Guild Of Arcane Lore

So don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I’ve been married 33 years in August. I have two wonderful daughters.

It’s not really my problem, but I’m tired of shaking my head.

Modern women need to get over yourselves.

Your va-jayjaouy doesn’t make you special. Slightly more than half the people in the world have one.

If you are demanding your partner have a vasectomy before you have sex with him, he needs to leave you. You would be outraged if he demanded you have a hysterectomy, so don’t try and make the same claim of him then try to say it is a legitimate negotiation tool.

Sex is two EQUAL partners sharing each other’s body with consent needed on BOTH sides. It’s not a woman finally deigning to lower herself.

She’s not entitled to a relationship any more than he’s entitled to sex.

Your not that special. If it was just about sex I can go down to “9th and Hennipen” and buy that for $2 a pound, maybe less. I can call 1-800-hot-sltz and have it delivered like Domino’s.

In the most recent “Mrs Tathelsen’s Device” we talk about Padern’s family, the Fletchers and the rift between him and his brother, Edern.

Spell of the week

Pocket full of Posey

Fyvrian (Level I)

Effect: Allows the caster to produce a bouquet of flowers. The exact type of blossom depends on the emotion you are feeling and, if created as a gift, the emotion the recipient feels towards the caster.

CS: creates a large bouquet of flowers, this gives a bonus of +25 to any Rhetoric or Oratory check

MS:creates a small bouquet of flowers (less than 5 blooms) +10 to any Rhetoric or Oratory check

MF: produces a single bloom. No bonus

CF: produces a single dead bloom. -10 penalty to Rhetoric or Oratory

I’m collaborating on a few projects, one of which has a “magic tree”. I don’t know that it’s an overdone trope, but I can think of a few in fantasy literature, and literature in general.

So here are my favourite “magic trees” from literature, mythology and pop culture. This list is certainly not exhaustive or comprehensive, just ones that I could think of..

Yggdrasill

The world tree of Norse Mythology.

It’s probably the grand dad of the Tolkien mythical trees. Yggdrasil is attested in the Poetic Edda compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and in the Prose Edda compiled in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In both sources, Yggdrasil is an immense ash tree that is central to the cosmos and considered very holy. The gods go to Yggdrasil daily to assemble at their traditional governing assemblies. The branches of Yggdrasil extend far into the heavens, and the tree is supported by three roots that extend far away into other locations; one to the well Urðarbrunnr in the heavens, one to the spring Hvergelmir, and another to the well Mímisbrunnr. Creatures live within Yggdrasil, including the dragon Níðhöggr, an unnamed eagle, and the stags Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr and Duraþrór. For the record it is an Ash tree.

White Tree of Gondor

First White Tree

The first White Tree of Gondor came from a fruit that Isildur stole from Nimloth the Fair, before it was was destroyed. Isildur brought the sapling to Middle-earth and eventually planted it in Minas Ithil before his house. But when Sauron returned to Middle-earth, he attacked and captured Minas Ithil in SA 3429, destroying the White Tree. Isildur escaped, again taking a sapling with him.

Second White Tree

In TA 2 while in Minas Anor instructing his nephew Meneldil in rulership, Isildur planted the sapling of the White Tree in memory of his brother, Anárion. This White Tree stood until TA 1636, when the Great Plague spread across Gondor and the tree died.

Third White Tree

A third sapling was planted in TA 1640 by King Tarondor. After the line of the Kings failed the tree never bore fruit and seldom flowered and finally withered and died in TA 2872 at the death of the Ruling Steward Belecthor II. At this time no seedling of the tree was found, and the dead tree was left standing "until the King returns.”

Fourth White Tree

Following his coronation as King of Gondor, Aragorn was taken by Gandalf to a hallow on the slopes of Mindolluin. There, Aragorn found a sapling of the White Tree. The dead tree was removed from the court and placed in the Houses of the Dead, and Aragorn planted the sapling in its place. In June of TA 3019, the tree bloomed.

The Christian Tree of Forbidden Knowledge

Whether you consider it sacred or mythical, the Tree in the center of the Garden of Eden has to be considered on your list of important trees.

In Judaism and Christianity, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is one of two specific trees in the story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2–3, along with the tree of life. Alternatively, some scholars have argued that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is just another name for the tree of life.

Spell: Tree Merge

Fyvrian Level VI

Author: Dennis

Caster is able to physically merge his body and consciousness into a tree of at least his body size or greater.

While merged caster can cast spells, use Psionic abilities IF he is of high enough ability to maintain consciousness

CS: Duration until actively ended by caster. Maintains consciousness

MS:Duration up to SI: days Maintains consciousness

MF: duration SI ROUNDS. Does NOT maintain consciousness

CF: duration indeterminate. Douse NOT maintain consciousness.

