On Saturday, 28 April 2012, Janice and I went to Gore Place in Waltham, Massachusetts, for the 25th annual Sheepshearing Festival. I was impressed by the size of the event and the number of attendees. We enjoyed the herding dog demonstration, fair food, craft tents, and bluegrass music. Janice and I also took a brief tour of the early 19th century home of one of Massachusetts’ governors.
We caught a matinee of The Pirates! A Band of Misfits, the latest comedy from Aardman Animation, the studio responsible for Wallace & Gromit, among other things. We enjoyed the movie, which follows a hapless pirate captain (named “Pirate Captain” and voiced by Hugh Grant) in his quest to win the “Pirate of the Year Award.”
The Pirates!
Along the way, Pirate Captain and his eccentric crew — even for pirates — meet Charles Darwin (voiced by Martin Freeman, also known as Arthur Dent, Dr. Watson, and Bilbo Baggins) and an entirely unamused Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton). Also important to the plot are a dodo, a dirigible, and Darwin’s monkey butler.
If this sounds delightfully chaotic, it is. The Pirates! has a lively Anglo-American voice cast, sight gags too numerous to catch in a single viewing, and good use of modern music (the Clash’s “London Calling” is most memorable). The movie, which combines stop-motion and computer animation, also alludes to real-world literature and science of the 19th century.
I enjoyed The Pirates! more than the past few Pirates of the Caribbean flicks, and I recommend the movie to anyone who likes animation, comedy, or swashbuckling and steampunk. The Pirates! is rated PG for some crude humor and slapstick violence, but most of the adult jokes will sail right over children’s heads. I’d give The Pirates! A Band of Misfits an 8.5 out of 10, a B+/A-, or four stars. This coming weekend is the opening of the much-anticipated Avengers live-action movie….
The next morning, Janice, her parents, and I met Janice’s middle sister Shelly and her children Laura and David for breakfast at the Denny’s across from our motel. Janice and I then visited high school chum Damon F.P. at his apartment in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. We got to meet his cat Caesar, and we watched a little of That Metal Show, before going to check in at the Courtyard Tarrytown Greenburgh, where we have stayed before.
The highlight of the weekend for me was an informal reunion that Damon and I have been planning for a few months. Since we didn’t attend Archbishop Stepinac High School‘s official 25th anniversary reunion last year, we organized a gathering with some of our longtime friends in White Plains, N.Y.
Sean F., Frank J.D., Brian D.H., Carlo R., Damon F.P., and Steve M.
Carlo R., who was two years ahead of the Class of 1986, joined us, as did Frank J.D. We hadn’t seen Frank, who was also my first roommate at the State University of New York at Binghamton, in many years, so we were excited to catch up. After checking out the lacrosse game on a field that was much nicer than the one we remembered, we walked the halls of our alma mater.
Janice was patient as we recounted various adolescent misadventures, including a bus riot, assorted teachers who scared us or whom we drove to tears, and the pranks of our classmates. I was thrilled to reconnect with Frank, who was from Yonkers like me and now lives with his family in Connecticut.
We perused old yearbooks together. It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly 30 years since we first met! Carlo reminded me of our shared interest in DoctorWho and our space opera screenplay for “The Zarkonian Bomb,” which later evolved into the short stories of “The Adventures of Jason Delmar” and the “Vortex” role-playing game setting. We also noted the passing of our collaborators Bill B. and Ray C., among others.
Damon and I once sparred over politics, and we’ve been in regular contact — I’ve served as best man at his weddings, and we met other friends at a 40th birthday bash a few years ago. His impressions of our former teachers, including several priests, were hilarious. Frank was just as interested in sports, cuisine, and good times as I remember, and it was like finding a long-lost brother.
From Stepinac, we went to Executive Billiards, where we met classmates Steve M. and Sean F., as well as Brian D.H., who knew Frank at SUNY-B. and was my housemate right after college when we worked at NYPIRG in Queens. Hockey goalie and painter Steve lives near Frank in Connecticut, and Sean, whom we hadn’t seen since high school, lives and works in White Plains. I’ve been away for long enough to find that city’s growth is impressive.
I saw Brian and several other college friends in Manhattanlast summer, but it was nice to catch up with him and everyone over friendly games of pool with beer and munchies. Damon, Frank, and I had tracked down a few other Stepinac alumni, but they couldn’t make it. Maybe next time.
