Scan by Kernunos13Gamemaster Sourcebook Authors: Mike Nystul, Doug Tabb Editor: Doug Tabb: Editorial Director: Ray Winninger Box and Book Cover Artist: Daye McKean Hibs and Role-Aids are trademarks for role- laying aids ap dyventures published Mayfair Games Inc. Note on Language: Vor the Feoriventence, the male gender is used as a neuter term throughout this product, This does not imply any chauvinism ‘on our part, it simply takes up less space ~ and makes for much smoother reading. Se if e © 1993 Mayfair Games Ine. All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be duced in any form or by any means, except for the inclusion of brief ations in a review, without permission in writing from the publisher. Herinission is granted to the purchaser of this book to copy the maps and hi és for personal use, provided that one of these copies are sold of trad ISBN: 0-923763-83-X 760Sutroduction to Archmagirs» Welcome The soiuid of revsding eood signaled that the minions ‘ere sgpoi us, but ley were foo late. The last syllable of the Freenntation hivng th He room, causing the hair on the back of “iy. rieck to staid. Outside, beyond the hunreds ‘of thealls, the Sky was ready darkening as the muons roth out my began $0 disintegrale. A ragged, raging sere pierced idence ns Morphidius storied into He chamber, the Ax [Evegolhe leld igh, But before Ite could reacl the pertinetey she cotiurng cele, he ied crumbled, avid woe knew that al. ‘eros the world thousnids of sinilar fates coere taking place, The great works of fantasy fiction are filled with ingle, unbelievably powerfal miagik capable ‘affecting, for good oF ill, the entire world. In many sos ouchras these, only an unstoppable force is.ca)pe- ble of defeating an unspeakable evil Grand magic polls and aystical ontfaets embody this qstoppablg | force, going fat beyond the purview of “common” magia realm of Architigic. 4 : __ is elimanie sourcepsck conta information, “examples, and helpful advice, al aimed towards helping you introdtice powerful magies into your campaign world. fi ti Common Magic “My eyes. liane been opened for tte first tinte, ayid the. ‘eorld wiick spreads out before nie jush i ly We endless. Although “common” magic, the kind of magic typi cally anipunl by rca ands, ‘ ritacutous Brey confound the mundane, it is severely: fimited in scope and duration by what is;commonly ‘Known as the laws of magic. These laws dictate a niun ber of tings, stich as ehat a spell may. only effect a 8 ‘ifie number of targets or that a spells effects may last only for a specific time, There are also a number of orcas fects typically teperved only for gods an oliet Exceptional beings, which can be reproduced through common magic only in the most limited of ways, such Things ag immortality, creation ahd the manipulation of most mages attempt to stretch the limits either through gainirig mote experience ng enisting, spells through research. In Fhowever, their spells will always have ean perfoan feats £6. ‘There ave those two are content fo leit all tiere ts, aud & there ave those of tes zoo will never be content with mint fins Fees provid by the gods of creation. “Archmagics are the “loophioles’ which allow snortal wi. ards to bypass some or ‘what means these immense ‘known by: ‘all of the laws of magie. It is nol prowess ext tho ‘tote bev thatthe power was wover into the fabric oF the universe by plane. By creat mages could Immortality: Many have gone macl in their quest for"). vetlasting. When every ‘Lis exhaieted, those who are powerful in the mortal world grovel I bei “magical {he gods of ‘eatin 10 femipt mortals fo pr le the gods with energy while they walked the mortal 1g spells wwhicl fap into this primal force, pire tothe level of the goss themselves, Magical means at there dis: ‘before gods, demons and other supreme x (9 provide them with immortality, often at the cost of thelr souls, Tacs, “Througih the archunagical pow meri of the greatest Noes ‘and means can live for- ‘of rituals and arti- over withiout the ditect intervention of the iminortals, Creatio the divine ms Another ability that is the sale province of Ts rue creation, Mortal wizards can shape ‘vig Of magic OF fabricate whole objects from fragmen- tary sa most powerfu Renee allow fidinge lems from the stuff of nothingness which are as bull les bul [both methods are tenyporary. Only the J can make the conversion permanent. izatds to, perform acts of creation, veal and permanent as any item in the world, Time: shel arch thse ‘time the ble Any the eourde ebents being all and the old ev Bulito those with the correct vision, time and space stand out ‘Axchmages ny charges which have the only force as powerful as that from mages spring, s the force of Time, While itis Hamper with the slow moving stream that is“ jwet-of archmagics makes such a thing posst- ‘been made or are made to ceptible to most, the new t having never existed. / these alterations to. {ike scarred over wounds. bs il # of history are iny ‘Those mages who have reached suich an incredible 7) level of experience during th such powerful archmagics, are know! archmages spelleaster ‘world or perhaps even in the Likewise, th lives to successfully u archmages. These "7, possess vast knowledge in the ways of the 7) ‘a handful of peers in the entire entire multiplanat universe, {ives are rather different from th le and have onlynary mages. Archmages could as easily be visited by an ‘elder diagon as by a faveling noble and could as likely be found living under the waves asin an isolated tower. _ Astifacts “Aplifets are arcane items which are unique and immensely powerful. A single artifact is capable of per- “forming miraculotis Feals and could easily be the single: foal of a mage’s life-long ambition, Artifacts frequently, fave the capacity to bypass the laws of magic to pro- duce effects on acworldwide of universewide scale, ipires are items of incredible mag. senna mounts of yyetedd information regarding magic and ac eral sea oles wrociced here else, The comprehension of this knowledge alone is often enough to grant