“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.21 — Scouting the steppe

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.21, which was held on Sunday, 8 June 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; LNg, Lvl. 6
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 6
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 6
“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. 6
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 6
“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. 6

“5 to 7 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The travelers prepared to leave Sogewa but were ambushed by Ninjas. They defeated 14 assassins and captured one, whom Saigo interrogated and Ember turned into a turtle. The scouts rode east across the Plains of Sathendo….

As the adventuring party surveys the steppes, Sonny looks for high ground. Toshi casts Animal Companion, summoning a young female tiger he names “Amaya” (“Night Rain”).

Ember shifts to crane form and flies ahead, while Jung-Mo stealthily watches the rear. Saigo meditates to collect his thoughts about various clan and court intrigues, and Soske’ attends to the horses.

Shengtese human Soske’ asks his companions if they have a plan for the approaching army that Duke Kou Fei Seng asked them to investigate. Fellow human Sonny recommends posing as peasants, and Shan Sao Toshi says he can fly close as a baza (blackbird) or cast Invisibility.

Hengeyokai Ember and Spirit Folk Jung-Mo are too far away to participate in the conversation, but share Toshi’s abilities. Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo thinks the army’s intentions should be clear from a distance.

That night, the wanderers pitch camp far from any village. Toshi works with Amaya away from the horses, and Ember spots another fire a few miles ahead. She overhears an aged couple — Li Jo and Shi Ling — talking and presses onward for another hour.

Before turning back, Wu Ember sees long mounds of recently upturned soil and stone, but no direct sign yet of the army. Rogue Jung-Mo inspects the wyvern egg he’s covertly carrying for further signs of growth.

Soske’ notices two large bats flying close to the camp. The Shukenja’s True Sightreveals that they are vampiric. Wu Jen Toshi casts Steam Breath, and Samurai Saigo cleaves the creatures with his katana, badly injuring them.

Kensai Sonny readies his chain, and Ember sees the commotion as she returns. Saigo throws a dagger but misses, and Toshi casts Mass Snake’s Swiftness on his allies. Soske’ falls back to the horses and requests an Ancestral Weapon from mocking spirits.

Sonny entangles one vampiric bat with his chain, preventing it from turning to mist. Ember dives in, slashing at the remaining airborne rodent with her beak. The bats bite Ember and Saigo, draining their life force to heal themselves.

Wizard Toshi casts Dragon’s Breath, distracting Druid Ember. Weapon master Sonny chokes the bat in chains, enabling knight Saigo to finish it off. Cleric Soske’ fires arrows, as Jung-Mo keeps the other horses from bolting into the night.

Toshi’s Enchanted Blade fells the second bat, and Soske’ takes a fang from each beast before throwing the carcasses in the fire. He also casts Restoration on Ember and Saigo. The spellcasters determine that the bats weren’t Undead but were probably servitors of a true vampire.

Ember reports on what she has seen. Toshi says the mounds could have been made by large burrowing animals such as bullettes (“land sharks”). Saigo wonders if they and the bats could be connected to the army headed toward Sogewa.

The next morning, Soske’ surprises everyone by casting Heroes’ Feast, which creates more than enough good food and drink for everyone. Halfling Toshi and itinerant warrior Sonny work their way around the table and bicker over leftovers.

Toshi’s tiger jumps onto the table, amusing shapeshifter Ember but annoying Soske’ and Jung-Mo. Saigo is grateful for the blessings, especially since they protect him from vampirism.

Back on the trail, the caravan soon overtakes the two elderly hikers Ember had seen the night before. Li Jo introduces himself as “Happy Joe,” and his wife Shi Ling as “Celine.” Saigo identifies himself as “Reiko Takahara,” Toshi as “Master Roshin,” Ember as “Lady Kanara,” and Soske’ as “Disciple Greywind.”

Souji Nobuto Yoshimitsu uses his nickname “Sonny,” and Jung-Mo again slips away. “Reiko-san” claims to be heading south toward some hills, but Happy Joe says that he knows they are walking in the same direction and that he can’t allow that.

“Disciple Greywind” casts Detect Evil and senses that Joe has malicious intent, but Celine does not. “Lady Kanara” readies a Wall of Fire spell, and Soske’ again parleys with abusive spirits for an Ancestral Weapon. Saigo draws his katana and charges, but Joe has begun to change in size.

The old man’s clothing stays the same, but it now hangs on a horned, tailed Oni or giant. Celine’s skin turns to marble. Toshi prepares to cast Invisibility, and Sonny agrees with Saigo to focus on giant Joe….

Dexter, we missed you this past weekend! Note that we won’t be meeting virtually on Sunday, June 15 — Happy Father’s Day to Dex, Byron, and Bruce!

It was good to see some of you at Jason E.R.’s final “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero game for now, and I’m looking forward to Bruce’s “Pathfinder: Eberron/Reign of Winter.” I’ll see some of you at upcoming “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” sessions.

In the meantime, remember to update your character records on Obsidian Portal, including spells and possessions, and let me know.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.20 — The talented Jung-Mo

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.20, which was held on Sunday, 1 June 2014:

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 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; LNg, Lvl. 6
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 6
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 6
“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. 6
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 6
“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. 6

“1 to 4 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The investigators reported their findings on court intrigues and growing chaos in Tong Sheng to Gen. Wang Tung, but the onetime ally of Saigo’s grandfather betrayed them and tried to keep them from talking to Duke Kou Fei Seng. After Soske’ summoned an avatar of Hotse Mar, god of war, the duke asked the group to scout an approaching army.

