“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.4 — Inn trouble

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.4, which was held on Sunday, 8 December, 2013:

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 Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.) Oriental Adventures , plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller

“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. 1
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1
“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. 1
“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. 1

“10 to 11 March 1227 B.C.E.:” The would-be adventurers began their journey with an emissary from the empire of Gokuri to the capitals of their homelands. On the way, they encountered suspicious Kappa and visited a village along the Balef River.

eastern river village — On the banks of the Balef River

At the “Death’s Deck” tavern in Wai Shih, the travelers acquire rooms for the night. Sonny walks around the inn to make sure that it’s secure and that Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the Nannuattan diplomat, can’t leave without being seen.

Toshi finds a tree to keep watch from outside. In a common room, Ember notices two fellow Hengeyokai. Kajuji Manabu, a whiskered carp shaman, invites her to join him for prayers at an ancestral shrine the next morning. Aihara Naho, a Kitsune (fox) weaver, is one of the few female guests at the “Death’s Deck.”

Saigo is served tea and sake by Okubo Kita, a geisha. She performs music that fills the entire inn. Far from his meddling Uncle Manny, Soske’ is content to sip his sake alone and merely listen to the other patrons.

Moon Jung-Mo reserves a room for himself and makes sure that Ember is properly attended to. Since Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja won’t leave their room (and gear) unattended, the “Spirit Folk merchant” pays them a visit.

The Gokuri delegate asks Jung-Mo to find a musician. He goes to Saigo, but the Samurai won’t release Okubo. Jung-Mo and Saigo’s argument is interrupted as more people arrive at the tavern. Most of the local fishermen, loggers, and trappers head home for the night.

Sonny, who is on watch, and Ember, who is eating with Kajuji and Aihara, are the first to see the newcomers. Three giggling girls enter, followed by a few Shengtese and Tsucharim men. A tall being throws back his hood, revealing blue skin and three eyes.

Simakage Haruhiko, the Oni (Ogre Mage), sends innkeeper Ho Sze scrambling for rooms and drinks. Jung-Mo steps forward and offers a friendly greeting. Sonny and Ember hang back and watch, while Toshi changes into baza (bird) form and perches on a windowsill for a better look.

Saigo gets a massage from Okubo, and Soske’ tries to ignore the commotion. Lang Xiaoxuan, captain of the Angry Trout, says that he has brought a chef who will prepare food for all the guests. Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja leave their room to join the feast.

Jung-Mo goes to ask some Wolven about another musician, but he is distracted by Chol Byung-Soon, Chung Mi-Na, and Ri Myung-Hee. The stealthy exile notices that the Tsucharim women are well-muscled and carry naginatas (halberds).

Dao Ma Wu cooks dumplings, steamed vegetables, and rice noodles. Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, Sonny, and Soske’ sit down to eat, but wary Ember and Jung-Mo decline. Saigo and Sonny listen for trouble. Simakage and the humans with him seem to suffer no ill effects.

However, Sonny sees Oh Kum-Ja signal Lady Yun, who pushes her food around but doesn’t eat it. Soske’ tastes a hint of poison, a precursor to an attack. Sonny jumps on the table and unfurls his kusari-gama (chain and sickle).

The Kensai swings his weapon at Simakage, Liang, and Kenmotsu Sadayoshi. Wu-Jen Toshi shifts back to Shan Sao form and enters the fracas. Shukenja Soske’ falls back to a corner, grasps prayer beads, and casts Protection From Evil.

Samurai Saigo scowls as he gets dressed and heads to join the fray. Wu Ember throws a dagger at the Oni, scratching him. Surrounded by the three women, Ninja Jung-Mo creates Darkness and dives out a window to go around to the front entrance.

The Ogre Mage swings at Ember but misses, and other tavern patrons flee before the human bandits. Oh Kum-Ja tries to lead Lady Yun away, but they are blocked by Chol, Chung, and Ri. The trio slashes the Draconian with its naginatas.

