herbalists, apothecaries and wandering healers and teachers. Most of them are "Mendicant" priests who live quite poorly, but some set up shop in remote villages or in the wilderness as healers. So great is the dedication of these clerics that all but the worst bandits and monster will often leave them in peace, as such beings may need the healing touch of a cleric soon enough.


Raguel (Friend of God)

Alias: Raguil, Rasuil, Raguhel, Ragumu, Rufael, Suryan, Askrasiel, and Thelesis. Nuada (Elves), The Great Judge
Feast: November 1
Symbols: Gavel and Book
Patronage: Order, cooperation, vengeance, justice, the sea
Cleric Alignments: Lawful Good, Neutral Good,
Power: Clerics dedicated to Raquel are skilled in hide, listen at doors and move silently.

Favored Weapon: Mace

"The forces of darkness are always among us, child. And the light cries out ever for vengeance. There is light and there is darkness, and I cannot rest until the darkness is destroyed and the light shines into the hearts of all." -The Spectre (Raguel). The Books of Magic
Raguel means "friend of God." Raguel is known as the angel of justice and harmony. He works for God's will to be done in human relationships, so they can experience fairness and peace. Raguel also works for God's will to be done among his fellow angels, supervising their work on the assignments God gives them and holding them accountable. People sometimes ask for Raguel's help to: overcome mistreatment and get the respect they deserve, resolve conflicts in their relationships, solve stressful problems in mutually beneficial ways, bring order out of chaos, remain true to their spiritual convictions under pressure, and fight injustice through helping people they know who are neglected or oppressed.
In art, Raguel is often depicted holding a judge's gavel, which represents his work fighting injustice in the world so that good will triumph over evil.
Clerics
Clerics allied with Raquel are renowned detectives, magistrates and other agents of justice. All of them seek to bring peace through clear thinking and selfless acts. Many serve as clerks and accountants for the nobility, as they are considered to be unflinchingly honest.


Phanuel (face of God)

Alias: Paniel, Peniel, Penuel, Fanuel, and Orfiel. Nienna (Elves), Heskil (Dwarves), Merciful One
Feast: September 1st
Symbols: Book, Door
Patronage: Repentance, forgiveness, exorcism, penance
Cleric Alignments: Any Good
Power: Clerics of Phanuel are standard "Law" clerics as detailed on page 11-13 in the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook, with all of the benefits and restrictions mentioned therein. As a bonus to their devotion, clerics dedicated to Phanuel gain the Alertness feat for free (see page 32 in the Blood and Treasure Players Handbook).
Favored Weapon: Sling

“And the fourth voice I heard driving away the Satans and not allowing them to come in front of the Lord of Spirits to accuse those who dwell on earth” -Enoch 40:7
Phanuel means "the face of God." Phanuel is considered to be the leader of the Ophanim group of angels -- the angels who guard God’s throne in heaven.  Phanuel is also known as the angel of repentance and hope. He encourages people to repent of their sins and pursue eternal relationships with God that can give them the hope they need to overcome guilt and regret.
In art, Phanuel is sometimes depicted with an emphasis on his eyes, which represents his work watching over God’s throne, as well as his duties watching over people who away turn from their sins and toward God.
Clerics
Clerics allied with Phanuel are intense men and women who seek an ever-increasing intimacy with The Holy Trinity and to help others do the same. The awareness of their surroundings and themselves make clerics of Phanuel excellent detectives, demon hunters and explorers. Many clerics of the Archangel become thief catchers, and gallows thieves. Despite their usefulness and goodly purpose and devotion, clerics of Pahnuel disturb most folk, as their penetrating attention makes most people nervous.


