Tag: rpg

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.35 — “Out-dumb the devil”

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.35, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 10 March 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races 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.

Various groups of mercenaries and diplomats have fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert and the wide Plains of Sathendo….

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

  • “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 7
  • “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 7
  • “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“25 to 27 February 1227 B.C.E.:” While crossing the savannah in Sahonif Island’s interior, the explorers encountered hyenas, zebras, and army ants for the first time. They arrived at the city-state of Selifa, bought supplies, and prepared for a royal audience.

Giacomo reminds Scully to periodically use the Lens of True Sight to look for spies of the greater devil ruling part of the island. Hamfast and Sir Torrel sweat in their armor, and Corwin readies the group’s request for help freeing Lady Shadira, the Efreeti (fire spirit) trapped by the Pit Fiend.

Elsa suggests talking with members of Selifa’s court before a formal meeting, but she is outvoted. Tempestade enjoys the local cuisine and is eager to return to his distant homeland.

Guides Akinwole and Makena Walabu bring the outlanders to the domed palace and help serve as translators. They recognize Tlachinolli, a Lizard Woman diplomat, and Gen. Kizhensi, an Ngoloko (Orc). Many of the Zarendo humans present are tall and wear colorful robes and headdresses.

Queen Zapanga greets her visitors. Hill Dwarf Elsa thanks the queen for her hospitality and presents a masterwork shield. Hifalendorin human Giacomo says that he wishes to forge a trade agreement with the Zarendo Archipelago and adds that negotiations would best be done in private.

Salhonif Island ruler
Queen Zapanga of the city-state of Selifa

Zedu human Hamfast strips off his chain shirt and presents it as a gift. Albino Gnoll Scully is not surprised that some humans are wary of her, but nobody insults her. Barbari human Tempestade is quiet, but Hifalendorin Sir Torrel is angered when a guard bumps into him and his Amulet of Conceal Alignment goes missing.

Queen Zapanga notes that such concealment magic is bad manners and surprises Prince Corwin by saying that she had encountered his father, now King Edmund II of Saganim, years ago on the Sea of Nagendwa. The queen agrees to meet with “Vistel’s Expedition” in her private chambers.

Elsa and Corwin explain that their company wants to find the contract binding Lady Shadira to the devil. Queen Zapanga says that it is likely kept in the volcanic Mt. Tilefa, which Schm*ckF*ck has turned into a Temple of Elemental Evil dedicated to himself.

Although the priestesses of the city have been able to fend off diabolic influence, Queen Zapanga is sympathetic to the visitors. She doesn’t trust Tlachinolli, who represents Artaxis and Zineida, the black dragons dominating Bokor Island.

Queen Zapanga orders that a secret passage into the Ibafen Mountains be briefly unsealed. She tells the visitors to be ready to leave discreetly the next morning. The regal woman also returns Sir Torrel’s amulet.

The onetime circus performers return to the “Agali’s Cape” guest lodges. Druid Elsa pays her respects at the temple of Buwalgo, the earth mother, and Paladin Sir Torrel meets with Ifreta Jwahir, a N’anga (Cleric) of Harrasse, the wanderer.

That night, the travelers have strange dreams. Schm*ckF*ck tempts Wizard Giacomo and Sir Torrel with false visions of acclaim. Hamfast sees himself commanding Gisar’s riders and raiders, but he rejects the devil’s offer of help. The beer wenches at the Fighter’s side transform into his friends.

Scully has a worse nightmare: The Ranger finds herself shaved and strapped to an altar, and cultists approach with sacrificial blades. Worse still, they wear masks that are actually the severed faces of her companions!

Thanks perhaps to prayer and meditation, Elsa and Monk Tempestade don’t suffer the same visions, and they try to comfort the group in the morning. Kwanobu Matunde, a Gamba (warrior) trusted by the queen, brings the team underground, where Mchawi (Wizards) have reopened an ancient tunnel.

The humans light torches and lanterns as the entrance is sealed behind them. Stealthy Scully scouts ahead, followed by brave Sir Torrel. Stolid Hamfast and pious Elsa come next, then Giacomo (bothered by his tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra), his homunculus familiar Gerald, and Tempestade. Bard Corwin brings up the rear.

