“Vortex” Update 5a.27 — A playboy, a psycho, and a Trinoid walk into a bar

Fellow role-players, here are Josh’s and my notes for Session 5a.27 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 1 met on Monday, 23 January 2012, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Bulldogs, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but ecological degradation and internecine conflicts persist. Open and official First Contact with Galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Will heroes rise to the challenges?

Two aliens and their human allies encountered xenophobes and megacorporate intrigues on and around Earth. After visiting factionalized Mars and acquiring a starship, they continued their mission of diplomacy and exploration to Titan, Tyche, and Alpha Centauri. From Van Maanen’s Star, the Olvar scout ship evaded a trap at Cetus Eridani and met priestesses and miners at Beta Canum Venaticorum before resuming its journey toward Oasis Station….

>>FATE 3e “Vortex” Team 1 (5a), crew of the “Blackbird:”

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) escapee from the Encegulans, engineer

-“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male Terran cyborg human sniper working for eugenicists at Black Box Security Co.

-“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, onetime dilettante, solar-sail racer, pilot

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Scoop Chang” [Rich C.G.]-male Jovian “near-human,” interstellar reporter kidnapped by the Olvar; psi interested in First Contacts

-“Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A./absent]-male Terran “near-human,” seeker of enlightenment and investigator met aboard the Ma’ari ship Cyan Horizon

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L./absent]-male Mongolian/Martian human, former horse rancher and wilderness survival expert

-“Dr. Bucket” [Non-Player Character]-United Earth Authority astromech robot assigned to the Blackbird

>>”15 to 18 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era:” After visiting the site of the Battle of Capricornus X2, the explorers aboard the Blackbird arrived at Oasis Station, a huge collection of orbital habitats about 40 parsecs from Earth. They searched the local information network for clues on where to start looking for the missing agent of the Kharvamid Alliance and a Precursor jump gate.

Aughest-vor, Syzygy, Chris McKee, Tariq Asrad Saladin, Dr. Bucket, and Mr. Sniffles stay aboard the Morifaiwet/Blackbird to draw public attention, as well as that of the Kharvamid agent or potential foes.

Syzygy expresses interest in Sector 1, also known as “the Shining Sisters,” to see the Nebula Opera. Agent Prometheus recommends Sector 7, the “Righteous Stinger,” because of its relatively lawless reputation and the Flux Farm weapons emporium.

Lt. Kevin Reese, Tela, Scoop Chang, and Kedar take the drop ship Dragonfly to more quietly find out about the jump gate. Engineers Tela and Kedar are interested in the Shining Sisters because of its population of Ma’ari, Nethians, and Daragi. Kevin wants to go to Sector 12, “the Merging,” because of the Ruby Lantern Resort.

However, Syzygy decides to check in with overall Oasis Station command in the Merging, so the Dragonfly goes to Sector 10, “the Rusted Link,” because the Tharians are curious about a technocracy ruled by and for Xenoids (alien robots/artificial intelligences).

The Morifaiwet first visits Sector 11, “the Swift Course,” where Aughest-vor transfers funds from the Tyche mining operation into galactic credits for the entire party. The megacorporate scion reverts to his old ways, reserving a luxurious suite at the Regatta Hotel and inquiring with concierge Mr. Blix about solar sail races and the elite Lancer’s Club.

Tariq and Dr. Bucket keep watch while their Olvar scout ship is cleaned and serviced, and Syzygy and Chris checked in with the Port Authority at the Merging, where they see misshapen Metaderpods (former “Uplift” clients of the Trinoids) and talk about the Trinoid ship the Nautiloid.

Meanwhile, the squad aboard the Dragonfly meets Xenoid guide VX-7, as well as a wide variety of synthetic beings. At the “Privateer’s Perch,” they encounter fierce Gustrall Nycla of Clan Firehoof [Brian/Non-Player Character], inquisitive Nethian (insectoid alien) mechanic Kzp’trn [Jason/N.P.C.] looking for an “isoquantum fracture compensator,” and party animals — actually three Meorr and a Felinoid Terran Synth.

Lt. Reese tells Nycla — who asks if the Tharians are “bait” — about his search. Scoop traces a Terran mental signature to the Felinoid (genetically modified panther) Yoshi Tanaka. Tela and Kedar get drunk with Gworr [Jason/N.P.C.], Keferr [Josh/N.P.C.], and Mundarr. The leonine Meorr back off a bit from raptor-like Nycla, who is well-known in certain parts of Oasis Station.

