“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.24 — Turning tides

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.24, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 21 October 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 autumn 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. 5

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 5

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 5

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 5

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 5

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 5

“Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justic; LGn, Lvl. 5

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“20 to 24 December 1228 B.C.E.:” The adventuring party had helped the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human port of Sileran strengthen its defenses in response to unnatural weather. Scouting expeditions to nearby swamps and the Bay of Ethalgo revealed more cult activity, amphibious humanoids, and potential for attack at the winter solstice.

In the wet weeks leading up to the holiday, the onetime circus performers had also conducted research at various temples and participated in bouts at the “Silver Stirrup” pub.

At the local Magisterium (magic school/library), Giacomo du Vane continues his inquiries into the so-called Mad Mage, who is connected to his tattoos, according to Megara Anteia, a dark priestess of Gheket. He reviews his credit with colleague Muriel Tekla at Tobin’s Emporium.

Giacomo also mentions to his friends “cold steel,” a reddish antimagical alloy, as a potential defense against the dreaded ghost fleet. In addition, the Wizard plans to ask about getting passage to Falit, capital of the Ebir Sheikdom, on the Sea Elven schooner Foamrunner [see “Dragonslayers” notes].

Hamfast Hammerfist evaluates and enlists mercenaries at the Silver Stirrup to help with Sileran’s defense. Scully Strongbow asks Caranthir, a Sylvan Elf Druid at the Grove of Arbos, about the giant footprint she found in the swamps.

Corwin Windsong, Elsa Fairbottom, and Sir Torrel help train Sileran’s militia at the Caerling Circus. Corwin spends his spare time with Nydarelle, a Sylvan Elf whom he met at the Bardic College/temple of Brijitt.

Elsa also helps River Dwarf Burdag with siege engines and obtains holy water from priest Henry Ironfist at Nersago’s Forge [temple of Vulkan/Moradin]. Tempestade makes sacrifices at various temples and still hopes to rescue people from his distant homeland.

Sir Torrel reports to Father Bran at the tower of Otih. The Paladin then goes to the agora (market square) to ask Tch’tt (“Tochit”), a Pernicon (Thri-kreen), to watch out for cultists of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

The wanderers have reconvened for dinner at the Moonbeam Inn when they hear shouting out in the sodden streets. They run to the harbormaster’s tower on the Watcher’s Tor, where they see a blue-skinned giant scaling the city walls!

Corwin casts Mirror Image and draws his enchanted long sword, while Elsa enflames Sir Torrel’s sword and Hamfast’s maul. Scully climbs the tower to get a better vantage point and sends owl “Owlicious” to see what else is going on.

Giacomo maims himself in an effort to cast Scorching Ray, and Hamfast ponders whether the attack is a diversion. The huge monster sweeps Saganim sentries and catapults over the parapets with blasts of water from the Bay of Ethalgo.

Paladin Torrel steps forward and draws first blood in the battle. Monk Tempestade kicks at the giant but is thwarted by the icy steps. Bard Corwin hits the creature, as Druid Elsa’s Light and Bane spells fails to harm it.

Ranger Scully fires silver-tipped arrows and quickly searches for holy water or oil. Mage Giacomo casts Force Manipulation but has better luck with Magic Missiles. Fighter Hamfast first swings at the giant’s knees and feet before hitting higher up.

The azure aggressor, whom Giacomo identifies as a Marid or type of Djinn, slams Hamfast and Torrel. Bashir also grows from 10 to 15 feet in height. Sir Torrel casts Protection From Evil, and Tempestade tries to climb onto the giant, who repeatedly swats him away.

Corwin keeps swinging at the Marid, while Elsa invokes Moradin to Bless her allies. Scully smacks herself with her bow before properly landing arrows. Giacomo casts more Magic Missiles, and Hamfast turns their opponent into a puddle.

There’s no time to rest as Tempestade leads the rush to the next sounds of battle. The squad finds the Crab Shanty crushed by a female Sea Giant. Swashbuckler Corwin has difficulty hitting Fothri, and pious Elsa’s Hold Person is unsuccessful.

