“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.11 — “Dude, you’re dead!”

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.11, which was held on Sunday, 23 February 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 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. 4
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 4
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 4
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 4
“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. 4
“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. 4

“8 to 9 April 1227 B.C.E.:” After a giant flaming boar attack on the village of Chin Mok, the wanderers visited a desecrated grove. There, they met a strange girl, who turned into a horse-headed monster. They slayed the Tikbalang but had questions about who summoned it.

Jung-Mo and Toshi look for disreputable types who may know where Wolfen bounty hunter Ivor Bloodpelt may have gone. Jung-Mo poses as a Yakuza, and Toshi changes to baza (bird) form.

Meanwhile, Saigo and Soske’ visit the village elders. They report to mayor Fong Kien and militia leader Yang Kuang, who says that Ivor hastily left Chin Mok, do doubt feeling guilty over disturbing the nearby sacred grove while hunting Shiskikura Eiji, a Tsucharim human Yamen-Ren (Barbarian) bandit.

In addition, Sonny and Ember return to the “Pelican’s Chin” inn, where they check on Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the Nannuattan emissary from Gokuri, and Oh-Kum Jah, her Draconian guard. They also look for tea houses and other drinking establishments.

Jung-Mo and Toshi find three people rolling bones at the edge of the village — a female Wolfen trapper, a Tsucharim (Mongol-style) human lumberjack, and a dusty Tsucharim drover. Marina Snowcrunch, Yarin Gavrovich, and Vladek Ilyanov let Jung-Mo gamble with them.

Yarin repeats a rumor that Ivor left because he had fallen out of favor with the local council, and Vladek wins a few tael. Wu-Jen Toshi watches the dice but can’t communicate openly with Jung-Mo. Marina eventually mentions that she and Ivor frequented hunting camps not far from Chin Mok.

Yang Kuang directs Saigo and Soske’ to Takara Yoshifumi, a bowyer/fletcher occasionally patronized by Ivor. The Samurai and Shukenja find the archery shop ransacked, with three quivers of broad-headed, hollow-point, and flight arrows and some food missing. The Hulinyuan says that Ivor was a decent customer.

Sonny meets geisha Takabe Miho and acquires a room to talk. The thin woman says she wants to go to the city of Sogewa and performs for the Kensai. Ember, who posed as his companion, is accosted by an angry farmer’s wife. Ji-Sil Yuen accuses the Wu of low morals, saying that women like her and Miho have corrupted three missing peasants.

After losing a few coins, Jung-Mo wins 12 tael (6 gold pieces) and discreetly eases out of conversation. Toshi distracts the gamblers by flying in front of a horse-drawn cabbage cart, upsetting it, and they head back to the “Pelican’s Chin.”

Takabe says he has no enemies, but Saigo and Soske’ notice a broken window latch and tracks outside leading north. They also return to the inn to rendezvous with their adventuring party.

Jung-Mo, Toshi, Saigo, and Soske’ find Ember being yelled at by Ji-Sil Yuen. Ember stands abruptly, her honor as a former member of the Celestial Court insulted. Toshi loudly tells Ember that there’s no need to kill someone so far beneath her, and Yuen bows to Saigo before quickly retreating.

Jung-Mo stops Yuen outside the tea house and learns that a few farmers have been missing for days. Most wives assumed that they had fled for shame, but planting season waits for no man. Jung-Mo and friends suspect that the missing peasants are related to the Tikbalang summoning, Ivor, and Shiskikura.

Jung-Mo runs upstairs to check on Sonny, followed by Saigo, who asks Soske’ for holy water. They find Saigo and the geisha otherwise engaged but not in any obvious danger. Jung-Mo keeps watch, and Saigo goes back downstairs to strategize.

Toshi and Ember check on Lady Yun, who agrees that the missing bounty hunter, bandit, and farmers are worth investigating. Sometime later, the wanderers regroup and follow the tracks north, through untended fields.

Soske’ notices empty farmhouses and casts Protection From Evil on Sonny and Saigo. Toshi casts Detect Magic and senses something from one of the seemingly empty buildings. Jung-Mo prays to the ancestors, and Ember shifts to crane form.

Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo draws his katana, which Shengtese human Soske’ temporarily enchants, and kicks the door in. The room reeks, and three men are tied up to chairs. They have tried to kick at objects in the room to get the attention of passers-by. Shengtese Sonny watches the area.