the grimoite's thaster sig: | nificant abilities and magical insight. i ee : __ Archmagtes até greatest of the magic spells, rituals: | which are so powerful that no spellcaster could channel {4 produce sufiicient magica] energy to cast them, Those © yeho cast archmagics must draw on the energies within: ihagie items aid other sources of magi to power the rt: Walls effects, Like artifacts, archmagie spells are powver ful enough toslter an entire world or univers _ The Atchmagic Sourcepack Within the Archmagic sourcepack are several books and playing idl designe) eras your eo ing powerful magics in your games, This eS The Arehmagle Sourcebook, containing informa: tion on archihagi¢ rituals, archmages and artifacts of Archmagic Sourcebook What you are now reading is the Archmagics: Sourcebook. Within this tome you will find details on what life is like for those whom the world considers arehnitages, as well as two archmage NPCs (one good, ‘one evil) for use in your campaign. . ‘Also intcladed in the sourcebook are examples of artifacts and sample grimoires, items of stich magical power that few exist in the world, and those that do are Coveted by their owners and warred over by nations. Lastly, this sourcebook lists several qrchmagic spells; tiluals of the most powerful nature, Some arch- magics ase $o potent that they grant the abili destroy the world or create it anew. y “Adventure Book ‘The Archmapics Adventure Book contains detailed plans for introducing a number of the spells and items from this book into your high level campaign. These large ‘encounters can be run individually, diopped in between ‘other adventures of the GM's creation; of run as a single, epic eatfipaign, Many parts of the adventure make use of the Map'Book and the Game Aids mentioned below. Map Book ‘The Acchmagics Map Book contains eight beautiful- ly detailed, fold-out maps as well as extensive text describing cach magical land, reali or dimension. GMs “an ithier uiilize these maps curing the adyentures pre- - Sented in the Adventure Book, or integrate them into their own campaigns. “Realms of high magic await you, such 9s the Red Room, the Macrodrome, the Gibborigg,Caverns and the City of Bones Game Aids ‘Also included in the Archmagies sourcepack are twelve game aids, or props, to use in your archmagical Adventures. Many of the Archmagic game aids are specifically designed for use in the campaign presented in the Map Book ne @ A a 4ArchmagesThe Archmage Subclass ‘The path of magic is a long and twisting one. The skill | ‘apprentige can no mone see its ene! than catia skill 15 wizard ‘The urchmage, while he still has so Far to go, can begin fo see ind, Though they may not realize it, both the appren \wiaard are slowly, magically evolving into those evolution wil ee sie most fee ge a the archmage subclass begins when a wizard reaches skill 18. ‘AC his point if he totally commits hin)self 0 the magical ways, bie is kriowi ds a skill 18 archinage, The archmiage confines to "progress in skill level in the same manner as a svizard, becom: sill 19 ashanti 9.975.000 XP 4 SGI 20 archaea 150,000 XPs, ee, Likewise, archinages use the same 4ssiel HTK dice, saving throws, combat tables and spell progression fs normal wizars, They also, suffer the __sweapars and anor as tele fesse spell-casting bnethien _ Requirements _ “To complete the evolution into an aehimage, x yizard | inust five an Intelligence aind Insight OF 17 oF great, an _ Auilily ond Staining of at least 14, and a Strength of no less “tha HL hs far ony huss, elves and halle have bbeon Known to make the leap to arctiniage stalls, Archmage “members of thier faces may exist, but their existence es never been documented, ‘Onke a sharacter makes he decison ( become an a mage, he must dedicate himself to the Ways of magios he anit Take gay tet es fe ay be Mba na ey fever again bexin progression in another class. He mivst inumeyse himself completely inthe ways obmagi, ‘Charaeters who, successfully. be nsges gah the _ following benefit me # + If he does tot already possess it, the archiitge gains the non ~ sweapon profigioncy, Spelleral, He does not, However, suffer the =2 Check Moditier shen employing the proficiency, WAN archynage quiomatjeally receives a magie resistance ual 10 iy shi Jevel vs. spells cast by wizard of Jower i arehmage, ‘Thus, a skill 24 archniage sill resistance against spells east by wizards of ‘can detect magic within a 100" radius and will “have knowledge of what type of magic is being Ne estos of at pel), + Similaly, the Archmage Wil istanily be wamned whenever he is the subject of any Divinaiion type spel, no matter how fav away is being cast IF the archmage saves vs.. spells, b ays hnow exaetly what he spel wisn is Beng © cast ly, ani archinage can create the effects of rat ove spells a will without the indicated verbal, material and Somatic components or required time to cast Caking oily 1 Found to cast), At 21st level the arehtage ean cast | first | level spell at will; at 24th level he can cast 2 different first level spells at will; ete. The spell must be chosen when the archmage reaches the nécessary level and must be a spell ‘whieh he normally has access to. es aye negative aspects of being an archmage as well Upon reaching the status of archmage, the character constant- {y radiates majo eneraies, allowing tim to be automal “Ay detected! by oiher mages within 10° (similarto a detect Ihis tiation is constantly emanating from the - miage, whether he is magically active oF not, unless he can ‘someliasy cléak or suppress i An archmage is also a being of ‘obvious magical power, dnd as such is often the target of those shi would Kill or subvert all those of such power (see Life asan Aching, below) Level H -ogression ~ Archinage Experience Levels Vos HTK Necessary Dice (D4) i 1048 109 1010 Losi lo+12 10413 long lor 10H6) ee 10418 10419 10420, 10421 10122 10#23 1os24 10425, ‘Axchinatee 15,000 3,750,000 4,125,000 4,500,000. 