Hah! They said it couldn't be done, but here is a new
LightRaider NET -- Issue #12.1!
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>From our readers: one pilgrim commented:
Hail and well met, most sublime and humble publishers of
the LightRaider NET fanzine!!!
I hath seen thy work and am most impressed. If it pleases
thee, this humble and lowly knight would most appreciate
being added to thy mailing list to receive this praiseworthy
publication. many thanks, and may you always have the
music of fleeing dragons to accompany thy adventures!!
(Editors Note: We so enjoyed this comment that we're
trying to get this fan to help us work on the LR-NET!)
========================================
Information from the DR News
of the Official DragonRaid Site
Why not join the DragonRaid Advocate List? This list will
better enable us on the Adventures for Christ committee to
communicate and keep track of those who are really
interested in DragonRaid and support it. Find out more at
the Official DragonRaid Web Site at
http://www.groups.org/dragonraid/
Tidbits from the AFC Report at The Wilderlands Hold
http://www.teleport.com/~thehold/report.htm
Here is how Jeff Smith began his Director's Overview:
"As you can see from the reports that follow, we're well
on our way to our stated goal; nothing short of the
"rebirth" of DragonRaid. Although we've developed only a
bare-bones business or marketing plan thus far, the effort
is remarkably unified."
"Options are being explored for the editing and distribution
of the DragonRaid materials." --Joe Revesz of the Rules
Committee
"The WordRunes Committee has finished its first re-write
of existing WordRunes and come up with some additions.
" --Jack Ray of the WordRunes Committee
"Different people have made many suggestions on how to
change or add to DragonRaid. All ideas are being looked
at, but there is careful consideration to keep in mind
DragonRaid's unique Adventure Learning system." --Jack
Ray of the Playtest Subcommmittee
Dave Eadie is drawing up a storm, also working on the
DCs.
"County Faire adventure was playtested with the Alaska
group... it is still in playtest with the Akron group. " --Jill
Oviatt of the Adventure Committee
"The AFC has been discussing options for promoting
DragonRaid at some summer festivals. (Also see the
DragonRaid Advocates page at the Official Website). "--
David Staley of Marketing
"David Staley, Rich Sezov and I have been working
together to set up an Official DragonRaid web site at
http://www.groups.org/dragonraid/ " --Steve Carrington
(Communications)
========================================
YOUTH RETREAT
How to run a DragonRaid Youth Retreat
copyright 1984 Adventure Learning Systems/ Lamb's
Bride Project
The LightRaider Test, the first introductory 3-5 hour
adventure of the DragonRaid Adventure Learning System,
makes an excellent retreat experience. No speaker will be
necessary and spiritual learning will be effective. Also, you
will be introducing your teens to a discipleship program
that is interesting, fun and effective. Many might continue
in it on their own after the retreat.
The DragonRaid Adventure Learning System is
designed to disciple those who play. It is designed to
provide extensive play for 3 to 5 hours a week. During this
time teens and young adults will memorize from 100 to 200
Bible passages and be taught the essential knowledge
and skills of the Christian faith and lifestyle.
One of the players is called the Adventure Master
because he or she runs the game for the other 3-6
players.
DragonRaid material is written to train this Adventure
Master in Christian leadership. The youth you pick to be
game leaders at the retreat can begin their training in
leadership. This gives you the rare opportunity to put less-
popular and/or more intellectual kids in leadership. (Our
testing shows that popular and less-popular teens can be
mixed together successfully in a DragonRaid adventure.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Do Immediately!
1. Estimate how many Young people will be attending
the retreat. (Be on the safe side and estimate a little high,
because you do not want to be short of materials.) Then
divide the total number of kids by 5. This will tell you about
how many groups you will have so that you can pick
leaders and order materials.
2. Order materials. You will need one boxed game for
every 5 kids. Usually churches then sell the slightly-used
games to youngsters for $20, making the cost per youth
only $2.
BEFORE THE RETREAT
1.Pick your youth leaders-to-be who will become
Adventure Masters and run the Venture game at the
retreat. Since Christian leadership is not all fun and games,
remember the kids who are serious but shy as well as
those who only lack self-confidence. A few years from
now, the church will be in their hands as much or more
than the popular, sports-oriented teens. You will need one
Adventure Master (youth leader) per 3 to 6 players. Teens
with less confidence can be assigned to lead groups of
three or four into the Dragon Lands. Those with
confidence can lead a group of five or six players. If you
might have more attending than you thought, it will be best
not to fill the groups so that you can place late registrants
into groups.
2.Recruit adult counselors for the retreat. You will need
one for every three youth leaders Adventure Masters).
Then invite them over in groups of 4 to 6 and run The
LightRaider Test for them. Of course, you will be the
Adventure Master.
3.Have your adult counselors run The LightRaider Test
for the youth leaders. They can team up. Two of them can
run one adventure for 3 to 6 kids. In this way, they can
become familiar enough to be of help to the Adventure
Masters at the retreat.
4.Have your youth Adventure Masters run The
LightRaider Test for their family or a single-parent family.