Sniper Scully runs to the Eorl’s Tor, and Giacomo switches from Web back to Magic Missiles. Hamfast grabs a few items from fallen Bashir and swings mightily.

The Sea Giant hurls a rock at Elsa but misses. Torrel swears in frustration, possibly offending Otih, as his magical tulwar fails to find its mark. Swift Tempestade runs toward Fothri, as Saganim humans hurl spears.

Corwin and Hamfast hit their foe. Elsa fumbles an attack before going to heal Tempestade and Hamfast. Giacomo’s Color Spray has no effect, and the giantess swings a Riptide Whip at Corwin.

Tempestade grabs at the whip but is smashed into the ground. Torrel prays to Otih and casts Light. Elsa trades blows, while Scully almost loses her bow because of frostbitten fingers. Tempestade cuts himself free and reaches for his sling.

Giacomo maximizes a Magic Missile, and Dwarf Elsa claims victory as Corwin beheads the Sea Giant. Exhausted but exhilarated, the adventurers run farther down the waterfront, past the agora. Owlicious tells Scully that more giants are fighting spellcasters in the southeastern part of Sileran.

They see another Sea Giant and an even taller Storm Giant in the rubble of the Magisterium. Tempestade joins members of the town guard in fighting the Sea Giant as his companions go after the Storm Giant, who is approaching the Halls of Haranur.

Giacomo casts Invisibility and tries to see if any of the items from the Marid or first Sea Giant might be useful. Corwin casts Mirror Image to create illusory copies of himself to distract the Storm Giant. Gaprekisu has killed several sorcerers and soldiers with electrified javelins.

Elsa Heals Self and grabs Fothri’s whip. She also casts Guidance on Sir Torrel, whose Detect Evil finds that the giants are more chaotic. Scully finds a repeating hand crossbow in the ruins of Tobin’s Emporium.

Corwin and Hamfast strike at Gaprekisu, whose tough hide turns half of their blows. Elsa digs through the debris and finds a Wand of Frost. Scully’s crossbow bolts fire wide, and Tempestade tries to climb Cormu, the second Sea Giant.

Sir Torrel casts Spiritual Hammer, and Giacomo cuts himself to cast Force Manipulation to provide shields. The Storm Giant dispels one of Corwin’s images and stabs Giacomo with a javelin.

Cormu drops a rock on Tempestade, knocking him unconscious. Saganim sentries scatter, and the surviving adepts rush to contain the damage. Megara is wounded in front of her temple. Corwin manages to cast Web against Gaprekisu but stuns himself.

Elsa casts Cure Minor Wounds to stabilize Tempestade and reads a scroll of Protection From Electricity. Fighter Hamfast and Sir Torrel circle the Storm Giant, landing a few solid blows but taking wounds in the process.

Unlucky Giacomo harms his own visage, burns a hole beneath himself to catacombs, and makes his hands translucent. The Wizard recovers by casting Levitation and maximizing more Magic Missiles. Gaprekisu eventually gets unstuck from Corwin’s Web and destroys the rest of his Mirror Images.

Cormu kills another guard and another spellcaster. Tempestade manages to get out from under the rock and limps toward the temple of Otih. On the way, he finds a shortbow, so he heads to the Eorl’s Torr to join Scully on higher ground.

After casting Cure Light Wounds on Torrel and pulling Corwin to safety, Elsa fires the Wand of Frost at the Storm Giant, to little effect. Hamfast has better luck with his hammer. Giacomo quaffs a healing potion before a miscastMagic Missile forces him to shout out his true name.

The Storm Giant hits Sir Torrel and shrugs off arrows from Scully, Tempestade, and Sileran’s archers. Giacomo’s last maximized Magic Missile manages to slay Gaprekisu, but Cormu runs over Corwin on his way back to the bay. The sole surviving giant jumps into the water and swims away.

Scully sees only one sail on the horizon, so Brig. Liam Muldoon concludes that the giant attack isn’t an immediate precursor to an attack by Undead pirates. The clouds above Sileran begin to disperse for the first time in weeks.

