Dark Tidings
Dark Tidings is a short dungeon adventure for characters of 6th or 7th level. It is set in Ptolus but utilizes the feat rules, magical disciplines, and spell progression system from The Books of Experimental Might. |
Ptolus Map Products From SkeletonKey Games
We are pleased to announce the release of Ptolus Adventure Maps: Madame Kaethea's House in PDF format from SkeletonKey Games. Inside you will find 13 terrain tiles detailing the three levels of this unassuming dark elf hideout nestled among the slums of the Warrens. This and other official tie-in map e-products are created by cartographer Ed Bourelle. Take a look at the whole lineup here... |
Ptolus Wins Four 2007 Gold ENnie Awards!
This has been quite a year for Malhavoc Press, starting with the release of Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire at Gen Con 2006 and culminating with the book winning four industry gold awards at Gen Con 2007. The annual Gen Con/EN World RPG awards ceremony was held Friday, August 17th, at Gen Con Indy's Indiana Roof Ballroom. Sue and I were excited to be there with many of our Ptolus playtesters, contributors, and publishing partners. Over the course of the evening, the book was recognized with gold medals in four categories... |
Ptolus Earns Four ENnie Nominations!
It's time once again to vote in the Gen
Con & EN World RPG Awards, and Sue and I are proud to announce that
Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire has been nominated in four categories! They are... |
Ptolus Comic Book
Sheva Callister is a former adventurer and treasure hunter who is supposed to be retired after the death of her partner, Parnell. But when a noble from the city of Ptolus offers her a special, mysterious reward in exchange for her retrieval of a seemingly unimportant brooch, Sheva takes the job -- against her better judgment. She soon finds herself caught in a complex web of deception as some of the city's most infamous residents attempt to kill her and steal her powerful hungersword. Will this adventure finally be Sheva's last? Get the whole story in the new trade paperback from Marvel Comics, in stores now. |
Lilith of the Fallen
In issue 6 of the Monte
Cook's Ptolus: City by the Spire comic, we witness the conclusion of the latest plot by the succubus Lilith to increase her fell power in the City of Ptolus. As a preview, check out her description and game stats. This article comes from the Forsaken section in Chapter 6: Organizations of Ptolus. |
Malhavoc Deals for April!!
White Wolf has just announced
several cool deals for the month of April for those of you interested in Ptolus
or Iron Heroes. Here are a few specials available from now through
the end of April, only at the White Wolf online store: the Ptolus bundle, Iron Heroes bundle, and Iron Heroes singles. |
Secrets of the Delver's Guild Overview
Many of you have been in on the Delver's Guild exclusive Ptolus bonus material for
more than a year, thanks to your early preorders of the Big Book. But to
those of you who have not yet discovered it, take a look at the table of
contents for the 76-page Ptolus sourcebook Secrets of the Delver's Guild. |
The Amalgam Armor of the Iron Mage
In issue 5 of the Monte
Cook's Ptolus: City by the Spire comic, Sheva crosses swords with her nemesis
Kevris Killraven, aided by the timely appearance of the cryptic Iron Mage. Find
out the outcome of this struggle in issue 5, published by DBPro/Marvel Comics
and in stores now. Meanwhile, here's a closer look at the game stats for the
unique armor of the most powerful wizard in Ptolus. It comes from the Iron Mage's
section in Chapter 14: Oldtown of Ptolus. |
A Grand Finale
Up in the Balacazar box,
Aliya attacks the mage Arkhall Vaugn another six times, dealing him a nasty
blow even as he was attempting to ensorcel her with a suggestion. Menon
looks over at this and tut-tuts, shaking his head. Zophas seizes the opportunity
to slice at the cord holding the pearl and little Destor around Balacazar's
neck.... |
A God, a Curse, and a Wish
The Sorn sorcerers complete
a spell and there's a great rumbling as -- Holy Mother Teun! -- two enormous
purple worms burst up through the floor of the theater. Where did they come
from? Each of them seems to have been fitted with an artificial tooth. One of
them is emanating a yellow glow. One hits Feruch, who just barely manages to
wriggle out of its grasp. |
Download This New Bookmark for Free!
While assembling the new all-in-one PDF edition of Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire, Sue made up a new bookmark for you to print out
and use with either edition of the book. This bookmark features the spine
artwork of Todd Lockwood -- part of the book that, if you have the PDF edition, you never got to see until now! (The image here is just a snippet from it.) Printing on card stock and/or lamination is recommended. |
Ptolus Goes on Sale Thursday as a Single PDF!
Some seven months after the print release of the deluxe Ptolus: Monte
Cook's City by the Spire, the author has agreed to grant fans' repeated
requests to release his landmark setting book in PDF as a single giant eBook.
The book debuts on Thursday, February 22, at www.DriveThruRPG.com
and www.RPGNow.com. |
And Now Back to Our Story...
Although the Runewardens had been through a lot in their careers, the experiences in Jabel Shammar were among the most harrowing, the most trying, and -- as it turned out -- the most scarring. After exploring much of the fortress, the group confronted the Malignancy, a semi-sentient force of utter corruption growing out of the Book of Inverted Darkness, as well as some sliver of a shadow of the spirit of the Dread One himself.... |
To Meet With Evil
Up the stairs we march to
the next level, which holds many, many tall bookshelves filled with books. A
9-foot-tall winged humanoid figure approaches us, clanging as though made of
metal. Its fiery sword causes awful harm to Sercian before the elf's twin brother
manages to wall it off with a wall of force; then the monks take it down.
But it seems we are not out of the woods yet -- two metallic creatures who exude
lightning approach from the other direction.... |
Ptolus Sketchbooks From The Forge Studios
We are pleased to announce that The
Forge Studios is releasing beautiful Ptolus Sketchbooks to use at
the game table alongside the Ptolus book. These official tie-in accessories
are created by the artists who set the architectural tone for Ptolus. Every
sketchbook focuses on a different district and together they expand Ptolus with
illustrations of buildings not pictured in the core book. New: Nobles' Quarter! |
Sanctuary
The door seems to hold, so we begin exploring the rest of the chamber here in the Tower of Malice. We can find no mechanism to turn off the wheeled bladed trap, but Serai and Sercian evaluate it, proclaiming it a difficult trap to disable. We find a number of bedchambers here but not much else. While we discuss various options for disabling the wheeled and bladed trap, Sercian shoots the works with viscous globs from his brother's chaositech gun to jam it. We rush in. |
Gattara Vladaam
In issue 4 of the Monte Cook's
Ptolus: City by the Spire comic, Sheva Callister chances upon a clandestine meeting of the crime lord Kevris Killraven with the sinister Gattara Vladaam, sister to those responsible for the destruction of her adventuring partner Parnell. Is this the architect of the plot against her? Discover the truth in issue 4, published by DBPro/Marvel Comics and now in stores. Meanwhile, here's a closer look at the game stats for this conniving noblewoman, taken from Chapter 6: Organizations of Ptolus. |
Welcome to the Tower of Malice
We have rested a while in
a Mord's magnificent mansion at the lowest level of the Tower of the
Misbegotten -- Canabulum sets it up in the crevice we found earlier. We think
we hear occasional strange sounds scraping along the walls outside the mansion,
but our wizard friend tells us that shouldn't be possible. Still, we think something
is trying to get in. |
Misbegotten Exploration
It takes us a long time
and quite a few terrible injuries before all our undead foes have fallen at
our feet here in the Tower of Blasphemy. Coating the floor is a layer of mummy
dust -- all that is left of our recent enemies. It seems that these mummies
were the defenders of impiety as a concept. They are the very opposite of religious.