All of us but Sean had a late dinner at Hacienda Azteca, a nice Mexican restaurant near the pool hall. Were it not for family obligations and travel plans, we could have talked even later into the evening. We may have matured somewhat, but I was pleased to find that our bonds have changed little. Unlike the promises scrawled into our yearbooks, I expect to stay in touch as our friendships are renewed as adults.
The next morning, Janice and I met Damon, Carlo, and Ron J.K. for brunch. Ron is another Binghamton alumnus and a core member of the “Westchester crew.” Unfortunately, we couldn’t eat at the City Limits Diner as planned because it had suffered a kitchen fire just as we arrived! Fortunately, we found Highridge Bagels 2 nearby.
>>At the “Grand Show,” a port shaped like a top hat floating in the Hysgeu sphere, the performers of “Le battant elephant” and the “Dragon Fly” workers join the crew of the huge Drowned Swan in preparing to depart for Prince Andru’s birthday celebration at the Rock of Bral. However, our heroes soon discover that not all is as it seems….
-“Oner Walek” [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the “Vanished Lands” now aboard the Drowned Swan
-“Scylla” [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak
-“Samael Muckblood” [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow “Guinevere”
-“Zanzibar” [Robin]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space (Spelljammer)
-“The Amazing Lorenzo Le May” [Byron V.O./absent]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in “Le battant éléphant” circus troupe
>>The crew and passengers of Drowned Swan spend one more night at the Grand Show before the massive vessel leaves port. After reporting to their superiors on crew complaints about a lack of space and poor treatment compared with the traveling carnival, Oner Walek and “the Amazing” Lorenzo Le May split up to avoid further notice.
Scylla buys tea and meditates. The dragon‘s divination states that “On the seventh hour of the seventh day, a princess shall fall.” Unfortunately, she doesn’t know to whom the prophecy refers.
Samael Muckblood finishes securing his crossbow “Guinevere” and brings several kegs of liquor to hide beneath his bunk. However, the Dwarf runs into Lidia Kameneve, the Halfling first mate, who merely warns him not to get caught drunk on duty.
Zanzibar asks head mage Nonius Vatinius to borrow a book on dimensional magic. The Elf Summoner allows the Lizard Wizard to peruse the extensive library crammed into his cabin.
While Lorenzo resumes his cover by juggling, Oner tries to persuade Sam to help him explore the Drowned Swan‘s sealed-off lower decks. The rustic hunter isn’t impressed by the Wolfen pirate’s smooth words, but he eventually agrees to assist.
As the ship casts off, Zanzibar tries to go to the top deck, but tall Capt. Andraimon Ianthe sends her below to the actors’ lounge. There, she again exchanges harsh words with diva Vermella Rogili. Sam disassembles, cleans, and reassembles Guinevere, while Oner watches the women with amusement.
Sometime later, Zanzibar climbs to the Spelljamming helm to relieve Nonius. She controls the mystical propulsion as the Drowned Swan approaches a crystal sphere with a massive black wall. The ship is then steered into the rainbow ocean of flammable phlogiston, also known as “the Flow.”
Insectoid Mario relieves Zanzibar in turn, and she goes to her quarters and is exasperated to find a note from Oner asking to meet. Zanzibar goes to the mess hall, where she finds the Wolfen about the decks trying again to engage laconic hunter Sam in conversation.
Oner asks Zanzibar to join him in spelunking through the Drowned Swan‘s lower levels, since Vangar and One-Eyed Willie seemed uninterested in Rafael Galves’ grievances and were hiding deck plans. The Spelljammer is reluctant to defy the captain and Nonius, but Oner appeals to her sense of worth.
The covert team is complete when Scylla squeezes into the mess hall and joins, “as I foretold.” Oner stealthily leads the way to a hatch that has been boarded up. The onetime sky pirate warns his new companions to avoid the “Ship Mother,” a protective entity he stumbled upon in the “Garden of Delights.” Apparently, Zanzibar already knows about her.
Doughty Sam leads the way with his steam-powered crossbow, followed by Oner, whose keen nose and ears don’t complete negate his need for a jar of fireflies for light. Sardonic Zanzibar and stout Scylla bring up the rear.
