“Vortex: the Gryphon” Update 5c.11 — Regrouping at Jupiter

Fellow role-players, here is my belated update for Session 3.11 of the “Vortex: the Gryphon” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 30 September 2012. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer and Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

In one future , humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but environmental degradation, population pressures, and internecine conflict persist. The rediscovery of mystical abilities and open and official First Contact with galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

>>FATE 3e “Vortex” Team 3 (5c) telecom Player Characters, crew of the Gryphon, as of autumn 2012:

“Hector Chavez“ [Beruk A.]-male Latin American Terran human, former spy and communications expert/engineer of the Appomattox
“Jasmine“ [Sara F.]-female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter and onetime crewmember of the Appomattox, now apart from the grifters in “MarSoupAiL” with boyfriend Darcy
“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male Terran human cyborg, former sniper for the North American Aerospace Marine Corps. and eugenicists at Black Box Security Co.; onetime crewmember of the scout ship Blackbird
“Jax“ [Robin H.]-male human from the Asteroid Belt, vain space pirate and pilot of the Slipstream and Gryphon
“Orion Starchaser“ [Geoff C.]-male [blue humanoid alien] outcast, irrepressible mystic and adrenaline junkie
-“Dr. Srinu Pahul“ [Byron V.O.]-male Indian Terran “near-human” (bioengineered) xenobiologist, shadowed by scandal and confident in survival skills
“Jim Delaney“ [Robert A.S./absent]-male Terran “near-human” gambler and psi

After the initial voyages of the Venture, the Blackbird, and the Appomattox, other would-be adventurers met at New Gdansk in Earth orbit. The Gryphon made its shakedown cruise to Mars, where its crew explored the outback, participated in dangerous races, and foiled a casino heist.

The pirates and explorers also got involved in conflict between the Synth Liberation Front (S.L.F.) and the United Ecumenical Movement (U.E.M.) and acquired ship parts. From there, the yacht headed to Jupiter….

The Jovian system — Jupiter and one of its many moons

>>”24 to 31 March 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” Hector Chavez double-checks the enhancements taken from the Sea Cloud, Maria Chan’s vessel at the Utopia Planitia shipyards in Mars orbit.

Hector also pieces together a manifest of the cargo from the Vatican Museums that the Appomattox had smuggled away from Earth and left in deep space rather than deliver to the arachnid Nolath at Epsilon Eridani. The former spy’s list includes items known to be missing from the archives, as well as relics rumored to be lost to history but that his earlier scans of the shipping containers had found.

In addition to numerous priceless works of art, Hector’s draft manifest includes the diadem of Theodora, the lost tablets of Babylon, and Musashi’s scabbard. The burned op’s information network queries also list a portion of Priam’s hoard and something called a “televalutor.”

Amateur archaeologist Dr. Srinu Pahul wonders about the cargo‘s intended destination, and sniper Chris McKee hopes that some items may be helpful against the approaching Zarkonian Armada.

Jasmine leaves sickbay and talks with Hector, who is also recuperating, about what she missed while under Dr. Pahul and Orion Starchaser’s care. The “Synth” is surprised to learn of Chris and Jax’s armed confrontation while they scrambled to determine who had fallen under the influence of the “Harbingers of the Righteous Order of Submission.”

Srinu and Orion confirm that the nanites (microsocopic robots) radiated psionic suggestions and were emitted by the Zurmiz Krott, biomechanical probes for the crustacean Zarkonians. The former members of the crews of the Blackbird and Appomattox who had encountered these probes — which had created cannibalistic mobs in Ghanki Station and Oasis Station — are no longer infected, says Dr. Pahul.

At Hector’s recommendation, Orion cheerfully accompanies Srinu in one of two escape pods as they study the nanites that were disabled by an electromagnetic pulse and retrieved from their comrades. Wary Hector reminds Dr. Pahul to avoid active scans because the Harbingers apparently absorb energy.

The escape pod floats near the Gryphon in orbit around Jupiter, and Orion telepathically senses Srinu’s potentially dangerous curiosity. The blue-furred alien also raises a telekinetic shield to help contain the nanites, which are centuries ahead of Terran technology.

