New “Vanished Lands” telecom team, Update 20 — Back on the farm

The Adventures of Robin Hood — Robin Hood

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.20 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 13 March 2011, 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 motley group gathered in the northwestern “Vanished Lands” to explore a world full of perils and wonders….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J.]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard) and contact of “Kimo” [Beruk A.]; NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 1

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras; raised as an orphan; contact of the Order of the Golden Lion; LGn, Lvl. 2

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; contact of “Tunnel” [Stuart C.G.]; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 2

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from service to Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) Wizard Arbalas; contact of “Sukhov” [Beruk A.] and owner of Akita dog Genghis and horse Onimusha; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 2

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 2

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

“16 to 17 August 1229 B.C.E.:” Several weeks after defending it from Centaur raiders, the adventuring party returned to a farm near the abandoned Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human hamlet of Alarn. Matron Violet Sandia invited the group to join her extended family for dinner.

Gawain entertains children with Prestidigitation, and Kovar and Asish ask “Sir Bonner of Runnymeade” [Jon W.B./Non-Player Character] to help train the peasants to defend themselves. However, the knight says that his skills are too specialized to easily share with simple farmers.

After the meal, Digger retires to the porch to share Hollysharp pipeweed and tales with some of the men. After some prodding by the Halfling scholar, Jonas and his son admit that they fled Alarn after signs that the hamlet was cursed. They confirm the party’s findings of the haunted upper floor of the “Mellow Mule” inn, unnatural beasts in the Aspar River, and mischievous Fey such as Korred from nearby woods. The men are more evasive, however, about the storm giant footprints.

Jovinda meets privately with Violet, who says that she took in her relatives but is disturbed at more news of Alarn’s problems. The elder doesn’t recognize the name “Vappu Lahja” at first, but she later tells the Grugach Cleric of an old fairy tale about a woman who found wisdom on the Plains of Sathendo and was stoned by those who couldn’t comprehend it.

Kazuo reluctantly agrees to talk with a young pregnant woman who is bedridden. He finds the well-fed Alyssa ranting about how some of her relatives are jealous that she is carrying the heir to the Sandia homestead. The emotional girl finds that the Nezumi Monk lends a sympathetic ear, and he tells her of the mysterious Vappu Lahja, whom he met with Digger after a Centaur ritual.

Later that evening, Tad takes Kovar and Asish to a barn to inspect the farm’s arsenal. The horsemen study the broken farm implements, occasional hunter’s weapon, and raw materials and make some suggestions. They also set watches as the party gets ready to bed down in a hay loft.

Gawain confirms that the new arrivals from Alarn are related to the farmers, and Violet asks Jovinda to request that another Cleric to be sent from the city of Nadwi. The priestess of Mekkil, goddess of nature, begins interviewing the entire household, beginning with Jonas’ wife Denise. She isn’t pleased to learn that Kazuo has mentioned Vappu Lahja, which he had said he wouldn’t do.

Kazuo offers to leave, and Digger insists that whoever attacked Alarn must be misinterpreting the guidance of Vappu Lahja. Gawain and Kovar say they have detected little magic and that the Monk and Rogue should be watched. Asish notes that the entire team (including compromised members Digger and Kazuo) should continue riding together to Nadwi.

The next morning, Sir Bonner patrols the farm’s perimeter, and Ranger Asish practices archery with the peasants. Kazuo is joined by Jovinda and Gawain in visiting Alyssa, and stern Kovar waits outside her room. Jovinda re-examines Violet’s bratty granddaughter and concludes that she is physically healthy.

Digger and Jovinda go to talk again with Violet before leaving, and Asish recommends that they try to identify the father of Alyssa’s child. The matron refers Jovinda to her cousin Viola, who works in the household of a Wizard in Nadwi. Armored Kovar not only keeps an eye on furred Kazuo, but also reminds his companions not to rush to judgment….

Please remember to post to the Google Group message board if I missed anything or if you have any ideas to discuss between games. Byron, thanks again for your help with the FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera! Sammy, I’m sorry that you had to postpone your trip to Japan. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing all of you next Sunday! -Gene

New “Vanished Lands” telecom team, Update 19 — Back to the farm

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 19 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 6 March 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J.]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard) and contact of “Kimo” [Beruk A.]; NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 1

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras; raised as an orphan; contact of the Order of the Golden Lion; LGn, Lvl. 2

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; contact of “Tunnel” [Stuart C.G.]; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 2

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 2

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 2

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

“16 August 1229 B.C.E.:” The adventuring party had previously encountered Centaurs raiding a farm near the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human hamlet of Alarn. After investigating the followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja, the group returned to find Alarn abandoned.

