Hail to thee of might and valor! I am no Devil Strahd, but I offer you something else! The sequel to Beyond Nebigtode is available in the 30th issue of Threshold Magazine! This article, “Lost Jaibul and other Dark Secrets” continues the narrative set up by The Black Rajah. Furthermore, it looks at two new domains coming from the later years of Blackmoor and the fall of Taymora. Be sure to check out other articles from #30 as well, detailing the Alphatian Sea and beyond.
Am I fully back to things? No. I’m still somewhat on hiatus. However, I am putting in something for Threshold Magazine Issue #30. This continued Mystara – Ravenloft crossover contains two more ancient domains. The first looks at the later years of Blackmoor, as a crusade against the Beastmen truly kicks off. And for a post-Great Rain of Fire realm, there is one taking from Taymora.
The former examines a torn apart colony besieged by endless war and enemies on all sides. A glorious admiral is not the man he once was, lacking the confidence and passion to truly bring a new age for Blackmoorians under his protection. And worse, he can’t even bare to fill his ego by looking at himself, as he only sees the beast that he acted like. However, in rare moments, he can muster enough of himself to gather volunteers to always fight back and uphold their sense of ancestral pride.
The latter explores a post-apocalyptic wreck, degraded from their days of glory, but still advancing and moving forward. This corruption of Taymora is a warped look at an old culture. And despite their attempts at pushing towards a better vision of the ways, they are viewed as backwards by the seas at large. As for their leader, once a great daughter of one of the many Vampire High Priestesses, she is cut down in both beauty and sanity. Still very powerful, she alienates and horrifies the public, as her gifts will never work as she desires them to again.
Likewise, I elaborate on some of the tortures facing the Black Rajah of Jaibul. Lifted right from the words of the Voyage of the Princess Ark, the Rajah faces new troubles in the Demiplane of Dread. Likewise, his call for allies falls on mostly no ears.
As I’ve posted before, I have an article in the current issue of Mystara’s greatest fan magazine, Threshold. The article, “Beyond Nebligtod: Mystara in the Mists” explores three new Domains of Dread that have a distinctly Mystaran influence/perspective. Likewise, check out the other amazing contributions as well. Also, shout-out to the editors and layout designers for their amazing work.
So, what gives? I vanish from you fine people for a long time with barely a word. Well, I owe at least some explanation. In short, things have not been exactly exemplary, tearing me away from creative stuff. Lots of personal problems I may divulge in another post. On top of that, being hardcore burned out on D&D has made things a bit rougher in general. Either way, I’m back with a bit of an announcement. Without telling you too much about my life, things have been a bit hectic during my semi-hiatus from the page here. But, I’ve still kept busy with at least something.
So with that, I’d like to inform that my contribution for Threshold Magazine is nearing completion. The theme? More victims of the Dark Powers hailing from the world of Mystara. Read the frantic notes of the Black Rajah of Jaibul as he tries to make sense of his own situation. Dare to seek more on other prisoners of the mists, even a word on Meredoth of Nebligtod! While two of these domains are based on previous creations seen on my blog, this article expands a little on Vasfar and Ylar. Joining them is a domain that connects to the mysterious pocket domain of Acotlaza. This is the Scarred Crags, a mockery of Tiger Clan attempts to conquer their siblings of the Atruaghin Clans. While the themes of fighting lycanthropy, colonization and oppression are no strangers to the Demiplane of Dread, hopefully this new Darklord’s pain pleases the Dark Powers. And likewise, I hope that those reading this are just as eager as I am to make some more mad creations for the Demiplane of Dread. Should things prove popular enough, this might continue. Beyond Threshold, I might make a follow-up for Fraternity of Shadow’s Quoth the Raven or perhaps Threshold once more. Likewise, musings on converting Ravenloft content to BECMI. The Darklords and related creatures get only minimal mechanical considerations in the current article though. In the meantime, the mists are parting once more and something dark lingers nearby.
I’ve been in chats with the fine creators at Mistfactor Press, a group effort to properly update the Ravenloft Campaign Setting for the D&D 5th Edition DM’s Guild. Despite my misgivings towards the current edition, they’ve done a fantastic job and are more than deserving of a look over. They’ve even made 400 page volumes examining said domains in great detail. By all means, consider at least the digital copies. You can find more on their user page, looking under Van Richten’s Encyclopedia of Darklords and Domains.
And with the project leader’s permission, I’m also helping to launch an effort to convert mechanics to 2nd and 3rd Editions. This will only cover things not found in each respective edition, not the entirety of the books (as much of Volume 1 alone can be found in each respective edition). Furthermore, this project will not include any lore that isn’t tied into the mechanics somehow (such as the Darklord’s curses). And as a slight disclaimer, this project is not meant to take away energy or success from Mistfactor, but only help to spread interest and attention by opening the gates to classic fans who might not otherwise be interested in 5th Edition. Stay tuned as always, including for Threshold Mystara Magazine #29. This too will involve Ravenloft.
