“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.19 — “Everybody hates Wang Tung tonight”

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.19, which was held on Sunday, 25 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….

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

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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./absent]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 5

“29 to 30 April 1227 B.C.E.:” In Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng, the diplomatic escorts learned more about threats to the realm. Jung-Mo, Sonny, and Ember accompanied Gokuri emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong as she visited the heads of various human clans. Toshi and Saigo watched the guest quarters of Zu Ji, crown prince of the Shang empire.

Soske’ consulted more priests on the sources of recent chaos and Undead attacks. Jung-Mo and Ember shared their secret identities over dinner, Toshi fought a Nezumi Ninja disguised as a raven, and Saigo overheard suspicious talk among Zu Ji’s mercenaries.

Shengtese human Sonny leaves Lady Yun with Spirit Folk Jung-Mo and Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja. Shan Sao Toshi sends messengers to ask his companions to regroup at Silado Palace.

Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo is worried about a potential assassination plot involving the prince. Hengeyokai Ember receives Toshi’s message, but Shengtese human Soske’ is waylaid by his cousin Yao-Ren Hu and other relatives.

They ask Soske’ about his visits to various temples, where he has been asking about hauntings and disorder in the countryside. The Shukenja reassures his family members that he will get to the source of any problems and avoid dishonoring them.

Soske’ shares his visions of strife and bloodshed, and Saigo recommends that the travelers stick together. They visit Gen. Wang Tung, who once fought alongside Saigo’s grandfather Shinso, and find him beating a shinai against a tree trunk.

Samurai Saigo introduces his friends, but Wu Ember is distracted by a koi pond. Wu-Jen Toshi follows court protocol and bows. Soske’ talks about all the monsters they have encountered on the way to the city, and Gen. Wang acknowledges that this is more than what’s expected after a war’s end.

Kensai Sonny suggests that the unrest, as well as the pending truce with Gokuri, could undermine Emperor Zi Zhao’s “mandate of heaven.” Gen. Wang agrees to arrange a private audience with Duke Kou Fei Seng, ruler of the province.

Sometime later, the adventurers meet Gen. Wang at a side door. He gives them hooded robes to further hide their entry and leads them away from lavishly decorated halls to winding passages.

Weapon master Sonny leads the way, followed by Druid Ember and Cleric Soske’. Knight Saigo accompanies the aged general, and Wizard Toshi casts Lightand brings up the rear.

Sonny steps on a loose ceramic tile, and the walls begin closing in, aggravating Ember’s claustrophobia. He jumps back. Gen. Wang tries to shove Saigo into the others and to flee down a side corridor.

Ember watches the narrowing hallway, and Soske’ casts Remorse on the general, who falls to his knees and apologizes to Saigo for trying to kill him. Surprised and angry, Saigo asks Gen. Wang how to disarm the device.

Toshi casts Wall of Ice to slow the squeeze. Sonny reaches for a lever that opens a trap door to escape. The party grabs the general and slices down the chute, finding itself in an empty laundry room beneath the palace.

Saigo disarms Gen. Wang before he can commit seppuku. The traitor mentions getting Shinso “out of the way” and a plot to exploit the growing chaos to advance military interests. The general says that he couldn’t allow Saigo and company to warn the duke. The demihumans are disturbed to learn that Saionji Yoshio, the Zedu ambassador, may be in on the scheme.

Toshi and Sonny tie up and gag Gen. Wang and stuff him into a closet, and the group agrees to find Kou Fei Seng immediately. Toshi casts Camouflage to scout ahead in the sprawling palace and summons a grumpy air elemental to lead the way back to the suface.

The would-be heroes bluff their way past heavily armed and armored guards to cross ramparts and get into the duke’s residence. They find him in a parlor, surrounded by official scrolls and maps.

Inside the palace

Saigo tells tired Kou Fei Seng about how Gen. Wang and others have conspired to keep him from learning about problems around Tong Sheng. Toshi describes the Ninja he fought and suspicious activities among the relatively small band of mercenaries who arrived with Prince Zu Ji.

Kou Fei Seng explains that the prince will be taking control over Sogewa, and by extension, the rest of the province. Sonny and Ember realize that Lady Yun’s peace overtures and the clan rivalries they have observed only complicate matters. The duke says he will question Gen. Wang himself.

An army is marching from the east to the provincial capital, says Kou Fei Seng, but he doesn’t know whether it’s Zu Ji’s proper escort, a barbarian horde, or some other force. Since he can’t trust his own soldiers, the duke asks the group to scout and report directly to him, even if he’s no longer in charge when they return.