SI:30+ maintains consciousness, even with MF

SI:55+ can extend perception through tree body.

SI:85+can extend perception through root network. Maintains consciousness, even with CF

In one iteration of my P-Harn there is something called “Concordance Eve”, a very Christmas-esque sort of affair, with a celebration and gifts.

In writing about Padern and his little cabin in the mining outpost on lake Myen, I like to think of him, the members of the Rangers, the cooks at maybe a delegation of Taelda getting together for a large meal, a few drinks, some merriment and music during a long, dark Navek evening.

Merry concordance Eve, peace to all

Spell:

Water to Wine

(Odivshe Level I)

Creates SI Quarts of wine from Water. Can be used to heal infection if inbibed. Heals Universal Penalty.

CS:Heals 25 Points of Universal Penalty

MS:Heals 10 points of universal penalty

MF: No effect

Spell

Ice wand

Odivshe Level I

Effect: creates a Odivshe focus to appear out of the air. The wand is 6inches long by 1/2 think made of ice. It will melt after duration.

CS: +10 to any Odivshe spell, duration 2xSB Rounds

MS:+5 to any Odivshe spell, duration SB Rounds

MF: +5 to any Odivshe spell, duration 1 Round

CF: No effect

For those who have been listening to the podcast don’t think I don’t appreciate your support, even if that’s just lending me your ears for a few minutes.

I’ll try to be better about posting on Tumblr as well.

I just rather avoid more days like this one.

In this weeks Guild of Arcane Lore podcast we talk about the value of joining the Guild.

This weeks Spell:

Dirtball

Fyvrian (Level I)

Cleans an indoor area of dust and gathers the dust into the mages Primary hand.

When used as a projectile it disintegrates after 1 throw

CS: SIx2 m2

MS: SI m2

MF: SI feet 2

CF: No Effect

50+ gather in casters choice hand

60+ may me used as a projectile

Wt 1 B1|E-|P-

80+May be shaped into a Taburi

Your weekly spell

Rat speak

Author: E. Blaensen

(Fyvrian Level II)

A version of tongue of P’var,

A self enchantment to be able to be understood by all breeds of rat. The caster can understand and be understood by CS: SIx2 MS: SI MF: 1, CF:0 for SI minutes

ML 66+ May be cast on a person other than himself

ML 85+ can command Rats (They will accept simple one word commands)

Eadbald Nordsen

Spell of the Week:

Eadbald’s Shade

Author: E. Nordsen

(Peleahn Level II)

Creates a man sized shadow of smoke that is thick enough to to cast a shadow.

ML+45 can sculpt a particular face or shape

ML+60 can animate motion

ML+80 suffocating attack similar to Aklash attack

Duration:

CS: 2xSI Rounds

MS: SI Rounds

MF: 1 Round

Do you like this picture better?

Your spell of the week:

Weep

E. Guilford

Level II Odivshe

Caster causes target to weep uncontrollably causing the following penalty to target actions.

-50 to any combat or observation EML

CS: SI round duration

MS: SI/2 round duration

MF: 1 round duration

CF: Affects caster and target for SI rounds

This week I talk more about Guild structure and about..

Mr. Elfias Guilford

I would also like to add a NEW Harnmaster spell each week

Find

(level IV Odivshe)

Author: E. Guilford

Effect: pour a single drop of water on to a map while uttering the incarnation. The drop will fall on the map and trail from your location to the object or person you seek.

+25% if using the blood of the person you seek.

+10% if you are using the tears of someone crying over a loss.

Bonus effects

85+ pour the drop on the ground and the drop will lead you to the person/thing you seek. Same bonus apply

CML+ x

Time: 25-CSI Seconds

Range:CSI Hexes

I am of two minds on this thing called “the patriarchy “. On one hand, it seems like a very convenient bogeyman to blame every failing on. Feminists never simply fail, they are somehow thwarted by the evil patriarchy, (because it’s impossible for women to just not achieve something, right?)

And also, like every poor, old, white man I’m concerned that the title “the patriarchy “will turn into a witchhunt. Do you know how a witch hunt starts? First you get a group of people that you disagree with and call them witches. Invariably these witches are people with no political or economic power that have pointed out others possess that power.

So I’m the kind of man, and let’s face it when they come for “the patriarchy “there won’t be any women on the pyre for this witchhunt, I’m the kind of man, poor, old, white that will end up with his feet on the kindling. 

So obviously, I am wary of such conspiratorial bogeyman organizations as “the patriarchy”.

However having said that, there is obviously something.

I have a story from when I was in the military in 1991. I was stationed with the area Rank and trade school on the Mattawa plane at CFB Penawawa. The area Rank and trade school is a temporary facility that runs every summer. The Canadian Armed Forces primary reserve are mostly students who need a summer job, and the ARTS gives them employment and training when they most needed.