Investigating the blues shafts of light here, we learn that they are magical
rays of intense cold. We experiment in disrupting all the raylike columns, but
it has no effect that we can see. |
A Dire Call
In the three years since
we left the Runechildren, Aliya and Zophas spent some time clearing out the
Dark Reliquary. Gaerioth took off on a quest for the Word That Began Creation.
Serai led a team down to the Banewarrens to recover and raise the Company of
the Black Lantern. Later, he and the recovered Sercian went off on a voyage
in their new ship. The restored Tellian went off looking for the birthplace
of Navashtrom but recently returned to protect Urlenius. Canabulum remained
in the city researching more arcane secrets in his underground laboratory. Sister
Mara spent a good deal of time in Dreta Phantas helping repair the Dreaming
City and studying its magical nature. Now restored to its proper place in the
world, north of Ptolus, it has become home to elder elves and modern elves alike.
Shurrin is married to Tellith, hostess at the Ghostly Minstrel; today the happily
domesticated former adventurer lives a quiet family life in Ptolus. |
Bashing Heads
Next to the chill room where
we fought the obese ogre-mage and the ice demons lies a chamber with a big pentagram
inscribed on the floor. The pentagram and a full-length mirror seem to be magic;
Sir Feruch says the pentagram is evil, too. The mirror seems to have a mesmerizing
effect.... |
Daersidian Ringsire and Brusselt Airmol
In issue 3 of the Monte Cook's
Ptolus: City by the Spire comic, the stalwart team of Daersidian Ringsire
and Brusselt Airmol bring their friend Sheva Callister to the local Temple of
Asche for healing following a harrowing battle. Then, of course, the three of
them turn right around and charge into battle anew, this time in catacombs below
the city of Ptolus.... |
Slavers, Beware!
Sir Feruch drops a stone
down the passage beside the Pit of Insanity. It falls into magical blackness.
Then we hear a crunch emanating from the passage that sounds like something
just pulverized the stone. We wonder whether there's something incredibly heavy
down there that one could handle only with telekinesis and magic-impervious
materials. After another test, the knight declares that there seems to be a
great force at the bottom of the passage that pulls strenuously on anything
that enters the passage.... |
An Old Friend Found
It's been five days since
we teleported out of the Vault of the Elder Brain, which now serves as its sepulcher.
It took us three days to recover from the ordeal, and we spent the last two
seeking information and tidying up loose ends.... |
Going Hunting for Brain
Shilukar has a weapon that will kill an Elder Brain?!? "Would you mind giving
it to us?" asks Diethan of our dark elf guest, "since we're going
to try to kill it and all? Shilukar reminds us that
this Elder Brain has become so powerful from steeping in the godsblood of a
dead Galchutt deep underground. The Galchutt, though, were a paranoid lot and
wanted a means to neutralize a resulting Vested. So they created a device that
will divest someone of godlike aspects it has absorbed. "I happen to have
that chaositech item." |
The Enemy of My Enemy Is My . . . Shilukar
We collect the possessions
of the Cinderpriest and his warrior associate. Among them is a book praising
decay, entropy, and strength through disintegration. We decide to explore further.
Voices are talking down one hallway, and we run smack into a group of foes including
the Balacazar mage Arkhall Vaugn and a beholder ally! |
To Aid and Avenge
Bright and early we go down
to the rubble where the Siege Tower once stood to help out following the devastating
explosion. No one has been able to locate Phadian's body, but the knights want
to try to get her raised once they find her. Sir Othun is missing, too, but
Sir Mirauch is alive and trying to organize the search and rescue mission. |
Get Your Copy of Ptolus Before They’re Gone!
As the year approaches its
end, so too does the supply of Monte
Cook's Ptolus: City by the Spire. With just over 500 copies remaining
in our warehouse, Ptolus may not make it to see 2007.
With no reprint in the cards, the holiday season is your best time to make sure
you snag your copy of the coolest roleplaying book of the year. |
And Things Were Going So Well...
Down in the Generator Room
of the Tower of Science, Barbatos, Feruch, and the Cobbledman ably disable the
generators, but the small blue dragon is still all trussed up. The wizard tries
to speak to him in Draconic, but all he can make out in response is a small
voice that whimpers, "Mother..." Barbatos tries to teleport out again
with the dragon and the others, but the spell fails. And then they hear banging
at the door.... |
Check Out Monte's Marvel Podcast!
This week, don't miss a
new podcast from Marvel Comics about the Ptolus: City by the Spire comic
book series. In this installment of the Marvel podcast series, host Jim McCann
talks with Monte about the series as a whole and the challenge of making the
transition from game sourcebook to comic book. Plus you'll get a few hints about
issue 3, due out December 27. |
Shuul Agent
In issue 2 of the Monte Cook's Ptolus: City by the Spire comic,
our heroine Sheva Callister and her friends Daersidian and Brusselt find themselves
up against some of the technology-loving Shuul agents. Issue 2, published by
DBPro/Marvel Comics, is now in stores. Meanwhile, here's a closer look at the
game stats for a Typical Shuul Agent (illustration by Eric Lofgren). |
Time for Some Tactics
Later in the day, we decide
to pursue various threads of our investigation into the Shuul and their secret
project beneath the Foundry. Diethan tries to get some info from a dwarf contact.
