From: Eric Rowe (rowe@soda.berkeley.edu)
Date: Mon 01 Nov 1993 - 18:36:51 EET
The subject of whether or not DI's are tied to the powers of the god in question reminded me of Stafford's article on DI's in Wyrm's Footnotes 12. Basically, yes, results should be tied to the gods powers, at least in the chaosium house campaign. It is how I've always run them so I thought I'd give a recent example. This occurred in my Pavis campaign when the group was downstream on the Zola Fel working for a big fish.
The first DI occurred when ogres attacking the party summoned Cacodaemon with a great deal of luck. The party, seeing their doom, grew worried at not having any rune levels about. The two initiates attempted to DI and the Etyries one was successful. Guided by the tongue of his god he convinced the big winged slavering chaos guy to look elsewhere for fun. The party and the ogres mutually agreed this was all bigger than them and clearly the gods did not wish them to fight, so they parted peacefully.
Can't mention one campaign without mentioning the other. Here's something Shannon Appel wrote up after a run he did in the Lunar oppressors of Sartar campaign (Some of the players occasionally run to even out the work load).
Hope you enjoy it,
eric
Being the Report of Marsilia Redblade on the Unit of the Balazaran, Poloathi
Having spent an entire week with the unit of the Balazaran, Poloathi, I have seen no evidence of a general incompetence which might have been suspected based upon earlier reports. Rather, it seems quite likely that earlier defeats of this unit were simply the result of poor luck.
During my period with Poloathi's unit, I spoke with them on two important matters: religion and the inner secrets of the universe. The majority of the recruits seem well on the path to total assimilation into Lunar Society. Only <<ERIC>> seems resistant to our beliefs, holding stubbornly to a worship of Aldryami. In addition, I believe that all of the recruits are moving slowly down the road to illumination. Eventually, they will see.
Comments follow upon the members of Poloathi's Troop:
Poloathi: The biggest weakness of this troop was probably in the leadership. It is clear that Poloathi has had little formal training in tactics, a fact which was made abundantly clear when she allowed her troop to nearly exhaust themselves fighting a gorp in the middle of Snake Pipe Hollow. I would suggest training in both tactics and assertiveness in order to help her reach her full potential as a leader.
Togo: The frog broo showed himself to be both brave and a good tactician during my time with him. The first attribute would imply that he would make an excellent soldier, while the second would suggest that he is officer material. Several times, his tactical sense was shown, so that avenue might be seriously considered.
<<ERIC>>: As was noted earlier, this Balazaran, recently brought into this unit steadfastly holds to his elvish beliefs. In other ways too, he shows too much independence. Ultimately, this must be corrected so that he may be a better soldier. <<ERIC>> showed himself to be an excellent bowman. His skill should be nurtured if possible. In the future, we may wish to examine Balazarans more carefully for inclusion in the auxilary missile troops of the Army.
John Blacksmear: John seems a good warrior, although he becomes a bit too frenzied in battle. Either this problem should be corrected, or a more appropriate troop should be found for him.
Ripley: The dragonewt that associates with Poloathi's group is quite a warrior. We should do what we can to attract more of these beasts into our army.
Others: The other members of Poloathi's troop were relatively undescript. They seemed good soldiers without any exceptional traits, bad or good. They seem prime examples of how well the barbarians have been brought into our army.
In conclusion, I would say that the integration of these barbarians into the Lunar army is going well. There are still rough edges, but those may be worked out. For the future, we must be especially carefully to provide the loyal barbarians, who we move to positions of some authority, with the knowledge needed to best lead troops. In addition, we must look more carefully into the bow skills of the barbarian, which may fit much better than their primitive work with scimitar and shield. Other than that, our training program seems highly successful.
Marsilia Redblade X
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