In the upper level of the “Privateer’s Perch,” numerous A.I.s, Synths, and Xenoids watch a fight between “organics” Rugar, the “Claw of Might,” and Cestolar (badger-like alien) Rundel Tosk, captain of the Lodge. The crew of the Dragonfly quickly leaves.

Getting restless at the Regatta Hotel, Aughest-vor and Chris go to the Merging, where they meet Cestolar trader Ibor vos Talshun [Rich/N.P.C.], whose ship is the “Metal Vessel.” Following their instinct for trouble, Agent Prometheus and Aughest fall in with Boobulons at the Ruby Lantern.

However, they soon find themselves compromised and trapped by slug-like Encegulan slavers. Syzygy talks with the Cetaran (plesiosaur-like alien) madam and calls Lt. Reese for backup. As the back rooms of the interstellar brothel release a horde of inhuman BDSM horrors to prevent the Terrans and Trinoid from escaping, Kevin, Tela, and Scoop ride to the rescue with the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm ground-effect vehicle.

During a firefight, Kevin throws a grenade and asks Aughest-vor if this is how he planned to get attention. Scoop psionically armors up and blasts hostiles, while Tela glides up to the level where the humans are being held.

The Meorr from the “Privateer’s Perch” happily wade into battle. Still naked, Agent Prometheus catches a gun from Lt. Reese and ruthlessly shoots one of the patrons in the chaos, and the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm makes a hasty retreat…

Josh, thanks for posting these notes to the Obsidian Portal wiki for “Vortex!” Thanks also to those who have offered to help with our upcoming moves. As noted previously, tonight’s game will be the last one I’ll be hosting and running in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, and we’ll be taking a break for a few weeks.

I hope to post updates for the latest Team 2 and the telecom fantasy Pathfinder/Skype: “the Uncommon Companions” games soon. Be seeing you, -Gene

“Vanished Lands” Update T3.40 — Uncommon Companions: the Night of 1,000 Echoes

Hunter Elf And Falcon - Elven Girls - Magical Pictures — Elf falconer

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.40 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 29 January 2012, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. After “Holy Steel‘s” journey to the distant empire of Khemet, another group of adventurers gathered in the northwestern “Vanished Lands” to explore a world full of perils and wonders.

After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the “Uncommon Companions” encountered the Centaur followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja and Unseelie Fey in the increasingly dangerous borderlands….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2012:

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from Gokuri; owner of Akita dog Genghis and horses Onimusha and Gashmu; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Saganim) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; has horses Wyth-Amoi and Meth-Fenna and falcon Sun Wing; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 4

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Hateem Shisakli” [Josh C.]-male Suthern human Dervish (proto-Arabic Bard/Battledancer); Lvl. 4

-“Favelhorn Riftbringer” [Dexter V.H./absent]-male Mountain Dwarf Summoner; CGn, Age 51, Lvl. 1

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3

-“Kovar” [Beruk A./absent]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts and brotherhood; LGn, Lvl. 3

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S./absent]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 3

>>”15 to 16 November 1229 B.C.E.:” After recovering from their long journey across the Plains of Sathendo, the travelers continued exploring the city of Alfendi in the Waletku kingdom of the Elves.

Early one morning, Asish and Jovinda pass archers practicing outside Alfendi’s high walls and walk into the surrounding woods. They find a clearing, mark the four cardinal directions, and burn incense.

The Tsucharim Ranger bonds with his dog Genghis, as the Half-Elf Cleric invokes nature goddesses Mekkil and Ami-Koshi. Jovinda cuts Asish and nervous Genghis with a ritual dagger and mingles their blood, smears their foreheads with ash, and declares them brothers.

Meanwhile, Kazuo and Hateem stretch and do morning katas in Lake Park, near the “Unicorn Moon” inn. Neither expects to find trainers for their exotic fighting styles at the local arenas. The Nezumi Monk and Suthern Dervish then go to the main market square to find warmer clothes and a small drum for Hateem.

Asish goes for a run with Genghis to hone their communications, and Jovinda wanders alone to search for an animal companion. Hiking to a rocky ledge over a fast, cold stream, the priestess sees a large falcon preening in the the sun. The bird of prey has glossy feathers and an unflinching gaze.

