“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 6 — Curing a curse

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.6, which was held on Sunday, 29 December, 2013:

Long ago in a distant land, spirits and men directly traded bamboo, silk, and steel. Wars to the west, twisted monsters, and power-hungry sorcerers threatened the eastern kingdoms, so the call went out for new heroes of honor and tact….

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

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

“16 to 21 March 1227 B.C.E.:” After deciding to continue traveling on the Balef River, the group escorting a Gokuri diplomat stopped at the “Sandy Corner,” a tavern on stilts. They found mysterious skeletal warriors, an old curse, and giant amoebas.

Sonny and Saigo suspect Lady Yun Aei-Yong of being involved with the latest attack. The Nannuattan emissary tells the Kensai and Samurai that the monsters were likely attracted to the inn, but they could have been summoned by a ooze master.

Ember and Soske’ have tea and breakfast. The Druid talks about the wonders of flight, and the Shukenja blesses their meal. Merchant Moon Jung-Mo and Wu Jen Toshi help the boatmen reload the three barges.

Since the skeletons have been damaged, Sonny wonders if they should be rearmed, but Saigo doesn’t think it’s necessary. Soske’ suggests finding a way to resolve the fate on the Undead, who have been cursed to stand guard until their traitorous commander or his stolen gold return.

Saigo says that the team’s first duty is to covey Lady Yun safely to Sogewa, capital of Tong Sheng. The Mahotsukai (Sorceress), however, says she doesn’t mind a minor delay.

Ember notes that the skeletons have protected the “Sandy Corner,” but innkeeper Tan Shude says they indiscriminately attack anyone who is out at night. After some debate, the adventuring party decides to quickly check the nearby marshes.

Saigo asks Lady Yun to stay back with Toshi, Draconian bodyguard Oh Kum-Ja, and the boatmen. Hengeyokai Ember shifts into crane form to lead the way back to the rocky outcropping that she and Shan Sao Toshi had found.

Sonny, Saigo, and Soske’ cautiously proceed, with Jung-Mo quietly flanking in the snowy reeds. At the cave mouth, Ember, Saigo, and Soske’ hear snuffling and see a humanoid figure. Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo throws a rock and hears a yell. It throws something at them.

From the air, Ember spots the leg of a local man who had been partially eaten by a giant amoeba. Stealthy Jung-Mo sneaks ahead, while Shengtese human Sonny looks in the cold water for other threats.

Shengtese priest Soske’ casts Protection From Evil, and he and Saigo draw their bows. Their arrows hit the emaciated humanoid. Ember casts Entangle, but her spell and Jung-Mo’s sneak attack both miss.

The ghoul, which Soske’ later identifies as a Jikininki, swings wildly at Jung-Mo. Sonny swings a weighted chain at the Undead. Soske’s second volley misses, and Saigo drops his daikyu and runs to close the distance.

Jung-Mo nearly hits Ember with a whippet (incendiary boomerang), and Soske’ casts Weapon Bless on Saigo’s katana, helping him to destroy the Jikininki in one blow.

Ember, who has shifted back to humanoid form, helps Saigo search the cave. They find rotten armor, a broken sword, a small chest, and a bundle of rags. Saigo takes the arms, while Ember finds gold coins in the rags.

Sonny searches the Jikininki and notices scraps of an antique Shengtese military uniform. Jung-Mo torches the corpse before helping Ember examine the chest. The Spirit Folk Yakuza eventually finds a needle trap and a chop (seal) of office.

Soske’ uses Sense Elements — Psychometry on the clothing and chest to identify the Undead officer as the traitor Ba Lang Liangde. Satisfied, the travelers return to the tavern. The skeletal sentries climb down from their rooftop perches.

Soske’ tells them that their honor is restored. The warriors take the katana and chest and march off into the swamp. Tan Shude thanks the would-be heroes for their help.

Ember and Sonny notice the seal of the Dragon Clan on the coins, which have been left behind. Sonny notes that the innkeeper has already been reimbursed for damages, and Soske’ says he’d like to return the gold to the Dragon Clan. Given Ember’s interest, the others let her hold onto the booty.

The three boats continue south on the Balef River for a few uneventful days. Jung-Mo analyzes the poison from the chest as a paralytic. The courtier also continues wooing Ember and avoiding Lady Yun. Toshi studies his arcane scrolls.

Diligent Sonny punches tubs of water, as armored Saigo practices his swordplay and meditates. Cheerful Soske’ prepares flaming arrows and has tea with Lady Yun, Saigo, and Sonny.