Too late, the adventurers see that they have stepped across some magical wards. Sam cocks his weapon, and Oner hears moaning and shuffling. Scylla feels something rustle near her, but rather than decipher the runes, Zanzibar directs the party’s attention back topside, where an alarm is being raised.
The investigators beat a hasty retreat. Scylla and Oner reseal the hatch. Zanzibar and Sam go to the top deck, where they see the crew arming as a black ship circles the Drowned Swan. Zanzibar invokes her dimensional control to warp the enemy vessel, while Sam shoots quarrels at its main mast.
Oner dashes up and finds himself facing pale sailors with burning red eyes. He cuts down three of them with his cutlass as spells and other ammunition fly between the ships.
Scylla uses her draconic breath to put some of her foes to sleep before rending them limb from limb. Crewman Smitty identifies the Undead boarders as “souls of the damned” or zombies under the command of Capt. Blackheart, an escapee from Hell itself!
Sam shoots at the enemy commander who is taunting him from the Dark Heart of the Woods, per Oner’s recommendation. Zanzibar crushes the mast that Sam had weakened, and Scylla slaps the scurvy seamen with her tail.
Screams from a ledge below indicate that more boarders are attacking the actors’ quarters. Oner grabs a line from the rigging and swings down to the observation deck. As the Wolfen and other crew push the souls of the damned back, the Drowned Swan and Dark Heart disengage.
As they assess the damage and casualties, Zanzibar and a few crewmen report injuries….
-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”
-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged gargoyle-like alien) escapee with boyfriend Kedar from the Encegulans, engineer
-“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, onetime dilettante, solar-sail racer, pilot
-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran cyborg human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol
-“Scoop Chang” [Rich C.G.]-male Jovian “near-human,” interstellar reporter kidnapped by the Olvar; psi interested in First Contacts
-“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C./absent]-male Terran cyborg human sniper working for eugenicists at Black Box Security Co.
-“Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A./absent]-male Terran “near-human,” seeker of enlightenment and investigator met aboard the Ma’ari ship “Cyan Horizon”
-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L./absent]-male Mongolian/Martian human, former horse rancher and wilderness survival expert; left at Camp Alpha
-“Dr. Bucket” [Non-Player Character]-United Earth Authority astromech robot assigned to the Blackbird
>>”26 to 30 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era:” After a long journey, the crew of the Blackbird encountered Encegulanslavers and a hostile ZurmizKrott probe. The explorers also found a missing Kharvamid Alliance agent and participated in a dangerous solar-sailregatta.
Syzygy contacts Marvog, a Cetaran (plesiosaur-like) miner and aide to Plorb [Beruk/N.P.C.]. Marvog says that the Aquarian (amphibious humanoid) emissary canceled a meeting in Sector 8, also known as “the Lagoon,” after his and deceased racer T’chlk T’cha’s [Rich/N.P.C.] hotel suite was destroyed by an explosion.
Marvog says that Plorb may instead have gone to Meshi Chabo, a Laransan (long-lived telepathic humanoid) pilgrim and fellow refugee from the Zarkonian Armada. Lt. Kevin Reese tracks her down to Zone 5, or “the Dueling Suns.”
Meanwhile, engineer Tela and her boyfriend Kedar go around. The winged, tailed Tharians draw some attention because they’re unusual, but they manage to avoid the slug-like Encegulans. Civilians Aughest-vor… and Scoop Chang practice their marksmanship in the Blackbird‘s holographic computer room, much to the exasperation of sniper Chris McKee.
Tariq Asrad Saladin chats with new passenger Hannah Nydari [Sara/N.P.C.], an Olvar (mammal-like, arboreal alien) agent for the Kharvamid Alliance. The crew eventually regroups to go to the Dueling Suns.
Aughest-vor pilots the Olvar scout vessel from Sector 11, “the Swift Course.” Syzygy notes that Sector 5 is home to the Monastery of Infinite Forms and the Cyclist Cathedral but is ruled by an oligarchy composed of Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptiles), Ma’ari (diminutive pale wanderers), and Encegulans.