Liang and Kenmotsu draw zhibei dao (sabers) and square off with Soske’ and Sonny, who is hit but swings again at the Oni. Toshi casts Elemental Burst on the table, killing Kenmotsu. Soske’ draws his bow and tries to stay out of the other bandit’s reach. He kicks over a table and hits Liang with an arrow.

Saigo’s katana initially misses its mark against Simakage, and Ember Wild Shapesinto a panda bear. Jung-Mo hurls a boomerang-like Whippet, but the envenomed blade doesn’t bite into the Ogre’s hide. The three-eyed monster summons a swarm of rats, which crawl up through the broken floorboards and bite Sunny and Saigo.

Oh Kum-Ja and Lady Yun enter melee with the three women. After some misses, Liang renders Soske’ unconscious. Sonny entangles Simakage with his chain, and Toshi casts Magic Missiles, which appear as orange blades, at Chol, Chung, and Ri. The Wizard then heads to Soske’ and apologizes to Jung-Mo.

Samurai Saigo slashes at Simakage, and Jung-Mo stabs the Oni in the eyes with chopsticks. The large creature slams Sonny, knocking him out. Ursine Druid Ember circles the enraged Ogre and tells the rats to leave.

Lady Yun reveals herself as a Mahotsukai (Sorceress) by casting Chain Lightning from a scroll, killing Chol and Ri. Oh Kum-Ja finishes off Chung. Toshi throws dart shurikens to provide cover for his friends, and Saigo and Jung-Mo stab at Simakage.

Liang and Simakage go back to back as Toshi defends Soske’ and Sonny withTien Sha Pai (Red Cloud Kung Fu). Oh Kum-Ja slays Liang, and Saigo and Ember attack the Oni, who has been weakened by Lady Yun’s spell.

Jung-Mo finishes off Simakage with a wakizashi (short sword), and Ember searches for shaman Kajuji to help with the wounded. Saigo observes that cook Dao Ma Wu and other would-be assassins have fled and have likely gotten away on the Angry Trout.

Toshi and Jung-Mo dispose of the dead and confiscate naginatas, dao, leather armor, and several tantos (daggers). They also find 90 tael (180 gold pieces), a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, and an unsigned note asking the Oni and company to intercept the delegation from Gokuri.

Kajuji tells Ember that even though Sonny and Saigo can be healed, they’ve been infected by the rats. The exhausted escorts rest in the ruined tavern before returning to the river….

It was great to see everyone online last night! I hope you enjoyed our latest session, and I look forward to continuing our perilous journeys.

In the meantime, I’ll see some of you at Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” game tonight or at The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug this coming Sunday. Note that because of the movie and dinner, the next “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” session may be delayed.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.3 — Down the river

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.3, which was held on Sunday, 1 December, 2013:

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 anonline dice roller

“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. 1

“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1

“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1

“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1

“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. 1

“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. 1

“4 to 9 March 1227 B.C.E.:” After exorcising spirits from some acquaintances and observing truce talks near a border village, a group of wanderers had volunteered to accompany an emissary of the empire of Gokuri to the capitals of neighboring kingdoms.

As representatives of Tong Sheng and the Zedu kingdom prepare to leave for Gokuri, Sonny recognizes Sister Li Ho Xiaojun, a Shengtese human Sohei (Paladin). She is the daughter of an influential member of the Daidoji house, a rival to his own in the Crane Clan.

Speaking of cranes, Ember returns from her scouting mission and tells her new friends of how birds told her about shadowy figures in the woods around the village of Hazokuwi. Soske’ begins looking for travel provisions in the Zedu army camp.

At Sonny and Soske’s request, Saigo asks his father about Sister Li Ho. As with Prince Mutsuhito, her diplomatic credentials are in order, says Gen. Hirokazu. The Bamboo Spirit Folk advises that his son travel with a smaller, more discreet group rather than with many soldiers.

Gen. Hirokazu also warns Saigo to watch for Lady Yun Aei-Yong. Even though the Nannuattan is on a mission of peace, the general says he expects some subterfuge when she reaches the cities of Sogewa and Bazran Hai.