This practice is very important, especially for junior high
Adventure Fosters and less-confident teen lenders We
have found that even though kids get nervous while
leading an adventure, they almost always want to go back
and do it again. The difficulty of running the adventure
leads to an internal victory that establishes confidence.
Any of the youth leaders who have a rough time running
that practice adventure can run it again for another family.
You will see that even if they did a poor job of running the
adventure, the players will have enjoyed it and be ready to
play again.
5.Pray for the youth leaders who will be Adventure
Masters at the upcoming retreat.
AT THE RETREAT
1.Before the first play session have a prayer session with
the Adventure Masters and their adult counselor helpers.
The knowledge that they are part of a team will reassure
the teen leaders. Remind them that it is the job of the Holy
Spirit to help then run the adventure and also to help the
players grow spiritually.
2.Seat retreat attendees in your pre-determined groups
at separate tables. Explain to them that The LightRaider
Test is a game that will teach and test spiritual truth. Then
ask them to read pages 5 and 6
of the New Player Briefing, entitled "What is
DragonRaid?" and "Your Character".
3.Direct the work of creating characters by playing the
cassette tape and following its instructions. Stop just
before the player briefing to The LightRaider Test.
4. Have players read pages 9, 10 and 11 of the New
Player Briefing entitled role playing.
5.Tell players that the New Player Briefing will be
available to them for further study throughout the
weekend. Make sure that they know reading it further is
optional.
6.Tell players that they can follow along with the
cassette by reading page 14 of the New Player Briefing.
Then turn the cassette on and play the briefing to The
LightRaider Test.
7.Hand the responsibility of running the adventure over
to the youth Adventure Masters. They will begin an page
17 of The LightRaider Test: Adventure guidebook.
8.Have your adult counselors available to help their
three Adventure Masters. You need to be available to the
adult counselors when they need help.
9.Display the complete DragonRaid Adventure Learning
System where all the youth can view it. Encourage them
to get DragonRaid for themselves and continue their
adventuring as a way to grow as Christians.
CRITICAL INSTRUCTIONS
A. Make sure that youth Adventure Masters do their
homework before running that first practice games Give
them a copy of the yellow sheet titled Attention Adventure
Master! and a copy of both the New Player Briefing and
The LightRaider Test: Adventure GuideBook. Tell them to
read both at least two times. Then check up on them to
see that they have done this before running the practice
game. Then tell then to read both booklets twice more
before the retreat. Check up to see that they have done
so. Remember to compliment and encourage these first
serious efforts at spiritual leadership!
B. Carefully instruct the youth Adventure Masters to not
think for players. Teach them that the players will grow
most if they have to struggle a little. Tell them to allow
silences to go on for some time before giving hints. Tell
them to never give solutions until they first check with their
adult counselor coaches. Teach them how to encourage
players and sensitively say ‘you can do it.’
C. If we have left anything out that you find helpful,
please let us know.
Possible Playing Schedule
Friday Evening:
Approximately 2 hours*
Create a character and play although
Sequences 1 and 2.
Saturday Morning:
About 2 hours*
Play Sequences 3 and 4.
Saturday Evening:
From 2 to 3 hours*
Finish adventure.
* Groups will finish at different times. It might be best to
excuse groups that finish early as long as it is not so early
as to excuse hasty play on the part of other groups in
order to get out early. (Such would cause a big problem
for the youth Adventure Masters.)
DRAGONRAID
disciples young people
trains future church leaders
motivates players to memorize 50 to 100 Bible passages
a year
teaches participants to share the gospel in their own
words
requires players to teach and counsel one another
encourages Interdependence among Christians.
THE LAMB'S BRIDE PROJECT
PO BOX 8240
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80933
========================================
DragonRaid Heroes
Hall of Heroes
The LightRaider NET has decided to start publising
descriptions of some o these interesintg DragonRaid
heroes we hear about! We've come up with a few
categories which are the following:
-- LightRaiders -- Special Roles
-- Life-After Death -- Battle Prayer --
So to start this project, we'll begin with the description of a
couple of new LightRaiders participating in the
Giant's Manor Internet Adventure. If you have an
interesting description of a LightRaider, send it to us at
cass@alaska.net or banders@hotmail.com
----------->> LightRaider reported in the DragonLands
Tâs-Akir (slayer of Hilbath)
Tâs-Akir lived up north in the Interior Upland. He's
always been a loner, wandering far and wide. He was into
Dark Arts before he became a member of the TwiceBorn,
and was often hired to hunt enemies - indeed also
LightRaiders.
On a time it came to pass that he was hired by Bilaq a
Rainbow dragon of Tuphoo, under whose service he'd
often been, to assasinate a Guardian of Light. Hilbath was
his name, and great hate lay between him and Bilaq. It
had been learned from a captured LightRaider, that
Hilbath would be on a raid in the Forest of Horrors, where
an exceptionately large Forest Troll family was gathering
Dark Creatures and mustering for a grand scale looting
against harmless OnceBorn.
