“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Updates 39.15 and 16 — Trials and travels

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.15 and 16, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on 17 June and 1 July 2013:

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 summer 2013:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

BBC's Camelot — The Gilded Keep in Thadenis, capital of the kingdom of Saganim

“10 March to 25 October 1228 B.C.E.:” After finding his lost love Lady Katarina, Prince Corwin proved thatcourt mage Lord Dalek was responsible for her maiming and imprisonment. As the Tiefling (demon-touched) wizard is hauled to the dungeon, exonerated Corwin visits the polymorphed mermaid at the Houses of Healing to spend her last hours with her.

Meanwhile, the prince’s friends prepare for his challenge of his half-brother Daven’s right to the throne of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Giacomo du Vane goes to the Bardic College to research magic and see if there is any connection between Lord Dalek and Prince Daven.

Hamfast Hammerfist spends his time at Ghanki’s Gin Pub, where he learns that Saganim sailors have no love for arcane spellcasters. Scully Strongbow goes to Daven’s Theater to keep an eye on the prince, who is in the patron’s box with betrothed Julia and friend Sean Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Scully reports to Corwin via owl Owlicious.

Dressed as a servant, Tempestade watches Dalek’s room in the Gilded Keep. The Monk observes a crow on the windowsill, as well as Lord Stefan Sable, who searches the room with some guards.

Elsa Fairbottom visits Pfenik, a Brownie at the Grove of Arbos. The Dwarf Druid asks Pfenik if he’s interested in traveling beyond the city of Thadenis, and he agrees to join her. Elsa later charms some rats to watch the embassy of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm.

Meanwhile, Corwin’s other half-brother, Prince Garamond, guards the tents and wagons of Vistel’s Circus with his Reptile Folk pirate crew. The wanderers regroup at the Happy Brownie Inn to compare notes.

Sometime later, Giacomo goes to question Dalek but learns that the Tiefling has escaped! His two guards have apparently killed each other, but no trace of poison is found.

Corwin, Hamfast, and Garamond race to the palace, where Tempestade searches the mage’s quarters. Giacomo reviews the list of items taken from Dalek.

A Detect Magic spell reveals a rope ladder leading from his cell to the kitchen, where the group finds a surprised maid and an enchanted knife. Hamfast confiscates some food. The trail leads to rocks at the base of the tower walls, surrounded by the East Rush River.

Corwin consults “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, and counselor to Queen Margaret. Melchior notes that the doppleganger who attacked King Edmund II was likely working with the disgraced Dalek, as was servant Gudrun.

Hamfast identifies the knife as a style belonging to the Rakshasa, the demonic tiger folk rulers of the neighboring Garku Nasit. Scully continues her stakeout of Prince Daven, but Tempestade finds no sign of a boat at the base of the Gilded Keep.

Cautious Giacomo casts Detect Magic and prepares to spend the night watching the royal family. Elsa’s Detect Evil and Speak With Animals spells reveal little.

The onetime carnival performers tell Melchior and Queen Margaret that they suspect Lord Sable in Dalek’s escape. Corwin and Hamfast guard Princess Catherine, Corwin’s younger sister.

The next morning, Corwin casts Change Self to anonymously visit the Zuromm embassy. The prince boldly bargains with Lady Dolista, a seductive Drow (western Dark Elf) diplomat. She agrees not to contest his or Garamond’s right to the throne over that of Prince Daven in return for mutual noninterference for a year and a day.

Giacomo brings the Rakshasa blade to the Clerics of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, and the Harandrim Academy for further study. Friendly Flind Scully meets with “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.] and the knights of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, who also agree to support Prince Corwin.

Humans Hamfast and Tempestade check on Orlando Vistel, Garamond, and the circus. Dwarf Elsa visits “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] at the Royal Society for Exploration and Cartography.

Back at the Hall of Thanes on the Isle of Valor, Prince Corwin formally challenges Prince Daven for the right of succession. Corwin, also known as Prince Berek, calls Niac as a character witness. The Wolfen Paladin states that Corwin has acted in the kingdom of Saganim’s interests, even when he was away from the capital.

Ambitious Daven calls Skilti, the palace cook, to testify on his behalf. Corwin and his allies don’t trust Skilti, whorecently tried to serve the king a cooked varun, or Underdark cat. Corwin then calls Lady Dolista to the stand.

