“Star Trek: Restoration” Episode 1 — Old and new foes

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our Star Trek telecom scenario of this past weekend:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise-E fought the Borg and Remans [see Nemesis], among others, the United Federation of Planets and other interstellar states in the Alpha Quadrant are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Star Trek: Restoration” space opera one-shot, using D20/FATE house rules, Friday, 21 March 2014:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha’s command division

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

“Stardate 95248 (1 April 2418):” The U.S.S. Rotha, NCC 1993-C, a refitted Ambassador-class ship, picks up three passengers from the U.S.S. Tempest. Capt. Andelina Nobatu is ordered to take them into the Neutral Zone to be relayed to Qo’nos, the Klingon homeworld.

Alternate ambassador — The U.S.S. “Rotha” NCC 1993-C

Capt. Nobatu later convenes a meeting of her command crew, as well as supporting junior officers [the P.C.s]. The Terran human asks the science division to check for star systems and planets in case the ship needs to hide or resupply en route.

Engineers are tasked with improving efficiency, while tactical officers prepare for the inevitable engagement with ships that ignore diplomatic protocols. After reporting to their superiors, the junior officers meet in the “Starlight Lounge.”

They compare notes as Bolian bartender Mr. Vallcin brings drinks. Lt. Jarric Jameson asked Betazed communications head Lt. Artemis Borellis for permission to work with the engineers on a cloak or other countermeasures to Klingon and Romulan technology. Lt. Kyerak and security chief Pierre McDonough assigned guards to watch the guest quarters.

Lt. Orzzek Kalifa and Lt. Boran’ Gorir checked Starfleet records for solar systems between Earth and Qo’nos. The scientist and engineer identify Acamar (Theta Eridani), which had been affected during a Borg incursion, and Khitomer, site of past negotiations between the U.F.P. and the Klingon Empire.

Lt. Gorir and genetically enhanced Lt. Jameson also worked with chief engineer Lt.Cmdr. Akira Gorou to optimize the Rotha’s systems. Dr. Jones, the holographic chief medical officer, prepared sickbay, and Trill first officer Cmdr. Nasami Wahid oversaw crew readiness.

Chief McDonough assigned Lt. Mari Killu to work with other crew members to ensure that the passenger handoff goes smoothly. Lt. K’dex, the three-armed, three-legged Edosian science officer, scanned for possibly cloaked enemy craft.

The junior officers’ discussion is cut short when Chief McDonnough contacts Lt. Killu to tell her to investigate the guest cabins. Apparently, the guards aren’t responding. Cmdr. Wahid orders Lt. Kyerak to accompany her.

The Caitian and half-Vulcan find En. Thompson regaining consciousness. He tells them that the Orion, Gorn, and a hooded guest emerged from their quarters and refused to wait. En. Jonas ran after them.

Lt. Kyerak and Lt. Killu draw their Type 2 phasers and ask the ship’s computer where the aliens have gone. It responds that they are on Holodeck 3. Instead of an Orion harem or a Gorn environment, the Starfleet personnel find a room full of humming machinery.

D’naar, a green-skinned Orion trader, claims that he just wanted to demonstrate water-purification equipment he had learned about in his travels to “Hand of Giblets,” the reptilian Gorn representative of the Klingon Empire.

En. Jones appears with a rumpled uniform. Kyerak subtly uses telepathy to communicate with Mari, who also senses that something is wrong. From the bridge, Lt. Kalifa and Lt. Gorir can tell that the gear in the holodeck has overridden security controls and is drawing extra power.

The Andorian and Jem’Hadar try to tell Kyerak, but their signals are jammed. Orzzek informs Capt. Nobatu of the situation, and Boran’ grabs his short sword and heads to the holodeck.

Chief McDonnough and Lt. Jameson try to shut down the unauthorized energy drain, and they find that the ship’s shields are fluctuating in a patter, presumably to broadcast a signal. The captain orders a full stop.

In Holodeck 3, Hands of Giblets [Byron/Non-Player Character] leaps toward Lt. Killu. D’naar [Josh/N.P.C.] disintegrates En. Thompson. En. Jonas hides among the machinery. Kyerak stuns the Orion pirate, and Mari shoots at the Gorn emissary.