Outside, Spirit Folk Jung-Mo sees movement behind the farmhouse, and stealthy Shan Sao Toshi casts Web, preventing someone in a furred cloak from retreating. Hengeyokai Ember flies ahead and Wild Shapes into a bear.

Saigo ungags the farmers, who claim that Ji-Sil Yuen captured them in vengeance for her husband’s infidelity. However, he notices that the three aren’t breathing and says, “Dude, you’re dead.” Sonny sees that they have been systematically bled over three days.

Jung-Mo and Soske’ fire arrows at the runner, whom Ember confirms is the Yamen-Ren. Toshi casts Magic Missiles, which appear as orange daggers.

Soske’ confirms that the three struggling men, who ask to be unbound, are incipient Undead. Sonny draws his kama, and he and Saigo behead them. Toshi is exasperated at not being able to question them, but Ember knocks down the Barbarian and restrains him.

Jung-Mo notes that there are still many unanswered questions, and the groupprepares to secure the farm and look for more clues….

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback as we convert your characters to the latest D20/FATE hybrid house rules! Note that the “A New Dawn” party is now Fourth Level. I’ll post the latest refinements separately.

I look forward to seeing some of you at Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den”superhero session tonight, and remember that the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” game resumes in mid-March.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.10 — Into the woods, again

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.10, which was held on Sunday, 16 February 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. 4
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 4
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 4
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 3
“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. 4
“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. 3

“6 to 7 April 1227 B.C.E.:” On its way southeast to the city of Sogewa, the adventuring party met a dozen ronin and the six Orc samurai pursuing them. It also passed a thawing battlefield and rested in Chin Mok until a huge flaming boar rampaged down the village’s streets. The group lured the beast out into a rice paddy and learned that the nature spirit’s sacred grove had been violated by hunters.

Sonny recommends that Saigo stay at the “Pelican’s Chin” inn and help keep watch for the remainder of the night. Toshi notes that Shengtese human farmers should know better than to desecrate such a grove.

Ember, who spoke with the piglet before it ran back to the woods, hopes to learn more from other local wildlife. Soske’ is outraged at the sacrilege, while Jung-Mo stealthily guards Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the kingdom of Gokuri’s emissary.

In the morning, Saigo practices with his new katana. Sonny asks innkeeper Tan Tse about her village. She directs the visitors to a round house with a thatched roof at the end of the street. Soske’ and company find Chin Mok’s head men talking with a Wolfen bounty hunter.

Robed Fong Kien is grateful for the group’s help in repelling the flaming boar, and militia leader Yang Kuang says that most people avoid the nearby woods. Ivor Bloodpelt says that he is hunting Shiskikura Eiji, a Tsucharim human Yamen-Ren (Barbarian) bandit.

Soske’ asks for proper burial rites for those in the battlefield, and Fong says that he’ll send a request for priests. Sonny and Saigo notice that Ivor is nervous, so they and Soske’ take the Wolfen out for drinks to loosen his tongue. Jung-Mo continues courting Ember.

Ivor admits knocking over some standing stones in the grove and gives Soske’ 40 yuan (20 silver pieces, or 2 tael/gold pieces) to help restore them. The shaggy humanoid also says that he smelled smoke and heard strange laughter in the area.

The group leaves Lady Yun in the care of Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja at the “Pelican’s Chin” and heads through rice paddies to the tangled woods. Saigo is tempted to go off the trail to pursue strange sounds, but his friends follow a stream to the sacred grove.

Watch out for hidden dangers — A sacred grove

As expected, they find toppled carvings, but Wu Ember is surprised to notice that the mossy turf has been torn up in a struggle. Apparently, Ivor didn’t tell them everything.

Kensai Sonny and Samurai Saigo warily watch the woods as Soske’, Ember, and Saigo work to reset the stones. Wu-Jen Toshi casts Detect Magic and senses a trace of summoning. Shukenja Soske’ uses Sense Elements: Psychometry and glimpses claws vs. paws — presumably the Wolfen’s.

Toshi casts Know History and has a vision of a gold mane and nature spirits fleeing the area. Soske’s Detect Evil picks up a strong trace. Sonny climbs a tree and finds a hammock-like nest with cigar butts.