The Drow emissary admits that she gave Prince Daven gold, and Giacomo produces Zuromm coins covertly taken from the prince as evidence. Dolista is less cooperative than Corwin had hoped, but her testimony does sway many in the court.

“Black Raven” [Michael C./N.P.C.] testifies that he found evidence linking Corwin to the death of Adric Thumon, squire to Sir Banor Finney. However, the scout also notes that Thumon had enslaved a tribe of Goblins at a secret silver mine.

King Edmund, son of Athelward the Just, pronounces his verdict: His second son, Garamond, is the new heir apparent. Edmund’s eldest, Corwin, is required to spend a year and a day within Saganim’s borders to atone for his flight after the apparent murder of Lady Katarina and for the death of Thumon.

Prince Daven, the youngest son, is ordered to spend a year and a day outside of the kingdom to make a name for himself and demonstrate Saganim values of valor and honor. Daven leaves with the Lady Julia, Sean Sable, and his hippogriff.

Corwin and his companions say farewell to Orlando Vistel and his circus, which leaves Thadenis. Tempestade and Elsa are tempted to go with the performers. The displaced Monk also expresses interest in heading to the warmer lands to the south.

Several months pass. Giacomo offers his services as a court wizard to King Edmund and continues his relationship with Maggie Oakleaf, a droll Sylvan Elf student at the Harandrim Academy. Akael Nightmist helps the mages watch for Dalek, still at large.

Hamfast and Elsa visit their homeland in the Ivory Mountains to the north. Pfenik and owlbear Oswald travel with them through the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor to the Zeda kingdom of the Dwarves and Gnomes (and some humans).

Scully acts as a scout for the knights of Otih, exploring caves near Thadenis. The canine humanoid also becomes close with Sir Niac and learns about sailing from the onetime “Dragonslayer.”

Tempestade spends two months becoming a friar at the temple of Otih. The martial artist also inquires about ways to his distant homeland and for a refuge for freed slaves. He reads about an obelisk supposedly guarded by a purple worm in the distant port of Gisar.

Prince Corwin works with the Bardic College to burnish his brother Garamond’s reputation. True to his word, the Bard also helps the crown prince strengthen the kingdom of Saganim’s economy and defenses. He keeps a wary eye on Lord Stefan Sable and Lady Dolista.

Corwin also gets reacquainted with his family, hunting with father King Edmund, playing chess with stepmother Queen Margaret and stepsister Catherine. According to reports, Prince Daven and Sean Sable have traveled east to the barbaric Gusorin Confederation.

In the Ivory Mountains, Hamfast brings Elsa and Pfenik to his home hamlet. The Dwarf and Brownie find the human’s family as taciturn as he is. Hamfast gives his brother Olaf money for the care of wife Helga and a son and daughter.

Perceptive Elsa realizes that detached Helga was once Hamfast’s wife and that the children are his. Hamfast matter-of-factly explains that the relationship didn’t work out.

Olaf brings the visitors to a nearby farm, where injured Hans [Beruk/N.P.C.] waits for the Tottenkoff. Druid Elsa offers healing, but the Zeda humans look at her with confusion. Hamfast coldly performs his duty, ending Hans’ suffering and shocking Elsa.

Meanwhile, back in Thadenis, Giacomo starts a scholarship fund for underprivileged youth and studies magic at the palace. Tired Scully gets a tailored outfit to minimize her frightful appearance, and Tempestade asks her to teach him the basics of sailing.

Corwin tries to conduct diplomacy with Lady Dolista and hears rumors of a new cult in the city. The prince tells the council and Bard Maeve Gallagher about his intention to leave when his year is finished. King Edmund also looks fatigued at public events.

Rather than return to her clan, Elsa busies herself with brewing and mapmaking. Strong Hamfast helps out around his brother’s farm, cutting trees from the dense surrounding woods. Pfenik repeats rumors about renegade Druids, who no longer defend the balance of nature but instead seek power for themselves.

Hamfast, Elsa, and Pfenik decide to return to Saganim early rather than spend winter in the mountains. They meet their friends at Ghanki’s Gin Pub and are surprised at how bedraggled Scully and other patrons look. Corwin suspects the evil cult.

