Tag: AD&D1

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.32 — Gnarly grove and dispelling the Decapus

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.32, which was held on Sunday, 28 September 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, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Ed./D&D3.0 Oriental Adventures, Pathfinder, and FATE 3e Legends of Anglerre, plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of autumn 2014:

  • “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 (eastern Grey Elf) merchant; with a young wyvern; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “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; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 8
  • “Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things but plagued by family and ancestor spirits; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Tokoro Gawa” [Drew S.]-male carp Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (amphibious shapeshifting Ranger) seeking to protect streams; with otter companion; CGn, Lvl. 8

“1 June 1227 B.C.E.:” After interrogating Hojo Etsuko, a River Spirit Folk who served the same master as Tokoro and who had agreed to a scheme to drive human peasants off their land, the diplomatic escorts let her go and hunted in vain for courier Desc Soo-Ann.

The would-be heroes then ventured into woods near Yao Shung and encountered a giant moth and hellgrammite (water larva), and Soske’ had a vision of an evil Druid.

Jung-Mo sends the horses back to the village, but Sonny thinks the group has lost the element of surprise against the Wu warping the woods. Toshi wants to push on, even as the day grows late.

Ember agrees with Sonny’s suggestion to use her shapeshifting ability as a surprise, and she recommends scaring or drawing out foes. Soske’ is certain that someone is aware of the destruction of the Jimenju (carnivorous tree bearing hypnotic head-like fruit) and Crimson Moth.

Saigo urges the group to approach the center of the gnarled grove from multiple directions. Despite his secret amphibious abilities, Tokoro is worried about getting caught in magical backwash and prefers to hang back as a sniper.

Ultimately, Sonny, Toshi, Soske’, and Ember follow the direct path from the south. They see eight monkey goblins hanging in the trees to either side. The chattering creatures draw small throwing knives.

Meanwhile, Jung-Mo, Saigo, and Tokoro creep along a creek from the northeast. They see a chained Oni (Ogre Mage) and three small humanoids with crow’s heads. The big brute and birdlike beasts dance around a circle of standing stones.

Wu Ember casts Thorny Entanglment, which causes a tree to grow spines that it hurls at one monkey goblin, wounding it. The needle-toothed monsters hit Ember and Toshi with sharp blades. Kensai Sonny draws his bow but misses.

Wu Jen Toshi kills three monkey goblins with Cone of Cold and directs his tiger Amaya to pounce on another. Shukenja Soske’ shoots a goblin out of a tree with a flaming arrow from his Ancestral Weapon.

The horned Oni notices Tokoro, draws its great sword, and charges. The Hulinyuan retreats and draws his long bow, as the three Tengu (Kenku/dire corbies) hide behind a standing stone. Ninja Jung-Mo hits the Ogre with his short sword, and Samurai Saigo repeatedly slashes it with his katana.

The surviving monkey goblins scatter but still attack. Ember misses with her kama (sickle), but Sonny catches two with a Whirlwind Attack with his kau sin ke. Toshi unleashes Tien Sha Pai (Red Cloud Kung Fu) in front of his friends for the first time, finishing off a foe wounded by Sonny.

Soske’ eventually slays another monkey goblin, and Sonny draws shurikens. As the three remaining flee, Toshi takes down two with Magic Missiles , and Amaya chases the last one.

Over by the megaliths, the angry Oni misses Tokoro and Saigo with its large sword. Tokoro rapidly fires his bow, including a thorn arrow, but misses, as does Jung-Mo. Saigo continues striking the Oni with his enchanted katana.

Sonny, Toshi, Ember, and Soske’ see a robed man with a staff walking from a hut northwest of the main clearing. As Ye-sing Kien approaches, he summons stone armor and Enlarges himself. Hengeyokai Ember casts Silence on Amaya to interfere with the evil Wu’s spellcasting.

Shengtese human Sonny runs toward the spellcaster and swings his chain at the dark Druid but misses. Shengtese human Soske’ fires arrows at Ye-sing but also misses. Shan Sao Toshi casts Protection From Evil and Animal Growth on Amaya.

The Oni hacks at Saigo and swings wildly at Jung-Mo. Hengeyokai Tokoro casts Abundant Ammunition to keep up with his rapid fire. Although Nannuattan Jung-Mo misses on his second sneak attack, he does eventually strike the Oni, drawing its attention from injured Saigo.

Druid Ember runs over to heal the injured Bamboo Spirit Folk, casting Cure Serious Wounds. Sonny takes a flying leap from one set of standing stones but lands in the sandy pit in the center.