4,875,000 5,250,000 5,625,000 6,000,000 6,375,000 6,750,000 7,125:000 7/510,000, 71875,000 8,250,000 8,625,000 9,000,000 9,375,000‘Po accommodate the archmage’s achievement of skill levels beyond (he 20th, a table Is given above showing the XP levelaiecessary to reach those levels. New HTK dice for the levels is also shown | Spell Progression __ | Archmage Spell Progression “ Archinage Spell Level 2 special 9 1 A 2 2 ee Banoo BS Gaseous oom 6 4 6 7 ey ak 8 & ay: 9 eee 25 19399 * Can past arefniagie spells of 10th level #8 Can cast avehiningic spells of 11th level)” #4 Gaur cast archmagte spells of 12th level, 4444 Can cist archiagie pels of 13th level. 440 Can cast avehiiagic spells of 14th level. sheen Can Ai schnagicsbels 150; level, “As archmoges frequently achieve skill levels. consider bly hiebier than otter mages, they are capable of using more ‘spells than are listed un the standard spell progression chart, ‘Below ig an extension of that chart showing how many spells are available al the higher levels. H s of the Elder Wise: As An Archmage ‘he lifestyle of an archmage is everything a wizard sts, An achmage is content in the knowledge: patient soul to demons oF yansforn ‘ages a6 i that he world, power may eventually lead to his demiset an eternal balance, ‘Their daily lives are as normal as they are stage. Gutlined below are various details of the lifestyles ~ of archmages, from where they live to how iby spend tlieir daily hours, from how they survive 10 Who they. ‘associate with, and from what motivates them to their eventual fates: The Necessities of Life Liven arehmages must pay some attention to the necessities of life (hough there are, notably, more ns anon afehmages than other groups). Food, helter, mortality: all must be attended to, These fyet, become 4 pritiary concern of many. Fe spent on the researching and devi Spell Telieve the mage of these responsibil i6s 9 his ow mortal forin. The less sticeessful, or less ‘ent even commit the ultimate sacrifice, selling their ig theniselves into such things as liches, Most, However, leath to deal with their ‘own moj(ality:and rely on themselves or others for the ‘her jiecessittes., © Magie is a rare commodity, and magie of the caliber which arehmages ean wield is even scarcer. Many benevolent or benign mages will often trade their ser viens fos the things they need to survi ‘ale latde amount oF as an ongoing source, depend the service which was provided. Particularly fed with equal Kindness by the surround esidents, who sill often provide the mage with ‘tinuous supply Of necessities, regardless of the “mount Of serviees provided in hopes that the mage will | likewise Continue his lletpful services. ore sinister and self-serving mages seo this as a waste of thelr-sirength. Why exchange their abilities when (ey might get what they need through coercion. and intimidation? Many mages ofifiis ilk build their ‘tronglholds in populated areas and extort the susround- ” “Ing countryside for necessifies and even servants. If the popilace becomes uncooperative, they can lay about the tegion with their devastating magics. Not too much, / however — the locals must still have enough to provide for him and to survive themselves so they may continue {6 provide, having learned their place. Many of these images also have a considerable army of meteenarles. or minions at their command, If the, m1‘yoary of dealing wlih the locals, he can simply send aiding pasties (0 take from them what he needs, Sone Aide enterprising achniages will often hire mete ties or adventurers to acquire valuable objects or treasure for then fi exchange for sons shagie bauble or « percentage ofthe salvage and the chaice for more assignments, This treasure can then be use 10 purchase the things the mage requires | The Jast option is available only to the most capable “of aichinages scho have researched ways and dovised “gpells which ean produce food and change mundane * inatetiols permanently into gold. Such mages keep these ‘spells stviely 10 theinselyes as they ate the most sought Ifler by Besedy, shortsighted wizards across the lands, Archmage Activities ae By i ‘ ‘ Like those in the Wotld around him, the daily jiterests and acivities of the archmage vary widely. Alissa life of intense mragioal ang and practice, oflen having aveled far and wide, most atchinages like © Sele ini single axes snd set up some kind of stconghold, Hers, a kind ot *relltemonl,” they, nay pursué thell interests t0,Wwhatever degree they chooses: Pay e ‘While some mages prefer (0 enjoy. “the simple things, _siigh as garfening, writing, painting, etc., which they. might hol hive had tne For in their younger days, others conte fo remaitt active in the field of magic. Ambitious niazes ‘ave 16 achieve world domination aid doggedly apply theit powers (6 these eis, While ios sioply craye, ulersip, ‘others see the position as a way to improve the world around (hein by uniting the lands under # single, strong leader, This motivation also guides those arehinages. who. avo leks amnbitigus, These mages practice theic magic for the ood ofthe wolld aod itn, curing diskaee, aver dis asters, advancing (eclmology pr even autsmpling to correct INS NIBIES GERIGOID, 0c la aaa ak ‘The Hunter or the Hunted? ‘The world i filled with people (and ctr beitgs) wih « “raving to be the thost powerful being in the sold, Though injoludes many archininges; drawons, demons, gods, nial cies all Vie for work supremacy as well ings pose « sigiicant threat to the existence 1, for only by defeating these rivals can one ibove all (or avoid destniction himsel!), i ‘rohmage ean asstime either the rote of the FGF sey, toe both ges ave targeted for only a few specie One is because the mage is viewed as a threat- either (0 oth 18 of his kind of to the world around him. While evil mages typically hunt dawn other mages of considerable power in ‘order (0 destroy the forder to eradicate the threat they pose tothe world, init. A considerable amount of time is spent by these mages ‘Worrying about whom thoy might seek out and planning bow they might avoid detection themselves, ‘Archinoges are also sought out for a, periaps only slight: ly, less