Soske’ casts Sustain and Endurance so that the duke won’t need to eat or drink for the next two days, helping him to work through the night and avoid poison. The priest then casts Commune With Greater Spirit with help from Ember.

An avatar of Hotse Mar, god of war, appears. Soske’ asks if the approaching army is bringing a fight to Sogewa. The divine manifestation says, “No, but it intends to finish one.” The mortals ask who plans to begin the battle, and the avatar replies “one of divine blood.”

Saigo says that disorder is rising and asks whether Gen. Wang or his co-conspirators know its source. Hotse Mar replies in the negative. Neither does Lady Yun, although she and the others are likely trying to take advantage of it. The fierce lord of war fades from sight, leaving the duke shaken but determined.

Ember, Sonny, and Saigo tell Kou Fei Seng that they will scout out the approaching army for him, as long as Lady Yun is watched and protected. Toshi and Soske’ reluctantly accept their destiny to do great things. The wanderers slip out to their quarters to pack for their next mission….

We missed you, Dexter. Byron, let us know when and if you’ll be visiting the Boston area. Those of you who are local, remember that I’ll probably be running the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game next Monday.

Since our parties will be leveling up soon, remember to make sure that your character records are up to date on Obsidian Portal. I now have my hardcopy of TianXia: Blood, Silk, and Jade, so I’ll be allowing aspects and stunts from that Kickstarter project, but you should be familiar with FATE Core.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.18 — Raven and revelations

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.18, which was held on Sunday, 4 May 2014:

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

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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 also been 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

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.17 — Dinner and new dangers

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.17, which was held on Sunday, 13 April 2014:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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

“24 to 26 April 1227 B.C.E.:” In Sogewa, capital of Tong Sheng, Jung-Mo found a fellow Nannuattan in disguise, Ember received a moonlight canal tour from a young Samurai, and Saigo and Sonny visited geisha in Sogewa’s House of the Red Lotus. Toshi and Soske’ continued their studies.

Jung-Mo keeps a low profile in his guise as a merchant and watches for Tsuji Eizo, who is actually Nannuattan Ninja Park Chulsoon. Jung-Mo conceals his true identity and allegiances from both his traveling companions and his former compatriots.

At Kensai Sonny’s suggestion, Lady Yun Aei-Yong asks to meet with the leaders of several clans in the city. The Gokuri emissary receives replies from Isamu Yasuki of the Crab Clan and Lady Rekai of the Daidoji house in the Crane Clan, a rival to his own in the Lion Clan.

Wu-Jen Toshi and Samurai Saigo receive letters from home thanks to Saionji Yoshio, ambassador of the Zedu kingdom. Toshi learns from mentor Kida Kaiu that Bisan (Dryad) Suki misses him and that the Korobokuru (eastern Dwarves) are unwilling to stand down until they receive confirmation of a truce between Gokuri, Tong Sheng, and the Zeda kingdom.

Saigo reads a note from Nayoko, who says that she eagerly awaits his return and that she has not heard from her brother, Prince Mutsuhito, who was sent to Gisokuri. The Bamboo Spirit Folk also wishes her beloved success in his quest for his missing grandfather, Gen. Shinso Saigo.

Toshi and Saigo quickly compose replies and try to reassure their distant friends that they are safe and have made progress in their inquiries. Wu Ember joins Sonny and Lady Yun in visiting various aristocrats and watches for Kamachi Yoshiro, a Lion Clan Samurai who courted her.

Shukenja Soske’ isn’t happy to see his fellow diplomatic escorts at a family feast in his honor. Yao-Ren Hu, a Wu Jen in the court, had recognized his cousin and brings him to his parents’ home. Yao-Ren Shen, a Shukenja of the Phoenix Clan, invokes the Way of Harmony to bless the meal.

Hu’s mother, Yao-Ren Min, plies the guests with piles of home-cooked food. Shengtese human Sonny happily accepts all of the delicacies and enjoys listening to multiple conversations.

In his guise as a tradesman, Jung-Mo talks with craftsman Takumi Tiatoshe and Deng Wen Zhe, a Dragon Clan colleague of Hu. Takumi’s wife Ayumu chases their young daughter Natsuko around, entertaining the adults.

Shan Sao Toshi helps run interference for Soske’ by talking with curious kinsman Hu and his younger brother Yao-Ren Katsu, a student at the Isawa School who aspires to be a Sohei (Templar) of the Path of Order, against his pacifist father’s wishes.