Dr. Pahul eagerly presses on with his experiments, but Orion senses the probes reawakening. They note that heat hinders the nanites’ attempts to form a crystalline structure, escape, and reproduce. Signals from the robots are too weak to analyze.

The daring duo maneuvers the containment unit to the Gryphon‘s maneuvering thrusters, where engineer Hector annihilates it with plasma from the ship’s microfusion generators. Hector and Srinu also hope to devise methods of detection and countermeasures.

Chris agrees to let Orion conduct a more invasive telepathic scan. The alien mystic finds a fractured psyche — his human friend has fragmentary memories of his childhood and military service in the Martian outback, his retraining as an assassin by Black Box Security Co., and later cybernetic modifications.

Fortunately, there are no signs of the Harbingers other than memories of close encounters, and Orion offers to try to help repair the damage to Chris’ memories when they have more time and solitude.

Meanwhile, Jax takes the Slipstream to the “Floating Cove.” The pilot is welcomed by fellow space pirates, and Jax is soon regaling bar patrons with tales of his exploits in the inner Sol system, including a recent encounter with the Satan’s Strumpet and U.S.N. frigates the Repulse and Cheetah. Capt. Will Kleparn of the Silver Sail expresses interest in helping to seize control of a certain pleasure yacht.

Jasmine and her boyfriend Darcy go to Elysium, the orbital habitat capital of the Jovian Commonwealth, to meet old friend Tabitha Hanahi. Tabitha, a lynx-like “Synth” (genetically modified humanoid), takes Jasmine, Darcy, Chris, and Orion to the “Barbed Ring,” where Jasmine once wrestled. They then go rimward to a cafe to talk.

Tabitha says that despite her misadventures in the Mars Confederacy, Jasmine shouldn’t give up on the S.L.F. Since the Union of Solar Nations (U.S.N.) has recognized more civil rights for artificial beings, their political struggles have abated, says Tabitha, even though indentured servitude remains a problem in the outer colonies.

Tabitha refers the tiger-woman to two Delphines (“Uplifted” cetaceans) on the moon of Europa named Shortwave and Quickfin, but Jasmine isn’t happy when she notices Tabitha flirting with Darcy.

Chris watches the Jovian human settlers and a few Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien) visitors in the cafe. Orion chats briefly with Sister Sudra Owens, a United Ecumenical Movement chaplain who asks many questions about extraterrestrials.

Back at the Gryphon, Hector monitors communications while Srinu prepares a report about the Zurmiz Krott. Dr. Pahul plans to personally deliver his results to Lt.Cmdr. Hiroshi Mbenge of the U.S.N. Navy and to Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenobiologist “Sarbonne,” who are in the Jovian system. He also arranges to deliver the same warning to Dr. Jen Mai at Black Box Security.

At the “Floating Cove,” Jax meets Bonnie Kawagura, a friend of his fan Cassandra. After several rounds of drinks, the hotshot pilot takes Bonnie back to the Gryphon aboard the Slipstream.

Jealous Jasmine makes sure to leave her scent on Darcy and broaches the topic of marriage. Orion pops his head into Jasmine and Jax’s cabins and asks what they are doing with their respective companions. His species apparently has three genders, as do the Trinoids.

Chris receives a message from Lt. Brock Ellis, a fellow soldier who worked for Black Box. Brock invites Agent Prometheus to meet him for drinks to catch up, and cautious Chris agrees on the condition that Orion come along.

Hector contacts his onetime handler Max(ine) to see if there’s any trace of his former crewmates from “MarSoupAiL” (shell company Mars Soup Aid Lenders Ltd.). Max refers him to Annamaria Balzana, a former rival near Jupiter who might know more.

Srinu asks Hector for help arranging meetings with Lt.Cmdr. Mbenge and Sarbonne, and Jasmine and Darcy plan to visit the Delphines on Europa. Hector reminds his crewmates as they leave the Gryphon to be careful and not to take on too many potential missions without consulting one another first….

