Friends and fellow role-players, I wish all of you and your families a healthy, prosperous, and Happy New Year! May 2014 bring us new and fun adventures together! -Gene
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.5, which was held on Sunday, 22 December, 2013:
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….
“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. 2
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 2
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 2
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 2
“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. 2
“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. 1
“11 to 15 March 1227 B.C.E.:” During a stop at the village of Wai Shih in the Balef River Valley, the team escorting Gokuri diplomat Lady Yun Aei-Yong fought human bandits and an Oni. The would-be assassins apparently had orders to intercept the party.
Sonny and Saigo have beeninfected by rats summoned by Oni (Ogre Mage) Simikage Haruhiko, so Ember gets local shaman Kajuji Manabu, a Carp Hengeyokai, to help Soske’ treat their wounds.
Ember also recommends that innkeeper Ho Sze be reimbursed for damages to the “Death’s Deck” tavern. Saigo deducts 10 tael (20 gold pieces) for Ho Sze from the Oni’s purse, leaving 23 g.p. for each party member — and Oh Kum-Ja, Lady Yun’s Draconian guard.
Toshi and company look at maps for potential routes from Wai Shih to Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng. They could travel southeast to the town of Beitien and cross the wide Plains of Sathendo, or they could take the Balef River farther south before turning east.
Although the river marks the border with the kingdom of Gokuri and the barbaric Gusorin Confederation, the group reasons that it would be faster than hiking overland, especially where there are few roads. After resting for a night, the group reboards its three barges and heads toward Shang Tao.
The travelers are relieved to have an uneventful day, as the spring thaw carries their boats. At the intersection of the Balef and Hei Ho rivers, they find a set of buildings on stilts at the edge of a marsh, as Soske’ predicted.
Moon Jung-Mo stays with Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, the boatmen, and the horses, while the rest of the escort enters the “Sandy Corner.” Samurai Saigo is gruffly greeted by Tan Shude, a Shengtese human innkeeper from whom he acquires rooms for 2 g.p. per night.
Kensai Sonny walks around outside to check the perimeter. Wu Jen Toshi looks for obvious magic and casts a Clean cantrip on the rooms. Wu Ember notices some Bakemono (easternGoblins) arguing over their tab with a barmaid.
Soske’ chats with a few fishermen. Jiki Yuwei claims that nothing out of the ordinary has happened recently, but his friends are evasive. The Shukenja casts Elemental Sight for psychometry and sees that their goods are scavenged. Jiki eventually warns Soske’ to stay indoors at night.
Sonny notices five armored skeletons at the corners of the “Sandy Corner’s” roof. Ember and Soske’ help Toshi clean the rooms, and Saigo agrees to bring Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, and the boatmen in for the night.
Skeletal sentry
Trader Jung-Mo gets provisions for the crew and horses as the others examine the roof. Sonny lowers a chain to help Soske’ and Saigo climb up, while Toshi and Ember shift to avian form together for first time.
Although the skeletalwarriors’ armor and weapons are rusted, their posture and lack of decomposition are unnatural. As a crane Hengeyokai, Ember talks with a crow that’s interested in shiny things such as eyeballs. In return for a silver piece, it warns her of giant spiders in the swamps.
Baza (bird) Toshi casts Detect Magic , confirming that the skeletons and crane are magical. Soske’ senses something amiss and later uses his Phoenix Clan status to question Tan Shude. The innkeeper tells of how, many years ago, a military unit camped nearby.
Its commander had stolen money from his lord, who had summoned spirits to pursue the troops. Although five men fought honorably in ignorance, the thief escaped, leaving his followers to die. The skeletal soldiers are cursed to stand watch until their commander or the lost treasure returns.
Before dark, Toshi and Ember conduct aerial reconnaissance in bird form. They see webs at the edge of the marsh and a rocky outcropping that could be a cave mouth. They return and report to their companions.