Hengeyokai Ember and Spirit Folk Saigo talk with Shi Shu Kang, a Nekojin Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (feline shifter Ranger), about their travels. She is interested in the terrain and hazards they encountered on their way to Sogewa from the northwest.

Modest Soske’ hands nosy Hu scrolls recounting his adventures. He provides many details of the war-torn borderlands, as family members tells his friends about how they didn’t expect the wandering priest to amount to much, despite his prophesied destiny.

Jung-Mo is alarmed when Takumi mentions getting an order for unusual arrowheads. He suspects a possible assassination plot, but Soske’ reminds the visitors to keep their conversations away from violent matters.

Observant Sonny notices that lamps and candles flare up as toddler Natsuko passes. Soske’ later explains that such talent is not uncommon in the Phoenix Clan.

Toshi asks his fellow spellcasters about the Temple of Elemental Evil on Mt. Gruldar, which the Nannuattan seized control of about five years ago. The assembled Wu Jen and Shukenja agree that elemental magic is not inherently evil, but such sites can be turned to evil.

Soske’ and Saigo are surprised when Shen is briefly called away from the dinner by a messenger from Silado Palace. Apparently, Zu Ji, crown prince of the Middle Kingdom (Shang China), has arrived. Imperial assemblies are expected in the next few days.

Sonny and company thank Shen and Min for their hospitality and are happy to get some leftovers. Jung-Mo awkwardly presents Ember with a golden vase with dragon decorations. He is jealous of Kamachi, and she suspects that he is aware of her true nature.

The next day, part of the group goes with Lady Yun as she begins meeting with five noble houses. Ember, Sonny, and Jung-Mo take the carriage with Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja.

Toshi gets an invitation to meet with the Tiger Clan, which is similar to his own, and goes with Saigo back to the palace. Soske’ goes to the temple of Our Fathers’ Steps.

Lady Yun first visits Lady Liao Qianru of the Dragon Clan. As the two women politely talk about arcane matters, Ember is drawn into their verbal sparring match. In crane form, Ember had flown past the manor one night, only to be spotted by a dragon.

The Druid wants to know whether the dragon is chromatic or metallic, but she realizes that Lady Liao is somehow aware of her true nature as an exile of the Celestial Court. Sonny senses Ember’s discomfort and discreetly calls the meeting to an end.

Toshi looks in imperial records to see if there have been any assassinations at the highest levels of the Shang Dynasty. He learns that the empire has been stable for at least a century. Toshi then goes to the Happy Market, where he commissions crystal spheres for 400 tael (200 gold pieces) to send to Suki.

Saigo talks with palace guide Li Keng and retired Gen. Wang Tung, who once fought alongside his missing grandfather. They say that Zu Ji arrived with only 20 men instead of 2,000, as might be expected of a crown prince. Silado Palace has had to divert staff and a wing to accommodate Zu Ji.

Soske’ talks with Kiyoshi Takahashi, a priest referred to him by Brother Yang at the Way of Harmony monastery. The older Cleric listens to Soske’s tale of spreading chaos and says he will consult the ancestral spirits for guidance.

Lady Yun makes plans with Jung-Mo, Sonny, Ember, and Oh Kum-Ja to visit leaders of the Crab, Crane, Lion, and Phoenix clans before paying her respects to Prince Zu Ji. Each person has particular interest in different clans, and Jung-Mo hopes to track down the unusual arrows before any assassination.

Toshi also meets with Peng Arong, a Phoenix Clan earth bender referred to him by Yao-Ren Hu. The elementalist initially gives the air mage a hostile reception, hurling pebbles at him. Fortunately, Toshi proves himself by easily deflecting them. He presents Peng with jade from his school and asks about magic at Mt. Gruldar.

Saigo goes to the wing of the palace occupied by the prince and his men but is turned away by guards whose livery he can’t identify. Li Keng tells him that the heraldry is not that of the palace or the imperial family, but Zu Ji and Duke Kou Fei Seng are in a military council.

Kiyoshi tells Soske’ that his observations of emerging chaos are correct and more than result of an ending war. The Shukenja learns that his destiny will involve preventing greater suffering. Kiyoshi also says that he had a vision of an axe that would change the course of history….

It was good to see everyone online last night, and remember to stay in touch between now and our next virtual session, scheduled for Sunday, May 4.

In the meantime, I’ll see some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” face-to-face game and at Jason E.R.’s final “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” (for now)….

