“Vortex” Update 5a.16 — Camp Alpha and xenomorphs

Nearby stars — Stars near the Sol system

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5a.16 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 1 met on Monday, 9 May 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but ecological degradation and internecine conflicts persist. Open and official First Contact with Galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

After enduring xenophobic attacks on Earth, two alien explorers and their human allies were embroiled in megacorp intrigues in the Lemuria orbital city and the Lunar Free State. The group then visited Mars and obtained a starship in the Asteroid Belt from the Olvar Star League. After negotiating a trade agreement at Tyche and getting a drop ship at Titan, the scouts set out for Alpha Centauri and Oasis Station….

>>”Vortex” Team 1 (5a), crew of the “Blackbird,” as of spring 2011:

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) escapee from the Encegulans, engineer

-“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male North American Terran cyborg human sniper working for eugenics conspirators at Black Box Security Co.

-“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, onetime dilettante, solar-sail racer, pilot

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L./absent]-male Mongolian/Martian human, former horse rancher and wilderness survival expert

-“Dr. Bucket” [Non-Player Character]-United Earth Authority astromech robot assigned to the Blackbird

“15 to 19 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era:” The Blackbird prepares for its first faster-than-light (FTL) journey, from the Sol system to Alpha Centauri, a trinary star system. Aughest-vor… sets a course around gravity wells, while Tela activates the biomechanical ship’s REM drive.

Syzygy sets intraship monitors to observe his human crewmates during FTL travel, and Lt. Kevin Reese joins Aughest in the cockpit. Chris McKee keeps a watchful eye on Dr. Bucket, whom he doesn’t trust, and Gombo Shisel stays in his cabin.

Each person aboard the experimental vessel experiences differently altered perceptions! To xenologist Syzygy, all of the Blackbird‘s systems appear completely organic, like his laboratory. In engineering, Tela sees Mr. Sniffles float by, round like a puffer fish, but the artificial gravity is still on.

Kevin looks around, and everybody looks to him like an Olvar (mammal-like arboreal alien), perhaps because the Morifaiwet was obtained from the Olvar Star League. Aughest-vor enjoys the sensation of flying rather than piloting, as his senses merge with that of the starship.

Chris seems immune to the strange visions of his companions, possibly because of his cybernetic implants. He finds Gombo in his quarters happily surrounded by spider-like drones. The adventuring party meets in the galley to compare notes, and Syzygy looks to the others like a cartoon human. After focusing their concentration, the crew members are again able to perceive normally.

Syzygy retires to sleep, having entered Transit-level space numerous times. Tela returns to her hammock in engineering to watch the microfusion generators, afterburner capacitors, and REM drive. The humans, now the fastest in the Milky Way galaxy, are too excited to sleep during their shakedown cruise.

Aughest-vor scans Alpha Centauri A and B, two yellow stars 24 A.U. with red dwarf Proxima Centauri in a more distant orbit (1 Astronomical Unit = 93 million miles). Alpha Centauri A is close to Sol in size and luminosity and has three planets: rockball Chiron, earthlike Toliman, and outer world Cassida. Newton and Alphane orbit dimmer Alpha Centauri B, and gas giants Eldritch, Shedar, and Furon orbit Proxima.

Lt. Reese studies records of Terran interstellar exploration. Of the 50 solar systems within 5 parsecs (1 parsec = 3.26 light-years or 31 trillion kilometers/19 trillion miles) of Earth, Alpha Centauri is the closest. The slower-than-light Zheng He was intercepted by the U.E.V. Bellerphon shortly after First Contact. The passengers of the generation colony ship now plan to refit it with FTL capability en route to Alpha Centauri.

The Bellerphon then dropped off Tiger Squadron on Toliman. The Blackbird‘s mission from the United Earth Authority is to check on the North American Aerospace Marines stationed at Camp Alpha after they requested aid.

After about a Terran day of subjective travel, the Blackbird arrives at Alpha Centauri. Aughest-vor expertly guides the scout ship through gravitational and magnetic currents and past automated defense buoys. Lt. Reese hails Camp Alpha and is greeted by Maj. Walt Vanderbilt, the acting commander.