Soske’, Jung-Mo, and Lady Yun are interested in helping the locals, but Sonny, Toshi, and Saigo say their mission to safely convey the Nannuattan emissary takes precedence. Ember is curious and sympathizes with Lady Yun’s restlessness.
Over a dinner of fish stew and mulled wine, Saigo sets watches for the night. Hengeyokai Ember and Shan Sao Toshi take first watch, followed by Shengtese human Sonny and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo. Shengtese Soske’ and Jung-Mo are set to take the third.
The first watch is quiet, but Sonny and Saigo hear movement during their shift. They wake their companions as the armored skeletons climb down from their perches. Soske’ castsLight , and Ember peeks out but sees nothing.
Toshi heads down the creaky stairs, followed by Saigo. They see a skeleton shoved into a pillar by an unseen foe. Sonny listens and readies his chains. Soske’ checks on Lady Yun and heads for the front door.
Ember hears sloshing and Wild Shapes into a bat to get a better view of the fight outside. The Druid sees pseudopods bursting from the water at the skeletal warriors, as well as the remains of a night watchman.
Soske’ casts Magic Weapon on his bow. The Cleric’s first arrow gets stuck in the giant amoeba. Martial artist Sonny looks for an oil lamp before heading outside.
Toshi shifts into bird form and flies to the roof for a better view. The Wizard and Ember return to humanoid form to help their companions. Samurai Saigo hacks at one of the aberrations with his katana and dodges acid-dripping extrusions.
The skeletons fight on all sides of the “Sandy Corner,” avoiding envelopment but taking damage. Soske’ uses tongs to grab a burning log from a fireplace in the inn, and Sonny wraps an oil-soaked rag around his chain. Together, they prepare flaming arrows to fire at the oozes.
Toshi casts Elemental Burst (water) on one amoeba, and Ember casts Entangle on another. Unfortunately, their spells have little effect as the group joins the melee on the deck. Saigo slices up Sonny and Toshi’s opponent but is slammed and burned.
One ooze hits Ember while others trade blows with the skeletons. Soske’ rips off his shirt, ties it to his staff with a bowstring, dips it in oil, and lights it on fire. Sonny swings his flaming chain at an amoeba taking an oil flask to Ember.
Toshi casts Elemental Burst (air) on Soske’s foe, and Ember casts Water to Wine in the river around the oozes. Saigo maneuvers to aid Soske’. The skeletons destroy one amoeba, leaving two remaining.
Soske’ lights the wine with his staff, and Sonny dumps the remaining oil onto an ooze. Toshi casts Light to aid his companions, as Ember throws fire but misses. Saigo’s sword continues to do some damage, but the skeletons do better.
Sonny grabs the firebrand from Soske’ and destroys the amoeba near Ember. The last ooze misses Saigo and is ripped apart by the skeletons, which then look at the adventuring party with empty eye sockets.
Soske’ bows to the Undead warriors and goes into the “Sandy Corner” rather than fight them. The rest of the group follows his lead and closes the doors….
Please remember to update your P.C. records to second level. Dexter, we missed you last night! Weather and traffic permitting, I hope to be home in time for our next virtual session, on Sunday, Dec. 29. I also expect the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face campaign to continue on Monday, Dec. 30, at Rich C.G.’s place in Waltham, Mass.
In the meantime, I look forward to wrapping up JasonE.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times”miniseries and to returning to his “Glassworks” noir superhero setting. May all of you have a happy holiday season!
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.28, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Monday, 16 December 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….
“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. 6
“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 6
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 6
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 6
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 6
“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 6
“Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 6
“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5
“11 to 18 January 1227 B.C.E.:” The wanderers continued their inquiries into time travel at Falit’s towers of sorcery and the Dhao Soukh. After a successful performance at the caliph’s palace, Corwin followed an alluring woman and was poisoned.
Giacomo isn’t surprised at the Saganim (proto-Celtic) prince’s proclivities and perils. Hamfast keeps a casual watch, while Scully throws cold water in Corwin’s face, helping him regain his senses. The Bard tells the Ranger that the courtesan isn’t worth pursuing.