She recommended talking to Frima Copperlace in the Foundry to get the lowdown
on what's going on there. |
A Trio of Ambushes
Today the Killraven
troglodyte Durant sends us a message. He wants to come visit us at Pythoness
House tomorrow. I guess his boss really wants that information
we have from our visit to the future.... |
All This Because of a Cat
Just as we're about to venture
after the vampire(s) that Calista senses, Sir Feruch arrives at the house to
join us. Barbatos opens a magically sealed door to a large room where we see
two cages, one containing two writhing, tormented, emaciated vampires and the
other containing two underfed, poorly treated teens. While I release the children,
Feruch uses his undead bane sword, Final Peace, to put an end to the
vampiric creatures; his strikes reduce then to tormented mist. Prevented as
they are from reaching their sanctums, surely they will die soon. |
A Tale of Two Chellasters
Diethan goes out to search
for the location of the two Chellasters while we get to work on the house. He
learns that the homeless Chellaster always wears black-and-tan armor and a helm.
No one knows his face. However, after a day or so of Diethan's asking around,
this Chellaster finds our friend and approaches him in a seedy area of the Guildsman
District. Chellaster tells Diethan that the wealthy Chellaster is an imposter
-- he is, in fact, Chellaster, bane of vampires. Diethan thinks the rogue in
the Nobles' Quarter has taken this fellow's identity. |
Sheva's Sword
A frequent bar patron in
Delver's Square, Sheva Callister is one of the city's best-known delvers. What is not so well
known is that Sheva found a powerful but evil sword: a hungersword
with additional potent enhancements. Once she realized what it was, Sheva
paid the Dreaming Apothecary well to permanently hide the sword from divinations
seeking hungerswords. |
What Have We Done Now?
We ascend back up out
of the shaft and inspect our vampire-gotten goods. We have quite a pile
of goods -plus what's in the chests! (We find lots of gold, various scrolls
and vials, magical books -- and a few traps. We even locate Falstef's old
mace, a beautiful gold weapon with peal inlay. What a tragedy that he was
banished... Somehow, we'll find a way to get him back!) |
The Most Powerful Vampire in Ptolus
We recover from our ordeal
a bit while waiting for the backup knights to arrive. Diethan and Lunas take
our fallen cleric friend back up to the surface. Our next move is to make our
way through the secret door that Archinemus' find the path spell has
outlined for us. We still need to find Medre's resting place. |
No Place Like Home
We decide to pick up some
back issues of the Imperial Gazette and we capture some images of the
city (and the Killraven wanted poster) in our image crystals to show people
upon our return what a horror the city has become at the hands of the Shuul.
All this wonderful technology... it just goes to show, you can have too much
of a good thing. |
Strange New World
We decide that our best
course of action is to go through the Dresden Door and collect evidence
that Shilukar is in fact working with Nicodemus against Castle Shard. That way,
we can bring back the evidence and let Zavere and Rill take care of the traitorous
dark elf. We also buy image crystals to capture the scenes we encounter in this
place, as further proof of Shilukar's collusion. |
Real Caves and Caverns
Here's a look at a "classic" DM's Only article from a couple years ago at montecook.com. It discusses one of my favorite game settings: caves and caverns. Those of you who bought the recent Beneath the Streets eBook (or who are thinking about running Part IV of Ptolus might find some of these observations handy for your games. |
Moving In
Following the departure
of the Hussar, we seem to have Pythoness House mostly to ourselves. There are
still a few unwelcome spirits that we need to oust if anyone other than the
Cobbled Man is ever going to live here. |
Staff of Shadow, Goddess of Blades
We're battling frantically
at the top of the Shade Tower: Charnoth and I facing off against the shadow
dragon Nostromac (with Calista backing us up with her healing power) and Diethan
and Archinemus battling Lord Sadar and his shadowstaff and the shadow
demon he called with it. Meanwhile, Barbatos is whispering something foul into
the ear of the giant statue of Maleskari. I'm not sure, but the statue's head
appears to be turning toward Barbatos... |
Complete Soul Magic Download
Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire includes a few interesting examples of
the use of soul magic, such as an orc's tooth inscribed with a rune to free
a demon god and a spell in Alchestrin's Tomb that can transport unsuspecting
PCs to Jabel Shammar. Soul magic is a concept detailed fully in The Complete Book of Eldritch Might. If you'd like the complete chapter on soul magic, however, you can download it here for free. |
The Temple of Maleskari
Bright and early, we arrive
at the old bell tower behind the temple to the Goddess of the Nine Holy Stars.
We're here to put an end to this foul cult of Maleskari and to get back our
kidnapped friend Tharn. We cast our preparatory spells and kick in the door
to face a spellcasting purple-robed figure in a horned helm and several undead
and Forsaken. They jeer that they knew we were coming -- ahh, the folly of the
overconfident! |
Dabel Brothers Join Marvel Family
Marvel Comics announced
Monday at the Diamond Retailers Summit in Baltimore that Dabel Brothers Productions
is becoming a part of Marvel. This is great news for the Ptolus:
City by the Spire comic book. Issue
1 was released early this summer, but the subsequent issues were put on hold
pending the conclusion of the partnership deal. The newly-named Marvel
DBPro has announced a reprint of Ptolus: City by the Spire Issue
1 in October, followed by monthly releases of the remaining five issues of the
series. |
Game Trade Magazine Freebies and Contest
Our friends over at Game Trade Magazine have made a couple of great Ptolus articles from their magazine available now for free download. Check them out at the "Complete Articles" section of their website or download them here. And while you're there, make sure you sign up for Game Trade's big Ptolus giveaway. The winner of the free drawing will receive a prize pack consisting of a signed copy of the Ptolus book, Player's Guide, and The Night of Dissolution! |
Angering the God of Shadows
Together with our dwarf friend Thogmun, the last of our Keepers of the Veil allies, we destroy Lilith's Womb and collect any magical treasure we find. When we leave this place, it is no longer habitable for any straggling Forsaken cult members that may still be at large. That evening, we spend some time reading The Book of Days Forsaken, a history book we found in the underground temple.... |
Ptolus Map Symbols Font
Some of the folks on the
message boards were asking about the Ptolus Icons font created by cartographer
Ed Bourelle. It seemed like a great idea to make it available to all who would
like to use the map symbols in their Ptolus campaign handouts. |
Night of Dissolution Overview
Here's a sneak peek
at the table of contents for the 96-page mid-level Ptolus adventure
The Night of Dissolution. This series of linked adventures
centers around the rirse of the Cults of Chaos in the city and is a great
foundation for an epic campaign against the malevolent Galchutt. |
Two Shigmaas
We take heavy losses from
the ghoul spellcasters and giant undead creature before the battle below Oldtown
ends. We're only just able to catch our breath when we come face to face with
a grave earth elemental -- or a spawn of hell, if you ask Sir Othun of the Keepers
of the Veil. Dispatching it, we race down a hall to a large chamber with a sizable
patch of freshly turned earth and a horrid-looking gaunt fellow with a scythe
tilling it. "I am Sepac, eldest of all ghouls," it says. "It
is time to harvest you." |
Arcana Evolved/Ptolus Conversion Document
Knowing there were a lot
of fans out there who’d like to incorporate Ptolus into their Arcana
Evolved games, I was thrilled when Council of Magisters member Søren
Thustrup volunteered to draft a conversion document to help players accomplish
that very thing. His end result gives DMs
exactly what they need, including both general advice and specific content.
