“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Updates 39.15 and 16 — Trials and travels

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.15 and 16, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on 17 June and 1 July 2013:

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 summer 2013:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

BBC's Camelot — The Gilded Keep in Thadenis, capital of the kingdom of Saganim

“10 March to 25 October 1228 B.C.E.:” After finding his lost love Lady Katarina, Prince Corwin proved thatcourt mage Lord Dalek was responsible for her maiming and imprisonment. As the Tiefling (demon-touched) wizard is hauled to the dungeon, exonerated Corwin visits the polymorphed mermaid at the Houses of Healing to spend her last hours with her.

Meanwhile, the prince’s friends prepare for his challenge of his half-brother Daven’s right to the throne of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Giacomo du Vane goes to the Bardic College to research magic and see if there is any connection between Lord Dalek and Prince Daven.

Hamfast Hammerfist spends his time at Ghanki’s Gin Pub, where he learns that Saganim sailors have no love for arcane spellcasters. Scully Strongbow goes to Daven’s Theater to keep an eye on the prince, who is in the patron’s box with betrothed Julia and friend Sean Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Scully reports to Corwin via owl Owlicious.

Dressed as a servant, Tempestade watches Dalek’s room in the Gilded Keep. The Monk observes a crow on the windowsill, as well as Lord Stefan Sable, who searches the room with some guards.

Elsa Fairbottom visits Pfenik, a Brownie at the Grove of Arbos. The Dwarf Druid asks Pfenik if he’s interested in traveling beyond the city of Thadenis, and he agrees to join her. Elsa later charms some rats to watch the embassy of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm.

Meanwhile, Corwin’s other half-brother, Prince Garamond, guards the tents and wagons of Vistel’s Circus with his Reptile Folk pirate crew. The wanderers regroup at the Happy Brownie Inn to compare notes.

Sometime later, Giacomo goes to question Dalek but learns that the Tiefling has escaped! His two guards have apparently killed each other, but no trace of poison is found.

Corwin, Hamfast, and Garamond race to the palace, where Tempestade searches the mage’s quarters. Giacomo reviews the list of items taken from Dalek.

A Detect Magic spell reveals a rope ladder leading from his cell to the kitchen, where the group finds a surprised maid and an enchanted knife. Hamfast confiscates some food. The trail leads to rocks at the base of the tower walls, surrounded by the East Rush River.

Corwin consults “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, and counselor to Queen Margaret. Melchior notes that the doppleganger who attacked King Edmund II was likely working with the disgraced Dalek, as was servant Gudrun.

Hamfast identifies the knife as a style belonging to the Rakshasa, the demonic tiger folk rulers of the neighboring Garku Nasit. Scully continues her stakeout of Prince Daven, but Tempestade finds no sign of a boat at the base of the Gilded Keep.

Cautious Giacomo casts Detect Magic and prepares to spend the night watching the royal family. Elsa’s Detect Evil and Speak With Animals spells reveal little.

The onetime carnival performers tell Melchior and Queen Margaret that they suspect Lord Sable in Dalek’s escape. Corwin and Hamfast guard Princess Catherine, Corwin’s younger sister.

The next morning, Corwin casts Change Self to anonymously visit the Zuromm embassy. The prince boldly bargains with Lady Dolista, a seductive Drow (western Dark Elf) diplomat. She agrees not to contest his or Garamond’s right to the throne over that of Prince Daven in return for mutual noninterference for a year and a day.

Giacomo brings the Rakshasa blade to the Clerics of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, and the Harandrim Academy for further study. Friendly Flind Scully meets with “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.] and the knights of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, who also agree to support Prince Corwin.

Humans Hamfast and Tempestade check on Orlando Vistel, Garamond, and the circus. Dwarf Elsa visits “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] at the Royal Society for Exploration and Cartography.

Back at the Hall of Thanes on the Isle of Valor, Prince Corwin formally challenges Prince Daven for the right of succession. Corwin, also known as Prince Berek, calls Niac as a character witness. The Wolfen Paladin states that Corwin has acted in the kingdom of Saganim’s interests, even when he was away from the capital.

Ambitious Daven calls Skilti, the palace cook, to testify on his behalf. Corwin and his allies don’t trust Skilti, whorecently tried to serve the king a cooked varun, or Underdark cat. Corwin then calls Lady Dolista to the stand.

The Drow emissary admits that she gave Prince Daven gold, and Giacomo produces Zuromm coins covertly taken from the prince as evidence. Dolista is less cooperative than Corwin had hoped, but her testimony does sway many in the court.

“Black Raven” [Michael C./N.P.C.] testifies that he found evidence linking Corwin to the death of Adric Thumon, squire to Sir Banor Finney. However, the scout also notes that Thumon had enslaved a tribe of Goblins at a secret silver mine.

