“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.22 — Lightning does strike twice

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.22, which was held on Sunday, 22 June 2014:

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….

Player Character Party 40 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Asian-style telecom campaign, using the D20 Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game andAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.) Oriental Adventures , plus FATE 3e Legends of Anglerre and house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of summer 2014:

“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. 6
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 6
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 6
“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. 6
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 6
“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H./absent]-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. 6

“7 to 8 May 1227 B.C.E.:” While traveling across the Plains of Sathendo, Toshi summoned tiger companion Amaya, while Ember flew ahead. She saw traces of large burrowing creatures. Sonny and Saigo helped defeat vampiric bats, and Soske’ cast Heroes’ Feast. The group overtook two elderly hikers, who seem determined to keep them from scouting the army approaching the city of Sogewa….

Toshi invokes Ami Koshi, the forest matron, as he casts Mass Serpent’s Swiftnessto aid his companions. Soske’ casts Rock to Mud on Shi Ling, or “Celine,” the woman who had turned to living marble. Saigo strikes Li Jo, or giant “Happy Joe,” three times with his katana.

Sonny chokes Joe with a chain, and Ember hits with her kama (sickle). However, she and Toshi are drained by the Kijo’s Aura of Hunger. Statuesque Celine begins chanting and swings a longsword at Saigo. Jung-Mo slips away to guard the steeds.

Calling upon Ano Wasu, lord of storms, Shan Sao Toshi casts Arc Lightning, which the two foes dodge, but Sonny does not. Soske’ sighs and heals his fellow Shengtese human. Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo hits muddy Celine.

Sonny is unable to knock enlarged Joe off his feet, so he switches to Celine. Hengeyokai Ember realizes that the woman is summoning something, so she casts Silence on the Hidari Construct’s sword. Oni-like Joe, who is now hurting, flails with his tail at Saigo.

Celine drops her sword and steps back but is tripped on the gravelly ground by Sonny. Toshi cites Tsu Komi, lord of the moon, and casts Magic Missiles, killing Joe. Soske’ calls upon the spirits for an Ancestral Weapon. Saigo swings at the prone opponent.

Quick-thinking Ember casts Create Water over Celine, further hampering her movement. Rather than get up right away, the mourning monster finishes her summons, calling forth an obese Fukuranbou. Snakelike intestines burst from its fetid abdomen and bite Saigo, who narrowly avoids infection.

Wu Jen Toshi casts Scorching Ray and steps back, while Shukenja Soske’ fires ice arrows at the Fukuranbou. Samurai Saigo slashes at the Undead, and Kensai Sonny grabs Celine’s silenced sword and hits her with it.

Ember casts Flame Weapon, but the Wu’s Call Lightning also affects unlucky ally Sonny. Celine, a statue intended to cheat death, slowly gets up and draws a tanto (dagger) on Saigo. The Fukuranbou’s stomach serpents bite Saigo and Soske’, who casts Heal at it and spurs his horse away.

Toshi casts Magic Missiles at Celine and Enchanted Blade against the sumo-like Fukuranbou. Ember recognizes when the Wizard beseeches the Celestial Bureaucracy in vain to Dispel Magic on the summoned monster. Soske’ fires more frost arrows as he taunts the creature of vanity.

Weapon master Sonny fights defensively, throws the sword, and slides around Celine with his chain. Saigo finishes her off. Druid Ember Wild Shapes into an elephant and tramples the Fukuranbou.

Toshi identifies the Kijo, Hidari Construct, and Fukuranbou’s remains and notes that they are all cursed for intemperate desire. Sonny says it’s likely that this trio was trying for some reason to prevent the team from scouting the army approaching Sogewa.

Soske’ casts Restoration on himself and Saigo. The Cleric later Channels Positive Energy to heal the rest of the adventuring party. Ember and Jung-Mo help search the bodies and find the following items [all from the AD&D1 Oriental Adventures ]:

Biwa (lute) of Calm — claimed by Soske’
Battle Axe (+1, +2 vs. Giants) — Toshi/Jung-Mo?
Book on Giantish — Toshi
Two-handed sword, +2, dancing — Saigo (cursed?)
Mirror of Spirit Seeing (True Sight) — Ember
Pearl of Protection From Electricity (+4) — Sonny

The explorers prepare to continue eastward across the steppes, wary of bullettes and the as-yet-unidentified army….