The diplomatic escorts prepare to leave for their new mission. Sonny learns that a kaishakun, or seppuku second, in the retinue of Lady Rekai of the Crane Clan is connected with House Daidoji’s dishonor of his own family in the Lion Clan.

Toshi reviews spells and copies a scroll of Fireball. He also asks whether anyone would have an objection to him summoning a tiger, which is his clan’s totem. Nobody does. Saigo acquires a scroll of Haste and takes Gen. Wang’s sword, which Sonny is disappointed to see identifies him as a member of the Lion Clan.

The duke tells Ember and company that he will allow them access to the imperial armory if they successfully return to him. Soske’ gets Cure Moderate Wounds potions from various temples and creates masterwork bracers (+1) for Sonny and Jung-Mo.

Jung-Mo asks underworld contact Tsuji Eizo (actually a fellow Nannuattan Ninja named Park Chulsoon) for supplies. He obtains smoke bombs, knockout grenades, and poison. The onetime spy also decides to leave his mysterious egg in Ember’s quarters in Silado Palace.

The adventuring party saddles up and leaves the palace grounds by midmorning. Some of the bridges over Sogewa’s canals are apparently closed for construction, so the caravan is forced to take side streets.

A broken-down cart blocks the way ahead, and the group finds that it can not back up because of new obstructions. The five remaining people in the alley wear orange sashes, which Sonny recognizes as similar to the one worn by the man who attacked Lady Yun Aei-Yong upon their arrival in the city.

Toshi moves to the side, while Saigo rides up to cart and its occupant. Soske’ sighs and casts Ancestral Weapon, which produces a spirit who reluctantly gives him an enchanted bow. Jung-Mo and Ember hope to disappear as the ambush unfolds.

Shukenja Soske’ fires a Lightning arrow, and Wu Jen Toshi casts Invisibility on himself. Jung-Mo tries to duck into a window, but it is closed. Samurai Saigo swings his katana at the enemy leader, who is wearing an embroidered orange vest and says that the group can not leave the provincial capital.

The would-be assassins hit Toshi, and nine more appear on the roofs on either side of the alley. Kensai Sonny strikes two Ninjas with his chains, and Wu Ember pleases Toshi by Wild Shaping into a tiger.

The first ambusher falls to Soske’s lightning arrows, as Toshi summons an air elemental and sends it to attack Saigo’s foe. Jung-Mo draws his bow as Saigo strikes down the leader on the ground. The Ninjas wound Toshi, and Sonny identifies the leader of the squad on the rooftops.

Ember pounces on an orange-clad assassin but misses, while Soske’ hits three assailants on one roof with Blade Barrier. Toshi casts Mass Snake’s Swiftness on his companions, and the elemental slams a Ninja.

Jung-Mo tosses an alchemical grenade, blasting two Shengtese humans off the roof. Saigo cleaves through two of the people on the ground, but the Ninjas fire arrows at Jung-Mo, Soske’, and Sonny, who acrobatically dodges.

Shengtese human Sonny punches one opponent and climbs to the tiled roof. Shengtese Soske’ shoots another man on the roof, and Shan Sao Toshi summons bats as his elemental misses the Ninjas. Spirit Folk Jung-Mo’s gas grenade incapacitates five more.

Of the more than a dozen ambushers, only a handful remain. Jung-Mo shoots the roof squad leader identified by Sonny with sleep poison as the enemy starts to retreat. Soske’ recommends letting them run away, but Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo slays another, and Sonny trips one more before he can leave.

Sonny ties up the lieutenant, as Jung-Mo and Hengeyokai Ember search the others. They find the following items, but no identifying papers or money:

Amulet of Protection From Law (claimed by Toshi)
Dust of Tracelessness (claimed by Toshi and Ember?)
Eggshell grenades — one powder, one smoke (claimed by Jung-Mo and Saigo)
Kau sin ke (chain whip, +2, claimed by Sonny)
Ninja-tos, eight (short swords; one at +2, claimed by Jung-Mo)
Shurikens, 24 (throwing stars; four for each party member)

The wanderers ride past farms encircling Sogewa. They continue east as settlements get sparser on the Plains of Sathendo, and they begin to cross a high steppe. Toshi and Ember scout ahead in bird form.

Miles away from the urban trap, Saigo ties the Ninja prisoner to a tree and begins roughly interrogating him. Soske’ tends to the horses, and Toshi advises against unreliable and dishonorable torture. Clever Ember turns the spy into a turtle and leaves him out in the grasslands, far from civilization.

That night, Halfling Wizard Toshi casts Know History on the Ninja’s orange garb. The Halfling Wizard has a vision of people meeting Lady Liao Qianru in a shrine. Shapeshifter Ember recognized the aristocrat as a dragon, but she has no idea why the Dragon Clan would hire Ninjas to prevent their departure.

The squad leader’s ninja-to has a symbol of a crescent moon, probably a family crest. The amulet yields a vision of worshippers of Tiamat, the evil serpent queen. Cleric Soske’ isn’t sure how the clans, cultists, and growing chaos around Tong Sheng are related, but Rogue Jung-Mo tells knight Saigo that he knows the Nannuattan of Gokuri are always up to no good.

As the party prepares to see what it can find out about the army approaching Sogewa, far to the southwest, “Vistel’s Expedition” enters the barbaric port of Gisar….

Dexter and Sara, please again accept our condolences on your recent losses. It was good to chat with both of you, and I hope you enjoy our ongoing campaign.

Now that your characters have leveled up, remember to update their records on Obsidian Portal. I’ll see some of you at upcoming games, including Jason E.R.’s“Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario and Bruce’s “Pathfinder: Eberrron/Reign of Winter.”

“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:

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)….