King Edmund, son of Athelward the Just, pronounces his verdict: His second son, Garamond, is the new heir apparent. Edmund’s eldest, Corwin, is required to spend a year and a day within Saganim’s borders to atone for his flight after the apparent murder of Lady Katarina and for the death of Thumon.

Prince Daven, the youngest son, is ordered to spend a year and a day outside of the kingdom to make a name for himself and demonstrate Saganim values of valor and honor. Daven leaves with the Lady Julia, Sean Sable, and his hippogriff.

Corwin and his companions say farewell to Orlando Vistel and his circus, which leaves Thadenis. Tempestade and Elsa are tempted to go with the performers. The displaced Monk also expresses interest in heading to the warmer lands to the south.

Several months pass. Giacomo offers his services as a court wizard to King Edmund and continues his relationship with Maggie Oakleaf, a droll Sylvan Elf student at the Harandrim Academy. Akael Nightmist helps the mages watch for Dalek, still at large.

Hamfast and Elsa visit their homeland in the Ivory Mountains to the north. Pfenik and owlbear Oswald travel with them through the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor to the Zeda kingdom of the Dwarves and Gnomes (and some humans).

Scully acts as a scout for the knights of Otih, exploring caves near Thadenis. The canine humanoid also becomes close with Sir Niac and learns about sailing from the onetime “Dragonslayer.”

Tempestade spends two months becoming a friar at the temple of Otih. The martial artist also inquires about ways to his distant homeland and for a refuge for freed slaves. He reads about an obelisk supposedly guarded by a purple worm in the distant port of Gisar.

Prince Corwin works with the Bardic College to burnish his brother Garamond’s reputation. True to his word, the Bard also helps the crown prince strengthen the kingdom of Saganim’s economy and defenses. He keeps a wary eye on Lord Stefan Sable and Lady Dolista.

Corwin also gets reacquainted with his family, hunting with father King Edmund, playing chess with stepmother Queen Margaret and stepsister Catherine. According to reports, Prince Daven and Sean Sable have traveled east to the barbaric Gusorin Confederation.

In the Ivory Mountains, Hamfast brings Elsa and Pfenik to his home hamlet. The Dwarf and Brownie find the human’s family as taciturn as he is. Hamfast gives his brother Olaf money for the care of wife Helga and a son and daughter.

Perceptive Elsa realizes that detached Helga was once Hamfast’s wife and that the children are his. Hamfast matter-of-factly explains that the relationship didn’t work out.

Olaf brings the visitors to a nearby farm, where injured Hans [Beruk/N.P.C.] waits for the Tottenkoff. Druid Elsa offers healing, but the Zeda humans look at her with confusion. Hamfast coldly performs his duty, ending Hans’ suffering and shocking Elsa.

Meanwhile, back in Thadenis, Giacomo starts a scholarship fund for underprivileged youth and studies magic at the palace. Tired Scully gets a tailored outfit to minimize her frightful appearance, and Tempestade asks her to teach him the basics of sailing.

Corwin tries to conduct diplomacy with Lady Dolista and hears rumors of a new cult in the city. The prince tells the council and Bard Maeve Gallagher about his intention to leave when his year is finished. King Edmund also looks fatigued at public events.

Rather than return to her clan, Elsa busies herself with brewing and mapmaking. Strong Hamfast helps out around his brother’s farm, cutting trees from the dense surrounding woods. Pfenik repeats rumors about renegade Druids, who no longer defend the balance of nature but instead seek power for themselves.

Hamfast, Elsa, and Pfenik decide to return to Saganim early rather than spend winter in the mountains. They meet their friends at Ghanki’s Gin Pub and are surprised at how bedraggled Scully and other patrons look. Corwin suspects the evil cult.

Hamfast drinks heavily, and Tempestade says that fog and will o’ wisps have been seen around the Isle of Grief. Elsa, Pfenik, and half-grown Oswald go to the Grove of Arbos, where fellow Druid Lorcan Mahoney relates the tale of a dragon whose breath induced sloth among his subjects.

Giacomo finds Maggie curled up asleep under a desk. Exhausted, Scully goes for a moonlight sail with Niac, while Corwin casts Detect Magic and finds that the capital has fallen under an enchantment. Sylvan Elf Akael later confirms that a Theft of Sleep ritual has been used to weaken the populace and to help rouse a sleeping or Undead entity, even as Samhain approaches….

As you can see, I’m still catching up on gaming notes, and I’m sorry that I missed Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot. In the meantime, please remember to double-check your Player Character records on Obsidian Portal and let me know of any changes or corrections.

I look forward to continuing our “Vanished Lands” and “Vortex” campaigns into the fall! -Gene

“Vortex: Terra’s Pride” Update 5c.39 — Maneuvers and missions

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 5c.39 of the “Vortex” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 7 July 2013. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but environmental degradation, population pressures, and internecine conflict persist. The rediscovery of mystical abilities and open and official First Contact with galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges ?