threatening reason. These mages have usually, over {he course of thor lives, built up 0 vast storehiouse of wealth and powerful mugie ieins, There are those who would seek {o slay thom and pillage their holdings, or perhaps even force the mages themselves into doing their bidding. “To deter av untimely demise in this fashion, mages fre~ ‘quently employ 4 number of methods. Most merely hide from, the world around them, isolating themselves from most of ‘ivllization and\oking special precautions when casting their " inusies, Jest the be discovered, Such mages disguise them. “Selves as more ordinary folk whenever they. must venture “ heyond their stronghold and develop false personas when dealing with oihers, i ‘Other archmages fake the opposite approach and faunt heir magica abilifies to the extreme, presenting the miost for- midable flguse they can. Though they, hope, that in this way they ean intimidate ad deter others fron acting against them, ihe reverse fs usually true, the mage is seen #8 a considerable ihreat aid ty systemattelly elinvinated The Obedient & the Loyal | Biven avelinages ate seldom so solitary that they associate ‘vith absolutely. na one, Even the most sinister and paranoid ‘of wizards usually fas an apprentice or small retinue of faith~ ful (bu unainbitious) servants fo handle the anuindane tasks of > eyetyiay Tite Servants “Amnbitjous nuages (hoth good and eV} frequently employ {Lumber of servanis and guands, These commoners perfor ty of tasks which the mage cannot bother himself, {vith while he works, Housekeepers ave employed to maintain his keops riders to deliver messages into the surrounding Mieinity oF fetch supplies; guards to protect him; and advisor, “entertainers or concubines to engage in his leisure time, Mercenaries ean be hired by the hundreds to protect the image, his keep and his lands, orto launch asta Sounding area. These woops typically provide the Mi they themselves are visually sought in x! those i ia i entry ou hs tation as mots as posible ‘with @ massive force of men whose loyalties will last as long. ‘4s the mage’s gold is ood and continyes to flow freely. They ‘can prove unyeliable, however, as they may be hired 10 betray the arehimage by anyone capable of providing more gold. ‘Mages of good alignment sill typically employ such ser- Vant, treating them well and paying them regularly. U's insportant to: keep them Joyal to the mage.) Long-time ser ‘ants of sich mnages are often regarded as close friends and ‘are well tigated and respected by the mage (an outstanding ind conifortiig fringe-benefit for the servant), : “Evil archmages usually employ less kindly means of ‘ecuriig their servants, Slaves ore raided from nearby seltle~” meats and pressed ino servitude in the mage's keep. In the Nopinion of miages such as these, these servants ate easily Jaceable and omy liefally be worked 10 death, Meseenaries ‘ofien hired, not only to defend the mage from outside Site Bil to Keep te fervans i ltne as NOL. Lito wh int OF such a mage is seldom pleasant and can only 6rd in scape or death, 4 ‘ ie Some archinages sequlte setvants as a result of thei sta: tion of jn relum for some service the nage has péifortned, In uses Whese the archmage is the ruler of a given ated, ser vans, bodyguards attendants, advisors, ad messengers are provided fo atend him, advise hint and see to itthat ier 6 he pure ies his oiier interests. i eit Olen servanus come Into the magc’s employ as payment for servikes rendered by the mage, ILis coninion for the poor 10 soll their children or thetnselyes into seryitudé in exchenge. forthe wieard's aid in such things ss ending blight the Weather, or destroying nearby raiders servitude is permanent, though usually 1 laste pre-determined amouii of fine. i “Another type of servant, not mortals, aie altomatons aind creatures, of te Undead: Though evs versatile anid more coniples to create, tiese, greatutes, provide unswerving loyalty anid often possess @ umber of abilifies which ordinary servants lack, Golem, and auton’. {ons provide unbeatable srength and dusability while undead fare able to follow more coniplex orders and eannot die yihile such ds these ae normally, iniore isolated farchimages greedily hoard their scerets and ine time or another, will take on apprentices, a Nig dates are spirited away 16 the mage's stronghold where they sualy availble to lesser “These young ligpetil wiards ao Taken it for ; Most archmages are willing (6 share their knowledge (@t. 44 Ieast to some degree) with these apprentices for noble reasons. a ‘They realize that they will likely not live forever, and wish (0 « pass along their seerets or find someone to «tino hein’ Work, These mages take care to find candidates with the. potential and dedication necessary (o purse «lie as @ wizard "The mage works closely with these young wields of magic, showing them the necessary precautions as well asthe normal Tita! procedures, Such a apprentice often goos through i ‘considerable portion of his life inthe service of his “mastet ‘The avehmage himself is usually of such skill and power, that the apprentice may become a skillfol wizard in his own tight 9 aiid still have great deal he can lear from his. master, In most eases the archimage dies tong before all of his knowl: ‘edge un be jimpressed upon his apprentice, Oftimes arch- mages come «rexard these apprentices us dearly as children Likewise, ab archnvage’s even offspring inay We trained in fiihor's magic says. The natural children of archmages fcauenily have grea, inherent magical potential themselves, eoligving the mages of 4 sometimes lengthy process of desnigod as a boanley oc blacksmit The asehnage’s power granis hint «unique position i ‘eyes of other powerful beings, Oiler aichnages coll on hin “fhither theiy-own ends through somie cooperative effort _ Dertons fear him hecnse ofthe potential fos he represents and So treat hint sil espe. Tnimosals recognize Mie i and experience 1 oceasionally seek is ‘confide in, him some secret which they Know Ba Keep. Fantastic and powerful creatures such as intelligent dragons see the archmage as a kindred'spirit and peer, and will offen s to socialize with the mage to sélieve the isolation of their lives, “— Strongholds ‘Facilitated by theic Immense power aad evause they Are frequently wellsiraveled, archiiages cnn live nearly anywhete they want 16. Oflen the! have two oF more houses, Keeps, o: “trongholds. some or all of which are kept as secret as possi- ble to insure the mage’s anonymity and saley. 