The Saganim people bury their dead and begin repairs to the harbor. Cormac ap Morgan, the local earl, thanks Prince Corwin for limiting the potential casualties.

Giacomo asks Bethany Drumgoule if the Magisterium needs investors to rebuild. He also gets a Ring of Water Breathing from Scully, who claims Goggles of Underwater Vision, a Ring of Water Adaptation, and a Torc of Shark Repellent from the fallen giants.

Hamfast takes Gaprekisu’s masterwork great sword, and Tempestade grabs his +1 electrified javelins. Corwin finds shark hide armor (+1) among Bashir’s possessions, and Elsa has Fothri’s platinum amulet of Krakas melted down.

Elsa and Sir Torrel also make sure that some of the 4,000 crowns (gold pieces) in recovered pearls goes to help the city. Each of the defenders gets about 600 g.p., and Giacomo asks the knights of Otih for Restoration spells to recover from his magical mishaps in battle.

After helping to slay three out of four giants attacking Sileran, the onetime circus performers rest, re-equip, and prepare to set sail for Falit….

I hope that everyone enjoyed our back-to-back sessions and big battle! Your characters probably won’t level up until they reach Falit, but gear and magic will be available. I look forward to seeing some of you at Josh & Sara’s Halloween potluck this coming Saturday!

In the meantime, I also look forward to concluding Geoff C.’s “Strange Tales From Chicago” scenario and starting up the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom team. Remember that Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” game will meet at Rich’s place next Monday, Oct. 28.

“Strange Tales From Chicago” session notes

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our latest miniseries, which I enjoyed, despite a late start and unfamiliarity with the “FAE” system:

Player Characters for “Strange Tales From Chicago” Geoff C.’s street-level superhero game, using FATE Accelerated Edition, Skype, and an online dice roller, Sunday, 20 October 2013:

“Fightin’ Fritz” [Gene D.]-male human, flashy Tank, wants to pound knuckleheads, knows all the brawlers about town (see also City of Heroes MMORPG)
“Capt. Grommet” [Beruk A.]-machine whisperer, wants to get back at the man; knows lots of techies
“The Crocodile” [Byron V.O.]-old tough guy, wants to clean up the city and get paid
“Dr. Occult” [Josh C.]-master of occult, seeking enlightenment; knows stage magicians
“Angel of the Night” [Sara F.]-gargoyle-themed guardian of the city, lives above a library

Chicago, “30 Sept. 1982:” Officer Fine visits the “Drop Squad,” a private investigation agency. He tells the group that five unrelated people have been poisoned by arsenic in Tylenol capsules over the past few days. The Chicago Police Department is looking for all the help it can get, he says.

The team agrees to check out the pharmacy in return for access to official lab reports. The do-gooders pile into a Chevy, crank up some tunes, and head to Main Street in a working-class neighborhood.

Capt. Grommet and Dr. Occult go inside to talk with manager Robbie, whose wife offers them honeycomb toffee. The private detectives take the candy for later analysis and learn that some extra medicine bottles somehow showed up on the shelves. The druggist also mentions that “no-good thugs” broke in a few weeks before.

Meanwhile, Fightin’ Fritz and the Crocodile walk around the pharmacy to look for signs of other break-ins, drug deals, or more suspicious activity. They then walk a few blocks away to visit Fritz’s pal Joey in some public housing. He complains about drunk sailors but says that nobody else unusual has been in the neighborhood.

The Angel of the Night climbs up a building, getting applause from bystanders for the feat. She keeps an eye on things but sees no tracks. Capt. Grommet and Dr. Occult learn that an apartment above the pharmacy has been vacant for several months and leave a note for landlord Finnegan Brogan.

Grommit and Fritz debate the merits of recent movies as they head back to the office. The group also checks in with Officer Fine on more toxicology reports, including for the toffee.

On Oct. 1, the gumshoes follow leads to the harbor and a warehouse district. The flamboyant Fritz and man of mystery Dr. Occult attract some attention from the dock workers leaving their shift, as Angel watches from another rooftop. Grommet and Croc go for a lower profile.