FATE 3e “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” (Team 3/5c) telecom Player Characters, as of summer 2013:

Acting crew of the experimental scout ship Blackbird:

“Capt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (cyborg), former Interplanetary Patrol officer and member of the Blackbird and Dauntless crews; homeworld security task force commander

“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A., primary]-male Terran human, former spy and crewmember on theAppomattox, cautious engineer and communications expert

“Dr. Srinu Pahul” [Byron V.O., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (genetically modified) xenobiologist, curious and planetary patriot; with robot PEPE

“Lt.Cmdr. Tela” [Sara F., secondary/absent]-female Tharian (gargoyle-like alien), escapee from the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), fond of humans; engineer with boyfriend Kedar

“Chris McKee /Agent Prometheus” [Josh C., primary/absent]-male Terran human, former assassin for the eugenicists at Black Box Security Co., sniper and seeker aboard the Blackbird and Pina Colada

“Orion Starchaser” [Geoff C., primary/absent]-male Pomuyan (blue telepathic humanoid alien), irrepressible mystic and thrill-seeking galactic hitchhiker

“Chiron” [Dexter V.H., primary/absent]-male (secretly android) pilot, assigned to assess and protect humanity

See other records for the previous crews of the Blackbird, Appomattox, and Gryphon.

Homeworld security ships — A Terran task force

“26 to 28 August 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” Lt.Cmdr. Sebastian Growlick [Bruce] destroyed the frigate Crazy Horse in an attack on the Zarkonian Armada at Wolf 359, and the rest of the “Terra’s Pride” homeworld security task force regrouped at Procyon.

The Blackbird heads back to the Ilokar battle group in the Asteroid Belt to report on its encounters with the enemy at Sirius and Wolf 359. The explorers find the Union of Solar Nations (U.S.N.) space navy busy with the evacuation effort.

First, the Blackbird must pass the Shaka Zulu battle group in solar polar orbit. Raptor II-class fighters fly escort, as Adm. Joseph Ochieng sends his regards to the crew of the Sovereign.

Capt. Kevin Reese, Dr. Srinu Pahul, and Hector Chavez then report to Col. Shan Gray and Adm. Jacques Pons. Kevin is relieved to learn that his sister in law Jennifer has been given a berth in a ship leaving the Mars Confederacy. Adm. Pons awards Lt.Cmdr. Growlick a posthumus medal for his valor.

Kevin also passes on a status report from the Terran outpost at Camp Alpha, which is about to be overrun by the armada. Hector mentions reverse-engineering of alien force-field technology to provide ships with a tunable energy shield.

Srinu shares medical data gathered from his patients aboard the Crazy Horse. Polarian (amphibious humanoid alien) and other survivors had described the Zarkonians, but humans haven’t yet studied the crustaceans firsthand.

The U.S.N. officers ask what missions “Terra’s Pride” is considering. Dr. Pahul recommends heading toward Oasis Station, which could be a destination for human refugees. Hector notes that there are three slower-than-light generation colony ships behind enemy lines that could be informative if they haven’t been found and destroyed.

In addition, Chris had noted that an abandoned mining site at Van Maanen’s Star revealed Precursor (ancient alien) technology that might be helpful in the fight against the Zarkonians.

Col. Gray, once Kevin’s superior in the Interplanetary Patrol, confers “Ranger Corps status” on “Terra’s Pride,” granting its ships’ commanders wide latitude in deep space, even though they still report to the U.S.N. chain of command.

Capt. Reese requests three Transit (faster-than-light) drives to bring to the generation ships, the Firebrand, the Nova Aquarius, and the Faithful Starlight. Hector and Tela recall encountering similar colonists aboard the Chengdu and Zheng He.

Adm. Pons says that the Ilokar is escorting a civilian fleet to Fomalhaut, Phi Ceti, and Chi Orionis, then possibly to Oasis Station, about 30 parsecs from Earth. He orders every outbound Terran vessel to take on as many passengers as possible.

As waves of Zurmiz Krott (biomechanical probes) attack Eclipse Station on Saturn’s moon Titan, as well as the Venusian Finance Union, the scout ship Blackbird leaves the besieged Sol system.

Capt. Reese sends Capt. Helena Cain and Lt. Nathan A. Jessup on the corvette Dauntless to Epsilon Eridani, with Phi Ceti as a backup rendezvous. Cmdr. Jasmine follows with the Pina Colada, and Capt. Elektra Contos brings up the rear in the Tigress. The task force still has three zero-point devices.

Meanwhile, the Blackbird returns to Sirius to see if there is any debris worth salvaging from the Crazy Horse’s attack. Kevin pilots defensively, and Hector detects 50 Zurmiz Krott and 20 Zarkonian fighters in the area, as well as the remnants of 12 Zarkonian vessels and four Kutalrin (vulture-like cyborg) scavengers.

