Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.20, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Monday, 26 August 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./absent]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former 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”), former roustabout, now follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 4

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./cameo]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 4

“29 to 30 October 1228 B.C.E.:” The erstwhile performers had found cultists of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom, in the sewers beneath Thadenis. They had rescued would-be sacrifices and hoped to stop a Theft of Sleep ritual.

Hamfast Hammerfist and Elsa Fairbottom go Moradin’s Forge to ask for help from the clergy of the mountain god. On the way, the Zeda human and Hill Dwarf recognize a cloaked figure in the temple district.

He turns out to be Radius, a former traveling companion continuing his lonely quests. The strangely taller Modron Paladin Lays Hands on Hamfast and agrees to help in their fight against the forces of chaos. The Clerics of Moradin give Elsa vials of holy water.

Scully Strongbow, Tempestade, and Giacomo du Vane go to the tower of Otih, lord of the sun and justice. Scully asks boyfriend “Niac” [Mike F./Non-Player Character] for reinforcements to guard the sewer exits. The Wolfen Paladin agrees and gives her six Everburning Torches.

Corwin Windsong is called away by his half-brother, Prince Garamond. The heir to the throne of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim explains that the cultists have retaliated for the fishmongers’ escape by kidnapping people from the Bardic College, including Maeve Gallagher, a priestess of Brijitt and friend of Corwin’s.

Corwin tells the group to return to the sewers without him, as he and Garamond’s pirate crew go to rescue Maeve and the other prisoners. Corwin and Garamond also send word to the Gilded Keep to notify King Edmund II and the city watch.

Elsa, Hamfast, and Radius stop by the Grove of Arbos, where Elsa asks fellow Druids to watch the East Rush River. She considers bringing Oswald, but Hamfast recommends against putting the young owlbear at risk.

Scully and Tempestade bring Giacomo to the Houses of Healing. “Melchior” [Byron V.O./N.P.C.] tells them that the rescued fishmongers are recovering, and he agrees to warn fellow worshippers of Ulandt, lady of rest, to beware of Undead in the sewers. Melchior provides a Cure Serious Wounds potion.

At the Royal Society of Cartography, “Ulrich” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] accepts Elsa and Tempestade’s latest sewer maps for Thadenis. The adventuring party meets at the Happy Brownie Inn, and the next morning, it heads back beneath the Temple Tor.

Hamfast leads the way, followed by Radius, Tempestade, Elsa, Giacomo, and Scully. They pass through the passages they’ve already explored and come upon two Troglodytes. Monk Tempestade slides between the slimy humanoids to attack from the rear.

Fighter Hamfast charges, and one of the Trogs hits him in return. Ranger Scully holds her fire, waiting for a clear shot. Cleric Elsa prays to Moradin and Gaia/Mekkil, as Paladin Radius draws his longsword. Wizard Giacomo casts Magic Missile but misses.

Tempestade hits one of his reptilian foes but slips, and Hamfast smashes the remaining Troglodyte. Giacomo notes that these were easier to defeat than the hordes previously encountered, suggesting that the cultists have moved deeper beneath the city.

The spelunkers continue east, and Hamfast slides down scree to another tunnel, which appears to have been created by a huge worm. The team crawls before coming to a partially submerged section. The surefooted Monk and Dwarf help the others get through.

The group finds a set of double doors with squid-tentacle handles. Cautious Giacomo casts Invisibility on himself, and burly Scully guards the rear. Stoic Hamfast considers tying a rope to the limp appendages, as nimble Tempestade checks for traps.

Elsa jokes about rock lobsters and sprinkles holy water on them. The tentacles shrivel, and guilless Radius is able to swing the doors open. The Undead squid behind the doors are disposed of without raising any alarm.

The next door south leads to a set of twisted ramps and stairs. Tempestade ventures forth and finds that gravity changes as he walks. Hamfast tries to disbelieve. Flind Scully smells rotting flesh, and Radius is confused. Giacomo and Elsa push forward.

An echoing voice greets Tempestade, who offers tea. The booming Brasscap asks why the intruders have come. Scully spots the Undead Minotaur, who is standing on the opposite side of the ramp from the Barbari human Monk!