Jung-Mo finds a hoof print like that of a horse or pony. Ember shifts to crane form and flies to talk with some songbirds. They are initially reluctant to communicate with a stranger, but they say a hunter fought with their friend Tiki.

A small bird approaches and turns into a little girl in a white dress. She asks for gifts, but Soske’ senses malicious intent. Ember cries out Tiki’s name, to which the strange child laughs.

Hengeyokai Ember flies down, raking Tiki with her claws. Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo draws his katana and plunges it into the eerie girl. Spirit Folk Jung-Mo sneaks around and hurls a whippet (incendiary boomerang).

Shengtese Soske’ casts Protection From Evil on Saigo. Tiki shrugs off the whippet and gathers shadows, revealing her true form as a monster with a horse’s head and rear legs and long arms ending in black talons. Sonny swings his kusari-gama but misses.

Shan Sao Toshi and Jung-Mo are temporarily incapacitated by Tiki’s hideous laughter. Ember reverts to humanoid form and casts Entangle, but the equine horror is unaffected. Saigo again slashes at his foe, as Soske’ falls back to the sacred grove and changes water into holy rice wine for his arrows.

Tiki taunts each of the would-be heroes and tries to trample Saigo. Sonny switches to his kama and makes a double attack. Ember Wild Shapes into bear form.

Jung-Mo rejoins the fight with his wakizashi [ninja-to] and more whippets. Toshi casts Elemental Burst on a rock, exploding it, followed by Magic Missile.

Sonny briefly trips Tiki, but she stands up and shrinks out of his chains. Soske’ fires arrows, and Ember finishes off their foe with an ursine growl. Saigo beheads the unnatural beast.

Toshi flies up to the creature’s nest and retrieves a sacrificial knife, pipe weed, and the following coinage:

200 yuan (100 silver pieces, or 10 gold pieces)
40 tael (electrum pieces or 20 g.p.)
150 tael (75 g.p.)

Toshi casts Detect Curse and determines that the knife is of Goblinoid or extraplanar origin. Each party member gets about 30 tael (15 g.p.). Sonny plucks six gold threads from the monster’s mane.

Soske’ works to purify the area around the sacred grove, aided by Ember. Jung-Mo wonders who would have summoned the horse-headed girl, and Saigo agrees that they should question Ivor and Shiskikura.

The adventurers return to Chin Mok by nightfall. Fong Kien is grateful, and Yang Kuang says that the Wolfen hunter has left the village. Lady Yun identifies Tiki’s head as that of a Tikbalang, a dangerous shapeshifter.

Soske’ hopes to track down the summoner behind the Tikbalang, but Saigo hopes to avoid local entanglements while bringing Lady Yun to Sogewa, capital of Tong Sheng. The wanderers rest another night in Chin Mok….

It was great to see everyone virtually! Thanks again for your patience and feedback as we try out my latest D20/FATE house rules for both “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” and “Vistel’s Circus” teams. I hope to see all of you online tomorrow night.

I also look forward to continuing Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario, and let Byron and me know about the proposed crossover with his Middle Earth Role-Playing game with his sons.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.9 — Orc Samurai and flaming boar

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.9, which was held on Sunday, 26 January 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. 2
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 2
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 2
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 2
“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. 2
“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. 2

“1 to 5 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The adventuring party had left Gokuri hunters and the Balef River behind. At the Shengtese human town of Shang Tao, the escorts of Lady Yun Aei-Yong rested, resupplied, and were brought before the local lord.

At Soske’s recommendation, the group turns south toward the village of Chin Mok rather than east to Chung Kwang Shui to avoid potential pursuers. Lady Yun’s ultimate destination is Sogewa, the provincial capital of Tong Sheng or Silado.

The spring thaw has arrived on the eastern Plains of Sathendo, bringing sunnier days but nights that are still cool and damp. Toshi and Ember shift to bird form to scout ahead. They fly over grasslands with occasional woods, hills, and streams.

Sonny keeps a wary eye out for more bandits or would-be assassins. In Jung-Mo’s carriage, Soske’ chats with Lady Yun about their difficult families. Saigo, Jung-Mo, and Oh Kum-Ja, Lady Yun’s Draconian guard, also keep watch.

As the rutted trail winds through some hills, the travelers see about a dozen men approaching on a parallel switchback. The Ronin (masterless Samurai) step aside to let the caravan pass, but Soske’ and Ember pause to ask some questions.