Lt. Gorir arrives, and he runs after En. Jones. Lt. Kalifa asks Lt. Borellis for help restoring communications. Lt. Kyerak eventually stuns Hands of Giblets, and Lt. Killu restrains the Orion and Gorn before going to aid Lt. Gorir. Other tactical and medical teams arrive and secure the perimeter.

Boran’ recognizes some of the machinery and implements the LaForge Protocol. He and Orzzek manage to shut it down, but the signal has been sent as the Rotha entered the Neutral Zone.

Mari shoots at En. Jonas, destroying a personal holo-emitter and revealing that he is in fact an Undine (formerly known as Species 8472; the medical team later finds the actual ensign, who has been killed).

The Undine hits Lt. Gorir again, and Lt. Kyerak and Lt. Killu shoot at it. Mari stuns the gray-skinned alien, and Boran’ beheads it. Kyerak berates the Jem’Hadar for giving in to his bloodlust, but Lt. Jameson notes that D’naar and Hands of Giblets are in custody and can still be questioned.

From the bridge, helmsman En. Brandon Marks reports to Capt. Nobatu that a Valdore-class Romulan warbird has just de-cloaked off the U.S.S. Rotha’s port bow….

Beruk and Geoff, we missed you this past weekend, but I hope that everyone else enjoyed this “episode!” I’m sure we’ll return to this at some point, so please post your characters to the “Vortex” site on Obsidian Portal, where I’ll also post my background notes. Let me know if you have any questions. Live long and prosper, -Gene (“Capt. Tzu Tien Lung”)

March movie madness, 2014 edition

In the past few weeks, I’ve seen more movies than I usually see in months. I enjoyed Mr. Peabody & Sherman, 300:Rise of an Empire, and Veronica Mars, but I wouldn’t recommend them to everyone.

On Saturday, 8 March 2014, Janice and I went to the Apple Cinemas in Cambridge, Mass., for Mr. Peabody & Sherman, which is based on cartoon shorts by Jay Ward, who’s best known for the subversive Rocky and Bullwinkle. The computer-animated movie retains some of the original’s cleverness and expands on the character relationships.

If you’ve seen the trailers or Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, you know what to expect. Genius dog Mr. Peabody (voiced by Modern Family‘s Ty Burrell) and his adoptive son Sherman adventure through time with difficult Penny Peterson. This Dreamworks film is aimed at younger audiences, with a PG rating, but its script includes a few adult gags. I’d rate Mr. Peabody & Sherman an 8 out of 10, four out of five stars, or a B+. It’s not as witty as The Lego Movie, but it was still fun.

By contrast, I advise lowering one’s expectations for the sword-and-sandals 300: Rise of an Empire, a sequel to Frank Miller and Zach Snyder’s 2007 ahistorical epic. On Friday, March 14, I met fellow Game Master Jason E.R. for dinner and Rise of an Empire at the Reading 3-D IMAX.

Loosely parallel to the events of the previous 300 flick, in which elite Spartan troops tried to hold back hordes of Persians at Thermopylae, Rise of an Empire depicts Athenian general Themistocles leading the Greeks in naval battles against Persian despot Xerxes and his right-hand dominatrix, Queen Artemisia of Halicarnassus. Miller and company clearly subscribe to the “great men” and “clash of civilizations” ideas, despite the fact that the Greeks weren’t yet enlightened democrats, nor were the Persians mindless, monolithic barbarians.

The first third of 300: Rise of an Empire is arguably the most accurate, showing some of Themistocles’ tactics and the daunting odds faced by the Greek hoplites. The middle of the movie would be a decent sword-and-sorcery film, with Xerxes ascending to weird demigodhood and Eva Green a better Belit from Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories than Artemisia.

The last third of the movie features huge set-piece battles and lots of repetitive speechifying. It also manages to have the Spartan navy get credit for an Athenian victory, well-oiled bodies in slow motion, and yet more gratuitous beheadings. Jason and I were surprised to see young children in the audience, and at a hard “R,” that’s not a good idea.

I would recommend 300: Rise of an Empire to those who enjoy swordfights but aren’t too worried about actual history (which is interesting enough in its own right). I’d give it a 6 out of 10, 2.5 to three out of five stars, or C+/B-.

As a contributor to the Kickstarter campaign for a cinematic follow-on to the Veronica Mars television series, I was predisposed toward this sleuthing sequel. In the noir TV show, Kristen Bell played a precocious adolescent who solved crimes around Neptune High School in southern California. I met Thomas K.Y. & Kai-Yin H. for lunch and saw this film at the AMC Loews Boston Common.