To make a long story short, Akir dueled Hilbath in the
heat of battle, and when victory seemed out of grasp he
cave up. Hilbath told him the Truth and about the Great
Rescue. Akir became a member of the TwiceBorn!
But just then Gurmal the head of the troll family, stabed
Hilbath in the back. Akir drew Manous his large sword and
hewed the huge troll in pieces. When the, now much
reduced, band saw their leader dead they retreated.
Together with a small host of OnceBorn Akir hunted and
killed the remnant. Akir shared the good news of the Great
Rescue with them - aided by Hilbath's raid team - and
allmost all of them recieved the OverLord as their Lord and
Rescuer. As did several of their family members, before
they all went to The Liberated Land.
----------->> LightRaider reported in the DragonLands
Erevan of the Ash Bow
Many years ago, Erevan the woodsman dwelt in the fog-
enshrouded Grey Mountains with his wife, Merylith, and
his son, Aranor. They were rather isolated from the rest of
society, Erevan having no love for the Dragons and their
foul minions. Of course, they were not completely cut off
from the influence of evil.
But, Erevan was a skilled woodsman and did his best to
protect his family from the evil creatures that would
happen upon their homestead from time to time.
One night, a group of mysterious strangers sought out
Erevan to ask his aid in crossing the mountains. The
strangers were odd, having a curious cheerfulness about
them and a sort of 'inner glow' that made one want to get
to know them. Being an honorable man, Erevan invited
the strangers to stay the night and he would help them
cross the mountains in the morning.
That night, the strangers wove wondrous tales about
the Most High, Him they call the Overlord of Many Names.
Erevan dismissed the stories as pure fantasy, but Merylith
and Aranor both listened intently. Before the night was
over, the mother and son would surrender their lives to the
Most High. Merylith and the strangers tried to convince
Erevan that the Overlord was real, but the woodsman had
spent his life relying on himself and saw no need to put his
trust in someone he couldn't even see.
The next morning, Erevan set off with the strangers to
cross the mountains. The journey would take them three
days where he was taking them. As they were leaving,
Merylith caught up with her husband and spoke to him.
"He talked to me last night, Erevan!" she said excitedly
"I heard Him! Will you not give yourself to Him even
now?"
Again, Erevan refused. Merylith's heart sank and her
next words did not seem to be her own.
"You will find life in Him, my love," she said "But only
when your life ends."
Erevan left his wife and son, and journeyed into the
misty forests of the grey mountains. It would be three days
before he would return.
Upon returning home, Erevan walked into a nightmare.
His home was burned to the ground and everything was
destroyed. After searching frantically for his wife and son,
Erevan found them on the banks of a nearby stream.
They had been killed. A few mound orc bodies lay
nearby, a testimony to the futile struggle that Merylith and
Aranor had fought. Why they had come here, Erevan
could not guess. Most likely, it was a raiding party sent out
to steal provisions for an underground Mound Orc colony.
Erevan with many bitter tears buried them there. It was at
this time that a cold chill was birthed in his heart, and it
would not leave for many long years.
Erevan took to the forests, ever wandering and
mourning the loss of his family. He slew any foul beasts
that he chanced upon, taking a particular cruel
vengeance out on Mound Orcs. Slowly, he began to
make a name for himself. Villagers and travellers called
him the Grim Wanderer. But, the more he killed and
slaughtered, the colder his heart grew and he knew no
rest from his grief. Eventually, Erevan began to think
about taking his own life and ending his pain forever. But,
his unconcious will to live would not let him give up.
Hence, his attacks on Dark Creatures grew more daring
and bold, and all the while Erevan hoped that he would
finally meet death at the hands of those he hated so.
One morning, as Erevan washed in an icy mountain
stream, a voice spoke. Quickly seizing his sword,
Erevan looked around like a hunted animal. Indeed, an
animal he had nearly become.
"Erevan," the voice spoke "Why are you here?"
"Who are you?" Erevan shouted "Show yourself to me,
coward!"
"I am He whom you fight against."
"My fight is with the foul creatures who slew my family,"
Erevan shouted "Show yourself and let us do battle. I fear
not death!"
There was silence for a moment. A wind began to blow,
sending autumn leaves drifting slowly to the ground.
Suddenly, a bright flame appeared in the sky. Without
knowing how he knew, Erevan was sure that this flame
was the source of the voice that had spoken.
"Erevan," the voice spoke gently "You do not fear
death because you think that you will escape your pain
through death."
"I am already dead!" Erevan shouted bitterly "If you will
not fight, then go and leave me to my torment!"
At that moment the flame disappeared and was replaced
by a glowing silver sword.
"Then let us do battle" the voice said.
Erevan and the eerie glowing sword fought each other,
their swords clashing and ringing throughout the
mountainside. With each blow, Erevan's rage grew and
his pain increased until he finally collapsed in tears.
His breath coming in gasps, he knelt before the sword
and bared his chest.
The sword came down swiftly, piercing Erevan's chest.