Ruyin Tso says that his squad is trying to return home and acknowledges that he is being chased. Shukenja Soske’ shares sake and casts Guidance to help the weary warriors on their way.

That evening, the team prepares to stop for the night when Wu Ember notices another fire ahead. Toshi stealthily flies ahead in baza (bird) form, and the Wu Jen sees six heavily armored humanoids roasting something — or someone — on a spit. Toshi and Ember quietly return to their camp.

Late at night, Toshi is on watch when he sees glowing canine eyes. He and Ember awaken their companions. Yoon Jeaki, an Orc Samurai and warg rider serving the Crab Clan, prefers to talk with Shengtese humans Sonny and Soske’ than with Zedu demihumans Saigo or Toshi.

Ember helps merchant Jung-Mo persuade Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja to stay in the carriage. The Nannuattan emissary believes that the green-skinned Orcs should defer to her, but Ember points out that they do not have Gokuri banners.

Yoon explains that he is searching for deserters. Kensai Sonny (who did not talk with Ruyin) promises to look out for traitors, and Soske’ offers his blessings on the Shengtese Samurai. The wanderers are relieved when they part ways with the Orcs in the morning.

Sometime later, the diplomatic party finds an old battlefield, where broken bones and weapons jut out from the thawing mud. Sonny and Saigo stay close to Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja. Toshi casts Detect Magic and learns that spells were cast in the fight and that some of the armor is cursed.

Ember checks tracks but finds no trace of the recent Ronin or warg-riding Orcs. The Druid also casts Grow to heal a bit of the plant growth destroyed by trampling troops. Jung-Mo conducts his own search and reports that the area has already been thoroughly scavenged.

Soske’ senses ghosts and numerous other Undead, so he casts Water to Wine and conducts last rites. The priests’ efforts send many of the spirits to their final rest. Sonny recommends sticking to open terrain to avoid ambush. Accustomed to forest, Shan Sao Toshi and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo reluctantly agree.

The next day, the delegates of three kingdoms arrive at Chin Mok. They pass peasants knee-deep in flooded fields, planting rice. The village is surrounded by a wooden palisade, but no uniformed militia is visible.

At the “Stork’s Gullet,” Soske’ and company pay 40 tael (20 gold pieces) for lodgings, food, and provisions for themselves and their steeds. Most of Chin Mok’s residents are human, but Ember is pleased to see some other crane Hengeyokai.

Toshi busies himself by building a next of blankets and straw in a hammock. Sonny is glad to have a roof over his head, and Jung-Mo slips out to pursue some shady business. Similarly, Saigo leaves to look for a geisha.

Soske’ does a divination, which reveals that the party will rest comfortably — at least until trouble arrives. Several hours later, the group is awakened by a commotion outside.

A huge flaming boar charges down the village’s streets, overturning carts and sending pedestrians scampering for shelter. Saigo, Jung-Mo, and Oh Kum-Ja stay with Lady Yun in the tavern, while Sonny, Toshi, Ember, and Soske’ go to investigate.

Angry nature spirit — Angry spirit charges

Druid Ember casts Entangle, slightly slowing the magical beast. Wizard Toshi casts Magic Missile, and Cleric Soske’ maneuvers to get ahead of the boar. Unfortunately, Ember’s Enthrall Animal and Soske’s Calm have no effect on the angry spirit.

Martial artist Sonny swings a chain, snaring one of the creature’s legs and keeping it from overrunning Soske’. Quick-thinking Ember casts Create Water into a trough, which she overturns toward the monster. The splashing liquid shrinks it slightly.

Toshi casts Elemental Burst on the earth and throws a bucket of water at the flaming boar. Soske’ draws his bow and yells, “Lead it out to the rice paddies!” Sonny leaps over the beast, wrapping his chain around its other hind leg and pulling it over.

The boar drags Sonny as Ember shifts to crane form. She swoops down to help lure it out of Chin Mok. Toshi slings stones at the porcine horror, while Soske’ stays a step ahead of it by pulling street carts into its path.

Sonny swipes the boar on its tusked snout and yells at the villagers to open the gate. He jumps into a rice paddy, dragging the chained creature behind him. It holds its ground. Toshi casts Shocking Grasp, and Soske’ fires more arrows to goad it forward.