I’ve been mixing elements of Arcana Evolved into my Ptolus Campaign
for years, so I know it can be a fun and rewarding experience. |
You Seriously Wanted Ptolus!
The release of Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire was a hot topic at this year's Gen Con
Indy, as curious RPG fans streamed to the White Wolf/Sword & Sorcery booth
to see—and to buy—the deluxe new hardcover that everyone's been talking
about. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we've released Ptolus: Monte Cook's City
by the Spire, here are some answers
to questions you may have about the book. |
Ptolus Fiction From Game Trade Magazine
Final chapter added! Saga of the Blade
is a serialized fiction series that I wrote each month for Game
Trade Magazine. Unlike most fantasy stories, however, it doesn't follow
the actions of a single character. It traces the history of a magical sword
as it passes from wielder to wielder and is used in all sorts of adventures
and battles. |
Against the Forsaken
Back at the house of the
Tolling Bell cult, Calista and I realize that the tentacles of the creature
in the well have done us some harm. Archinemus is unconscious and I have a nasty
burn. We need to find out what we can about the Temple of Maleskari from these
cultists, as we know they were invited to join. But we need to do it fast. |
How Much Did They Want Ptolus?
Roleplaying game fans at
Gen Con Indy lined up in droves for a chance to win a copy of Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire by hefting the six-pound tome longer than
anyone else. Here's a photo recap of the event, held Friday and Saturday afternoons
at the White Wolf/Sword & Sorcery booth. |
Ptolus Miniatures Gallery (July Paints)
The folks over at Paizo
Publishing have painted up a set of the first five Ptolus miniatures,
and we are blown away. See if you agree.... |
A Middle-Man, a Litorian, and the Shuul
As we explore the rest of
the levels beneath the orphanage, we toss the room Karee shared with Nostravant.
There we find a note that says, "Contact Ged Morrowlost regarding Lilith's
Womb." We previously found a letter referring to Lilith's Womb as a hangout
of Forsaken. Does this imply that the Covenant of Blood is in league with them?
They are undead... |
Ptolus Miniatures Gallery (August Greens)
The second batch of Ptolus
miniatures are hot off the presses—err, molds?—and on their way to
your local game store. Here's a look at how they're shaping up. The figures
here are in a stage called "greens" -- they're made of a special
type of green/brown putty. Molds will be made for the metal figures from these
greens. The miniatures here all come as blisters, due out this month from Paizo
Publishing. |
One Last Preview
In many ways, the City by the Spire is a piece of game history. Ptolus (pronounced "taw-luss") was the first Third Edition campaign played by anyone, anywhere. The campaign actually started in 1996, shifting from Second to Third Edition when the new rules were ready for playtest. That makes it the first-ever Third Edition playtest campaign, and thus the oldest and longest-running Third Edition game in the world. And it's still going strong.... |
MorePtolus Freebies!
With the release of Ptolus we want you to have all sorts of nifty props and handouts to help you start your campaign. So, in this web enhancement you'll find 12 pages of street signs, letterhead, menus, invitations, and much more to enhance your game sessions and impress your players. These graphics are found on the CD that comes along with the Ptolus book, but they are useful for other medieval urban fantasy campaigns as well. |
Bloodthirst
The devil that just appeared
as we invade the false orphanage is thin and gangly yet muscular. He's seven
feet tall and wields a large sword. He appears in a flash that stinks of brimstone
and immediately presents himself as a formidable foe. He wears a medallion that
glows red when it magically inflicts damage on us. After three such attacks,
he licks his amulet and says, "This will feed the dragon well." Then
he disappears before our eyes. The coward! |
How Much Do YOU Want Ptolus?
Gen Con 2006 is taking place August 10-13, 2006, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and on Friday at 1 PM, 15 lucky people chosen by lot will get to compete in a unique contest for the chance to walk away with the most talked-about new RPG release of the summer -- Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire.... |
Ptolus Ptestamonials
The reviews are starting to roll in, and Ptolus is getting some raves! Take a look at what Dungeon, Scrye, and InQuest Gamer magazines have to say about the Big Book... |
Ptolus Products Available Digitally
Malhavoc Press and DriveThru are proud to announce that a whole host of Ptolus-related products are now available in digital format from DriveThruRPG.com and DriveThruComics.com. With Ptolus just a few days away from release at Gen Con on August 10th, be sure to stop by and browse these great support products. |
Ptolus Freebies!
There's only one week left until the release of Ptolus, and we couldn't be more excited. In fact, we decided to start releasing web enhancements before the book even hits shelves! This week we offer you an easy download of a sheet of bookmarks and two styles of Ptolus parchment pattern sheets. |
Ptolus Overview
Ptolus is releasing very soon, and I know you've all been wondering exactly what's
in this megabook. In what is certainly the longest Table of Contents overview
we have ever run on this site, here is a rundown of the seven parts and
thirty-six chapters of the Big Book. (You can read more about the design
decisions behind each part in Monte's Design
Diary.) This look at the Table of Contents may help you as you plan your
campaign. |
Vampires in the Shadows
While I was off helping
my Aunt Silvia and Uncle Kren put up a new barn on their farm north of the city,
the rest of the group went on a mission on behalf of Celdore, in thanks for
the help he gave us in finding out more about the Hu-Charad. I feel bad that
I couldn't help, considering all I learned about my heritage thanks to Celdore,
but there's no arguing with dad when he puts his foot down about family matters. |
Ptolus: Delver's Guild Contest Winners
Malhavoc Press and White Wolf are eager to announce the winner
and finalists of a contest highlighting one of the greatest exploratory organizations
ever created: the Delver's Guild of Monte Cook's new and epic city setting,
Ptolus: The City by the Spire. |
Official Accessories and Adventures
The
talented folks over at Fiery Dragon Productions are the best at what they do:
top-notch adventures and accessories for your game table. So we're thrilled
that they are producing a number of cool tie-in products for Ptolus: City
by the Spire, including one of their oh-so-useful Counter Collections and
a super-cool giant vinyl map of the city. Read on... |
My Hand Hurts
Last week, on our way home
from that Green and Pleasant Land, we stopped over at another green and pleasant
place: Georgia. Sure, in July it's hotter there than the Heat Miser in a wool
sweater on a city bus, but we'd just come from a record-breaking, street-melting (seriously) heat wave in London, and at least in Atlanta they have
air conditioning. |
Print Shops and Dragonscales
We have had a good month
at the shop, Archinemus tells us. That's good news -- maybe we can get started
on building on an addition. I'd love to have some space to use as a workshop.