The wanderers debate what to do with the haunted rooms at the “Mellow Mule” inn. Kovar wonders whether they have stumbled across some unholy Fey ritual that has yet to reach completion. Asish’s recommendation that the inn be burned to the ground is voted down, partly because spellcasters Gawain and Jovinda aren’t sure if that would contain or release the evil spirits.

Digger and Kovar lecture Jovinda about releasing the magically enlarged eel they had found in the Aspar River, and the Cleric agrees that the beast could still endanger more people. On the other hand, Kazuo notes that human lives aren’t necessarily more valuable than those of other creatures.

Scouts Digger and Asish show Gawain the giant footprints they had found on the hamlet’s outskirts. The Illusionist says they could have been made by a storm giant (corresponding with weather described by two Korred) or an enlarged human.

Ranger Asish and Paladin Kovar talk with fellow horseman “Sir Bonner of Runnymeade” [Jon W.B./Non-Player Character], who is still recovering from being captured by the Korred and having his steed slain. They recommend riding on to the city of Nadwi to report to local authorities.

Grugach Jovinda goes back to the “Mellow Mule” and invokes her patron Mekkil, goddess of nature, to channel positive energy, disrupting some of the unnatural conditions in the guest rooms. Kazuo points out that the mischief and murder could have been committed by evil Fey or a misguided Druid rather than followers of Vappu Lahja.

Nimble Digger carefully brings out the pieces of an enchanted mirror so that Kovar can further smash them and avoid the temptation to gaze into the eyes on the other side. Arcanist Gawain identifies the magics in the mirror as belonging to the Conjuration, Divination, and Transmutation schools.

Digger reminds his companions of the farm north of Alarn, and they agree to check it out. Kovar and Asish gather kindling and prepare a pyre for the innkeeper, found hung upside-down in an upstairs room, as well as the remains of Sir Bonner’s horse. Jovinda makes sure that the “Mellow Mule” is marked with warnings for future travelers.

The party fords the Aspar River and passes several Hifalendorin peasants working the fields outside Alarn. Digger reminds one of how he helped drive off the Centaur raiders a few weeks before, and grateful Tad brings him to the main farmhouse.

Rogue Digger and Nezumi Kazuo smell freshly baked pies, while wary Kovar and Asish keep an eye on the farmhands. Matron Violet Sandia greets the newcomers and invites them to join her clan for dinner. Gawain and Jovinda wait on benches in the dining room, while Digger helps in the kitchen.

Kovar, Asish, and Kazuo help Sir Bonner find a place for the horses, and they look for recent Centaur tracks but find none. Jovinda and Gawain talk with a young girl named Daisy and learn that several members of her extended family recently arrived, presumably from Alarn.

Jovinda plans to ask about the strange goings-on around the nearby hamlet, and Asish and Kovar are concerned about the recent movements of Fey folk such as Centaurs, Satyrs, and Korred, as well as humans and Halflings. Digger and Kazuo want to make sure that if “misguided” followers of Vappu Lahja committed the crimes, they’re caught and held responsible….

Please remember to use the “Holy Steel” Google Group message board between sessions. I’m glad to see that some debates have led to good role-playing and character development, but don’t forget to give the quieter folks a chance to express their opinions!

Note that this and other recent posts are mirrored on various sites as I consolidate my blogs. I’m working on updates for the FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera, and our next “Vanished Lands” telecom game is scheduled for Sunday, March 13. Take it easy, -Gene

“Vanished Lands” new telecom team, Update 18 — Waking nightmares

Note: As I continue consolidating and migrating among my various blogs, some posts will be mirrored.

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 18 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 27 February 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras; raised as an orphan; contact of the Order of the Golden Lion; LGn, Lvl. 2

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; contact of “Tunnel” [Stuart C.G.]; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 2

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 2

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“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) and contact of “Kimo” [Beruk A.]; NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 1

“15 to 16 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the travelers had encountered hostile Centaurs, followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja. Returning northwest across the Plains of Sathendo, the group found an abandoned hamlet and stayed in a haunted inn.

The brave adventurers revisit the upstairs rooms at the “Mellow Mule” in the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human community of Alarn. Noting that one room contained a man hanged upside-down, scholar Digger speculates that the strange items in each chamber may have a symbolic meaning similar to the Tarot deck or Skaevingol (Norse) beliefs.