Scully dips wrapped arrowheads in holy water, and Hamfast readies his maul. Tempestade acrobatically leaps around to be on the same plane as Brasscap, who attacks him. Giacomo casts Web, slowing the monster, and Elsa casts Light to blind him.

Radius strikes Tempestade by mistake. Scully fires arrows into the Minotaur, and Hamfast swings wide. Brasscap tears through Giacomo’s webbing, and the mage again misses with Magic Missiles.

The Undead beast gores Tempestade and slashes Radius, and Giacomo begins to Levitate the Minotaur and grappling Monk. Elsa invokes her gods to heal Tempestade and Radius, as Scully’s bow and arrows miss their mark.

Tempestade lets go of Brasscap, whom Giacomo Levitates into the ceiling before dropping to the floor. Elsa castsBless and throws holy water on the unliving creature. Unfortunately, Scully, Hamfast, Tempestade, and Radius all miss.

Giacomo hits the Minotaur with another Magic Missile spell, and Scully beheads him. Hamfast takes the tulwar (+2), and Scully finds a Ring of Water Breathing. Tempestade retrieves Boots of Spider Climbing, and Elsa hacks off Brasscap’s horns.

A door to the north leads to a 20-foot-deep shaft. Tempestade hears sibilant chanting below, so he goes to investigate. Dark eyes glint in the gloom, beckoning him to join them. When the Monk doesn’t return, his companions begin to climb down on ropes.

Hamfast drops an Everburning Torch, revealing three snakelike priests. Scully hurls the Brasscap’s corpse down at them, missing ensorcled Tempestade. Giacomo hurls Magic Missiles, and Hamfast slides down a rope.

Elsa’s Hold Person has no effect on the Ophidians, who cast Entangle at Hamfast. Radius follows Hamfast on a rope, but Scully grabs the Minotaur’s head and jumps down to the stone altar. Giacomo feels itchy as he casts Scorching Ray and Color Spray, to no avail.

Hamfast swings his new sword but is still getting used to the wide curved blade. Elsa casts Protection From Evil and readies her sling, “Seeker.” The serpent folk cast Darkness, which Raidius counters with a Light spell. Tempestade comes to his senses and connects with a flying kick.

Scully slips on the altar, and Invisible Giacomo falls into the unholy shrine and maneuvers. Elsa casts Bless and healsHamfast. Radius hits his opponents, but not as often as he’d like. The Ophidians strike Hamfast and Tempestade with chain whips and poisoned daggers. The cultists also cast Blur and Mirror Image.

Scully dispels one of the images with an arrow, and Giacomo kills two of the followers of Krakas with a Scorching Ray. Elsa’s sling stone dispels the last magical image, and Scully kills the last Ophidian. The Theft of Sleep ritual, which stole rest from the residents of Thadenis in order to wake a slumbering Outsider, is disrupted.

Radius observes that the raiders have found no sign of a high priest or the previously seen Scrags (aquatic Trolls), but Tempestade is content to declare victory and return to the surface. Spellcasters Giacomo and Elsa retrieve scrolls ofCommand Serpents, Disguise Self, Heal, and Spiritual Hammer.

Hamfast and Scully find masterwork daggers, spiked chains, and Unholy water, as well as scraps of parchment with prayers to the lord of the maelstrom. The dungeoneers report to the knights of Otih and priests of Moradin and Ulandt, who plan to secure the sewers….

I hope that everyone enjoyed last night’s game, and Bruce, we missed you! I hope you’ll be able to attend this coming Sunday’s “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera, and note that we’re not meeting on Labor Day.

Jason, it was good to have you back in the “Vanished Lands,” however briefly, despite “Radius’” poor luck with the dice. I look forward to starting your “Star Wars: Dark Times” miniseries (using Savage Worlds) in two weeks!

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.19, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 19 August 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 theBasic 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 former 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”), former roustabout, now follower of Otih; 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

“28 October 1228 B.C.E.:” The former performers had followed rumors of cult activity to the sewers of Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. They fought Troglodytes and a Yuan-ti/Sahuagin mutant and rooted out Lethargy Weeds.

After draining a fetid chamber beneath the Temple Tor, Corwin Windsong drops a sunrod down a 15-foot shaft. Giacomo du Vane examines the masterwork dagger taken from the Reptile Folk.