The spelunkers descend through a rough-hewn passage and turn right. They come to a circular chamber with four statues: a Girallon (four-armed gorilla), an Acephali (humanoid with his face in his chest), a vulture-headed Vrock, and a person being devoured by vines. The Girallon comes to life!

Elsa Wild Shapes into a gorilla herself, and Scully casts Call Lightning. Corwin’s Charm Monster succeeds in making a friend of “Herme,” at least temporarily. Giacomo, Hamfast, and Sir Torrel avoid the other statues as the Girallon climbs up to turn a dial in the ceiling. The floor opens up, and the adventurers slide down.

They stop at a ledge overlooking an underground river. The cave walls are covered in glowing green slime. The ooze extends pseudopods at the humans and their allies, so Sir Torrel invokes his deity Otih for Shard of the Sun.

Still in simian form, Elsa casts Endure Elements and Wall of Fire in a ring to protect the party. Scully swings her long sword, but that only splits one tentacle into two. Corwin casts Burning Hands, and Hamfast smacks the slime with his maul.

The ooze slams Sir Torrel, and acid burns his exposed flesh. Elsa helps the knight burn off the slime, while Scully fires a Light Arrow. Corwin finally kills the aberration with his first Fireball spell. Tempestade uses his Gloves of Spider Climb to take a rope upstream to belay the group.

With help from Herme, the infiltrators climb to a subterranean pool. Strange frogs spit at Hamfast, but Scully guides the rest clear of the water. The team hears chanting and approaches an unholy shrine. About two-dozen worshippers watch as a human is crucified upside-down and drained of blood.

Elsa identifies the cultists’ patron as Namonaji the Corruptor. Scully suggests getting some disguises. Corwin casts Sleep on four cultists near the back of the chapel, and Sir Torrel slays the evildoers. Giacomo, Hamfast, Tempestade, and Corwin take their black, hooded robes.

Corwin gives his Hat of Disguise to Torrel and explains the “Prisoner’s Gambit.” They wait until the sacreligious ceremony is over and walk through the shrine. A priest stops them, but thanks to Know Tongues, Corwin is able to respond in Infernal.

The Half-Elf says that he and “Sir Endo” are bringing new slaves to Schm*ckF*ck. The man waves them on and doesn’t raise an alarm. The wanderers see mine shafts and follow a spiral staircase up, toward the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Elsa, whom the others still tease about her visit with Barry the Gardener on Emein Island, is curious about a fungus arboreteum. The group is stopped on one landing by two garrulous gargoyles, who say that a dentist, nursery, spa, and shoe store can be found on their level.

Sir Torrel is tempted to start a fight with each monster in the dungeon, but thanks in part to the presence of Herme, Corwin is able to persuade the gargoyles to tell them where the Hall of Tablets is. The group grips its weapons and prepares to ascend another two stories….

I hope that everyone enjoyed our return to a classic dungeon crawl! While we have a few weeks before our next “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” session, don’t forget to review your character records on Obsidian Portal.

In the meantime, it was good to see some of you for recent movies, and I look forward to continuing Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den”superhero scenario tonight. I’ll also try to post my latest notes for the “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom fantasy campaign within the week.

“Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” Session 40.12 — Mob, ghouls, and crones

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.12, which was held on Sunday, 2 March 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

“10 to 11 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The wanderers investigated a Tikbalang summoning and tracked a Wolfen bounty hunter, his Barbarian bandit quarry, and missing farmers. They questioned a geisha and bowyer/fletcher and found three peasants turned into Undead before capturing the bandit.

Toshi searches the Yamen-Ren (Barbarian) and finds a dagger, a short bow, a broadsword, a chain shirt, and dried meat but no necromantic items. Saigo questions Shiskikura Eiji, who admits to banditry but claims that he restrained the three farmers and that someone in the village sent Ivor Bloodpelt after him.

Ember and Soske’ dispose of the corpses so that they won’t return to haunt the village of Chin Mok. Soske’ points out that whoever created the Undead could also have summoned the horse-headed Tikbalang near a desecrated grove.