The more I learn about the crafting of machines, the more I enjoy tinkering
on my own. |
Strange Allies
As we search the bodies
of the fallen, we are horrified at the demonic flesh etchings of the red-cloaked
wizard. He was a follower of Demogorgon, just as the letter we found mentioned.
We are going to have to figure out how to divide up the loot between us and
our harr "allies." |
Urban Campaigns
I talk in the latest Design Diary about Part VII of Ptolus,
the final section of the book. It's one of my favorite sections, actually, because
it discusses in part the unique challenges of running urban campaigns—something
I've enjoyed doing for years. To go along with that article, we're offering
you a preview from Part VII—specifically, from Chapter 32: Urban Campaigns. This three-page preview
goes into some detail about urban adventures: creating story arcs for them and
lots more.... |
Design Diary: Part VII: Running a Ptolus Campaign
From Design Day One, I knew
that there would be a Part VII of the Ptolus
book. Well, I didn't know it would be "Part VII," but I knew there
would be a part of the book that dealt with new rules material. Remember, practically
everything I've written for Malhavoc Press (and a lot I've done for Fiery Dragon,
Atlas Games, and others) has come out of the Ptolus Campaign. It's always been
a testing ground for new 3rd Edition rules material -- in fact, it was one of
the first such testing grounds... |
The Legacy at Last!
Our foes all slain here
in the Halls of Cordaris, we emerge into a broad chamber lit from below with
bluish illumination. A wide ledge hugs the walls; the center of the room is
a vast pit. There is a light mist swirling around a gigantic statue of a blue
angel. The statue is so large, the walls of the room bump out to accommodate
her outstretched wings. Surrounding the edges of the room are more orcs, siege
engines, whitish humanoid forms, and the naga we were warned about. The whitish,
shimmering figures are absorbing energy from the statue, gaining solidity as
they do. The naga directs the other creatures against us.... |
New Ptolus Art Gallery
Get ready to be wowed! Our latest Ptolus online art gallery shows off some of the book's wonderful
color art by many of our featured artists. I think I'll let the images speak
for themselves.... |
The Orcs of Cordaris
We notice some strange things
on the bodies of the slain orcs down in the Halls of Cordaris. For instance,
one fallen orc carried a coil of rope fused together with a bag, all made of
glass. Another was wearing some sort of stiff blue sandpaper-pants, and a third
carried a pouch filled with mysterious and smelly grey goo. Could all this be
evidence of the Chaos Well at work? |
"The city is a giant melting pot of different looks and cultures..."
We knew going into the
project that we wanted Ptolus to be a striking book visually. A 672-page full-color
book is nothing without excellent artwork. Fortunately, Ptolus wasn't
our first book. Over the years, we'd developed a good relationship with a number
of fabulous illustrators. This month Sue speaks with four of our terrific featured artists. We are extremely privileged to work with these extraordinarily talented guys. |
Ptolus: City by the Spire Trailer!
Check out the new Ptolus Flash trailer created for us by Chris McDonough. This movie premieres here at
the Malhavoc Press website, but you can catch it on the "big screen"
at the White Wolf/Sword & Sorcery booth at Gen Con Indy in August. We're excited to bring you
this cool piece that illustrates the many deluxe components
and cool artwork of Ptolus: City by the Spire. (And no, that's not me
narrating the voiceover.) |
Full Circle
It's good to be home! While
Seanus walks Archinemus through the books for the shop (and from the expression
on the sibeccai's face, they're not in good shape), the rest of us head over
to Castle Shard to get down to the bottom of what we learned in Ar-Nampur: that
someone named Nicodemus was after the Nemesis Stone, the purple shard central
to Castle Shard's power. |
Ptolus Delver's Guild Seeks a Master of Logo Design
Malhavoc Press and White Wolf are seeking a logo design submitted from fans in a contest
to highlight the Delver's Guild, an exciting exploratory organization in Monte
Cook's new epic city setting, Ptolus. |
Character Spotlight: Aliya Al-Mari
Aliya Al-Mari hailed from
far distant Uraq. Born the youngest of three sisters, Aliya came from a family
of minor nobles living in an oasis camp named Tilemo, fifty miles south of Rashadar.
Since she was a little girl, Aliya occasionally experienced a strange sensation
whenever she looked in a mirror. In these strange instances, just for a moment,
she saw someone else in the mirror -- another girl, always about Aliya's own
age. Aliya never learned who this girl was, nor did her image ever last long
enough for her to do anything but be surprised. She never spoke of it to anyone,
but it continued to occur, even as she grew to adulthood. |
Cost of Living in the City
In the latest Design Diary I talk a little about Part VI of Ptolus, the section of the book that covers what it's actually like to live in the city. So it's the perfect time to offer a preview from Part VI -- specifically, from Chapter 26: On Being a Resident. This two-page preview is an information panel covering the cost of living in Ptolus. |
Design Diary: Part VI: Living in Ptolus
In some ways, Part VI of Ptolus is the most
important part of the book for me, despite the fact that it's smaller than all
the others. Why? Because it's the material that I always want to get out of
an RPG setting book, but very rarely do. This part talks about what
it's really like to be in Ptolus... |
Ptolus Photo Gallery: Page Proofs!
Our latest Ptolus
online art gallery documents a pretty exciting day for Sue and me: the day the
Ptolus page proofs came in from the printer! The proofs of the book itself
and all its other components landed with a thud on our front porch in a number
of overnight packages.... |
"An editor is a reader's advocate..."
There's a vital voice
involved in the Ptolus project that we haven't really heard from: Sue
Weinlein Cook, the editor. Sue is fully one-half of Malhavoc Press, but I don't
think people get to hear her point of view nearly enough. (She's not a big fan of the spotlight.) Sue actually taught me what
editing is. I remember her telling me that when she edits, she imagines
that the writer is standing behind her, looking over her shoulder, to remind
her that she has to be able to justify any change. |
Character Spotlight: Serai Lorenci
Serai Lorenci was born in
594 IA, in the city of Dohrinthas, as was his twin brother Sercian. The two
are so identical in appearance and so adept at impersonating each other that
even as adults they can switch places among close friends without anyone knowing.
