Hunts in civilized lands are formal, majestic activities that hinge as much on ceremony as they do on actually hunting the designated prey. Often times, depending on the quarry, the outcome is predetermined. In fact, the hapless animal being hunted can be planted in a designated place, or released so that the "hunters" have something … Continue reading Blow that Bugle Again, and You’ll be Walking Funny for a Month
Musings
Know Your Neighbors: The Underdark
Something of a "catch-all" phrase for the many races that live deep in the earth, the underdark includes all kinds of subterranean dwellers. Drow (or dark) elves, duergar (gray dwarves), svirfneblin (deep gnomes), illithid (mind flayers), and even some goblinoid peoples. As a general rule, the further down you go in the caverns and chasms, … Continue reading Know Your Neighbors: The Underdark
Slothjemian National Anthem
From the fens and bogs we started out, And in the swamplands grew, We set about our destiny to claim! Against the elven king we championed, And the dwarves became our kin, In the Clan of the Midnight Skull’s domain! Slothjemia! Slothjemia! You’re our county and our kingdom oh so fair! It’s to you … Continue reading Slothjemian National Anthem
German dwarves, French elves
For those of you not familiar with the geography and cultures of these stories, there might be questions about what things in the real world could translate into this fantasy realm. And to you, dear reader, we offer the following correlations: Geldenreich is loosely based on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, dwarven culture is loosely based on … Continue reading German dwarves, French elves
Writing for the sake of Writing
I always liked to share my writings with other people. The reception these missives received was usually mixed, but the general attitude was "you're a really good writer." The problem is, and always has been, the subject matter. However good your prose, there just isn't a big market for stories about goblins doing things. Now, … Continue reading Writing for the sake of Writing
And now for something completely different…
Starting soon, we'll be unveiling a second story here, something more along the lines of a murder mystery. This story is much shorter than "An Orc for All Seasons", and while the subject matter might make a person queasy, well, we are dealing with orcs, aren't we? We hope you enjoy reading Slothjemian Tales, because … Continue reading And now for something completely different…
How close is the nearest churchyard, because those aren’t fireflies…
One cannot discuss the artistry of the Coreland, without talking about how the natural sights and sounds of the swamp has influenced perception. The low fog that creeps up and hovers eerily over the fetid, still waters. The frogs croaking out their belchy greetings, and the flapping wings of unseen creatures. Fishes, and more dangerous … Continue reading How close is the nearest churchyard, because those aren’t fireflies…
Creation by Committee
The very best stories come about by accident, but if you don't like accidents, then find yourself some gaming buddies. Slothjemia came about thanks to the creative efforts of many people, intrepid adventurers that helped form a gaming world and made all of this nonsense possible. Bernie Ward was my first game master, and Steve … Continue reading Creation by Committee
Either somebody is wringing a cat, or else Opera Season is underway
Slothjemian art is considered by outsiders to be an oxymoron, and music is no exception. With so many people from such varied backgrounds sharing their love for song and dance, hymn and chant, there are bound to be unpleasant tunes that accost the unprepared listener. A Romillian bard of some fame once noted that "Jorish music … Continue reading Either somebody is wringing a cat, or else Opera Season is underway
An Element of Chance
People who have never done any roleplaying-style gaming are frequently concerned about the use of dice. Is this gambling? This looks like satanic gambling. Are we sure this isn't gambling? Because gambling is the biggest threat we can imagine, let me assure you that it is not gambling. Dice are used to introduce an element … Continue reading An Element of Chance
Slothjemian Tales 
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