"We used to be friends" — The cast of “Veronica Mars,” then and now

The Veronica Mars movie picks up about a decade later. Veronica is interviewing for a high-powered lawyer job in New York City when murder and intrigues draw her back home. It was great to see the TV show’s entire supporting cast, as well as a few celebrity cameos, and the darkly comic tone was pleasingly familiar, not unlike Joss Whedon’s “Buffyverse.”

The Veronica Mars movie is definitely a gift to fans; like Firefly/Serenity, newcomers won’t understand most of the jokes or appreciate why some of us liked the original so much. The first season of the TV show was its best, but we should be glad that, with Bell and others busy, we still got a fond reminder and wrap-up. I’d give Veronica Mars, which is rated R, an 8.5 out of 10, four out of five stars, or an A-.

In the coming weeks, there’s Muppets Most Wanted and Captain America: the Winter Soldier, and I’m also looking forward to Amazing Spider-Man 2 and the latest incarnation of Godzilla. I know it has been a while since I’ve blogged about non-gaming topics, but I’ll keep trying to find the time!

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.14 — Canal to the capital

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.14, which was held on Sunday, 16 March 2014:

Long ago in a distant land, spirits and men directly traded bamboo, silk, and steel. Wars to the west, twisted monsters, and power-hungry sorcerers threatened the eastern kingdoms, so the call went out for new heroes of honor and tact….

Player Character Party 40 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Asian-style telecom campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.) Oriental Adventures, plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of spring 2014:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 4
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 4
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest of Shang-ti and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 4

“17 to 21 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The diplomatic escorts decided to hike directly east across the Plains of Sathendo rather than stop at more potentially troubled villages. They also avoided an old tower occupied by a disgraced army officer.

The group began making plans for Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng. In Kuan Chou, Sonny and Toshi incapacitated a suspicious man who had spotted Nannuattan emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong. Members of the town watch took him away.

Jung-Mo reminds his companions to be on their guard in strange cities. The Spirit Folk merchant asks around but finds that people shut up when he mentions the alleged mugger’s yellow sash. Jung-Mo later says this indicates that the man likely belongs to a criminal organization such as the Tong or Yakuza.

Sonny suggest buying the spy’s silence, but Saigo doesn’t trust him. Exasperated Soske’ recommends leaving town as soon as possible, but Ember wants to find the prisoner. Toshi asks Soske’ to prepare a narcotic to keep the Shengtese human from talking until they leave.

Ember, Jung-Mo, and Soske’ go to look for the man. Zhan-Shi Lai Tao, a sergeant in the local police, says that the prisoner was released to “his family” for healing. The frustrated hunters regroup with Sonny, Toshi, and Saigo at the “Happy Duck” hotel.

Jung-Mo spends 20 tael (10 gold pieces) to acquire passage on a barge on the canal between the Chuan Hosun and Chung Hsien rivers. Crane Hengeyokai Ember sings, and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo plays his flute to accompany the River Spirit Folk crew, but they are both rusty.

Shengtese human Sonny is equally lucky at joining Ember fishing, but he stays on deck to keep an eye out for trouble. Toshi uses the golden hairs plucked from a monstrous Tikbalang as he makes paper for spells. The Shan Sao also makes a cloth scroll for Soske’ to record his deeds for his nosy family.

Soske’ takes a break from chatting with Lady Yun and says he has a relative in the capital who is a skilled blacksmith and who can help create masterwork and enchanted gear. The Shengtese human casts Masterwork Transformation to improve Saigo’s banded armor.

Saigo watches with interest as the barge is pulled by oxen on towpaths next to the canal, pushed by boatmen using long poles, and even occasionally drawn by sail. The wide canal includes locks and aqueduct bridges that cross over gorges — a level of engineering unexpected outside Korobokuru (eastern Dwarven) lands.

Many miles before reaching Sogewa, the barge passes farmers tending rice, other crops, and livestock. Saigo changes into a formal kimono, and the others follow suit. They then see concentric rings of canals dividing the Shengtese capital into multiple districts. Toshi recalls stories of Atlantis, which sunk more than a generation ago [in “game time”].

Atlantis — Sogewa, capital of Tong Sheng

The barge carries the travelers directly into the heart of the vast city, and Saigo stays focused on the destination rather than allow himself to be distracted by pretty urbanites.