Dexter, we missed you last night! Let me know if any of you need help as you finish updating your character records on Obsidian Portal.

I look forward to our “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game and whatever we play around Byron’s visit to the Boston area this coming weekend. Note that I won’t be running “A New Dawn” on June 29 or July 6 — sorry, Geoff.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) review

Since the latest Godzilla flick, I’ve fallen behind with this year’s genre movies. I haven’t yet seen Chef or Edge of Tomorrow, which will probably have to wait for video, but I did catch X-Men: Days of Future Past. This Marvel Comics adaptation cleaned up some of the continuity problems of past films, but its appeal is probably limited to fans of the ever-growing mutant ensemble.

Plot: For those not familiar with the original Chris Claremont and John Byrne storyline, in one bleak future (actually 2013 in the comics, but probably the near future in the movie), mutants and their allies are hunted by robotic Sentinels and put into concentration camps. This is a direct allegory of the Nazi death camps and U.S. internment of Nisei during World War II.

A few survivors are sent back in time (to 1980 in the comic, the early 1970s in the movie) to stop fellow mutant Mystique from assassinating someone and thereby preventing or at last delaying war between fearful humanity and the mutant minority.

This movie shifts the time traveler from Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat to the popular Logan/Wolverine, and the person who must not be killed changes from Sen. Robert Kelly (who has already appeared in other X-films) to Dr. Bolivar Trask, creator of the Sentinels, and Pres. Nixon.

While many details have changed, the overall story and tone of Days of Future Past are faithful to the source material. Like Watchmen and the Captain America films, this X-Men outing successfully juxtaposes different time periods, national crises, and superheroes.

Cast: Arguably, the best part of Days of Future Past is seeing the actors from the first batch of X-Men movies (from 2000 through 2009) plus the cast of X-Men: First Class (2011). Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is still burly and wry and serves as the glue holding Days of Future Past — and arguably, 20th Century Fox’s whole franchise — together.

While I would have liked to see more of buddies Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen as mutant leaders Prof. Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, respectively, it made sense for them to pass the torch to younger actors James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in the same roles.

In the dystopian future, we get glimpses of Halle Berry as Ororo Munroe/Storm, Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde, Daniel Cudmore as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus, and Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake/Iceman. Unfortunately, Anna Paquin’s cameo as Anna Marie/Rogue was all but cut for time.

In addition, we see some impressive fight scenes between numerous tough Sentinels and acrobatic newcomers Omar Sy as Bishop, Bingbing Fan as Blink, Adan Canto as Sunspot, and Booboo Stewart as Warpath. With exotic names such as these (and I applaud more diverse casting), the X-Men should start a baseball team.

Most of the character development takes place in the past, however, with the aforementioned telepath Prof. X and master of magnetism Magneto. Jennifer Lawrence, who inherited the role from Rebecca Romijn, is again part of their triangle as the shapeshifting Raven Darkholme/Mystique.

Also noteworthy are Evan Peters as wiseguy speedster Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver and Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage as the misguided Dr. Trask. There are too many characters and battles for a lot of character development, but that’s typical for any non-print incarnation of the X-Men.

Direction: Bryan Singer, subject of troubling but as-yet unproven allegations, returns with a sure hand to direct the franchise he helped create. The action scenes, actors’ performances, and overall pacing are solid.

While time travel can be an overused plot device, it’s central to this story, in which Singer fixes some of the fictional history that was needlessly convoluted in past films in this series (to say more would give away “spoilers”). Days of Future Past did a better job than Star Trek: Into Darkness of straightening out continuity kinks.

Cinematography: As with Disney/Marvel’s Avengers, the state of the art is kept high for visual effects, fight choreography, and recreating bits and pieces of Washington, D.C., in the 1970s. The dark future is less successful, featuring the same bombed-out urban centers, rainscapes, and computer-generated killer robots as many other dystopian films.