Jung-Mo and Sonny visit a nearby farm whose fields also show unseasonable neglect. They open the door to a large, musty house and hear something moving in the rafters. Jung-Mo quickly yanks Sonny back outside.

As Ember and Soske’ keep watch, they see more than a dozen people approaching from the Shengtese human village. Ember shifts into crane form to get a better look, and she spots Ji-Sil Yuen, who was angry that her husband is missing and who accused Ember and others of having poor morals.

Mob rules
Chin Mok peasants

Soske’ goes to warn Toshi and Saigo, who agree to hide Eiji in a barn. Saigo goes out to meet the mob, which Ember says doesn’t include village elder Fong Kien or militia leader Yang Kuang. Ember and Toshi perch overhead as birds, while Soske’ leaves to check on Jung-Mo and Sonny.

Scout Jung-Mo and Kensai Sonny get a glimpse of three unnaturally pale children climbing down the walls like spiders. They pull the door shut and hold it. Shukenja Soske’ arrives and offers to help deal with the Undead delinquents.

Jung-Mo runs to assist Samurai Saigo with the angry nong (peasants). Ji-Sil says that she has heard of “impure monsters,” but the adventurers suspect that she hopes to destroy any evidence of her own involvement. Wu Jen Toshi is able to communicate with Druid Ember since both are in avian form.

Saigo pulls rank and orders the villagers back to their homes, saying that his band needs time to address the threat. The assembly reluctantly disperses, and Ember and Toshi fly overhead for a while to make sure they leave the area.

The party regroups at the second farm, where Sonny lets go of the door. The children of the rice paddies grab at him and Soske’ with their blackened nails. Jung-Mo hurls a Whippet (incendiary boomerang) into the fray, missing and starting a small fire in the house.

Undead creature
Children of the rice paddy

Soske’ draws his bow, lodging an arrow in the neck of one ghoul, and Toshi casts Magic Missile. Saigo swings his no-dachi (great sword). Ember casts Bless on her companions.

After an initial miss, Sonny unleashes a Whirlwind Strike with his chains, hitting all three foes. One of the Undead is slain by Soske’s Positive Energy Burst, and Toshi destroys another. Saigo finishes off the third one in a cloud of dust.

The group retrieves and unbinds Shiskikura, saying that he must face justice, not an angry mob. Saigo and Soske’ lead the way to the third farm, followed by Toshi, the bandit, and Sonny. Ember and admirer Jung-Mo bring up the rear.

The clinking cups and laughter of a tea party can be heard outside the last house. Saigo opens the door and sees three women, but when they turn, they reveal half-withered visages. They are the ones who have ensorcelled the farms.

Shan Sao Toshi tries to Detect Undead but concludes that the crones are Mahotsukai (witches). Shengtese Soske’ shoots an arrow but misses, and Spirit Folk Jung-Mo isn’t stealthy enough for a sneak attack.

Bamboo Spirit Folk Saigo cleaves into the evil trio, slashing two witches. One woman turns into a bat, another casts Mirror Image, and the third casts Cone of Cold. Hengeyokai Ember responds with Resist Cold, and Shengtese Sonny dispels four of the illusions with another Whirlwind attack.

Toshi casts Scorching Ray and Magic Missile at the bat, which Soske’ finishes off before falling back to heal Saigo. Jung-Mo again misses before hitting an Invisible witch with an arrow from his new folding bow.

Saigo slashes in the hope of hitting the hidden sorceress, who tries to escape. The other witch casts Lightning Bolt, injuring Jung-Mo, Sonny, and Saigo. Ember casts Cure Light Wounds on Jung-Mo and Toshi.

Sonny loops a chain around one enemy’s neck to interfere with her spell casting. The Kensai’s kicks force the other to drop her Invisibility. Toshi casts another Scorching Ray, finishing Sonny’s foe. He also tosses shurikens, but they miss, unlike Soske’s arrows. Saigo beheads the last witch.

The team searches the house, finding food likely brought from Chin Mok in the past few days. Sonny believes that a conspiracy of spurned wives led them to the sorceresses’ services. Saigo and Ember want to confront Ji-Sil Yuen, but Toshi and Soske’ note that she has swayed several peasants.