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.16 — “He may be a Samurai, but he moves like a Ninja”

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.16, which was held on Sunday, 6 April 2014:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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

“23 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The wanderers visited Sogewa’s gardens and temples, talked with aristocrats and criminals, and sparred with fellow warriors. They also learned of an impending royal visit, border unrest, and clan rivalries.

Jung-Mo goes to a bar in a disreputable district of the city. The “River Spirit Folk merchant” buys a round of drinks for Tsuji Eizo, who appears to be a Shengtese human Yakuza. Jung-Mo makes small talk and covertly signals Eizo in Undercommon. The Rogue responds that they should meet in private.

After flying past the manor of Lady Liao Qianru and seeing a dragon, Ember flies back to Silado Palace, where she and the other escorts of Gokuri emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong are staying. Waiting for her is Kamachi Yushiro, a young Samurai from the Lion Clan. The Shengtese human explains to the Crane Hengeyokai that he hopes to serve their mission.

Saigo and Sonny visit the House of the Red Lotus, a large and hospitable building surrounded by blooming trees and burbling fountains. A young woman nicknamed “Dogwood Blossom” greets the Bamboo Spirit Folk and Shengtese human and asks what entertainments they wish to receive.

Meanwhile, Toshi continues his arcane research and studies records in Tong Sheng’s archives regarding the sorcerers of Gokuri. Soske’ visits local temples and reluctantly prepares for a dinner with members of his extended family.

Jung-Mo walks across the capital with Eizo, who confirms that he is Park Chulsoon, a fellow Nannuattan from Gokuri. Park asks about Jung-Mo’s orders and commander, but the exiled Dark Elf says he doesn’t need to know that information.

Wu Ember casts Force Shapechange, but the confused Samurai is as he appears. Kamachi accepts her explanation that it was a test and invites Ember on a moonlight tour of Sogewa’s canals.

Handsome Kamachi shows Ember the capital’s many neighborhoods as they cruise waterways lit by paper lanterns. The Happy Market is relatively quiet, but floating food vendors and musicians offer their wares.

Lion Clan Samurai — Ember’s suitor Kamachi Yushiro

At the House of the Red Lotus, Dogwood Blossom introduces geisha Ryon Kyng-Hwa. They serve Sonny and Saigo tea and snacks and play music on a harp and flute. Samurai Saigo pays 24 tael (12 gold pieces) — twice the asking price — for extra women for himself and Kensai Sonny for the night.

Sonny notices another woman talking to a man in red armor of the Crab Clan. He later recalls encountering Orc Samurai from that clan tracking human deserters on the eastern Plains of Sathendo.

Eizo/Park and Jung-Mo also go to the House of the Red Lotus to converse more discreetly. Neither Nannuattan wants to reveal too much, but they agree to stay in touch in case Gokuri’s matrons have espionage tasks for them.

Jung-Mo returns to the palace, just in time to see Kamachi and Ember disembark from their canal cruise. The knight gives the Druid a white rose, and she embraces him and kisses him, surprising both Kamachi and Jung-Mo!

Ember retires for the evening, but a distraught Jung-Mo stealthily follows Kamachi back to the Lion Clan compound. The infiltrator slips away before guards can spot him. Jung-Mo steals a gold vase from a merchant shop, and breakfast with the entire group the next morning is awkward….

Byron and Geoff, we missed you at this past weekend’s virtual session, and Dexter, I’m sorry that you had to deal with travel and connectivity challenges. Note that we’ll be meeting next Sunday, April 13, but probably not the next two weekends after that.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing some of you at Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario tonight or at our next “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.15 — Parks and recreation

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.15, which was held on Sunday, 31 March 2014:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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

“22 to 23 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The retinue of Lady Yun Aei-Yong was unable to track the man who had spotted the Nannuattan emissary, so it departed from the town of Kuan Chou. The group traveled via canals to the magnificent city of Sogewa, where it met Duke Kou Fei Seng.

After its audience, the adventuring party splits up to explore the provincial capital of Tong Sheng. Jung-Mo slips away to the docks, where he recognizes members of the local Yakuza and Tong by their tattoos.

Sonny tarries at Silado Palace to check official records regarding the Daidoji house, which is part of the Crane Clan and a rival to his own in the Lion Clan. Toshi learns that Col. Zhan-Shi Hu Ho, who is occupying Kai Sou Xian Haknam (“the tower of Master Haknam”) near the village of Chin Mok, is not a member of the Crane Clan, which once ran that outpost.