Erevan cried aloud as his soul, not his flesh, was torn
asunder. He was utterly exposed and naked before the
wielder of the sword. Every pain, every thought, was
disclosed. But, at the same time, a healing began to take
place. It strove with the cold chill in Erevan's heart and
vanquished it. It felt as though rivers that healed flowed
throughout Erevan's being. He knew that he was dying,
but this death was a death of all that was loathsome and
dark within his heart. He knew that it had dwelt there for
long years, but now it was being washed away by a
burning fire that consumed all that was pain. With a cry,
Erevan stood and opened his eyes.
The sword was gone, and the flame now stood once
again in the sky. Erevan fumbled for words.
"Who are you" he managed at last.
"I am the Overlord of Many Names. Your death is not
yet complete, Erevan."
Erevan somehow knew what was coming next.
"You must die each day to the man that you once were.
No longer will you weep for your loved ones.
They now dwell with me in my Everlasting Kingdom. You
will be born into a new man. I await your surrender to this,
your destiny."
Erevan could control himslef no longer. He knelt before
the flame, his sword clenched before him. He knew in his
heart that he could not go on as he was. He wanted to
live as a man, not the beast he had become.
"I surrender to you, Most High" he said "Command me
and I shall obey, though my life be forfeit."
From that day on, Erevan was no longer called the Grim
Wanderer. The change was so obvious in him that when
others saw him, the former name no longer fit. He was re-
named Erevan of the Ash Bow, for the great bow of ash
that hung from his broad shoulders. Eventually, the
Overlord would send new friends, members of the
Twiceborn, to lead him to the Liberated Land. Erevan had
found life when his life had ended."
Start of 12.2 section:
DECEIVED!
(This story is a reprint from the May 1989 Volume 1,
Number 4 of The LightRaider Letter)
copyright Eric Slick eric@simutronics.com
"A trap!" The realization sent shivers through my aching
body. Before me stood three Mound Orcs, slavering
hungrily like dogs greedily eyeing their dinner. The light
from my torch made their forms shift eerily, accenting the
sheen from the drool on their chins. They didn't attack,
waiting instead for the ones following to catch up and
increase their odds. Who said orcs were stupid?
I should have dumped the gold but the sin enchantment
was heavy upon me and I was more afraid of losing it than
losing my life. How clouded my judgement was! I ran, if
that is what you could call it, and managed to escape, but
I knew they had discovered my theft. The equipment I left
behind was telltale and the shouts of surprise and anger
confirmed it.
I was forced to take a different route out than the one I
came in. I ran for what seemed an eternity taking a tunnel
left then right, trying to lose any pursuit. Then, when I felt
relatively safe, I consulted the Greedo's map. My chest
heaved under the exhausting burden of gold while my
eyes scanned the map desperately, hoping to find another
way out. It didn't show these tunnels. I was lost.
Fear. I had never known it so strong. There was no way
out. While wandering around in these tunnels I would
eventually die of starvation or more likely, under the blade
of an orc's battle axe before I found a way out. The
moment was too much and I cried. I'm not ashamed. It led
me back to the OverLord of Many Names.
For a long time I cradled my head in my hands and wept
until I could cry no longer. It was then that I confessed my
sin. I said, "Forgive me OverLord for my willful act of
disobedience; for believing I could have riches apart from
your will; for my faithlessness in deserting my friends and
the lust for money that stole my heart from you. Cleanse
me once again and renew the joy of my second birth."
I wept again but this time the heaviness I had felt was
lifting, shedding from my body like layers of clothing under
the warmth of the summer sun. When I was done I felt
free. My eyes were opened and the truth shone on my
deception without hindrance. I saw it for what it was. A lie,
a promise empty of true reality, a filthy rag fit only for the
dung heap.
The smell of orc on the gold made my nose cringe. I
threw the gold down. In moments it lay scattered on the
ground but it was no longer gold. Instead it was excrement
hardened by time into brick-like chunks. How could I have
been so blind? I had taken orc feces and hid it on my
body. How could I have done that to myself? I found a
corner and retched.
Later, when it was all over, I realized I had not asked
the OverLord for a way out. Maybe it was lingering effects
of my sin. Nevertheless, I looked up and saw a small dark
tunnel, unlit by torches.
Somehow I knew immediately it was the way out. Our
Bright Lord often provides for us even when we do not
ask since He knows our needs before we do. I grabbed a
torch and went into the tunnel. I felt strong in spirit but my
body was weakened, drained by the fruitless quest for
"gold".
The tunnel sloped upward and eventually opened to a
larger tunnel also unlit and apparently unoccupied. By that
time I was exhausted so I stopped to listen, and heard
orcs.
They had found the little tunnel and were following. In
either direction down the larger tunnels I heard and saw
nothing. The light from my torch was feeble. Somehow I
could not remember the Night Light WordRune. Part of
the words came to me but not all. Others from my team
had always said them and so there had seemed no need
to remember them then. How foolish! Now my copies of
the sacred scrolls were sitting in an orc bathroom. A knife
of conviction pierced my heart. I paused and bowed my
head in shame.