At the “Salty Dog,” the second bar the private dicks visit, they spot some of the thugs described by the pharmacist. Fritz offers to buy a round of drinks, but they rudely reject his offer. Angel shadows the suspects, and the group follows her to another building….

I look forward to continuing our investigation next Sunday! Bruce and Dexter, I hope that you’ll be able to join us. I also hope that we’ll be able to put the finishing touches on the P.C.s before the start of the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” fantasy game.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.23 — Swamp Scrags

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.23, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 14 October 2013:

“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 autumn 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. 5

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 5

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 5

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 5

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 5

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 5

“Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justic; LGn, Lvl. 5

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“26 November to 19 December 1228 B.C.E.:” The wanderers had learned about other ports of call, Undead pirates, and unusual weather in the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human city of Sileran. They joined the residents in preparing for a potential attack.

Giacomo du Vane returns to the local Magisterium (magic school/library) and Tobin’s Emporium, where the Wizard finalizes the sale of a Necromancer’s cart to alchemist Muriel Tekla.

Map of Sileran — Map of Saganim port on the Bay of Ethalgo

Bar brawlers
Hamfast Hammerfist goes to the Caerling Circus, which he is disappointed to discover is an arena devoted to chariot races and wrestling rather than gladiatorial matches. Maude, a bookie, refers the Fighter to the Silver Stirrup pub.

Scully Strongbow takes her owl Owlicious and growing owlbear cub Oswald to the Grove of Arbos for exercise. The Ranger also visits the field of Grulla, the huntsman, for archery practice. Tempestade is not impressed by most of the games at the Caerling Circus, despite the presence of fellow Monk Ling-Wa.

Corwin Windsong and Elsa Fairbottom ask aged scholar Witheril at the Bardic College for more information about Undead controlling the port of Gisar. The Bard and Druid also ask about who could conduct a ritual altering the weather, since Sileran has suffered from weeks of clouds and rain.

Sir Torrel gets an enchanted Gem of Translation from Tch’tt (“Tochit”), a Pernicon (Thri-kreen) who is grateful for news of slaves liberated from Hobgoblin legionnaires. The Paladin later joins Hamfast and others at the arena and Silver Stirrup.

Giacomo slips away to the temple of Gheket, goddess of witchcraft and the night. He asks Megara Anteia for help with his tattoo. The priestess observes that it appears to be the visage of the “Mad Mage,” a Hifalendorin arcanist of a generation earlier who was magically imprisoned for betraying a patron.

Sultry Megara says that she can remove Giacomo’s magical ink, in return for his goodwill to the worshippers of Gheket. The Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human asks for time to consider her offer.

Corwin, a.k.a. Prince Berek, turns down an offer from kinsman and earl Cormac ap Morgan to stay at the Halls of Haranur so that he can be at the Moonbeam Inn, closer to his friends and singer Phelir.

Corwin also asks Nydarelle, a Sylvan Elf Bard he met at the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, to accompany him to the Silver Stirrup. Elsa invites Burdag, a River Dwarf working to improve Sileran’s defenses, to join her for drinks.

At the bar, Corwin pays the 4 crown (gold piece) entrance fee so that Hamfast can participate in underground boxing bouts. Seamus Earbiter [Patrik D’H./Byron V.O./Beruk/Non-Player Character] defeats Half-Orc Fang [Matt F./Josh/N.P.C.] with an eye gouge. Tempestade watches with bemusement.

Mighty Hamfast quickly bests Seamus, winning wagers for Giacomo, Corwin, and Elsa. Proprietor Wilbur Camden tries to arrange for another challenger when tough-talking Paddy [Beruk/N.P.C.] strikes Scully, knocking the Gnoll unconscious. Torrel races to Scully’s side and Lays on Hands.

Hamfast dives into the crowd and beats Paddy down. Hamfast buys a round of drinks and becomes fast friends with burly Seamus. Elsa offers to watch his gold rather than let it all be spent on alcohol, but the Zeda human turns down the Dwarf.