To move out of Amaya’s Silence effect, Ye-sing Wild Shapes into an air elemental, breaks free from weapon master Sonny’s chains, and floats out of reach. He then summons Nindenzigo, a fiendish Decapus. The tentacled horror narrowly misses Ember but snaps at Sonny with its claws and bites Amaya.

Shan Sao Toshi hits his opponent with a Lightning Bolt, and Soske’ isn’t put out when the corrupt Druid raises a Wall of Stone to seal Sonny, Saigo, and Amaya in the circle with Nindenzigo.

Ember Wild Shapes into a large eagle and claws at Ye-sing. Sonny uses his iron sword-breaker to fight defensively against the Decapus, and Saigo shoots arrows.

Jung-Mo Levitates and chucks a Whippet (incendiary boomerang) at the Oni, but he is surprised when it flies after him! The Ogre Mage hits Ember, Saigo, and Tokoro with a Cone of Cold. Soske’ Channels Positive Energy to heal his friends.

Sonny runs up a wall but is unable to reach the vaporous Druid, who Calls Lightning Storm against the adventurers. The martial artist climbs out of the circle with Nindenzigo. Cleric Soske’ successfully dispels the Decapus with a Holy Word.

Wizard Toshi casts Arc Lightning at the Oni and Druid. Rogue Jung-Mo defensively uses Darkness to evade the Ogre and maneuvers for another sneak attack. Ranger Tokoro and knight Saigo shoot the Oni out of the sky, disappointing Toshi, who is prophesied to kill many of the monsters.

Cleric Soske’ fires an arrow at the enlarged air elemental. Eagle Ember fights in the air. Toshi casts Mass Snake’s Swiftness on his allies and hits Ye-sing with aSound Lance. A volley of arrows from Tokoro and company finally brings down the evil Druid.

Jung-Mo discovers that the three Tengu have returned to human form. They are Jik Zeng Meizhu, Zhan-Shi Shude, and Dao Xu Tan — the children kidnapped from Yao Shung! Toshi is relieved that they can’t be used for some unholy ritual.

Ember and Soske’ attend to the wounded, while Sonny, Saigo, and Tokoro search the Scarlet Order’s camp. They find the following items:

  • Dagger, + 2 — to sell?
  • The Dancing Wasp, + 1 kusarigama (weighted chain and sickle), can be used to summon a giant wasp — claimed by Sonny?
  • Great sword, + 3 — Sonny?
  • Periapt of Health — Ember
  • Potion of Levitate — Saigo
  • Potion of Protection From Chaos — Toshi, who can also enchant other items
  • Ring of Feather Fall — Soske’
  • Scroll of Mirror Image — Toshi
  • Studded leather armor, + 2 to Armor Class and Resolve/Will checks — Tokoro, who will trade in his existing + 2 set
  • Wand of Magic Vestment, + 1 to AC per 2 caster levels, 12 charges — Soske’
  • The Whispering Shrike: + 1 wakizashi (short sword), can be used to Shield other; hilt contains letter addressed to someone at Bazran Hai — Jung-Mo

The triumphant team prepares to head back to the village before continuing on its diplomatic mission north….

I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” session! In the meantime, remember to make sure that your Obsidian Portal records for the “New Dawn” party are up to date.

Also, let me know who of you will be around for Byron’s visit to the Boston area next Wednesday, Oct. 8.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.20 — Head fruit and bishonen Drow

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.30, which was held on Sunday, 14 September 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, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Ed./D&D3.0 Oriental Adventures, Pathfinder, and FATE 3eLegends of Anglerre, plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of autumn 2014:

  • “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 (eastern Grey Elf) merchant; with a young wyvern; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “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; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things but plagued by family and ancestor spirits; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 8
  • “Tokoro Gawa” [Drew S.]-male carp Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (amphibious shapeshifting Ranger) seeking to protect streams; with otter companion; CGn, Lvl. 8

“27 to 29 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The team escorting Gokuri emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong stopped in Yao Shung and encountered wary villagers. Jung-Mo’s wyvern egg hatched, and the Nannuattan Ninja was forced to reveal his true identity to his companions. The group also learned of missing children and a possible cell of the Scarlet Order in nearby woods.

Jung-Mo and Toshi work on an enchanted cage for the wyvern hatchling. Sonny tells Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum Ja that the caravan is staying in the village for a few days to help find the children.

Ember suggests sending Jung-Mo and Toshi into the woods disguised as children. Soske’ suspects that a trap awaits them but is not worried. Saigo agrees to bypass the village elders and contact the families of the missing, while Tokoro follows Sonny’s suggestion and dons the guise of a local hunter.