Ember ends the battle by Wild Shaping into an ox and shoving the burning boar into the water. It emits a cloud of steam and shrinks into a squealing piglet, which Sonny and Soske’ grab.

Ember asks the nature spirit why it was rampaging in Chin Mok. Between protests about being manhandled, the piglet says that it sought revenge for hunters who violated its sacred grove. Ember releases the spirit, which runs away from the farming village….

Happy Birthday, Beruk, and Dexter and Bruce, we missed you at this past weekend’s game! At the moment, I’m leaning against running “A New Dawn” on Super Bowl Sunday, but let me know who of you would be available.

In the meantime, it was good to see some of you at the kickoff for Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using Icons). I look forward to continuing with the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face group next Monday, 3 February 2014, weather permitting.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.8 — New in town

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.8, which was held on Sunday, 12 January 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. 2

“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 2

“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 2

“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. 2

“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. 2

“24 to 31 March 1227 B.C.E.:” The adventuring party had to fight its way out of a Gokuri outpost because Byong Sudae, its Nannuattan commander, was once a rival of diplomat Lady Yun Aei-Yong. The group narrowly escaped and returned to the Balef River.

The boatmen push the three barges southward, away from Dulthor. Saigo notices someone trying to keep out of sight and keep up on the western shore. Ember shifts to crane form to observe. She sees two Tsucharim (Mongol-style) human scouts and flies back to her companions to report.

Soske’ reassures Saigo that the two men won’t be able to keep up with the boats. He then serves tea while Jung-Mo provides impromptu entertainment by singing and dancing. Sonny and Toshi talk with Lady Yun, who says that pursuit is less likely as they travel eastward toward Sogewa, capital of the Principality of Silado/Tong Sheng.

After a day’s travel, the emissary and her escorts arrive at the walled town of Shang Tao. Su Yuwei and the other boatmen unload the horses and Jung-Mo’s carriage (discreetly containing Lady Yun and her Draconian guard Oh Kum-Ja). They bid farewell, since the team plans to head inland.

The party checks into the Ouzino Guest House. “River Spirit Folk” Jung-Mo and Shengtese human Soske’ share a room, but the former goes out to gamble while the latter looks for sake. Shengtese Sonny shares lodgings with Shan Sao Toshi, who builds a nest to sleep in.

Rather than spend more time with cloaked Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja, Hengeyokai Ember gets a room to herself, as does Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo. The group rests after its recent battles.

The next morning, the wanderers take turns guarding Lady Yun and exploring Shang Tao. Wu-Jen Toshi and Samurai Saigo visit Ii Yoshiyuki, a Korobokuru (eastern Dwarf) weapon smith.

Sonny walks by barracks by stone gate. The Kensai buys drinks for guards Yang Kong and Lo Jaini. The male Bushi (pikeman) is only too happy to chat about recent wars, while the female Ashigaru (archer) is more reticent, if less able to hold her liquor.

Wu Ember and Shukenja Soske’ attend to the steeds, including Toshi’s donkey Wako and Saigo’s warhorse Black Wind. Merchant Jung-Mo continues to flirt with Ember and spar verbally with Sonny.

Soske’ also asks Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja if there’s anything they want, since their movements are restricted in the human town. The Nannuattan asks for whatever is a local delicacy, and her Draconian follower requests a whole chicken.

Saigo trades excess knives, swords, and naginatas (pole arms) with Ii Yoshiyuki for arrows for the party. Toshi asks about shurikens (throwing stars), and the smith sends him to one Choi Gyong-Si. Saigo also asks where he can find a geisha and is referred to the “Wolf’s Den.”

With his priestly robes and staff, Soske’ is unsurprised by the friendly reception he receives in the marketplace. He haggles for charhar-aina (plates to wear over other armor) and a buckler (small shield). Fellow spellcaster Ember decides to hold off on buying lamellar armor, but fortuneteller Marala Soniakova and some jewelry catch her eye.

Toshi stops by the Ouzino Guest House to get Jung-Mo. They track down Choi Gyong-Si, who turns out to be a Bakemono (eastern Goblin) dung sweeper. They exchange not-so-subtle hints, and Choi takes the duo into an alley to show them his wares, including shurikens and Whippets (incendiary boomerangs).

Toshi then heads back to keep watch on Lady Yun, whom the party suspects of causing trouble on behalf of Queen Kagejusko. Sonny climbs to a quiet rooftop to practice with his chains.