The outermost canals waters farms, and then each ring separates a part of the city divided into four sections. The next districts include butchers and greengrocers, river traders and warehouses, and farmers’ residences.

Bridges and wide walls lead into the next tier, which consists of craftspeople, merchants, and middle-class housing. The ring after that has monasteries,temples, theaters, schools, and houses of healing. Each ward has sentries in specific uniforms.

The visitors are most impressed by Sogewa’s districts for the aristocracy, with large mansions and well-tended flowering trees. The canal leads into the heart of the city, where government buildings and formal gardens surround Silado Palace. Toshi looks for other Shan Sao.

The group disembarks, and imperial guards ask visitors to leave most of their weapons outside. Two friendly female guides, Qing Bai Lei and Qing Dao Lei, lead the way through winding paths. The landscaping is artistic, with large statues of past rulers, but Saigo observes that it would be difficult for an army to directly attack the palace.

Ember fondly recalls her home as she sees silver and brass fittings, red lacquered cabinetry, gold-tipped pagodas, and rustling silk robes. Courtiers and bureaucrats shuffle and become more numerous than scholars or soldiers.

Li Keng, another pale guide, brings Lady Yun and her entourage into the palace. The adventurers see long columned halls, tranquil courtyards, ornate carvings, and discreet servants. The sounds of giggling and music filter through paper screens.

Jung-Mo is worried that someone may magically see his true nature, but the Nannuattan Ninja presents himself as a merchant with Lady Yun and omits his cover identity as a Bamboo Spirit Folk.

Wu Jen Toshi and Samurai Saigo are reminded of the citadel at Bazran Hai in the Zedu kingdom. Kensai Sonny is more curious about how various clans are represented among the province’s leadership than in the trappings of privilege.

Wu Ember senses that she is being watched, and Shukenja Soske’ is not surprised when a court mage recognizes him. Yao-Ren Hu is a cousin and shares their family’s concern for the wandering priest.

Li Keng brings the would-be heroes to the august presence of Duke Kou Fei Seng. He accepts Lady Yun’s diplomatic credentials and listens to her offer of a truce between Gokuri, Tong Sheng, and Zedu. He says he will consider it on behalf of the son of heaven, Emperor Zi Zhao Wu Ding in distant Yin Shang.

The prince also temporarily releases the party from its duty of escorting Lady Yun for as long as she is in Sogewa. However, Kou Fei Seng says that it will be held responsible for any of her actions and vice versa. He asks if the group has any requests of him.

Jung-Mo, Ember, and Soske’ hang back. Sonny asks for access to Tong Sheng’s archives, and Toshi petitions to study with other Wu Jen. Saigo asks for permission to contact officers who knew his missing grandfather, Gen. Shinso Saigo.

The duke dismisses the escorts, and Draconian guard Oh Kum Ja stays with Lady Yun as negotiations commence. The team decides to stay in the palace, at least for its first night in the city.

Jung-Mo asks the Qing sisters for advice on sightseeing, and Toshi prepares to copy spells. Sonny heads to the archives, and Sonny talks with Li Keng about generals in the human army.

Soske’ reminds Ember that she is holding gold retrieved near the Balef River that should be returned to the Dragon Clan. Yao-Ren Hu and other relatives find Soske’, who reluctantly agrees to recite tales of his travels. They also invite his friends to a dinner the next evening.

Wizard Toshi and Druid Ember seek out a Kitsune (fox person) and a Kenku (raven folk) they saw working in the royal gardens. Rogue Jung-Mo stays with Ember when Toshi joins Cavalier Saigo to talk with the Zedu ambassador.

Saionji Yoshio, another Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai, listens to Saigo and Toshi’s report and awards them 4,000 tael for their services so far. Weapon master Sonny later divides that to 300 g.p. per person, plus 26 g.p. for general expenses in the city.

Saigo asks about finding a geisha, but Yoshio-san recommends that he look beyond the palace grounds. He also warns them that humans can be easily corrupted or distracted. The wanderers recover from their exertions and begin exploring the city….

Let me know if you have any questions about Sogewa. Note that our next “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom game probably won’t be until Sunday, March 30. A one-shot this coming Friday or Saturday night will depend on who’s available and Thomas K.Y.’s anime viewing.