4 ie oe Location) 7 ae if ae ea Sain mages choose to live i isolation far Hom the new= est civilization, This could be for any Gf several Teasons ‘depending on the motivations and personality OF the mages, Some, realizing thot they may eventually be hunt Los ‘evil aichmages, will seek 0 divorce Ne 0 that when the inevitable happens. na innocent bystanders ‘will be hafmed in the ensuing struggle, Though fatalistic, this " intucte displays 4 dep caring for others : i In other, eases, avchmages ate inspired by paranott (0 17) lige the gone slated lraios, Hearing assissl: her maues or theft of their property, these mages as a line of defense, ih effect hiding from ai from anything which night threaten their exis cw of thes’ solitary mages often go an extra step heir keeps heavily, placing varlous guards oF "hwindane 18Ks as cleaning, secu ‘Some of these archmages fake their need for isolation to the extreme, building thelt strongholds on other planes of This step is the ulliniate barrier between the mage fand any danger; the mage himself is typically powertul ‘eough (0 travel easily from his domain to. the prime plane. ‘Mages who take this step have had (0 plan the mos years in vance in order to study the necessary building Yechniques: required for @ potentially unusual envisonimient ‘Osher archmages choose to live near or eveh amidst civi- lization. Typically, these mages either consider themselves ‘PoWverfu chougl Lo repel any attacks on thele persons oF do + hot believe they. are sigoificant enough (0 be of interest to ‘ther powerful beings. Many of these mages feel they need ‘he surrounding populace for thelr survival or erave the com- pany of the Gomnmon man “Mlvesd mazes frequently feel the eel to involve then selvesn thie fives of those around them. Many insinuate ihomelves inp powerful positions, becoming the viiers o visors of the araa’s rulers, oF becoming the rulers them Ives, Bvil or self-serving archmages lake this step 10 inorease their power by ruling all they survey, Life under these nilets is usually harsh, and the citizens are typically forced to/contribite motley, goods or even themselves or family members to the mage in return for his “protection” from outside forces, TMore benevolent archmages see this position a an ‘opportu {improve the lives of those around thems, They Constantly use thelt power for the betterment of those under thee cule, {ypically doing such things as making the land ‘more feule, chaiging the sveather, curing blights, repelling “sales, ef. Whicther life under these rulers is prosperons or fiok is dependant on the abilities of the archmage, though fost subjecis are tisually happy with such a mage’s rule. - While some arehmages enjoy thi Hee pister the company’ of humanity without the responsibit- Gl ice: Mages such as these will often live a “secret” life “smnong the conimion man. living in ordinary appearing, houses ‘and going abot their daly lives much as the common ‘would, Only within their homes does life change and the ‘mages employ their powers to any degregiposing them for suet an maintenance. If some ‘ulside force thteatens the city, however, they will usually drop this facade to cote tothe defense of the suronnding area Structures “The strongholds themselves vary widely depending’ on... the personality nd history of the archmage. Sone mages tise their wealth and power to erect massive stronahol sapble high-profile lifestyle, Ns‘of repelling small aimies, These fortifications are usually equipped with dozens of lavish rooins, extensive Taborato- fics and libraties, labyrinthine eatacombs, amt magical servants and fortifications, Depending on the mage’s power and resources, the outer Walls of the fortification tel! could be made of beautiful marble, caived with nhicate reliels and polished smooth. A keep such as thls © olla ypeally serve an aichmage who might be as con: 1 Cetned itl iis ow it personal comfort or appearance 3 the study of magic, | Other aschmages, those with a narrower focus, might build towers or sina keeps with fewer comforts of supertias, + ous coms, whose main purpose fs (0 Facile the mage in B his study of magic. Such buildings Would be rather sturdy to lect them from any harmful side effeeis of the mage's perieition an oly wit ie sents of time iat the mage dosen't need to interrupt his work (0 repair ee Lee ‘As mentioned above, some archmges, Pe vdinary-appeariig houses, perhaps within de Kes ‘hese buildings could actually be common houses iypically they are structires which hiave been significantly renovated” through various maglcs to be sighiicantty big- ‘get, more comfortable, more seco, ete, of the inside, What {rom all appearaitees fs a mieie hovel of the outside, could dilually be an expansive palace on the owl Image all the comforts and facilities he ctaves, without con- emning his neighbors or attracting mettdlesome thieves. Cillicr arohinages liké to mnake use of existing feeiities, Soin haye either found vacant or more commonly, taken ‘over an existing castle or keep after destroying or diving off iis previous owner, Here they go about setting things up. (0 thelr likings though there ate frequently unknown factors ‘Goons, Cursed, neighbors, et.) which the. pfevious owners: ‘were aware of, but nowt must be deal vith by Ue arebinages, another disedvanie to these “ised” stronghold as that they could be of any age, and hence, in any conltion: stairs might be unsafe, walls unsound, timbers infested, ete, requiring the mage or his nilnions to invest time and esouices in repairs, ne “Another type of slionghold whieh the archinage would rot have tc build himself, fs the toyal