The adventuring party decides to wait until nightfall for its initial scouting of the woods near Yao Shung. The entire group plans to enter the next day, with Nannuattan Jung-Mo and Shan Sao Toshi as bait.

In the meantime, crane Hengeyokai Ember helps attend to Jung-Mo’s wyvern. Toshi’s tiger Amaya guards Lady Yun, and Sonny reminds his companions of the value of discretion. The Shengtese (East Asian) human also asks his talking horseYip to covertly watch Lady Yun.

Saigo talks to the distraught families of Zhan-Shi Shude, Jik Zeng Meizhu, and Dao Xu Tan. The Bamboo Spirit Folk reassures them that he will help find the children and bring them home.

Shengtese human Soske’ prays to quarrelsome ancestor spirits for guidance. Tokoro and his otter companion go to the “Red Reed” inn to find Hojo Etsuko, who serves the same river spirit he does. The carp Hengeyokai finds the River Spirit Folk recovering from a hangover.

However, when Tokoro asks Hojo for help with the missing children, she excuses herself and staggers to her room. Tokoro and Saigo follow but find that the drunkard has climbed out a window and run away!

As night falls, Sonny, Ember, Soske’, and Tokoro walk to Yao Shung’s outskirts. Ember Wild Shapes into deer form, so that the others can pretend to be pursuing hunters in case members of the Scarlet Order are watching. They enter a small but dense copse of trees.

Jung-Mo, Toshi, and Saigo stay back at the village. Ninja Jung-Mo keeps his wyvern separate from Lady Yun, and Wu Jen Toshi continues his arcane preparations.

Saigo writes a reply to Princess Nayoko in the Zedu kingdom. The Samurai searches for Desc Soo-Ann, or “Desan” for short, the River Spirit Folk courier who brought letters to the party. Saigo spots him behind the inn talking with Hojo Etsuko.

Meanwhile, the people in the woods notice that the trees have grown gnarled, and the air is still. Fruits resembling human heads hang from one tree, and Sonny is compelled to taste one, which addles his senses. Wu Ember notices what the Kensai is eating and doubles back.

Head-shaped fruit
Jinmenju

Shukenja Soske’ prepares to cast Wall of Stone, but Hulinyuan Tokoro also falls prey to the strange fruit. Ember and Soske’ resist the plant’s sweet fragrance. The shapeshifting Druid casts Insect Plague, summoning termites to attack the tree.

Tokoro draws his wakizashi (short sword) and begins cutting down more fruit. Soske’ repeatedly casts Flame Strike, damaging the tree. Branches smack at Tokoro, and a toothy maw opens among the roots. It screams at Soske’ in vain, while Sonny draws his axe, which is enchanted against Giants.

Ember casts Warp Wood, but it doesn’t affect the monster, which she identifies as a Jinmenju. Ensorcelled Tokoro gathers up armloads of the head fruit and gorges himself on it. Soske’ casts Ancestral Weapon and, after some haggling, obtains a magical bow that shoots flaming arrows.

The Jinmenju slams Soske’ and grabs Sonny, dragging the weapon master to its gaping mouth. Sonny wedges his axe in it and manages to crawl away. EmberWild Shapes into an elephant, but Tokoro is too busy eating to notice the fight.

Back in Yao Shung, Saigo overhears Desan and Hojo talking about “being rid of them soon.” He interrupts the courier and the scout, and the River Spirit Folk both look at him with guilty expressions. They say they’ll meet him back at the inn in a little while.

Saigo quietly follows Hojo, knocks her out, and drags her to the carriage in the stables. He binds and gags the woman and then fetches Jung-Mo and Toshi to help with interrogation.

Elephantine Ember charges at the Jinmenju, but its branches deflect her tusks from its trunk. Tokoro continues devouring the fruit, becoming less perceptive as he does so. Soske’ fires flaming arrows and casts more Flame Strikes.

The evil tree bites Sonny and shouts at Ember. The weapon master slashes at the Jinmenju with his kama (sickle and chain). Soske’ notices that his teammates are injured, so the priest Channels Positive Energy. Sonny finishes off the burning tree, and Ember stomps on it to make sure it’s dead.

Sonny reclaims his axe, and Soske’ attends to dazed Tokoro. Ember records a carving on the charred tree trunk before the exhausted team heads back to the village.