Which way, I silently asked the OverLord, the silent
prayer on my lips as I looked around. There was no
apparent answer but I did not dare ask why or tempt Him
further with open doubt--simply trust Him no matter what, I
said to myself. Though the orcs were large and the tunnel
behind me small enough to make their pursuit difficult, they
would soon be upon me. Time was short. I had to decide
now so I chose the direction that led slightly upward.
I ran until I came upon the remains of an underground
pond. It was full of dry moss and obviously hadn't been
under water in a long time. The thick moss crackled under
my feet as I ran across it. At the other end I had to jump
up five steps before I could continue. It was there I ran
into the three waiting orcs!
My sword struck the wooden handle of an orc's battle
axe, shattering it. The other two closed in. I raised my
sword to counter the swing of another axe deflecting it
harmlessly The third orc aimed low and struck my thigh.
Radiating pain penetrated deep into my body. I staggered
and fell, landing hard on my back.
My hand hit a rock and the torch dropped, tumbling
down the steps and into the moss instantly setting it
ablaze. My sword deflected another attack. I rolled my
body to the side just as an axe buried itself into the ground
where my head once lay.
In the same instant I slashed my sword and removed the
head of a surprised orc. That gave me time as the
remaining two creatures of sin backed off. I pressed
against the rock and pushed myself up. Blinking hard I
tried to focus my attention on the remaining foes but the
shooting pain in my side caused me to stagger.
At that moment the weaponless orc saw his chance and
leapt to snatch up the dead orc's weapon. I struck,
catching his ankle as he dodged away. He screamed out
in pain but was barely hurt. They both backed off just out
of my reach and waited, taunting me with unrepeatable
cruel words.
My lungs sucked hard but somehow couldn't get
enough to satisfy me. The air was hot , and grimy sweat
dripped off my body. Why didn't they attack?
"We'll roast you and eat the charred flesh with pleasure
and pick your meat out of our teeth when we're done.
Look behind you, LightRaider."
I glanced back and saw that the torch had turned the
old pond into an inferno. Beyond that a large group of orcs
waited.
They were here. It was too late. The two orcs pressed
forward, waving their axes in front of them. One picked up
a rock and threw it at me with amazing precision. If I had
not dodged, it would have hit me full in the chest. Instead
it struck my left shoulder, shattering my collarbone.
This was the chance they needed and they rushed me.
I slashed and struck a head. An orc went down. The
other caught me in the side and knocked me back toward
the fire. One step back to catch my balance. But the foot
simply found air instead of firm ground and I fell backward
into the fire.
The final orc tangled its feet on its dead comrade's axe
and tripped, tumbling into the fire after me. I stared up.
Flames were all around. The orc, surprised by this turn of
fate kneeled over me, its hair ablaze. Screams of agony
burst from his mouth.
He tried to climb out but collapsed on the steps where
the fire clung to him until his form was only a hideous
shadow made of ash painted on the steps. I watched all
this in amazement. The fire, it seemed, was not burning
me. Instead it was healing my wounds.
I looked down and the gash in my side closed up. My
collarbone tingled while the splintered bones knitted
themselves into place and the weariness in my body fled
until once more I felt completely well. I stood and walked
out of the flames.
At the top of the steps I turned to look and saw the orcs
were gone, no doubt frightened by this demonstration of
the power of the OverLord. Later, someone suggested
they might have been frightened because the inferno
reminded them of Judgement Day. If so I too was
reminded and thank the Great Savior for His protection.
The fire was quickly dying out now so I continued up
the tunnel. This part resembled a creek bed since what
appeared to be a water-worn channel ran down its center.
Presently I came to its end.
The tunnel opened up to a meadow. It stretched for
hundreds of yards and was bordered by sheer canyon
walls. At one end was a small lake bounded by thick
clusters of reeds. From my lessons in Geology at the
academy, I realized it was the remains of a larger lake that
had probably filled the entire meadow. Over time it filled
with silt 'til only that small body of water was left.
The water channel in the tunnel continued across the
meadow. I followed it. It was choked now with grass but
was easy to identify. After a hundred yards it ended in a
pile of rocks and dirt, weeds sticking out of the cracks.
Beyond was a little pool. The pile of rocks was obviously a
dam.
Without thinking, I started tearing the dam apart until
water once again trickled down the channel toward the
tunnel. It was apparently some kind of ancient water
source dug by...(I couldn't believe it was the orcs) some
older race of people who once took refuge in these
mountains. For the first time, I considered that the orcs
were probably not the first inhabitants here. I wondered
who, then, could have built this and where were they
now. It was likely to remain a mystery, at least to me.
I made sure the channel was clear enough to handle
the flow of water and once satisfied, I returned to the
pond for a drink. There I rested and slept under the warm
sun.
I was awakened by one of the most magnificent sights I
have ever had the pleasure to see. A winged unicorn
stood above me. His white coat shone brilliantly and his
eyes flashed with a fire like the one that had made me
whole. The confidence those eyes reflected awed my little
courage. Here was one of the greatest creatures of the
OverLord.
"Stand up," he said, "and follow me."
