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5.8 KiB
Plaintext
1 line
5.8 KiB
Plaintext
At the Gallows v1.0.1
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by: Brian Kiedrowski (Stareye: bckiedrowski@students.wisc.edu)
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Readme by: Stareye and Jamie Clark
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Welcome to At the Gallows, my second scenario for Blades. First allow me to thank you for downloading this scenario. Within you will find a true long epic adventure that I hope you enjoy. Here are a few notes that are required reading:
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1) Although the scenario is rated 'Very High' (to prevent HP doubling) it is imperative that you begin with a starter party. Believe me, there is ample experience to gain in the scenario.
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2) The scenario is rated 'R' due to graphic violence and a couple mild sexual references. If either one or both of these offend you, please refrain from playing this scenario.
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3) Please ensure the custom graphics file is working properly. If you see the picture of a Gallows in the first dialogue message, they are working properly. You will need a .BMP for Windows and a .MEG file for Mac. If you need help making these, consult the instructions in the manual or post a help message at Spiderweb's message board.
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4) Although it is not essential to playing Gallows, I strongly recommend that you have played the Exile (or Avernum) Trilogy or at least have read the condensed background in the Blades manual.
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5) Further updates and information may be found at:
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http://stareye08.tripod.com/atgallow.html
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Here is some background:
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It is the year 1247 and the Empire is experiencing the golden age of prosperity. It has recently overcome a troubled history. Memories have faded of the Emperor Hawthorne's system of exiling dissidents to the caverns deep below the surface. Towns destroyed during the Vahnatai plagues were rebuilt long ago. Very few realize the significance of Vahnatai Crystal Souls. Only the secret areas of the Empire Archives contain this information, but access is on a need to know. Some history books tell of the Empire being an omnipotent tyrannical force, but most regard this period as a footnote in the grander scale of the Empire's positive achievements. They emphasize how the Empire has provided a peaceful rule for the past few centuries -- a Pax Imperia.
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The Empire's wealth and power reaches every corner of the planet. Now the Empire is governed by several smaller sectors overseen by the central government at the heart of Pralgad. The days of true absolute authoritarianism have long since expired. The Emperor is little more than a symbol, representative to the countless bureaucrats and elected officials who maintain the Imperial fabric.
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It is the time of a magical renaissance. Magic is seen in more practical uses throughout the Empire. Portal teleportation has been developed to transport large quantities of food and minerals. Some areas have means of long distant communications (some even have a visual aspect). Many magic based technologies lost during the ironcladian rule of the Empire are being rediscovered. Yet still, many scholars speculate much remains hidden.
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The hostilities of past have long been forgotten and peace (for the most part) has reigned supreme for over a century. And yet the Empire still maintains a large military of well trained soldiers, mages, and priests. Its function is mostly two-fold now. One is internal security and the other is ceremony. The great wars and conflicts are now a thing of the past. Being soldiers in the Empire means routine, routine, and more routine. Very few truly ever experience real action these days. For instance, the Troglodytes on Pralgad have been acting up lately, but that is about the extreme.
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Unfortunately, your group is stuck in Ag land, far away from any hostile Troglodyte. Your luck seems to be changing though. After spending two years as soldiers in an agricultural sector in Pralgad, you may finally see some conflict. The past few months have been witness to the rise of a strange group of cultists. At first the Empire ignored these as mere deviants. However, the band has increased in size and ferocity.
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So, your superiors have decided to assign your group, of all the others available, to supplement the guard of a town that has recently come under assault. Up until now, the cultist's activities have been limited to raiding a few of the local farms or even looting shops. You doubt that this new turn will produce much more excitement.
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So who knows? This change in routine may lead to action, adventure, and a chance to be free (for the most part) from some paper pushing superior.
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HALL OF REMEMBRANCE
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Like a few scenarios out there, Gallows includes a Hall of Fame to those who have accomplished certain feats. There are two branches open to players:
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Branch I -- First 10 players to complete the scenario. To enter this branch, please e-mail me with a summary of how you completed the scenario.
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Current Occupants: Alcritas, Bruce Mitchell, Janet Cone
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Branch II -- First 5 players to find the recipes for the Weak, Medium, and Strong Skill potions AND to find a place to produce them. E-mail me with a description of how you located each.
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CREDITS
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Betatesters -- Jamie Clark, Luz Piazuelo, Ryan Phelps, Jayne Holt, Morgan Wild, and Terrors Martyr, and Imban
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Graphics -- Aceron, Alcritas, Elwin Windleaf, Gli Gorion, Jayne Holt, Luz Piazuelo, Relhan, Tim Farland (I apologize to anyone I may have left out)
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Readme -- revisions by Jamie Clark
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Thanks to Alcritas, Brett Bixler, and many others whose works provided inspiration in numerous places in this scenario
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Special Thanks to Isaac Asimov whose works inspired many parts of this scenario
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***********************************************************************************
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- Stareye |