Serai, however, was the favored son. Serai's mother gave him a mysterious old
key as he left home to make his fortune, bidding him to keep it safe. Eventually,
Serai would learn that this was the key to the box of shadows, a lost
artifact of great power. |
Ptolus Character Sheet!
A Player's Guide to Ptolus is the first place you'll find the official Ptolus Character Sheet. As a free web enhancement, we offer you an easy download of not only the two-page Character Sheet, but also a blank Ptolus Notes sheet for campaign background. spell list. Print it out and get working on your first characters—the Ptolus Campaign awaits! (Sheets designed by Brian Rasmussen.) |
Ptolus Player's Guide Now Available
Players
and DMs who have been awaiting Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire ever since the deluxe book was announced
last August got their first peek at it May 1 with the print release of A
Player's Guide to Ptolus. Starting today the 32-page player's guide
is available free in electronic (PDF) format from DriveThruRPG.com! |
Week 5 Winners!
For all of you waiting for new words of dungeoneering wisdom, we have announced the final (bonus) week's winners of our Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest. The Guild thanks everyone for their good advice! Winners receive a $20 gift certificate applied to their White Wolf Online Store account. Stay tuned to this website for more contest news next month. |
Ptolus Official Miniatures
Ptolus has seen constant
action as the site of Monte Cook's home campaigns since his days co-designing
the D&D Third Edition rules. The players in these campaigns have included
editors and publishers of Dragon and Dungeon magazines—the
very people who now bring you the official Ptolus miniatures line! |
Intro to Jabel Shammar
In the latest Design Diary I talk a little about Part V of Ptolus, the high-level section of the book that covers the evil fortresses on the Spire overloooking the city. So it's the perfect time to offer a preview from Part V -- specifically, from Chapter 25: Jabel Shammar. This three-page preview is the opening of the chapter. While it doesn't include any specific encounters, it does give a nice you a overview for the feel and the flavor of this "worst place in the world," and introduces you to the story behind Jabel Shammar. |
Design Diary: Part V: Above the City
"Above the City."
It sounds like a whole part of the book that details birds and hot air balloons.
In Ptolus, however, "above the city" refers to the most enigmatic
part of the setting: the Spire. Specifically, it means Goth Gulgamel and Jabel
Shammar, the two fortresses built upon the Spire. To a much lesser degree, it
also refers to the Seven Jewels of Parnaith, otherworldly half-worlds whose
doors float ethereally in orbit around the Spire. |
Week 4 Winners!
For all of you waiting for new words of dungeoneering wisdom, we have announced the fourth week's winners of our Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest. The Guild thanks for your good advice! Entries for Week 5 are due in to delvers@white-wolf.com by Wednesday, May 17, at noon EST. One entry per person per week, please. Winners receive a $20 gift certificate applied to their White Wolf Online Store account. |
Compiled Ptolus Campaign Journal 2
Your narrator, Benris Hu-Charad,
is a young giant woman who was found as a baby by adventurers twenty years ago,
abandoned in a level of the Dungeon. Her rescuers left her with the Delver’s
Guild, whose chief librarian adopted her. Giants being nonexistent in Ptolus,
everyone—including Benris herself—has always considered her a human
girl, though rather large boned. The only personal item found with her was a
bronze brooch bearing the cryptic word “Hu-Charad.” These days she
works at the Delver’s Guild and has just embarked with new friends on her
own life of adventure.... |
Ptolus Art Gallery: Campaign Photo Album
Our latest Ptolus online art gallery is a little different than the others: It's a photo album of scenes from Monte's Ptolus Campaign. Many of these pictures were taken in extra-long Saturday sessions that combined his normal Monday and Thursday night groups for storyline-critical encounters and large-scale battles. |
"You're playing in a seven-hundred-page city..."
In our Production Closeup
series of monthly features, Malhavoc's editorial honcho Sue goes behind the
scenes with some of the creative folks who helped me express my vision for Ptolus.
This month she speaks with two longtime players of the Ptolus Campaign: game designer Sean K Reynolds and Paizo's magazine publisher Erik Mona. |
Week 3 Winners!
For all of you waiting for new words of dungeoneering wisdom, we have announced the third week's winners of our Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest. The Guild thanks for your good advice! Entries for Week 4 are due in to delvers@white-wolf.com by Wednesday, May 10, at noon EST. One entry per person per week, please. Winners receive a $20 gift certificate applied to their White Wolf Online Store account. |
Week 2 Winners!
For all of you waiting for new words of dungeoneering wisdom, we have announced the second week's winners of our Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest. The Guild thanks for your good advice! Entries for Week 3 are due in to delvers@white-wolf.com by Wednesday, May 3, at noon EST. One entry per person per week, please. Winners receive a $20 gift certificate applied to their White Wolf Online Store account. |
Character Spotlight: Canabulum
Born eighty years ago in
the mountainous lands to the east, Canabulum learned magic from another minotaur
named Raumon. Once he had learned all that Raumon could teach, he wandered human
lands looking for magical items and knowledge. Eventually, Canabulum came to
Ptolus and spent a year or two getting by and gaining knowledge here and there. |
The Districts of Ptolus
Ptolus lies between the
Spire and the sea. The highest portion of the city, the Nobles’ Quarter,
is built on the base of the Spire. From there, the level of the city drops down
a sharp cliff to Oldtown, and then down again into Midtown. The final cliffs
at the edge of Ptolus drop into the bay, with the only area of dry land at the
bottom of those cliffs occupied by the city’s docks. Click on each district of the map here for a brief description. |
Week 1 Winners!
For all of you waiting for more words of dungeoneering wisdom, we have announced the first week's winners of our Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest. The Guild thanks for your good advice! Entries for Week 2 are due in to delvers@white-wolf.com by Tuesday, April 25th, at noon. One entry per person per week, please. Winners receive a $20 gift certificate applied to their White Wolf Online Store account. |
An Intro to Dwarvenhearth
In this week's Design Diary I describe the genesis of Part IV of Ptolus,
the section that details the various realms below the surface of the city. It
seemed like a good time to offer a preview from Part IV -- specifically, from
Chapter 23: Dwarvenhearth. I wanted you to see this
particular set of four pages because it gives you some good background of one
of my favorite areas of the book... |
Design Diary: Part IV: Below the City
In many ways, the genesis
of the Ptolus Campaign came from a conversation I had with Bruce Cordell once.
I wondered aloud what it would be like if there were really a massive dungeon
full of monsters, traps, and treasure. Obviously, being a D&D fan, I like
the idea that there would indeed be a certain class of people -- adventurers
-- who would take it upon themselves to explore the dungeon, brave its dangers,
and bring back its treasures, but what would impact would such a class of people
have on a society? |
Ptolus Delver's Guild Contest Seeks Dungeoneering Tips
Malhavoc Press and White Wolf are seeking dungeon-delving advice from
fans in a contest highlighting the Delver's Guild, an exciting exploratory organization
in Monte Cook's new epic city setting, Ptolus. |
"We wanted to make Ptolus look like a real city...."
