Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.4 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 25 October 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

Sometime after a group of former circus performers wandered aboard the airship Zephyr and a team of diplomatic escorts fought chaos in Tong Sheng, another crew gathered on the Sea of Nagendwa, and past heroes reunited….

Higher-level Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” teleconferencing fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, Skype, and the Rolz online dice roller, as of autumn 2015:

• “Bellanora of Doru” [Dexter V.H.]-female Mountain Dwarf Paladin devoted to Vulkan, with gryphon steed Dai-ru; LG, Lvl. 10

• “Kunal Sampat Rajiv Ramaprased” [Beruk A.]-male Harrappan (proto-Indian) human Rogue and cook, member of the (D&D3.5) “Broken Chains”; NGc, Lvl. 10

• “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.]-male Saganim/Hifalendorin human Cleric of Ulandt, hunter of Undead, former member of the (D&D3.0) “Seekers of Lore” and associate of (D20/FATE) “Vistel’s Expedition”; NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Amethyst IronSoul” [Geoff C.]-male Warforged battle master (Construct Fighter) and mercenary leader; LNg, Lvl. 10

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, wandering Saganim prince, valiant arcane warrior, and mandolin player, member of “Vistel’s Expedition”; CNg, Lvl. 10

• “Ember Talon” [Sara F./absent]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court (see D20/FATE “A New Dawn”); NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Eoghan, son of Kyndeyrn” [Josh C./absent]-male Half-Elf (Saganim human/Fey-touched) Warlock (formerly Bard), associate of the “Broken Chains”; CGn, Lvl. 10

“6 to 7 November 1227 B.C.E.:” In the barbaric port of Gisar, the new acquaintances met an informant and were not surprised when Undead surrounded them in a market one night. A tough fight ensued.

Melchior casts Shadow Step to bring him and Kunal from a rooftop to Corwin, who is fighting a Jiang-Shi (hopping vampire) and a Wolfen Wight. Riki, the Nekojin (cat woman) contact, runs away.

Amethyst swings his maul at a Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Barbarian and ripostes against a skeletal Minotaur. Corwin creates three more Mirror Images. Bellanora wheels overhead on Dai-ru, her gryphon steed. She had already destroyed Irena Keshkova, a Vistani vampire.

The Barbarian, Fjodor Valisson, is unable to hit Amethyst, but hopping vampire  Jeung Kum-Ja destroys one of Corwin’s illusory duplicates. Minotaur Storn Redeyes misses Amethyst, as Wolfen Solveig Lodbjorn hits Corwin.

Cleric Melchior misses Jeung, while Fighter Amethyst damages Fjodor with a sonic attack and taunts him. Bard Corwin draws two swords and slashes Solveig.

Bellanora hurls her holy hammer at the Wight and fails to turn him. However, the hopping vampire flees from the Paladin’s holy symbol of Vulkan (Moradin).

Hapless Fjodor again misses Amethyst, as does skeletal Storn. Wolfen Solveig swings wide, and Kunal sneaks around the Minotaur. Melchior hits it with his Undead Bane rapier.

Amethyst finishes off Storn. Corwin lends Bardic Inspiration to Kunal and Bellanora, who leaps from Dai-ru to destroy Wight Solveig. Fjodor declines Amethyst’s demand to surrender and swings his great sword.

Jeung Kum-Ja tries to hop away, but Kunal and Corwin give chase. Skeletal Storn chops at Amethyst with a glaive. Quick-thinking Kunal throws a makeshift lasso around the hopping vampire and ties the other end to an Immovable Rod.

The Rogue then backstabs her with his Frost dagger before Melchior destroys her with Shadow Bolts. Amethyst gets his second wind to recover from the Minotaur’s blow. The Warforged eventually slays Fjodor.

Bellanora remounts her gryphon and sees a swarm of bats approaching. Melchior tells his new allies to meet at the prearranged rendezvous point, Gisar’s temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry.

