Although I’ve had difficulty posting to this blog regularly lately, being busy with work and travel is nothing in comparison with what some friends have been dealing with lately: David I.S. getting mugged in Rochester, N.Y.; Corbin A.Y. and Ron J.K.‘s ailing family members; and riots in the Middle East and London, as well as economic and political struggles worldwide.
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. In the “Vanished Lands,” travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders….
>>Player Character roster for “Holy Steel” miniseries, summer 2011:
-“Faelonia Telcontar” [Dexter V.H.]-female Drow Ranger (western Dark Elf Beastmaster), ambassador for the Waletku and Zeda kingdoms and champion of Mekkil and Vulkan, with wolf companion Facon and Heart Bow (artifact) Dalis; NGl, Lvl. 16
-“Rellim Dorathan” [Mark M./Non-Player Character]-male Quelanthi Fighter/Cleric of Aerdary (High Elf: Labelas), friend of Faelonia; CGn, Lvl. 6/6
-“Milos Valoren” [Beruk A.]-male Barbari human scout [Rogue/Fighter/Gatecrasher from Ted A.H.’s D&D3 “Solar Gods: the Ether Wars”], former “Liberator” and “Dragonslayer”; CGn, Lvl. 10/3/3
-“Nialla Burkin” [N.P.C.]-female Suthern human Qedeshot/Battle Dancer (proto-Arabic Bard/Monk), former crewmember of the Dragon’s Bane and follower of Milos; NGc, Lvl. 8/1
-“Ibrahim al-Sufaia” [Byron V.O.]-male Suthern human Ghazi/Khery-heb (Egyptian Paladin/Wizard) of Isis, former “Dragonslayer” and bearer of custos (enchanted khopesh) Akhu; LGn, Lvl. 13/3
>>”1 April 1229 B.C.E.:” Faelonia and Rellim had followed emissaries of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm from the court of Pharaoh Ramses II. Their pursuit into the desert west of Pi-Ramesses and the Nile Delta led to a confrontation with chromatic dragons and other foes….
After their successful mission to Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt), Ibrahim, Milos, and their followers had returned to Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor. The (D&D4e) “Faith-Based Initiative” was retrieving relics for the barbaric Gusorin Confederation, and a new band of adventurers (“Pathfinder” telecom team) would soon meet in the northwestern borderlands.
Metallic dragons Quenamun and Thilgatha/Rhiannen told Ibrahim and Milos that they had called in favors in the Celestial Court to learn that Faelonia was trapped but otherwise unharmed on the Astral Plane. Ibrahim reassured Faelonia’s assassin husband, “Shea” [Peter D./N.P.C.], that he would find her.
Sometime later, Faelonia, Milos, and Ibrahim awaken. They don’t know where they are or how they got there. The Drow Ranger, Barbari Rogue, and Suthern Paladin are surprised to find themselves unarmed and unarmored. Faelonia is annoyed to again be without her weapons, and Milos peers from the rock they’re perched on at small lights around them.
Ibrahim casts Detect Evil and senses malicious intent in all directions. Faelonia tries to telepathically contact her wolf Facon and Heart Bow Dalis, but they reply as if from a great distance and are unable to help her. Milos realizes that they’re on a rock about 100 feet away from other floating rocks, many of which have campfires on them.
Akhu, Ibrahim’s custos, also seems far away. The holy warrior of Isis, goddess of magic, deduces that he and his allies are in the sea of Elemental Chaos. Milos is skeptical about his surroundings and jumps! The Gatecrasher doesn’t need his Ring of Featherfall and reawakens surrounded by giant webs.
After Milos leaps into the dark, Faelonia and Ibrahim see a rider charging at them from another floating rock. The flaming hooves and skull of the Nightmare illuminate the plate armor and terrible visage of a Death Knight. Faelonia casts Summon Nature’s Ally, and a giant eagle grabs her in midair.