In the first guest room on the right, Kovar had seen a raven, which left behind a black feather. Digger and Jovinda theorize that it could be an omen or a sign for judgment and justice. Across the hall, all the furniture is suspended from the ceiling, possibly reflecting a reversed Tarot card (emphasizing negative connotations) or the Wheel of destiny.

The shards of a magical mirror in the second room on the right showed the Half-Orc Paladin eyes that were not his own. Asish searches for tracks, and Kazuo questions whether his companions are reading too much into the manifestations of unquiet spirits. Still, Digger and Jovinda note that mirrors can be portals or symbolize the Magician or soul.

The opposite room is covered in frost, suggesting a trap or Hell (as well as the recent presence of Undead). Gawain stays downstairs with “Sir Bonner of Runnymeade” [Jon W.B./Non-Player Character], who is recovering from being captured by two Korred.

In the third room on the right, the furniture had been thrust out the window, leaving a maw of dangerous and animated splinters. Across from it is a room where decay had rapidly advanced, which Halfling Rogue Digger says could represent the Fool or the Wheel card.

After determining that a circle scratched on the floor of the last room on the right isn’t broken, Asish cuts down the hanged man. Kovar carries the unfortunate victim, whom Sir Bonner positively identifies as the innkeeper. Jovinda casts Detect Magic, which shows that the man was levitated into place and that the horse in the room in the last room on the left was affected by Teleport and Eviscerate spells.

Digger observes that the slain steed could represent the Death or Tower card, but Jovinda notes that just as the Fey Korred spoke in riddles and metaphors, perhaps the rooms reflect an unnatural progression. The raven and reverse-gravity rooms could be warnings of a disruption in the natural order, says the Grugach Cleric of Mekkil, while the cold and mirror chambers might be a trap for the soul.

Jovinda says the rooms with decay and splinters could demonstrate a separation of the physical from the spiritual, echoing the ritual purification that Kazuo and Digger endured on their way to meeting — and being influenced by — Vappu Lahja. The priestess says the last rooms in the inn (with the horse and hanged man) could depict a final destruction of the body and soul. The group agrees that her interpretation makes sense.

Asish takes Kazuo to patrol the area around Alarn. They find the print of a huge bare foot, suggesting that Connacht and Maldrod weren’t lying about a giant passing through. The Ranger and Monk retrieve a runaway horse for Sir Bonner. Gawain and Kovar watch the “Mellow Mule” and the knight.

Jovinda finds that the innkeeper was exsanguinated elsewhere before he was hung, and she and Digger walk along the Aspar River looking for animals to talk to. A monstrous eel leaps out at them!

Tsucharim rider Asish’s arrows hits the slimy serpent, which falls short of swallowing Digger. Kovar throws a spear, and Kazuo charges, but his blows have little effect. Jovinda casts Calm Animal and Talk With Animals, persuading the hungry eel to swim north, away from human habitation.

Kazuo objects to the use of any mind-affecting spells but says he’ll respect Jovinda’s judgment. The Monk also disagrees with Kovar and others, who feel that the dangerous monster should have been slain.

Asish describes the tracks he found, which may have been left by a storm giant. Jovinda and Digger are surprised that the two Korred may have been literal in their description of what scared off the peasants after all.

Digger and Kazuo say that the storm, serpent, and giant, combined with the haunted inn and Korred, are more likely to be responsible for Alarn’s abandonment than the followers of Vappu Lahja. Kovar and Asish still don’t trust the woman and hope to find human farmers to verify what happened before riding on to the city of Nadwi….

I’m glad that most of you were able to participate in our return to the regular Sunday night time slot! Dexter and Paul, let us know when and if “Favelhorn” and “Gawain” will be able to rejoin us. A few of you have mentioned alternatives to Skype, Scriblink, and the online dice roller we’ve been using — feel free to post links to the Google Group message board.

Prospective gamer Rich L., who sat in on “Vortex” Team 1 in this past Monday’s FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures space opera session, has also expressed interest in checking out the fantasy campaign. Since he lives near me, I may have him come over to check out the game at some point, if you’re amenable, but it’s not urgent.