Hamfast Hammerfist ties a rope to a metal ring, and Elsa Fairbottom casts Guidance and Ward. Tempestade climbs down a rope, with Scully Strongbow ready to pull him up at a moment’s notice.

The Monk finds a square room with four doors in the cardinal directions. The others climb down. Corwin finds no traps, but underneath one half-open slab, the Bard does feel a carved spiral, the holy symbol of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

Elsa puts runes on the wall in chalk and notes that the eastern passage has the least sewage. Scully spots wear marks on the stone floor. Nimble Tempestade leads the way, followed by Hamfast, Corwin, Giacomo, Elsa, and Scully.

The six spelunkers turn south at the first intersection. Corwin casts Light to dispel an area of magical Darkness. After turning east again, the adventuring party finds a corridor lined by iron spikes. Unfortunate people have been impaled and gutted like fish, presumably by worshippers of Krakas.

Dwarf Elsa notices that the floor is tiled, and Flind Scully points out that the scuff marks continue. Hamfast probes the tiles with his maul, setting off a pressure plate and getting scratched. Giacomo tries to Levitate but fails, so Corwin crawls beneath the spikes to spread out his weight.

The Saganim prince finds a lever to partially retract the spikes, and the group continues northward. Tempestade listens at a door but hears nothing. The Barbari human opens it and is greeted by eight pirates. Quick-thinking Corwin tries to close the door, but a skirmish breaks out.

The human followers of Krakas spread out, with some going to adjacent rooms. Cleric Elsa casts Bane on two of them, and Fighter Hamfast readies his hammer for when the door reopens. Mage Giacomo considers casting Web, then decides to aid Tempestade with Magic Shield.

As Tempestade ducks and moves, Ranger Scully watches the rear with her bow. Swift Corwin greets pirate Ulex with his sword, as Goral hits Hamfast. Pious Elsa calls upon Moradin to Heat Metal on the spikes behind the group, and Melissa is injured while trying to sneak up.

Strong Hamfast smashes Goral, as wily Giacomo casts Magic Missile, killing corsair Omar. Agile Tempestade kicks at Vushin but then tries to parley. Burly Scully rearms the trap, forcing pirate Melissa to retreat. Corwin strikes Igar, and Hamfast fells Vushin. The last two pirates, Elander and Nalmo, flee deeper into the tunnels beneath Thadenis.

The group quickly searches the subterranean dining hall and pantry. Hamfast smashes a squid chandelier, and Giacomo and Corwin recover 300 crowns (gold pieces) in pearls. Scully examines leather armor and rusty cutlasses.

Elsa finds four barrels and hears something thrashing around inside them. Despite warnings from Giacomo and Corwin, the curious Druid opens one and is attacked by eel-like animated entrails (from the eviscerated people in the spiked hallway).

Hamfast smashes the unnatural intestines, and the team decides to leave the other barrels alone. In the next cell to the north is a murky pool. Elsa prays to Gaia/Mekkil to Purify Water, clearing it enough to see four large sea snakes. Giacomo and Scully spike the doors shut behind them.

Perceptive Scully hears muffled cries from the next chamber. Corwin checks for traps and casts Sleep on potential guards. Tempestade opens the heavy door and finds six abductees in manacles and a guard, who is quickly dispatched.

Giacomo finds a set of three keys and a cat o’ nine tails on the human sentry. The six Saganim ex-slaves are filthy but grateful.

Aged Gorton thanks Prince Corwin on behalf of fellow fishmongers Tean and Aiden and fishwives Betty, Bitsie, and Bonnie. Elsa examines the prisoners and finds that they’re in good condition despite several days’ captivity, confirming Hamfast’s suspicion that they were being held as sacrifices for the Theft of Sleep ritual at Samhain.

The infiltrators agree to evacuate the liberated cityfolk, retracing their steps toward the surface. Cultists of Krakas raise an alarm in their warren, and Giacomo casts Web to delay their pursuit. However, three Scrags (aquatic Trolls) begin clawing their way through.

The onetime members of Vistel’s Circus and the freed prisoners run through narrow corridors as more Troglodytes emerge. Giacomo successfully casts Levitate to get his companions and charges closer to the exit. Corwin rushes at one Trog in the circular chamber, and Elsa readies mace “Grimtooth” and sling “Seeker.”