The scene with Quicksilver helping to break Magneto out of a cell beneath the Pentagon rivals Nightcrawler’s attack on the White House in X2. In fact I missed Alan Cumming as teleporter Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler.

Soundtrack: The musical score of Days of Future Past includes themes from previous X-Men movies, period songs, and the right level of punctuation for the action scenes. There were few really memorable moments, but I think this was a more fitting soundtrack than for several other recent superhero movies.

Rating: Overall, I’d give X-Men: Days of Future Past, which is rated PG-13 for violence, brief nudity, and language, four out of five stars, an 8.5 out of 10, or a B+. I found it a worthy continuation of Marvel’s mutant saga, and here’s how I’d rank it among its peers:

X-Men (2000) ***
X2 (2003) ****
X-Men: the Last Stand (2006) *
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) **
X-Men: First Class (2011) ***
The Wolverine (2013) — I haven’t yet seen this.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) ****

Only longtime X-Men fans will recognize the allusions in the postcredits teaser for Age of Apocalypse, which will likely use a remixed version of the team. Other movies I’m looking forward to include over-the-top noir Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For and stop-motion The Boxtrolls. I’ll try to post my favorable review of animated fantasy How to Train Your Dragon 2, which I saw this past weekend.

I’ll also try to get around to my impressions of the past year in genre television soon.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” Session 39.41 — Finding the path into darkness

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.41, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Monday, 16 June 2014:

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 D20 Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game and FATE3e Legends of Anglerre, as of summer 2014:

“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. 9

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 9

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 9

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 9

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 9

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 9

“Rhys Davies” [Drew S.]-male Tinker Gnome (Minoi) clockwork gadgeteer; TNg, Lvl. 9

(See previous notes for Paladins “Radius” [Jason E.R.] and “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.].)

“11 to 12 March 1227 B.C.E.:” “Vistel’s Expedition” decided to explore the barbaric port of Gisar before heading into its sewers to help Tempestade get to a magical obelisk and his distant homeland. They met many colorful and strange people at local temples and taverns and learned about potential hazards.

Most of the onetime circus perfomers spend the night at the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry. Hamfast is out carousing, but skalds (Bards) report that the Zeda human Fighter doesn’t appear to be in any immediate danger.

Giacomo recommends approaching the obelisk beneath the House of Xia during daytime so that the city’s vampiric rulers need more time to react to any incursion. Scully casts a Message spell to ask “Kemosh” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character] in distant Falit for a local contact in the Order of the Golden Lion.

Tempestade is eager to free fellow slaves and suggests sending a few people to scout ahead rather than have the entire group explore the sewers and be detected. By contrast, Corwin wants to enter the ruined Magisterium (magic school/library) immediately rather than spend any more time in Gisar.

Elsa prepares wax and Daylight pellets as precautions against a Banshee said to be lurking in the House of Xia. Newcomer Rhys studies the map from the “Seekers of Lore,” a previous adventuring party that took serious casualties in the same dungeon.

Hifalendorin human Giacomo casts Wizard Eye, and with help from Hill Dwarf Elsa’s Find the Path, he peeks at the most direct route to the time/dimension travel-enabling obelisk, or “Joining of the Ways.” Giacomo sees rubble, a partially restored library, and winding passages beneath the House of Xia and the bar “Angkir’s Oars.”

Flind Scully communicates with Kemosh, who says that he thinks of her often. The Anpur Kahin (Jackal-Man Druid) says that she should look for an Atlantean (Theran/Minoan) human named Gregor Kratakis at the docks. Brazilian human Tempestade is reluctant to discuss any plans for resettling slaves from his former plantation.

Half-Elf Corwin casts Message to inform Saganim (proto-Celtic) human Cleric “Melchior” [Byron/N.P.C.] in Thadenis about the plan to get to the Joining of the Ways. Tinker Gnome Rhys readies his clockwork devices.

Giacomo also perceives necromancy and what appear to be a Vistani human aristocrat and a Dark Elf woman in a room on the way to the obelisk. He sees that the monolith itself seems undisturbed.