The “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face campaign won’t resume until March 31 at Rich C.G.‘s place. I’ll post separately regarding advancement for both parties. I look forward to seeing some of you at Jason E.R.’s next “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero session.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.35 — “Out-dumb the devil”

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.35, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 10 March 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

Various groups of mercenaries and diplomats have fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert and the wide Plains of Sathendo….

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 7

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 7

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 7

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 7

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 7

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 7

“Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 7

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“25 to 27 February 1227 B.C.E.:” While crossing the savannah in Sahonif Island’s interior, the explorers encountered hyenas, zebras, and army ants for the first time. They arrived at the city-state of Selifa, bought supplies, and prepared for a royal audience.

Giacomo reminds Scully to periodically use the Lens of True Sight to look for spies of the greater devil ruling part of the island. Hamfast and Sir Torrel sweat in their armor, and Corwin readies the group’s request for help freeing Lady Shadira, the Efreeti (fire spirit) trapped by the Pit Fiend.

Elsa suggests talking with members of Selifa’s court before a formal meeting, but she is outvoted. Tempestade enjoys the local cuisine and is eager to return to his distant homeland.

Guides Akinwole and Makena Walabu bring the outlanders to the domed palace and help serve as translators. They recognize Tlachinolli, a Lizard Woman diplomat, and Gen. Kizhensi, an Ngoloko (Orc). Many of the Zarendo humans present are tall and wear colorful robes and headdresses.

Queen Zapanga greets her visitors. Hill Dwarf Elsa thanks the queen for her hospitality and presents a masterwork shield. Hifalendorin human Giacomo says that he wishes to forge a trade agreement with the Zarendo Archipelago and adds that negotiations would best be done in private.

Salhonif Island ruler — Queen Zapanga of the city-state of Selifa

Zedu human Hamfast strips off his chain shirt and presents it as a gift. Albino Gnoll Scully is not surprised that some humans are wary of her, but nobody insults her. Barbari human Tempestade is quiet, but Hifalendorin Sir Torrel is angered when a guard bumps into him and his Amulet of Conceal Alignment goes missing.

Queen Zapanga notes that such concealment magic is bad manners and surprises Prince Corwin by saying that she had encountered his father, now King Edmund II of Saganim, years ago on the Sea of Nagendwa. The queen agrees to meet with “Vistel’s Expedition” in her private chambers.

Elsa and Corwin explain that their company wants to find the contract binding Lady Shadira to the devil. Queen Zapanga says that it is likely kept in the volcanic Mt. Tilefa, which Schm*ckF*ck has turned into a Temple of Elemental Evil dedicated to himself.

Although the priestesses of the city have been able to fend off diabolic influence, Queen Zapanga is sympathetic to the visitors. She doesn’t trust Tlachinolli, who represents Artaxis and Zineida, the black dragons dominating Bokor Island.

Queen Zapanga orders that a secret passage into the Ibafen Mountains be briefly unsealed. She tells the visitors to be ready to leave discreetly the next morning. The regal woman also returns Sir Torrel’s amulet.

The onetime circus performers return to the “Agali’s Cape” guest lodges. Druid Elsa pays her respects at the temple of Buwalgo, the earth mother, and Paladin Sir Torrel meets with Ifreta Jwahir, a N’anga (Cleric) of Harrasse, the wanderer.

That night, the travelers have strange dreams. Schm*ckF*ck tempts Wizard Giacomo and Sir Torrel with false visions of acclaim. Hamfast sees himself commanding Gisar’s riders and raiders, but he rejects the devil’s offer of help. The beer wenches at the Fighter’s side transform into his friends.

Scully has a worse nightmare: The Ranger finds herself shaved and strapped to an altar, and cultists approach with sacrificial blades. Worse still, they wear masks that are actually the severed faces of her companions!

Thanks perhaps to prayer and meditation, Elsa and Monk Tempestade don’t suffer the same visions, and they try to comfort the group in the morning. Kwanobu Matunde, a Gamba (warrior) trusted by the queen, brings the team underground, where Mchawi (Wizards) have reopened an ancient tunnel.

The humans light torches and lanterns as the entrance is sealed behind them. Stealthy Scully scouts ahead, followed by brave Sir Torrel. Stolid Hamfast and pious Elsa come next, then Giacomo (bothered by his tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra), his homunculus familiar Gerald, and Tempestade. Bard Corwin brings up the rear.