On the recommendation of innkeeper Dao Ying-Ye, Soske’ buys freshly braised lamb and a chicken from butcher Yang Baio. He brings the food back to the guest house, where Jung-Mo and Ember return just in time for a lunch feast.

On his way to the “Wolf’s Den,” Saigo encounters triple-breasted Oni (Ogre Mage) Ahn Myng-Sun. He resists her amorous advances but buys her a drink. Saigo eventually meets Ikeda Hiroko, a River Spirit Folk musician.

From his perch, Sonny notices a group of Shengtese soldiers riding from the local lord’s tower. They ride about the town, and Sonny recognizes that they’re retracing his party’s steps. The martial artist jumps from roof to roof to warn those at the inn.

Rather than expose Lady Yun to awkward questions or worse, Soske’ stalls a guard at the door to their suite. Jung-Mo slips away and retrieves Saigo, who reluctantly rejoins the group.

A sentry explains that the visitors are summoned to an audience with “Jin Young” [John E./Non-Player Character], the local lord. They take their time getting to the tower. Saigo and Soske’ explain their mission to escort the representative of the kingdom of Gokuri to the capitals of Tong Sheng and Zedu.

Jin Young doesn’t believe that Gokuri will honor any truce with its neighbors, but he says that he’ll obey Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu and Duke Kou Fei Seng’s wishes. The local ruler considers attacking weakened Dulthor, but the wanderers recommend against prolonging border warfare.

Jin Young orders his troops to escort the visitors back to the Ouzino Guest House. Jung-Mo and Sonny keep a low profile, as do Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja. They prepare to leave the next morning.

Toshi and Soske’ pay their respects to the ancestors after talking to Phoenix Clan priest Zhan-Shi Yun at shrines to the Path of Order. Toshi later visits herbalist Lee Xiumin and is referred to Shan Sao woodworker Honda Maiko.

Ember buys a silver bracelet to match her magical necklace and accompanies Toshi to Honda Maiko’s shop. They buy ornately carved tiger and dragon talismans, which Toshi promises to animate. Meanwhile, Saigo goes back to Hiroko at the “Wolf’s Den.”

Among other things, Soske’ acquires the following supplies from River Spirit Folk trader Hojo Masaharu, whom he Blesses in thanks:

Bedrolls, blankets, and tents
Feed for the animals, wicker baskets
Food and water, six days’ worth for eight people (48 days)
Tools: axe, crowbar, rake, shovel, tinder box

After the party leaves Shang Tao, Soske’ suggests heading across the eastern Plains of Sathendo south to Chin Mok rather than east to Chung Kwang Shui, as the group had originally planned and told people….

It was good to see everyone online, and I’m glad to see the “A New Dawn” party back on the road! I also look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face game or at next week’s character-generation session for Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using Icons).

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.7 — Escaping the Dark Elves

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.7, which was held on Sunday, 5 January 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. 2

“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 2

“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 2

“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. 2

“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. 2

“22 to 23 March 1227 B.C.E.:” The travelers ventured into marshes, where they defeated an Undead traitor and restored the honor of skeletal sentries. They then visited the Gokuri hamlet of Dulthor, where they received an insincere welcome.

Ember had seen a serving girl toss a gas grenade into the guest chamber, and Soske’ had tossed it back, incapacitating the sentries. Fortunately, Saigo had memorized the route into the subterranean outpost, and Toshi readied charcoal to mark the path.

Moon Jung-Mo and Sonny help Oh Kum-Ja, the Draconian bodyguard of Lady Yun Aei-Yong, who inhaled some gas. The Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) diplomat notes that onetime rival Byong Sudae apparently still holds a grudge.

Soske’ suggests searching for evidence that the commander has defied the orders of the kingdom of Gokuri, but Ember and Saigo recommend making a direct escape while they still can. Toshi hears noise in the passages outside their suite [Area 15].

Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo and Hengeyokai Ember take the lead, followed by Shan Sao Toshi and Shukenja Toshi. Spirit Folk Jung-Mo, Shengtese human Sonny, Oh Kum-Ja, and Lady Yun follow toward the main staircase [Area 1].

The group creeps to a door into a central foyer, taking turns peeking at the local militia as it assembles. Toshi stumbles, revealing the escapees’ position, and Saigo throws a gas capsule confiscated from unconscious servants. It knocks out four out of six Gokuri guards.