In the meantime, while I continue to look at various retro-clones and rules-light systems such as Labyrinth Lord, please make sure that your character records are up to date. I don’t anticipate skipping any sessions in March, but let me know your own schedules. Take it easy, and happy gaming! -Gene

Latest “Vanished Lands” telecom team, Update 17 — Haunted inn

The "Vanished Lands" heroic fantasy campaign setting — The "Vanished Lands"

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 17 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Saturday, 19 February 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras; raised as an orphan; contact of the Order of the Golden Lion; LGn, Lvl. 2

-“Davven ‘Digger‘ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; contact of “Tunnel” [Stuart C.G.]; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 2

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from service to Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) Wizard Arbalas; contact of “Sukhov” [Beruk A.] and owner of Akita dog Genghis and horse Onimusha; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 2

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“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) and contact of “Kimo” [Beruk A.]; NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 1

“14 to 15 August 1229 B.C.E.:” The unlikely band of adventurers had tracked hostile Centaurs from the edge of the Wisalef Forest to a mysterious woman named Vappu Lahja. Returning northwest across the Plains of Sathendo, the party had found the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human hamlet of Alarn deserted, except for two mischievous Korred and their prisoner.

Digger and Jovinda question hairy duo Connacht and Maldrod in the cellar of the “Mellow Mule” inn. The Korred claim that the Halfling and Hifalendorin peasants had been driven away by a surly giant who recently stomped through the area. He had been followed by a fearsome storm and a huge serpent in the Aspar River, further scattering the local inhabitants, according to the Fey.

In the inn’s common room, Asish and Kazuo talk with “Sir Bonner of Runnymeade” [Jon B./Non-Player Characer], whom the Korred had released from a Stone-Shaped cell. The tired knight explains that he had stayed in Alarn for some time while searching for a worthy quest.

Sir Bonner notes that some people had abandoned Alarn after the hamlet was visited by Centaurs and Satyrs, possibly followers of Vappu Lahja. He went on patrol into the surrounding wilderness, only to be ambushed by the devious Korred.

Kovar rides in to provide backup, leaving Gawain with the other steeds. The Half-Orc sharpens his weapons, strengthening Connacht and Maldrod’s desire to leave. Digger and Jovinda eventually allow the Korred to return to the Wisalef Forest, on the condition that they find or release other refugees and send them home.

The party reunites to compare notes. Digger thinks that the Korreds’ tall tale is nothing more, but Kazuo observes that they could be speaking in metaphor or riddles. Jovinda reminds her companions that the Fey don’t adhere to the same moral codes as humans do and that their sense of priorities is skewed by their long lives and chaotic nature.

Digger, Kazuo, and Gawain point out that the giant, storm, and serpent could have been illusions cast by mischievous Fey folk. Alarn is empty but otherwise undamaged. The wanderers agree to look for more tracks in the morning.

Archer Asish stokes a fire in the hearth and sets watches for the night. Kovar is still wary of Digger and Kazuo, whose judgment has been compromised since they underwent Centaur rituals and met Vappu Lajha. Nimble Kazuo and arcanist Gawain have an uneventful first watch.

During the second watch, armored Kovar leaves wary Digger in the common room to check upstairs. He climbs the creaky stairs and finds a long hallway with four doors on either side [cue spooky music]. In the first room on the right, the Paladin of Mithras, lord of oaths, sees undisturbed beddings and a crow sitting in the open window.

In the next guest room, Kovar finds a broken mirror on the floor. He looks at the shards and is surprised to see eyes that are not his own looking back! Quickly moving on, the brave holy warrior enters a room whose furniture seems to have been thrown out the window. As he examines the damaged sill, a splinter leaps out and penetrates his gauntlet!

At the last room on the right, Kovar is unable to open the door all the way because of a weight behind it, possibly a corpse. The wise Paladin returns to Davven, and they agree to tell the others later about the strange findings. Asish and Jovinda’s watch is quiet, and they let Sir Bonner rest.

Digger keeps track of the remaining provisions at breakfast the next morning. Kovar and Jovinda lead Asish, Digger, and Kazuo upstairs, while Gawain stays with Sir Bonner. The crow left a feather on the straw-stuffed mattress of the first room. Rogue Digger grabs a sheet, which Kovar uses to gather up the pieces of the enchanted mirror in the next chamber for later study.

On the left side, the first room’s furniture is all suspended from the ceiling! Digger tosses in a copper coin, which floats in midair. Everything in the second room is covered in ice, and Kovar upends the bed to reveal a frozen chamber pot.