In our Production Closeup
series of monthly features, Malhavoc's editorial honcho Sue goes behind the
scenes with some of the creative folks who helped me express my vision for Ptolus.
This month she speaks with the artists of The Forge Studios, who designed the architectural look of the city of Ptolus. See the development of some Ptolus landmarks from sketch to final. |
Ptolus Art Gallery: The Forge Studios
In this Ptolus online gallery, we'd like to show you some work
from The Forge Studios,
the first interior artists we brought in on the Ptolus project back in
2004. As the illustrators of all the architectural pieces in Ptolus,
they are responsible for designing much of the city's visual look and feel. |
Ptolus Ptypos
Back when I worked at TSR,
my fellow editor Miranda Horner kept a list on her cubicle wall of the funniest
typos she'd run across in her various projects. Soon we were all contributing
to her "Typos of Doom" list. Miranda was one of the proofreaders
of Ptolus, and so she and I could not help exchanging notes on funny
"Ptolus Ptypos" we found in the manuscript.... |
Ptolus Miniatures Gallery (May Greens)
The first Ptolus
miniatures are rolling through production, so we thought you'd like to see how
they're shaping up. The figures below are in a stage called "greens"
-- they're made of a special type of green/brown putty. Molds will be made for
the metal figures from these greens. All miniatures here are by sculptor Neil
McKenzie. |
Character Spotlight: Zophas Adhar
Zophas grew up in the distant
land of Rhoth, amid small, isolated farming hamlets. He was raised a strict
Lothianite, and the folk of his community kept to the old ways -- they still
believed that all gods besides Lothian were nothing but demons in disguise,
and that all heretics, including those who dabbled in arcane magic, should be
burned at the stake. |
Ptolus by the Numbers
Ptolus: City by the Spire
is off to press, so now we can relax a little and focus on things like the Night
of Dissolution adventure. But as we surrender our biggest book ever to the
printing gods, we thought you'd enjoy reading a few of this deluxe hardcover's
vital statistics.... |
Poster Preview!
This double-sided poster was one of our handouts to retailers at the 2006 GAMA Trade Show in Las Vegas. It features the Ptolus cover artwork on one side and a handy calendar on the other -- to help you count down the days till Ptolus appears in a store near you! The calendar side also provides a nice preview of some of the art from the book. |
GAMA Trade Show Top 10
I had a great time at the
GAMA Trade Show this week, although it was exhausting, too. As I said in my
blog, I'm getting a little tired of Vegas, where the show has been held for
quite a few years now. However, I never get tired of seeing old friends, meeting
new ones, and chatting with retailers and distributors about the game industry.... |
People, Rumors, and the Street of a Million Gods
This month's preview is from Part III -- specifically, from Chapter 17: Temple District. I chose this particular double-page spread for several reasons. Instead of focusing on locales within the district, it covers some of the other sections of a typical district chapter: those about people and rumors, plus it provides an interesting example of a sidebar. And finally, it contains an illustrated map by the Forge Studios of the Street of a Million Gods. We saw these sorts of "neighborhood maps" in various travel books and thought they would be a lot of fun to include in Ptolus. |
Design Diary: Part III: City Guide
The third part of the Ptolus book
covers the actual district-by-district description of the city itself. This part of the book is
the largest section, and arguably the most important. In its twelve chapters,
each district of the city is described in incredible detail, with an additional
overview chapter at the beginning. |
Ptolus Cartography Gallery
This month marks the first
of our new Ptolus preview galleries showcasing the varied forms of illustration
appearing in the book. We thought it would be fun to begin with the work of
cartographer Ed Bourelle. This gallery lays out the steps Ed used in creating
the Temple Observatory of the Watcher of the Skies. You
can see how the process of creating the observatory on the city map interlinks
with the rendering of the location's floor plans for the book's interior. |
"Every city map I do from now on will have a little bit of Ptolus in it...."
In our Production Closeup
series of monthly features, Malhavoc's editorial honcho Sue goes behind the
scenes with some of the creative folks who helped me express my vision for Ptolus.
This month she speaks with cartographic powerhouse Ed Bourelle about the development
of the Ptolus maps. The in-progress images give you a great idea of the project's immense scope. |
Character Spotlight: Shurrin Delano
Shurrin Delano is a confident
young man with his mind set on great heroism and fame as an adventurer. Born
in the fishing town of Carper's Bay, he disliked the idea of spending his life
around the smell and mess of fish. At age 18 he found a chest hidden in the
family attic, stashed there by his late grandfather, Chaldesh; the chest held
a masterwork rapier and a few other odd items, a legacy of Chaldesh's secret
life as a masked adventurer. Inspired by his grandfather's example, Shurrin
took his heirlooms and traveled to Ptolus in search of a grander life... |
Give the Gift of Ptolus
It doesn't have to be the holiday season
for you to do something nice for your DM. Our partners over at the
White Wolf online store have made easy for you to do just that with the
introduction of gift vouchers. Now you and the other members of your game group
can log on and chip in to buy your DM a preordered copy of Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire.... |
Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire Retail Pre-Order Program
Malhavoc Press and White Wolf are proud to
announce pre-order availability for Monte Cook’s newest campaign setting,
Ptolus. This epic
release is a monstrous 672-page color book. It promises to change the gaming
world by bursting at every seam with vibrant support material for players to
explore in a new, reader-friendly format. |
Paizo Publishing to Produce Ptolus Miniatures
Paizo Publishing, LLC® is proud to announce an extensive line
of officially licensed premium metal miniatures inspired by the Ptolus:
Monte Cook's City by the Spire campaign setting. The line debuts in
May with the City by the Spire boxed set, featuring five of the city's
most fascinating inhabitants, and three individually packaged miniatures ideal
for use as player characters. Additional monthly releases will ensure a line
of dozens of miniatures by the time the Ptolus hardcover comes out in
August, with more in the months to follow. |
House Abanar and More...
Since I spent some time in my latest Design Diary
talking about a few of my favorite aspects of the Organizations chapter of Ptolus,
I thought it might be a good idea in this preview to show you the first three
pages from that same chapter... |
Design Diary: Part II: Ptolus Background
The second of Ptolus'
seven parts contains an array of varied content. It includes material on
the world, the races, the gods and cosmology, the history, and the organizations.
This is, in a way, the part of the book that provides the context for the rest.