Hamfast drinks heavily, and Tempestade says that fog and will o’ wisps have been seen around the Isle of Grief. Elsa, Pfenik, and half-grown Oswald go to the Grove of Arbos, where fellow Druid Lorcan Mahoney relates the tale of a dragon whose breath induced sloth among his subjects.

Giacomo finds Maggie curled up asleep under a desk. Exhausted, Scully goes for a moonlight sail with Niac, while Corwin casts Detect Magic and finds that the capital has fallen under an enchantment. Sylvan Elf Akael later confirms that a Theft of Sleep ritual has been used to weaken the populace and to help rouse a sleeping or Undead entity, even as Samhain approaches….

As you can see, I’m still catching up on gaming notes, and I’m sorry that I missed Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot. In the meantime, please remember to double-check your Player Character records on Obsidian Portal and let me know of any changes or corrections.

I look forward to continuing our “Vanished Lands” and “Vortex” campaigns into the fall! -Gene

Boston Comic Con 2013 report

On Saturday, 3 August 2013, I went to the Boston Comic Con, which had been postponed and relocated because of the marathon bombings this past spring. David I.S. had hoped to attend it. The convention was crowded but worthwhile.

BCC 2013 wallpaper — Superheroes visit Boston

I got to the Seaport World Trade Center by 9:30 a.m., and the lines to get in were already around the block. Advance ticket holders like me, Beruk A., and Thomas K.Y. & Kai-Yin H. ended up waiting an hour or more, while those who bought their tickets that day, such as Sara F., didn’t have to wait as long. I hope that the organizers will have more people working admissions next year.

As with last year’s con, which I attended with Janice, it was great to see a diverse range of fans of all ages, races, and genders. Even though the site was bigger than the Hynes Convention Center, which was originally supposed to host the show, the crowds likely exceeded the expected attendance of 15,000 by a significant percentage.

Although it’s too bad that Dave and Janice weren’t along, it was nice to be at the con with a group. I ran into several people I know, including a co-worker and folks from Bedrock Comics, Newbury Comics, and New England Comics.

Readers looking for back issues could find excellent deals on trade paperbacks and graphic novels, and toy collectors had many booths to choose from. There were also several vendors specializing in arts and crafts, if fewer of fan-made films, costume accessories, or tabletop role-playing games.

Getting beyond the dealers’ area were some celebrities and the artists’ alley. Although Walking Dead and Hobbit fans were eager for autographs, we focused on the latter this year. We also didn’t get to any panels or the film festival because of staggered arrivals and the crowds.

I was glad to see comics greats such as Neal Adams, Colleen Doran, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Don Rosa, and Tim Sale. Even though I had met several of them before, we were happy to chat with the likes of David Petersen, Joe Quinones, and Daixong. I bought sketchbooks from some of these artists.

Of course, there were lots of fans and exhibitors in costume. DC and Marvel Comics characters were well-represented, as were anime and videogame properties. There were also some steampunk cosplayers and impressive homemade garb. I didn’t wear a costume because of comfort, but I always appreciate those who make the effort.

I’ve already been to a few local genre entertainment events so far this year, including the Watch City Festival and Creation Star Trek convention. For next year’s Boston Comic Con, I’ll have to plan more carefully to account for the crowds, and I hope that friends will again join me.

In the coming months, I look forward to the Rhode Island Comic Con and the Super MegaFest, as well as possibly the New York Comic Con! Coming soon: Other genre news and reviews, food outings, and game updates….

San Diego Comic-Con 2013 observations

In between other things this past weekend, I caught a bit of the online coverage of this year’s San Diego Comic Con, especially the following highlights.

Disney/Marvel showcased Agents of SHIELD (Joss Whedon’s upcoming TV show), The Wolverine and continuity-patching X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Thor 2: the Dark World (with a hilarious Tim Hiddleston in character as Loki). A little further out are espionage-flavored Captain America 2: Winter Soldier, likely blockbuster Avengers 2: Age of Ultron, and Guardians of the Galaxy, at whose panel Doctor Who‘s Karen Gillan revealed she had shaved her head.