Entranced and without question I stood and trailed
behind the unicorn as it led me to the top of the meadow
and higher until the sun set and we stood before a sheer
cliff.
"Climb to the top," he said.
I scanned the rock face and wondered if it was
possible, especially in the dark and I started to suggest it
was too dangerous. But when I turned around the winged
unicorn was gone. This must be a test of my courage and
faithfulness, I thought, and so determine not to fail.
There was something at the top the OverLord wanted
me to do or he would not have asked me to go there, and
it must be within my ability or he would not have given me
the task. Even if it was beyond my small abilities, He
would provide (as he always does) a means to complete
the task. I reached for the nearest handhold and started
to climb.
Indeed, everywhere I placed my hand or foot was a
crevice or a rock to hang on to. Before long, I was half
way up, where I stopped to rest even though my body
was not tired (it seemed appropriate at the time). It was a
long way down and I looked. It was a mistake.
My heart leapt into my throat and I clung on for dear life.
Minutes passed but I could not move. My grip no longer
felt solid and my muscles quivered with the strain.
A test of courage and faithfulness. Ha! You have no
courage and you will always choose to follow me. Let go
and end your misery. Put an end to your miserable life.
The words echoed mockingly in my head and I
recognized the voice of the Great Dragon. He was trying
to discourage me, to drive me to despair so that I would
destroy myself. The words had made sense to me once
long ago, but that was before I became TwiceBorn. Now,
I could not be so easily deceived though I am ashamed to
admit that I considered heeding the voice, if only for a
moment.
Instead, I reached up for another handhold but found
none. The fear tried to explode. I shut my mind to it and
said, "The OverLord gives no task to his children that he
does not make a way for it to be accomplished." The fear
eased slowly until I was able to breathe steadily once
more.
Then off to my right a soft blue glow appeared. Finding
handholds this time, I crept toward the light until there
before me was a rope dangling from above. I paused to
praise the OverLord for his provision and grasped it.
Wrapping it carefully around me, I started to climb.
Later someone asked if I'd considered the rope might
not be safely secured to anything or that it might not hold
my weight or even that I might pull something over from
the top that would fall down taking me with it. In truth, I did
not. At the time it seemed clear to me what must be done
and I did it. Now it seems foolish but then I had no such
doubts.
Almost immediately as I put my weight on the rope, it
was being pulled up. Someone, it seemed, knew I was
here and lowered the rope to rescue me. All I could think
was, who was expecting me and how long had they been
watching me climb the cliff?
The darkness at first hid the faces of my rescuers, but
when I was finally atop the cliff I cried out for joy as I
recognized the LightRaiders from my raid party. We
hugged each other and wept.
Shadel, my Raidleader, said, "What in EdenAgain were
you doing on that cliff?"
"Never mind that," I said, "First tell me how you knew I
was there?"
Shadel smiled. "We didn't. The unicorn told us to lower
the rope and we obeyed."
"Unicorn?" My eyes grew wide.
"Why, yes." He eyed me suspiciously. "I take it you also
met this unicorn?"
I looked around but it was gone. Shadel was waiting for
his answer so I said, "He led me to the cliff and told me to
climb. I had no idea you were up here."
"The OverLord works in mysterious ways," Shadel said,
"It is a miracle."
We exchanged stories of what had happened to us. It
was hard but I asked their forgiveness for running away
from the raid party and requested they pray for me. What
relief I felt when they readily extended their smiles and
hugged me. I was forgiven by the OverLord and my
friends. It was wonderful.
After prayer and dinner I went off by myself and praised
Him for his goodness and mercy. He had taken my
rebellion and turned it into good. He had even returned
me to my fellow LightRaiders so I could finish the
OverLord's task. What a wonderful God we have.
The next part of the story will appear in the next issue of
the LightRaider NET!
Thanks to Eric for sending us his writings!
========================================
DragonRaid Fiction?
copyright David Staley dragonraid@hotmail.com
Would you like to read a DragonRaid book? I know that
I would love to read a book based in the world of
EdenAgain, and about the struggles and victories of
LightRaiders in the DragonLands! About awesome works
of the OLMN! Could this ever happen?
It is my opinion that many who create adventures for
their Dragonraid campaign could probably write a fun and
exciting story too. DragonRaid fiction has been a topic
that a couple of us have tossed around before, but
nothing has ever been, to my knowledge, seriously
pursued. At this point, funds and markets aren't really
conducive for publishing books for sale by Adventures for
Christ and The Lamb's Bride Project, but that is not to say
that this couldn't be a possibility in the future. I am
speaking more of conditions to get out literature on an
amateur/fan level. I would like to dedicate this article to
some thoughts that I carry on this topic.
Say for instance, I have written a 'book' or short story
called, "The Keep of the Seven Keys". What would I do
now? I think that a number of possibilities could actually
work, but I'm going to look at a simple example.