In a moment of communion with nature, Jovinda asks the falcon its name. The formidable bird replies that he is known as the “Claw of Heaven,” but that is too grand to be used by his newfound “sister,” whom he had been searching for his whole life. Jovinda introduces herself as “Halflight or twilight” and dubs the falcon “Sun Wing.”

Kazuo and Hateem meet up with Asish, Jovinda, and their animal companions. Genghis has little use for Sun Wing, who doesn’t mind the bustle of the city because it offers much prey. Jovinda allows the falcon to hunt after warning him to avoid carrier pigeons, whose masters might get upset.

At the “Pixie’s Pint” tavern, the adventuring party listens to a Dwarf skald’s bawdy songs while waiting to meet Aldarion, a Grey Elf Ranger whom Asish had contacted. The group sits at a back table and orders food and drink. Hateem joins in playing music with Durgin Blackbrow.

Aldarion arrives and explains that he has sent word to King Ereval I [Steve A.L./Non-Player Character] about the threat of Vappu Lahja’s followers. The onetime general also says that the Elven Rangers are monitoring the troop movements of the Drow of Zuromm and the Nannuattan of Gokuri. Jovinda and Asish are concerned about rumors that the Grugach tribes have been swayed by Gokuri guile or infiltrated by disgused Ninjas.

A woman wearing a hooded cloak enters the tavern and quietly approaches the “Uncommon Companions.” Asish recognizes her white hair, pointed ears and teeth, and violet eyes as that of a Dark Elf, and he draws his katana. Kazuo and Hateem ready for a fight but hold and wait.

Jovinda‘s suspicion that the newcomer is “Thalissa” [John Z.G./N.P.C.], Aldarion’s wife, is confirmed when the Ranger greets her warmly. Asish and Kazuo relax only slightly, and Hateem observes that the ebon-skinned Elf reminds him of certain desert spirits.

Thalissa confirms that the jade chop that Asish retrieved from his former overlords is an order for Gokuri troops to mass. The alluring “Jade ‘Xi’ Aschent” [Sammy/N.P.C.] had translated it previously. Thalissa also notes that there is a coded message hidden in the pictograph indicating an order of assassination, not uncommon among the Nannuattan.

Jovinda asks how imminent the danger is to the Waletku kingdom, and Thalissa responds that since Asish took the chop when he escaped the Calastrial clan, the orders probably weren’t received or implemented for months. The Tsucharim rider reluctantly asks the Nannuattan exile for training so that he can eventually free his family.

Thalissa agrees to help, showing him “whippets” (incendiary boomerangs) and mentioning her son in law, “Shea” [Peter D./N.P.C.] in the Ivory Mountains to the northwest. Aldarion says that Alfendi’s Rangers would pay for any new maps, especially of areas beyond the Wisalef Forest.

Back in the main market square, Asish goes to Sylvan Elf tanner Gadrelas on River Street to arrange for leather bracers for new falconer Jovinda. The scouts also buy arrows from bowyer/fletcher Hasariel near the North Park and visit Mountain Dwarf armorer Ygnis Miklovitch.

At the smithy of Glosin, who silvered Asish’s katana, Hateem asks about weapons that might be useful against Unseelie Fey. The Hill Dwarf replies that a reddish alloy known as “cold steel” is effective against all magical creatures. In addition, they plan to visit the shop of Gnome alchemist Rapalikvarbingisparrow… (“Rapalik” for short) for some potions.

Jovinda buys food from Faldine Halfling Miranda Northshire, who recalls meeting Digger several weeks ago [in “game time”]. Jovinda and Kazuo follow tea merchant Bodhi Chandarev’s directions to the tea house of Bamboo Spirit Folk (eastern Sylvan Elf) Seng Shiu Jun. Asish has a date with Jade, but the rest of the “Uncommon Companions” don’t want him to go alone….

Thanks again for your patience as we deal with balky technology and another upcoming interruption to our schedule as Josh & Sara and Janice and I move. Note that our next telecom fantasy game will be on Saturday, 4 February 2012, to accommodate the Super Bowl.

In the meantime, keep discussing your characters and what you’d like to do next on the Google Groups message board. We can still do a lot of role-playing in this forum, even if we don’t have sessions, but we need more than just Byron to post…. ;)

After this coming Monday’s meeting for Team 1 in the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera, my face-to-face groups will also take a break. Take it easy, -Gene

Moving sale, updated

Image from the first part of Jackson's Hobbit adaptation — An Unexpected Journey begins

Friends and fellow role-players, by now, you’ve probably seen that I’ll have to move within the next month. While I’ve gotten accustomed to having a three-bedroom townhouse with a full basement and yard for the past nine years, the time has come to downsize my possessions a bit again.