Swamp rats
Elsa recommends checking the swamps northwest of Sileran for renegade Druids or cultists of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom. Corwin requisitions a river boat with some of the local militia. The skies clear as they head into dense reeds outside the city.

Scully sniffs and detects a scent similar to the Sea Hags encountered in the sewers of Thadenis. The onetime carnival performers disembark, leaving the guardsmen with the boat. Scully, Sir Torrel, Corwin, and Hamfast take the lead, with Giacomo, Tempestade, and Elsa following.

The group follows a narrow path leading into the marshes and realizes that it is in the shape of a spiral, Krakas’ holy symbol! The winding way leads to a clearing and a large iron cauldron. Giacomo casts Levitation, Elsa invokes Gaia (Mekkil) to Bless , and Torrel Detects Evil.

Symbol of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom — Winding path

After a few shoves, Hamfast and company overturn the cauldron, spilling a Sahuagin (shark man) stew. Their horror is only compounded when Scully and Elsa find giant-sized footprints. The away team races back to the boat but finds it capsized and its crew drowned.

Scully and Sir Torrel dig into the sand to disrupt the spiral pattern, as Elsa tries to cast Mend on the boat. Soon the sounds of cackling interrupt them as four Scrags (amphibious Trolls) enter the clearing.

Hamfast steps forward with his maul, exchanging blows with the lank-haired Scrags. Elsa casts Entangle , slowing two monsters and Hamfast, and nimble Tempestade kicks at the regenerating Trollkin. Corwin hits with his enchanted sword, but Scully’s initial arrows, dipped in holy water, miss.

Giacomo casts Magic Missiles , and Sir Torrel wields a flaming tulwar, thanks to Elsa. Hamfast frees himself from the weeds, as the Scrags rake at him and Torrel with filthy claws. Tempestade spins but misses, while Elsa casts Bane.

After a few more misses, Scully and Corwin connect with their foes. Hamfast and Tempestade defeat one Scrag, and Torrel, doing better than he did unarmed at the circus, smites another. Elsa casts Light and drags Hamfast away for healing, and Giacomo’s ball of Force Manipulation helps slay the third Troll.

The group quickly incinerates the Scrags, and Giacomo casts Levitation to cross the Warenthol River before dusk. Hamfast, Scully, and Sir Torrel fall into the cold waters, forcing the others to fish them out. That night, the travelers warm up back at the Moonbeam Inn and debate their next moves.

Bay expedition
During the next few weeks, Giacomo asks Bethany Drumgoule at the Magisterium if she has heard of the Mad Mage. The Saganim sorceress recognizes the tale but says that others in Hesolin or Falit would likely know more.

Hamfast returns to the Silver Stirrup to see if any of the patrons have the experience and willingness to fight in Sileran’s defense. Scully hunts for more Trolls outside the city’s walls but finds no signs of a larger ritual.

Tempestade asks Megara Anteia about her distant homeland in the hope of recognizing directions to his own. The Achaean (Mycenaean Greek) witch describes many islands ruled by warlords, reachable only by months at sea or hiking over many mountains. Unfortunately for Tempestade, this doesn’t resemble the jungles and plantations of Brazil, which he still hopes to reach via a mysterious obelisk in Gisar.

Corwin and Elsa work with the militia in case the dreaded ghost fleet attacks during the winter solstice. In addition, Corwin courts Nydarelle, and Elsa consults Sylvan Elf Caranthir at the Grove of Arbos on how to find or recognize evil Druids. She also sends maps and reports to “Ulrich” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] at the Royal Society for Cartography back in Thadenis.

Sir Torrel asks Father Bran at the tower of Otih, god of the sun and justice, how a temple of Gheket can be tolerated in the city. The Saganim priest explains that death is part of life but notes that the followers of that goddess should be watched.

The adventurers reassemble at the docks to board the Brave Duchess , a Saganim warship. Brig. Muldoon and Capt. Perry order the cog to set forth to search for more sites where Scrags or Druids could be controlling the weather over Sileran.

Giacomo borrows a spyglass, as Hamfast and Sir Torrel hug the rail. Scully has her sea legs, thanks to training with “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.]. Tropical Tempestade huddles below decks for warmth.