Rather than face the Undead Blackguard alone, Ibrahim also jumps to find himself somewhere else, surrounded by webs. He greets Milos, but Faelonia is still asleep and twitching. Huge spiders close in on the trio, whose followers are also entangled.
Back in his armor, Ibrahim draws Akhu and casts Daylight, briefly blinding the arachnids. Milos uses acid and daggers to cut Faelonia, Rellim, Nialla, and Arianna free. The grateful Ranger casts Mass Invisibility with Dalis to buy more time. Faelonia also attends to Facon and Milos’ exalted cat, and she doesn’t Detect Undead in the area.
Unfortunately, groggy Rellim, Nialla, and Arianna can’t recall how they were reunited, either, so Faelonia prays to her patron deities, Mekkil and Vulkan. The Divination reveals that they are in the outer plane of Pandemonium, near the Abyss. Ibrahim believes that devils such as Asmorath Malvolus are responsible.
Before they can be bitten, Faelonia uses the Heart Bow to Plane Shift herself and her companions to the Beastlands. Ibrahim is relieved to see grass and trees rather than flames and gloom, but Milos would prefer to be back on the Prime Material plane of existence. He checks his gear and cat.
Large lions approach, alarming the humans and their animals. Faelonia communes with the beasts, who welcome them to the realm of Krigala, the first layer of the Happy Hunting Grounds. The lions begin to lead the visitors to their lord Nobanion, but Elf Rellim tries to disbelieve.
Wary Milos asks Nialla how they were brought together in the first place. She says the physical trap in Pandemonium and the mental trap in the Elemental Sea could have been set for them. Ibrahim Detects Scrying, and Druid Arianna is happy to pet the lions. As the wanderers stroll, they hear sounds of battle!
Milos stealthily scouts ahead. He sees leonines and centaur-like Wemics being attacked by Death Knights riding Nightmares, similar to the vision in the primordial chaos! Faelonia casts Magic Circles vs. Chaos and Evil through Dalis, and Ibrahim defends the followers and ignites his sword and shield. Milos is reluctant to get involved, but Faelonia and Ibrahim exchange glances and prepare to charge….
I’m glad that we were able to play, despite short notice and the usual scheduling snafus and delays. While the main teleconferencing game and the Boston-area FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera are on hiatus this month, there may be opportunities for other one-shots. For example, Dexter is willing to run a D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition scenario, for which I don’t need to be present (although I wouldn’t mind participating if I had the time).
In the meantime, I hope that everybody had a good Independence Day weekend, and stay in touch! -Gene
Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.31 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 26 June 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. After “Holy Steel‘s” journey to the distant empire of Khemet, another motley group gathered in the northwestern “Vanished Lands” to explore a world full of perils and wonders….
After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the adventurers encountered the hostile Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja and a haunted hamlet on the Plains of Sathendo….
>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of summer 2011:
-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts and brotherhood; LGn, Lvl. 3
-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from the kingdom of Gokuri; owner of Akita dog Genghis and horse Onimusha; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 3
-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S./absent]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 3
“1 to 3 September 1229 B.C.E.:” While riding north from the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi, the adventuring party defeated a band of werewolves. The group agreed to ride on for a few more hours before looking for a defensible campsite.
Cautious Kovar casts Detect Evil but finds none nearby. Sniper Asish forages for wolfsbane, and distracted Jovinda prays to Mekkil for guidance and sleeps in a tree. Kazuo’s keen Nezumi nose notices a stench from someplace nearby. Gawain and Digger happily curl up under their blankets after another night’s study.
During their watch, Kazuo and Kovar go to investigate the smell. They find the dismembered corpses of humans and horses piled up. The nonhumans wake their companions, who decide take a closer look in the morning.
Kovar recognizes some of the surcoats as belonging to knights of Otih, god of the sun and justice, who had set out a few days ahead of the party after being warned of the haunted hamlet of Alarn. Asish finds tracks of werewolves and demihumans, possibly Elves, at the skirmish site.