Jung-Mo says the group should remember its overall mission of bringing Gokuri emissary Lady Yun Aei-Yong to the capital and balance that with trying to help people and learn about hazards on the way. Soske’ and the others agree to leave Chin Mok as soon as possible….

Thanks again to all for your patience as we finish updating your characters to our latest house rules. Let me know if you have any questions as we upload them to Obsidian Portal, and I hope our games will run more smoothly in the coming sessions.

We’re also revising the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” party, and I look forward to eventually continuing Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario.

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.33 — Vistel’s expedition

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.33, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 17 February 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races 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.

Various groups of mercenaries and diplomats have fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert and the wide Plains of Sathendo….

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s ” Vanished Lands ” heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

  • “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 7
  • “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 7
  • “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 7
  • “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 6
  • “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 6
  • “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 6
  • “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 6
  • “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“16 to 18 February 1227 B.C.E.:” While sailing from Bokor Isle to Salhonif Island, the “Foamrunner” fought a giant squid before arriving at the Zarendo port of Riku. The away teams made new friends and enemies, contacted a guide, and hired porters to enter the jungle, where it avoided a dinosaur attack.

The expedition arrives at Estu, where it witnesses a meeting between civilized apes and Wemics (centauroid leonines). Guide Makena Walabu helps translate for introductions. Orangutan scout Anwar Waheed is curious about the newcomers and brings them into the village.

A lost African city
Ancient ruins

Anwar introduces the onetime circus performers to Acturis Leontis, a gorilla chieftain, and Padmini Tanushi, a gorilla shaman. They politely bid farewell to Wemics Vathud and Tauret and share a meal with the humans and demihumans.

Giacomo is impressed that the primates have managed to avoid the rule of Schm*ckF*ck, the Pit Fiend ruling much of Salhonif Island from a temple on volcanic Mount Tilefa. Acturis says that his people trade with their neighbors but avoid larger conflicts. He agrees with Makena that Queen Zapanga in the city-state of Selifa would be a helpful ally.

Hamfast declines the temptation to test his strength against the apes in a wrestling match. Scully asks Anwar whether it’s better to cross the savannah or jungles to get to Selifa. The javelin-bearing scout says he prefers the dense forests, but the outlanders may be more comfortable in the open.

Tempestade enjoys the local cuisine, which is very similar to that of his distant homeland. Corwin performs some music for those assembled, who join in on drums. Elsa proffers gifts of maps and wine and receives fruit liquor in return. Sir Torrel is wary around the talking apes, but they seem honorable.

Giacomo notices on the high ceilings many geometric carvings, which Acturis attributes to the Reptile Folk who built the city during an age of harmony among beast kin. Scully surreptitiously uses the Lens of True Sight and sees bas reliefs of many-headed Tiamat, mother of chromatic dragons.

Acturis asks Anwar to take the explorers to a vacant house for the evening. Once the group has some privacy, conversation turns to its mission of rescuing Lady Shadira, an Efreeti transformed and imprisoned by the greater devil.

The would-be heroes acknowledge that if they’re successful, they’ll probably need to take the Foamrunner back to Tarvulis Island before continuing on to the barbaric port of Gisar, where Tempestade plans to use an obelisk to return to his own time and rescue fellow slaves.

Scully hears a sound outside. The albino Flind looks out into the alley and sees Waneta Malila, a chimpanzee servant. The eavesdropper runs, and Scully tackles her. Zeda human Hamfast holds the chimp as Giacomo casts Dispel Magic, temporarily transforming Waneta back into her true form, that of a Zarendo human.

Hifalendorin human Giacomo questions the woman, who is reluctant to cooperate until he explains that they have a common foe, her Pit Fiend master. She says he has spies everywhere and that his lieutenant is an Osyluth (bone devil). Waneta seems unaware of the location of the Eye of Heaven, a gem said to be protecting Estu.

After some discussion, Scully and company let Waneta go. She promises not to reveal what she has learned and reverts to simian form. The next morning, Tempestade, Corwin, Elsa, and Sir Torrel keep watch over Makena and the porters, while Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully get a tour of Estu from Anwar.