Corwin chats with the officers. Capt. Perry says that Capt. Scarlet, the Sea Elf commander of the sleek Foamrunner , might be able to help him get to Falit [see notes for the “Dragonslayers”].

Elsa casts Talk With Animals to ask questions of a seagull and a swordfish. The creatures describe Suthern human corsairs, Goblinoid pirates, and occasional Undead, but what catches Elsa’s attention is a mention of Tritons.

The large sea folk could be responsible for the giant footprints near the Sahuagin stew and spiral of Krakas in the swamps. Since Tritons are typically found out in the Sea of Nagendwa rather than in the shallower Bay of Ethalgo, the explorers theorize that whatever is coming to attack Sileran has driven them into the bay….

I hope that everyone enjoyed our latest face-to-face game, and thanks again for the birthday cake! Remember that we’ll be continuing with “Vistel’s Circus” next Monday, Oct. 21, and Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” will resume on Oct. 28 at Rich’s place in Waltham, Mass.

In addition, I look forward to Geoff C.’s superhero one-shot this coming Sunday, with the “New Dawn” Asian-style fantasy telecom game to begin on Oct. 27.

Captains courageous

Funny, I would have thought Picard…

Your results:
You are James T. Kirk (Captain)

James T. Kirk (Captain)		60%
Will Riker		60%
Geordi LaForge		60%
Worf		55%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		55%
Deanna Troi		55%
Jean-Luc Picard		55%
Chekov		50%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		45%
Mr. Sulu		40%
Uhura		40%
Mr. Scott		40%
Spock		39%
Beverly Crusher		30%
Data		29%

You are often exaggerated and over-the-top
in your speech and expressions.
You are a romantic at heart and a natural leader.

Click here to take the “Which Star Trek character am I?” quiz…

“Star Wars: Dark Times” Session 3 — Dead in space

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 3 of Jason E.R.’s face-to-face “Star Wars” game, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 7 October 2013:

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away — the Galactic Republic has been replaced by a ruthless empire, and the Jedi, once guardians of peace, are now hunted fugitives. In the Unknown Regions, at the edge of explored space, a few Jedi and their allies hope to survive and continue the fight for justice….

>>Player Character roster for Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” space opera miniseries, using Savage Worlds, autumn 2013:

“Ekafti Acomar“ [Gene D.]-female human Jedi consular, older diplomat with many contacts but few remaining friends
“Garolos Banku Nuruolos — Garos“ [Beruk A.]-male Chiss (blue-skinned humanoid) ex-Jedi, gambler and owner of the light freighter “Lucky Strike”
“Oong Bak“ [Brian W.]-male Duros (gray-skinned humanoid) honorable and talented mechanic
“Ari Sundar“ [Sara F.]-female Ssi-ruu (raptor-like reptile) military medic, outcast from a species intruding upon the galaxy
“Thayne Highlander“ [Bruce K.]-male human Jedi padawan close to knighthood, 19 years old; saw master killed by Order 66
“Max Power“ (MX-PR) [Rich C.G.]-male protocol droid with secret combat subroutine, ordered to protect Jedi (overrode Order 66)
“Tark Agros“ [Brian S.]-male Bakuran human pilot and noble, mildly delusional hotshot

“From the journals of Ekafti Acomar, 19 B.B.Y. (before the Battle of Yavin):” We seem to be more adept at getting into and out of trouble than agreeing on or getting to a destination. After encountering clones of me in the Grand Pelgar Hotel, we had gone to the Zanazi religious retreat on Cattamascar.

Two imperial cruisers that had been pursuing the clones floated in orbit, unresponsive. Adaha Tila made claims for the right to salvage, but the Zeltron woman got no response from the cruisers or Bakuran authorities, as far as we could tell.

Star Wars: Dark Times imperial cruiser — An early Imperial cruiser

At my recommendation, Garolos Banku Naruolos hailed Tila’s ship, which was docked with one of the disabled warships. Tark Agros piloted the Lucky Strike close enough to the Folly so that we could scan the sleek Hwk 290-class freighter for life signs.

