Character Keywords

All Contents are Copyright © 2000 by Issaries, Inc.
No reproduction of this document is allowed without explicit written permission, except for limited personal use.

Black Horse County

Ethilrist was born in Slontos several generations after the Gbaji Wars ended. He fought against the God Learners when they invaded Slontos, leading a mercenary band known as the White Horse Troop. After several years of battle he was on the losing side at the Battle of Dengeren and fled north, pursued closely by his foes all the way to the Mislari Mountains. He crossed them through a secret pass which has not been found to this day. He spent more time in Ralios fighting as a mercenary, and achieved agelessness around 1050. Seeking greater power he took his entire White Horse Troop to the Underworld. There they found the home of the diokos demons, wild and powerful horse-shaped carnivores. Ethilrist defeated their stallion king in a long and arduous contest and gained the right for he and his men to take the demons as steeds, if they could. Many did. Later during his quest he met the Hound of Zeral and made it his own personal steed, and later still he wrested the Cloak of Darkness from Dehore.

Ethilrist and his demon-mounted Black Horse Troop escaped the Underworld when a portal opened and they entered it, unknowing of what lay beyond. They arrived back on the physical plane amidst a raging supernatural battle. Taking only a few moments to assess the situation Ethilrist threw in his lot with one side, and helped win victory for the Lunar Empire. This was later called the Nights of Horror, fought in 1506. For the next 20 years he fought for the empire from Pent to Charg. In 1527 he asked for a suitable reward from the Red Emperor and received a grant of lands in Dragon Pass (which were actually beyond the Emperor’s ability to grant). At that time he took for himself the title of Count, and began writing his memoirs in his monumental, twelve-volume A History of My Black Horse Troop. Whether or not it was intended, several volumes of work comprise a powerful grimoire, providing many blessings and spells to his followers.

Ethilrist fought for several years to evict the local Grazers who used the hills for their summer forage. By 1545 he had established the boundaries of his new land, Black Horse County. He named his home Muse Roost and his followers settled several smaller villages. He has served as a mercenary since, leading the Black Horse Troop into battle after battle throughout Genertela.

The members of the Black Horse Troop wear heavy armor and are mounted on demon steeds. They are extremely disciplined, and obey every order given to them. They are accompanied in battle by footmen armed with pole axes. Riders are promoted from the footmen, while footmen are raised from the peasant caste. Ethilrist currently has about 5,500 men under arms available to the highest bidder, including seven cavalry squadrons and two foot squadrons.

Ethilrist and his followers are members of a sect of Malkionism called the Atroxic Church. St. Atrox preached of Malkion the Stern. The Atroxi have strict caste lines, and upward mobility only occurs when Ethilrist chooses new members to join his troop. Religious mortification is widely practiced and sin is punished by public floggings, penance or branding. Saint Atrox predates the Abiding Book, and in fact part of his sacred text, the Book of Betrayal and Murder, is included in the Abiding Book.

Black Horse County Cultural Keyword

Physical Skills: Kneel for Hours.
Mental Skills: Black Horse County Geography, Black Horse Customs, Doctrine of the Atroxic Church.
Relationships: Member of the Atroxic Church. Each person belongs to one of four castes: Curelan (Peasant), Ridderan (Warrior), Zoberan (Magician), or Herrelan (Lord), and this caste restricts the occupations to which they can belong. Suitable occupations are provided below. Ethilrist himself is the only member of the Herrelan caste, and so no occupation keywords are provided.
Magic: Depends on caste.

Curelan (Peasant) Caste Occupation Keywords

The majority of peasants in Black Horse County are farmers, with enough crafters to be self-sufficient. Liturgists, merchants and camp followers are occupations most likely to produce adventurers, and many are former farmers who have distinguished themselves with their obedience. Merchants must be self-reliant, while camp servants are likely to be promoted to the warrior caste, becoming footmen. Camp servants are disciplined, unlike the camp followers of other armies, for only by showing absolute obedience to their squad can they hope to be promoted. Curelan liturgists form the majority of the clergy of the church of St. Atrox. They live in Muse Roost and travel to the villages and farms of Black Horse County to bless the faithful.

Camp Servant

Physical Skills: Carry Heavy Loads, Cook, Dagger Fighting, Dodge Attack, Load Pack Horse, Set Up Camp.
Mental Skills: Squad Customs.
Personality: Disciplined, Obedient.
Relationships: to Masters.
Magic: None.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Dagger 1, cooking equipment; a camp servant serves either 10 footmen or 5 Riders.