Sonny’s sidekick Brother Jo and Soske’s meddling Uncle Manny get new assignments in Zedu’s army, thanks to Korobokuru (eastern Dwarf) Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu. Sonny, Ember, and Soske’ return to Hazokuwi to get their horses and more supplies.

Back at the “Swimming Ki-Rin” restaurant, Samurai Saigo studies maps for Lady Yun’s itinerary. Bazran Hai, the capital of the demihuman Zedu kingdom, is only a few days’ ride away, but it is through dangerous terrain.

By contrast, the route to Sogewa, capital of Tong Sheng/the Principality of Silado, is much longer but also through quieter human lands. The adventuring party decides to visit Sogewa before Bazran Hai.

As a Wu Jen and a member of Bazran Hai’s court, Toshi has no difficulty joining Lady Yun’s escort team. Moon Jung-Mo says he is also traveling east and notes that he should come along to help open trade with Gokuri.

Soske’ recommends following the Balef River south before turning inlandtoward Sogewa. The Shukenja also buys a chain shirt and a buckler (small shield). As a Kensai, Sonny says that he needs little more than grain for his horse.

Ember avoids Oh Kum-Ja, Lady Yun’s Draconian guard. The Druid acquires leather scale armor and a wooden shield. Saigo purchases good-quality rations, including rice cakes, fine teas, and plum wine, for 50 tael (25 gold pieces).

Jung-Mo offers his carriage for Lady Yun to use, but Sonny notices that the trader spends little time with her. Ember and Toshi check on the horses and keep watch for ninjas.

Saigo and Toshi vie for paper, quills, and ink, and the Samurai buys a shakuachi (flute). He also requisitions from his father three river boats with a crew of two Shengtese sailors each. The first day of travel is uneventful.

The thawing snow and rocky rapids bounce the sampans, tossing one boatman overboard. Saigo extends a pole to unlucky Su Yuwei, but he is unable to reach it. Sonny uses a kawanga (chain) to grab the man’s arm.

Ember looks for a branch to throw to Su Yuwei to help him float, and Soske’ throws a rope to him. Sonny, Saigo, and Soske’ pull the chilled crewman back aboard. As night falls, the three boats pull into the bank of the Balef River.

Soske’ and Ember fish. The Phoenix Clan animist catches a few with rod, reel, and line, but Hengeyokai Ember skewers several with a spear. Sonny, Saigo, and Toshi invite the boatmen to join them at the campfire.

Lady Yun stays in Jung-Mo’s carriage, but reptilian Oh Kum-Ja goes for a quick swim. Jung-Mo suggests scouting the area around the camp, but he goes to sleep before watches are set. Ember Wild Shapes into an owl and flies around.

The Wu is about to turn back to the boats when she spots a second campfire. Around it are three turtle-like humanoids. Ember reports back to her camp, and Toshi identifies the creatures as mischievous Kappa. Saigo wants to go on the attack, but Sonny and Ember are reluctant to start a fight.

The travelers agree to doubling the number of people on guard. Soske’ and Jung-Mo notice nothing untoward during their watch. Later in the night, Ember hears someone leave the camp. She spots Lady Yun talking with the Kappa.

Saigo and Sonny debate whether to confront the Nannuattan emissary. After Sonny and Toshi sit their turn, Saigo wakens early to join them for martial arts practice outside the camp.

Over breakfast, Saigo mentions to Lady Yun that Kappa have been spotted nearby. She acknowledges that there may be bandits and spies in the valley, but she doesn’t outright lie or profess ignorance.

Ember is relieved to see no further signs of the Kappa as the three boats resume their course southward. Lady Yun recommends pressing past dusk to reach the village of Wai Shih on the starboard (western) shore.

There, a night watchman directs the team to the “Death’s Deck” tavern, a modest building with barbaric faces carved into its pillars but rooms divided by sliding doors. Saigo and Sonny negotiate with innkeeper Ho Sze for two rooms for 1 tael for the night.

Sonny, Saigo, and Soske’ share a room, with Toshi and Jung-Mo back at the boats. Monk Sonny turns in early, and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo spends 1.5 tael for entertainment by Okubo Kita, a River Spirit Folk geisha.