Corwin casts Detect Magic to loot the fallen foes. He and Kunal retrieve the following items:

• Skaevingol Barbarian Fjodor Valisson: Great sword (+1, +3 vs. Lawful), 30 platinum pieces, 50 gold pieces
• Skeletal Minotaur Storn Redeyes: Glaive (2d8+2 damage)
• Wolfen Wight Solveig Lodbjorn: Katars (2 punching daggers, +2, Necrotic +1d6)

Vampires Irena Keshkova and Jeung Kum-Ja leave no treasure. Corwin claims the coins and katars, while Amethyst takes the great sword and glaive. Dwarf Bellanora turns north to evade the bats, and Suthern human Kunal returns to the rooftops to meet Melchior.

Melchior uses Shadow Jumping and a cloak of Darkness to approach Brijitt’s temple. The human priest of Ulandt, goddess of the night, sees an angry mob gathered outside. It includes Barbari human warriors, shaggy humanoids, and spellcasting nobles.

Bellanora wonders about what is going on when she sees the flames from the temple siege and turns around on Dai-ru. Kunal extinguishes some of the fires with his Decanter of Endless Water and signals to the others.

Corwin, who still hopes to thwart his half-brother Prince Daven, Teleports to Melchior with Amethyst. The temple’s magical wards are still intact, but Skaevingol and Tsucharim (Mongol-style) archers are raining arrows upon it. Bugbears, Gnolls, and Oni (Ogre Mages) plunder surrounding buildings, and Vistani (proto-Slavic) vampires control the crowd.

Bellanora flies low to avoid detection, as Kunal tells the others that they should rescue whoever is left inside Brijitt’s temple. Melchior fires a crossbow bolt of Silence, neutralizing six of the 40 enemy spellcasters.

Corwin dons his hat of Disguise to look like a Gnoll and casts Stoneskin on himself. Amethyst would rather leave, but Saganim (proto-Celtic) citizens Melchior and Corwin offer to pay him to stay and help. But first, the group must stay ahead of the attackers and get past the wards to enter the temple….

I know it has been a while since we left this cliffhanger, but I look forward to resuming our telecom adventures tonight (Sunday, Nov. 15)!

See my other posts regarding Halloween, the Rhode Island Comic Con, and the “Storm Riders” and Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” games. Stay in touch, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.3 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 11 October 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

Sometime after a group of former circus performers wandered aboard the airship Zephyr and a team of diplomatic escorts fought chaos in Tong Sheng, another crew gathered on the Sea of Nagendwa, and past heroes reunited….

Higher-level Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” teleconferencing fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, Skype, and the Rolz online dice roller, as of autumn 2015:

• “Bellanora of Doru” [Dexter V.H.]-female Mountain Dwarf Paladin devoted to Vulkan, with gryphon steed Dai-ru; LG, Lvl. 10

• “Kunal Sampat Rajiv Ramaprased” [Beruk A.]-male Harrappan (proto-Indian) human Rogue and cook, member of the (D&D3.5) “Broken Chains”; NGc, Lvl. 10

• “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.]-male Saganim/Hifalendorin human Cleric of Ulandt, hunter of Undead, former member of the (D&D3.0) “Seekers of Lore” and associate of (D20/FATE) “Vistel’s Expedition”; NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Amethyst IronSoul” [Geoff C.]-male Warforged battle master (Construct Fighter) and mercenary leader; LNg, Lvl. 10

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, wandering Saganim prince, valiant arcane warrior, and mandolin player, member of “Vistel’s Expedition”; CNg, Lvl. 10

• “Ember Talon” [Sara F./absent]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court (see D20/FATE “A New Dawn”); NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Eoghan, son of Kyndeyrn” [Josh C./absent]-male Half-Elf (Saganim human/Fey-touched) Warlock (formerly Bard), associate of the “Broken Chains”; CGn, Lvl. 10

“5 to 6 November 1227 B.C.E.:” After a lethal street brawl and spending the night at Gisar’s temple of Brijitt, the new acquaintances found Melchior at the Spice Square. They defeated three people pursuing the Saganim Cleric and inquired about Corwin’s enemies in the city.