Seelie, Unseelie, Four Seasons and a few minor houses. There is more from there. And by all means, all of them scheme and dream. All of them seek to triumph over the rest. And worst of all, to see one of them fully succeed would spell the end of the fey. Even those devout to Rhiannon would bring about their queen’s deepest fear. In the end, the politics and ways of these creatures are too alien to fully understand. How would they avoid absolute destruction? How would they rebuild? It would take a lot of speculation to imagine how pieces would be picked up by such truly unique creatures. But, a mix of Real Speak and Chant alike has been formulated into some well crafted notes. So, by all means read ahead and dare to discover how much of it is actual truth. Normally, I strive for truly gripping information that holds the tests of scrutiny. But, for cabals and corridors this deep, such endeavors are impossible. Perhaps I have been mislead by rivals? It is the fey way, after all.
Author’s Note: The last of them, at least for now. These remaining sects, like the three before, hold less overall political power and tend to be less centralized. However, most of them are some level of crazy, even by fey standards. Also, huge shout-out to The Piazza forums. Their ideas helped really bring this to life.
One last trek through the mists, friends. One last trek is all it takes. Will it spell the end? A new land? Unsure. May something out there pity us.
Author’s Note: The year is ending and it’s almost Christmas… Will I do more Ravenloftian goodness? Well, someone has to in the face of Poseurloft! But really, we’ll see. I’m tired of D&D, as has been noted by the lack of crunch for a long time. The good thing about a lot of my creations is that I can rebrand them as something else, if it came down to it. Anyway, hope your days were jolly and nice. Or at least, more so than in the Lands of the Mists. Perhaps this is goodbye to the Demiplane of Dread, at least for now. Likewise, a few more metaplots are looked at here for now.
Gather quickly, my free time is limited. I have dire and gruesome fortunes to unearth.
Alleissa, the protege of Midwife Mebbeth can do more than treat what ails ya and talk about the art a bit. Did you know I have some knack for fortunes and looking at possible events? Don’t just take my word for it… Gaze into this crystal ball and allow me to show you. Why are you reluctant? Despite this adorable fuzzy rodent face, I swear I won’t call ‘The Us’ to you. Between you and I, the Brain-Muncher Vampires from the Below make better friends than the Cranium Rats… at least the ones who aren’t too barmy. Anyway, divination. Sure! Let me see likely scenarios and the unlikely…
Hmm… Hmm… Oh my… All of these look rather grim. Day to day in the Cage already brings its own ample bad news. But, one always finds a way to adapt and perhaps normalize the horrors around them. On a much better note, good can always come from these bad events. After all, a mad tinker “pure blood” married I, a witch and a mutant. I already know the next of kin will be healthy. Plus, I’ve made sure many young in The Hive live and grow, in addition to seeing their own first light of day. Even the aging and old, they’ve continued better thanks to my mentor and later me. So, perhaps that’s a sign of positives among rather negative days. But, onto the readings themselves, I warn you that the foreboding you sense is warranted. Dark things lie ahead. Do you still want to hear more? Should you not want to, it’s understandable.
Author’s Note: Alleissa, the rat mutant, returns. This is just a series of scenarios based on what CAN happen with the plot hooks I set up. I don’t know if I’ll touch on them beyond this or the after effects. After all, you’re all free to use my plot hooks as you’d like. And yes, I straight up ripped off the Halo trilogy and a bit from Buckaroo Banzai! Likewise, let’s tie up some plots with the Acts of Balance. For now, I want to close the door on some Planescape metaplot. And with that, have some Sigilian nightmares this chilly season.
Some mad scholars and greybeards speak of the Demiplane of Dread in hushed whispers. But, this is not the only accursed place to float within the Wheel. No. Other planes have been covered, including rather lightly from Ramon the Planes Chronicler. But, his information is too sparse to be helpful to many. I, a humble scribe assisting “The Narrator” shall regale you with wonders and horrors alike. Know that the planes isn’t just dangerous at times, it’s an unending nightmare. Prepare to never wake up again and let us continue our journey.
Author’s Note: Happy Halloween from The Planes! I figure it’s time to mix things up. So, RavenScape madness continues as I also look at nightmares of the Great Wheel both canonical and fanon.
Autumn harvest draws towards a close as the heat dies down. A dull wind wraps along the lands, bringing in disquieting eeriness and a spine-chilling cold. The time of phantoms returns, as the bridge between worlds living and dead lowers once again. This is a time when spirits observe our realm, or so the stories say. Those within Darkon are clever enough to document and comment on such things. You would be wise to as well. Beware, for upsetting the souls of the damned is a fool’s task!
Author’s Note: Whispers of secrets always travel the mists, at least as long as I can think of cool characters and places. Also, more Prisoners of the Mists references. Likewise, my homage to the Overlook Hotel from The Shining. On one more note, please pardon the previous post, I was on vacation and was very tired. Hopefully, all of the goodies in here make up for it.
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Daemons & Deathrays 
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