The boats stop one night at Dulthor, a hamlet on the Gokuri side of the river. Two Tsucharim (Mongol-style) human guards greet Lady Yun as she, Oh Kum-Ja, and others come ashore. Seng Yip Wu welcomes Lady Yun to the Nannuattan outpost.

Seng orders servants to carry the visitors’ gear as they descend three levels into the hills. The obsequious scribe shows them to a small but luxurious suite and leaves. Jung-Mo tries to slip out of the chambers but is blocked by Oh Kum-Jah and two guards out in the hallway.

Soske’ finds extra coins in his purse, which Lady Yun says could be used to magically track his movements. The Shukenja again uses Psychometry and gets a brief vision of an old man with two noses, no doubt an Oni, and a Nannuattan woman in armor.

Saigo sets watches and sits the first one with Ember. Soske’ and Moon take the second, with Sonny and Saigo planning to take the third to let Toshi study and rest. During the second watch, Soske’ and Jung-Mo hear a servant girl roll something into their room.

Quick-thinking Soske’ grabs the grenade and tosses it back, incapacitating the two guards. He then drags Oh Kum-Ja back into the cell and tries to rouse the Draconian. Saigo tells Lady Yun that they’re leaving and draws his katana.

Ember studies the grenade and helps revive burly Oh Kum-Jah. Soske’ uses smelling salts on one of the serving girls and interrogates her. She reveals that her mistress is Byong Sudae, a former rival of Lady Yun demoted to the border outpost.

The group grimly prepares to fight its way through the Dark Elven outpost back to the surface….

I hope that everyone’s holidays were happy, and Byron, I hope your daughter’s birthday celebrations went well. I look forward to continuing our adventures on Sunday, 5 January 2014.

Note that I’ll probably be running the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face game this coming Monday, and Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using Icons) will probably begin on Jan. 20.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.5 — Bones and blobs

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.5, which was held on Sunday, 22 December, 2013:

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 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. 1

“11 to 15 March 1227 B.C.E.:” During a stop at the village of Wai Shih in the Balef River Valley, the team escorting Gokuri diplomat Lady Yun Aei-Yong fought human bandits and an Oni. The would-be assassins apparently had orders to intercept the party.

Sonny and Saigo have been infected by rats summoned by Oni (Ogre Mage) Simikage Haruhiko, so Ember gets local shaman Kajuji Manabu, a Carp Hengeyokai, to help Soske’ treat their wounds.

Ember also recommends that innkeeper Ho Sze be reimbursed for damages to the “Death’s Deck” tavern. Saigo deducts 10 tael (20 gold pieces) for Ho Sze from the Oni’s purse, leaving 23 g.p. for each party member — and Oh Kum-Ja, Lady Yun’s Draconian guard.

Toshi and company look at maps for potential routes from Wai Shih to Sogewa, the capital of Tong Sheng. They could travel southeast to the town of Beitien and cross the wide Plains of Sathendo, or they could take the Balef River farther south before turning east.

Although the river marks the border with the kingdom of Gokuri and the barbaric Gusorin Confederation, the group reasons that it would be faster than hiking overland, especially where there are few roads. After resting for a night, the group reboards its three barges and heads toward Shang Tao.

The travelers are relieved to have an uneventful day, as the spring thaw carries their boats. At the intersection of the Balef and Hei Ho rivers, they find a set of buildings on stilts at the edge of a marsh, as Soske’ predicted.

Moon Jung-Mo stays with Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, the boatmen, and the horses, while the rest of the escort enters the “Sandy Corner.” Samurai Saigo is gruffly greeted by Tan Shude, a Shengtese human innkeeper from whom he acquires rooms for 2 g.p. per night.

Kensai Sonny walks around outside to check the perimeter. Wu Jen Toshi looks for obvious magic and casts a Clean cantrip on the rooms. Wu Ember notices some Bakemono (eastern Goblins) arguing over their tab with a barmaid.

Soske’ chats with a few fishermen. Jiki Yuwei claims that nothing out of the ordinary has happened recently, but his friends are evasive. The Shukenja casts Elemental Sight for psychometry and sees that their goods are scavenged. Jiki eventually warns Soske’ to stay indoors at night.

Sonny notices five armored skeletons at the corners of the “Sandy Corner’s” roof. Ember and Soske’ help Toshi clean the rooms, and Saigo agrees to bring Lady Yun, Oh Kum-Ja, and the boatmen in for the night.

Trader Jung-Mo gets provisions for the crew and horses as the others examine the roof. Sonny lowers a chain to help Soske’ and Saigo climb up, while Toshi and Ember shift to avian form together for first time.

Although the skeletal warriors’ armor and weapons are rusted, their posture and lack of decomposition are unnatural. As a crane Hengeyokai, Ember talks with a crow that’s interested in shiny things such as eyeballs. In return for a silver piece, it warns her of giant spiders in the swamps.