Meanwhile, Tempestade continues his deep theological discussions with Ladan Taleghani, a Suthern (proto-Arabic) human priestess of Kardikea, lord of battle. Sir Torrel has similar conversations about orders of holy warriors with Sister Jamilah, an Amarati Ghaffir of Ishmas (Elf Paladin of Isis).
Elsa has young guide Salim take her to the bazaar, where she commissions marionettes of herself and former Owlbear companion Oswald. The Hill Dwarf buys wine to present to Tarzu, a Djinni who might help Tempestade find his way home.
The next morning, the onetime circus performers go to the Tower of Wind, where they meet Tanaz Srinivasan, a wise Shedu Medjai (winged leonine summoner). She takes them up round ramps to meet Tarzu, who is blue and mostly friendly.
Tarzu accepts Elsa’s gift of wine and tells Tempestade that there are dimensional portals scattered across the “Vanished Lands.” The Djinni agrees to explain how to use an obelisk in the barbaric port of Gisar, but only if the group vows to free an Efreet (fire spirit) from a diabolic temple in the Zarendo Islands.
Corwin asks for time to consider Tarzu’s offer, and the adventuring party returns to the Tower of Sight. After getting past the eyeball-lined walls and a grumpy Beholder janitor, the visitors offer dinars (gold pieces) in return for more information from blind seeress Lydia.
She confirms that a Pit Fiend controls a temple formerly dedicated to the Elemental Plane of Fire on Mount Tilefa, an active volcano on Salhonif Island. Lydia also says that Tarzu is a being of his word.
According to Lydia, Queen Zapanga in the city-state of Selifa might be helpful, but the many tribes of the jungle archipelago are diverse, from devil-worshipping cannibals and Reptile Folk to relatively peaceful humans.
Giacomo recalls that “Valoren,” a man who knows about dimensional travel, may be found at the port of Laguro on Bokor Island, which is on the way to Selifa and Gisar. However, the western islands are ruled by Artaxis and Zineida, two black dragons.
The team scatters before its next audience with Tarzu. Hamfast visits taverns in the soukh, where the Zedu human Fighter’s formidable appearance as a foreigner wins him free drinks.
Mage Giacomo asks Darius Gaspar whether Vizier Govar al Sarseh was angry with them, but the Rangsten Sha’ir (Halfling Wizard) says that the caliph’s aide is usually worried about affairs of state. Giacomo also begins the taxing Summon Familiar ritual.
Ranger Scully tries to avoid Anpur (jackal men), but she attracts the attention of Dunewalker “Kemosh-ket” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character]. The Kahin (Druid) is fascinated by the albino Gnoll and says that they are among the few civilized canines in the Halmed Desert. Kemosh offers to show Scully how to track Undead.
Tempestade visits various temples in his search for allies against evil and meets Elsa and Sir Torrel at the temple of Ishmas. Sister Jamilah introduces the trio to Mother Bakhret. The priestess gives Druid Elsa a Philter of Time, which provides guidance for dimensional travel.
Bakhret also agrees to place a holy protection on Sir Torrel’s shield, since his and Tempestade’s patron, Otih, lord of the sun and justice, is complementary to Ishmas, matron of magic. A green ankh is painted on the shield, repelling Undead (DC 14, rounds/level/day).
Hamfast is urged by children and drunkards to show off, so he slams his shoulder into a tavern wall, destroying some of the mud bricks. Hamfast catches a would-be pickpocket while paying the barkeep for the damage. He then decides to go look for his companions.
Corwin brings rare chocolates to a private audience with Tarzu. The Djinni admits that the Efreet, Lady Shadira, is a kinswoman. Tarzu says that the Pit Fiend trades in souls and has spies and prisoners hidden in alternate forms around Salhonif Island. An item of True Sight would be useful, he adds.
While comparing notes at dinner, Giacomo’s associates are unnerved when a Homunculus offers to serve them. Apparently, the Wizard’s Summon Familiar spell imbued one of his patchwork leather puppets with a spirit. “Gerald” is friendly, but Sir Torrel and others want nothing to do with him.