X-Men cast, past and present — X-Men: Days of Future Past reunited cast members across eras

Warner Bros/DC had panels on the 20th anniversary of the excellent Batman: the Animated Series and the successful CW series Arrow. It also announced the title of live-action movie Superman/Batman, as well as Justice League: Flashpoint and War, which bring DC Comics’ “new 52” to animation. I’ve already blogged on how I’d approach the DC universe.

I’m not sure that Age of Ultron, which Whedon said won’t be based on comic book storylines involving Hank Pym, or the adversarial Superman/Batman, which draws from Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns, are good ideas. As much as I’ve enjoyed the latest wave of superhero adaptations, I’d like to see more variety, such as female-led movies, flicks that don’t rehash different origins in a formulaic way, and less tinkering to follow current trends.

There were panels for several of my favorite shows, including Doctor Who (which is celebrating its 50th anniversary), the potentially ending Psych, and the darkly fun Grimm. Conspiratorial Person of Interest has proven to be prescient, and I’ve been touting the underrated clone drama Orphan Black as the best new genre TV show this past year.

I also look forward to Season 2 of the animated steampunk/fantasy Avatar: Legend of Korra and Season 3 of the BBC’s Sherlock. Of the upcoming TV shows previewed in San Diego, I’m looking forward Almost Human the most.

Hollywood continued its domination of Comic Con, with previews of upcoming movies, including Godzilla and Veronica Mars. There was some comic book news, but it was overshadowed by other media. Of course, there were lots of fans in costume.

I’ve been to a number of genre entertainment events already this year, and I look forward to the Boston Comic Con, Super MegaFest, the Rhode Island Comic Con, and possibly the New York Comic Con!

Sightseeing around the Emerald City

As I’ve already mentioned, Janice and I did what tourists are expected to do in Seattle — visit the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. We did get rained on, but less than expected. There was no shortage of things to see in the city, and we got glimpses through the mist of the green and mountainous Northwest beyond.

Gene in Seattle — Looking out from Seattle

On Sunday, June 23, Janice and I went to historic Pioneer Square. We had a real character as our guide during the Underground Tour, and we also enjoyed browsing at the Magic Mouse toy store and the Seattle Mystery Bookshop. We also checked out the impressive modernist Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library, which was only a block from our hotel.

We walked up to Kobe Terrace Park, but we didn’t fully explore the International District, where many Asian-Americans live. After the harbor cruise the next day, we wandered among the tourist traps of various piers before heading to the Seattle Aquarium. It might be smaller than the New England Aquarium, but it was informative about how humans have both lived off the sea and (belatedly) tried to protect it.

We also saw some fun public sculpture and goats grazing beneath an underpass. As I noted in my blog post about Seattle food, Pike Place Market was great, while Pacific Place and other urban shopping malls cater to the locals and business people. I’ve been asked whether I was interested in visiting the headquarters of Microsoft (or Wizards of the Coast), but that would have been too much like work.

I’m glad that Janice and budgeted most of Tuesday, June 25, to see the Museum of Flight, which is next to Boeing’s sprawling campus. It featured lots of exhibits on the entire history of aircraft, from the Wright brothers through the World Wars and the International Space Station.

We’ve been to the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as well as the Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport, and this was as impressive as either of those. Among the aircraft we saw were the P-51 Mustang WWII fighter, the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, and one of the jets designated as Air Force One through several presidential administrations.

Wednesday, June 26, was the quietest day of our vacation, since we expected heavy rain (which never came). We went to the Seattle Art Museum, which had small but strong collections of ancient through modern art. I didn’t take many photos in the museums because most prohibited the use of a flash. Janice and I also visited some art galleries and shops of First Nations or Native American art such as Northwest Tribal Art.

The next day, Janice and I visited Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. We admired the architecture and meticulous gardens. The Royal B.C. Museum was one of the highlights of our trip, including a recreation of a Western town in which you could enter rooms in each building, ranging from a saloon to a train station to a fancy 19th century hotel.

We also checked out the spectacular dioramas at Miniature World, which is similar to Roadside America in Pennsylvania. I got a new sun hat at the Tilley store, and we viewed nature art at the Robert Bateman Centre before heading back to the clipper to Seattle.

On Friday, June 28, we walked to the Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park for a mostly clear view of the Olympic Mountains. We then walked to Seattle Center, spending our last afternoon in town in the same way we had spent our first one — near the iconic Space Needle.

The EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum focuses on popular culture. It was cool to see the artifacts from Jimi Hendrix, local band Nirvana, and the “Women Who Rock” exhibit. Of course, the exhibits on science-fiction icons, fantasy world-building, and classic horror movies were of particular interest.

On a related note, Golden Age Collectibles in Pike Place Market had a wide selection of comic books and games, and I’ve known Seattle for years as the setting for the Shadowrun cyberpunk/fantasy tabletop role-playing game.

At the Pacific Science Center, we saw the usual planetology and paleontology exhibits, as well as the Air Racers IMAX film, which was timely because of our visit to the Museum of Flight.

I did check e-mail periodically during the vacation, but it was nice to get away from the usual routine. I did follow the news, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings on the Voting Rights Act, which I disagreed with, and the Defense of Marriage Act, which I’m glad was struck down, as were people who gathered at the courthouse near our hotel.

In future trips to the Pacific Northwest, Janice and I hope to see more of the great outdoors, First Nations and Asian culture, and maybe other cities, such as Portland and Vancouver. I’d be happy to return to Seattle anytime!

Since then, I’ve been busy catching with work (especially after the latest reorg), gaming, and genre TV. I look forward to seeing friends during the coming weekends.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.14 — Loosing the siren

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.14, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 3 June 2013:

“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 summer 2013:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“8 to 9 March 1228 B.C.E.:” Members of the performing troupe continued their investigations into corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. The Lizard Folk pirates of Prince Garamond guarded the circus in the Agora (market square).

Corwin Windsong, revealed as Prince Berek, seeks to clear his name before he can challenge his half-brother, Prince Daven, on his right to succeed King Edmund II. First, the Bard must prove that he didn’t kill Lady Katarina, his onetime tutor and lover, as well as the wife of Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) Wizard and royal adviser.

Elsa Fairbottom and Tempestade go to the tower of Otih. “Uldor” [Thomas K.Y.], a helpful Cleric of the lord of the sun and justice, referred them to the temple.

The Dwarf Druid and human Monk meet “Sir Niac Eden” [Mike F./Non-Player Character], a Wolfen Paladin. Elsa gives a generous donation of 200 sovereigns (gold pieces) and asks Niac if sages can help divine what truly happened the night of Katarina’s disappearance.

Elsa explains how a Doppleganger recently attacked the king, how her companions found a varun (Underdark cat) butchered in the palace, and how Corwin talked with Drow (western Dark Elves) and Duergar (Gray Dwarves) at the Zuromm embassy. Niac replies that Corwin must come to the tower of Otih “for purification” and to verify his innocence.

Giacomo du Vane, Hamfast Hammerfist, and Scully Strongbow return to the Gilded Keep on the Isle of Valor. The Hifalendorin mage and Zeda Fighter question members of the castle staff about the night of Katarina’s presumed murder. The albino Gnoll uses her keen nose to sense nervousness and deception.

The trio first questions cook Skilti, who saw young Prince Berek run by in a panic on a dark and stormy night. A trail of blood was found near Dalek and Katarina’s chambers, and Berek’s flight from the city was interpreted as a sign of guilt. Like Princess Catherine, Berek’s partying younger sister, old Skilti believes that Corwin loved not too wisely but too well.

“Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, sends gifts to the travelers, including masterwork arrows for Corwin. Hill Dwarf Fighter “Gug Trushin” [Kai-Yin H.] helps watch the circus wagons and tents.

Meanwhile, Corwin goes to the Bardic College, where he finds fellow musician Maeve Gallagher. She reports that Lord Dalek is rumored to be wooing Princess Catherine. Prince Berek asks the priestesses of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, to help defend his reputation to the Saganim people.

Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully talk with Gudrun, a chambermaid who professes no love for “spoiled princelings.” She said she was bringing laundry from the royal chambers. Elsa and Fighter Hamfast learn that Berek was seen running with blood on his hands and that Katarina’s body was never found. Ranger Scully smells salt water on Gudrun, who claims that she prefers to eat her favorite fish away from other servants.

Sir Niac agrees to help Elsa, but he notes that Lord Dalek’s chambers are likely magically shrouded. Tempestade (who had tried to make a berimbau) seems more curious about how Otih’s followers oppose slavery and about joining their order than about Corwin’s fate.