Jovinda verifies that the men were killed a few days before in battle, and Kazuo keeps a lookout for whomever or whatever murdered them. Illusionist Gawain detects no magic, and scholarly Digger finds little of value among the slaughtered.
Paladin Kovar recalls seeing similar horrors at the “Mellow Mule” inn in Alarn, and Kazuo believes that the rending of the victims limb from limb is meant to be another message. Grugach Jovinda notes that members of the Unseelie Court could be responsible. Asish helps bury the dead.
After another day’s ride across the wide Plains of Sathendo, the travelers pitch another cold camp (without a fire). Asish and Jovinda hear Elven music, but their fellows hear only birdsong. The Tsucharim Ranger and the Cleric of the nature goddess manage to resist temptation rather than wander off. Jovinda asks Kazuo for help with mental focus, but the Monk explains that his disciplines take years to master.
The next morning, the skies darken with thunderclouds as the team approaches Alarn. Asish finds an outlying barn and proposes making it a base of operations. Apparently, others had a similar idea, because he and Kazuo find restless horses. They are the steeds of Paladins of Urda, lord of the sky, dispatched from Nadwi after their audience with the city council.
Jovinda assesses the animals and find that they have been left for a few days without fresh water or grooming. Kovar recommends setting the horses free, but fellow equestrian Asish prefers leaving all the steeds in the barn for safekeeping. However, wind and hail soon herald a new threat — a descending funnel cloud!
Kovar watches the tornado approach Alarn’s abandoned houses as Asish leads the skittish steeds away from the barn. Jovinda and Gawain say that there are spells that could affect the weather, and Kazuo joins the scramble to safety. Digger and company are relieved when the twister misses them and heads into the hamlet.
After the storm passes, the explorers survey the damage. Armored Kovar observes that the inn is among the buildings still standing. Asish places the party’s animals with those of the missing knights of Urda back in the undamaged barn. The scout then helps search for tracks of a potential spellcaster.
As they circle Alarn, the team spots scarecrows between the road and the Aspar River. Wise Jovinda and perceptive Kazuo are the first to realize that they’re the missing Paladins, strung up like the scarecrows that attacked them previously. The group backs away, toward the barn….
Paul and Rob, we missed you again! Rob, I hope that you and your entire household feel better soon, and Sammy, I hope that you and Taum have a great time together in the coming week! Beruk, it was good to see you at last night’s FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera, and Byron, I’ll try to telephone you soon.
Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.30 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 19 June 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. After “Holy Steel‘s” journey to the distant empire of Khemet, another motley group gathered in the northwestern “Vanished Lands” to explore a world full of perils and wonders….
After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the adventurers encountered the hostile Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja and a haunted hamlet on the Plains of Sathendo….
>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of summer 2011:
-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts and brotherhood; LGn, Lvl. 3
-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from the kingdom of Gokuri; owner of Akita dog Genghis and horse Onimusha; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horse Wyth-Amoi, or “Wind Spirit”; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 3
-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3
-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S./absent]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 3
“29 to 31 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After reporting to local authorities, conducting research, training, and obtaining a map as requested by mysterious mage Octavius Karstus, the adventuring party prepares to leave the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi.
Kovar provides testimony to guard Lionel Tarchon about the assassination attempt on antiquarian Eligius. The Half-Orc Paladin also checks with Sir Rodrigo Adelmo about various threats to the kingdom of Hifalendor. The knights agree that the recent coordination among factions in Zuromm, Gokuri, and elsewhere is too extensive to be a coincidence.
Asish and Digger send messages to “Jade” [Sammy/Non-Player Character]. The scouts also buy provisions and take Eligius’ map of the northwestern borderlands to leatherworker Beredoc. The most recent markings on the parchment are of current communities, and Beredoc helps bring out older indications of Ley lines, currents of mystical energy.
Jovinda asks Gnome silversmith “Pip…” about her missing father’s companion and gets the name “Gottfried van Lauritz.” Pip notes that the Tinker Gnome’s shorter, human-style name is further proof of a rare friendship with the Half-Elf’s father.