Meanwhile, Oong Bak continued to make repairs on the Lucky Strike, and Thayne Highlander and MX-PR prepared to join Garos and me in going aboard the cruiser. Ari Sundar received a royal signal from her people, the reptilian Ssi-ruuk.

After some negotiation, Tila granted us permission to come aboard after an hour, during which she was apparently looking for something of value. I resisted recommendations that we shoot at the Folly before then, in the hope we could avoid a fight.

Garos contacted Jarik Tai, a Bakuran recruiter for “The Brotherhood” he had met at the Terminus restaurant, to see if he knew anything about Tila. Unfortunately, Tai had little useful to say about the attractive Zeltron.

We detected small-arms fire at the Folly, so Thayne, Garos, and I donned vacc suits and jumped to the cruiser. Droid “Max” easily followed. Oong, Ari, and Tark stayed with the Lucky Strike.

We interrupted a three-way shootout, with Adaha Tila drawing her blaster pistol on two groups. One included four tentacle-faced Krevaaki, similar to sage Moross Sapan, whom we had met at the retreat. They yelled something about “heretics.”

The last party to the standoff was a yellow Ssi-ruu guarding several blue-scaled younglings. Ari later explained that her red hide denotes the warrior caste, with the yellow representing scientists and blue the aristocracy. I told Ari what we found via comlink, and she rushed to join us.

I asked Tila how she was doing, and onetime Jedi Garos asked everyone to hold their fire. Ari and I wanted to protect the innocent younglings, so Max fired a grenade at the Krevaaki. One of the zealots managed to catch the explosive and throw it back at us!

I narrowly escaped serious injury, and recent padawan Thayne ignited his light saber and attacked the Krevaaki. Garos and Max shot them, and Ssi-ruuk Ari and Idiian wanted to get the royal younglings to safety.

Meanwhile, Oong and Tark were amused by our attempts to figure out what to do. They were forced to make evasive maneuvers as another Krevaaki ship fired on the Lucky Strike.

Tila slipped away, and Thayne and I headed to the main bridge, passing numerous stormtrooper corpses on the way. This could have been the work of my clones.

We found Tila blocked by a hazy green force field that blocked only organic matter. Over the comlink, I called for Max to join us, even as we glimpsed a dim shape moving on the bridge.

Adaha admitted that she was looking for confirmation of the Sanctuary Route, a rumored hyperspace lane. Garos seemed to recognize it. As the Krevaaki riddled the Folly with holes, I called for Ari and the other Ssi-ruuk to join us, away from the docking bay.

Max entered the cruiser’s bridge and saw an anomalous life form that he described as a mass of muscle and sinew, similar to Durge, the Gen’Dai bounty hunter. It had ripped the command crew to bloody shreds, and we decided to leave the force field containing it alone. With Krevaaki still around, we decided to leave via Idiian’s ship.

The Ssi-ruu scientist said (although not in so many words) that his people had made a deal with the Galactic Empire for clones in exchange for technology that converted vitality into energy usable by starships.

As Ari translated, I discovered through Mind Read that Idiian planned to take us all back to his homeworld, where we would be strapped to gurneys and tortured for our life force. I used the Jedi Mind Trick to get him to drop out of hyperspace near Gymelo, and I granted Max permission to take him down.

The belligerent droid immediately resorted to lethal force, which I should have predicted. Garos and Ari were confused, and worse still, Max wasn’t able to immediately incapacitate the pilot. To add to our difficulties, the younglings reacted by trying to protect their fellow Ssi-ruu.

The small but vicious raptors scarred Ari, tore circuits from Max, and attacked Thayne and me as we tried to gain control of the ship. Adaha cowered in terror. Fortunately, Thayne was able to land the ship, and I depressurized the cabin on the way to knock out everyone not in space suits.

We sent a signal to the Lucky Strike, which soon joined us in Gymelo’s jungles. Oong attended to the injured, and Thayne tied up Idiian and helped me move the insensate younglings to a locked compartment.