palace. Mn situations ‘where the wage is filing the roll of ¥iziet oF ruler, he will, of couse, be living in he royal palace, Here Ie could go about “his everyday business of desting with maliers of state with “out having (0 rouble himself with the mundaneries Of upkeep: thee are a plethora of servants andl subjects (0 do these thing note isting” stronghold, usually found in isolated areas, which ate Ofled thade use of by archmages are eaves and cavers. These nlassive unldergiound expanses provide a significant amount of open space within a sturdy Hone contine, The mage sill usially modily these chambers to suit his, purposes, adding doors, furnishings, Security, and: ‘other necessities, but leaving the areas primad}y natural. Siich strongholds are frequently quite fantastic, having enor ‘ous halls lined with naturally forined columns, bathing. chambers with undergeound rivers and waterfalls. nd fu hishings omately carved into the very stone of the caver. Also on the fantastic side, are Keeps built into gigantic ‘trees, donned cities beneath the sea, oF strongholds built gn the clouds whic: ronin Jozily oyer the unsuspecting cou sige. ‘though they are, strongholds such a these are! onimonly svithin the power of archmages (0 construct.” Toumieys fo keeps such as these are offen an integral part of aasy adventures, "sh uliniledesidng factor n eteryining the lifestyle ‘of archmiges ae, of course, their motivations, These moti- vations ate coinmonly fOrged from birth, starting with the typical racial personality of the mage. This mental founda. tion. theo ifligniced by the mage’ life experiences as he As Flom child to adult and from novice to wizard. A age who vas taken in @s 8 child and taught to respect iiatize and selflessly live in harmony with other creatures ‘vill Haye a radically different lifestyle as atv archmage thon ne who was chused as a child and constantly harassed by moss I njagicians. “Neharaeters motivations, in game terms, ave represent 4 primatilyby their alignment. In the above example, the fist sizafd described would have an alignment of lawful {oad while the olfcr Would likely end up neutral evil. This Fe ot 4 ha and fas role life experiences are handled dit. fereny by different people, The abused mage in our exami: ie ‘ple could possibly have overcome his adversities and devel- ‘oped cholic good at least neutral alignment, A charace fee's aligninent, however, will sill belgrgood representation ‘of his motivations, ‘Arioier determining factor in the archmage’s lifestyle is hhs drive or ambition: how actively he pursues his beliefs. Is.) he content (0 lay back and let things happen around him, pos | Sibly believing this is the way things are meant 10 be? Or» does he doggedly strive to take an active roll in the world ‘around him? Such a motivating factor will primarily dete ‘mine where he lives and how much the archmage will elfes those around hin al iPi, Esta elo was, many tig years ago you 1 tsines 0.45, gompetence among his peers but w Maliger's Thoughts: all could be traced tothe actions off Ulutately, it was not enouy it a sense of responsibi idan’ chose to cusb his wanderings and claim the dead L aor and grounds were fraught with ti “Snathmat’s life, but all were eventually eradicated, Flore “school, teaching young apprentices, tw ‘nypressing upon each the need! for self co When the allies returned and bade hin ian was resolved. Only when ne leanne his closest comrade, di Esti the life of more tha {o travel to its final reward. Only the body will ane returned to the city wher days had taken their toll, and Estiian wanted nothing mor semblance of a normal life city, he purchased a small, secure: ly to his former keep on the coast By this dens outside his city cottage the security of his stronghold where he could a leisure. The demon, Fargus, in the ™manservant. The fiend i still under the mage verbally, Estidian j lemon is impotent to harm iti hopefil. conjure of the College Bifens. He as summoned from his schooling prematurely sete "Viscount Ephemere in his war against the renegade troll tribes of Wolke 5 Serving aboard weil-guarded wagons near the foedtont of the battle, Etat Ai his fellows launched destructive magies at th misshapen togledstes tnt tea “au no longer stand by their own strength. Only then would te wagone bese drawnand the mages allowed to rest, ‘After this routine had gone on for many ges lng with several ofthe inane, eventually chose to pursue a old pl epee war Working together, the mages cast an ancient Spel, banalonig the toll warlords into humans. The resulting insurrection among the tac ranks set the tribes against cach other until none Wasa threst Estdian and his ales returned to ther homes as heroes but could nof stay long, adventurlust now in their blood. The band traveled for sane see Brongn power all the while, The downfall of Fuit-Kol the eleansg i eves of Porton the saying ofthe best, Clana he sleeping of theo ha ian and his comrades. igh to Keep estidian satis, His skill began to bring ty. With the defeat of the sinister Lord Shathmat. cord’s holdings as his ps and unexpected legacis of Estiian set up a small ot sy ata tne nthe arcane ats and) mttol and the respect of others m accompany them on one last quest, thatthe prize to be had was the soul of n consent. The quest was long and arduous, costing i one of his fellows, but inthe end the imprisoned soul wes front ned, inhabited andl mate animate ig demon. Using his magic, Estidian forever bert this demon to hig te he frst rained to retire, The trials ofthe past. vot his past ie, oly the and the enjoyment ofthe simple things long dena! hint domicile and tied it extradimensional- arrangement he could tend the small pas ann socialize with his neighbors, while sil enjoying labbe in the mystic atts at his body of his former comsrade, serves a his ian’ control but constantly defiles ‘ores these ramblings, knowing the ‘months, Estidian and some ofthe other These days, Fstdian fees his health failing. Though he dee ot wis to prolong his existence, as other dnchmages des heb fel