They see other intelligent apes, Lizard Man ruins, and an abandoned ziggurat near the center of the village. Anwar says his people avoid the ancient edifice, but he doesn’t prevent the curious team from probing further.

Wizard Giacomo, Fighter Hamfast, and Ranger Scully find a ramp descending beneath the step pyramid. As they walk, they step on numerous bones, and Anwar warns them that there are likely traps. Scully glimpses a large idol with one intact eye.

The statue of the plum, red-skinned humanoid flickers in torchlight before the rumble of stones indicates that a trap has been triggered. Anwar leads the way back to the surface.

Classic D&D Player's Handbook
Dungeon idol

Giacomo casts Levitate to aid their hasty escape. They privately confirm that the Eye of Heaven is indeed at the center of Estu, possibly protecting the apes from the devil in the mountain….

While we missed Josh, Bruce, Rich, and Alex last week, I’m glad that Beruk, Brian, and Sara were game. Not only did we convert their characters to the latest D20/FATE house rules, but we also got some good role-playing in!

I look forward to seeing everyone at our next “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” and Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” sessions!

“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:

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 anonline 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. 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.

“Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” Session 1 — Breakout!

Fellow role-players, here are Jason’s and my notes for Session 3.1 of the “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario, which Rich hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Monday, 27 January 2014:

Hamilton remembers when its streets were rough and newly trod. When its people slept in peace and dreamed of tomorrow. It wakes at night, a jagged ghost dulled to the sounds of gunfire, the smell of smoke, the touch of razor wire. It weeps, and the sky opens with a roar. It’s raining in the city, and the gods are going to war.

Glassworks is set in the city of Hamilton, an urban sprawl on the eastern seaboard of North America. Glassworks is inspired by occult noir, hardboiled crime fiction, pulp adventure and gritty, street-level cop dramas. Its themes explore the allure of immortality, the shadows of the past, the fear of death and the corruption of power.

“The Eighth Legion,” Player Characters for Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario, using Icons (previously DarkPages and the Cortex: Marvel Heroic Roleplaying game), as of spring 2014:

  • “Tim Gray/DarkStorm” [Bruce K.]-male metahuman, experimented upon by the government, amnesiac weapons designer for Oryx Industries, armored vigilante, and team leader at subway base
  • “Rain Tomotowa/Thunderbird” [Sara F.]-female Native American, exiled demigod able to change into a giant eagle, onetime park ranger now working in a pet shop
  • “Matthew Shanks/Merlin” [Josh C.]-male incubus sorcerer and occultist with an ancient family legacy; member of Hamilton’s mystical Conclave
  • “Samuel Adams Jackson/The Stranger” [Beruk A.]-male human Buffalo Soldier released from Purgatory, time-displaced bounty hunter with dark force manipulation and shadowy steed Gabriel (from Gene’s Mutants & Masterminds: “Drake’s Port” and Josh’s Dresden Files: “Dallas” scenarios)
  • “Erwin Schrodinger/ Erwin72” [Brian W.]-male replicant, law enforcer from an alternate timeline with the ability to tap alternate dimensions
  • “Empty Spoon” [Rich C.G.]-male metahuman, Tibetan refugee with mystical air control (apologies to Avatar: the Last Airbender/Legend of Korra) and speed, seeking revenge for the destruction of his monastery
  • “Adriana Novak/Phantasm” [Brian S.]-female metahuman, former magician’s assistant turned permanently invisible; used the power of illusions to commit crimes but trying to turn over a new leaf

“Hamliton, Delaware, 20 to 27 January 2014:” About a year has passed since the city’s latest superhero group pursued an arson investigation that uncovered kidnappings, corporate intrigues, mob wars, and supernatural conspiracies.

The Cloaked Quarrel welcomes newcomers to the “Eighth Legion’s” headquarters, an abandoned subway station. The Stranger, Erwin72, and Empty Spoon look around as the Cloaked Quarrel explains how the Jade Bow Affair brought his team to Inneman Station in Fairmont.

During the hunt for the cintomanni, or dragon pearl, the young crossbowman and company found dragon hunter King Naga and the indomitable Harrier, deceased members of a previous generation of mystery men and women. They eventually learned that murderous vigilante Red Planet was in love with shaman Kittaguka.