Syzygy and Gombo are excited to find signs of life on Toliman, and Tela wonders if other extraterrestrials have recently visited. Agent Prometheus climbs into the gun turret and scans for other ships in the system but finds no evidence of any.

After the group decides not to take the Dragonfly drop ship, Aughest takes the Blackbird through Toliman’s methane-carbon dioxide atmosphere to Camp Alpha, which is a cluster of domes with some Raptor-class fighters [think of Space: Above and Beyond‘s Hammerheads] on the landing pad.

An elevator takes the Blackbird down for decontamination, which Syzygy assures his friends is mostly unnecessary. After bay is repressurized, the explorers disembark, leaving woozy Gombo and Dr. Bucket on the ship. Robots begin unloading ammunition and other supplies.

Among the armored space marines present is “Capt. Robin Buckley” [Jason E.R./Non-Player Character], a communications expert and onetime paramour of Kevin. Maj. Vanderbilt invites the landing party to talk privately in his office. He explains that squadron commander Lt.Col. Hollis Shelman vanished during a routine patrol.

The major also tells Lt. Reese that some of the marines say their leader’s disappearance is connected to attacks on Toliman’s surface. Troops have been ambushed by Tolimanian “mantiles,” vaguely reptilian/insectoid pack hunters, and they want to retaliate for their fallen comrades.

Syzygy gains permission to examine a dead mantile, and Tela lets Mr. Sniffles explore the base. Kevin finds Robin in the commissary, but she coldly rebuffs him, saying that their time together in the Martian outback was adulterous to his late wife, Heather. Aughest chats with Delphine (“Uplifted” dolphin) astrogator “Lt. Misawa Onizuka” [Sara F./N.P.C.] before calling it a night.

Chris drinks with Sgt. Kurt Schriever, a gruff Chim (“Uplifted” chimpanzee) gunner. Kurt, Misawa, and Spaceman Peter Jones, a British android, are eager to go hunting. Against their better judgment, Syzygy and Tela join Kevin, Chris, and the space marines in a foray into the violet jungles of Toliman.

Lt. Reese drives the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm, which is faster than the marines’ mech suits and closer to the ground than their Raptors. Near a pond, Syzygy observes a pack of mantiles attacking what looks like a moss-covered boulder. It happens to be close in size to a mech or the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm.

Some of the carnivores notice the ground-effect vehicle and approach, and Lt. Misawa and Capt. Buckley fire machine-gun bursts. However, they attract the attention of more predators, which swarm the intruders!

Robin hits a tree, which blocks an easy escape. Syzygy notices that the mantiles are coordinating their attacks subsonically, so the three-armed scientist dazes one with a sonic blast. Tela borrows a gun from Chris and blows off one xenomorph’s limbs.

Ignoring the pounding outside the vehicle’s turrets, sniper Chris efficiently dispatches two foes with well-aimed shots. Kevin runs over one mantile and shoots another before getting the team out of harm’s way.

Syzygy regrets the loss of life, and Tela worries that Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien) bounty hunters might use the mantiles to find her, even though the Trinoid tells the Tharian that they’re native to Toliman. Back at Camp Alpha, Maj. Vanderbilt orders Lt. Reese to take the search for Lt.Col. Shelman into Alpha Centauri space….

Josh, thanks again for organizing this past weekend’s cross-group cookout! I’m sorry that neither the Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands” fantasy telecom game nor “Vortex” Team 2 met, but Damon F.P.’s visit went well, despite our plumbing problem (now resolved).

In the meantime, remember to let me know your availability for the next few weeks, and stay in touch as the Blackbird continues its exploration of Alpha Centauri and the crew of the Appomattox prepares for a heist of Ru’ulok FTL engines! -Gene

>>”Vortex” Team 2 (5b), crew of the Appomattox, as of spring 2011:

-“Gabriel Adams” [Paul J.]-male North American Terran near-human with telepathy, courier and pilot

-“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A.]-male Latin American Terran human, “burned” operative and communications expert

-“ARTHERR” [Greg D.C.]-Advanced Resonance Theoretical Heuristic Exploration and Research Robot created by megacorp Vimeco

-“Jasmine” [Sara F.] female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter

-“Dr. Richmond Garrett” [Dave S.C.]-male Southern American Terran human, space snake-oil salesman and social climber