Restless Soske’ talks with other guests. Most are local loggers and trappers of Shengtese extraction, with a few Tsucharim and Wolven.

Ember is unhappy to be stuck with Oh Kum-Ja and Lady Yun, so she wanders among the tea rooms. The Wu spots the subtle bestial features of other Hengeyokai….

Byron and Dexter, we missed you, and I hope you’ll be able to rejoin our game next weekend! Let me know if any of you will be unavailable on Dec. 22 or 29 because of holiday travel.

In the meantime, I’ll write up my notes for the latest “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face session, which also went well, and I look forward to Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” scenario next Monday.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 2 — Truce talks

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.2, which was held on Sunday, 17 November 2013:

“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. 1

“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1

“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1

“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1

“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. 1

“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. 1

“3 March 1227 B.C.E.:” Delegates from three realms met at the border village of Hazokuwi to discuss a truce after recent wars. A group of wanderers rescuedtwo sidekicks and a prince briefly possessed by Bakemono-summoned spirits.

Saigo Kasugi and company bring Prince Mutsuhito into the Zedu kingdom’s army camp. The Samurai asks Yamashina Miki, a River Spirit Folk Ashigaru (eastern Grey Elf warrior) with a naginata (halberd), to watch the prince as he sleeps off his night of carousing.

Brother Jo, who is still recovering from being possessed, searches for Souji Nobuto Yoshimitsu. However, Sonny is avoiding the enthusiastic young Monk and retreats to nearby woods to meditate and practice with his chains undisturbed.

Ember Talon finds a cot with the help of Shiokawa Shiori, a no-nonsense Spirit Folk quartermaster. The women exchange few words, and in the morning, Ember looks for a private place to bathe.

Soske’ Tiatoshe gets his meddlesome Uncle Manny, who was also possessed, to a healer’s tent. New acquaintances Toshiharu Sembutsu and Moon Jung-Mo remain back at the village.

Dutiful Saigo reports to his father, Gen. Hirokazu, and Korobokuru (eastern Dwarf) Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu. The Zedu generals ask Saigo’s friends to help keep watch around the truce negotiations. Gen. Shin is more optimistic than Gen. Hirokazu.

Sonny and Ember run into each other in the woods, and the Kensai and Wu agree to avoid Brother Jo and others in the camp. At Gen. Shin’s request, Soske’ goes to the human representatives of Tong Sheng, a.k.a. the Principality of Silado, to warn them about the Bakemono (eastern Goblin) attack.

Shukenja Soske’ observes a prayer service, in which priests beseech the ancestral spirits for success, before talking to Baron Xin Pronunc Hu. The baron orders Hazokuwi’s residents to stay indoors for the duration of the peace talks and sends Soske’ back to the Zedu generals to inform them of his readiness.

While fetching water for Yamashina on the banks of the Balef River, Ember recognizes a gambler from the “Swimming Ki-Rin” in Hazokuwi. Vivek Ram, a Vanara (monkey) soldier, lights a pipe and introduces Ember to his fatalistic friend Fjodor, a Wolfen mercenary.

Saigo checks on hungover Mutsuhito before returning to Gen. Hirokazu. The Bamboo Spirit Folk officer reminds his son to keep searching for missing grandfather Shinso Saigo and to be wary of the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves) of Gokuri.

On the way back to Gen. Shin, Soske’ stops for an oatmeal breakfast. He also meets Shiskikura Manabu, a skittish Usagi Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (hare scout). The shapeshifter tells the Shengtese human that he has seen strange shadows in the nearby woods.

Sonny, Ember, and Soske’ regroup with Saigo at the Zedu kingdom’s encampment. Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu, Gen. Hirokazu, and Prince Mutsuhito prepare for guests, as Yamashina and other Spirit Folk and Korobokuru Bushi stand guard.

Baron Xin Pronunc Hu and Sister Li Ho Xiaojun arrive with human soldiers to represent Tong Sheng. Sonny recognizes Sohei Li Ho as a member of the Daidoji house, rival to his own within the Crane Clan.