After sleep and more discussion, the would-be heroes visit the docks. At Angkir’s Oars, Scully finds Gregor and discreetly shows him her medallion from the Order of the Golden Lion. The Rogue knows little about the Magisterium ruins, but in return for information about the obelisk, he offers to create a diversion at Otto’s Ferry in case the vampires in Barovic Castle send forces againt the group.

Tempestade offers to Speak With Animals, and Elsa readies Commune With Natureas the adventurers approach a sewer outlet into the Bedoni River. Corwin says it’s better to attack the couple Giacomo spied upon than to fight through several tunnels.

Rhys sends his scorpion device ahead and enters the sewers with Scully. Corwin, Elsa, and Giacomo follow, with Tempestade bringing up the rear. They have not gone far when a door to the east opens, and a squad of six Draconians exits from the nearby temple of Tiamat!

Druid Elsa Wild Shapes into a dragonfly, and Bard Corwin quickly casts Mass Invisibility. Diminutive Rhys presses himself against the damp wall, while Wizard Giacomo quietly backs up. The copper-scaled Kapak patrol marches past, and one Draconian spits acid in Elsa’s general direction.

Martial artist Tempestade uses his Boots of Spider Climb to hide by the curved ceiling, and Ranger Scully readies Protection From Evil. The squad is followed by a bronze-armored Bozak officer, but he doesn’t notice the invisible interlopers either.

Vistel’s Expedition breathes a sigh of relief and falls to arguing over how to proceed. Rhys points out alternate routes to the Joining of the Ways. The spelunkers eventually decide to attack the people in the room close to the obelisk.

Corwin casts Dimension Door and takes Scully, Elsa, and Rhys, while Giacomo casts Planar Step and takes Tempestade. They find themselves in a misty chamber. The fog coalesces into humanoid forms.

The alluring Lady Leafcutter is a Banshee, or undead Dark Elf, and the well-dressed but gray-skinned Count Radescu is a vampire and member of Gisar’s ruling class. Corwin boldly attacks, and Elsa shifts into dire wolf form.

Rhys hurls a Daylight pellet and scrambles to swap out the poison in his scorpion construct for holy water. Tempestade puts wax in his ears and confirms the enemies’ nature with Detect Undead. Scully dips her hollow-point arrows in holy water, and Giacomo casts Shield.

Unfortunately, Giacomo’s spell and wax don’t fully protect him against the Banshee’s wail, which nearly kills him. The Nosferatu leaps onto Rhys and begins drinking his blood. Corwin casts Storm Bolts, briefly stunning Lady Leafcutter.

Elsa invokes Mekkil (Gaia), goddess of nature, to Channel Positive Energy, healing her allies and harming the Undead. Tempestade calls upon Otih, god of the sun and justice, to do the same, thanks to a divine favor from Sir Torrel.

Rhys struggles to escape the vampire’s embrace, as his clockwork scorpion shoots holy water and his dragon device breathes fire. Scully’s Hold Person fails to affect Count Radescu. Worse still, Giacomo’s cursed tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra takes control of the injured arcanist and uses Planar Step to take his body to Hesolin, hundreds of miles away!

Lady Leafcutter’s touch causes Corwin to cower in fear, and Count Radescu continues to drain Rhys of life force. Elsa calls upon Vulkan (Moradin) as she summons a stone giant, which fills the room and tosses the vampire and unlucky Rhys.

Nimble Tempestade fights defensively, and righteous Scully casts Dispel Evil. Possessed Giacomo orders a tea in a Hesolin café while his homunculus familiar Gerald cries out for him beneath Gisar.

The tide of battle turns when Corwin regains his senses and manages toDisintegrate the vampire. Elsa’s Holy Burst destroys the Banshee. Giacomo eventually subdues Ezra’s consciousness and expends magical energy to rejoin his companions.

Elsa treats the injured Giacomo, Corwin, and Rhys. Unscathed, Scully and Tempestade search the room. They find the following items:

Bag of Holding (Type 2, up to 500 lbs./70 cu. ft.; claimed by Rhys)
Dust of Tracelessness (DC 20 to track; claimed by Tempestade)
Efficient Quiver (store up to 60 arrows, desired one always at hand; claimed by Scully)
Leather armor, + 2 (claimed by Scully)
Ring of Protection, + 2 (claimed by Corwin)
Robe of Blending (Alter Self, claimed by Giacomo)

Elsa thanks the giant before returning it to its home plane, and she claims no treasure this time. Corwin, Elsa, and Scully recommend retreating to rest and recover spells, but Giacomo, Tempestade, and Rhys argue in favor of pressing on toward the obelisk….