Kevin asks Tariq and Chris to stay aboard the Blackbird to keep the ship — and Mr. Sniffles, Dr. Bucket, Kedar, and Hannah — safe. The Interplanetary Patrol officer has difficulty getting local authorities to recognize his badge, and he warns the investigator and sniper to be ready for a hasty retreat (using the Yoyodyne Oscillation Overthruster) if needed.
With some help, Scoop uses his robot EVE to hack into Ru’ulok surveillance. The journalist finds a concentration of Laransans and Aquarians at the Cyclist Cathedral. He, Syzygy, Tela, Aughest, and Lt. Reese find their way to the soaring crystal spires of the alien religious conclave.
Once there, they hear Klushar Grovyk preaching that Cyclist adherents are entitled access to the “gift of their forefathers,” no doubt a reference to a Precursorjump gate recently discovered in a nearby star system. Selfrana Lenk, a Ma’ari sage, explains that Cyclists want to hasten the eternal cycle of death and rebirth.
Xenologist Syzygy says Grovyk is a Dwivarn, a member of a lizard-like species that denies it was once an “Uplift” client of the Ru’ulok. Curious Tela uses her tail to flirt with some of the congregation, while Aughest-vor (“friend to all”) tries to get a sense of the crowd’s mood.
Kevin, who has smuggled weapons into the orbitalhabitat, watches Ru’ulok guards. He manages to befriend one named Rogik by mentioning Kerenar’s victory in the recent regatta. Scoop senses telepathic probes and psionically shields the away team.
The Terrans spot Plorb and walk toward him. However, so do some of the Ru’ulok, raising fears of a would-be assassin. Meshi Chabo momentarily blocks their way until Lt. Reese explains that he’s there to help secure the ambassador.
Scoop uses his Eyebot to interfere with the Ru’ulok cameras and communications to cover their retreat. Kevin offers to bring Meshi and Plorb back to the Sol system, where they can petition the United Earth Authority for aid. They reluctantly accept.
Syzygy meets with fellow Trinoid scientist Selenium [Josh/N.P.C.] to share data. While they are biologically linked, Syzygy learns that Oasis Station security forces have had difficulty containingnanites from the defeated Zurmiz Krott. Syzygy is also alarmed to realize that Selenium has been cast out of the research institutes for his advocacy of aggressive “Uplift,” and he quickly excuses himself.
Tela assigns quarters to the newcomers, who must share cabins with the Blackbird‘s regular crew. Plorb doesn’t mind the damp chamber of fellow amphibian Syzygy and his living lab. Tela and Kedar stay in engineering, and Dr. Bucket remains with the robotic spiders in a supply closet.
Chris and Tariq warily share quarters, and Aughest-vor takes care of Syzygy’s cat Mr. Sniffles. Kevin happily hosts the attractive Meshi. Scoop talks with guest Hannah about geology. Aughest sets a course for the jump gate, whose location Lt. Reese had obtained from Gustrall (orange-furred, flightless raptor) mercenary Nylca of clan Firehoof [Brian/N.P.C.].
The biomechanical ship emerges from faster-than-light Transit at the edge of Penumbra, a barely inhabitable star system. Three capital ships patrol local space amid disputing claims. Syzygy and Hannah easily identify the sweeping curves of an Olvar starship.
Tariq and Chris recognize the boxy design of a Ru’ulok cruiser. Syzygy and Scoop check the Morifaiwet/Blackbird‘s database to identify the third battleship, which resembles a conch, as that of the neutral Sulishi (furry snails).
Kevin transmits a code he got from Nylca and claims that he’s with “Team Icarus” to study the Precursor artifact. Wadishi San, the Sulishi in charge of the archaeologists studying the jump gate, accepts their request to come to his base on a rockball planet’s surface.
The landing party disembarks on a windswept landing pad and is escorted into the science station by Vungo, a Daragi (silicon-based giant) guard. Syzygy and Tela are fascinated by the tree-like alien, who takes them to a mess hall.
Vungo introduces the team to fellow sentry Slarp, an Encegulan. Tela tries to hide behind her companions, but she is impressed by the equipment that Nolath (arachnid) engineer Lek’to is using to study the device.
P’nz’kr (“Penzikor”) shows Syzygy unidentified carved objects. With the insectoid Nethian‘s help, the Trinoid finds that they may have been shaped by biological processes but are not organic themselves.