Bellanora asks Corwin about his vendettas. The wandering prince explains that the late Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) mage, had framed him for the murder of Lady Katarina, a onetime lover.

Melchior reports that Corwin’s half-brother, Prince Daven, has been raising a mercenary army to challenge Prince Garamond right to the Saganim throne. Among Daven’s allies is young aristocrat Sean Sable, whose family is suspected of necromancy.

Kunal recalls a letter from Lord Dalek asking the Undead who rule Gisar for a boon. He recommends waiting until trouble dies down, but Amethyst is unconcerned with Corwin’s family problems. Kunal notes that the battle master could infiltrate Daven’s forces.

Bellanora still isn’t sure about whether Corwin’s cause is honorable, but the Half-Elf Bard says that the kingdom of Saganim’s security is tied to that of the Zeda kingdom. Bellanora agrees to wait to meet the recently defeated Nekojin (feline humanoid) assassin Riki.

Kunal takes to nearby rooftops to watch the neighborhood. The human Rogue notices that the Skaevingol (proto-Scandinavian), Vistani (proto-Slavic), and Tsucharim (Mongol-style) natives have been joined by Shengtese (East Asian) refugees from the Principality of Silado.

Dwarf Paladin Bellanora saddles Dai-ru, her gryphon steed, which Corwin will make Invisible as needed. Amethyst wonders how Daven would move an army west in winter across the Plains of Sathendo, since the kingdom of Hifalendor is between the former Gusorin Confederation and Saganim.

Melchior theorizes that Dalek knew about an ancient obelisk beneath the ruins of the local Magisterium (magic school/library). It could enable magical transit via ley lines to standing stones within Saganim, the human Cleric tells the Warforged Fighter.

Bellanora wants to keep a low profile and discuss strategy, while Kunal reports on what he saw in Gisar’s winding streets. Melchior suggests heading north to a monastery near Tekugi after meeting with Riki.

Corwin and Kunal head back to the Spice Square to scout out the rendezvous site. Bellanora assumes that Riki’s return is a trap, and Melchior readily agrees.

Amethyst offers his services to Prince Daven. Among the sell swords, he sees Wolven, Nezumi (rat folk), and a few Minotaurs. He returns to his new companions by dusk.

Bellanora rides Dai-ru and casts Protection From Evil on herself. Kunal enters the market from the southeastern corner, using a magical monocle to search for hidden foes.

Melchior uses a cloak of Darkness to hide near Kunal. Corwin casts Stoneskin on himself as he and Amethyst approach the empty market from the south. Riki arrives, followed by a tall Skaevingol warrior.

Corwin steps forward to learn about Daven’s whereabouts, which was a condition of the Nekojin’s release. Fjodor Valisson has disdain for the outlanders, but Amethyst studies his movements.

From their rooftop, Melchior and Kunal spot Undead surrounding the square. Bellanora notices a large bat, as well as a Tsucharim woman approaching from the east. She recognizes Jeung Kum-Ja as a hopping vampire.

Melchior uses his wand of Daylight to illuminate the area around Corwin, who casts Mirror Image, and Amethyst, who readies his maul. Bellanora tries to turn the bat, which resists. Fjodr swings at Amethyst but misses.

Jeung Kum-Ja destroys one of Corwin’s Mirror Images, as bat Irena Keshkova bites at Bellanora. Melchior casts Sound Lance at the winged vampire, and Amethyst slams his Barbarian foe. Corwin provides Bardic Inspiration to the Warforged.

Bellanora hurls her holy hammer at Keshkova, smiting the Vistani vampire. Valisson swings a great axe at Amethyst but again misses. Jeung Kum-Ja claws at Corwin and summons Storn Redeyes, a Minotaur Skeletal Warrior.