One thing I could do would be to simply to put the book
into a DOC or TXT format and make a post to the
DragonRaid discussion list. Those interested could email
me and request the file, or possibly I could even have it
available for d/l off of my webpage or other DragonRaid
sites. I could also utilize other means to get the word out
like putting a description in my signature file, creating a
dedicated website for my story, submitting my webpage
URL to search engines, or using banner exchange
programs, ect. The list could go on and on, but I think you
see the picture. You can get the word out about
something with a little creativity!
I could also choose whether or not to charge for the
story. Personally, I do not see this as a worthwhile avenue
(at least an upfront charge). I could see putting a 'love
offering' type option with the story, so that those who really
liked it could possibly donate a couple dollars 'for the
cause'. If you printed out the book and packaged it
neatly, or published it independently, a charge to cover
cost and 'for the cause' could be more feasibly
considered. I personally would probably start out simple
with DOC or TXT files, and at most mailing neatly
packaged printouts for a nominal charge.
At this point in my illustration things seem to be done
pretty independently. I'm sure though that I would desire to
involve others to help proofread or do help with editing. An
important thing to consider is that the Name and cause for
which DragonRaid stands be kept intact. That is, that the
'world' in which the story takes place is fairly consistent
with current DragonRaid rules and style and that God is
glorified. Even in fan materials it would be most desired to
see the 'essence' of DragonRaid upheld.
What's the purpose for DragonRaid fiction? is a good
question to ask. After all, there is the game itself. Wouldn't
existing and future adventures pretty much fill the need for
perpetuating learning situations, stories, and involvement
for DragonRaid users? Well, I hope that adventures to
come will fill this void, but I also see the great usefulness
of fiction that would not only complement adventures, but
also take DragonRaid a little beyond what adventures
could do.
For one, fiction based on DragonRaid could be used to
help teach and illustrate lessons that adventures haven't
touched on yet. Also the ability for the author to guide the
storyline in a prescribed way that can't be as tightly run in
an adventure opens some opportunities that 'live'
adventures can't offer.
Another bonus for a piece of DragonRaid fiction is the
ability for a player or even an AM to enjoy some
'edutainment' during times that the group isn't meeting.
DragonRaid fiction could keep the creative juices flowing
and keep excitement going until the next group meeting. It
might even help to spark some ideas for teaching
situations that the AM could work into the Raid.
And also, DragonRaid fiction might be a great item to
help introduce somebody to the system. A person might be
more open to read a story than sit down and take time to
learn the rules. Even if a person wouldn't be open to
commit to play the game, they might still receive some
good instruction from the fiction. It might even be a way to
open the door to witness to a person?
All in all, I see DragonRaid fiction as a big plus for
DragonRaid on the whole. A lot of details could be
discussed about items like, "official" DragonRaid fiction
vs. fan fiction, and so forth, but I hope that I've begun to
stir some thoughts in your head. Bring up ideas on the
DragonRaid list, find some trustworthy friends to help you
proof and edit, and perhaps you could help to contribute
to DragonRaid and expand and explore the wonderful
gifts that God has given you!
To help you out a bit, here is a site with some great links
for Christian writers that you may find helpful!
By David Staley aka - The Librarian
The Book Shop
========================================(we found this buried in a
bunch
of our papers. We're not
sure who to give credit to... if you know, tell us!)
Night Encounter Chart
First Roll the StarLot (1D10) to determine the type of
encounter. Then go to that section to continue.
~ 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8 ~ 9 ~ 10 ~
1-2) CHANGE IN WEATHER
Roll for the type of weather (lasts through the night and
until noon).
1-3 Light Fog - add 2 DLs to all vision checks.
4-5 Heavy Fog - must roll on the lost chart (from
MoonBridge Raid, part 1), add 4 DLs to all vision checks.
6-7 Strong Wind - subtract 2 from all attacks using
distance weapons.
8 High Wind - distance weapons may not be used.
Subtract 2 from each close up attack.
9 Light Rain - add 1 DL to all vision checks.
10 Heavy Rain - add 3 DLs to all vision checks.
3-4) ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Roll StarLot to determine type and number of animals:
1 Bear
2 Rabbit
3 Wolf
4 Pack Rat
5 Owl
6 Deer
7 Fox
8 Raccoon
9 Opossum
10 AM choice or roll again
-----------
1-4 1 animal
5-7 2 animals
8-9 3 animals
10 4 animals
-----------
Roll StarLot to determine what they are doing:
1-4 An animal is scrounging for food in someone's pack.
5-7 It is a talking animal and has and a message from
the OverLord. Roll StarLot for message:
8-9 Hear noises from the camp perimeter. If the group
has a torch or an equivalent light source they see eyes
glowing in the dark.
10 Animal steps on or hits a LightRaider as he is going
through camp. The LightRaider must make a courage
check at DL 5 to keep from screaming. If he screams go
to dark creature encounter (5-7).
(AM make up as appropriate)
1-5) A warning
6-10) encouragement
5-7) DARK CREATURE ENCOUNTERS
Roll StarLot to determine type of creature: Use Forest
chart if in forest otherwise use open area chart.)