The subway station contains a few trophies, including a machine dispensing Indian Head candies. The dangerous sweets have been replaced by a Devil Doll dagger. The Hamilton Candy Co. was later bought by D.J. Sharif, whose widow Fatima seeks to redevelop the Annex.

Meanwhile, DarkStorm works on improving the base of operations, and Merlin and Thunderbird meet with the Conclave, Hamilton’s mystical organization. Phantasm seeks to go straight after encountering Silverfish.

The Cloaked Quarrel struggles to explain how the police scanner, walkie-talkies, and smartphones work to the time-displaced Stranger, Erwin, and Empty Spoon. They recommend searching for alternate exits rather than having to walk back to the Penn Station intersection.

Gunslinger Stranger tries to comprehend modern lifestyles and prejudices, as replicant Erwin72 sends multiples of himself to search nearby tunnels. Martial artist Empty Spoon bends the winds to lift himself to a hatch. The Cloaked Quarrel recommends waiting to open it until they can verify what’s above.

Erwin and the Quarrel check online and find that the Stevens Inneman Refractory Co. (SIRC), a manufacturer of specialty lenses and mirrors, owns the building above the hatch. The company is best known for the cobalt SIRC Tower downtown, which is the unofficial symbol of the city and after which the Hamilton Blue Sox baseball team is named.

The Inneman building above the subway is supposedly home to a financial operations center, but only one employee is based there. Harvey Thorne is a 30-year veteran, and the Cloaked Quarrel poses as a real estate investor to get an appointment with him next week through secretary Abigail Williams.

The Cloaked Quarrel gets a text message from Conchita Melendez, a blogger who tracks costumed heroes and villains. She had worked with the noirish Black Hat [see DarkPages one-shot] and the brutal and secretive Red Right Hand.

Melendez tells the Cloaked Quarrel of rumors of a new player in town recruiting for three intricate schemes. Although the unknown mastermind is allegedly insane, the schemes are so flawlessly planned that villains are buying into the ideas, she says.

The Cloaked Quarrel asks the Stranger to saddle up for a hunt, since the InterWebs can provide only so much information. Erwin looks forward to taking down criminals for interrogation. Empty Spoon offers to visit Kunzang Tenzin, his shifu (teacher) at the “Wheel of Joy” herbal shop in Germantown, since Chinese New Year is coming.

After some discussion, the Cloaked Quarrel takes the rookies to Krasnaya Strela, a Russian restaurant in the style of a railroad car. Kyle Martins dons his civilian garb as a college student but still manages to talk his way past burly bouncers.

Sam A. Jackson’s cowboy hat is a big hit with the Russian mobsters, and Empty Spoon wears a nice Nehru jacket. Agent Shrodinger wears a dark suit and keeps quiet. Kyle greets crime lord Viktor Ozerov, one of the survivors of the recent mob wars.

Ozerov complains that enforcer Ilya Petrovich, code-named Tarakan, has disappeared. Kyle notes that Petrovich is probably catching up with his dysfunctional but powerful family and was among the super soldiers experimented upon with DarkStorm.

In addition, Ozerov’s replacement for Tarakan, Dmitri Cheznokov (aka the Colonel), has also left. Ozerov extends an offer to DarkStorm or the Stranger to serve in his organization. Although the Italian Mafia is decimated and under new leadership [see “Santanica Pandemonium”], Ozerov says that Latino gang La Basura (Monday Garbage Pickup Zone 1) is on the rise.

Cheznokov was a colonel in the Spetsnaz (Russian special forces) and was recruited by the mysterious new mastermind to lead a team. The would-be heroes are surprised to learn that a massive prison break is planned, apparently for the James T. Vaughn Sr. Correctional Center in Smyrna, Del., a suburb near the Annex neighborhood.

Kyle thanks Ozerov for the information and hastily leaves the restaurant. Melendez says that chat discussions have revealed that the mastermind is also looking for people with naval experience.