Troshar Jund, a Cestolar (literal-minded, badger-like) treasure hunter, talks with Aughest-vor and Chris, who is interested in ancient alien history and religions. Scoop tries to scan telepathically, but his mysterious fedora doesn’t help him for once. They relay their findings to Tariq, who knows about early contacts between humans and extraterrestrials.
In the course of their conversations, Kevin deduces that Vungo and Slarp are sympathetic to the Ru’ulok trade guilds. Fortunately, Aughest finds that P’nz’kr is more likely to side with the Kharvamid Alliance. Troshar, pilot of the “Digger,” tells Scoop that he is happy to be involved in the find of a lifetime. Lek’to tells Tela that she wants to get the gate operational as soon as possible.
The Terrans, Trinoid, and Tharian ask to see the jump gate itself. Vungo and Troshar lead them out to a dusty dig, where they see an archway covered in circular carvings. P’nz’kr demonstrates how to activate the relic by touching two points. A stable wormhole opens above them in geosynchronous orbit.
Lt. Reese understands the strategic importance of such a device, which could reduce travel times from months to days (of Terran time). Aughest-vor observes that the gate could enable a fleet of warships to project force across many parsecs.
However, the scientists warn that they haven’t yet determined how to set the destination coordinates. Syzygy recalls maps once created by humans in the South Pacific, which used curved branches to show currents, islands, and stars. “Team Icarus” returns to the Blackbird to plan its next moves and examine star charts.
Syzygy creates a blobby gadget to help P’nz’kr activate the jump gate and erase Earth’s address. Aughest-vor plots likely courses, as Dr. Bucket tries to correlate stars glimpsed through the wormhole with known constellations. Tela reroutes computational power to aid astrogation droid Dr. Bucket (and an isoquantum fracture compensator).
Kevin scans all of the artifacts and carvings. Scoop realizes that the Precursors used four points for their calculations: Penumbra, the gate itself, potential destinations, and some unknown factor. Chris and Tariq remind the crew that they must hurry before Wadishi San, Slarp, or the warships decide to restrict their access.
Dr. Bucket and the crew of the Blackbird have a breakthrough — the fourth point is the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, a reference that wouldn’t change with the passage of time. Aughest finds the coordinates for the Sol system, and Syzygy relays them to P’nz’kr and his device by the ancient arch.
Aughest-vor…. takes the cloaked vessel into the warp tunnel, where it encounters gravitic and space-time instabilities. Lt. Reese checks on passengers Hannah, Plorb, and Meshi, while Kedar helps monitor the Transit fields. Scoop and Tariq meditate, and Chris stays in the gunner’s turret.
Syzygy and Tela see strange extradimensional entity extruding into the ship. The Pangavi asks why they are passing through its domain. The Trinoid and Tharian say they are going to warn humanity about the Zarkonian threat. The “Ward of Despair” says that he is not a Precursor and permits the ship to continue without interference.
The Blackbird emerges into normal space betweenEpsilonEridani and Wolf359, only three parsecs from Sol! Scoop notes that this is only three days [of “game time”] away at cruising speed, a month less than it would normally take to get from Oasis Station. Aughest-vor… sets a course for home….
Josh and Beruk, we missed you at the latest “Vortex” game! Note that Team 1’s next session will be on Monday, 23 April 2012, at Brian’s place in Newton, Mass. Please remember to send him your food orders in advance.
>Floating in the Hysgeu sphere is a station shaped like a top hat. The “Grand Show” is a port of call for the curious, pleasure-seekers, and experienced spacefarers alike. It’s also the home to a fleet of merchant vessels and itinerant shows. Coming aboard the huge ship the Drowned Swan, we find our heroes:
-“Oner Walek” [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the “VanishedLands” now aboard the Drowned Swan
-“Scylla” [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak
-“Samael Muckblood” [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow
-“Zanzibar” [Robin]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space (Spelljammer)
-“The Amazing Lorenzo Le May” [Byron V.O.]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in “Le battant éléphant” circus troupe
>About a week ago, these notifications were posted around The Grand Show:
To all members of the Grand Show. The Drowned Swan will be space-worthy ahead of schedule. Because of this, the ship has been scheduled to attend the Festival of Festivals commemorating the 45th birthday of Prince Andru of the rock of Bral.