Last but not least, a small but well-armed delegation arrives from the empire of Gokuri. Tsucharin (Mongol-style) horsemen, masked Nannuattan on giant lizards, and Draconians escort Lady Yun Aei-Yong. Ember isn’t happy to see the twisted spawn of dragons.

Saigo sits at the table with the three sets of emissaries, while Ember waits with the Zedu guards. Sonny and Soske’ stand with Shengtese observers watching the Gokuri troops.

Gen. Hirokazu, Saigo, and Yamashina’s distrust of the Nannuattan seems justified, even though Lady Yun accepts a halt on the expansion of her queen’s domain. Col. Vasil Ustinov, a crude Tsucharim officer, says that Gokuri merely wants to restore trade, including that of slaves.

Sonny asks Ember to see if she can talk with any animals in the area. The Hengeyokai Druid goes into a bamboo thicket and tweets with songbirds. They describe human-sized shadows flitting from tree to tree. Ember shifts into crane form and flies north, but she loses the trail and turns back.

Soske’ shares a drink with Sister Li Ho and Oh Kum-Ja, a Draconian guard. Sister Li Ho talks of rumors in the court of Sogewa, and Oh Kum-Ja describes passing through strangely altered tunnels on his way to the gathering.

Saigo watches as the delegates of three kingdoms discuss stabilization of borders, repatriation of prisoners, and exchanging emissaries. The demihumans of Zedu have suffered the worst casualties, so Gen. Shin reluctantly surrenders some territory in exchange for peace.

Baron Xin agrees to open Tong Sheng’s borders to caravans, and Lady Yun volunteers to visit Bazran Hai and Sogewa on behalf of Gokuri’s humanoids. In return, Prince Mutsuhito and Sister Li Ho will be sent to Gisokuri.

Rather than provoke more fighting by crossing foreign territory with armies, the diplomats agree to travel with a relatively small armed escort. Samurai Saigo agrees to accompany Lady Yun eastward.

When Saigo asks weapon master Sonny and Shukenja Soske’ if they’ll join him, they agree, but only on the condition that Brother Jo and Uncle Manny be left with the Zedu army. Ember is eager to leave, if only to avoid the attentions of Zhou Li, another Samurai.

The new adventuring party returns to Hazokuwi to get supplies before bringing Lady Yun to its capitals….

Dexter and Byron, we missed you, and I hope that you’ll be able to rejoin this group soon! In the meantime, I hope that everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and I expect to be back home and online in time for this coming Sunday’s session.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Update 40.1 — Walking with spirits

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.1 on Sunday, 17 November 2013:

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

“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. 1

“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1

“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1

“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1

“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. 1

“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. 1

“Zhengyue, 1 to 2 March 1227 B.C.E.:” As winter snows start to melt in the Bamor Mountains, wanderers converge on the border village of Hazokuwi. Word of an impending truce between cruel Gokuri and the Zedu kingdom draws attention, not all of it friendly.

Sonny finds himself hiking northeast from the House of Xia monastery with Brother Jo, an overeager acolyte. The chain master is passing through the Balef River Valley when he observes military encampments around the village.

Meanwhile, Toshi rides his donkey Wako west and stops at the “Swimming Ki-Rin” in search of tea. The young Shan Sao notices that proprietress Dao Sun Lingjuan is a Nekojin (cat person). Toshi explains that he has been sent by his mentor, Kida Kaiu, a Wu Jen at the court of Bazran Hai.

Ember descends from the mountains with her horse and stops at the Swimming Ki-Rin for a meal. Toshi strikes up a conversation with the crane Hengeyokai. Ember says that she is a nature priestess far from her family.

Jung-Mo makes a grand entrance to Hazokuwi, arriving in a carriage with two young ladies. The Spirit Folk gentleman reserves the best room above the restaurant and notices Toshi’s tiger-print pants and Ember’s beauty. Jung-Mo offers the Wu tea and flowers, but she is wary of his friendliness.

Saigo rides west from Nanlung on warhorse Black Wind. His father, Gen. Hirokazu, tells the young Samurai to keep looking for his missing grandfather, Shinso, an agent for Zedu daimyo Hei Wan Ling. The Bamboo Spirit Folk arrive in Hazokuwi to meet with Gokuri representatives.