-“Dr. Dieter Klein” [Rich L.]-male European Terran human, semi-retired physician, altruist and thrill seeker

-“Nero Bartholomew” [Non-Player Character]-male Terran human, former owner of the Fortune’s Fool, ship’s cook

-“Averki ‘Deep Dish’ Dyashenko” [N.P.C.]-male reptilian Synth (genetically engineered humanoid), onetime Venusian miner

Latest “Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy team, Update T3.26 — Comparing notes

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.26 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 8 May 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, an unlikely band of adventurers encountered the hostile Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja on the Plains of Sathendo….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J.]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts and brotherhood; LGn, Lvl. 3

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, 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

-“Favelhorn Riftbringer” [Dexter V.H./absent]-male Mountain Dwarf Summoner; CGn, Age 51, Lvl. 1

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O./absent]-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

“26 to 27 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After a few days in the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi, the adventuring party takes a break from training to compare notes over dinner. Asish is absent because he had gone out with “Jade” [Sammy H./Non-Player Character] and then to the temple of Ulandt, lady of rest. Digger had already met Clerics Sylvia Cloudtree and Nidra there.

Gawain notes that an enchanted amulet that Vappu Lahja had given should soon arrive by courier, and Kovar explains that he has been working at the smithy of Dwarf Yohann Karsh. Jovinda reminds her companions of their promise to Nelly O’Keefe, priestess of Yondolla, to help find the farmers who had fled from the haunted hamlet of Alarn.

Digger complains that he needs more money to fund his research, and he proposes an expedition to long-abandoned border forts built by King Memir I of Hifalendor. The ruins could be of historical value and provide clues about the Fey followers of Vappu Lahja, says the Halfling scholar.

In addition, Davven says, the fortifications are near the villages of Evesboro and Tarken. The Rogue’s original mission to get a map of the area from merchant Eligius on behalf of mage Octavius Karstus could still be accomplished.

Kovar inquires about Marcel, an associate of Karstus in Nadwi. He learns from Yohann that the stonemason is respectable, if not particularly trustworthy. The Half-Orc Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts, agrees to go with Jovinda to the temple of Otih, to see if holy warriors will cleanse Alarn from Undead.

Kazuo returns to the Arena of Arakkis, where he had bested Shengtese Kensai [eastern human swordsman] Kezui Ochima. The Nezumi (rat folk) Monk finds a cigar-chomping lanista (gladiator trainer) named Hans Jeffers who eventually admits him to his ludus (gladiator school) after assessing his capabilities and unarmed fighting style.

While sparring with burly farmboy Dalan, Kazuo learns that his predecessor Marcus recently disappeared. The martial artist makes discreet inquiries around the ludus and finds that Marcus is known to be pious, predictable in his habits, and unlikely to go to the arena at night. However, Marcus was seen visiting the arena and temples late shortly before disappearing.

The next morning, Gawain and Digger walk from the “Deer’s Heart” tavern in the Dagger District to the local Magisterium (magic school/library). The Illusionist and Rogue discuss mutual interests in linguistics, the planes of existence, and architecture and haggle with booksellers on the way. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Jade.

Digger exchanges barbs with his former schoolmate at the Royal Academy in Alfhileno, and Gawain avoids taking sides. The young woman admits some past indiscretions and reveals that she’s also trying to find out about Vappu Lahja, even though Digger and Gawain haven’t mentioned her! They plan to meet back at the inn and talk to a certain Tsucharim Ranger later.

Jovinda returns to the shop of Gnome toymaker and silversmith “Pip…” to inquire about her father. Pip says a Gnome tinkerer traveling with a human would be a rare partnership. The Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature, plans to meet Kovar at the temple of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, as their companions wait for a summons to report to Nadwi‘s city council….

Please post to the message board if I left anything out and to plan and role-play between our virtual sessions. Byron, we missed you, and I hope that Cindy (and Susan and Linda) had a nice Mother’s Day! While the FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera will be meeting on May 16, the “Vanished Lands” group is skipping a week because of Damon F.P.’s visit and a cookout.