Hamfast is loath to travel through time, even if it is to rescue Tempestade’s fellow slaves from their Brazilian plantation. He plans to follow up on Vanaka (Dune Dwarf) Dorf Sandblaster’s recommendation of Antar the Black, captain of the Ghul’s Breath, as an alternative to Sea Elf Capt. Scarlet and the Foamrunner.
Scully mentions how she has met Kemosh, and Elsa teases her that Wolfen “Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.] would be jealous. Corwin shares what he has learned about the Zarendo Islands, and Sir Torrel still hopes to meet more holy warriors. The Paladin is eager to confront the monsters at Mount Tilefa.
The former members of Vistel’s Circus agree to help Tarzu in return for information on the obelisk in Gisar. As Lydia predicted, the Djinni needs merely their word to give them the instructions. Lady Shadira can be freed if the object binding her is found and destroyed.
To activate the obelisk, each side must be read aloud simultaneously from top to bottom, the Djinni says. According to notes from the “Seekers of Lore” in Thadenis’ Harandrim Academy, the carvings are in Celestial, Draconic, Infernal, and Quelanthi (High Elven).
Giacomo recuperates from his ritual, and Elsa spends 150 dinar (g.p.) on aBanuq (winged cat) she names “Penryn.” The travelers rest and and train before their next voyage….
I’m glad that we were able to meet, despite recent snowstorms. Don’t forget to level up your P.C.s. By now, you may also have seen my mostly favorable review of The Hobbit [Part 2 of 3]: the Desolation of Smaug, and the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecomgame should resume next Sunday. We’ll see whether “Vistel’s Circus” is able to meet on Dec. 30.
In the meantime, I look forward to wrapping up JasonE.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” miniseries in advance of our return to his “Glassworks” superhero setting. I hope that all of your holidays are happy!
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.4, which was held on Sunday, 8 December, 2013:
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….
“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. 1
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1
“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. 1
“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. 1
“10 to 11 March 1227 B.C.E.:” The would-be adventurers began their journey with an emissary from the empire of Gokuri to the capitals of their homelands. On the way, they encountered suspicious Kappa and visited a village along the Balef River.
On the banks of the Balef River
At the “Death’s Deck” tavern in Wai Shih, the travelers acquire rooms for the night. Sonny walks around the inn to make sure that it’s secure and that Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the Nannuattan diplomat, can’t leave without being seen.
Toshi finds a tree to keep watch from outside. In a common room, Ember notices two fellow Hengeyokai. Kajuji Manabu, a whiskered carp shaman, invites her to join him for prayers at an ancestral shrine the next morning. Aihara Naho, a Kitsune (fox) weaver, is one of the few female guests at the “Death’s Deck.”
Saigo is served tea and sake by Okubo Kita, a geisha. She performs music that fills the entire inn. Far from his meddling Uncle Manny, Soske’ is content to sip his sake alone and merely listen to the other patrons.
Moon Jung-Mo reserves a room for himself and makes sure that Ember is properly attended to. Since Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja won’t leave their room (and gear) unattended, the “Spirit Folk merchant” pays them a visit.
The Gokuri delegate asks Jung-Mo to find a musician. He goes to Saigo, but the Samurai won’t release Okubo. Jung-Mo and Saigo’s argument is interrupted as more people arrive at the tavern. Most of the local fishermen, loggers, and trappers head home for the night.
Sonny, who is on watch, and Ember, who is eating with Kajuji and Aihara, are the first to see the newcomers. Three giggling girls enter, followed by a few Shengtese and Tsucharim men. A tall being throws back his hood, revealing blue skin and three eyes.
Simakage Haruhiko, the Oni (Ogre Mage), sends innkeeper Ho Sze scrambling for rooms and drinks. Jung-Mo steps forward and offers a friendly greeting. Sonny and Ember hang back and watch, while Toshi changes into baza (bird) form and perches on a windowsill for a better look.