Liturgist of the Atroxic Church

Physical Skills: Dodge Attack, Ride Horse.
Mental Skills: Lead Prayer, Read Old Slontan, Write Old Slontan.
Personality: Obedient, Pious.
Relationships: to Congregation; to Church.
Magic: Liturgists have access to the blessings in The Book of Betrayal and Murder.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Ceremonial robes, a copy of The Book of Betrayal and Murder, writing supplies, horse and gear, 1 camp servant.

Merchant

Physical Skills: Load Pack Horse, Staff Fighting.
Mental Skills: Bargain, Dragon Pass Geography, Gauge Value, Know Customers.
Personality: Obedient, Self-reliant.
Relationships: to Customers.
Magic: None.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Pack horse, stout staff 4, goods.

Ridderan (Warrior) Caste Occupation Keywords

The Ridderan consist of six occupations: Footman, Rider, Liturgist and Knight for humans; Steed and Senior Steed for demons. Footmen are taught to fight with poleaxe and sword, and can be promoted to Rider status. Riders are taught basic riding and weapon skills, and then are given to one of the Black Horses. The steed follows the commands of the commander (a knight or senior steed) in battle, and a rider cannot over-ride the steed’s movements at those times. When the rider has learned Obedience, Ride, and an appropriate Close combat skill to 2 masteries each, and has proven his dedication and piety, Ethilrist may lead him and his steed to the underworld, where they must fight for the secret that allows control of the steed or rider. Promotion is in no way guaranteed in the troop.

All Ridderan are members of the Black Horse Order. The warriors are divided into Squadrons of about 500 Riders or 1000 footmen each. Squadrons are further divided into companies of about 100 men. The steeds themselves provide the under-officers of the squads, dividing them into units of 5-15 steeds under the command of a senior steed. Knights form the officer corps; squads are usually led by newly promoted Knights, while squadrons are led by senior Knights.

All warriors are given blessings before battle by Ridderan liturgists of the Black Horse Order. Each squad has two liturgists assigned to it: the senior liturgist and his assistant.

Knights usually have several pieces of magical equipment, from the magic lance and shield of a squad commander, to the full magical panoply of a senior Knight. These magical weapons and armor are provided by wizards of the Order of Black Iron.

Footman

Physical Skills: Climb, Poleaxe Fighting, Quick-march, Strong, Sword and Shield Fighting.
Mental Skills: Black Horse Troop Unit Traditions, Dragon Pass Geography, Identify Foe, Scan for Danger.
Personality: Disciplined, Obedient.
Relationships: to Order, to Squad
Magic: Footmen are normally given the Axe of Retribution and either Resist Pagan God or Resist Heathen Spirit blessings before battle. They may not join the Order except as laymen.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Leather and bronze armor 3, poleaxe 5, 1 camp servant/10 footmen.

Liturgist of the Black Horse Order

Physical Skills: Flail and Shield Fighting, Ride Steed.
Mental Skills: Lead Prayer, Life of Sir Ethilrist, Read Old Slontan, Write Old Slontan.
Personality: Obedient, Pious.
Relationships: to Order; to Squad; to Steed
Magic: Liturgists have access to the blessings in The Book of Betrayal and Murder and A History of My Black Horse Troop.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Heavy bronze armor and shield 6, flail 3, ceremonial robes, copies of The Book of Betrayal and Murder and A History of My Black Horse Troop, writing supplies, 1 camp servant. Each liturgist is assigned to one of the Black Horses, and are considered equipment of the steed, not the other way around.

Rider

Physical Skills: Lance Fighting, Ride Steed, Strong, Sword and Shield Fighting.
Mental Skills: Black Horse Troop Unit Traditions, Dragon Pass Geography, Identify Foe.
Personality: Disciplined, Obedient.
Relationships: to Squad; to Order; to Steed.
Magic: Riders are normally given the Lance of Agony and either Resist Pagan God or Resist Heathen Spirit blessings before battle. They may not join the Order except as laymen.
Living Standard: Common.
Equipment: Heavy bronze armor and shield 6, lance 6, sword 3, 1 camp servant/5 riders. Each rider is assigned to one of the steeds, and are considered equipment of the steed, not the other way around.