I was staff in this organization, working in a section called non-public funds, specifically for a group that was named messes and institutes.

We ran the officers, NCOs, and Junior ranks mess. The military provides their own drinking establishments on base so drunk soldiers don’t get into fist fights with drunk civilians.

I was working in the officers mess. By this time in my military career I had been in for almost enough time to get my CD, (a medal).

There was an officer drinking in the mess that night, Major Peta Wolfgang Hess von Kreutner, but when I met him first, he was Pete Hess. I think he was only Captain Peta Hess von Kreutner then. He died as a Major, bombed at a UN observation post in Gaza, “accidentally” bombed by an Israeli airplane. 

Pete Hess was a first ballot Hall of Fame asshole, but he was perfect in his role as an infantry officer. He was smart enough to be tactically sound, and was very aggressive. Just the kind of man you want when leading a group of soldiers to whom violence is not only a solution but the best solution.

Pete was with a few female officers. There were about half a dozen other female officers in the tent, and about the same amount of make officers. Despite being, or perhaps because, Pete Hess was such an asshole women were invariably attracted to him. He wasn’t very tall, maybe 5’ 10” –5’ 11” in height, but was extremely fit. 

I was the server that night and would catch snatches of the conversation. There was one female administration officer, a young Lieutenant, trying to have a discussion about women as officers in the infantry. Pete was having none of it. And Pete was never what you would call articulate.

He turned to her and said, “do you know why women should not be infantry officers? “

She replied, “no, I don’t”

And with that Peta punched her right in the forehead above her nose and knocked her out. He then drank to the bottom of his glass, crushed out his cigar, stepped over the young woman and left the mess.

Now I guess my question is:

Is Pete Hess the patriarchy? Or is the half a dozen other women who sat there and watched one of their own, someone arguing how equal they were, get punched in the face, are they the patriarchy? Or is it that those half a dozen female officers not lying flat on their back, looking at the male officers they were with to stand up to Pete Hess… are they the patriarchy?

To quote Mike Tyson, “everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the face.”

Yes Captain Peta Hess -Von Kreutner (I don’t believe he had added Wolfgang to his name yet) was charged for striking a subordinate, it was certainly not the first or last time Pete Hess was charged. 

I wish I had looked at Routine Orders to catch the specifics. The last article in routine orders deals with who was charged with what and how much they paid. It’s always the best source of rumours on any post. I believe he was charged with “conduct unbecoming”, fined $100, and was forced to make a written apology to the officer. Pete was well known for picking a fight with someone, letting them have the first few swings, and then beating the living shit out of them.. in self defence, of course. He would always send some pansies, and a heartfelt apology for breaking your jaw.

I can understand their reticence to confront Hess that night, I have had my ass kicked by Pete before.

I’ve been thinking about the bare bones of the campaign and I have some figures to tie it around.

As I’ve said before, Niagara makes an interesting location for a vampire campaign. Do you have a hard border between Western new York state, (Buffalo, NFNY, and maybe as far as Rochester) under Sabbat control and the GTA, and Hamilton under the Camarilla. However Niagara itself has large population areas cut off from each other by very rural areas. It will be very difficult for any Prince to enforce any sort of central authority.

Werewolves would always be a concern for the vampire population in these locations. Along the northern regions of Niagara (grimsby, Saint Catherine’s, Niagara Falls) there fairly populated areas, while in the south and central areas (welland, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Dunnville) you have less population and I would think a much wider, wilder werewolves influence.

When I consider this area from a V 20 standpoint, I put the Ventrue and Toreadors in NFO and St. Catharines.

The Tremere I put in Niagara on the lake.

The Brujah I would put in welland.

The Gangrel are along the Southern tier, mostly in Dunnville.

The Nosferatu in Fort Erie and NFO, and the Malkavians in any urban area.

The Ventrue.

The nominal prince of this region yes in Saint Catherine’s. Arthur Lampman is that Prince and he maintains control through the use of the Niagara regional police. He has three childer who act as Sheriff and scourge for the entire region, all NRP officers, as well as three ghouls.

In each of these communities he has a “tap house”, A place where people have been turned over to the Niagara regional police constables without any documentation or paperwork, and are hostages and meals. They have these tap houses set up in old, abandoned building buildings in town. Ghouls guard during the day, kindred at night. The prince doesn’t allow much in the way of traditional hunting, preferring the approach of the taphouse to keep from breaking the masquerade.

I’ve been a Harniac since the 80’s, before Harnmaster or Battle Lust existed. I have always found the world of N.Robin Crosby to be delightfully detailed and consistent.

I am hoping to find other Harn enthusiasts to discuss stories and Adventures based in Lythia. I hope to restart my Roll20 Mines of Lake Myen chronicle after I return to work and set a schedule.