Here in the Old Margreve, adorable woodland creatures are running hither and yon…FOR THEIR LIVES. That’s because Kobold Quarterly issue #20 is out today and this time the focus is on archers! With an all-new elven archer base class for Pathfinder RPG, a shadow fey hunting party on the prowl, and new arrows carrying acid, fog and razor filaments, the debate over whether it’s Wabbit Season or Duck Season just became much more energetic.

KQ #20 features Jeff Grubb on the lost elves of Midgard, a Q&A with Journeys to the West lead designer Christina Stiles and a new Zobeck adventure.

There’s also vile Derro ooze magic, new planar allies, AGE system specialties, 4e racial utility powers for gnomes, tieflings and minotaurs, and much more! Here’s the complete contents, after the jump:

None are certain of the precise origins of truename magic. Some claim that with the act of creation undertaken by the gods and primordials, existence was shaped by the words of power used by these beings. Reality consequently came to reflect its essential nature through its own language. Many runepriests and other divine characters that learn the words of creation used by the gods claim that their power is a form of truename magic. The fundamental forces that hold the world together resist the changes wrought by truename rituals, however. Each syllable intoned demands incredible precision to have an effect, making truename magic a taxing endeavor for those attempting to use it. The truename of individuals and objects also fluctuates over the course of a day. The precise condition and location of an object is expressed in the complex vocalizations the rituals demand, so accumulating changes to these qualities means that dedicates of truename magic are forever researching and chasing down the linguistic formulae required for directing these rituals. The words of power that divine characters utter do not require the same kind of dedication, and their effects are often easily achieved. Speculations for other origins of truename magic abound: lost deities, the malign influence of various planes of existence, and even possibly the fundamental fabric of arcane magic.

The tale’s the thing with the artifact known as the Taleblade. Take a look at what it could bring to your campaign—it just might add another story element that your players will remember for quite awhile.

The Taleblade is appropriate for mid-heroic level characters.

The Taleblade begins as a sleek rapier with a silver hilt. Though masterfully constructed, the sword is unadorned. Once acquired, however, the Taleblade begins to record the deeds and experiences of its owner and companions. Over time, the Taleblade records its owner’s journeys in incredibly fine, flowing script along the length of the blade.

We continue our look at the Knight of Giri character theme in this second part of two parts. You can read the first part here if you missed it!

Optional Powers

Level 2 Utility Power
The honor of a knight of giri comes not just from within, but also from his or her desire to show respect for his or her ancestors. In return for honoring your ancestors, sometimes they come to your aid.

Ancestral Blessing      Knight of Giri Utility 2
You feel the touch of your ancestors, and they heal your wounds.
Daily • Healing, Martial
Standard        Personal
Effect: You regain hit points as if you had spent a healing surge. If you are still bloodied, you also gain 5 temporary hit points.
Level 11: 10 temporary hit points.
Level 21: 15 temporary hit points.

The dark cohort of old St. Nick, the Krampus is the sinister creature tasked with punishing the little boys and girls who fail to listen to their parents throughout the year. Presented here for your holiday entertainment, we’re providing you with a collection of Krampuses, a bundle of badness who are intent on leaving behind lumps of coal and teaching a few fear-inspired lessons for a trio of game systems! So, tell your players to be good, lest the Krampus come into play while on their watch!

The second Krampus in our collection waits for you within the 4th Edition system.