Steed

Physical Skills: Agile, Resist Rider, Run Fast, Run Long Distance, Strong.
Mental Skills: Black Horse Troop Unit Traditions, Resist Rider, Speak to Rider’s Mind.
Personality: Wild.
Relationships: to Senior steed; to Rider.
Magic: Steeds have several natural talents, and may learn more by visiting the underworld. Common talents include Breathe Fire, See In Dark, Terrify Natural Animals, and Thick Skin. Steeds are usually given the Iron Fang and Iron Hide blessings before battle.

Zoberan (Magician) Caste Occupation Keywords

Members of the Zoberan caste may become secular liturgists of the Atroxic Church, or one of two high orders: the Order of Black Iron and the Order of Damnation. Zoberan liturgists are the usually the first choice to be made church officials and bishops. However, members of the Zoberan caste normally join the high orders. Each mounted squadron of the Black Horse troop has a wizard of the Order of Damnation assigned to it for magical support, and access to the magician-smiths of the Order of Black Iron. Wizards always ride with the officers. Note that secular liturgists lead religious services for the two high orders, which have no liturgists of their own.

Zoberan Liturgist

Entry Requirements: Open only to members of the magician caste.
Physical Skills: Dodge Attack, Ride.
Mental Skills: Lead Prayer, Read Old Slontan, Write Old Slontan.
Personality: Obedient, Pious.
Relationships: to Congregation; to Church.
Magic: Liturgists have access to the blessings in The Book of Betrayal and Murder. Black Horse Order liturgists also have access to the blessings of A History of My Black Horse Troop.
Living Standard: Prosperous.
Equipment: Ceremonial robes, a copy of The Book of Betrayal and Murder, writing supplies, horse and gear, 1 camp servant.

Wizard

Entry Requirements: Open only to members of the magician caste.
Physical Skills: Draw with Chalk, Ride.
Mental Skills: Read Old Seshnelan, Write Old Seshnelan, Symbolic Sight.
Personality: Obedient. Wizards tend to be deeply immersed in their Otherworld magics, seemingly almost to the point of madness.
Relationships: to Order.
Magic: Access to the grimoires of the Order of Black Iron or the Order of Damnation.
Living Standard: Prosperous.
Equipment: Ceremonial robes, a copy of The Book of Betrayal and Murder, copies of their Order’s other grimoires, writing supplies, special chalks and powders, 1-3 magical items of moderate power.

Black Horse County Magic Keywords

The Black Horse Order

The Black Horse Order is a low order, and members’ spiritual well-being is overseen by the liturgists. They learn blessings from both The Book of Betrayal and Murder and A History of My Black Horse Troop, which was written by Ethilrist himself. The order was founded by Ethilrist, although he is neither a saint nor a liturgist.

Entry Requirements for humans: Open to warrior caste only, who must swear an oath of fealty to Ethilrist while placing their hand inside the Hound’s mouth.
Entry Requirements for steeds: The demonic Black Horses are automatically members of the Order.
Physical Skills: Ride Steed.
Mental Skills: Black Horse Troop Unit Traditions, Rule of Sir Ethilrist.
Grimoires:
The Book of Betrayal and Murder (see boxed text)
A History of my Black Horse Troop (Axe of Retribution blessing, Armor of the Faithful blessing, Iron Fang blessing, Iron Hoof blessing, Iron Hide blessing, Lance of Agony blessing, Resist Pagan God blessing, Resist Heathen Spirit blessing, Sword of Righteousness blessing)
Secret (Human): Control Steed (Allows the rider to mentally speak to and control his demonic steed; used as if it were a Ride ability to control the movement and actions of the player’s personal steed, which may try to resist.)
Secret (Steed): Control Human (Used as if it were a Ride ability to control the movement and actions of the player’s personal rider, who may try to resist.)
Worshippers: Liturgists, riders, and steeds of the Black Horse Troop.
Other Side: The node of the Black Horse Order is on the Adept Plane and attached only to the node of Atrox, which is on the Saint Plane, connected only to Solace.
Other Connections: The Black Horse Order is a low order of the Atroxic Church, and is supported by the Order of Black Iron and the Order of Damnation.
Disadvantages: The Black Horse Order is part of Sir Ethilrist’s mercenary band, and as such its members are greatly mistrusted by other inhabitants of Dragon Pass, and greatly feared by members of other military and mercenary units.