Ember casts Light, but the Dark Elves shield their eyes in time. Tosh casts Elemental Burst on the earthen floors, injuring one soldier. Soske’ fires two arrows, slaying the wounded sentry. Reinforcements arrive, bringing the number of opponents back up to six. They strike Saigo and Soske’.

Samurai Saigo advances against the Nannuattan and draws his katana. Wu Ember kills a Gokuri human with her kama (sickle). Wu-Jen Toshi finishes another with shurikens (throwing stars). Shukenja Soske’ heals his companions with a Positive Energy Burst.

Yakuza Jung-Mo and Kensai Sonny haul burly Oh Kum-Ja up the stairs. Saigo slashes a foe in front, but Ember misses. Toshi slips on the stone steps, yet still manages to kill another with shurikens. He then casts Grease on the stairs below, and Soske’ fires arrows to further delay pursuit by three troops.

With eight enemies already dead and javelins flying from more below, the adventuring party ascends to the second level. Saigo is struck, but he pushes on. Rather than try to prevent an alarm from being raised, the team races up to a central hall on the ground level [Area 13], where more militia await.

Saigo crosses blades with Byong Sudae, who says that she wants no part of Lady Yun’s brokered peace with Gokuri’s neighbors. Ember Wild Shapes into a terrifying tiger and pounces on a Nannuattan Bushi.

Toshi flings more shurikens, and Soske’ drops the enchanted coins planted on him and fires an arrow at armored Byong Sudae. The Nannuattan Samurai is less lucky with the katana than Saigo, but she continues taunting him.

Jung-Mo and Sonny use their blades and chains to fend off yet more reinforcements and protect Lady Yun and Oh Kum-Ja. Desc Raidon, Byong’s lieutenant, hits Ember twice, and Hyoi Sun, a priestess of Yurdanthis, lord of the void, attempts to curse the interlopers.

The Nannuattan guard underneath Ember tries to stab her with a knife, but the Druid uses her tiger claws to dispatch him. Maehata Zen, a Wu Jen, Levitates Toshi to the ceiling. The diminutive Wizard shifts to baza (bird) form. However, a guard stabs Toshi with a naginata (halberd).

Saigo turns from Byong to help Ember and Soske’ with Desc. Hyoi casts Faerie Fire on Toshi, who throws his last shurikens in response. Ember rakes at the lieutenant and the remaining guard, who knock out Soske’ before being slain by the tiger.

Maehata casts Magic Missiles at Toshi, as well as Darkness and Shield spells to defend himself and Byong. Toshi casts Sonic Burst and Light, which partly negates the darkness around the melee. He then flies down to drag Soske’ to Sonny to bind his wounds.

Saigo cuts down Byong Sudae, and Ember kills Desc Raidon. Soske’ casts Weapon Bless on an arrow and drops Hyoi Sun. The Shukenja casts Light on a spear, but Maehata Zen gets away under cover of darkness and the sound of approaching warriors.

Ember treats Soske’s wounds, and Toshi grabs Byong’s katana as a trophy for Saigo. The group runs to the main gate and narrowly evades the falling portcullis, thanks in part to Sonny and Oh Kum-Ja.

As they run toward the dock, the travelers are pelted by crossbow bolts and sling stones. They find two human guards by their boats. Saigo, Toshi, and Soske’ fire a volley of arrows, knocking one into the chilly water. The last foe wisely jumps after his partner rather than fight.

Lady Yun and her escorts leap aboard the three barges and continue down the Balef River, eventually passing out of Dulthor’s reach. They rest and vow to avoid other Nannuattan.

Toshi later identifies Byong’s sword as belonging to the White Scorpion clan. It has a minor vampiric enchantment [heals 1 hit point to wielder for every 10 HP dealt]. Saigo and Jung-Mo note that it could be useful, but it should probably be sold in the longer term.

The three human crewmen take the boats southeast, in the direction of Shang Tao, a human town on the wide Plains of Sathendo….

Happy Anniversary, Dexter! We missed you and Beruk at last night’s telecom game. Bruce, Rich C.G., and I enjoyed fantasy flick 47 Ronin, despite its poor reviews, and Janice liked the animated Frozen.

I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face session. In the meantime, I also look forward to Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using Icons).