he une to pass his knowledge along tone wh mii \wonthy.To this end he has begun a search to find thi ideal candidate ols apprentice, screening each carefully and passing them on lo more haditonal me Schools of magi. He grove impatient hosvever aid muy be force ccd jes GOO" for less than his ideal in hopes of falling his dy Wish 10 ti 32 " 10 ee “ oe Coon OM ao Ree eH . PSOE Nor eco a ee Latics rons sue mM Ue Tenet . . SURG ein nesta anid caninol be denied, proof ever COG Gini neal fh LOE UMTS Corr ear ae Cou a ete rea CSAS ease ere CR et Seat eater Cena N ro) ed 1 ‘py weno" au yess ane 1 axl nS sands 8 ‘sn4g i ois soni ot may ven his pyran i longer (foo anys avy ia Hehas tence mero wan bn GAP" Feds andthe feiture of huriedly-wroughe spel 4 ne ope of donne posts gpd ou the spp of ca ‘ron asia hi quest for work datnaion. The rs bonever danendedit en a erence arr. When Maphiis ied pec he Sul that he ve £05 gers n exchange, giving hi tiny remus ofthe nfemis in tee pce ee ‘timinuve ends ie upon is knuckles, ding abe as mack-digie aan cry ev sockets, whoring descriptions of al hat les borin Dec sof the demonic pct. these sal deans mus serve hima nommal apfendoges eae completely unhampered bythe Morph began his lite of magic asthe toaying apprentice of Laslon a ou! wird Lao ook several unaverble stands tonanleteetoag eee evenly became“ ns inthe yal eyes Moai ce {om ove him to accept an off to replaces former master and mde ne sheling’s name . ff enti te ing tt: Mors becans wily. ey eral li : 1 fhe kingdom. He cally he King’s tmbons of wine heh i rep Sea, song vue, auing ad asin biota i oe ache be GAS. Staines be ovened be kng's prc wi den ch [Sebel alsin th excitons himtn he erent te nee on i He that Mepis aed at his easing nor archaic, ein to destroy athe champions of the sounding nds inasnge How ane es 4s econ le Moyphidis igus and raced, loving nee eal ons igi tive him ou ofthe stronghold ding hs weatnese goa in th Legrun nouns, Mons lame he downfl of heing Sow fx yer hi greed andl antition involving him several ies inthe eee rower mages and pests. Many tines he tied to topple thud loch ehh ‘maze, omtines with militar force, bu every tine fing. Exenualy Mise ha dean nse inhi at oping io achieve emu power oeners fein ening ton Hisislation and he anperings wih he primal foes slowiy doe tn though hisascane genius sued. uh is servings ofthe ether, Maps ud of he existence of gateway [ne infra eas ang sae, nd ofthe renege ote Rnpiocd tin, {See destroyed Predicting ter eventual invlvemen, Mpa ee ct Area illed assassins anda lesion of mercenaries, an sent ihe odes heey rile, he could eacentae en how to best lize the nea eo Me dvs an achagic which ould allow him contel over ay ing which ested tough sch ge, bu needed an awn cue of Un eve ne, Alter long months of delving int ancien religious texts Mone loon ‘he 200s of old, who lvedin a iy inthe clonds Bulk oftheewene one fos themselves, th ity was sid t tack a lengtytat ego coe throug te ans Remy, Marphiius has dctennined iain he. gb loud yan is locaton. Jus days before he woul be cipal find ‘by the Knights of Ages, he transported himself and his eflensto the ity, There he onl ete rar scene rin tt pover his pel and po ee Now he wait fr th oper alin othe si af ta pe diglEN” SbNetketbe tesa gue Hs mewed die eet Neutcal BI ota te Knits a anyone be Wome stan wa 10 ‘ 9 ve 4 ‘ogether:we could rule all ep weapon OP he said, "Togetherl" As it he gan zay® COTTER OM NTE Eanes senor é UR URUGnr sree rane {Dattip 14 parts of Ve Pia asa An Yen SST ge i : UE AU on ran rat ant aS ch Oe8 a gyeleeti DO La Str TIS eas yal prowess anh DON) COOLS nanos ae HS ST sae WoT Pes from his living body as enters LUE aera ee) uss gic (1001 erect Magic ol Touch Perso File Eee na ental Cog eel Ue RG ABIL eT Se, See effects: Matic D's ‘chavmArtifacts ‘The: enchaninient was coniplete. As } gasped for cool breath tn the fresh night air, Lreflected on my condition, Yes, it woilld riot be long before the world and I parted, but “ing heart Was tess heavy now, Steaniing tn the molst grass Before ine was the golden scepter, wrought by my ova ids, which would kee 10 it that my lands would never ne fall. to darkness, t Jie ‘conjtrations of mortal wizards ate often as fleeting: shi ali bref lives al ths sag items they create ca ‘immorality heir spells are denied, Many. power: b imate ep “ould never be oisuotly introduced into a ‘ampaten as they ave of sich power that they could easily unbataice te game svithin a very short tie, Aritacts should be frequently excoiiieted by the characters, hoviey- oh ‘through’ miyths, legends arte the stories ‘of bards. These veiled and distoried feferences should be'used tov whet the characters) appetites so that when the time: oes © inler one, is significance will carry the propet weight. “IH Ps should ever go questing for such items 9 tongs out ‘of 10 they should be following false statics ‘oF encounter ‘sone’ tess powerful item (whi A}, When angatifuet {> intiodiced into play, it should Be fone of the MO significant things thal Ean happen in the ‘eanpaign, perhops the g0al of a he Aiduous dies © ying many months. y us Power Bleed [Most magic items are an aioe point for a complex kaot! of spells: Anlfets contain suet powerful mage thal nd to "bees nto he inet envionment ef none place t00 lon. | det effec! of extended exposure to an artifacts “energy: depends on its powers and the length of exposure. & © few hours will Trae lite effect, but hag percep Over the iv may. of may not work at, artifact is left fh one place for centuries, the area is often remiade in its image, 3 For instance, a crown that gives the wearer the ability 10% conimand fie would raise the ambient temperature in the, immediate area in a mater of hours, Tn day or by plant life would begin to die, anf over the « first year, the surrounding earth would become cracked. If ihe crown svas abandoned for decades, the area would ‘atiract the attention of creatures drawn to flame stich as ele- rigntals, Centuries of exposure could open a gale tothe cles ‘menial plane of fire, transforming