Srinu activates the Blackbird’s stealth suite as a small Gustrall (antlered, orange-furred, raptor-like alien) warship enters the system. The Zarkonians swarm the unlucky arrival, allowing the Terrans to retrieve some ship fragments undetected.

Capt. Reese boldy takes the scout craft around Sirius, as Dr. Pahul sets containment protocols for a mostly intact Zarkonian corpse. Chris is interested in studying alien technologies such as a computer fragment, and Hector records everything for later analysis.

After avoiding another firefight, the Blackbird heads to Epsilon Eridani to meet with its sister ships….

Dexter, Sara, Josh, and Geoff, we missed you during this “Vortex” session! I look forward to continuing our latest party’s adventures! -Gene

P.S.: Here’s a quick overview of past “Vortex” teams:

Party 1 (1982 to 1984): The Zarkonian Bomb, a screenplay by Gene D., Carlo R., and Bill B., at A.S.H.S. (and the AD&D1 “Vanished Lands”)

Party 2 (1984 to 1986): “The Adventures of Jason Delmar,” short stories by Gene D. (and Star Frontiers games)

Party 3 (1986 to 1988): “Vortex,” a role-playing game by Gene D. and David I.S., at SUNY-Binghamton (and Shadowrun games)

Party 4 (1996 to 1999): “Vortex: C.D.I./ Venture,” using GURPS 3e Space, in Northern Virginia (and GURPS“Voyagers II: Adventures in the Dimensional Corps”)

Party 5a (2010 to 2011): “Vortex: the Blackbird,” using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Massachusetts

Party 5b (2010 to 2011): “Vortex: MarSoupAil,” using FATE 3e, Massachusetts (and one-shots)

Party 5c (2011 to 2012): “Vortex: the Gryphon,” using FATE 3e, online

Party 5c.2 (2012 to present): “Vortex: Terra’s Pride,” using FATE 3e Bulldogs, online

“Vortex: Terra’s Pride” Update 5c.38 — remember the “Crazy Horse”

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 5c.38 of the “Vortex” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 30 June 2013. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures / Mindjammer, Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

FATE 3e “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” (Team 3/5c) telecom Player Characters, as of summer 2013:

Acting crew of the experimental scout ship Blackbird:

“Capt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K., primary ]-male Terran “near-human” (cyborg), former Interplanetary Patrol officer and member of the Blackbird and Dauntless crews; homeworld security task force commander

“Lt.Cmdr. Tela” [Sara F., secondary ]-female Tharian (gargoyle-like alien), escapee from the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), fond of humans; engineer with boyfriend Kedar

“Lt.Cmdr. Brun Bearhammer” [Geoff C., secondary ]-male Martian Ursoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” bear), former wrestler, pilot

“Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A., secondary ]-male Terran “near-human” (mutant) wanderer with a past, investigator

“Chris McKee /Agent Prometheus” [Josh C., primary ]-male Terran human, former assassin for the eugenicists at Black Box Security Co., sniper and seeker aboard the Blackbird and Pina Colada

“Lt. Nathan A. Jessup” [Byron V.O., secondary ]-male Terran human, gung-ho Union of Solar Nations space marine and pilot

“Enkidu Aristheon” [Dexter V.H., secondary ]-male Seranen (pale empathic humanoid alien) exile, wilderness survival expert curious about Terrans and the Zarkonian threat; with sphinx-like companion Glaucon

See other records for the previous crews of the Blackbird, Appomattox, and Gryphon.

“22 to 25 August 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” At Sirius, the Blackbird dropped sensor buoys and encountered unidentified alien vessels. Its crew also saw for the first time the fearsome Zarkonian Armada, which was headed toward the Sol system.

Meanwhile, the rest of the “Terra’s Pride” homeworld security task force checked in at the Wolf 359 outpost. The Pina Colada and Sovereign rescued the Nethian ship Fourth Wing and lured two Psi Eaters (cloud-based energy entities) to help defend Earth.

The Dauntless, Crazy Horse, and Tigress stayed closer to home, reporting to the Union of Solar Nations space navy and picking up evacuees and weapons.

Lt.Cmdr. Tela tries to diagnose what is hampering the Blackbird ’s Transit (faster-than-light) drives, preventing the scout ship from leaving the Zarkonian-occupied solar system. Capt. Kevin Reese recommends scanning the area, and Tariq Asrad Saladin soon detects Transit inhibitors on the unidentified vessels.

Lt.Cmdr. Brun Bearhammer keeps the cloaking device active and quietly maneuvers behind iceball planet Xylanthia to avoid Zurmiz Krott (biomechanical probes) and Zarkonian fighter craft. Kevin goes to engineering to help Tela.