Solveig Lodbjorn, a Wolfen Wight, climbs out of the shacks surrounding the market and lurches toward Kunal, who throws his cold steel chakram at the hopping vampire. Cautious Melchior uses Shadow Jump to fall back.

Metal Amethyst gives ally Bellanora an extra attack with Commander’s Strike and taunts his Skaevingol opponent. Corwin carelessly casts Flame Strike, which the gryphon and its rider narrowly avoid.

Righteous Bellanora destroys the vampire in bat form, as Fjodor again misses Amethyst. Jeung Kum-Ja briefly hops out of reach, as Storn turns from Melchior to Amethyst. Solveig is unable to reach Kunal or Corwin.

Sneaky Kunal strikes the hopping vampire, as impetuous Bard Corwin casts Fireball at her. Bellanora wheels overhead on Dai-ru to survey the scene.

Corwin continues fighting Tsucharim vampire Jeung Kum-Ja and Wolfen Wight Solveig. Next to him, Amethyst battles Barbarian Fjodor and skeletal MinotaurStorn.

Kunal and Melchior offer ranged support and watch for more Undead from the surrounding buildings….

While I’m sorry that we’re not able to meet on Sunday, Oct. 18, I look forward to continuing our battle next weekend! Note my posts on the “Holy Steel” Google Group regarding updating your characters and our November schedule.

I’ll see some of you at tomorrow’s “Storm Riders” face-to-face session….

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.2 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 5 October 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

Sometime after a group of former circus performers wandered aboard the airshipZephyr and a team of diplomatic escorts fought chaos in Tong Sheng, another crewgathered on the Sea of Nagendwa, and past heroes reunited….

Higher-level Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” teleconferencing fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, Skype, and the Rolz online dice roller, as of autumn 2015:

• “Bellanora of Doru” [Dexter V.H.]-female Mountain Dwarf Paladin devoted to Vulkan, with gryphon steed Dai-ru; LG, Lvl. 10

• “Kunal Sampat Rajiv Ramaprased” [Beruk A.]-male Harrappan (proto-Indian) human Rogue and cook, member of the (D&D3.5) “Broken Chains”; NGc, Lvl. 10

• “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.]-male Saganim/Hifalendorin human Cleric of Ulandt, hunter of Undead, former member of the (D&D3.0) “Seekers of Lore” and associate of (D20/FATE) “Vistel’s Expedition”; NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Amethyst IronSoul” [Geoff C.]-male Warforged battle master (Construct Fighter) and mercenary leader; LNg, Lvl. 10

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, wandering Saganim prince, valiant arcane warrior, and mandolin player, member of “Vistel’s Expedition”; CNg, Lvl. 10

• “Ember Talon” [Sara F./absent]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court (see D20/FATE “A New Dawn”); NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Eoghan, son of Kyndeyrn” [Josh C./absent]-male Half-Elf (Saganim human/Fey-touched) Warlock (formerly Bard), associate of the “Broken Chains”; CGn, Lvl. 10

“3 to 4 November 1227 B.C.E.:” An assortment of experienced adventurers met in the barbaric port of Gisar, where a street brawl turned deadly and a prince got vengeance for the murder of his lover. Grateful Corwin asked his new acquaintances to help him in the city.

The next morning, Kunal prepares breakfast for his new acquaintances at the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, which Corwin believes to be one of the few safe locations in Gisar. Priestess Gerta the Naughty offers supplies.

The Bard disguises himself to continue his search for ally Melchior. The Saganim(proto-Celtic) human Cleric of Ulandt, the lady of rest, had been covertly monitoring the late Tiefling mage Lord Dalek and Corwin’s half-brother, Prince Daven.

Corwin replaces Bellanora’s singed cloak, but Amethyst declines a poncho for concealment.

The heroes walk north on Indra Avenue, past the temples in Council Square. At the busy Spice Square, they begin asking around for Atlantean arms dealer “Vasdin Khafre” or elderly Saganim potion seller “Shamus,” two of Melchior’s aliases.