The Paladin’s Detect Evil and the Cleric’s Detect Undead reveal that the building is definitely haunted, but the malicious intent or presence is diffuse. It gets stronger down the hallway, however. Ranger Asish readies weapons, and Monk Kazuo clenches his fists.

Jovinda uses her quarterstaff to test the damaged window where Kovar got the splinter. Like a maw, more toothy pieces of wood fly at the Grugach’s staff, forcing all to withdraw! The last room on the right does indeed contain a corpse — the unlucky innkeeper, hung upside down.

Digger notes that his position is reminiscent of the Hanged Man card in the Tarot deck, as well as certain aspects of Skaevingol [Norse] beliefs. Barbari raider Asish recommends burning down the “Mellow Mule” as a precaution, but Jovinda observes that even though evil may have been gathering before Alarn was abandoned, destroying the inn won’t necessarily dispel it.

In the last room on the left, the group is horrified to see the remains of Sir Bonner’s horse strewn about like some unholy decoration. Jovinda suspects the Unseelie Court, or malevolent faerie folk, rather than followers of Vappu Lahja. This comes as small relief to Digger and Kazuo, as they agree to press on toward the city of Nadwi….

I hope that all of you enjoyed our latest game as much as I did! Dexter and Paul, let us know when and if you’ll be able to rejoin us — both “Favelhorn” and “Gawain” could be helpful as your party continues its adventures. Rob will be out next weekend.

Paul and Beruk, I look forward to seeing you and the rest of Team 2 for tonight’s FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera! Erik B.L. and family’s visit to the Boston area from New York went well this past weekend. Note that we’ll be moving back to Sundays as of the next “Vanished Lands” session, on 27 February 2011. Take it easy, -Gene

21 April 2010: Byron’s visit — food, games, and fun

Friends, I hope that you had a good weekend. Byron V.O., a former member of the Boston-area social/role-playing groups, visited from St. Louis this past weekend. He arrived on Friday, 16 April 2010, and Thomas K.Y. met us for a late dinner at Bertucci’s in Needham, Massachusetts.

Our conversations throughout the weekend focused on work and travel, family and
relationships, history and politics, and of course, genre entertainment and gaming. The next day, Byron and I went to the Museum of Fine Arts for the “Secrets of Tomb 10A” exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts, which Janice and I had first seen a month ago. We grabbed lunch at Qdoba before catching a commuter rail train back in time for a Pathfinder: “Holy Steel” teleconferencing session.

Beruk A. and Thomas joined us for burgers at Wild Willy’s, and Dexter V.H. in Brooklyn and Robert A.S. in North Carolina called in at various points in the evening. Their Player Characters reunited in the city of Hesolin in my “Vanished Lands” fantasy campaign setting. The heroes compared notes after their mission to the distant empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt) and began considering strategy for the ongoing war against the dreaded ghost fleet.

We also talked about starting a new adventuring party that would have ties to previous teams, such as the “Dragonslayers” and “Holy Steel.” Fellow Game Master Brian W. stopped by to chat with Byron, a former cohort in the “Seekers of Lore” and “Broken Chains.” The face-to-face group has been playing one-shots and miniseries in a variety of genres and rules systems since we wrapped up a Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition game, and I’m preparing to run my “Vortex” space opera, but our schedule will be disrupted in the coming months because of travel.

After a few hours’ sleep, Byron and I drove out to the Minado sushi buffet in Natick, Mass., for brunch with Thomas and Paul J. While we were disappointed that half of our gang didn’t show up, we had a good meal. Thomas went to screen superhero satire Kick–Ass, while Byron and I saw the remake of Clash of the Titans at the AMC Framingham multiplex.

The sword-and-sandals fantasy movie was fairly entertaining, if not particularly
faithful to Greek mythology or even its predecessor. The computer-generated
monsters paid homage to Ray Harryhausen‘s stop-motion masterpieces, and the
humor and action were well-balanced. I’d give Clash of the Titans, which was rated PG-13 for violence, three stars, a solid B, or a 7 out of 10.

Paul and Thomas came for Janice’s soup and homemade rolls at dinner, and we resumed our “Holy Steel” logistics discussion on Sunday night. Dexter wasn’t able
to log in, but Beruk did. I was disappointed that more of the local group didn’t attend, but it worked out fine. The next day, I drove Byron to Logan Airport after lunch at Acapulco’s Mexican restaurant. Speaking of food (again), I enjoyed lunch today with some co-workers at Bison County on Waltham’s Moody Street.

Coming soon: Catching up on SFTV and the crowded calendar!