Across the Thunder River
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When thinking of villains for the Hyborian Age¸ what comes to mind? For many¸ the first ideas to come to mind are the Stygians and Acheronians: Thoth-Amon in his loathesome towers of ancient evils where gruesome relics of past ages lurk; Great Xaltotun and his horrible dreams of Acheronian resurrection. Are they the worst the Hyborian Age has to offer? This book suggests that they are not. There is a darker and more sinister presence in the world¸ a savage power prowling the edges of the Hyborian landscape¸ unseen by most of the world. Who are they? They are the Picts. Dark and mysterious¸ lurking in dim forests and dank swamps¸ the Picts of the Hyborian Age are a primal force that will ultimately unleash its collective rage against civilisation and bring the whole of Hyboria down in flames and savage devastation. This book is intended to give Games Masters the resources to bring these terrible adversaries to life and break their misconception as idiotic savages who whoop and jump around a lot¸ flinging arrows and tomahawks at people. Picts are dangerous. For those who intend to play characters in the wild Westermarck¸ take a word of advice ‐ beware. The Picts are out there¸ and they will hurt you if they find you. Although this advice will be largely ignored¸ perhaps it would be best if players refrain from reading the chapters about the Picts¸ remaining safe and sound within the chapters of the Westermarck. The fun part of reading about or playing against the Picts is their dark mystery. Let the Games Master reveal the world of the Picts for their players¸ learning about these savage people as they go. This book will also be useful for players who wish to play a Pict in a standard Conan game. A Pict in Zamora would be as out of place as Conan and would make for an interesting story. This book should provide enough background information to allow a player to portray an exciting and believable Pict who is more than just dull-witted and bloodthirsty savages. Be prepared to enter one of the ultimate lost worlds of fantasy fiction: the Pictish Wilderness. Be prepared to journey to the strange places where hidden tribes flourish¸ untouched by the gilt decadence of their more civilised neighbours. Be prepared to travel weird valleys where mesmeric shamans rule uncontested by the painted men of a savage culture. Be prepared to find new skills and uses for older skills. Be prepared for uncover their secrets and magic. The Picts have stalked in their wooded fortress long enough. They will emerge in blood and flame¸ and only a trail of corpses will mark their passing. Prepare to unleash upon your campaign the darkest and most sinister villains of the Hyborian Age.
When thinking of villains for the Hyborian Age¸ what comes to mind? For many¸ the first ideas to come to mind are the Stygians and Acheronians: Thoth-Amon in his loathesome towers of ancient evils where gruesome relics of past ages lurk; Great Xaltotun and his horrible dreams of Acheronian resurrection. Are they the worst the Hyborian Age has to offer? This book suggests that they are not. There is a darker and more sinister presence in the world¸ a savage power prowling the edges of the Hyborian landscape¸ unseen by most of the world. Who are they?
"They are the Picts.
"Dark and mysterious¸ lurking in dim forests and dank swamps¸ the Picts of the Hyborian Age are a primal force that will ultimately unleash its collective rage against civilisation and bring the whole of Hyboria down in flames and savage devastation.