Tariq empathically senses the Blackbird ’s frustration and sluggishness, and the mystic and Kevin go to the flight bay to find and deactivate the alien system they retrieved. Chris McKee readies ion cannons.

Inside the alien ship, the Terran explorers find a vulture-like pilot, whom Chris determines was killed by a gamma ray blast from the Zarkonians. They manage to deactivate the Transit inhibitor, which Tariq plans to study later.

Capt. Reese orders Lt.Cmdr. Bearhammer to set a course for Procyon. The Blackbird reunites with the rest of “Terra’s Pride” at the binary star system.

On the way, Kevin checks the Olvar Star League database and identifies the dead scavenger as a Kutalrin. Tariq warns him about cybernetic modifications. Tela makes sure they’re inactive.

The command crews of the Terran task force meet to discuss their next moves. “Dr. Srinu Pahul” [Byron] had planned to use criminals aboard the Crazy Horse to provide human life signs for a Trojan horse attack on the Zarkonian Armada. Instead, he acquired terminally ill and vegetative patients.

Terran space frigate — The Terran frigate “Crazy Horse”

Several of Dr. Pahul’s crew mates have moral qualms, and robot nurse MEGAN attends to his patients. Chris notes that any attempt to study the armada would have to occur at Wolf 359, now that it has passed by Sirius.

Engineer “Hector Chavez” [Beruk] strengthens the Crazy Horse’s defenses and loads three zero-point devices, plus nuclear warheads. Tela suggests using a distress signal to lure the enemy and spider drones for tracking.

“Cmdr. Jasmine” [Sara] says farewell to “Lt.Cmdr. Sebastian Growlick” [Bruce], who gives her the Sash of Giganta and volunteers to pilot the Crazy Horse. The Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” lion) makes a microjump in the Wolf 359 system and charges at the 3,000 Zarkonian ships.

Lt. Nathan A. Jessup hangs back in the Kutalrin ship to relay telemetry back to the rest of “Terra’s Pride.” The Zarkonians rake the Crazy Horse with beam weapons, and the frigate explodes, destroying two capital ships and about dozen smaller enemy vehicles.

Even as the humans celebrate their first engagement and mourn for Sebastian and others’ sacrifice, Nate spots two Zarkonian fighters headed his way. Brun brings the “Dauntless” around to retrieve him, and he and Chris destroy two pursuers.

The Pina Colada, Blackbird, Dauntless, Sovereign, and Tigress fall back to Alpha Centauri. They are hailed by Spaceman Peter Jones, whose squadron is on patrol for Camp Alpha.

Capt. Reese reports to Lt.Col. Hollis Shelman aboard the battleship Lionheart. He also delivers some recorded video to help boost the morale of Earth’s defenders.

Jasmine and Brun set a course for Van Maanen’s Star so that their task force can join some of the rag-tag fleet fleeing Earth….

Byron and Dexter, we missed you at the “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera! Byron, I hope you’re feeling better. Janice and I enjoyed our vacation in Seattle, but I’m glad to get back to our games.

Note that each of your Player Characters now has 40 skill points. Let me know how you’ll spend them, and have a good week, -Gene

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.14 — Loosing the siren

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.14, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 3 June 2013:

“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 summer 2013:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

“Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“8 to 9 March 1228 B.C.E.:” Members of the performing troupe continued their investigations into corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. The Lizard Folk pirates of Prince Garamond guarded the circus in the Agora (market square).

Corwin Windsong, revealed as Prince Berek, seeks to clear his name before he can challenge his half-brother, Prince Daven, on his right to succeed King Edmund II. First, the Bard must prove that he didn’t kill Lady Katarina, his onetime tutor and lover, as well as the wife of Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) Wizard and royal adviser.

Elsa Fairbottom and Tempestade go to the tower of Otih. “Uldor” [Thomas K.Y.], a helpful Cleric of the lord of the sun and justice, referred them to the temple.

The Dwarf Druid and human Monk meet “Sir Niac Eden” [Mike F./Non-Player Character], a Wolfen Paladin. Elsa gives a generous donation of 200 sovereigns (gold pieces) and asks Niac if sages can help divine what truly happened the night of Katarina’s disappearance.

Elsa explains how a Doppleganger recently attacked the king, how her companions found a varun (Underdark cat) butchered in the palace, and how Corwin talked with Drow (western Dark Elves) and Duergar (Gray Dwarves) at the Zuromm embassy. Niac replies that Corwin must come to the tower of Otih “for purification” and to verify his innocence.

Giacomo du Vane, Hamfast Hammerfist, and Scully Strongbow return to the Gilded Keep on the Isle of Valor. The Hifalendorin mage and Zeda Fighter question members of the castle staff about the night of Katarina’s presumed murder. The albino Gnoll uses her keen nose to sense nervousness and deception.

