Celtic Legends 3: The World of Eire

 

The third book in the Celtic Legends series is now out, and it feels like a good time to say a bit more about how it fits into the broader pile of things I’ve been tinkering with.

If you’ve seen the Norse material I’ve shared here before, this sits in a similar space. I tend to think of these lines less as separate projects and more as related branches, different expressions of the same underlying idea. That idea is something I’ve been calling Terra Mythica for a while now: a loose framework where real-world mythologies can coexist within a shared campaign space.

It’s not meant to be overly systematized or locked down. The appeal, at least for me, is in letting these traditions retain their own tone and identity while still brushing up against one another at the edges. If I had to point to a comparison, the closest might be Riverworld, though the similarity is more conceptual than literal.

Celtic Legends itself is written by Rob Stone, someone I’ve collaborated with quite a bit over the years. This particular corner of mythology is very much in his wheelhouse, and it shows. My role on these books was limited to layout, the voice and substance are all his.

If you’re curious, you can take a look here:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/559206/celtic-legends-the-world-of-e-ire

More to come on Terra Mythica as it continues to take shape.

Book of Valkyries (OSR edition)

Just finished the final drawing for the Book of Valkyries. This is a revised version and a new drawing for Skuld. This finalizes the book and it's off to the printer. 

Skuld
Seer of the Valkyries

Aesir Demi-Goddess, Medium Humanoid, Lawful Neutral

Armor Class: 20 (runic mail and cloak of fate)
Hit Dice: 12d8+36 (hp 92)
BHB: +9
Attacks: Spear (1d8+4) or staff (1d6+3)
Move: 120’ (40’) / 180’ (60’) flying
Save: D3 W4 P4 B5 S7 (F12)
Morale: 11
XP: 4,200
TT: G

Str: 14/+1 Dex: 18/+3 Con: 17/+2 Int: 19/+4 Wis: 26/+8 Chr: 22/+5

Sight of Skuld. Skuld perceives threads of fate surrounding all creatures. She cannot be surprised and always acts in the first round of combat unless facing another divine being, then initiative is rolled for her normally.

Skuldborg - Shield of Destiny. After a successful attack roll is made against the bearer, they may force the attacker to reroll the attack and take the worse result.

Rune of Foresight. Twice per day Skuld may grant an ally within 30’ the benefit of foresight, giving +2 to attack rolls and saving throws for 2 rounds.

Seer of the Valkyries. Other Valkyries within 60’ gain +1 to attack rolls and morale while Skuld is present, as she guides them according to the patterns of fate.

Skuld (/skoold/ debt, obligation, that which is to be) is both a Norn and a Valkyrie, a rare figure who stands between the weavers of fate and the choosers of the slain. Alongside Urðr (what has been) and Verðandi (what is becoming), she forms the triad of Norns who determine the destinies of gods and mortals. While her sisters tend the well of fate, Skuld also rides with the Valkyries, carrying the decrees of destiny onto the battlefield.

Geirskögul - Valkyrie of Shaking Spears

It's been a few months since I posted a Valkyrie; here you go.

Geirskögul

Valkyrie of Shaking Spears

Aesir Demi-Goddess, Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 20 (dress of divine protection)
Hit Dice: 11d8+22 (hp 72)
BHB: +9
Attacks: Spear +10 (1d8+3) or Sword +10 (1d6+3)
Move: 120’ (40’) / Fly 180’ (60’)
Save: D3 W4 P4 B5 S7 (F11)
Morale: 11
XP: 3,000
TT: F

Str: 17/+2 Dex: 21/+4 Con: 15/+1 Int: 14/+1 Wis: 16/+2 Chr: 19/+3

Shaking Spears. Once per battle Geirskögul can inspire nearby warriors to fury. All allies within 60’ gain +2 to attack rolls and Morale for 3 rounds. Enemies witnessing the charge must Save vs. Spells or suffer –1 to attack rolls during the same time.

Battle Sense. She can sense the presence of impending battle or armed conflict within 1 mile.

Geirskögul (“Spear-Shaker”) is a fierce Valkyrie known for stirring warriors to battle. Her presence often heralds the beginning of great clashes, where shields splinter and spears tremble in the hands of charging armies. Clad in an ebon dress and bearing a long war-spear, she rides above the battlefield selecting the bravest fallen for Odin’s halls. Among the Valkyries she is known as a herald of battle, appearing where the tide of war is about to break. 

Happy Frazetta Day

 Happy Birthday to the greatest artist of the 20th century. Frank Frazetta was born this day 1928 in Brooklyn, New York.

Here are a few close-ups of some of his greatest hits. His brushwork is amazing, the confidence, the power, it all works together so well. Many have tried but no one will ever be like Frazetta.

How Much Can Superman Lift in Guardians?

Superman's lifting power changes a lot in the comics. It's not one number. It can seem endless. He does huge feats like lifting the Earth or towing a galaxy. Here are some indications of just how much he can lift. 

Big Lifting Feats

Bench-press the Earth: In New 52, he lifted Earth's full weight (5.97 sextillion tons) for 5 days. No sun, and he was not tired at all.

200 quintillion tons: In All-Star Superman, a dying Superman lifted this much with one arm. He said he could do more.

Hold up everything: In Superman: Man of Tomorrow #12, he took Atlas's job. Held the whole DC Universe, that's all worlds, things, and people. Everything.

Tow a galaxy: Silver Age Superboy pulled a whole galaxy like it was nothing.

Why His Strength Changes

Writers explain the ups and downs like this:

Motivation: He gets stronger to save people. Holds back vs. weak foes. Goes all out vs. big threats.

Solar energy: Power from the sun. More sun = more strength. "Sun-dipped" means supercharged.

Holding back: He limits himself on purpose. Versus Batman, he pulls punches. He once hurt himself with a big punch by mistake.

Story needs: Some lifts are symbols, not real weights. Like lifting a book with infinite pages in a dream world.

For your Guardians game, don't pin Superman to one stat. Let strength scale with the plot. Need him to lift a planet? He can. Fighting street thugs? He holds back. Tie it to "will to protect" or sun points. Keeps things fun and true to the comics. Superman lifts what the story demands.

Looking for a more firm answer? Ok, here you go:

Superman can lift two billion tons in his normal form, but when he's supercharged, he can lift at least 200 quintillion tons!