To question Hojo, Jung-Mo uses his robe of Alter Self to appear as a Nannuattan, but as an eastern Dark Elf who doesn’t resemble his true form. Unfortunately, Jung-Mo’s comely appearance [“Bieber Drow”] doesn’t frighten the recalcitrant River Spirt Folk.

Toshi Polymorphs into a demon to scare answers out of Hojo, who admits to Saigo that she wants to drive the humans out of the northeastern Plains of Sathendo. She says that Desan offered her a deal on behalf of the empire of Gokuri.

That nefarious realm would take human refugees as slaves, and Hojo’s riverine masters would be able to reclaim the farmlands. Jung-Mo confirms, however, that Hojo knows nothing about Lady Yun. Toshi wonders if Gokuri and the Scarlet Order are connected.

Saigo points out that they need to track down Desan immediately to learn more about the scheme to drive the Shengtese peasants off their land. Bedraggled Sonny, Ember, Soske’, and Tokoro return and compare notes.

Tokoro surprises his fellow wanderers by agreeing with Hojo’s distaste for humans. He wants to free the River Spirit Folk, but Toshi doesn’t trust her. Saigo readies a hunting party, but Soske’ needs to rest before another foray into the forest.

Jung-Mo is reluctant to leave his wyvern unattended, while Ember says there’s no time to waste in rescuing the kidnapped children….

Remember to update your character records on Obsidian Portal to Level 8. I’ll also try to post the latest update for “Vistel’s Expedition” (a.k.a. the crew of the Zephyr) this week.

In the meantime, don’t forget to vote in the poll regarding Rich and Jason’s next games for the Boston-area groups!

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.29 — Hatching in Yao Shung

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.29, which was held on Sunday, 7 September 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.)/D&D3.0 Oriental Adventures  plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of autumn 2014:

  • “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. 7
  • “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; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) with tiger companion Amaya and a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “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. 7
  • “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Tokoro Gawa” [Drew S.]-male carp Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (amphibious shapeshifting Ranger) seeking to protect streams; with otter companion; CGn, Lvl. 7

“25 to 26 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The wanderers met a defender of the waterways, as well as two litter-borne imperial bureaucrats. A conversation with Gokuri emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong revealed the diabolical duo’s true nature. The group learned that devils planned to take advantage of the growing chaos in the countryside, and it slayed the shapeshifters.

The diplomatic escorts continue following the Chieng Hsien stream northeast, toward Bazran Hai, the distant capital of the Zedu kingdom. They approach Yao Shun and see a recently erected bamboo barricade around a bridge into the village.

Sonny recommends riding straight in. Jung-Mo offers to comfort Ember, who is still shaken after the infernal inquisitors recognized her as an exile from the Celestial Court.

Toshi dons blue silk robes and avoids the gaze of curious farmers because his tiger steed Amaya is shorter than the fields of grain. Soske’ keeps an eye on the villagers as the group enters Yao Shun’s market.

Saigo wonders why defenses have been raised. An angry farmer recognizes Tokoro and yells at him for disrupting his irrigation dams. The Hulinyuan is unrepentant, and when Saigo steps in, Tah Sze backs down before the Samurai.

A woman leads several wary villagers bearing pitchforks and flails. Dian Chen Yong tells the visitors that Yao Shun has already given most of its men and harvest to Tong Sheng’s army or to bandits.

Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo tries to reassure the Shengtese (East Asian) humans that he means no harm. Dian Chen Yong tells him that she will fetch the village elders. She also points out local shrines and eating establishments.

Jung-Mo brings the carriage with Lady Yun, her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum Ja, Amaya, and Sonny’s talking horse Yip to the stables. The rest of the group goes to the Wonton Café for a late lunch. Shy adolescent Ye-Seng Szu ducks behind the counter, while her boyfriend Sun Yifu wishes that he could go off to war.

Shan Sao Toshi orders multiple dishes, and Shengtese priest Soske’ is concerned when he hears about children gone missing in nearby woods. Hengeyokai Tokoro makes a friend when young Dao Hu Yu, or “Hughie” for short, plays with his otter.

When there is a commotion at the stables, Sonny, Ember, and Saigo go to investigate. They find Jung-Mo sitting on a lacquered box, trying in vain to keep it from shaking. Lady Yun seems amused, and Oh Kum Ja is confused but doesn’t perceive any threat to her Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) mistress.

Jung-Mo takes the box and leaps from the carriage. The merchant begins to climb to a hayloft but realizes that there isn’t enough space. Ember and company pull him aside behind the barn and ask what’s going on. Jung-Mo reveals a large egg that has started to crack.