The trio first questions cook Skilti, who saw young Prince Berek run by in a panic on a dark and stormy night. A trail of blood was found near Dalek and Katarina’s chambers, and Berek’s flight from the city was interpreted as a sign of guilt. Like Princess Catherine, Berek’s partying younger sister, old Skilti believes that Corwin loved not too wisely but too well.

“Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, sends gifts to the travelers, including masterwork arrows for Corwin. Hill Dwarf Fighter “Gug Trushin” [Kai-Yin H.] helps watch the circus wagons and tents.

Meanwhile, Corwin goes to the Bardic College, where he finds fellow musician Maeve Gallagher. She reports that Lord Dalek is rumored to be wooing Princess Catherine. Prince Berek asks the priestesses of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, to help defend his reputation to the Saganim people.

Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully talk with Gudrun, a chambermaid who professes no love for “spoiled princelings.” She said she was bringing laundry from the royal chambers. Elsa and Fighter Hamfast learn that Berek was seen running with blood on his hands and that Katarina’s body was never found. Ranger Scully smells salt water on Gudrun, who claims that she prefers to eat her favorite fish away from other servants.

Sir Niac agrees to help Elsa, but he notes that Lord Dalek’s chambers are likely magically shrouded. Tempestade (who had tried to make a berimbau) seems more curious about how Otih’s followers oppose slavery and about joining their order than about Corwin’s fate.

In the Gilded Keep, Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully question Aella, a pious servant. After some cajoling, they persuade her to recount what she saw on the night of Katarina and Berek’s disappearances from the palace. Aella says that she saw Gudrun running in the opposite direction of most people — including Berek — on lower level where she wouldn’t normally need to be.

Because Aella fears for her own safety, the trio takes her to the temple of Otih, but not before asking Morgaine, handmaiden to Queen Margaret and Melchior’s wife, to keep an eye on Gudrun.

Corwin confesses his sins to Sir Niac, including how he killed Adric Thumon, the squire to Sir Banor Finney who was running a silver mine operated by Goblin slaves. Thumon had surrendered, but Corwin and company killed him anyway and freed the slaves, who then went with Dubwana (Hobgoblins) from the Garku Nasit.

The knights of Otih are impressed by Prince Berek’s honesty and agree to support him in both his trial for Lady Katarina’s presumed murder and his challenge of the ambitious Prince Daven’s ascension to heir apparent.

Corwin, Niac, and friends listen to Aella’s story and send messages to Prince Garamond and Maeve telling them that they have testimony exonerating Berek. They then take a rowboat to the Isle of Valor to search the area beneath the Gilded Keep.

Hamfast and Tempestade work the oars, while Scully and Niac search the rocks. Giacomo and Corwin impatiently wait with Aella at the temple of Otih because Prince Berek is banned from the palace until his trial.

Elsa spots a pile of fish bones on a rock. As the boat pulls close, Tempestade sees a cave opening behind the rock. Scully leads the way, and Hamfast lights a torch. They see movement, followed by a woman’s wail.

Scully and Tempestade are momentarily stunned, but Hamfast and Elsa press forward on the slick rocks. Sailor Niac flirts with Scully and secures the boat. Hamfast draws a knife and tries to jump on the woman [Beruk/Non-Player Character] before she crawls away, but he misses. The investigators realize with horror that her legs (or fins) have been hacked off.

Ensorcelled, Scully shoves Hamfast away from the crippled siren, whose strawberry blond hair reminds everyone of Corwin’s description of Katarina. Elsa casts Protection From Evil on Hamfast and gives him her mace.

The woman slashes at the burly human with a cutlass, and Niac readies his club. Hamfast tries to subdue the screaming woman, and Elsa prays to Gaia and Moradin for Guidance. Hamfast knocks out the malnourished mermaid and takes her to the boat, where saddened Scully wraps her in a blanket.

They return to Otih’s tower, where Berek is shocked to see how Katarina has been magically transformed and crippled. The Paladins of Otih take the former captive to the Houses of Healing so that the Clerics of Ulandt, lady of rest, can attend to her many wounds.

Sometime later, King Edmund and Queen Margaret preside over the trial of Prince Berek. Among the attendees are Lord Dalek and Lord Stefan Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Dalek repeats his charge of murder against Berek, noting that the prince fled after Lady Katarina’s disappearance and that his bloody handprints were found.

Giacomo, acting as Corwin’s counsel, points out that the evidence is circumstantial. Aella testifies that as angry as Lord Dalek now seems, he was calm after the blood trail was found near his quarters.

Melchior and Sir Niac unwrap Katarina, causing the crowd to gasp. Giacomo observes that only a few spellcasters in all of Saganim would be powerful enough to permanently transform her, and he accuses Gudrun of working with Dalek and feeding on her.