Kazuo declines to investigate the disappearance of gladiator Marcus from the Arena of Arakkis and tests his patience in waiting for his companions to be ready to leave the city. Gawain wraps up his historical and arcane research at various libraries.
After telling Sir Rodrigo about his itinerary, Kovar goes to thank Dwarf smith Yohann Karsh for his instruction about various metalworks. Asish has Carlos Clothard prepare a copy of the map at the Ranger’s Guild and asks Digger to forge a misleading version. They also leave word with Octavius Karstus’ stonemason contact Marcel that they have the map, diverting attention from Eligius.
Jovinda and Kovar meet with Gawain at the local Magisterium (magic school/library), where they ask Lady Ingrid Sufielastra about her analysis of the shards of an enchanted or cursed mirror. The Quelanthi mage (High-Elf/Eladrin Wizard) says that the mirror is difficult to study without reconstruction, but she reluctantly agrees not to try to reassemble the dangerous item. Jovinda informs her fellow Clerics at the Grove of Mekkil and the temple of Otih to keep an eye on this study.
Kazuo points out that the map indicates the presence of Ley lines close to the hamlet of Alarn. Gawain agrees that a knowledgeable and talented spellcaster would more easily inflict the enlarged creatures, mischievous Fey, and haunted inn on unlucky peasants with access to such energies. But who’s responsible?
The next morning, the wanderers leave Nadwi. Asish, his steed Onimusha (“Demon Slayer”), and his dog Genghis lead the way. They ride north, past farms, with the Aspar River to their right, rolling hills and the village of Rockney to their left, and the Wisalef Forest and Ivory Mountains far ahead. Summer breezes chang to overcast skies as they cross the Plains of Sathendo, back toward Alarn.
Happy to be outdoors again, Jovinda follows astride horse Wyth-Amoi (“Wind Spirit”), and Kazuo keeps up on foot. Armored Kovar maintains rearguard behind studious Gawain and Digger, who compare linguistics notes. The first day passes uneventfully, and the team pitches a cold camp on a rise partly protected by brambles. A campfire burns in the distance, and wolves howl late into the night.
After a few hours’ ride, Asish and company enter the abandoned camp they had seen the night before. Tent stakes, a smoldering fire pit, and a musky smell detected by Kazuo’s fine Nezumi nose are all signs of a rushed withdrawal. The group hopes to find another place to bed down, but heavy clouds hasten dusk. The howls return, and weapons are drawn.
Five loping humanoids with shaggy hides approach. Squinting into the murk, the travelers soon realize that they’re werewolves! Jovinda invokes Mekkil, goddess of nature, and casts Shield of Faith on Kazuo. Asish whistles to Genghis to guard Jovinda. Both the Cleric and Ranger draw their bows and the lycanthropes close in.
Kovar readies his spear and shield, and Kazuo maneuvers. Digger and Gawain take on one of the monsters. Jovinda and Asish’s first arrows miss, but Asish draws first blood from the larger leader with a silver arrow. It tries to trip Onimusha but is trampled instead.
One of the were-creatures chases Jovinda, and Genghis puts himself between the Cleric and her attacker. After missing Kovar, another werewolf turns on Kazuo, who is already fighting one of its pack mates. The Paladin of Mithras, god of warriors and contracts, charges and Smites Evil, while the Monk punches one opponent.
Wise Jovinda climbs back onto Wyth-Amoi and casts Spiritual Weapon, summoning a quarterstaff to smack the bestial bandits. Asish wheels around, with only one of four arrows finding its mark. The werewolves are similarly unlucky, with only one managing to bite Jovinda.
Burly Kovar knocks one prone with an overrun, and Kazuo takes an opportunity to flank and attack with a Flurry of Blows. Digger does better than Gawain initially against the last werewolf. Jovinda rides over to Kazuo and Kovar and casts Guidance on the Monk.