Baza (bird) Toshi casts Detect Magic , confirming that the skeletons and crane are magical. Soske’ senses something amiss and later uses his Phoenix Clan status to question Tan Shude. The innkeeper tells of how, many years ago, a military unit camped nearby.

Its commander had stolen money from his lord, who had summoned spirits to pursue the troops. Although five men fought honorably in ignorance, the thief escaped, leaving his followers to die. The skeletal soldiers are cursed to stand watch until their commander or the lost treasure returns.

Before dark, Toshi and Ember conduct aerial reconnaissance in bird form. They see webs at the edge of the marsh and a rocky outcropping that could be a cave mouth. They return and report to their companions.

Soske’, Jung-Mo, and Lady Yun are interested in helping the locals, but Sonny, Toshi, and Saigo say their mission to safely convey the Nannuattan emissary takes precedence. Ember is curious and sympathizes with Lady Yun’s restlessness.

Over a dinner of fish stew and mulled wine, Saigo sets watches for the night. Hengeyokai Ember and Shan Sao Toshi take first watch, followed by Shengtese human Sonny and Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo. Shengtese Soske’ and Jung-Mo are set to take the third.

The first watch is quiet, but Sonny and Saigo hear movement during their shift. They wake their companions as the armored skeletons climb down from their perches. Soske’ casts Light , and Ember peeks out but sees nothing.

Toshi heads down the creaky stairs, followed by Saigo. They see a skeleton shoved into a pillar by an unseen foe. Sonny listens and readies his chains. Soske’ checks on Lady Yun and heads for the front door.

Ember hears sloshing and Wild Shapes into a bat to get a better view of the fight outside. The Druid sees pseudopods bursting from the water at the skeletal warriors, as well as the remains of a night watchman.

Soske’ casts Magic Weapon on his bow. The Cleric’s first arrow gets stuck in the giant amoeba. Martial artist Sonny looks for an oil lamp before heading outside.

Toshi shifts into bird form and flies to the roof for a better view. The Wizard and Ember return to humanoid form to help their companions. Samurai Saigo hacks at one of the aberrations with his katana and dodges acid-dripping extrusions.

The skeletons fight on all sides of the “Sandy Corner,” avoiding envelopment but taking damage. Soske’ uses tongs to grab a burning log from a fireplace in the inn, and Sonny wraps an oil-soaked rag around his chain. Together, they prepare flaming arrows to fire at the oozes.

Toshi casts Elemental Burst (water) on one amoeba, and Ember casts Entangle on another. Unfortunately, their spells have little effect as the group joins the melee on the deck. Saigo slices up Sonny and Toshi’s opponent but is slammed and burned.

One ooze hits Ember while others trade blows with the skeletons. Soske’ rips off his shirt, ties it to his staff with a bowstring, dips it in oil, and lights it on fire. Sonny swings his flaming chain at an amoeba taking an oil flask to Ember.

Toshi casts Elemental Burst (air) on Soske’s foe, and Ember casts Water to Wine in the river around the oozes. Saigo maneuvers to aid Soske’. The skeletons destroy one amoeba, leaving two remaining.

Soske’ lights the wine with his staff, and Sonny dumps the remaining oil onto an ooze. Toshi casts Light to aid his companions, as Ember throws fire but misses. Saigo’s sword continues to do some damage, but the skeletons do better.

Sonny grabs the firebrand from Soske’ and destroys the amoeba near Ember. The last ooze misses Saigo and is ripped apart by the skeletons, which then look at the adventuring party with empty eye sockets.

Soske’ bows to the Undead warriors and goes into the “Sandy Corner” rather than fight them. The rest of the group follows his lead and closes the doors….

Please remember to update your P.C. records to second level. Dexter, we missed you last night! Weather and traffic permitting, I hope to be home in time for our next virtual session, on Sunday, Dec. 29. I also expect the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” face-to-face campaign to continue on Monday, Dec. 30, at Rich C.G.’s place in Waltham, Mass.

In the meantime, I look forward to wrapping up Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times”miniseries and to returning to his “Glassworks” noir superhero setting. May all of you have a happy holiday season!

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

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

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

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 1
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 1
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 1
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 1
“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest of Shang-ti and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things; LNg, Lvl. 1
“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 1

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

eastern river village — On the banks of the Balef River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest of Shang-ti and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things; LNg, Lvl. 1

“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; LNg, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest of Shang-ti and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things; LNg, Lvl. 1

“Moon Jung-mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki, eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk Yakuza (eastern Grey Elf Rogue); LNg, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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