Here’s a list of items for sale. Gaming books start at $4 apiece. If you’re not in the Boston area but are interested in some of these items, let me know as soon as possible. I may be able to snailmail them to you! Thanks again…

AD&D2:

-The Complete Bard’s Handbook

-The Complete Druid’s Handbook

-The Complete Priest’s Handbook

-Monstrous Compendia, in binder

D6 (Josh C.):

-D6 Fantasy, Space

-Star Wars, Second Edition, and Trilogy Sourcebook

D20/OGL:

-Arms & Armor

-Big Eyes, Small Mouth, Revised Edition

-Bulldogs! (space opera, not FATE version)

-Castles & Crusades: Player’s Handbook, Monsters & Treasure

-Cavalier’s Handbook (Byron V.O.?)

-D&D3.5 Player’s Handbook

-D&D3.5 Dungeon Master’s Guide

-D&D3.5 Monster Manual

-D&D3.5 Complete Arcane

-D20 Modern: D20 Past

-Dead Man’s Chest

-Enchanted Locations: Crypts & Tombs

-Etherscope (steampunk)

-Fantasy Craft core book

-Horizon: Spellslinger (steampunk)

-Interludes: Sands of Pain

-Lore of the Gods (fantasy pantheons)

-Occult Lore

-Pirates!

-Quintessential Elf, Gnome, Halfling, Paladin; Ranger (Byron V.O.)

-Relics & Rituals

-Seas of Blood: Fantasy on the High Seas (multiple books)

-Shadowforce Archer (Spycraft)

-Silver Age Sentinels (superheroes)

-Skull & Bones

-Star Wars RPG (pre-Saga edition): Revised Core Rulebook, Galaxy Tiles, Hero’s Guide, Power of the Jedi Sourcebook, Rebellion Era Sourcebook, Ultimate Alien Anthology

-Swashbuckling Adventures (7th Sea)

-Sword & Sorcery: Forbidden Kingdoms (steampunk)

-Sword & Sorcery: Glades of Death (wilderness)

Pathfinder (a.k.a. “D&D3.75”; Paul holding, along with long box of Batman/Nightwing comics, Dragon magazines, box of large minis, Pathfinder Book of the Damned 3, and Book of Riddles):

-Bonus Bestiary

-Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Lands of the Linnorm Kings

-Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide

-Pathfinder Chronicles: Guide to the River Kingdoms

Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition:

-D&D4e for Dummies

-D&D4e: Dungeon Master for Dummies

-Dungeon Master’s Screen

-GSL Advanced Player’s Guide

-GSL The Quintessential Wizard

-Wizards Presents: Races and Classes

-Wizards Presents: Worlds and Monsters

True20 (same rules set as Mutants & Masterminds):

-Adept’s Handbook

-Adventure Roleplaying, Revised Edition (core book)

-Bestiary

-Centauri Knights (space opera)

-Companion

-Expert’s Handbook

-Game Master’s Screen

-Gearcraft Steampunk Sourcebook

-Mutants & Masterminds 2nd Ed.: Algernon Files 2.0, Instant Superheroes, Ultimate Power

-Pocket Player’s Guide

-Tales of the Caliphate Nights (Arabian fantasy)

-Tomorrow Knights (space opera)

-True Sorcery

-Warrior’s Handbook

-Worlds of Adventure

Other systems:

-Adventure! (Aeon/Trinity, White Wolf pulp)

-Amber Diceless Role-Playing, Shadow Knight (high fantasy)

-Basic Action Super Heroes Ultimate Edition, BASH! Sci-Fi Edition

-DC Universe boxed set, Daily Planet Guide to Gotham, and Gotham City Sourcebook

-Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space

-FATE 3e Diaspora (“hard” science fiction)

-Amazing Engine: For Faerie, Queen, and Country (steampunk)

-Fudge, 10th anniversary edition

-Lamentations of the Flame Princess: Grindhouse Edition boxed set and Vornheim City Guide (weird fantasy)

-Lord of the Rings RPG (Decipher version): Core Roleplaying Book, Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Maps of Middle Earth, Fell Beasts and Wondrous Magic

-Serenity RPG, Six Shooters and Spaceships, other sourcebooks

-Shadowrun, 4th/20th anniversary edition (cyberpunk/fantasy)

-Shard: Basic Compendium (anthropomorphic fantasy; Sara?)