The spelunkers descend through a rough-hewn passage and turn right. They come to a circular chamber with four statues: a Girallon (four-armed gorilla), an Acephali (humanoid with his face in his chest), a vulture-headed Vrock, and a person being devoured by vines. The Girallon comes to life!

Elsa Wild Shapes into a gorilla herself, and Scully casts Call Lightning. Corwin’s Charm Monster succeeds in making a friend of “Herme,” at least temporarily. Giacomo, Hamfast, and Sir Torrel avoid the other statues as the Girallon climbs up to turn a dial in the ceiling. The floor opens up, and the adventurers slide down.

They stop at a ledge overlooking an underground river. The cave walls are covered in glowing green slime. The ooze extends pseudopods at the humans and their allies, so Sir Torrel invokes his deity Otih for Shard of the Sun.

Still in simian form, Elsa casts Endure Elements and Wall of Fire in a ring to protect the party. Scully swings her long sword, but that only splits one tentacle into two. Corwin casts Burning Hands, and Hamfast smacks the slime with his maul.

The ooze slams Sir Torrel, and acid burns his exposed flesh. Elsa helps the knight burn off the slime, while Scully fires a Light Arrow. Corwin finally kills the aberration with his first Fireball spell. Tempestade uses his Gloves of Spider Climb to take a rope upstream to belay the group.

With help from Herme, the infiltrators climb to a subterranean pool. Strange frogs spit at Hamfast, but Scully guides the rest clear of the water. The team hears chanting and approaches an unholy shrine. About two-dozen worshippers watch as a human is crucified upside-down and drained of blood.

Elsa identifies the cultists’ patron as Namonaji the Corruptor. Scully suggests getting some disguises. Corwin casts Sleep on four cultists near the back of the chapel, and Sir Torrel slays the evildoers. Giacomo, Hamfast, Tempestade, and Corwin take their black, hooded robes.

Corwin gives his Hat of Disguise to Torrel and explains the “Prisoner’s Gambit.” They wait until the sacreligious ceremony is over and walk through the shrine. A priest stops them, but thanks to Know Tongues, Corwin is able to respond in Infernal.

The Half-Elf says that he and “Sir Endo” are bringing new slaves to Schm*ckF*ck. The man waves them on and doesn’t raise an alarm. The wanderers see mine shafts and follow a spiral staircase up, toward the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Elsa, whom the others still tease about her visit with Barry the Gardener on Emein Island, is curious about a fungus arboreteum. The group is stopped on one landing by two garrulous gargoyles, who say that a dentist, nursery, spa, and shoe store can be found on their level.

Sir Torrel is tempted to start a fight with each monster in the dungeon, but thanks in part to the presence of Herme, Corwin is able to persuade the gargoyles to tell them where the Hall of Tablets is. The group grips its weapons and prepares to ascend another two stories….

I hope that everyone enjoyed our return to a classic dungeon crawl! While we have a few weeks before our next “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” session, don’t forget to review your character records on Obsidian Portal.

In the meantime, it was good to see some of you for recent movies, and I look forward to continuing Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den”superhero scenario tonight. I’ll also try to post my latest notes for the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom fantasy campaign within the week.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.13 — Tower and Tong

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.13, which was held on Sunday, 9 March 2014:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 4
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 4
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest of Shang-ti and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things; LNg, Lvl. 4
“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 4

“12 to 16 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The wanderers questioned bandit Shiskikura Eiji about Undead farmers, and they smote ghoulish children at another abandoned farm. After confronting an angry mob of villagers, the group found and slayed three witches before deciding to leave Chin Mok.

Rather than stop in the villages of Chung Kwang Shui or Honeize, the team escorting Nannuattan emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong decides to head directly across the eastern Plains of Sathendo. The town of Kuan Chou is 540 li (about 120 miles) east of Chin Mok, and a canal leads 224 li (50 miles) from it to Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng.

For the first time in weeks, the party rides across the wide-open grasslands without being attacked by bandits, Undead, or summoned monsters. The spring rains, however, slow their horses and Jung-Mo’s carriage, in which Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum Ja ride.

That night, Ember finds a campsite partly sheltered from the rain. While on first watch, Saigo notices Jung-Mo looking at a large egg inside a lacquered box. Saigo inquires about the unidentified brown and blue egg, and Jung-Mo asks him to keep it between them.