Brian and Jason, we missed you! Remember to update your characters’ spells and possessions on Obsidian Portal. Also, try harder to arrive at a consensus on what to do next before we continue our adventures next week.

See my other posts on the Yahoo/eGroups and Google Groups message boards regarding upcoming events, including Free RPG Day, the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom game, and Byron’s upcoming visit!

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.21 — Scouting the steppe

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.21, which was held on Sunday, 8 June 2014:

Player Character Party 40 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Asian-style telecom campaign, using the D20 Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game andAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.) Oriental Adventures, plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of summer 2014:

“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. 6
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 6
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 6
“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. 6
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 6
“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. 6

“5 to 7 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The travelers prepared to leave Sogewa but were ambushed by Ninjas. They defeated 14 assassins and captured one, whom Saigo interrogated and Ember turned into a turtle. The scouts rode east across the Plains of Sathendo….

As the adventuring party surveys the steppes, Sonny looks for high ground. Toshi casts Animal Companion, summoning a young female tiger he names “Amaya” (“Night Rain”).

Ember shifts to crane form and flies ahead, while Jung-Mo stealthily watches the rear. Saigo meditates to collect his thoughts about various clan and court intrigues, and Soske’ attends to the horses.

Shengtese human Soske’ asks his companions if they have a plan for the approaching army that Duke Kou Fei Seng asked them to investigate. Fellow human Sonny recommends posing as peasants, and Shan Sao Toshi says he can fly close as a baza (blackbird) or cast Invisibility.

Hengeyokai Ember and Spirit Folk Jung-Mo are too far away to participate in the conversation, but share Toshi’s abilities. Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo thinks the army’s intentions should be clear from a distance.

That night, the wanderers pitch camp far from any village. Toshi works with Amaya away from the horses, and Ember spots another fire a few miles ahead. She overhears an aged couple — Li Jo and Shi Ling — talking and presses onward for another hour.

Before turning back, Wu Ember sees long mounds of recently upturned soil and stone, but no direct sign yet of the army. Rogue Jung-Mo inspects the wyvern egg he’s covertly carrying for further signs of growth.

Soske’ notices two large bats flying close to the camp. The Shukenja’s True Sightreveals that they are vampiric. Wu Jen Toshi casts Steam Breath, and Samurai Saigo cleaves the creatures with his katana, badly injuring them.

Kensai Sonny readies his chain, and Ember sees the commotion as she returns. Saigo throws a dagger but misses, and Toshi casts Mass Snake’s Swiftness on his allies. Soske’ falls back to the horses and requests an Ancestral Weapon from mocking spirits.

Sonny entangles one vampiric bat with his chain, preventing it from turning to mist. Ember dives in, slashing at the remaining airborne rodent with her beak. The bats bite Ember and Saigo, draining their life force to heal themselves.

Wizard Toshi casts Dragon’s Breath, distracting Druid Ember. Weapon master Sonny chokes the bat in chains, enabling knight Saigo to finish it off. Cleric Soske’ fires arrows, as Jung-Mo keeps the other horses from bolting into the night.

Toshi’s Enchanted Blade fells the second bat, and Soske’ takes a fang from each beast before throwing the carcasses in the fire. He also casts Restoration on Ember and Saigo. The spellcasters determine that the bats weren’t Undead but were probably servitors of a true vampire.

Ember reports on what she has seen. Toshi says the mounds could have been made by large burrowing animals such as bullettes (“land sharks”). Saigo wonders if they and the bats could be connected to the army headed toward Sogewa.

The next morning, Soske’ surprises everyone by casting Heroes’ Feast, which creates more than enough good food and drink for everyone. Halfling Toshi and itinerant warrior Sonny work their way around the table and bicker over leftovers.