Back at the Wonton Café, Dian Chen Yong arrives with Yao-Ren Qeiqian, the village elder. Soske’ and Toshi begin asking about the missing children when Ember asks them to come to the stables. They excuse themselves, and Tokoro and his otter keep Hughie’s attention.

Jung-Mo explains to the group that he has a wyvern egg because the winged reptiles are the traditional companions of his clan. He also reveals his true visage as a Nannuattan shinobi (shadow warrior), or Ninja.

Shengtese human Sonny had been suspicious about the “River Spirit Folk’s” covert activities, and Toshi points out the logistical challenges of traveling with a growing wyvern.

Druid Ember and Shukenja Soske focus on helping the hatchling to emerge, and Tokoro fetches fresh water. Saigo is unhappy about traveling with another Nannuattan in addition to the duplicitious Lady Yun.

Jung-Mo says that he seeks adventure and justice for his clan, even though he is an exile from the empire of Gokuri. He swears on loved ones Ember and the wyvern that he won’t betray the party, mollifying Saigo somewhat.

Sonny asks Yip to help calm the other horses in the stable. The Kensai also distracts some of the local militia by asking the guards to help him get meat for hungry Amaya. Toshi offers to create a magical cage to conceal Jung-Mo’s hatchling.

Since the Wu Jen needs two days to enchant an enclosure, Soske’ wants to take that time to investigate the missing children. Sonny agrees, noting that helping the villagers should be enough to distract the villagers and Lady Yun from the young wyvern. Saigo says he is tired of pussyfooting around the emissary.

Hughie finds Tokoro and says that Dian Cheng Yong is ready to take the visitors to the local shaman. Jung-Mo, Ember, and Toshi go into the woods to tend to the wyvern. Sonny, Soske’, Saigo, and Tokoro go to a hermit’s hut outside Yao Shung.

There, they meet masked Han Yumei, who seems to know about their mission and individual destinies. She also tells the humans, Bamboo Spirit Folk, and Hengeyokai about evildoers deep in the woods.

The shaman says they are responsible for twisting nature, creating monsters, and probably abducting the children. Soske’ believes they are likely another cell of the Scarlet Order, which has been spreading chaos across the countryside.

The team regroups at the Red Reed Inn. Jung-Mo and Ember, relieved at sharing their true natures to their companions, feed and watch over the wyvern. Sonny brings a bottle of sake to Lady Yun to try to stay on her good side.

Toshi studies his scrolls and prepares Charm Monster, Speak With Dead, and Suggest for fellow spellcaster Soske’. The priest muses about the opportunity to strike at the Scarlet Order but worries that the would-be heroes will be walking into a trap.

Saigo notices Vineet Divarsi, a Vanara (monkey folk) pilgrim, but he joins Tokoro and a River Spirit Folk woman. It turns out that Hojo Etsuko is from the Bamboo Harbor and serves the same master as Ranger Tokoro. She gets very drunk, and Tokoro and Saigo have to help her to her room.

As the wanderers prepare to scout out the nearby woods, a breathless River Spirit Folk courier arrives from the north. Desc Soo-Ann, or “Desan” for short, says he has been looking for Toshi and Saigo for weeks and was redirected from Sogewa.

Desan brings letters from Suki, Toshi’s Bisan (Dryad) girlfriend, and Princess Nayoko, Saigo’s lover in the royal court. Suki writes that she misses Toshi but believes in his mission of peace. Nayoko wishes success to both Saigo and her brother Mutsuhito — who is currently in Gisokuri.

The Wu Jen and Samurai procure room and board for Desan and begin composing replies. The next morning, the adventurers prepare to head out….

I expect to be back from Vermont in time for our next “New Dawn” session. Remember to make sure that your Obsidian Portal records are up to date, and be ready to switch to a Google+ “hangout” if Skype acts up again.

I enjoyed Brian S.’s one-shot of Deadlands : Reloaded (using Savage Worlds), and I’ll see some of you at next week’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game!

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.28 — River defender and infernal bureaucrats

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.28, which was held on Monday, 1 September 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 andAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.)/D&D3.0 Oriental Adventures , plus house rules, Skype, and an online dice roller, as of autumn 2014:

  • “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. 7
  • “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; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) with tiger companion Amaya and a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “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. 7
  • “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Tokoro Gawa” [Drew S.]-male carp Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (amphibious shapeshifting Ranger) seeking to protect streams; with otter companion; CGn, Lvl. 7

“23 to 24 May 1227 B.C.E.:” As the diplomatic escorts rode across the eastern Plains of Sathendo, they encountered skeletal warriors riding stags. The Undead were not evil but were in service to a nature spirit searching for defilers.