Performers of the Drowned Swan production should report to Winston Reisel III for housing and general information. Le battant éléphant will be accompanying them to the festival. In addition, Le battant éléphant has some openings for new members. Please speak to Winston Reisel III to arrange an audition.
Work crew “Dragon Fly” has also been assigned. Vangar and One-Eyed Willie are still assembling the crew; please speak Vangar for ship security and One-Eyed Willie for carnival security. Be advised, space is limited due to the large staff.
Upon reading this poster, several members of the crew were tapped. Sam Muckblood, a Dwarf from a backwater planet, was approached by Grugach (Wild Elf) Vangar for the security team. Vangar noted that “Guinevere,” Sam’s steam-powered, multishot crossbow, would be handy to help with the ship’s defense.
Oner Walek, a Wolfen about the deck, was approached by One-Eyed Willy, a lanky Halfling. Oner had a reputation for discretion and a good pair of ears, useful traits both shipside and dockside.
Scylla met with Winston Reisel III. The dragon fortuneteller expressed interest in joining the show. Her reputation preceded her, and a haggard Winston accepted her petition after they finished some paperwork and herbal tea.
Zanzibar, a lizard woman mistress of dimensions, was approached by head mage Nonius Vatinius, an Elf Summoner. Since Zanzibar was one of the few “Spelljammers” in the crew, Nonius recruited her to help propel the Drowned Swan, but only after reminding her of her lowly rank.
Lorenzo, a long-standing member of Le battant éléphant, was also included in the show roster. He amused himself by juggling on the top deck. After Sam signed up, he went to his bunk to check out the cramped setup and research ways to secure his weapon.
Meanwhile, Oner obtained some refreshments for the crew after consulting with quartermaster Numen Yucebs. Oner walked around and ingratiated himself by offering water and grog. The Wolfen eventually found Muckblood in a nearby bunk taking measurements and muttering to himself. After a brief conversation, they parted ways.
Oner continued to explore the ship, eventually finding a large, pastoral room filled with the “Garden of Delights.” He was greeted by an entity calling itself the “Ship Mother.” It shooed Oner away, saying that only her staff was permitted to attend her. He thanked her and walked off, finding that deeper levels of the ship were blocked off.
Dragon Scylla, who was unable to fit in the regular crew compartment, asked for a proper tent for shelter on the main deck. Zanzibar met Capt. Andraimon Ianthe, an imposing man, as well as Lidia Kamenevem, the Halfling first mate, and Mario, an insectoid (Neogi?) Spelljammer.
As the “Dragon Fly” work crews rushed about, trying to avoid collisions with the regular hands of the Drowned Swan, the performers of Le battant elephant tried to find space to rehearse. Scylla observed beasts in the “elephant wagons,” and Zanzibar laughed at a haughty blonde woman who was startled by nonhumans aboard the ship.
Vangar and One-Eyed Willy warned Oner and Sam to stay out of the way of the various groups, notify superiors of any problems, and to “gently eject” unauthorized boarders such as pirates. The guards’ resolve was soon tested when they met diva Vermella Rogili, star of the “Harrowing of Prince Caspian.” Fortunately, the acting ship’s owner discreetly escorted her away.
Sometime after that, Rafael Galves held a secret meeting of some of the carnival folk. During the meeting, he rallied against the poor treatment of the workers. Disgruntled Galves got the circus performers riled up, and in general nothing happened, but none walked away happy.
Oner and Lorenzo had attended the meeting on behalf of the security team but were unable to keep quiet. After dodging irate carnies in the Drowned Swan‘s labyrinthine corridors, they suggested to Vangar and One-Eyed Willie that some of the sealed-off portions of the ship be used to expand the crew quarters.
The officers promised to tell the captain, but they were clearly hiding something in addition to the onion-like deckplans they were studying. Oleg later quietly suggested to Lorenzo that they find some help and covertly explore the forbidden areas….
Note that the next FATE 3e “Spelljammer” game will be on Sunday, 8 April 2012. Byron might be late because of Easter celebrations, but we should have quorum. We’ll eventually return to my “Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy game.
The Boston-area face-to-face groups may also be taking a break from my FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera after April 23 to play a superhero game, as suggested by Jason E.R. In the meantime, happy gaming!
Gene's Worlds 