-Star Trek, Decipher edition: Player’s Guide, Narrator’s Guide, Starfleet Operations Manual, Starships

-Stars Without Number (science fiction retro-clone)

-Stellar Horizons (indie space opera)

-Strands of FATE

Board games ($10 each):

-D&D Clue

-Marvel Scene-It

-Monopoly: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars editions

-Trivial Pursuit: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars (Byron V.O.) editions

>>Lego “Star Wars” sets — Micro-scale smaller ships ($4 each):

-ARC Starfighter

-AT-ST (x2) and Snowspeeder

-AT-TE

-A-Wing and Slave 1

-Droid drop ship

-Droid Fighter

-Imperial Shuttle

-Millennium Falcon (Byron V.O.)

-Republic Gunship

-Sebulba’s Podracer

-Sith Infiltrator

-Star Destroyer

-TIE Interceptor (x2)

-X-Wing and TIE Advanced

-Mega Blox Enterprise

>>Minifig-scale ($10 each):

-Anakin’s Podracer (Byron V.O.)

-A-Wing

-Bounty Hunter Pursuit

-B-Wing at Rebel Control Center

-Ewok Attack

-Gungan Sub

-Imperial Shuttle (Byron V.O.)

-Jedi Duel

-Landspeeder

-Slave 1 (Byron V.O.)

-Snowspeeder

-TIE Fighter

-Tusken Raider Encounter

Miscellaneous stuff:

-Doctor Who: the Visual Dictionary, updated and expanded

-Dragon, Kobold Quarterly, and Starlog magazines, numerous assorted issues (Paul J. holding two boxes worth)

-Star Wars Blueprints, Rebel Edition

-swords: Viking, ninja-to, wooden practice (Byron V.O.)

Appliances and furniture (best offers; must provide own transport):

-air conditioner, vertical window unit

-boom box, with dual tape deck

-cabinet with shelves, plastic

-carpets, dark green, 9×12-ft.

-CD tower, solid wood, $20

-chairs, folding

-chicken wire, 20-ft. roll

-computer desk, with keyboard tray and wheels, $25

-dehumidifier, basement capacity (Don F.)

-entertainment center/TV cabinet with storage, wheels, fits 26″ CRT, $40

-fans, floor

-grill, George Foreman, hardly used, $10

-keyboard, USB, $5

-kitchen cart, solid wood butcher block, $20

-lawnmower, manual/push

-microwave oven, LG, $20 (Mike K.)

-monitor, flat-screen, 17-in., $10 (TT’s Bob H.)

-ottoman, brown microsuede, 25″ x 20″ x 17″ high with storage, $30

-rakes and other garden tools

-refrigerator, Whirlpool, good condition, $50 (Mike K.)

-space heater

-speakers x2, computer, Harman/Kardon, $10 (TT’s Bob H.)

-side table, solid wood, unfinished, 26″ x 23″ x 21″ high, $20

-stereo, Aiwa, including 3-CD changer and dual-deck tape player, $40

-table/child’s desk, very solid but some scuffs, 36″ x 23″ x 22″ high, $30

-tables, long folding, plastic (yes, the ones we’ve been using for gaming)

-television, 26-in.

-vacuum, shop, wet/dry, $20

-VHS tape storage drawers

-washer & dryer, Whirlpool, electrical, $50 each (Mike K.)

Everything must go in the next few weeks! [Note: This list updated 2 February 2012.]

“Vortex” Update 5b.26 — Back to Earth

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5b.26 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 2 met on Monday, 16 January 2012, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Bulldogs, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

A band of grifters and near-humans retrieved dangerous samples from a battlefield north of Karachi and the Ghanki undersea station. It stole starship engines from a lunar base and an orbital city and was involved in medical disasters in the Venusian colonies. After finding a dimensionally displaced derelict, the team made inquiries into its cargo amid religious turmoil on Titan….

