Swords of Astagar: A Campaign Frame for Mortal Coil

Fog lay heavy on the streets of Astagar muffling sound, obscuring sight and dulling the ever-present stink of rotting garbage. Where the denizens of other cities would remain indoors on such a night, Astagar's alleys and secret markets bustled with activity. In the shadowed crowds, a lone figure made its purposeful way across the unlit square that held the Market of Earthly Delights, down Murderer's Alley (whose reputation was greatly exaggerated) to a particular worm-eaten door, where it knocked twice, paused, then knocked twice more with the flat of its hand, whereupon the door opened, spilling warm yellow light into the alley. "A most healthful evening to you, Calomite," said the fat, scar-covered man pointing a crossbow at Yana when she stepped inside. 

"Candar, don't be a fool," Yana said, smiling and slinging her cloak onto a red-velvet divan, revealing a pair of hand axes on her belt and lush curves under a mail tunic. "I came here because I know you need my services. Do you need my help with the Wharf Rats or not?" 

"So it's like that, is it." Candar's eyes narrowed in thought. After a moment, finally returning Yana's smile, he said "Yes, I may know of an... opportunity for you."

Swords of Astagar is a campaign frame for Mortal Coil written by Justin Bow. Set in a dark world of swords and sorcery, Swords of Astagar shows you how to run Mortal Coil in a setting inspired by Lieber and Howard.

Swords of Astagar is a fully sketched out setting in the form of a detailed theme document, with all of the world set-up choices written out in detail. The frame is customizable by your game group. You choose a tone, and pick the magic level that is appropriate for your game.

Campaign frames are great ways to do a quick setup for Mortal Coil, and are ideal for playing a pick-up game or convention game. If your players really like the setting, the frame can be used for a longer term game as well. A campaign frame is also useful as a how-to on setting up a unique theme document of your own.