Roll StarLot to determine type of creature:
FOREST OPEN AREAS
1-2 Grim 1-2 Goblin
3-4 Greedo 3-4 Fluster Beast
5-6 Mound Orc 5-6 Gall Buzzard
7-8 Fluster Beast 7-8 Selfoe
9 Wood Sprite 9 Giant
10 Forest Troll 10 Golden Calf
Determine the number.
1-4 2 dark creatures
5-7 3 dark creatures
8-9 4 dark creatures
10 5 dark creatures
What the dark creatures will do:
1 Stops to ask for food.
2 Invites the group for a meal with them.
3 Asks if anyone can help a wounded friend.
4 Warns the group to be careful because LightRaiders
hava been seen in the area.
5-6 Causes mischief by waking up the LightRaiders and
hurling insults from the darkness.
7-8 Begs for money to help a sick friend.
9-10 Confronts the group accusing them of being
LightRaiders ( award 2 mu's of Faithfulness to each player
who admits he is).
8-9) MISCELLANEOUS ENCOUNTERS
1-4) Players are awakened by loud noises.
Roll for noise:
Players are awakened by loud noises. Roll for noise
1-2 Animals squealing (AM choice of type)
3-4 Animals fighting (AM choice of type)
5-6 Dark Creatures fighting (AM choice of type)
7-8 The crashing of trees or rocks
9-10 Several different noises, but can't tell they are.
Have players make a peace check DL 3. If successful,
award 2mu's to Peace and they can go back to sleep,
otherwise players are too wound up to go back to sleep.
Roll to see how close:
1-4 Within 50 feet of camp
5-7 300 feet from camp
8-9 A great distance from camp
10 Cannot tell
5-10) Players are awakened by dragon slaves.
Roll for type of dragon slave and number:
1-2 Farmer # of dragon slaves
3-5 Shepherd 1-3 2
6-7 Merchant 4-5 3
8 Scientist 6-7 The LR party # -2
9 Soldier 8-9 The LR party # +1
10 Hermit 10 The LR party # +2
Roll to determine what occurs:
1 Invites the group to his lodging for the night.
2 Warns group about dark creatures in the area.
3 Accuses group of trespassing - demands you leave.
4 Wants to hire the group to work for them.
5 Are lost - want directions to the nearest settlement.
6 Asks if they can set up camp next to yours.
7 Wants to trade products for money.
8 Are passing through your camp on their way home.
9 Wants to buy items from the group for money.
10 Are hungry and want something to eat.
10) SPECIAL ENCOUNTERS
1-4) Nothing occurs.
5-7) Dark Creature Attack -
The dark creatures wil attack the LightRaiders in their camp.
Roll for type and number:
Type Number
1-4 Goblins 1-4 The LR party # -2
5-7 Orcs 5-7 The LR party #
8-9 Trolls 8-9 The LR party # +4
10 1 Giant 10 The LR party # *2
8-9) Dragon Attack -
Roll for dragon type and Age/Size of Dragon
1-2 Shadow Dragon 1-4 Fledgling
3 Crystal Dragon 5-7 Firewyrm
4 Gaze Dragon 8-10 Mature
5 Flourescent Dragon
6 Firedrake
7 Dream Dragon
8 Slime Dragon
9 Sea Serpents
10 Rainbow Dragon
Roll for the number of times the dragon flies attacking the
camp:
1-4 1 attack
5-7 2 attacks
8-9 3 attacks
10 4 attacks
10) Dragon and Dark Creature Attack -
Roll on both the dark creature attack and dragon
attack charts. The dragon attacks first.
========================================
DragonRaid Adventure Marketing Survey
Quick and Simple! By you filling out this survey form, you
can help us know some useful information that will help us
when planning for future adventures for DragonRaid. If
you have any questions or need help please email
DragonRaid@groups.org.
What is your favorite DragonRaid adventure?:
Why is it your favorite adventure?:
What type of adventures would you like to see?
(single/campaign) Why?:
What teaching style do you like? (LRT/RSS/MBR) Why?:
What format do you think adventures should be made
available in? (Electronic/Printed/Both) :
What would you be willing to pay for a DragonRaid
adventure in:
Printed format?:
Electronic format?:
What subject would you like to see covered in an
adventure? :
What else would you like to see in a DragonRaid
adventure? :
Have you ever written a DragonRaid adventure? :
What is your adventure about? :
What ideas do you have for DragonRaid Adventures?:
Your Name:
Your Street Address:
City: , State:
Zip Code:
Country:
Phone Number:
Email Address (if any):
Are you on the DragonRaid email discussion list? :
Are you a member of the DragonRaid Advocate List? :
Do you have any questions or comments? :
Please email your answers to DragonRaid@groups.org
========================================
Whew! That was a lot of work doing this issue in two
parts! (We're getting too big for our mailboxes!)
Charlie Banders: banders@hotmail.com
LightRaider NET http://www.alaska.net/~cass/lrnet/
lr-net@geocities.com Text file Source (historic): geocities.com/heartland/5268/dragonraid/lrnet
geocities.com/heartland/5268/dragonraidgeocities.com/heartland/5268
geocities.com/heartland
(to report bad content: archivehelp @ gmail)
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