The travelers helped the warriors defeat four evil Druids who had drained the area of life. Ember briefly returned to her true draconic form, Soske’ first learned about the Scarlet Order, and Sonny’s horse gained the ability to speak with him.

The caravan follows the Chieng Hsien upstream toward Bazran Hai, distant capital of the Zedu kingdom. It encounters relatively few other travelers on the rolling grasslands.

Given its recent battle alongside the skeletal warriors, the adventuring party is understandably wary when it sees another stag with a rider approaching from the north. The mustachioed man pulls off the trail to let the carriage and horses pass, but Ember is curious and greets him.

Tokoro Gawa is vague about where he comes from and says that he is riding to Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng, to complain about polluted waterways. Jealous Jung-Mo isn’t happy to see Ember being friendly to another man.

Sonny warns the newcomer away from the city because of the turmoil among its aristocracy. Toshi keeps his tiger Amaya from attacking the steed, and Tokoro maintains control over his nervous mount.

Soske’ is interested in comparing notes with Tokoro and explains that the group has encountered many monsters and increasing chaos in the countryside. Saigo watches out for a potential ambush.

Tokoro says that he will travel with the team, but Sonny is skeptical about his motives. Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the emissary of the Gokuri Empire, pokes her head out from Jung-Mo’s merchant carriage. The Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) points out that some dignitary is approaching.

Four men wearing Shang livery carry a litter and stop upon seeing the wanderers. An attractive woman in embroidered silk robes and a man wearing a tall red cap draw the litter’s curtain aside and ask the motley crew to identify itself.

Zeng Chen is apparently a scribe serving imperial inquisitor Zhu Xiaoping. The group is alarmed when they begin speaking with Lady Yun in Infernal. Even though he doesn’t speak the language, Jung-Mo memorizes as much of their exchange as he can.

Sonny pulls his companions aside and warns them to stay calm, since the minister and his aide outrank them and may be spellcasters. Oh Kum Ja, Lady Yun’s Draconian bodyguard, seems bored. Toshi studies the slack-jawed litter bearers, who aren’t moving as tired people should.

Ember covertly casts True Seeing and glimpses screaming visages behind the porters’ blank expressions. Restless Soske’ and Saigo maneuver to guard the carriage, which Lady Yun reluctantly re-enters at Jung-Mo’s request.

Tokoro notices that the litter bearers are wet to the knees, as if they have recently forded a stream, but they still don’t stamp their feet to dry. As Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo moves the carriage away from the trail, Toshi casts Detect Magicand sees that the duo from the litter is disguised.

Lady Zeng and Master Zhu look at Ember, who perceives their true forms — one has a featureless face, and the other has red skin! The woman’s nails grow into sharp talons, and the Red Minister pulls out a metal rod and threatens to “discipline” Ember, who is an exile from the Celestial Court.

Wu Jen Toshi casts Invisibility on himself and sends Amaya away. Zhu, or at least the devil posing as him, strikes at Wu Ember, but swift Jung-Mo diverts his blow with an enchanted ninja-to (short sword). Zeng alters her appearance to resemble Lady Yun.

Hulinyuan Tokoro draws his dao (sword) and swings at Zeng, who hisses that she’ll carve off his face for her collection. Kensai Sonny takes a flying leap from his horse but misses Zhu. Angered by the infernal bureaucrat, Ember Wild Shapes into an elephant.

Toshi summons an Air Elemental and identifies Lady Zeng as a Zunberabou or doppelganger. Red-bearded Zhu tries to pass hellish judgement on Ember, Jung-Mo, and Sonny, but they avoid his penance stare.

Shapeshifting Zeng swipes at Tokoro, while Jung-Mo takes a hit from Zhu’s sword breaker and slashes at the Red Minister. Tokoro backs away and draws his daikyu (great bow). Sonny kicks the Zunberabou and entangles her with his spiked chain.

Shapeshifter and infernal bureaucrat
Zunberabou and Red Minister

Elephantine Ember tramples Zhu and Zeng. The Air Elemental slams Zeng while Shan Sao Toshi casts Mass Snake’s Swiftness on his allies. Spirit Folk Jung-Mo switches to a short bow, and Hengeyokai Tokoro fires a volley of arrows.

Toshi casts Lightning Bolt, and Zeng hits the elemental with his iron rod. Ember knocks Zhu unconscious, and Shengtese (East Asian) human Sonny restrains the woman. The Hengeyokai finishes off the Red Minister, and Shengtese Shukenja Soske’ consecrates the fallen celestial’s remains.