Corwin, who is wearing a mandolin he received from Melchior to help with recognition, learns that the red-robed Dragonborn was asking around for “Shamus.” Kunal spots Melchior at the northwestern corner of the market. He is being followed by the Dragonborn, a sickly human, and a Nekojin (cat woman).

Suthern (proto-Arabic) human Kunal and Warforged Amethyst begin to approach the potion vendor’s cart as overbearing customers. Mountain Dwarf Bellanora, still wary after being caught in Corwin’s Flame Strike, keeps her distance to observe.

Half-Elf Corwin casts Message to warn Melchior that his “princely friend is here with friends, but three people are approaching.” In response, the Defender of the Night vanishes and invisibly climbs a building.

The three humanoids fan out, and the Dragonborn pulls out a monocle to scan the crowd. Kunal circles to the square’s northern entrance to watch the pale man, who is sniffing in an apparent attempt to track Melchior.

Amethyst turns south toward the Nekojin and studies her movements. The feline assassin is graceful but relatively young. Bellanora approaches the Dragonborn from the east and engages him in conversation.

Gorkath says that he is looking for “friend” Shamus. The glaive-bearing reptilian spellcaster uses his magical monocle to spot Melchior on a nearby rooftop.

Disguised Corwin walks to the fountain at the center of Spice Square and tries to keep out of the Dragonborn’s line of sight. Rogue Kunal uses exotic spices to distract the pale man and then ducks into the crowd.

Paladin Bellanora tries to Detect Evil. Bard Corwin casts Fear on Gorkath, forcing him to flee east on Agni Path. Cleric Melchior uses Shadow Step to get close to his countryman. Fighter Amethyst nears the Nekojin.

Kunal follows the Dragonborn and steals his monocle, as the Nekojin unknowingly passes Corwin. The wan man then heads toward Bellanora, who senses malicious intent.

Corwin provides Bardic Inspiration to Bellanora, and Melchior casts Protection From Evil on himself. Amethyst turns to the Nekojin. Kunal lets Gorkath go and returns to Corwin in the market.

The Saganim prince casts Hold Person on the Nekojin, as Melchior casts Detect Undead and identifies the pale man near Bellanora as infected. The holy warrior of Vulkan tells the man to halt, but he says that his “masters now know you’re here.”

Bellanora hurls Kestaz Heus, her holy war hammer, through the man, who explodes in a fountain of black pus. Corwin ties up the Nekojin, while Amethyst keeps watch for the Draconian.

Melchior casts the Blessing of Stealth and takes the new group to a secondary safe house. The Grimm, or hunter of Undead, shares spare clothing and ammunition with the wanderers.

Kunal and Corwin disarm the Nekojin and find ninja-tos (short swords), a light crossbow, and six shurikens (throwing stars). They put the feline woman into a makeshift cell. Bellanora and Amethyst stand guard.

Melchior casts Guardian Spirit and invokes Ulandt for wards of Non-Detection.Corwin interrogates the prisoner, who is named Riki.

Riki says that the lords of the city have learned of Lord Dalek’s death in a street brawl and have been searching for Melchior, whom they suspect is a spy. The Nekojin says that she serves one Kallina.

In return for her freedom, Riki offers to gather information on the treacherous Prince Daven and his ally Sean Sable, whose family is suspected of necromancy. Bellanora grants Riki mercy but reminds Corwin and company not to trust her.

Melchior agrees that the Nekojin could prove useful and gives her a sleeping draught. He removes her from the safe house, and the team ponders its next moves in Gisar….

I look forward to seeing what our latest adventuring party does! We’ll see whether it crosses paths with the “Storm Chasers,” who are also headed toward Gisar. Remember to review your characters on Obsidian Portal.

I’ll also see some of you at Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” on Monday, Oct. 12.