Order of Black Iron

The Order of Black Iron is a high order dedicated to forging and enchanting war-gear for the Black Horse Order. Portals of power are forged from particular metals. At the end of the ceremony the metals lose their shape and must be re-forged to make another portal of power.

Entry Requirements: Open to magician caste only.
Physical Skills: Forge Armor, Forge Horse Armor, Forge Weapon, Resist Fire and Heat, Strong.
Mental Skills: Forge Portal of Power, Ignore Pain, Read Old Slontan, Rule of Saint Atrox, Write Old Slontan, Symbolic Sight.
Grimoires:
The Book of Betrayal and Murder (see boxed text)
The Book of Black Iron (Alloy Metals, Enchant Bronze, Enchant Copper, Enchant Iron, Enchant Black Hellfire Lance, Enchant Black Hellfire Sword, Enchant Indomitable Shield, Enchant Helm Of Command, Enchant Unconquerable Armor, Enchant Visor of Terror)
The Book of Iron Chastisement (Blinding Pain, Brand of Lust, Burn the Unrighteous, Mark of Sin, Shrive the Guilty)
Talismans: A smith places all of his spells into a single talisman, usually an iron hammer.
Secret: Craft Hell Metal (Allows the smith to forge magic items that can be used without penalty in Hell. The secret is opposed by the target number of any magical ability enchanted into the object, or the standard resistance of 14 if the item contains no enchantments. If the smith wins any victory, the user of the item ignores the Alien World modifier when using the item in any Underworld.)
Worshippers: Wizards of the church of Atrox. The Order of Black Iron is an ancient brotherhood of magical smiths. Its members create the magical items used by the Black Horse Troop and the Order of Damnation. Its only worshippers now are wizards in the service of Sir Ethilrist.
Other Side: The node of the Order of Black Iron is on the Adept Plane and attached only to the node of Atrox, which is on the Saint Plane, connected only to Solace.
Other Connections: The order has no liturgists of its own; clerical functions are carried out by liturgists of the Black Horse Order. There is only one foundry of the order known, at Muse Roost.

Order of Damnation

The Order of Damnation deals with Otherworld entities – from fighting gods and spirits to breeding the demonic steeds of the Black Horse Troop. They were formed from the core of an older order, and have modified their magics and practices to fit the needs of Sir Ethilrist in his new land. They accompany squadrons of the Black Horse Troop into battle, and also provide most of the magical defenses of Muse Roost.

Entry Requirements: Open to magician caste only.
Physical Skills: Ride, Sword and Shield Fighting.
Mental Skills: Open Hellmouth (equivalent to a Portal of Power), Read Old Slontan, Rule of Sir Ethilrist, Write Old Slontan, Symbolic Sight.
Grimoires:
The Book of Betrayal and Murder (see boxed text)
The Book to Lash the Weak (De-nature Alcohol, Determine Guilt, Encourage Fasting, Harrow the Soul, Purge Sinner, Remove Lust, Repudiate Sin)
The Book of Ethilrist in Hell (volume VI of A History of My Black Horse Troop) (Breed Demon Horse, Combat God, Combat Spirit, Exorcism, Shield the Faithful, Travel the Spiritworld)
Talismans: Sorcerers of the order use hell metal for their talismans, usually in the form of ritual weapons or armor.
Secret: Destroy Otherworld Denizen (Acts as a combat ability, but if the sorcerer receives a complete victory on the Heroic Consequences Chart, the Otherworld being is destroyed.)
Worshippers: Wizards of the Church of Atrox.
Other Side: The node of the Order of Damnation is on the Adept Plane and attached only to the node of Atrox, which is on the Saint Plane, connected only to Solace.
Other Connections: The Order of Damnation supports and is directly supported by the Black Horse Troop. It has no liturgists of its own; clerical functions are carried out by liturgists of the Atroxic Church.
Disadvantages: Isolated from other sorcerous cultures, the order has little capability to learn or capture new spells.

Black Horse County Advanced Experience

Bishop

Each of the three orders is overseen directly by a bishop. The Atroxic Church is lead by the Archbishop of Muse Roost, who has nominal control over the three orders. Bishops are taken from among the liturgists, normally those of the Zoberan caste.