Hamfast falls back to guard the retreat, and Giacomo casts Color Spray, knocking one humanoid unconscious. Scully switches from arrows to her long sword, killing a foe. Tempestade kicks one of the enemies blocking the escape. Slimy Troglodytes hit Hamfast and Giacomo.

Corwin kills another Troglodyte, as does Elsa. Hamfast knocks one creature into a pit, and Giacomo drops two more with Magic Missiles. Tempestade misses, and the cultists’ lack of concern about a dozen casualties is explained when more arrive.

Corwin kills a third enemy, as Elsa aids Scully and Tempestade. Stoic Hamfast swings his maul mightily, while tattooed Giacomo gets charged up from a miscast spell. Scully drops another Trog, and Tempestade helps the fishmongers climb out of the sewer.

As a parting shot, Giacomo casts Scorching Ray. Panting by a grate near the Temple Bridge, the humans, Dwarf, Half-Elf, and Gnoll are relieved that the Troglodytes don’t pursue them into the streets at daylight.

Giacomo recommends resting before returning with reinforcements. Hamfast notes that although Samhain is still a few days away, the summoners now know that they have been discovered.

Furred Scully offers to ask “Sir Niac” [Mike F./Non-Player Character] and the knights of Otih for aid. Tempestade is eager to continue the fight against unholy slavers, but priestess Elsa says she needs time to pray.

Corwin agrees to report to “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.], an agent of Queen Margaret. With soldiers and holy warriors securing their route, the group plans to reenter the labyrinth to defeat the cult of Krakas….

Note that we’re planning on meeting at Rich’s place in Waltham, Mass., next week. The “Vortex: Terra’s Pride”telecom space opera will also resume this coming Sunday!

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Sessions 39.17 and 18, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on 15 July and 5 August 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 former 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”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; 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

“26 to 27 October 1228 B.C.E.:” The erstwhile performers had begun investigating rumors of a new cult in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Many residents of the city, including King Edmund II and Scully Strongbow, were suffering from an unnatural fatigue.

Giacomo du Vane goes to the Royal Society for Cartography, where he finds girlfriend Maggie Oakleaf asleep. The mage asks “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./Non-Player Character] for any maps of the sewers.

Hamfast Hammerfist and Tempestade go to the Chalice of Pain, where they find wiry bouncers and throngs dancing to the beat of large drums. Scully joins them at the nightclub, which is between the temples of Nenashen, goddess of pain, and Libotoh, lady of death.

Corwin Windsong casts Change Self to appear as the scout “Black Raven” [Michael C./N.P.C.] to visit the embassy of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm. The prince talks with Lady Dolista about signs of a rising cult. The seductive Drow (western Dark Elf) delegate denies any direct involvement.

Elsa Fairbottom traces the city’s malaise to the East Rush River, and the Druid talks with a turtle named Earl who notes that plant growth beneath various bridges has changed recently.

At the Chalice of Pain, strong Hamfast gets invited to a lounge by Seamus McGinty [Rich/N.P.C.]. Cloaked Scully watches a large man in a kilt arm-wrestling with scrawny fop Edard McMullen [Bruce/N.P.C.]. Tempestade eagerly joins in on beating the hide drums.

Lady Dolista tells cautious Corwin that a statue at the temple of Gherra, matron of the gods, was recently defaced. The statue’s gender was crudely changed to male. Giacomo isn’t happy to learn that spiral carvings found underneath piers match the holy symbol of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

Hamfast directly asks Seamus where cultists would gather in Thadenis. The gentleman suggests new tunnels connecting to the sewer system since the Zuromm sack of about a year ago (in “game time”).

The wanderers regroup at Ghanki’s Gin Pub to compare notes. Tempestade notes that with Samhain approaching, any unholy ritual should take place soon. The adventuring party agrees that the first step to stopping the Theft of Sleep, which is robbing the Saganim people of rest to rouse an Undead or sleeping god, is to unpoison the water supply.

Court wizard Giacomo looks for alchemical treatises, and Hamfast and Corwin ask crown prince Garamond, Corwin’s half-brother, for help from his Lizard Folk pirate crew. Scully acquires Sun Rods from her boyfriend “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.], a Wolfen Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and law.

Elsa visits the temples of Gherra and Moradin. The Dwarf petitions the priests of the soul forger to share their brews with the populace until the river is made safe.