Saigo gets a massage from Okubo, and Soske’ tries to ignore the commotion. Lang Xiaoxuan, captain of the Angry Trout, says that he has brought a chef who will prepare food for all the guests. Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja leave their room to join the feast.
Jung-Mo goes to ask some Wolven about another musician, but he is distracted by Chol Byung-Soon, Chung Mi-Na, and Ri Myung-Hee. The stealthy exile notices that the Tsucharim women are well-muscled and carry naginatas (halberds).
Dao Ma Wu cooks dumplings, steamed vegetables, and rice noodles. Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, Sonny, and Soske’ sit down to eat, but wary Ember and Jung-Mo decline. Saigo and Sonny listen for trouble. Simakage and the humans with him seem to suffer no ill effects.
However, Sonny sees Oh Kum-Ja signal Lady Yun, who pushes her food around but doesn’t eat it. Soske’ tastes a hint of poison, a precursor to an attack. Sonny jumps on the table and unfurls his kusari-gama (chain and sickle).
The Kensai swings his weapon at Simakage, Liang, and Kenmotsu Sadayoshi. Wu-Jen Toshi shifts back to Shan Sao form and enters the fracas. Shukenja Soske’ falls back to a corner, grasps prayer beads, and casts Protection From Evil.
Samurai Saigo scowls as he gets dressed and heads to join the fray. Wu Ember throws a dagger at the Oni, scratching him. Surrounded by the three women, Ninja Jung-Mo creates Darkness and dives out a window to go around to the front entrance.
The Ogre Mage swings at Ember but misses, and other tavern patrons flee before the human bandits. Oh Kum-Ja tries to lead Lady Yun away, but they are blocked by Chol, Chung, and Ri. The trio slashes the Draconian with its naginatas.
Liang and Kenmotsu draw zhibei dao (sabers) and square off with Soske’ and Sonny, who is hit but swings again at the Oni. Toshi casts Elemental Burst on the table, killing Kenmotsu. Soske’ draws his bow and tries to stay out of the other bandit’s reach. He kicks over a table and hits Liang with an arrow.
Saigo’s katana initially misses its mark against Simakage, and Ember Wild Shapesinto a panda bear. Jung-Mo hurls a boomerang-like Whippet, but the envenomed blade doesn’t bite into the Ogre’s hide. The three-eyed monster summons a swarm of rats, which crawl up through the broken floorboards and bite Sunny and Saigo.
Oh Kum-Ja and Lady Yun enter melee with the three women. After some misses, Liang renders Soske’ unconscious. Sonny entangles Simakage with his chain, and Toshi casts Magic Missiles, which appear as orange blades, at Chol, Chung, and Ri. The Wizard then heads to Soske’ and apologizes to Jung-Mo.
Samurai Saigo slashes at Simakage, and Jung-Mo stabs the Oni in the eyes with chopsticks. The large creature slams Sonny, knocking him out. Ursine Druid Ember circles the enraged Ogre and tells the rats to leave.
Lady Yun reveals herself as a Mahotsukai (Sorceress) by casting Chain Lightning from a scroll, killing Chol and Ri. Oh Kum-Ja finishes off Chung. Toshi throws dart shurikens to provide cover for his friends, and Saigo and Jung-Mo stab at Simakage.
Liang and Simakage go back to back as Toshi defends Soske’ and Sonny withTien Sha Pai (Red Cloud Kung Fu). Oh Kum-Ja slays Liang, and Saigo and Ember attack the Oni, who has been weakened by Lady Yun’s spell.
Jung-Mo finishes off Simakage with a wakizashi (short sword), and Ember searches for shaman Kajuji to help with the wounded. Saigo observes that cook Dao Ma Wu and other would-be assassins have fled and have likely gotten away on the Angry Trout.
Toshi and Jung-Mo dispose of the dead and confiscate naginatas, dao, leather armor, and several tantos (daggers). They also find 90 tael (180 gold pieces), a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, and an unsigned note asking the Oni and company to intercept the delegation from Gokuri.