Entry Requirements: Open only to liturgists. Must be approved by Ethilrist. Typically must have Obedient and Lead Prayer at 10 or greater.
Physical Skills: Long-lasting Voice.
Mental Skills: Administration.
Personality: Disciplined, Obedient, Strict.
Relationships: to Ethilrist; to Order.
Magic: Bishops have access to the blessings of their particular order, taken from The Book of Betrayal and Murder or A History of My Black Horse Troop. In addition, they may preside over ceremonies in the Muse Roost Cathedral, which boosts their Lead Prayer ability as a Sanctuary.
Benefits: Complete support from the Order.
Disadvantages: No personal time, must maintain strict obedience to Ethilrist.
Living Standard: Rich.
Equipment: Ceremonial robes and objects, several servants, horses, a mansion.

Knight

Entry Requirements: A knight who learns Obedience, Ride steed, and a weapon skill to 12 each, and catches the eye of Ethilrist is eligible to become a knight. He must win the secret of Control Steed as described nearby.
Physical Skills: Commanding voice.
Mental Skills: Cavalry or infantry tactics.
Personality: Disciplined, Obedient, Strict.
Relationships: to Ethilrist; to Steed; to Squad.
Magic: Knights must be members of the Black Horse Order. They are normally given the Armor of the Faithful, Lance of Agony, Sword of Righteousness, and either Resist Pagan Gods or Resist Heathen Spirits blessings before battle. In addition they are given, and may also buy, magical equipment. Many upgrade their equipment to iron or hell metal as soon as possible. The steed of the knight may speak to the minds of the steeds of his squad, and passes on his commands.
Benefits: Complete support from the Black Horse Troop, share in any booty taken from defeated foes.
Disadvantages: No personal time, must maintain strict obedience to superiors.
Living Standard: Prosperous.
Equipment: Heavy bronze armor and shield 6, lance 6, sword 3, 1 camp servant, steed, 5-15 followers and their steeds.

Senior Steed

Entry Requirements: The steed's rider must be eligible to become a knight. The steed must win the secret of Control Rider as described nearby.
Mental Skills: Cavalry Tactics.
Personality: Obedient
Relationships: to Rider; to Squad.
Magic: Senior steeds are given hell metal barding, and may have many talents. They are usually given the Iron Fang and Iron Hide blessings before battle.
Benefits: Complete support from the Black Horse Troop.
Disadvantages: No personal time; must maintain strict obedience to superiors.
Living Standard: Prosperous (for a horse).
Equipment: Heavy iron or hell metal barding 8, rider, 1 camp servant, 5-15 steeds and their riders.

The Black Horses

The steeds of the Black Horse Troop are diokos demons, bred by the Order of Damnation from other Black Horses and mortal mares. The mares usually (65% of the time) do not survive the birth of the demon foal.

The Black Horses are mostly horse-like, but are carnivorous, with razor-sharp teeth and retractable claws. They have a mental link to their rider, and only have one rider at a time. The steeds cannot be controlled by their rider unless he has learned the secret of control that Ethilrist wrested from their ancestor. In battle, they follow the commands of the senior steed or the steed of the Knight Commander of their unit. Once a person has been accepted by a Black Horse he will have difficulty dealing with other animals, for the scent of the Black Horse will make all other animals near him skittish and apprehensive. To ride another animal requires that he obtain a victory against the beast using his Ride Steed ability with a –15 modifier.

When a rider is ready to be promoted to knight, Ethilrist leads both him and his steed through the basement of Muse Roost to the underworld fields of the diokos demons. There he must face his own steed in a quest challenge of his Ride Steed versus the steed’s Resist Rider. The loser of the contest gives up his wagered ability and remains a rider or steed. The winner becomes a knight or senior steed and learns the secret of Control Steed or Control Rider, as appropriate, at the level of the loser’s wagered ability The senior partner may give commands to the junior, and the steed is able to command the 5-15 steeds of the squad as part of the secret.

If the junior partner of the team is killed, the senior partner (knight or senior steed) retains the Control secret and is given a new rider or steed, who is automatically the junior partner in the team. If the senior partner is killed, the junior partner is given a new rider or steed and the normal rider/steed relationship is formed.

A player may play a steed instead of a human, and is given a human rider as a follower. Two players may even wish to play a rider-steed team, but should always remember that the steed is the senior partner until the rider learns the Control Steed secret. Of course, if the steed learns the Control Rider secret, he remains the senior partner.

Introduction and Heortling keywords
Lunar keywords
Grazer keywords

Latest revision: 1 Mar 2000, new