A question for Kenzer & co. (Kalamar)

[Wicht]

This is really minor, but its bugging me so I thought I would ask. In the constellations of Tellene in the Kalamar Campaign book, which constellation is Valor? Is it the shield? And is Ribsplitter the axe and bloodtaster the hunting knife? In an otherwise excellent book, the constellations could have used a bit more explanation so that the relationship between the names and the illustrations was better made.

Also, if Valor is the shield, my question is why? Naemae, who would seem to be the obvious god to relate to the constellation uses a two handed sword and a shield seems out of character.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wicht]

Anyone else want to take a shot at the answer? Perhaps someone who had some older Kalamar products?

On a related note, I am really hoping the new KoK atlas has some celestial data, things like dates for the full and new moons (aside of course from Veshema) and the dates for the spring and fall equinox, etc. Anyone else really looking forward to this Atlas in August?

 

[Bavix]

Good question

I'm a regular over at the kalamar boards and I'll do my best to get you the answers. I agree that it's hard to figue out which constellations match the descriptions. They should've numbered them or something.

You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to the Kalamar Atlas (almost as much as the Kalamar Gods book.

XOOOXXO,

Rob

 

[Wicht]

I'm a regular over at the kalamar boards and I'll do my best to get you the answers.

Thanks. My next campaign is going to heavily center around the Knight of the Gods and the Halls of the Valiant on the Reanaarian bay. One player is a Paladin of Naemae, One is a Cleric of the same and the other is a Ranger who is a devoted worshiper. The fourth is geased to follow the first three till he amends for certain actions. I was really trying to make sure I had a handle therefore on the holy days, the constellation associated with the religion, etc.

 

[Wicht]

Bumping from the depths of page 2

 

[Wicht]

Bumping yet again

 

[Scarogoth]

Constellations of Tellene

Hi. You're right. This is very difficult. The first thing to understand though, is the the drawings number 28 constellations, whereas the text lists 30. So at least two are missing...

Most are self-explanatory, but difficult to assess are: Bloodtaster, The Hearth, The Hood, The Jealous eye, Ribsplitter, Valor and The Whip.

Fairly evidently, the Whip is not pictured and neither is the Hearth.

This means we have Bloodtaster, The Hood, The Jealous Eye, Ribsplitter and Valor left to sort out. The images left are the Shield, The Eye, Two daggers and a double headed axe.

Now, one assumes that the Jealous Eye must therefore be the Eye shaped thing, in spite of the fact that it is supposed to be 'orb-shaped' -- it's nice to imagine it as the eye of Valor (Naemae), but that can't really be accepted because it's so clearly none of the others.

The Hood is probably the straighter dagger of the two, looking very much like the dagger beside that Goddess's details, down to a similar hilt.

Bloodtaster must therefore be the mezzaluna-bladed dagger, as you'd have a hard time "splitting ribs" with anything other than the double-headed axe.

Therefore, this only leaves the Shield and Valor, who by default, are paired together. Hopefully all of this will be confirmed in the forthcoming atlas. Although the shield may not seem ideal, there are few better images of chivalry than a heraldic shield, and you will notice the the diamond shape is a clear hint of heraldry as well as shield.

So all this isn't exactly the answer you were looking for, I absolutely agree with your analysis, if that's any "constolation"

Dunx.

 

[Wicht]

Dunx,
When I first glanced through the constellations, I really thought that Eye would be paired with The Valiant but ended up pairing it with the Jealous Eye, just as you mentioned. The Whip and the Hearth I both noticed were missing, though I tried for a while to get the shield to look like a hearth in my mind but to no success. I am left with the conclusion that the shield ought to be Valor, but as it seems, as I said, out of character, I thought I would get it confirmed officially.

One other thing in the constellations I can't seem to do is get the addler to look like the madam, though the text says the one is sometimes mistaken for the other.

 

[Hard8Staff]

Hi guys. You caught me with one foot out the door for columbus (Origins).

let's see if I can answer all of the questions:

Ribsplitter is the knife (as in stick it between two ribs)

Valor is the shield (need one when you use a lance)

Bloodtaster is the Axe

Dave Kenzer

 

[Wicht]

Thanks Dave!!

I had not thought about a shield with the lance but I can see that. Interesting about Ribsplitter and Bloodtaster as I would have argued strongly it would have been the other way around. But I am glad I know now.