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.1 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 27 September 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

Sometime after a group of former circus performers wandered aboard the airship Zephyr and a team of diplomatic escorts fought chaos in Tong Sheng, another crew gathered on the Sea of Nagendwa, and past heroes reunited….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” higher-level teleconferencing fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, Skype, and the Rolz online dice roller, as of autumn 2015:

• “Bellanora of Doru” [Dexter V.H.]-female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan, with a gryphon steed; LG, Lvl. 10

• “Kunal Sampat Rajiv Ramaprased” [Beruk A.]-male Harrappan (proto-Indian) human Rogue and cook, member of the (D&D3.5) “Broken Chains”; NGc, Lvl. 10

• “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./absent]-male Saganim/Hifalendorin human Cleric of Ulandt, hunter of Undead, former member of the (D&D3.0) “Seekers of Lore” and associate of (D20/FATE) “Vistel’s Expedition”; NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Amethyst IronSoul” [Geoff C.]-male Warforged battle master (Fighter champion), with a great sword; LNg, Lvl. 10

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, wandering Saganim prince, arcane warrior, and mandolin player, member of “Vistel’s Expedition”; CNg, Lvl. 10

• “Ember Talon” [Sara F./absent]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court (see D20/FATE “A New Dawn”); NGl, Lvl. 10

• “Eoghan, son of Kyndeyrn” [Josh C./absent]-male Half-Elf (Saganim human/Fey-touched) Warlock (formerly Bard), associate of the “Broken Chains”; CGn, Lvl. 10

Backup Player Character roster for Gene D.’s D&D5e “Vanished Lands: Avengers” telecom team, as of summer 2015:

• “Moon Jung-Mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk (eastern Grey Elf) merchant; with young wyvern Niruth (see D20/FATE “A New Dawn”); LNg, Lvl. 10
• “Sakan Agramon Majere/ Sam” [Beruk A.]-male Irda (High Ogre) Ranger, charlatan disguised as a human, with a snow leopard (from Dexter’s D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls”); TNc, Lvl. 10
• “Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) with tiger companion Amaya and a destiny (“A New Dawn”); NGc, Lvl. 10
• “Tonks Cinderclaw” [Sara F.]-female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter, member of the (D&D4e) “Faith-Based Initiative”; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 10
• “Hateem Shisakli” [Josh C.]-male Suthern human Dervish (proto-Arabic Barbarian, formerly Bard/Battledancer), associate of the (Pathfinder ) “Uncommon Companions”; LGn, Lvl. 10
• “Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things but plagued by family and ancestor spirits (“A New Dawn”); LNg, Lvl. 10
• “Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo (“A New Dawn”); LNg, Lvl. 10

“1 to 3 November 1227 B.C.E.:” Deep in the Ivory Mountains, a Dwarf Paladin saddles her gryphon steed. Bellanora has fought monsters threatening the Zeda kingdom, but her father, King Bertrand, urges her to see the wider world.

At the edge of the Halmed Desert, a Suthern human cook gathers exotic seeds. Kunal has left the oasis created by the “Broken Chains” (including Eoghan) and returns to wandering.

On the central Plains of Sathendo, Gisar is inhabited by barbaric tribes of humans and humanoids and is ruled by vampires. Corwin belatedly joins Saganim countryman Melchior there to track down his half-brother Prince Daven and the malevolent Lord Dalek.

The Gusorin Confederation has fallen to the Undead and the Gokuri Empire. Warforged Amethyst heads to Gisar to seek work for his mercenary band.

Far to the northeast, Druid Ember leaves her friends in the Therud Forest to continue her quest to regain her true form as a gold dragon. The long-range communications networks established by “Milos” [Beruk A.] and “Elsa” [Rich C.G.] also bring news of troubles on the Sea of Nagendwa.

Disguised in black leather as “Randall the Rogue,” Corwin leaves “Vistel’s Expedition” and the airship Zephyr and slips into Gisar to look for Melchior. The Bard finds the Cleric’s safehouse, but it has been ransacked, and nobody is around. Corwin then heads to the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry.