Agile Asish fires multiple silver-tipped arrows at a time, loaning two to Kazuo and injuring the pack leader. Kovar casts Detect Evil to see if there are more lycanthropes lurking (there aren’t), but he slips from his saddle. Kazuo grabs the arrows that Asish fired into the ground near him and promptly tries to skewer his foe, which bites him.
After a few volleys, Asish’s arrows slay the lead werewolf and the one attacking Jovinda. Kovar’s spiked shield and swift Kazuo’s arrow-tipped punches finish another, and the remaining two run away. Jovinda attends to her and Kazuo’s wounds, and she reassures Asish and Kovar that they are not infected.
Each of the three slain lycanthropes, reverted to human form, is carrying 2 crowns (gold pieces) in assorted coins, and Kovar finds a shirt of mail among some shredded clothing in the abandoned camp. The Paladin claims a masterwork sword, leaving three normal ones for his companions, and the group finds two short bows with 15 arrows each.
Unfortunately, the clothes are too shredded to identify the men or where they originally came from. Asish recommends caution as the party continues to ride north….
Byron and Rob, I hope that you had a happy Father’s Day, and Rob, I hope that you and your family are feeling better! Paul, we also missed you, and note that Team 2 (the crew of the “Appomattox”) is meeting next Monday, June 27, for the FATE 3eStarblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera.
In the meantime, feel free to post to the Google Groups message board if I’ve missed anything. Have a good week, -Gene
To continue my report of David I.S., Thomas K.Y.’s, and my latest visit to Manhattan, on Sunday, 12 June 2011, host Corbin A.Y. got us a classic breakfast at East Side Bagel & Appetizing. After saying goodbye to Andria K.Y. and Maia Y. for the morning, we again headed downtown.
Dave was pleased to find Dinosaur Bar-B-Que represented, and I enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, sausage, and beer. The guys, some of whom hadn’t seen one another in years, caught up on relationships, jobs, and computer talk as we chowed down. It’s hard to believe that we’ve all been friends for 25 years or more!
Rather than waddle to the New York Expo or “Figment NYC” for even more food, Corbin graciously took us to his and Andria’s current offices, where we were able to lounge and talk without difficulty. As with “herding cats” the day before, I learned the value of including a private space for hanging out in the agenda for such visits. Who knows — next time, I might even run a one-shot game!
We then walked to the Strand Bookstore, one of the biggest independent brick-and-mortar booksellers left. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend as much time in the stacks as I had hoped, because I had to get Carlo (who had met us on both days) to a restroom after he became ill from something he had eaten. Spicy or fatty food, undercooked meat, and overeating and fatigue are hazards no matter where one travels.
Carlo eventually got his second wind, and we “urban hiked” to more retailers, including Cosmic Comics, which had lots of back issues, and the well-organized Time Machine. Dave didn’t find the obscure titles he sought, but Carlo learned about recent events in the DC and Marvel universes. Both retailers had good indie selections.
As we gradually disbanded, Dave, Thomas, and I found ourselves back on the Upper East Side. We stopped by Corb & Andria’s place and then met Stuart and his sons Sammy and Benji. We first tried to get dinner at Flex Mussels, but that restaurant was full, and we didn’t have a reservation. Fortunately, our second choice, Ithaka, had traditional Greek food. Dave and Thomas lived in Ithaca, N.Y., when they taught at Cornell University.
On Monday, June 13, Corbin escorted Dave and me to Penn Station, where we departed for Albany and Boston, respectively. On the way back, I began reading the fantasy mystery The City and the City, which Janice had read. Thomas planned to grab another dinner with Stuart before catching a red-eye train back north early Tuesday.
Since then, I’ve been busy with my second annual review at work, turnover in my department, and getting over a bad cold that Ron, a co-worker, and I all caught earlier this week. Among other things, I also watched the recorded half-season finale of Doctor Who, which I liked, despite a spotty season.
Gene's Worlds 