Note that this teleconferencing game won’t be meeting again until Sunday, Oct. 14, because I’ll be at the Higgins Armory Museum for a dinner this coming weekend. Please try to stay in touch between our virtual “Vortex” sessions!

In the meantime, I’m glad that city/character creation are done for Josh’s “A New Beginning: Mystic Adventures in the ‘Big D‘” modern supernatural scenario (using the FATE 3e Dresden Files RPG). In addition, I look forward to seeing some of you for the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” (using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game) next Monday, Oct. 8. Take it easy, -Gene

Captain’s log…

Like memes, quizzes circulate endlessly online. I’m satisfied with this result, even if I thought I’d be more like Capt. Picard….
You are James T. Kirk (Captain)

James T. Kirk (Captain)		65%
Will Riker		60%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		60%
Chekov		55%
Geordi LaForge		55%
Worf		55%
Deanna Troi		55%
Mr. Sulu		50%
Jean-Luc Picard		50%
Spock		49%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		45%
Uhura		45%
Mr. Scott		40%
Data		36%
Beverly Crusher		30%

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…

Gene at the Star Trek Experience — On the bridge of the U.S.S. “Enterprise” NCC 1701-D

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.2 — Ratsickles

Fellow role-players, here is my update for the second session (39.2) of the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy campaign, which Brian W. hosted at his home in Newton, Massachusetts, on Monday, 24 September 2012:

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 broad Plains of Sathendo….

Player Character roster for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of autumn 2012:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage magician, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium (magic school/library); NGc, Lvl. 1
“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 1
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 1
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl.
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Radius” [Jason E.R./absent]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1
“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 1

Vistel's Circus at Androth — Winter circus

>>”4 February 1228 B.C.E.:” The performers rehearse in the Hifalendorin human village of Androth. Cautious Giacomo practices card tricks with a minimum of magic, and stolid Hamfast and shivering Tempestade help other roustabouts.

Burly Scully knocks on the door of the house in whose chimney a Goblin had hidden and scares the resident. The albino Gnoll also assists hapless escape artist Seamus, as animal lover Elsa works with mixed-breed dogs, fainting goats, and her owlbear cub.

Assertive Corwin supervises the different acts and sends flowers to gruff drover Cerdwyn and more receptive dancer Tamara. The Bard also meets Adric Thumon, squire to Saganim knight Sir Banor Finney, and gets 30 silver coins for preferential seating. Radius goes off to meditate, and nobody searches for the cryptic Modron.

The evening show goes well, despite some minor difficulties that are mainly the result of a lack of practice. Scully shoots an apple off Elsa’s head, and a boy named Scotty [Josh/N.P.C.] tests the rope that Scully uses to tie up Seamus.

Fire breather Amur of the Desert Flames and Tamara the Veiled Wonder are less successful at capturing the attention of the 150 attendees, and Corwin has to send beleaguered clown Graham Tervin to relieve Giacomo the Mysterious.

The Flying Perhutens don’t make any serious mistakes, and young Lucille Barrowright sings to accompany ringmaster Giacomo. Local lord Valerius and Orlando Vistel give the troupe a few nights off to rest before resuming practice.

Bruisefoot again contacts Hamfast, and a subset of the circus folk warily agreed to help the Goblin find his kin, who had supposedly been abducted by “bad men.” They hike across the frozen Aehonir River and through sparse winter woods.

Strongbow and Hammerfist take the lead, with Bruisefoot riding on the hyena woman’s shoulders. Scully munches on frozen rats, which she had shared with reptile woman geek Malinzel the Devourer.

Giacomo and Tempestade follow, and Fairbottom and Windsong bring up the rear. The would-be adventurers spend the better part of a day walking, and the skies stay clear.

Corwin and Tempestade scout ahead and find the Goblins’ warren occupied by a giant centipede. Hamfast and Oswald wait outside. The creature is quickly slain, and a further search yields evidence of a nearby silver mine.