The four porters return to their senses and ask where they are. Ember asks them what they remember, and En. Wu says they were in the village of Chung Kwang Shui. Soske’ says it’s best to send them home rather than on to Sogewa.

Wally, Yang, and Suko say they were assigned to some officials, but Toshi casts Know History on the litter and confirms that the real Master Zhu and Lady Zeng were murdered and replaced by the imposters.

The Wu Jen also casts Detect Evil and Detect Curse on the devil’s personal effects before they are claimed. Toshi takes scrolls of Charm Monster, Detect Good, Detect Lie, Detect Magic, Speak With Dead, and Suggest. Jung-Mo takes a Robe of Alter Self, and Sonny claims the iron rod [1d12+3 damage; crit parry destroys foe’s sword].

Jung-Mo and Sonny interrogate the Zunberabou. She admits to being an assassin serving the Red Minister, who answers to the lords of the Nine Hells. Faux Zhu says that the devils planned to take advantage of growing chaos by imposing their own order on the Principality of Silado.

The changeling is not intimidated by threats, but she reveals that she planned to infiltrate the provincial capital. Rogue Jung-Mo notes that the Zunberabou had copied Lady Yun’s face and that options include keeping her as a prisoner, dispatching her, or letting her go free.

Chain master Sonny doesn’t trust Zhu and suggests sending her to Lady Fu Hao, the Shang emperor’s favorite concubine, in Sogewa. Wizard Toshi casts Detect Lie to make sure Zhu is telling the truth. She has only heard of the Scarlet Order.

Druid Ember explains that the Celestial Court probably wouldn’t care about a lowly spy and says Zhu should be imprisoned. By contrast, freedom-loving Ranger Tokoro says the doppelganger should be set free if she vows not to carry out her mission.

The Zunberabou claims that she would be honorable, but Toshi’s spell proves otherwise. Samurai Saigo says the creature has outlived its usefulness, but priest Soske’, like Tokoro, values life. After some debate, the group executes the shapeshifter.

Toshi gives 20 tael (10 gold pieces) to the four soldiers and asks them to bring the Zunberabou to Sogewa with a letter explaining to Lady Fu the assassins they have intercepted. Meanwhile, Lady Yun professes gratitude that the group has eliminated a threat to her diplomatic mission, despite her apparent familiarity with the duo.

The caravan returns to the trail toward the Shengtese human village of Yao Shung….

Drew, I hope you’ll enjoy the “New Dawn” game, which is similar to “Vistel’s Expedition” but explores a different corner of the “Vanished Lands.” Bruce and Geoff, we missed you!

I expect our telecom game to continue on Sunday, Sept. 7, and I look forward to Bruce’s “Pathfinder: Eberron/Reign of Winter” next Monday. In the meantime, please make sure that your character records on Obsidian Portal are up to date.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.27 — Skeletal sentinels and the Scarlet Order

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.27, which was held on Sunday, 24 August 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 andAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Ed.) Oriental Adventures, plus house rules,Skype, and an online dice roller, as of summer 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; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) with tiger companion Amaya and a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “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. 7
  • “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K./absent]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 7
  • “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. 7

“20 to 22 May 1227 B.C.E.:” Zu Ji, the rogue Shang crown prince, Teleported to Gokuri with some court wizards and guards, leaving Lady Yun Aei-Yong and her retinue to face Lady Fu Hao and her army. The emperor’s favored concubine angrily dismissed the Nannuattan emissary.

The adventurers promised to report on their progress in finding the sources of chaos in the countryside in return for the peaceful restoration of Duke Kou Fei Seng in Sogewa. They continue riding north across the eastern Plains of Sathendo to the demihuman Zedu kingdom.

Jung-Mo continues courting Ember, while Sonny is vindicated in his distrust of Lady Yun. Toshi and Saigo are eager to return to Bazran Hai, capital of their homeland. Soske’ recommends heading northwest, skirting the Therud Forest, rather than following the more heavily traveled Hei Kang River north toward Akilu.

The diplomatic escorts take a road along the Chung Hsien Stream toward the village of Yao Shun. They pass farms, rolling grasslands, and occasional copses of wind-swept trees. The caravan enjoys the pleasant late-spring weather.

Shengtese human Soske’ and Hengeyokai Ember find a campsite for the night. Shengtese Giacomo and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo practice their weapons skills and start a fire. Shan Sao Toshi lets his new tiger steed Amaya go hunting.