the immediate area into-a woledsie wasteland, “This process is « good way for gamemasters to rationalize. | ‘he creation of dangerous adventures syhich would make _biaiing artes seal challenge he of Magic ‘An artiast containg a great deal of energy. In worlds * ¢ ‘phere there’ area fot of magic items, the amount of may “{teiny anid ariifacts may eventually reduce the amount of available ambient niapic the are, Nence making spell cast Kull to perform. If some powerful wizards realize this is happening, they may : fe that the easiest solution is t0 destroy a few isit coniained energies back into the the edneg ote He are 10 Nays a gamenaster can use this principle Lea ss the chavacters could be hited by a wi isi insite and convinces them tht some: a atfact to release te power it contains ‘haators already” possess am artifact, they may be stalked, ‘by-agents of a wizard who has decided one of the arti- facts they possess must be among dhe fist too, AC firs the eres Wl ot kiwis gong, but even if Figore i ul the wizard aay be able 0 convince the heroes a “desisoy their own magic items. Creation of the Relics Arcane Grealing an artifact ig an arduous and dangerous un {aking alfempted only by the mos! ambitious or powerful is the wlti- fate goal in the lives of many archmage ‘The potential artifact must be ei it falugady possesses some great magica siggythat of ordinary: magi¢ items (such as the hond of a lich oF ‘fone from the throile of @ god) or else must be crafted by the the enchanter himself or those’ under his personal direc- tion, The craftsinan (craftsmen) must achioye at least 5 points above the necessary Proficiency Check to create the tein and tt must be made of the finest materials available © fo} 100 mile “The enchanter continues by collecting no fewer than 6 “magic items of exceptional value and power (worth at least “30,000.XP combined), which are drained and rendered use “Tess in the anifact's creation, the items must be in pristine ‘condition aid tnaliefed by magic. The enehianter must sur- ound himself with these ftems and meditile on them undis- furbed for at least 37 hours to discern the patter of eldriteh ~ Higuamony which will be cteated by their combined cnorgies. 4 With this design foremost Un his mpd, the enchantey “ Inseribes the pattefn’ onthe ground using « combination of 60% gold dust, 33% ground semi-precious stones (of various types) au 7% eintabar Cor similar mineral). The collected ” ‘nagie items ate then airaiiged in their positions of sigoifi ‘canes about the pattern along with the ie & be cnctinted Now begins the hazardous ritual of Airifaer Enchantment (see page 39 for more details), Each of the following steps inst be suecessfol or the enehantinent will all, + Hah item must make a save ys... Highinin ecurs as the onehaniter chamiels his magic } ‘and back to himself. ae * ‘The enchanter, acting as a syncheonous conduit for this ‘must save V6. death aU -3 oF be Constimied, This intended artifact must save vs. death as if fh were a spelleailer of significantly fower level thatthe enchanter C1 {evel for éach of the colivcied magic emis), ‘Once this procedure i< completed, the new-mnade axtfact ‘must be quenched jn the darkness of a anbaniless night ull ‘dawn, The timing of this last step is oruclal as the item could beoome warped by the nevly-imbuied envggtes and explode ‘or fave its magic slowly leak away. , ‘The enchantor of 4 new artifact must take entra Cate, however, as any arehinage oF neat-archmage within 100 smiles ill certainly know of the enchantment. ‘This then anifget is potentially as dangerous undertaken only by the most | or needful) of souls, Destroying an artifact is alyays dangerous. Either the procedure itself is immediately life-threatening (such as submerging it into the.lava of a active volcano), oF th required to accon ing the cavemous temple of « humanoid death god and plac- ng the tein on the alter). Every artifact has ifs own unique means of being destroyed which is typically unknown, even toMthe person ‘ho created it, Only the most powerful of beings sich as ‘rls and demon lords can “pre-progrann” the means by which the atifact they create can be destroyed, 4 ‘To besin the quest for an asifact's unmaking, a spelleast ‘eof al least 8th level must cast legend (ove spell, The aster must have possession of the artifact (0 be destroyed, ‘long with 3 or siore powerful magie items (whose combined XP value is atleast 13,000) which are completely drained by the Hal, AL the completion of the spell, the easter niust maken save v6. rods or suffer 10-60 points of damage as the tage of the apifact lashes out sin le astra for 16 hours ddring which time he will dreann ofthe objects “unmakibg. As this knowledge comes in the form of a dream, ‘he infosmation may be clouded or misleading. Spending « ‘seek in contemplation ofthis information or spending S'days in discussion with a competent diviner or gifted seer has a 30% change f adding some clarity tothe dream, ‘An atifact could yespond to its unmaking in a number of sways, fropy niaspifigent to éoticlinactic, ‘There is only a TOs kine tha the dan of eestitton will foretelt ofthis event, Some items explode, annihilating everything for hun- ‘feds of feet around Somie merely crumble into dust; thers vansfort in a bUgst Of light into small creatures; white th- ‘ee sinibly lose their magical abilities while retaining their Toshi, Many other effects are possible and GMs are encout- fed 10 delenineelfecis which ave appropriate 10 the arti fact and the campaign. Somns examples of methods by which ar agsuioyell are. An enchanted weapon is rendered inert by plunging it Anrough the breast of is ereator. : + power cloak mst be rapped ie in pe saspbery Co 4 i pets nay be, ies pluiged into an Alive Vea, Tx ngtia eonstet aust be estsembled by he inst son cof a storm giant king. 27s powerful sveapon must be used to slay one of highly dis fiptned purty and ton Tithe artael must be breathed upon by an ancient, acid gear cng A magie device must be doused inthe lifeblood 6F jgpreonel y sh / ‘ r ‘ ih ) fe hi ms