Bruisefoot leads the wanderers to a gulch, where a Half-Orc sentry and others forced Goblins to work the mine….

It was good to see most of you at our latest “Vanished Lands” fantasy session. Now that Player Character creation using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game is mostly done, please remember to review them on Obsidian Portal and let me know if you have any changes, such as gear or spells. It shouldn’t be too hard to copy and paste or print out these records for our use.

Let me know if any of you have questions or suggestions, and I look forward to upcoming sessions of the “Vortex: the Gryphon” telecom space opera and Josh’s “A New Beginning: Mystic Adventures in the ‘Big D!'” -Gene

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.1 — “On our worst day, we’re just odd”

Fellow role-players, here is Update 39.1 of my “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy campaign, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Massachusetts, on Monday, 10 September 2012:

In one ancient world, there was a region where demihumans migrated and strange majicks 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.

After various bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, another group journeyed across the Plains of Sathendo….

>>Player Character roster for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign, using the “Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game,” as of autumn 2012:

“Giacomo the Mysterious” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 1
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 1
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 1
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Radius” [Jason E.R.]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1
“?” [Josh C./absent]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 1

>>”1 to 3 February 1228 B.C.E.:” A line of wagons hastens to the village of Androth, seeking shelter from winter winds. New performers have recently joined “Vistel’s Circus” as it crosses the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

Giacomo the Mysterious is a prestidigitator anxious to escape the fate of his corrupted tutor. Hamfast Hammerfist and Elsa Fairbottom have hiked out of the Ivory Mountains, and Scully Strongbow is unlike most of her barbaric humanoid kin.

Strange but honorable Radius has been “summoned” across the planes of existence, and Corwin Windsong, the latest addition to the troupe, has offered to serve as ringmaster. Corwin rides with Orlando and Wilhelmina Vistel, founders of the circus.

Mage Giacomo practices card tricks, while Fighter Hamfast and other roustabouts rest in preparation for pitching camp. Ranger Scully practices her archery, hitting a weathervane with an arrow as the circus enters Androth.

Paladin Radius explains to Druid Elsa that he was exiled for his “asymmetry.” Corwin discusses with Orlando the lineup of acts, which includes the following:

Sharpshooting and knife throwing with Scully Strongbow
Escape artist Seamus Feanor (a Saganim human)
Fire breather Amur of the Desert Flames and dancer Tamara the Veiled Wonder (Suthern humans)
Trained animals: Scully’s owl “Owlicious,” Elsa’s owlbear cub “Oswald,” dogs, ponies, and fainting goats
Magic show: Giacomo the Mysterious
Finale: The “Flying Perhutens” — acrobats Carolus and Simona (Hifalendorin humans)

Orlando steps back from being the master of ceremonies to focus on taking admissions fees, and “Mama Willie” is in charge of sewing costumes. The carnival folk also agree to have the following wandering attractions:

Clown: Graham Tervin (Saganim human)
Guess your age: Modron Radius
The fearsome Barbarian: Hamfast Hammerfist
Freaks: Malinzel the Devourer (Zarendo Islander Lizard Woman) and Gnoll Scully
Caricature painting: Alberto Barrowright (Harfoot Halfling)
Singing: Lucille Barrowright (Harfoot Halfling)

Saganim (proto-Celtic) human drover Cerdwyn mab Ardain supervises the camp setup, aided by taciturn rigger Baskor Steadyhand, a River Dwarf who flirts with Elsa. Zeda human Hamfast is happy to be working, unlike Graham.

Statuesque Cerdwyn also sets watches for the night with Hamfast, Baskor, Graham. Those not on guard go to their bedrolls early. Cheerful Seamus tries to engage Radius in conversation, while Giacomo tries sleight of hand with young Lucille.

Elsa cooks dinner with Willie and Miranda Barrowright, a Harfoot Halfling priestess of Yondalla. They plan to go to the market the next morning to buy more food and other supplies. Scully, Radius, and Malinxalxochitl (a.k.a. Malinzel) clean up any leftovers.