>>FATE 3e “Vortex” Team 2 (5b), crew of the “Appomattox:”

-“Gabriel Adams” [Paul J.]-male North American Terran near-human with telepathy, courier and pilot

-“ARTHERR” [Greg D.C.]-Advanced Resonance Theoretical Heuristic Exploration and Research Robot created by megacorp Vimeco

-“Jasmine” [Sara F.] female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter

-“Mr. Richmond Garrett” [Dave S.C.]-male Southern American Terran human, space snake-oil salesman and social climber

-“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A./absent]-male Latin American Terran human, “burned” operative and communications expert

-“Dr. Dieter Klein” [Rich L./absent]-male European Terran human, semi-retired physician, altruist and thrill seeker

-“Nero Bartholomew” [Non-Player Character]-male Terran human, former owner of the “Fortune’s Fool,” ship’s cook

-“Averki ‘Deep Dish’ Dyashenko” [N.P.C.]-male reptilian Synth (genetically engineered humanoid), onetime Venusian miner

>>”14 to 21 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era:” After rescuing some castaways and reneging on their deal to deliver items from the Vatican to the arachnid Nolath near Epsilon Eridani, the Terrans headed back home.

Capt. Gabriel Adams wants to get paid for the hot cargo and to keep a few souvenirs. ARTHERR recommends hiding it somewhere in deep space “for the good of all mankind.” Jasmine would prefer to return the artifacts to the United Ecumenical Movement (U.E.M.).

Richmond Garrett, who accepted the relics from fixer “Ramon Sanchez” [Josh H./N.P.C.] months ago, is initially disappointed at not being able to complete his mission. The con man is reluctant, however, to return to Earth with the items. Hector Chavez recommends inquiring with the United Earth Authority, but he is outvoted.

The crew of the Appomattox ultimately agrees to leave the containers in interstellar space, where it’s very unlikely that anyone else would find them. ARTHERR makes a note of their position.

Pilot Gabriel switches the yacht’s false registry from the “Heaven’s Gate” to the “Gabriel’s Rebellion” as it reenters the Sol system. ARTHERR suggests checking at the Vatican Museums to reveal that some items are forgeries. The Vimeco robot believes that this would increase the value of the original items and flush out potential buyers.

Onetime wrestler Jasmine sends a message to her boyfriend Darsii on Mars. Missing the comforts of home, Richmond goes to the southeastern coast of North America to look at mansions for sale. Former spy Hector goes to meet his handler Max.

As his distrust of nonhumans hardens into intolerance, Capt. Adams talks with Yiushef of Geruno, the Cestolar (badger-like alien) who attacked him in the wreck of the Razorfeather near Epsilon Eridani.

Yiushef explains that the Olvar (mammal-like arboreal alien) crew had tried to carry out its trade mission to the Gustrall (antlered, orange-furred, raptor-like warriors). He still suspects one of his fellow survivors, including Maj. Mohing Lankel, Lt. Doina Claren, and Mr. Kares Mussur, of being a saboteur. ARTHERR uses tranquilizer gas to keep them from tampering again with the ship’s systems.

At a trattoria in Rome, Gabriel meets fixer Lillian Morrissey. She confirms that a team from Systemes de Recuperation Executif Cie (SRE, or Executive Retrieval Systems Inc.) is among those looking for his crew. Central Asian despot Col. Raj, disgraced Venusian oligarch Orion Stefanov, and angry Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien) ship captains are among the enemies of “MarSoupAiL” (shell company Mars Soup Aid Lenders Ltd.).

Using “Dr. Garrett’s” credentials as onetime surgeon general of Venus, ARTHERR schedules an appointment with glory-seeking professor Dr. Vlad Perkovic for a private museum tour.

Capt. Adams takes Jasmine to the Martian outback. They find Darsii on the run from rival factions of the Synth Liberation Front. On the way back to Earth, Darsii asks Jasmine for help breaking out comrades from the U.E.M. chapels on Phobos.

The Appomattox picks up Richmond and goes to Rome to meet with Dr. Perkovic at the Vatican. Gabriel, Jasmine, and Richmond find the professor talking to news reporters about his recent archaeological digs. They discreetly usher him away from them to a gallery where they “just happen to notice” that certain works of art are replicas.

The grifters offer to let Dr. Perkovic take sole credit for uncovering the conspiracy in return for keeping them out of the publicity. He readily agrees and leaves to contact his agent.

To celebrate their scheme, MarSoupAiL returns to one of the estates that Richmond looked at near Atlanta. Once they verify that the owners aren’t home, the rogues invite some friends over for a house party.

Lillian tells underworld courier Gabriel that Col. Raj is looking to hire his team to retrieve family members from U.E.A. custody. Hector watches the Olvar and Cestolar prisoners before being dispatched to scan the mansion for surveillance devices.