Ember is reminded of home when she sees dragon statues at the temple of Shang-ti, lord of the heavens. Soske’ asks sisters Bai Le Qing and Dao Lei Qing for an introduction to the Dragon Clan so he can return gold recovered from accursed thief Ba Lang Liangde near the “Sandy Corner” tavern on the Balef River.

Jung-Mo decides to be more discreet in his underworld inquiries. The Spirit Folk Yakuza goes to a tea house by the docks in Sogewa’s outermost ring of canals. He hopes to find agents of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri.

Capital of the Principality of Silado — The city of Sogewa

Meanwhile, Sonny suggests to Lady Yun that she visit the homes of various aristocrats to build goodwill for her diplomatic mission. The Shengtese human Kensai hopes to overhear some gossip.

Toshi goes to some of the local Magisteria (magic schools/libraries) for weather spells and visits the temple of Ano Wasu, the lord of storms. The Shan Sao Wu Jen also pays his respects to Ami Koshi, goddess of nature, and Tsu Komi, lord of craft and the moon.

Ember and Soske’ learn that Zu Ji, the heir apparent of Emperor Zi Zhao in distant Yin [capital of Shang China], is expected to visit Sogewa soon. Hengeyokai Wu Ember wonders if the prince is an immortal.

Saigo meets with Gen. Wang Tung, who once fought alongside his grandfather Shinso against Yamen-ren (Barbarians) and Mahotsukai (Sorcerers) from the red wastes far to the northeast. The aged general recommends the oracles of Yen Yuang, the slumbering god, to the young Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai.

Sonny goes to the Garden of Flashing Blades to practice, and Toshi collects leaves on which to write letters to his beloved Bisan (Dryad), Suki. Jung-Mo tries to avoid being noticed.

Ember and Soske’ pass lovely topiary gardens on their way to the manor of Lady Liao Qianru, an elder in the Dragon Clan. Ember recognizes a glint in the woman’s eye as she accepts the gold, but Lady Liao is grateful for the restoration of honor.

At the temple of Yen Yuang, Saigo meets a woman in a room whose walls are covered in symbols. The oracle releases a glowing stone, which orbits around Saigo’s head. The knight has a vision of his grandfather alive but on his knees before a frighteningly armored warrior somewhere in the mountains.

Ember and Soske’ stop for lunch in the bustling Happy Market before going to the quiet monastery of the Way of Harmony. Ember tries to restore her center by meditating, while Shengtese Shukenja Soske’ reports on the number of monsters and Undead they’ve encountered in their travels.

Brother Yang says that the principality is beset from all sides because its leaders aren’t setting a strong enough example of the pursuit of perfection in body and mind. Soske’ mostly agrees and is directed to Kiyoshi Takahashi, a priest of the ancestor worshippers at Our Fathers’ Steps.

At the Garden of Flashing Blades, Sonny finds flagstones arrayed in rings as martial artists take turns sparring. Saigo joins him. Jung-Mo and Toshi continue their research and plan to meet later at Yang Ying’s Mushroom House and the Sparkling Alchemists.

Tian Sambu [Byron/Non-Player Character], a young Bushi of the Crane Clan, challenges Saigo. They trade blows with bo kens (wooden swords), and the Samurai makes quick work of the warrior.

Aggressive and muscular Modaru [Geoff/N.P.C.] strikes Saigo with the butt of his naginata (halberd), but Saigo manages to prevail. They shake hands and take a break as chain master Sonny steps into the ring.

He is challenged by Li Jun [Byron/N.P.C.], a cocky Scorpion Clan Yakuza with two katars (punching daggers). Li Jun gets in some body shots, even though Sonny entangles one hand and a short sword with his chain. After a head butt, bruised Sonny yields.

The wanderers reunite for a dinner with Soske’s nosy family…. Sometime later, Ember sneaks out of the royal precincts to reconnoiter the home of Lady Yiao. The Druid shifts into crane form and flies toward the manor.

However, she is spotted by a large dragon coiled around wide pillars! Ember turns and hurriedly flies back to the palace. Saigo and Sonny go to the House of the Red Lotus in the theater district to lick their wounds….

I’m glad that we were able to level up your P.C.s quickly, and remember to also update your records for “Vistel’s Expedition,” “Holy Steel,” and the “Star Trek: Restoration”crew!

I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s face-to-face game, and let me know if you have any questions or ideas for Sogewa. Later, -Gene