In the Gilded Keep, Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully question Aella, a pious servant. After some cajoling, they persuade her to recount what she saw on the night of Katarina and Berek’s disappearances from the palace. Aella says that she saw Gudrun running in the opposite direction of most people — including Berek — on lower level where she wouldn’t normally need to be.

Because Aella fears for her own safety, the trio takes her to the temple of Otih, but not before asking Morgaine, handmaiden to Queen Margaret and Melchior’s wife, to keep an eye on Gudrun.

Corwin confesses his sins to Sir Niac, including how he killed Adric Thumon, the squire to Sir Banor Finney who was running a silver mine operated by Goblin slaves. Thumon had surrendered, but Corwin and company killed him anyway and freed the slaves, who then went with Dubwana (Hobgoblins) from the Garku Nasit.

The knights of Otih are impressed by Prince Berek’s honesty and agree to support him in both his trial for Lady Katarina’s presumed murder and his challenge of the ambitious Prince Daven’s ascension to heir apparent.

Corwin, Niac, and friends listen to Aella’s story and send messages to Prince Garamond and Maeve telling them that they have testimony exonerating Berek. They then take a rowboat to the Isle of Valor to search the area beneath the Gilded Keep.

Hamfast and Tempestade work the oars, while Scully and Niac search the rocks. Giacomo and Corwin impatiently wait with Aella at the temple of Otih because Prince Berek is banned from the palace until his trial.

Elsa spots a pile of fish bones on a rock. As the boat pulls close, Tempestade sees a cave opening behind the rock. Scully leads the way, and Hamfast lights a torch. They see movement, followed by a woman’s wail.

Scully and Tempestade are momentarily stunned, but Hamfast and Elsa press forward on the slick rocks. Sailor Niac flirts with Scully and secures the boat. Hamfast draws a knife and tries to jump on the woman [Beruk/Non-Player Character] before she crawls away, but he misses. The investigators realize with horror that her legs (or fins) have been hacked off.

Ensorcelled, Scully shoves Hamfast away from the crippled siren, whose strawberry blond hair reminds everyone of Corwin’s description of Katarina. Elsa casts Protection From Evil on Hamfast and gives him her mace.

The woman slashes at the burly human with a cutlass, and Niac readies his club. Hamfast tries to subdue the screaming woman, and Elsa prays to Gaia and Moradin for Guidance. Hamfast knocks out the malnourished mermaid and takes her to the boat, where saddened Scully wraps her in a blanket.

They return to Otih’s tower, where Berek is shocked to see how Katarina has been magically transformed and crippled. The Paladins of Otih take the former captive to the Houses of Healing so that the Clerics of Ulandt, lady of rest, can attend to her many wounds.

Sometime later, King Edmund and Queen Margaret preside over the trial of Prince Berek. Among the attendees are Lord Dalek and Lord Stefan Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Dalek repeats his charge of murder against Berek, noting that the prince fled after Lady Katarina’s disappearance and that his bloody handprints were found.

Giacomo, acting as Corwin’s counsel, points out that the evidence is circumstantial. Aella testifies that as angry as Lord Dalek now seems, he was calm after the blood trail was found near his quarters.

Melchior and Sir Niac unwrap Katarina, causing the crowd to gasp. Giacomo observes that only a few spellcasters in all of Saganim would be powerful enough to permanently transform her, and he accuses Gudrun of working with Dalek and feeding on her.

Hamfast holds furious Corwin from attacking Dalek, and King Edmund shares his son’s righteous anger. Guards haul unrepentant Dalek and Gudrun to the dungeon to await the headsman. Giacomo recommends that they be searched for magical implements, and Scully and Elsa are relieved that justice has prevailed. Scully hugs Corwin.

Melchior says that now that Dalek’s magic is waning, Lady Katarina has only days to live at most. Corwin mourns for his lost love, even as Scully seeks out Niac’s company and the circus prepares for its next performance….

Welcome back, Josh, and I hope that everyone enjoyed the dramatic game! It’s interesting that we’re wrapping up major chapters in both the “Vanished Lands” and the “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera. Note that your Player Characters have leveled up — I’ll double-check adjustments by our next session.

I look forward to Rich’s Star Wars: Edge of the Empire playtest next Monday, and I’m sorry that I’ll be missing Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot later this month. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene