On Saturday, 17 May 2014, Janice and I flew from Boston’s Logan Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor for a week in Arizona. She attended a Society for Technical Communication conference, and I tagged along for sightseeing.
Downtown Phoenix
After checking into the Hyatt Regency, we had a very good Southwestern dinner at Canyon Café. We then took in the Cirque de la Symphonie, a performance of classical music by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra accompanied by impressive acrobats.
On Sunday, May 18, Janice and I had breakfast at the Hyatt’s Terrace Café and then went to the Heard Museum, which had excellent exhibits of Native American art. We had lunch at the museum and dinner at Boka Pizza at Arizona Center.
From Monday through Wednesday, Janice attended convention sessions, and I logged into work from our hotel room. We’d typically start each day with a workout in the Hyatt’s exercise room, shower and dress, grab breakfast at Einstein Bros Bagels, and then meet again for lunch and dinner. The cost of real estate and meals was less than in comparable cities back east. Despite the ongoing drought, it was easy to see the appeal of living in the Southwest.
On Monday, we had decent pub grub at the Tilted Kilt, a theme eatery similar to Hooters, with scantily clad waitresses and at least one kilt-wearing busboy. That evening, we returned to the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix for a simple dinner at the Corner Bakery Café, which I’d compare to Panera.
With high temperatures in the low 100s Fahrenheit early that week — not that I minded the dry heat and hence the shorts — we didn’t want to walk too far. On Tuesday, I had a selection of cheeses at the Arrogant Butcher and had a more down-to-earth dinner at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill across the street from our hotel.
On Wednesday, Janice attended the STC’s closing session, so I went to Potbelly Sandwich Shop for lunch. We then joined some of her colleagues via the Metro light rail to the Phoenix Art Museum, which had exhibits of international art, Southwestern modern art, and Hollywood costumes.
As a pasta fan, I was pleased to have dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory near the museum. I hope that restaurant chain makes it into the Northeast. In my next blog post, I’ll cover more of our vacation in Arizona!
It has been a little while since I’ve posted here about Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast has announced release dates for D&D “Next.”
D&D5e minis
WotC is dropping edition numbering from the titles of the latest core books, although I think that many experienced role-players will continue informally referring to this iteration as “D&D5e.” We’ve already seen much of the rules during the lengthy playtest period, but let’s hope the kinks have been worked out.
I’m not sure what I think about the cover art. It reminds me of later AD&D2e through D&D3.x/D20, with representational art rather than fake leather. I do have fond memories of the illustrations in past editions, but these look a bit exaggerated in terms of action — D&D should be a tabletop RPG with action scenes, not combat game with occasional role-playing.
Even with discounts through Amazon.com and other retailers, the high price point is daunting but not surprising. Also, shouldn’t we support our local game shops? What do you think about D&D “Next?”
For now, our D20/FATE house rules are working fine for both adventuring parties in my long-running “Vanished Lands” fantasy campaign setting, so I’m in no hurry to pick up D&D5e. Still, I am curious about whether it can bridge the gaps among fans of other editions (not to mention Pathfinder) and whether it can encourage more than a temporary uptick in interest in our hobby.
There are more than enough other indie systems, genres, and scenario proposals to keep our groups busy!
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.38, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 5 May 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….
“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. 8
“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 8
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 8
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 8
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 8
“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 8
“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5
“Sir Torrel” [Alex W./Drew S.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 7
“3 to 4 March 1227 B.C.E.:” “Vistel’s Expedition” ventured further beneath the volcanic Mt. Tilefa on Salhonif Island, encountering Wights, dracosaurs, and an insane cultist as it searched for safety and a diabolical contract.
The group rests in Tychon Doomdreamer’s hidden rooms. Giacomo studies spells, and his homunculus familiar Gerald offers to prepare meals. Hamfast keeps watch, and Scully attends to her owl Owlicious and Elsa’s winged cat Penryn.
Tempestade reminds Sir Torrel of his plan to free fellow slaves from his former plantation. The adventuring party had traveled to a Temple of Elemental Evil inthe Zarendo Islands as a step in his quest.
In return for promising to liberate Efreeti (fire spirit) Lady Shadira from her bonds to a devil, the Djinni Tarzu in Falit told Tempestade how to use an obelisk in the port of Gisar to travel through time to Brazil.
Corwin tries to assess the team’s current capabilities, and Elsa argues in favor of heading to the temple at the top of Mt. Tilefa. Pit Fiend Schm*ckF*ck corrupted the portal of commerce between Elementals and people on the Prime Material plane of existence to build a cult around himself.
However, Ranger Scully points on a map to show that it’s possible that the would-be heroes havealreadypassed the tablets used by the Baatezu to enslave various people. There are unexplored tunnels on the level with an arboreteum and a so-called nursery. Giacomo casts Wizard Eye to explore.
The mage follows the pit from the dracosaur lair back down to a level with unholy shrines and a library. A spiral staircase leads past two gargoyles and floating, spherical monsters to the garden level, which is above an underground river and a secret entrance from the besieged city-state of Selifa.
Giacomo perceives a room lined with tiles that could be the contract tablets. Fighter Hamfast and Paladin Torrel watch for other minions of Schm*ckF*ck. Monk Tempestade impatiently waits, and Druid Elsa Wild Shapes into a dire ape.
Meanwhile, Corwin experiments with a magical brass doorknob that he used to enter Doomdreamer’s chambers. The Bard exits, puts the knob on the concealed door, and twists it the other way. The door now leads to a fiery scene with flaming humanoids and lumpen slaves. The others pull him back.
Elsa and Sir Torrel are not afraid of directly confronting the Pit Fiend, but they are eventually outvoted. Scully finds a narrow passage leading down, and the onetime circus performers descend through volcanic tunnels.
Nimble Tempestade leads the way, followed by Sir Torrel with his large shield. Corwin and Elsa (now in dire badger form) crawl behind, followed by Giacomo, Hamfast, and stealthy Scully. They pass around a few cultists’ cloaks for disguise.
The passages widen, and Giacomo and Scully recognize the garden level. Corwin finds and disables oil and deadfall traps and recommends that the party take the left at each intersection. This eventually leads to rooms full of Ogre guards.
When one steps into the hallway to relieve himself, Corwin casts Charm to learn more. Earl says that he is stationed with Splitnose, Bone Tongue, Thunderbutt, and Pisslips. They recently dug into graves. Corwin tells Earl to get his friends and check for intruders. The burly but dumb Ogres leave their post.
The spelunkers quickly search the Ogres’ room. Giacomo casts Detect Magic, and Hamfast readies his hammer. Scully has to hold her snout from the smell, and Tempestade and Sir Torrel listen for returning sentries. Corwin and Elsa find a secret door and hasten their companions through to another corridor.
The wanderers pass through an old Zarendo crypt without incident. A few more winding passages and staircases later, they find a set of double doors. Scully looks through the Lens of True Sight and sees that two people have been magically imprisoned in the metal doors.
Tempestade wants to free them with a wand of Dispel Magic, but Giacomo notes that they may not be friendly and that unarmed civilians wouldn’t survive long this deep in the temple complex, at least as long as Schm*ckF*ck’s followers are around.
Beyond the doors is a ballroom with tapestries on the walls, ornate rugs on the floor, and a large chandelier. Scully again uses the magical monocle and instead sees mosaic tiles and a Beholder kin instead of the chandelier!
Beholder battle
Half-Elf Corwin casts Disintegrate, but the Eye Tyrant shrugs it off. Zeda human Hamfast charges with his maul, and Hill Dwarf Elsa hurls a Spear of Purity. Hifalendorin human Sir Torrel draws his sword but misses.
Tempestade launches into a flying kick, and Hifalendorin Giacomo successfully casts a maximized Magic Missile, badly wounding the Beholder. Flind Scully shoots an arrow with Silence on it so the creature can’t cast spells.
The Beholder grazes Hamfast with an electrical blast and fires a Ray of Frost from one eyestalk at Tempestade. Corwin responds with Lightning Bolt, and Hamfast hits the gasbag again. In hummingbird form, Elsa partially blinds it with Color Spray.
Sir Torrel misses, but Tempestade uses his Ring of Jumping and Boots of Spider Climb to get on top of the globular monster. He disables one eyestalk, as Giacomo casts another Magic Missile, slaying the Beholder.
Giacomo sends Gerald to retrieve some of the smaller eyes for spell components. Scully explains what she saw, so Corwin uses the wand of Dispel Magic to remove the illusory tapestries. Elsa and Sir Torrel help heal Hamfast and Tempestade.
The investigators pull a few tiles of the wall and confirm that they are inscribed with the names of Schm*ckF*ck’s thralls in various languages. Tempestade and Sir Torrel hate slavery and want to destroy the tablets, but arcanists Giacomo and Corwin demand more time to study them and maybe use them as bargaining chips with the devil.
Giacomo casts a locator spell and tells Tempestade to retrieve Lady Shadira’s contract from high on one wall. Despite everyone’s objections, the Barbari human smashes the tile with a high kick, raising an alarm. Another Beholder arrives with fire Elementals, gargoyles, and Ogres!
As the Pit Fiend and other devils arrive, Giacomo and Elsa scramble to castteleportation spells for a hasty retreat. Vistel’s Expedition finds itself back on Tarvulis Isle, about 300 miles from Salhonif Island.
Drow Wizard “Vasec” [Alex J./Non-Player Character] isn’t happy to learn that the travelers have stirred up trouble at the Temple of Elemental Evil and come directly to him. He warns the visitors that they have made a powerful enemy. Still, the archmage scrys to verify that Lady Shadira has been released from Shambling Mound form.
Giacomo, whose tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra was uncovered on Tarvulis Isle, warns his colleague to be ready for an attack. Hamfast looks forward to returning to Gisar, where Vasec’s pseudodragon familiar Tequila had given him a preview of the barbaric city. “It’s everything I ever wanted,” he says, even if it is ruled by Undead.
Scully returns the Lens of True Sight to Vasec and gives the handful of tiles that she was able to grab to Zarendo human shaman “Tondra” [Rob A.S./N.P.C.]. Despite his brush with death and being yelled at by Giacomo, Corwin, and Elsa, Tempestade is pleased to be one step closer to returning home.
Prince Corwin sends a message to Capt. Scarlet on the Foamrunner to ask the Sea Elven schooner to retrieve the team. Elsa considers setting up a long-distance communication network and says the group should get ready to fight the dreaded Ghost Fleet on the Sea of Nagendwa.
Sir Torrel announces that Otih, the god of the sun and justice, has other plans for him, so he bids farewell as Vistel’s Expedition prepares to sail to Gisar….
Welcome, Drew, to our group, and I look forward to helping you create your own P.C.! I hope our team returns to harmony as it begins the next phase of its journeys and begins looking ahead to “name level.” Let me know who of you will be available around Memorial Day.
In the meantime, I look forward to continuing the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecomcampaign, wrapping up JasonE.R.’s “Glasworks: the Devil’s Den” superheroscenario, and starting Bruce’s “Pathfinder: Eberron” miniseries! -Gene
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.18, which was held on Sunday, 4 May 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….
“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. 5
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 5
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 5
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 5
“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. 5
“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. 5
“27 to 28 April 1227 B.C.E.:” A feast with Soske’s family revealed his prophesied destiny, information about Mt. Gruldar, and a potential assassination plot. The diplomatic escort began visiting various clan leaders, and the Shang crown prince arrived in the city of Sogewa.
Jung-Mo and Ember accompany Lady Yun Aei-Yong as the Gokuri emissary meets with more aristocrats in the capital of Tong Sheng. Sonny gives Soske’ 300 tael (150 gold pieces) for masterwork bracers.
Toshi asks Peng Arong, a Shengtese human earth elementalist from the Phoenix Clan, to look into the defense of Prince Zu Ji, who arrived with only 20 men rather than hundreds of soldiers as expected.
Soske’ asks Kiyoshi Takahashi, a priest at Our Fathers’ Steps, about his numerous encounters with Undead in his travels. After consulting with ancestral spirits, Takahashi says that although it’s not surprising that there are many corpses after recent wars, it’s possible that the dreaded Ghost Fleet on the Sea of Nagendwa is partly responsible for stirring up the unquiet dead.
At Silado Palace, Saigo keeps watch for the end of a meeting of Tong Sheng’s ruling council that Duke Kou Fei Seng hastily called after Zu Ji’s arrival from distant Yin. Instead of imperial guards, a band of mercenaries prevents any interlopers from entering the prince’s quarters.
After meeting with the Dragon and Lion clans, Jung-Mo, Sonny, and Ember join Lady Yun to the manor of the Crab Clan. Shengtese human Sonny recalls seeing an armored Samurai from that clan with a geisha at the House of the Red Lotus, but he keeps it to himself.
Spirit Folk Jung-Mo is surprised that Isamu Yasuki is rude to Nannuattan Lady Yun, but the Crab Clan chief’s candor about the end of hostilities between Tong Sheng and Gokuri is refreshing. Meanwhile, Hengeyokai Ember is curious about Jung-Mo’s frequent absences.
Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo spots Gen. Wang Tung and Zedu ambassador Saionji Yoshio leaving the council chambers. Gen. Wang, who once fought alongside Saigo’s missing grandfather Shinso, says little about the meeting.
Saionji discreetly tells Saigo that he and Lady Yun may soon be reporting to a different authority in Tong Sheng, hinting that Zu Ji may force Duke Kou Fei Seng to step aside. Shan Sao Toshi talks with Budoka Yoshimitsu, a Kitsune (fox person) gardener, and You Mi-Sook, a Kenku (raven folk) herbalist on the palace grounds.
At Kiyoshi’s recommendation, Soske’ consults Ye-Seng Yang, a Yamabushi of nature goddess Ami Koshi. The Shengtese human walks beyond Sogewa’s outermost canals to a lush garden, where he finds his fellow Cleric fishing and relaxing. They talk about finding peace and smiting unnatural monsters.
At the Crane Clan estate, Lady Rekai graciously welcomes Lady Yun, and they soon chat like old friends. Sonny is suspicious of the matron of Daidoji House, which maneuvered his own in the Lion Clan to disgrace. The Kensai makes a few pointed comments to Lady Yun to raise doubts about Daidoji’s honor and standing.
Wu Ember observes that members of the Crane Clan dress in a manner similar to crane Hengeyokai, probably to honor a common ancestor, even though they are not shapeshifters themselves. Merchant Jung-Mo arranges for dinner with Ember, who has alsobeen courted by Kamachi Yushiro, a Lion Clan Samurai.
Samurai Saigo uses a combination of bluffing and stealth to get past Zu Ji’s entourage into his quarters. Wu-Jen Toshi shifts into black baza (bird) form to keep watch outside and notices a raven sitting on a nearby branch.
At first, Toshi is reminded of You Mi-Sook, but the raven gives him a sideways glance. The eastern Halfling Wizard flies to the ground as the raven changes to its true Nezumi (ratling) form.
Toshi casts Magic Missile and Steam Breath, injuring the would-be assassin. The Nezumi uses a blowgun to fire poisoned darts at Toshi before switching to shurikens. Toshi shakes off the paralytic and casts Cone of Cold.
Inside, Saigo eavesdrops on Zu Ji, who tells his men, “It’ll be anytime now,” but he doesn’t hear Toshi fighting outside. The Samurai tries to disbelieve, but the prince is who he says he is.
The Nezumi Ninja quaffs a healing potion but is held in place by Toshi’s Web spell. He hurls more shurikens before being slain by Enchanted Blade and Lightning Bolt spells.
Shukenja Soske’ reluctantly goes to the shrine run by his Uncle Jiro, who has heard all about his adventures, thanks to other nosy relatives such as Soske’s cousin Yao-Ren Hu. Soske’ is alarmed when Jiro suggests that perhaps someone murdered the priests serving the villages beset by Undead to enable such attacks.
At dinner, Jung-Mo gives Ember a bracelet with dragon charms, indicating that he suspects her true nature. He finally reveals his identity as a Nannuattan to the banished gold dragon. In addition, Jung-Mo shows Ember his wyvern egg.
Toshi casts Camouflage and climbs the tree to search the Nezumi. He finds three shurikens, a vial of poison, 2 platinum pieces, a pouch of gems, and a Ring of the Raven (shape change 3x/day, but violent handoffs).
Saigo manages to slip out of the barracks, and he and Toshi go to rejoin their companions and compare notes. They find only Sonny, who has been staying with Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja, her Draconian bodyguard.
Soske’ prays to the ancestral spirits for guidance. He uses Commune With Lesser Spirit to ask about the agents of Chaos and plague of Undead. The Shukenja learns that there are some in the palace, both recent arrivals and a longer-term presence.
Soske’ is also concerned when he finds out that his group is the only one fully aware of the imminent danger to the Principality of Silado….
It was great to see everyone online after a few weeks! We’ll likely be facing another break, with Mother’s Day, travel, and Memorial Day fast approaching. See my earlier post regarding one-shots and other options for when we don’t have quorum.
Let me know your availability, and I look forward to seeing some of you at upcoming “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” games and continuing our adventures! -Gene
On Sunday, 4 May 2014, I met Thomas K.Y. & Kai-Yin H. and Bruce K. at the Landmark Embassy Cinema in downtown Waltham, Mass., for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. We enjoyed lunch at The Grill on Pine St. and the latest superhero sequel.
Spidey swings back into action
Plot: Amazing Spider-Man 2 takes place shortly after the events of 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, which rebooted Sony’s franchise of the 2000s. Our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler has successfully defeated Dr. Curt Connors/the Lizard but at the cost of the life of NYPD Capt. Stacy, the father of Peter Parker’s girlfriend Gwen.
Haunted by tragedy, Spidey isn’t able to rest for long, when a Russian gang member, a onetime fan and industrial accident victim, and an old friend challenge his vow to protect his fellow New Yorkers, especially Gwen.
Peter also learns more about the mystery surrounding his parents’ disappearance years before. I didn’t think it was necessary to tie Spider-Man’s origin so tightly to his parents or to the creation of various villains, but superhero movies tend to do that.
Acting: Since Amazing Spider Man 2 focuses on Peter more than his costumed alter ego, it’s good that Brit Andrew Garfield is a strong anchor to the film. Despite his lanky frame, he conveys both Peter’s world weariness and Spidey’s joy in swinging through Manhattan’s steel canyons.
Garfield is again ably supported by winsome Emma Stone (his real-life girlfriend) as Gwen Stacy and Sally Field as hard-working Aunt May. Jamie Foxx gets the most screen time of the villains as dweeby Max Dillon, who becomes Electro, but Chronicle‘s Dane DeHaan provides more emotional resonance as Peter’s wealthy childhood pal Harry Osborn.
I’ll try to avoid “spoilers” beyond what you may have seen in posters and previews, but any Spidey fan knows what happens to troubled Harry. Of course, creator Stan Lee has a brief cameo. Paul Giamatti’s appearances as Aleksei Stytsevich/the Rhino are almost as brief and clearly setup for the inevitable “Sinister Six” sequels.
Direction and cinematography: Marc Webb, who directed this film’s predecessor, clearly understands the characters, and he wisely focuses on Peter’s relationship with Gwen, his Aunt May, his absent parents, and Harry. Amazing Spider Man 2 starts out a little slow, with a few set-piece battles, and it gradually picks up speed.
The web-slinging and fight scenes are very good, but not ground-breaking. I’m glad to see Spidey’s classic costume restored. As much as I appreciate the occasional slow-motion scene, showcasing poses from the original Marvel Comics pages, audiences have become a bit jaded by plentiful computer-generated visual effects and pyrotechnics.
As a native New Yorker, it was nice to see an upbeat portrayal of my hometown despite all the destruction, as well as the celebration of everyday heroism provided by police, firefighters, and brave civilians. While Disney/Marvel has little to fear, it’s the one area where Spidey complements and competes with the four-color Avengers.
Soundtrack: The Amazing Spider-Man 2‘s musical score is good, with optimistic themes that Man of Steel could have used. It’s not quite as stirring as for the earlier Spider-Man flicks, but I noticed it more than for several other recent films. Peter’s cell phone ring tone also harkens back to the 1960s cartoons.
Rating: Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which has gotten mixed reviews. Yes, like most superhero sequels, there are too many villains and leaps of logic, but the acting and dialogue make up for obligatory fisticuffs.
I’d give The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which is rated PG-13 for violence, a B or B+, a 7.5 out of 10, or three and a half out of five stars. I liked the first Spider-Man 2 and Captain America [2]: the Winter Soldier slightly more, but this is a solid entry for Spider-Man fans and certainly better than Spider-Man 3.
I’m looking forward to the latest incarnation of Godzilla, X-Men: Days of Future Past (which got a non-sequitur of a teaser during Spidey’s end credits), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (I recently saw and liked Rise of Planet of the Apes), and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Gene's Worlds 