In search of his destiny, Soske’ arrives at the village with his well-meaning but nagging Uncle Manny. The old Bushi is determined to keep the Shukenja from harm, but they are both curious about the armies meeting under a flag of truce.

Toshi and Ember play a game of Pai Sho after dinner, attracting spectators including Vivek Ram, a Vanara (simian) soldier who roots for Toshi.

At the Zedu camp, Saigo and Gen. Hirokazu report to Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu. The Korobokuru (eastern Dwarf) is happy to see the Spirit Folk and shares his hopes for a lasting peace. Gen. Hirokazu isn’t sure it’s a good idea, but he gives Saigo leave for the night as the older officers catch up.

On his way into the village, Saigo watches as Prince Mutsuhito and his retinue arrive. The androgynous aristocrat recognizes his sister’s suitor and introduces Saigo to Baron Xin Pronunc Hu, a human delegate from Tong Sheng, and Zhou Li, a Samurai escorting them.

Saigo asks Baron Xin about the negotiations, but the noble declines to provide details other than that he plans to talk with the Spirit Folk generals and Lady Yun Aei-Yong, a Nannuattan from Gokuri, in the morning.

Baron Xin goes to talk with Gen. Hirokazu and Gen. Shin, leaving Saigo, Mutsuhito, and Zhou Li in search of drinks. At the Swimming Ki-Rin, Brother Jo and Uncle Manny are impressed by the newcomers.

Sonny suggests that Brother Jo and Uncle Manny go outside to compare fighting moves and war stories. Soske’ is grateful for a relatively quiet meal. Jung-Mo slips out during the carousing, giving Ember the impression that he’s up to something.

Toshi and Ember find that their tiles and skill are evenly matched in Pai Sho, and Zhou Li seems interested in the Hengeyokai. After the game, Toshi and Ember head to Soske’ and Sonny’s table to ask about a comment about destiny they had overheard.

Prince Mutsuhito gets drunk and abusive, so Saigo decides to take him back to camp. The night is cold and clear, and the village streets are empty. Sonny notices that it has been a while since he sent Brother Jo and Uncle Manny outside.

Saigo and Mutsuhito stumble out into the darkness, and Sonny, Ember, and Soske’ head out to look for the others. They find tracks leading to the stables and then back to the road. Toshi, Jung-Mo, and Zhou Li have apparently retired for the evening.

As Saigo helps Mutsuhito walk, he senses that they are being watched. The Samurai turns and sees Uncle Manny and Brother Jo following, but something isn’t right: They are floating, and their eyes are glowing!

Saigo sheathes his sword and swings at Brother Jo. Drunken Mutsuhito is evenly matched with Uncle Manny, jerking like a marionette. Soske’ uses a Positive Energy Burst to free Uncle Manny, who drops to the ground.

Ember casts Detect Magic and sees a faint spirit trail leading from Uncle Manny down a steep slope to the river. Brother Jo stabs at Ember with a cold blade but is wrapped by nimble Sonny’s chain. Mutsuhito swings wide.

Brother Jo is knocked back by swift Saigo, but pious Soske’s Protection From Evilhas no effect. Ember gracefully shifts to crane form and follows the trail to a boat, which has no oars or sail. An old woman appears to be huddled beneath a blanket.

Still restrained by Sonny’s chain, Brother Jo manages to kick Saigo. Prince Mutsuhito knocks down the possessed Monk, and Soske’s second Positive Energy Burst drives out the screeching spirit. Uncle Manny struggles to get to his feet.

Ember grabs the blanket, revealing three Bakemono (Goblin) summoners. She flies back to her companions, who agree to go with Saigo to the army camp for the night….

I hope that everyone enjoyed our first game! Let me know if you have any further questions about the setting or your characters. Byron, I hope you feel better, and good luck to Dexter and Beruk with your job situations.

Sara and Bruce, it was good to join you (and Josh and Janice) for “Thor 2: the Dark World” this past weekend, and I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” or Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” next Monday. Our adventures are just beginning! -Gene