Spirit Folk Jung-Mo keeps a close watch on the carriage with Lady Yun and her Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum Ja. Sometime later, Sonny and Saigo hear something while on watch.

They creep into the tall grass and dimly spot by moonlight three skull-faced warriors in bronze scale armor riding large stags. The Kensai and Samurai rouse their companions. Jung-Mo and Saigo hang back to guard the camp, and the others saddle their horses to investigate.

Wu Ember Wild Shapes into an owl and flies ahead. She talks with one of the stags, which are not Undead but have glowing eyes. The beast says that the “power of the night compels them to roam.” Soske’ doesn’t Detect Evil.

Soske’ casts Light to get a better look, and the skeletal warriors ride around the camp. The travelers ready weapons and spells, but Soske’ hails the riders. The strange soldiers say they are guardians of a holy site looking for defilers. The Shukenja offers to help, and they ride out together.

Kensai Sonny and Samurai Saigo grumble about taking on every seemingly random mission, but the team comes upon a bowl-shaped hollow with a pool at its center reflecting the starry sky. Animals gather around its perimeter, and a shimmering nature spirit appears.

She greets the newcomers and temporarily confers abilities of the animals on each rider. Sonny gets the Alacrity of the Snake (2 actions per round), and Toshi receives the Might of the Caribou (+4 Str). The glowing woman grants Ember theCunning of the Fox (can reroll any skill check) and Soske’ the Fangs of the Wolf(melee attacks do double damage).

The explorers ride on with the Undead sentinels, and the vegetation beneath their horses’ and stags’ hooves becomes black and swampy. Toshi identifies the cause as a ritual draining life from the area to empower some villains.

Soske’ casts Ancestral Weapon, and a summoned spirit gives him an ice bow and applies the Fangs of the Wolf in return for the promise of a shrine.

Four people appear atop a hill. They appear to be Shengtese humans, but they are dressed strangely. The skeletal warriors lower their lances and charge, followed by the adventuring party.

A man wearing stone armor charges at two of the skeletal warriors. A naked Barbarian leaps into the air, grabbing Ember in flight and pulling at her wings. The woman wearing bark casts Warp Wood on Sonny’s items, but he manages to evade her spell.

A woman in furs casts Charm Animal, wresting control of tiger Amaya from Toshi, who casts Invisibility on himself and runs. The skeletons attack the Sohei in stone but all miss.

Sonny swings a chain and entangles the Wu in bark. He drags Wei Lingjuan behind his horse, preventing the evil Druid from casting spells. Soske’ fires arrows at naked Fan Kien, injuring him.

Ember surprises everyone by reverting to her true form, that of a gold dragon! Fan Kien is thrown off and starts to flee. However, Xu Song’s stone plates protect him from the skeletons, and he smacks them with his club.

Qiu Ping first directs Amaya to find Toshi but then redirects the tiger toward Sonny, whose flying kicks miss the fur-clad woman. Toshi maneuvers so that Fan Kien is between him and the tiger and the young dragon, whose breath doesn’t affect anyone yet.

Sonny apologizes as he kicks Amaya away, and Soske’ shoots at Wei Lingjuan. Enlarged Ember pounces on the naked man, but the Yamen-ren briefly breaks free and keeps running. Ember pounces on Fan Kien and beheads him with a bite.

Wei Lingjuan casts Grease but is unable to wriggle out of Sonny’s chains. Toshi casts Lightning Bolt on Qiu Ping, who is slain by Sonny. The skeletal warriors eventually get through Xu Song’s stone armor.

Toshi calls to Amaya and gradually calms her. Ember briefly feels a pull to another plane and manages to revert from draconic to humanoid form without ill effect. Sonny whistles for his horse Yip, which drags the bark-clad woman toward him.

Soske’ stops it and asks Wei Lingjuan why she has summoned dark magic. The defiant Druid says that even if she is killed, the Scarlet Order will continue spreading chaos. The skeletons carry out their orders and execute the defiler of nature.

Sonny takes the hide, bark, and stone armor, and Toshi incinerates the corpses before returning to the nature spirit. She thanks them and offers blessings. Sonny interrupts and begs a boon — he says he would like to better communicate with his horse.

The spirit nods before disappearing, and Yip says, “Sonny?”

I hope that everyone enjoyed our latest virtual session, and let me know if you’ll be available next Sunday, Aug. 31. Bruce, I hope your fantasy football draft went well, and we missed you! Dexter, I’m sure you would have enjoyed the cinematic and comedic moments of our encounters.

I look forward to tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game at Drew’s place, and we’ll play Memorial Day by ear….