Sariel (Prayer of God/Angel of Death)

Alias: Suriel, Suriyel, Selapheal, Salathiel, Selathiel, Sealteal, Seraphiel, Sarakiel, and Saraqael. Mandos (Elves), Bannoth (Dwarves), Vadok (Orcs), Angel of Death
Feast: None.
Symbols: Angel bearing scales or a scythe, Black-winged angel
Patronage: Those who are dying, the elderly,
Cleric Alignments: Neutral Good
Power: Clerics dedicated to Sariel may use a touch of death once per day. They must make a successful melee attack against an opponent and roll 1d6 per cleric level. If the roll is higher than the target’s current hit points, they die.
Favored Weapon: Flail or Dire Flail

"Another angel (Sariel), who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand." -Rev 8:3-4
Sariel means “the prayer of God” or “one who prays to God.” He is also referred to as “Zerachiel” which means “God’s command” and describes Sariel's duties leading people’s souls to judgment. Selaphiel is known as the benevolent spirit of death (one of very few). He brings both judgement and relief for those who suffer, ushering the spirits of the departed to either their rest or their everlasting doom. He is also known as the spirit of prayer and repentance, helping connect to God through prayer, giving them the focus they need to block out distractions and concentrate on praying. Sariel motivates people to express their deepest thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, and to listen carefully for God’s responses.
In art, Sariel is often depicted carrying a golden censer and ushering the souls of the departed to the afterlife. Many of his depictions are ominous or dark, and occasionally bear a skull motif.
Clerics 
Clerics dedicated to Sariel are an interesting, even odd lot. They wear black or grey robes and carry reaping implements (flails).Clerics of Sariel are renowned embalmers, and usually act as undertakers for any community in which they dwell. Such men and women are servants of mercy, and look to bring a peaceful end to those who are coming to the end of their days. They seek to encourage repentance before death, and to ease the passing of those in great pain. Despite this selfless aim, most people fear these "Death Priests" and usually avoid them.

Pangea: Music To Game By

Following are a few bands and songs that I think are excellent for setting the mood for a Pangea Campaign.


Future World Music - Voyage to Atlantis
Pretty much anything by Future World Music is excellent for fantasy RPG music and particularly for a campaign set in Pangea. Moody, melodramatic and full of that energating "pop" that brings the majesty of grand vistas to the hearts eye! I highly reccommend.

Audiomachine - Young Blood
This song and the majority of Paul Dinletirs Epica album is superb for gaming. This is a grittier and more "aggressive" sort of music, with a strong feel of light vs dark. Excellent for grim struggles and moments of hard choices in a game.

City Of The Fallen - Elohim
City of the Fallen is a production music company based in Washington DC. They produce music for movies and video games, and so all of their compositions are moody and excellent for action scenes. Though not as good for travelling music and longer sequences, these songs are excellent for fight scenes.

Blood and Treasure

Recently I got my hands on a copy of a delightful game called the Blood & Treasure Fantasy Role Playing Game by the talented John Stater over at The Land of Nod blog. The game makes use of the D20 OGL, using much loved material from earlier editions of Dungeons and Dragons.
HOWEVER, Mr. Stater does not just make another addition or re-hash of earlier work. Rather Blood & Treasure is a brand new game inspired by favored aspects of those earlier works. The game uses the basic D20 mechanic used in D&D 3+, but streamlines the whole thing into a form that can quickly get you to the action.
Character creation and gameplay is quick and easy to understand. However, this version of D&D retains the deadly aspects of earlier editions. MONSTERS WILL KILL YOUR CHARACTER. No easy healing or rest periods here. Anyone looking to enter the life of an adventurer is in for a rough (but potentially rewarding) time.

For further details, downloads and other info of gameplay etc, go HERE.

Things to Come

After reading the game book, I find the need to put together a game. And after a quick look-round it looks like I have some interested gamers looking to try their mettle on Blood & Treasure.
So because I delight in world building, map-making and tinkering around with settings, I will be putting together a game-world that will use the Blood & Treasure rules. I will be posting art, maps, monsters, gods, peoples and other assorted tidbits.
So stay tuned!

5th Edition D&D

It sure has been awhile since I posted on this blog. Well all thats about to change.

Recently, I got my hands on the playtest rules for the 5th edition of the Dungeons and Dragons rpg. Looks like the game will be released by GenCon 2013, hopefully gaining interest due to the aftermath of The Hobbit coming out in November.

So far the game looks promising, but I will have to subject the game to playtesting with a number of new and experienced D&D players. As I am an unabashed tinkerer and storyteller, I will also be putting together a setting for this playtesting campaign, and see where it goes.

I will be posting setting and game details, my thoughts on the game as well as details concerning what the players do (which can be quite entertaining in and of itself).

So stay tuned! Lots more to come.