ARTHERR helps crewmates Nero Bartholomew and Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko set up a toga party per Richmond’s demands. Jasmine and Darsii wander off to explore the Terran wilderness.

Capt. Adams invites Ru’ulok pirates Rabak Porset and Gorvek Beezo, who arrive with vodka fresh from their dealings with the Slavic Commonwealth. Unbeknownst to his companions, Gabriel privately trades the Olvar and Cestolar castaways in return for passcodes to the Mozarik system in Ru’ulok space. He also asks about downgrading the Appomattox‘s missiles and boosting its Transit drive to a speed of 1 parsec per Terran day.

Rabak and Gorvek order robotic henchmen to bring Yiushef, Maj. Lankel, Lt. Claren, and Mr. Mussur to their shuttle. In the meantime, some of Nero’s lady friends arrive as Richmond gets drunk and brandishes the blunderbuss he took from the Dawn’s Retreat.

Gabriel takes two of the women to his ship’s cockpit. ARTHERR scans them and confirms that they are human rather than gynoids. However, the probe droid soon identifies them as Jeanie Belveaux and Lisa Panko, members of an S.R.E. retrieval team!

Hector finds that he is being jammed from somewhere in the mansion, while Jasmine and Darsii notice the Appomattox taking off. Intoxicated Richmond jumps into a swimming pool, missing Deep Dish.

Shrugging off the effects of a gas attack, Gabriel fights off Belveaux and Panko and narrowly evades a pursuing S.R.E. craft. With help from ARTHERR, the pilot manages to land the Appomattox in the manor’s tennis courts, and he locks the two repossession agents in a cabin.

The partiers try to figure out what’s going on, and Gabriel still hopes to impress the two women for their interplanetary casino. ARTHERR finds Hector, while Deep Dish carries Richmond out of the pool. As they return from the woods, Darsii reminds Jasmine that he needs MarSoupAiL’s help on Phobos. The crew of the Appomattox gathers to plot its next moves to get paid and again avoid local authorities….

Sorry for the delayed update — I’ve been busy with work, and I just found out that I’ll have to move sooner than expected. In the meantime, I look forward to the next Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands“ telecom fantasy game. Weather permitting, the next regular “Vortex” Team 2 session will be on Monday, Jan. 30. Be seeing you, -Gene

On the move again, 2012 edition

I haven’t been able to blog as often as I’d like lately because I’ve been unusually busy. My employer’s annual meetings went smoothly, genre television and my three gaming groups have resumed since the holidays, and Janice and I will have to move soon.

We’ve lived in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, for about nine years, longer than we’ve lived together anywhere else. Janice and I like the residential neighborhoods, nearby restaurants, and the easy access to highways. Our rent hasn’t gone up during that time, and our combined salaries aren’t enough to buy a comparable home in the area.

However, Janice’s current commute by train to work in Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., has taken an hour and a half each way every day. We’ve also been responsible for things like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and various repairs. In addition, we had to move between duplexes within Needham in 2006 after our basement flooded because of development up the hill.

In the past few weeks, we’ve noticed that our townhouse’s water heater has been leaking. We contacted our landlord, who said he’d prefer to replace it when renovating the entire unit rather than fix it while we’re still here. We’ve had other problems with plumbing and heating before.

Our lease doesn’t expire until the end of April, but since we now have to move anyway because of the renovation and Janice’s commute, we decided to do it sooner rather than later. Janice and I spent the past few days looking at potential apartments to move to by the start of March.

Janice and I had the option of moving to yet another townhouse in Needham owned by the same landlord, but it was a little run down and wouldn’t help Janice’s commute. Still, it was in a familiar neighborhood and comparable in rent and space to our current place, which has three bedrooms and a full basement. It was our backup.

Janice and I considered other sites in Newton, West Roxbury, Watertown, and Arlington. We’ve applied for a place in Waltham, Mass., about equidistant from Janice’s and my jobs. We’ll likely lose some space, including our basement, which is where we’ve stored numerous boxes of files, comic books, decorations, and toys. It’s also where I’ve hosted and run role-playing sessions.

We’ll be paying quite a bit more per month, but I hope that the modern amenities and better service will be worth it. I’ll report more once our lease is signed. In the next few weeks, I’ll be busy with packing and trying to sell extra appliances, books, and furniture.

We’ll have to hire movers, because with 80+ boxes of books last time, we can’t impose on friends and family in the middle of (a delayed) winter. Thanks in advance for your good wishes!