It's everything but the city of Ptolus. |
Dabel Brothers Venture Into Ptolus
Writer Monte Cook is no stranger to fantasy... but the upcoming PTOLUS:
CITY BY THE SPIRE comic book, which is being published by Dabel Brothers Production
(a.k.a. "DB Pro") this spring, is his first stab at graphic storytelling. |
"A Cover Painting Is the Depiction of a Moment"
In our Production Closeup
series of monthly features, Malhavoc's editorial honcho Sue goes behind the
scenes with some of the creative folks who helped me express my vision for Ptolus.
In our first article she speaks with artist Todd Lockwood about the development
of the Ptolus cover, which we first unveiled back in July of last year. The in-progress images give you a great idea of how the whole thing came together. |
Character Spotlight: Sister Mara Von Witten
At 46 years old, Mara Von
Witten has been a devoted member of the Lothian clergy for more than 25 years,
and spent most of her life in Tarsis, capital of the Empire. In her younger
days she was a zealous warrior fighting against the forces of evil, but she
always followed her own path. Mara also had occasional dreams that seemed to
be sendings or messages of some kind. Unfortunately, the Church looked down
upon such activities . . . |
Design Diary: Part I: A Player's Guide to Ptolus
The Ptolus book
has seven parts, covering everything from the world to the districts of the
city, the areas above and below the city, and advice on running and playing
in the Ptolus Campaign. In my next set of Design Diaries, I'm going to discuss
each part and give you a little background on its contents and my design goals
for it. |
Free Winter 2006 Catalog!
The Sword & Sorcery Insider for Winter 2006 is now available, and
it's got some cool news from Malhavoc Press. Consumers and retailers alike can
download it here for free. |
Character Spotlight: Gaerioth Shadowhand
Gaeriothalaenen Shadowhand
(Gaerioth for short), a conflicted young Harrow elf, entered an order of monks
called the Esvallen Brotherhood, also known as the Followers of the White Path.
They were a small order of monks devoted to cultivating harmony and balance
through the ordered study of both the martial and fine arts. The group itself was very hierarchical; monks who passed the
Seven Ordeals of Chaos were welcomed into the order as full members, led by
a mysterious Inner Circle of adepts known as the White Hand Masters.... |
Design Diary: The Evolution of a Book
Obviously, Ptolus
is a huge book. It was written over the course of two years, with serious breaks
(breaks called Beyond Countless Doorways, Arcana Evolved, Iron Heroes, and so forth).
Over that time, the book changed considerably in its conception. Originally, in fact, it
was simply going to be a big adventure that would take you from level 1 to level
20.... |
Character Spotlight: Tellian Riverborn
Born in 568 in the land
of Ren Tehoth, Tellian grew up in a small village on the banks of the Maquent
River. His was a prominent family of clerics dedicated to the god of Strength
and Harmony, Navashtrom. Tellian displayed natural talent with a bow and won
many archery contests as a young elf. But when the age of decision came upon
him, his family pressured him into entering into the priesthood. Tellian did as he was told. |
Chat Transcript: Ptolus 1
Last week, EN World welcomed Monte Cook into their chat room to talk with about the forthcoming Ptolus book and to celebrate his completion of the manuscript. Thanks to the more than 40 people who attended and asked questions! And thanks as well to the moderators for sending us this transcript. |
Design Diary: Setting Choices
A lot of people ask me,
"So I've read about the big
Ptolus book, but what's Ptolus like as a setting?" That's a
harder question to answer than you might think, simply because there's so much
information, it's difficult to know where to begin. |
Character Spotlight: Vexander Sangreal
Born in 601 in the Moonsilver
Forest, Vexander (Vex to his friends) grew up in a small fishing community.
Early in his life he spent time as a sailor on an elven ship that plied the
Whitewind Sea. Years later, however, he and his friend Chanticleer Umanyar traveled
to the city of Ptolus to seek their fortune.... |
Ptolus: The Comic Book
Ptolus: City by the Spire
is a new six-issue comic book series coming out from DB Pro starting in May.
I've really been enjoying writing the first couple issues — I'm slated to write
the entire series, which chronicles some of the exploits of Sheva Callister.... |
Design Diary: DM Friendly
If you've read much on this
site, you know that I'm a frequent DM and that I like material made specifically
for DMs. It's not easy being the one to run the game, and it's good when a product
comes along that makes a DM's life a bit easier. |
Ptolus: The White Book
This week, Ptolus became even more real to us. That's because our printer
sent us a "white book"—a printed and bound blank copy of the
672-page volume with all the components: bookmarks, mapsheet, handouts, the
works. "Ptolus without the ink," if you will.... |
Character Spotlight: Sercian Lorenci
Sercian Lorenci was born
in 594 IA in the city of Dohrinthas, as was his twin brother Serai. The two
are so identical in appearance and so adept at impersonating each other that
even as adults they can switch places among close friends without anyone knowing,.
Serai, however, was the favored son, placed above his brother Sercian in his
father's esteem. Yet Sercian was mother's favorite, and so when the brothers
left for Ptolus, their mother slipped Sercian ten gold coins. "To keep
you well," she whispered. |
Cast of Characters
Get to know the player characters in my new Ptolus campaign! |
Design Diary: Why Ptolus?
Leaving aside all the physical components
of the package -- the handouts, the page design, the preorder offers, and whatnot
-- what is Ptolus? Once you've got it in your hands next year, what are
you really going to have? |
Compiled Ptolus Campaign Journal 1
Ptolus is the name of a
city with ancient origins and a convoluted past. It's also the name of the campaign
that I have set there. |
A Look at the "Look" of Ptolus
While the Ptolus book has not actually entered production yet, we wanted to give you a taste
right now of what it's going to look like. |
Ptolus Partners
It seems that we at Malhavoc Press aren't the only ones excited about Ptolus. We're very pleased to be working on a number of support titles with other publishers. |
Ptolus Art Sneak Peek I
Okay, we know that we normally don't do art previews until a book is almost ready to go on sale, and Ptolus doesn't hit store shelves for a long time. Still, when you take a look at the
work of the six artists represented in this deluxe project, we think you'll
be glad we didn't wait. |
Monte Cook to Publish 'Most Deluxe' RPG Product
Game designer Monte Cook announced in this month's issue of Dragon® magazine his intention to create the most deluxe roleplaying game product ever to hit store shelves. |
Ptolus Comes Alive!
The Ptolus game has technically ended. However, I'm going to be starting up the game again, smaller this time (running only one group a week rather than two). When I do, this is the sight that will greet the players. |
Dark Tidings
Secrets of the Delver's Guild
The Night of Dissolution
Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire
Player's Guide to Ptolus