Hamfast holds furious Corwin from attacking Dalek, and King Edmund shares his son’s righteous anger. Guards haul unrepentant Dalek and Gudrun to the dungeon to await the headsman. Giacomo recommends that they be searched for magical implements, and Scully and Elsa are relieved that justice has prevailed. Scully hugs Corwin.

Melchior says that now that Dalek’s magic is waning, Lady Katarina has only days to live at most. Corwin mourns for his lost love, even as Scully seeks out Niac’s company and the circus prepares for its next performance….

Welcome back, Josh, and I hope that everyone enjoyed the dramatic game! It’s interesting that we’re wrapping up major chapters in both the “Vanished Lands” and the “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera. Note that your Player Characters have leveled up — I’ll double-check adjustments by our next session.

I look forward to Rich’s Star Wars: Edge of the Empire playtest next Monday, and I’m sorry that I’ll be missing Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot later this month. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.13 — Embassy visit and alley ambush

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.13, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Saturday, 18 May 2013:

“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 2013:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage magician, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3

“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3

Guests:

“Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.]-male Hifalendorin/Saganim human Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest/Defender of the Night, former member of “Mystical Harmony/the Seekers of Lore” (Party 33); NGl

“Uldor” [Thomas]-male Hifalendorin human priest of Otih (Cleric of sun deity Pelor) and healer; NGl, Lvl. 3 (from D&D5e/“Next” playtest, Party 38)

“Gug Trushin” [Kai-Yin H.]-male Hill Dwarf Fighter (Soldier, Slayer), taciturn mercenary; CNg, Lvl. 3 (from D&D5e/“Next” playtest, Party 38)

Absent:

“Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3

“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3

“Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

“Radius” [Jason E.R.]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“6 to 7 March 1228 B.C.E.:” The traveling performers continued their investigation of corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Corwin Windsong had revealed himself as the long-lost Prince Berek during the ceremony to name his half-brother, Prince Daven, heir apparent.

After thwarting a Doppleganger’s attack on King Edmund II, Corwin, Giacomo du Vane, and Elsa Fairbottom had found the remains of a varun, a cat native to the Underdark. They left the Gilded Keep on the Isle of Valor and returned to the “Happy Brownie” inn.

There, they meet Melchior Merryman. Queen Margaret had sent the priest of Ulandt, goddess of the night, to discreetly help Prince Berek clear his name. Before he joined Vistel’s Circus, Corwin had been falsely accused of murdering his tutor Katarina, the wife of Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) Mage and advisor to the king.

Since Hamfast and Scully are busy protecting the circus with Prince Garamond’s Reptile Folk pirates, Melchior recruits people to help Corwin. He finds Uldor, a human Cleric of sun deity Otih, and Gug Trushin, a Dwarf mercenary recently returned from exploring caves near a border keep.

Melchior asks about evidence tying a serial killer defeated near the village of Tensar with House Sable, which is friendly with the royal family. The Defender of the Night is wary of Undead and hopes to find whoever was behind the attack on the king.

The wanderers go to the circus wagons and tents in the southeastern corner of the Agora (market square). Uldor and Gug are impressed at seeing a fire eater, acrobats, and unusual creatures. Some of the female carnival folk avoid Corwin. Elsa offers fellow Dwarf Gug a draught of her Gnomish brew, and he readily accepts.

Giacomo the Mysterious leads the way to a tinker’s cart that he has redecorated. It once contained the tools of the Necromancer who had killed farmers at the Fenor homestead and taken their skins for disguises and a flesh golem.

Uldor casts Detect Magic, and Giacomo opens various drawers. One of them contains a leather marionette wearing a mask. The strange puppet makes Giacomo’s companions uncomfortable. The stage magician also shows Melchior an enchanted needle and thread, and Uldor later confirms with the Paladins of Otih that a set of cursed shears was destroyed.

A signet ring bears the symbol of House Sable, which holds territory in the northwestern Plains of Sathendo, not far from Tensar and lands of Prince Daven. Lord Stefan Sable is an advisor to the king, and his son Sean is friends with Daven.

Based on Hamfast’s earlier recommendation, Corwin and company go to the embassy of Zuromm to ask about the varun. Melchior and Uldor wait across the street, since they’re unlikely to be welcomed by worshippers of Lolth and Gruumsh at the brownstone.

A Saganim human butler ushers the visitors into a round waiting room after Corwin introduces himself as Prince Berek. Giacomo looks up at the demonic tapestries and ornate rafters, and Gug and Elsa notice that the stones of the floor have been laid in a spider web pattern.

Lady Dolista [not to be confused appears with Faelonia’s nemeses Balesta and Dalesta] and offers formal greetings. The attractive envoy apologizes for her lacy sleeping clothes, since the Drow (western Dark Elves) are nocturnal. Elsa and Gug face off with two Duergar (Gray Dwarf) guards.