Bellanora avoids Barovic Castle and lands near the Sweetmeats Caravanserai at the outskirts of Gisar. She finds discreet stabling for her gryphon and senses malicious intent all around.

Kunal disembarks from a ship from the distant port of Falit. The Rogue hopes to free slaves and develop informants in gloomy Gisar. He sees Skaevingol (proto-Scandinavian), Tsucharim (Mongol-like), and Vistani (Slavic/Gypsy-like) humans, as well as Wolven, Nezumi (rat folk), and Minotaurs.

Amethyst arrives in the city and ignores curious stares as he walks on between Spice Square and Council Square on Indra Avenue. The battle master crosses paths with a large Ogre being ridden by a hairless Halfling.

The Ogre brushes past the Warforged, despite the angry chatter of its rider, who expects to be addressed as “Milord” Drik Knobspittle. The Ogre, Drool-licker by name, begins boxing with Amethyst.

Bellanora isn’t impressed by the crowd gathering to watch the brawl, but Kunal bets on the construct. Meanwhile, at the temple of Brijitt, Gerta the Naughty greets Corwin. The wandering noble asks the priestess about Melchior, but she hasn’t seen the former “Seeker of Lore.”

An acolyte arrives and tells Gerta and Corwin about a street brawl nearby. They go to investigate, as Amethyst trips Drool-licker. Unharmed, Drik crawls out from under the Ogre and casts Tasha’s Hideous Laughter. His cream pie misses.

Corwin then recognizes a hooded figure standing next to a Dwarf in the crowd. It is the Tiefling mage Lord Dalek, who framed the young prince for the murder of his lover.

Bellanora notices Dalek reaching into his robes and warns him not to interfere with Amethyst’s fight. The Wizard mocks the Paladin for as a spoiled ingenue who needs a man’s guidance.

Amethyst punches the prone Ogre, and Drik drops trou and emits a Stinking Cloud, which spoils Dalek’s attempted spellcasting. Kunal circles around, and Corwin casts Greater Invisibility on himself.

Drool-licker gets slammed by metallic Amethyst, and angry Bellanora draws  Kestaz Heus, her holy warhammer. Scrawny Drik casts Grease, while horned Dalek creates a Globe of Invulnerability around himself. The Ogre struggles to stand up.

Vengeful Corwin calls down a Flamestrike on Dalek, also burning Bellanora and scaring away most spectators. Stealthy Kunal attacks Dalek, and Bellanora switches to her heavy crossbow, Taang Shmaukeh Kaurn, whose bolts penetrate the Tiefling’s Stoneskin.

Dalek retaliates with a Cone of Cold, injuring Bellanora and killing Drool-licker. Drik scampers away into the retreating crowd. Still invisible, Corwin stabs hated Dalek with his two short swords.

Amethyst bellows at Dalek, “Why did you get in the middle of my fight?” and pulls out his great hammer while making a leaping attack. Bellanora Dispels the mage’s  Globe of Invulnerability and slays him with a Staggering Smite. She then prays to Vulkan (Moradin).

Bard Corwin beheads the Tiefling, and Kunal quickly searches the corpse before it is incinerated. The Rogue finds silver Saganim rings, a spellbook, some coins, and a letter by Lord Dalek in Barbari begging a boon from the “Red Circle.”

Fighter Amethyst tells Paladin Bellanora that he has been looking for a worthy fight. Corwin becomes visible and thanks Bellanora, Kunal, and Amethyst for their help. He invites them back to the temple of Brijitt for a safe place to spend the night.

Corwin gives Amethyst 500 gold pieces, but Kunal realizes that he can’t collect on his wager on the Warforged. Bellanora is still mad about being caught in theFlamestrike. Corwin asks his new allies to help him search for Melchior in the morning….

I’m glad that we got the new telecom team together, and I look forward to continuing our adventures on Sunday nights! Remember to review your character records on Obsidian Portal.

I also look forward to continuing the face-to-face “Storm Riders” and Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” adventures….