Oong found that the Ssi-ruuk ship was powered by P’w’eck, a reptilian subject race, wired into its systems. We released the weak slaves, who staggered off into the forest. Garos was disappointed that we couldn’t obtain any data or useful salvage.

Tark, Garos, and Max wanted to kill the younglings, but I knew that unconscious Ari wouldn’t. Even though they were bred or cloned to be killing machines, I couldn’t take their lives in good conscience, even if they had tried to kill us.

After another heated debate, I told Idiian that we would leave him and the younglings on Gymelo and that they should remember our mercy. As we left, the Lucky Strike got a Clone Wars-era distress signal, CC-648.

We followed the signal to a small clearing, where clone Cmdr. “Thorn” and the remains of his platoon greeted us. Over Garos’ objections, I revealed my identity as a Jedi. He greeted us as officers, but I had to explain how the old Republic had fallen to Palpatine’s schemes.

Naturally, “Thorn” had difficulty understanding why the Republic would have fallen from within rather than as a result of Separatist or Ssi-ruuvi attacks. Somehow, his group hadn’t heard about Order 66, which outlawed all Jedi, so Thayne and I were safe for the moment.

We shared what supplies we could, and I promised the loyal troopers that I would try to return. Thayne and I viewed these men as potential assets and their base, far from imperial orders, as a rare safe landing site. Garos and Tark would have preferred to kill them in cold blood.

Tark detected the source of the signal jamming these clones’ transmissions, which we traced to a Separatist emplacement. We left the clone troopers behind, as well as recuperating Ari. She agreed to watch the Lucky Strike and reluctant passengers Adaha, Princess Tethys (one of my clones), and suspicious protocol droid B-1E4.

We found nine commando droids circling the clone trooper camp, plus lumbering Viper droids with transmitters. We decided to leave them alone and head back into space, since destroying them might expose the troopers to Order 66.

Since Cattamascar was on the Shirotoku Way between Gymelo and Bakura, where I still hoped to thwart the empire, we stopped back at that desert world. Tark and Garos wanted to examine the second disabled cruiser.

On the way, Thayne had another dream of a dark tower and a banner with a centipede symbol. He again saw Endolana, the young daughter of Ataru, a Jedi master who lived 25,000 years ago. This time, Endolana was joined by friends including mute Aliza, Dal-Vha, Khatyen, Tomi and the adolescent Miru.

From the holocron of Sai Agorn, I recognized these girls as the daughters of masters Djem So, Makashi, Shien, Shii-cho, and Soresu, respectively. All had light saber forms named after them, and the children’s kidnapping was a major cause of the Jedi vow of celibacy.

The girls sung a morbid nursery rhyme, according to Thayne’s later recollection. Endolana told Thayne that he was close to reaching them in “sanctuary,” possibly a reference to Adaha’s hyperspace route.

We arrived at Cattamascar to find more Krevaaki ships attached to the hull of the second imperial cruiser. As Tark flew us by the bridge, its window blew out, and the Krevaaki blasted another fleshy anomaly into space and restored power. An emergency force field replaced the window.

Oong found a way to get a landing bay to open, and we hurried to the bridge, stepping over yet more slain stormtroopers. Tark put on his jet pack and flew ahead, despite my warning. Garos ran after him. Both were shot and wounded by fanatical Krevaaki.

Thayne, Max, and I then rushed in, followed by Garos and Tark. Oong worked to regain attitude control, since the cruiser had been set on a collision course with the Zanazi retreat. This was the third time in as many days that I was on a falling vehicle — first the Grand Pelgar out of control through Cattamascar’s heart, then the Ssi-ruuk vessel, and now the cruiser.

At least we’ve been able to limp away from those events so far. Oong managed to get us back into orbit, but the Black Sun virus re-emerged, threatening to take us to Nar Shaddaa, the Hutt homeworld. We had to leave.

Thayne and I grabbed a few medkits, and Garos hoped to get more useful data. Max and the others grabbed more blasters — we’ll have to see if that protocol droid can be reprogrammed. The Lucky Strike again set forth for Bakura, which we still hoped to defend from imperial grasp….