Hamilton’s Sharp Harbor has three old ships in its naval museum: the U.S.S. Superior, a frigate from the War of 1812; the U.S.S. Icefish (SS-367) a World War II Balao-class submarine; and the U.S.S. Bullock (AK-165), a WWII Alanosa-class cargo vessel. The last ship also served in the Turkish merchant marine, was renamed the S.S. Edime, and was refurbished by D.J. Sharif.

The Cloaked Quarrel considers staking out the harbor with Erwin, but the sniper decides instead to take all available heroes to the prison. As night falls on Smyrna, the Stranger creates a dark portal to teleport into a guard tower, releasing shadowy creatures on the way.

Erwin72 gives one of his duplicates his firearm and prepares to talk his way into the prison. At super speed, Empty Spoon reconnoiters the perimeter and finds nothing suspicious. The Cloaked Quarrel’s initial research finds that warden Richard Gladstone has a good record.

A helicopter bearing the state seal arrives. From their perch on a nearby hill, the members of the Eighth Legion see a heavily armed team get out. An electromagnetic pulse grenade douses all lights and electronics in the area.

Marvel's Siege
Prison escape attempted

Erwin reveals that he can jump to anywhere he can see. The Stranger summons his steed Gabriel and rides over the 30-foot tall wall. Empty Spoon levitates on a cushion of air, and the Cloaked Quarrel shoots a grapnel line to get to the prison yard.

Empty Spoon creates a vacuum in the helicopter, incapacitating the pilots. The Cloaked Quarrel uses his mystical crossbows to fire a flare bolt, briefly blinding the raiders with night-vision goggles. The Stranger and Erwin help subdue the armed attackers, and the Cloaked Quarrel explains to the guards surrounding them and Gladstone that he’s one of the good guys.

Empty Spoon hears on the helicopter radio that “the Beta Team is a go,” and the warden tells the Quarrel that there is a secret detention facility beneath Hamilton’s Korean War Memorial. The Eighth Legion races south, across town.

One of stone slabs at the base of the memorial has been moved, and the fearless foursome finds guards being tossed around like rag dolls. They descend a staircase under flickering fluorescent lights, and the Cloaked Quarrel momentarily considers sealing themselves in rather than allowing supervillains to escape.

They descend, and the Cloaked Quarrel recognizes sometime nemesis Palmetto, whose cockroach-like costume has been improved. Whiptail, a woman in a lizard-style outfit complete with a tail, knocks out the remaining guards.

Empty Spoon faces off with Whiptail, as the Stranger shoots with old-fashioned firearms. Erwin72, who has retrieved his pistol, shoots at Whiptail. The Cloaked Quarrel fires a blast bolt, knocking Palmetto down several steps.

Enemy reinforcements arrive. Col. Cheznokov fires at the Empty Spoon with a triple-barreled shotgun. Inferna, a woman wreathed in flames, burns Erwin72, and Palmetto sprays a foul-smelling liquid on the Cloaked Quarrel and the Stranger, knocking them down.

Empty Spoon deafens the villains by manipulating the air around them, and Erwin tries to punch Inferna while sending a parallel to look downstairs. The Stranger shoots at Palmetto and the Spetsnaz colonel.

The Cloaked Quarrel shoots sticky bolts, but they miss. Whiptail evades the Empty Spoon’s fists, as Cheznokov blasts Erwin, whose duplicates disappear when he’s unconscious. The Stranger creates a shadowy chain, as Erwin and the Cloaked Quarrel recover.

Empty Spoon continues deafening their foes, and the Cloaked Quarrel’s fire-extinguishing foam arrow has no effect on Inferna. The flame fatale escapes, even as the Stranger subdues the colonel. The Cloaked Quarrel and Empty Spoon knock out Palmetto and Whiptail, and Erwin secures the colonel.

The Eighth Legionnaires leave Palmetto, Whiptail, and Col. Cheznokov for the authorities and check the cells of the secret superhuman prison. Five cells are intact, with labels indicating their residents: Entropy, Kerbala, Kraken, Lady Snow, and Ouroboros.

However, the sixth one, which held “Maxwell’s Demon,” is empty. The Cloaked Quarrel, the Stranger, Erwin72, and Empty Spoon head back to base for backup, since two other incidents are planned beyond the prison breakout….