When some of Garamond’s Reptile Folk go missing, Ranger Scully follows a trail of blood to Hunter’s Bridge, across Cadebas Stream. Two slimy Troglodytes emerge from the murky water, upsetting the rowboat!

Prince Corwin strikes with his sword and dagger, but Elsa’s Charm Animal spell fails. Scully pulls Giacomo out of the water and sends a message to the Grove of Arbos via Owlicious. The Troglodytes rake at Corwin with their filthy claws.

Hamfast stabs at the creatures with a spear, as Tempestade’s knives fly. Giacomo casts Levitate Foe to isolate one of the Trogs, which Corwin slays. Elsa invokes Gaia to Entangle the other, and Giacomo’s Magic Missile has a delayed blast, inadvertently turning his irises white.

Corwin finishes off the second Troglodyte, and local Druids help Elsa and Scully remove the last of the Lethargy Weeds for burning. Garamond is sad to lose sailors but glad that his city is safer.

At the Gilded Keep, Corwin and Tempestade talk with “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./N.P.C.], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, and counselor to Queen Margaret. Melchior says that the chaotic cult of Krakas is linked to the dreaded ghost fleet.

Giacomo and Scully go to the docks to ask sailors whether they have seen anything unusual. One named Bart is drowning his sorrows in rum and claims that the entire city is damned. Bart says he was serving on the Angry Angel to the Zarendo Islands, where three cultists among the crew committed mutiny against Capt. Hom.

Lady Dolista tells Corwin that a group as large as a cult would need a space such as a sewer node to gather in secret. Hamfast goes with Elsa to a sewer grate, where the Druid charms rat Benny. He agrees to show them the way through the sewers in return for food and reputation.

Scully and Elsa ask Pfenik, a Brownie at the Grove of Arbos, if there are any Druids who might know more about Krakas and the other sea lords. He mentions Sigmund, a Thallassaquendi (western Sea Elf).

The next morning, the brave band enters the sewers beneath the Temple Bridge. Benny leads the way to a large intersection beneath the Temple Tor before scampering off. As the party edges along a slippery walkway, two Troglodytes rise from the depths, followed by a four-armed Sahuagin/Yuan-ti mutant!

Bard Corwin casts Web, ensnaring one, and Fighter Hamfast takes Giacomo’s walking stick. Druid Elsa invokes Moradin to Heat Metal on the leader’s harness, as sniper Scully hits a Trog with an arrow. The monsters hurl spit and feces.

Giacomo shoots Magic Missiles, while Tempestade lobs sling stones. The Troglodytes struggle in the raw sewage, but the Yuan-ti casts Darkness for cover. Corwin casts Mirror Image and tries to restrain the four-armed monster.

Hamfast switches to his maul, hitting one opponent, as Elsa calls upon Gaia for Light to dispel the darkness. Scully misses, and Giacomo casts Magic Shield. One of the Troglodytes dives to escape the webbing, and the Yuan-ti grabs at Giacomo.

Corwin strikes the enemy leader with his sword, and Hamfast helps Tempestade by killing a Trog. Elsa readies her sling “Seeker” and asks Moradin to Bless her companions. Scully is glad that she has wax in her nostrils and fires at the webbed foe.

Giacomo’s next Levitate and Magic Missile spells fail, but he succeeds on his next tries. The mage is hit by the Sahuagin’s Magic Missiles in return. Corwin and Giacomo finish the skirmish, and they retrieve a Harness of Buoyancy and curved daggers with pearl-inlaid handles.

Elsa heals Giacomo’s burns, as the group catches its breath. Corwin ties a rope around his waist and dives, finding a hidden hatch. He opens it, and the water starts to drains out, pulling in Hamfast, who was holding the rope.

The former members of Vistel’s Circus feel a blast of warm, dry air and prepare to face the cultists deep beneath Thadenis….

Our adventures will continue next Monday, 19 August 2013! Those of you playing spellcasters should probably check your character records on Obsidian Portal to make sure that their lists are up to date.

While I’m sorry that we’ve had to skip some “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera sessions, we’ll resume later this month. Josh, I hope your “Steam Wars” game wraps up well, and Jason, I look forward to your “Star Wars: Dark Times” miniseries (using Savage Worlds) this fall.

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

“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