Toshi’s tiger jumps onto the table, amusing shapeshifter Ember but annoying Soske’ and Jung-Mo. Saigo is grateful for the blessings, especially since they protect him from vampirism.

Back on the trail, the caravan soon overtakes the two elderly hikers Ember had seen the night before. Li Jo introduces himself as “Happy Joe,” and his wife Shi Ling as “Celine.” Saigo identifies himself as “Reiko Takahara,” Toshi as “Master Roshin,” Ember as “Lady Kanara,” and Soske’ as “Disciple Greywind.”

Souji Nobuto Yoshimitsu uses his nickname “Sonny,” and Jung-Mo again slips away. “Reiko-san” claims to be heading south toward some hills, but Happy Joe says that he knows they are walking in the same direction and that he can’t allow that.

“Disciple Greywind” casts Detect Evil and senses that Joe has malicious intent, but Celine does not. “Lady Kanara” readies a Wall of Fire spell, and Soske’ again parleys with abusive spirits for an Ancestral Weapon. Saigo draws his katana and charges, but Joe has begun to change in size.

The old man’s clothing stays the same, but it now hangs on a horned, tailed Oni or giant. Celine’s skin turns to marble. Toshi prepares to cast Invisibility, and Sonny agrees with Saigo to focus on giant Joe….

Dexter, we missed you this past weekend! Note that we won’t be meeting virtually on Sunday, June 15 — Happy Father’s Day to Dex, Byron, and Bruce!

It was good to see some of you at Jason E.R.’s final “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero game for now, and I’m looking forward to Bruce’s “Pathfinder: Eberron/Reign of Winter.” I’ll see some of you at upcoming “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” sessions.

In the meantime, remember to update your character records on Obsidian Portal, including spells and possessions, and let me know.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” Session 39.40 — Barbaric temples and taverns

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.40, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 2 June 2014:

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign, using the D20 Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game and FATE3e Legends of Anglerre, as of summer 2014:

“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. 9

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 9

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 9

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 9

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 9

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 9

“Rhys Davies” [Drew S.]-male Tinker Gnome (Minoi) clockwork gadgeteer; TNg, Lvl. 9

(See previous notes for Paladins “Radius” [Jason E.R.] and “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.].)

“10 to 11 March 1227 B.C.E.:” After fleeing from the Temple of Elemental Evil to Tarvulis Isle, “Vistel’s Expedition” reboarded the Sea Elven schooner Foamrunnerand sailed north on the Sea of Nagendwa. On the way, it rescued Tinker Gnome “Rhys” [Drew S.] and five Suthern sailors, fought a pursuing elemental, and destroyed another boat with Undead.

Back on the mainland, the explorers defeated a Wolven raiding party and entered the haunted port of Gisar, where they planned to send Tempestade home via an obelisk beneath the House of Xia.

Corwin and Elsa reconsider going straight into the city’s sewers, and the adventurers instead visit the temple of Shebsen, lady luck. Impresario Duvro ushers them to numerous games of chance and skill.

Giacomo recommends caution, and Hamfast decides to go off on his own to look for a proper pub. Scully and Tempestade join a game of mah jong, as Corwin wins and then loses some gold. Elsa observes a Wolfen trader and a Minotaur bookie among the Skaevingol (Scandinavian-style) and Tsucharim (Mongol-style) humans.

Rhys plays a roulette-like game and notices that the wheel spins too smoothly and stops too suddenly to be without some covert interference. The Tinker Gnome generously tips the card dealers for a favorable reputation.

As Hamfast walks from Ivory Way onto Saddle Path, he notices the “Walking Yurt.” The Zeda (Germanic-style) human has a few rounds of drinks with Brega the Thirsty, a Vistani (Gypsy-like) human barfly.

Back at Shebsen’s casino, Corwin, Elsa, and Giacomo obtain a private audience with high priestess Linda Lao. They ask about the ruined Magisterium (magic school/library) at the House of Xia, and the slinky Cleric says that people avoid it because of its proximity to the draconic temple of Tiamat and its connection to magic.

Most Barbari humans in the Gusorin Confederation distrust arcane spellcasters. The Tsucharim priestess also mentions that Lady Leafcutter, a Dark Elf, and Count Radescu, a member of the city’s vampiric aristocracy, are known to visit the library beneath the House of Xia.

Scully and Tempestade venture out into Gisar’s winding streets. Flind Scully discreetly looks for allies of the Order of the Golden Lion, while Brazilian human Tempestade sees fellow martial artists sparring for the first time.

Hill Dwarf Elsa asks Lao about other shrines, and she recommends the Grove of Ami Koshi and the theater of Brijitt. Half-Elf Corwin asks for her blessing for their mission, and Rhys and Hifalendorin human Giacomo send runners out to look for their companions.

At the Walking Yurt, Hamfast orders vodka, and bartender Irena Debrova introduces him to Orc gladiator Bloody Axe. They become fast drinking buddies. Scully spots Hamfast as she walks by, and the mighty Fighter joins her and Tempestade.

They stop at the “Drunken Yak,” where they are disgusted to see patrons getting milk straight from the udder. Despite their lack of a common language, Tempestade manages to persuade Monk Tsu Chao to bring him to the House of Smashing Blows.

Meanwhile, Corwin, Giacomo, Elsa, and Rhys cross the Mist Bridge to visit the priestesses of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry. Bard Corwin meets Gerta the Naughty, a scrawny shaman and reciter of filthy limericks. Elsa asks Yorvik the Blunt, a boisterious skald (Bard), about Gisar’s history.

Wizard Giacomo and gadgeteer Rhys listen to Ignaz the Mild, a meek peasant with a melodious and loud singing voice. The wanderers learn that Lord Narkil, the city’s current ruler at Barovic Castle, is allied with Capt. Vasily Banovich, commander of the Undead pirate ship Plague of Heaven.

Corwin casts a Message spell, and Hamfast and Scully rejoin the group, leaving Tempestade with his new training partners. Hamfast and Rhys stay to listen to Yorvik’s tales, while the others head to the Grove of Ami Koshi, goddess of nature.

Darkness falls as the outlanders make their way past the “Steaming Sausage” into the humanoid quarter. Ranger Scully is annoyed to sense Gnolls abusing a cat in an alley, but she avoids a fight. Three local toughs accost the group — Bugbear Orn [Brian/Non-Player Character], Ogre Squish [Drew/N.P.C.], and shady human Furnis [Josh/N.P.C.].

Clever Corwin offers to conjure treasure for the trio and covertly casts Charm Monster on Squish. The burly Ogre then argues with furred Orn to let his new “friends” go. Furnis quietly watches. Corwin then tosses the dimwitted creatures a pouch of 10 crowns (gold pieces), and they head toward the Steaming Sausage.

Giacomo notes that Orn and Squish might get stomped by a Hill Giant there, and Scully and Elsa are glad to continue on their way. Furnis goes to sell information about who and what he has seen to the highest bidder.

At the apparently unkempt Grove of Ami Koshi, Elsa asks fellow Druid Deerslicer about the sewers and evil cults, but the Grugach (Wild Elf) is initially uncooperative. Scully lets Owlicious fly freely and tries to chat with Tsucharim Ranger Mudface. The team warily makes its way back to the temple of Brijitt to spend the night there.

Giacomo keeps Gerald, his homunculus familiar, and his cursed tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra hidden. Saganim Prince Corwin looks for Gerta but finds that Hamfast has already claimed her attention to learn the Barbari tongue, among other things.

Wise Scully sets watches in the strange city. Elsa talks about entering the sewers to get Tempestade home, but most of the group doesn’t plan to accompany him beyond that. Acrobatic Tempestade asks Tsu Chao and the other Monks for aid in freeing fellow slaves.

Rhys has a nightmare of being chased by Goblinoids, as “Vistel’s Expedition” rests before further exploration of barbaric Gisar…. Far to the northeast, a group of diplomatic escorts fight Oni and human bandits near the village of Wai Shih [see notes for “A New Dawn”]….

Don’t forget to update your character records on Obsidian Portal! I look forward to seeing everyone at Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero session (for now) and Bruce’s upcoming “Pathfinder: Eberron/Reign of Winter” miniseries.