Kajuji tells Ember that even though Sonny and Saigo can be healed, they’ve been infected by the rats. The exhausted escorts rest in the ruined tavern before returning to the river….
It was great to see everyone online last night! I hope you enjoyed our latest session, and I look forward to continuing our perilous journeys.
In the meantime, I’ll see some of you at JasonE.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” game tonight or at The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug this coming Sunday. Note that because of the movie and dinner, the next “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” session may be delayed.
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.27, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 2 December 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….
“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. 5
“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 5
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 5
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 5
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 5
“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 5
“Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justic; LGn, Lvl. 5
“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5
“10 to 11 January 1227 B.C.E.:” The travelers had visited a strange garden on Emein Island, saved a sailor on the Foamrunner from a worm infestation, and arrived in Falit, capital of the Ebir Sheikdom. There, they freed a slave and visited towers of sorcery to ask about how to get Tempestade home.
Young Suthern (proto-Arabic) human guide Salim takes the onetime circus performers to Falit’s Harbormaster’s Tower. They see a Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elven) delegation and chat with Karnak Schroyar, a proud Assyrian merchant captain.
Hamfast Hammerfist inquires about the cult of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom. Adm. Nofret says that, unlike other ports, Falit has managed to minimize the threat from followers of the evil deity. However, he does suspect that foreign suppliers to the royal navy could compromise some sailors.
The admiral confirms stories about the barbaric port of Gisar, which has been ruled by vampires and the Undead dragon Daneira. The Skaevingol (proto-Scandinavian) and Vistani (proto-Slavic) inhabitants have also suffered the city’s sack by the dreaded Ghost Fleet. Tempestade hopes to find an obelisk in Gisar that the “Seekers of Lore” used to travel through time.
Corwin Windsong asks Adm. Kawab Nofret about the Zarendo Islands, where the Foamrunner may stop to find a man named “Valoren” with dimensional travel experience. The admiral explains that the port of Laguro on Bokor Island is a haven for corsairs and pirates. Each island is very different from the next, he says. Another dimensional portal is said to be on Salhonif Island.
Adm. Nofret responds to Elsa Fairbottom’s query on the Ghost Fleet by noting that “Capt. Jack Kildare” [Randy K.M./Non-Player Character] was a Saganim (proto-Celtic) human pirate said to have offended the Thalassaquendi by desecrating a temple about 30 years ago.
Capt. Kildare and his crew were cursed to appear on the Sea of Nagendwa only on Midsummer’s Eve, but he allegedly made a deal with Krakas to be able to sail anytime. In return for this ability, the pirates became Undead and the source of the mystical contagion known as the Scourge.
Giacomo du Vane wonders if the original curse re-emerges on Midsummer’s Eve, making Capt. Kildare mortal, but Adm. Nofret says that is a matter for arcane or divine experts. He also tells Sir Torrel that priests are now standard members of Ebir naval crews as a protection against the Scourge.
The adventuring party thanks the admiral and says that it will try to keep him informed of its inquiries. The group then returns to the Tower of Sight, one of three spires of sorcery in Falit. A gruff Beholder disintegrates trash around the tower and trades insults.
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder….
Elsa and friends banter with Darius Gaspar, a nervous Rangsten Sha’ir (Gnome Wizard). He invites them to perform at the caliph’s palace that night, and they accept. In the eyeball-covered tower, blind seer Lydia answers more questions.
Tempestade learns that the Djinni who cast him through time and space does not live in Falit and that Capt. Kildare’s base of operations is hidden from Lydia. Elsa promises to share maps with the library.
Giacomo, Scully, Corwin, Elsa, and Sir Torrel then go to the Tower of Alchemy in the center of town, while Hamfast and Tempestade go to bars in the Dhao Soukh. “Joolnar” [Jon W.P./N.P.C.], a Suthern Saher (Sorceress) greets those at the normal-looking but odiferous tower.