Meanwhile, Melchior takes Uldor to a cart that he uses as a mobile changing room. They disguise themselves as “Seamus McMurdoch,” a potion seller, and his helper “Vinstel.” Melchior asks the Halfling driver to drop them off at a back door to the Zuromm embassy.

The butler greets “Seamus” and “Vinstel” and, after some negotiations, gives a bag of 60 gold coins in return for a paralytic venom, poison in paste form, and an “animal pacifier.” Melchior and Uldor overhear Corwin and Dolista nearby and stall for time and diversion.

Lady Dolista says that she has partied with Berek’s sister, Princess Karenna. Corwin claims that Prince Daven’s investiture threatens his and Garamond’s plans to replace King Edmund with a regime that would be more friendly to Zuromm. Dolista says that Daven has also come to her for advice but is seemingly unaware of new tunnels beneath the city.

Prince Berek asks if he can get any help for his upcoming trial and challenge of Daven. Giacomo has been researching evidence for the murder of Katarina and alternatives to trial by combat. Lady Dolista says that she may provide poisoned weapons.

Back on the streets of Thadenis, Corwin/Berek, Giacomo, Elsa, and Gug head back to the inn to regroup. Melchior and Uldor are changing clothes in their wagon when it is forced to stop because of another wagon with a broken axle ahead of them. They realize they’ve been ambushed when a cart of burning hay bales comes up behind them!

Melchior utters Abyssal to cast a Curtain of Darkness as the crone ahead straightens up and pulls out a hand crossbow. Uldor holds as the Halfling and driver of the haycart run to safety. Their companions see smoke and rush over to help.

Cleric Melchior invokes Ulandt and casts Shadow Bridge to retreat to a nearby rooftop. Uldor summons the power of Otih and casts Radiant Lance at the would-be assassin. The priests spot movement on the roof, where they find two grotesque statues.

Druid Elsa casts Aura vs. Flame to put out the burning hay. Bard Corwin and Fighter Gug move to the area of magical darkness, and Mage Giacomo casts Levitate. The gargoyles on the roof attack, clawing Melchior and biting Uldor.

Melchior blasts the wings off one with a Sound Lance spell, and Uldor yells to the others and misses with anotherRadiant Lance. Elsa calls upon Gaia to grant Melchior Snake’s Swiftness. Giacomo hurls Magic Missiles, and Gug swings his great axe.

Corwin casts Sleep on the old woman in the alley, but he notices that she falls too slowly. Melchior takes his silver-tipped Staff of Sizing and smashes the head of one gargoyle. The remaining monster attacks Gug and Uldor, who fails to reason with it.

Elsa casts Sand Blast at the woman, blasting away her disguise and reveling her as a Drow. She looks for an amulet that she apparently dropped. Giacomo casts Color Spray, and Corwin draws his bow. Uldor slides down the Shadow Bridge, casting another Radiant Lance, while Elsa readies her sling.

Mighty Gug drops the last gargoyle, as Melchior runs down the wall, thanks to his Arachnid Cloak. Arrows and sling stones slay the Drow, and the group departs before members of the city watch arrive.

The Clerics attend to the wounded, and wise Elsa notes that it’s good her Owlbear is safe from Lady Dolista at the Grove of Arbos. Bold Corwin agrees to try talking to Prince Daven directly at his theater in Thadenis.

Clever Giacomo goes to the Harandrim Academy to ask Maggie on a date. Righteous Uldor lectures Melchior on the use of darkness spells, since their patron deities’ portfolios (sun vs. the night) are somewhat opposed. Melchior changes to more flamboyant clothes and gets his wife Morgaine.

Sometime later, the investigators go to Daven’s Theatre. Giacomo and Maggie enjoy the vaudeville acts, while Melchior and Morgaine watch the audience. Uldor keeps Corwin in his sights as he approaches the royal box. Elsa enjoys sharing drinks with Gug, who starts drunkenly heckling the performers.

Berek confronts his half-brother and finds no love lost between them. Melchior casts Phantasmal Thief to pick Daven’s pocket while they’re talking. The team regroups at “Ghanki’s Gin Pub” by the docks to compare notes.

Morgaine identifies the contents of Prince Daven’s pocket as coins from Zuromm and Turkish delight wrappers, possibly from the Garku Nasit to the southwest. Melchior is grimly pleased to find evidence linking the young noble with Saganim’s foes.

Giacomo observes that it could be used in testimony in a trial to help clear Corwin’s name and challenge Daven’s right of succession….

Brian and Sara, we missed you this past weekend! I’m glad that we had a good turnout for Star Trek: Into Darkness, dinner with guest Byron V.O., and this game. I didn’t run a “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera last night, but I look forward to Jason E.R.’s last session (for now) for “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” tonight.

We probably won’t be meeting around Memorial Day, and we’ll have to sort out the June calendar for upcoming “Vanished Lands” and other games. Be seeing you, -Gene