Later, during a thunderstorm, lightning illuminates a tower on a nearby hill. Sonny and Ember wake Saigo to report what they saw, and he agrees that it may be worth investigating on the way the next morning.

Toshi and Soske’ spot lights in the pagoda during the third and final watch of the night. The next morning, Jung-Mo and Toshi scout ahead. The Yakuza is stealthy, and the Wu Jen casts Chameleon for camouflage.

Jung-Mo senses movement within the stone tower and begins scaling it. Toshi casts Know History and learns that the pagoda is named Kai Sou Xian Haknam, or “the castle of Master Haknam.”

Unfortunately, Jung-Mo kicks out a loose brick and has to use Levitate to keep from falling or being seen by a guard. Toshi hides and Detects Magic from a number of sources. Wu Ember shifts into crane form and flies overhead to check on her companions.

They regroup with Saigo, Soske’ and the horses. The adventuring party decides to give the tower a wide berth. Samurai Saigo recognizes a pennant flying from the top as belonging to Zhan-Shi Hu Ho, a disgraced officer in the Shengtese army.

The next night, Spirit Folk Saigo and Jung-Mo hear animals but are not attacked during their watch. The caravan continues eastward, with no other people in sight. The Kwang Shui, Hothe, and Kuo Lui streams are easily forded, and the diplomatic escort arrives at the bustling town of Kuan Chou.

Shengtese humans Sonny and Soske’ know their way around. The Kensai is wary of certain clans, and the Shukenja hopes to avoid his meddling family. Shan Sao Toshi practices his martial arts in the morning with Sonny and asks about a Magisterium (magic school).

Saigo talks with Lady Yun about her plans for Sogewa. The representative of Gokuri says that she shouldn’t need an escort as she relays the truce to Duke Kou Fei Seng, but she will eventually need to travel north, to Bazran Hai in Saigo’s homeland of the Zedu kingdom.

Like Jung-Mo and Saigo, Ember hasn’t been to a large human city before, so she hopes to go sightseeing. While Saigo is still searching for his missing grandfather, Hengeyokai Ember wants to evade notice.

Saigo, Toshi, and Soske’ report to the local garrison at Kuan Chou. They meet Hiroshi Sanlang, a young warrior who recommends the “Happy Duck” hotel. The trio also passes vagrants and searches for a Magisterium but finds none.

Meanwhile, Ember, Sonny, and Jung-Mo stay with Lady Yun and Oh Kum Ja at the town gate. Chain master Sonny observes Monks among the street performers and acrobats, and Druid Ember looks out for fellow shapeshifters. Merchant Jung-Mo points out gangs of young men who might belong to the Tong or Yakuza.

Ember notices that the carriage’s curtain pulled aside, and Sonny asks Lady Yun to be more discreet. He leaves Jung-Mo at the reins as he runs after someone suspicious who has spotted the Dark Elf. After a brief chase, Sonny corners the man in an alley.

The goon tries to shove Sonny into a wall, but the Kensai dodges and punches him in the stomach. Despite being winded, the man calls for help and pulls a balisong (butterfly knife) from his orange sash.

Saigo, Toshi, and Jung-Mo return to the carriage and horses, and Ember sends Saigo and Toshi after Sonny. Ember and Jung-Mo look for a stable to get out of the street, while the others ask a beggar for directions.

Sonny tries to sweep his opponent’s leg, but he is nimble. Sonny strikes twice as Toshi and Saigo race members of the town guard to the scene. Wizard Toshi casts Updraft, lifting the man 30 feet and dropping him.

Saigo stalls the police by explaining how his friend was almost mugged. They find the man in the orange sash with broken bones. The sentries send for a healer and take the unconscious man into custody, but they also ask the knight and company to stay in town for a day or so in case they have further questions.

The travelers go to the “Happy Duck,” where they plan to take a barge on the canal between the Chuan Hosun and Chung Hsien rivers to speed their trip from Kuan Chou to Sogewa, capital of the Principality of Silado….

Remember to review your Player Character records on Obsidian Portal and let me know of any changes. In addition, note that our next “A New Dawn” virtual session on Sunday, 16 March 2014, will start a little later, around 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, because I’ll be getting back from a concert.

I also enjoyed last night’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face game, and I look forward to resuming Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario next Monday. Don’t forget to reply to Thomas K.Y. regarding upcoming movies.