Joolnar takes the visitors downstairs, where they see Salima, an Ifrit (flame spirit) and Ragnekar Neidim, an alchemist who sells them Holy Water/silver grenades. Albino Gnoll Scully also buys sunblock.
Meanwhile, Hamfast and Tempestade leave the Wolven at the “Drunken Dragon” and try the “Frisky Unicorn,” which has more familiar Saganim (proto-Celtic) human sailors. They share drinks with Dorf Sandblaster. The Vanaka (Dune Dwarf) recommends Antar the Black, captain of the Ghul’s Breath.
The team regroups at an inn to prepare for the performance at the caliph’s palace. Ringmaster Corwin supervises the lineup of novelty acts, while Hamfast wonders what Darius had done to need to earn back favor in the court.
Logrun, an intimidating Lamassu (winged leonine), escorts the Vistel’s Circus members into the lavish palace. He introduces them to Sir Theudric, the Hifalendorin human ambassador; Djer Khemtope, the Khemti Pesedjer (Egyptian human) emissary from the court of Pharaoh Ramses II; and Firouz Kassem, a Vanaka member of the council of chiefs.
Heralds announce the arrivals to military commander Sultan Omar bin Khalil; Vizier Govar al Sarseh; and Caliph Hassan al Umid, son of Rashid, grandson of Gamal, and ruler of the Ebir Sheikdom in the Halmed Desert.
Corwin introduces each act and begins by juggling. The Half-Elf Bard casts Transfiguration and Mirror Image to make the balls appear to change into multiple chicks and then swords.
Hamfast is ready to perform feats of strength, but the Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter can find nothing to lift. A burly Mul (Half-Giant/Goliath) harem guard steps forward, and “barbarian” Hamfast manages to pick him up.
Ranger Scully throws knives at “volunteer” Giacomo, grazing him only once. Fortunately, the Hifalendorin Wizard had cast Shield, as well as Transfigure for rainbow trails for the knives. Monk Tempestade serves as a roustabout and guard.
Giacomo, who had spent 25 dinars (gold pieces) on custom puppets, entertains the caliph’s children. Elsa’s Owlbear Oswald causes a brief scare, however, when he lurches toward the children before being restrained.
Dwarf Druid Elsa summons Water Elementals, whose jets Hifalendorin Paladin Sir Torrel changes to wine. Although the vizier leaves the performance early, the caliph and most of the people in his court are pleased by the carnival show.
Giacomo flirts with Sister Selma, a Suthern human Ghazi of Ishmas (Cleric of Isis) but remembers Maggie, a girl he left behind at the Harandrim Academy in Thadenis. The Mul, Hamfast, and Scully are the center of attention of the caliph’s children.
Tempestade has deep conversations with Ladan Taleghani, a priestess of Kardikea, lord of battle. Prince Corwin learns that while the kingdom of Saganim doesn’t have a full embassy in Falit, Dermot Chadwick has a consulate at the Court of Sighs.
Elsa thinks about relasing Oswald to the wild, and Sir Torrel starts to ask Sister Jamilah, an Amarati Ghaffir (Elf Paladin) of Ishmas, about various orders of holy warriors in the city. One is the Mamluks, former slaves turned soldier/bureaucrats.
Corwin obtains a suite at the palace, but Elsa takes Salim, one of Giacomo’s puppets, and Oswald back to the inn. Hamfast and Scully warily watch the palace guards. The group plans to meet Djinni Tarzu at the Tower of Wind the next day.
An attractive woman invites Corwin back to her room, and the ladies’ man follows her. Unfortunately, his drink is poisoned, and Corwin manages to stagger back to the others at their suite….
I hope everyone enjoyed our latest (mis)adventures, and feel free to update the open plot threads page on Obsidian Portal. We should keep an eye on the weather for JasonE.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” miniseries next Monday.
In the meantime, I look forward to Sunday’s “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” fantasy telecom session, as well as to upcoming movies and sorting out next year’s games.
Gene's Worlds 