Corwin and Giacomo accompany Orlando in visiting the manor of the local lord. A middle-aged woman named Renata answers the door and introduces them to Sir Valerius. He is grateful for an opportunity to entertain his vassals during the depths of winter and agrees to waive any taxes as long as there isn’t any trouble.

At the “Gully Jug” tavern, some of the performers announce their arrival and order drinks. Harfoot Halflings Jacques and Claudia serve the newcomers. Elsa asks Radius to keep an eye on Corwin as she and Elsa leave the village to let their animals hunt.

Giacomo watches peasants Terence and Branwyn argue, and Corwin asks for the rarest beverage available. Jacques gives the Half-Elf Bard a Gnomish cordial, just as Forest Gnome Liskjaf… shakes his head and departs. Soon, Corwin is standing on a table and singing rousing ballads.

Shortly before dawn, Hamfast is on watch when he is hit by a snowball! The tall human looks around the edge of the circus camp and the town square, and he spots footprints leading to a downspout. After getting hit by another snowball, Hamfast spots a Goblin hiding in the eaves of a building.

Bruisefoot begs for help. Apparently, the Goblin’s tribe has been “captured by bad men” across the frozen Aehonir River. Hamfast wakes a few of his companions, and they find Bruisefoot hiding in a chimney. The needle-toothed humanoid repeats his plea for help and says that his people are about two days’ walk away.

Giacomo and Corwin (who is nursing a hangover) are reluctant to help Bruisefoot. Radius and company check with local constable Adelard, who says that the Goblins are little more than a grain-stealing nuisance. Elsa argues in favor of helping the green-skinned humanoids, and Hamfast and Scully agree.

But first, the members of “Vistel’s Circus” have a performance to prepare for….

I hope that all of you enjoyed our first session back in the “Vanished Lands,” and let me know if any of you have questions about the “BFRPG” character-creation and house rules. Josh, I look forward to your Monk eventually joining the party. The next session for this fantasy group is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 24.

I also look forward to continuing the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera telecom team and city and character creation for Josh’s “Mystic Adventures in the ‘Big D,'” using FATE 3e Dresden Files next Monday! Take it easy, -Gene

Labor Day 2012 — restaurant weekend

On Saturday, 1 September 2012, I met Thomas K.Y. & Kai-Yin H. and college chum Stuart C.G. and his family. Stu and his wife Zoe and their sons Sammy and Benji were in Boston for a wedding. On the way, I stopped by the Compleat Strategist and Pandemonium Books & Games. We went to Hei La Moon in Chinatown for a dim sum lunch.

After that, we took the “T” to the Museum of Science to let the boys “burn off some of their excess energy” (their own words). We headed back downtown for dinner at Oishii, the best sushi and sashimi restaurant in the area. The food, presentation, and service were all very good, if also very pricey. Janice didn’t join us because she doesn’t like seafood.

After dinner, we hiked back up to No. 9 Park on the Boston Common for dessert. Zoe took her kids back to their hotel, and Thomas and I shared several tasty cheese courses. Unfortunately, service was slow, and even with Thomas giving me a lift back to my car in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I didn’t get home until midnight.

After Janice’s usual shift at the animal shelter on Sunday morning, we went to historic Lexington, Mass., for American food at Lexx. Although most towns in New England have an ice cream parlor, I was pleased to find a few shops in Lexington that serve frozen yogurt because of my late-onset lactose intolerance. We even picked up a container at Rancatore’s to bring home.

On Labor Day 2012, Janice and I returned to Central Square, Cambridge, to meet Thomas & Kai-Yin, Stuart & Zoe, and rambunctious Sammy and Benji for an “Asian-style tapas” brunch at Moksa. Since Stuart and his family had gone to Harvard Square on Sunday, Janice and I headed to the bookshops there while Thomas, Stu, and company went to tony Back Bay.

In addition, I ran my “Vortex” telecom space opera game on Sunday night, and I participated in Brian W.’s fun Fiasco scenario last night. I’ve still got some big projects coming due at work, so more role-playing updates and genre entertainment reviews will have to wait for now. Here comes autumn!