We’ll reconvene on May 22, but Sammy and Taum may be absent. I don’t know yet if we’ll game during Memorial Day weekend, and in the meantime, don’t forget to contribute to the ongoing threads about potential missions, whether to continue using Google Groups, and treasure. Have a good week, -Gene

Latest “Vanished Lands” telecom team, Update T3.24 — Nadwi’s temples

Arrival in Alfendi — Adventurers' arrival

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.24 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 10 April 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, an unlikely band of adventurers encountered the hostile Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja, as well as Fey and Undead on the Plains of Sathendo….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J.]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“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

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S./absent]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, Lvl. 3

-“Favelhorn Riftbringer” [Dexter V.H./absent]-male Mountain Dwarf Summoner; CGn, Age 51, Lvl. 1

“23 to 25 August 1229 B.C.E.:” Shortly after arriving at the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi, the wanderers visited a chapel of Yondolla, goddess of the hearth. Priestess Nelly O’Keefe removed Vappu Lahja’s mental control of Digger and Kazuo.

The Halfling Rogue and Nezumi Monk decline their companions’ offers to go sightseeing or shopping, instead staying in their rooms at the Deer’s Heart tavern. Digger spends several hours making a sketch of the mysterious Vappu Lahja, and Kazuo meditates in solitude.

The next morning, Gawain and Digger go to the civic library and Magisterium (magic school) to conduct research. Gawain talks to curator Latafo, who helps him find books on devils. The Saganim Illusionist believes that Vappu Lahja is a shapeshifting temptress. He also compares notes with colleague “Gerando” [Kim A.G./Non-Player Character] and meets the friendly “Jade Xi” [Sammy H./N.P.C.], a Saganim/Shengtese human scholar.

Digger inquires about Octavius Karstus, the mage who hired him to deliver information about merchant Eligius and a map of Evesboro to stonemason Marcel. The scholar finds that Karstus is in good standing with the local Magisterium, which he hasn’t visited in several months.

Asish sells a horse in return for two ponies and a small profit for the party. The Tsucharim Ranger also buys leather armor, including giant lizard hide and barding modified by tanner Beredoc from Centaur armor. Asish later presents the barding for grateful Kovar’s steed.

Sylvan Elf Joella Kylikki and Hifalendorin Ranger Carlos Clothard help Asish acquire arrows and archery practice, and talkative tailor Master Georgi sells him western-style clothing. Avoiding the consulate of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm, Asish meets Chi Ren Han, the consul from the Principality of Silado (Tong Sheng).

Jovinda and Asish later visit the Grove of Mekkil, a pleasant park in the temple district. The Cleric of the goddess of nature and the Ranger sit on the lawn with Druid Lynne, who listens to their stories about Vappu Lahja and the unnatural creatures near the hamlet of Alarn. She warns them of the Unseelie Court and renegade Druids. In addition, Asish talks with Halfling herbalist Julia Hardbottom near the East Gate.

Lynne also asks the adventuring party to help find missing farmers before the autumn harvest. Armored Kovar takes Asish and Jovinda to the Knight’s Tower, where they report to Sir Niles Hawthorne and Sir Rodrigo Adelmo, commander of the city watch. They agree to send some troops north to Alarn and expedite an audience with Nadwi’s ruling council.

Gawain and Kovar return to the Magisterium, where they find Jade waiting on the steps to the arcane academy. The attractive young woman expresses interest in their investigations before returning to her own studies. The Illusionist and Paladin give the shards of a magical mirror found at the “Mellow Mule” inn in Alarn to Lady Ingrid Sufeliastra.

The Quelanthi (High Elf) Wizard confirms that the mirror carries enchantments from the Conjuration, Divination, and Transmutation schools of magic. Lady Ingrid also notes that in addition to possibly being a portal, it could have trapped monsters and even some peasants inside!

In searching for tinkers such as the late Taras of Rockney and her father, Jovinda is referred to Gnomes Pip… and Gimbleburntfingers, a silversmith and an alchemist, respectively. Kovar intends to ask Dwarven metalsmiths for time in their forges, and Asish invites Kazuo to join him at the Arrakis Arena.

Jovinda also plans to go to the temple of Ulandt, lady of rest, and Kovar is referred to the temple of the temple of Otih, god of the sun and justice. Digger consults Brother Thendiril, a Quelanthi priest of Labelas Aenarith, lord of time, at the temple of Corellan Larethian.

After its first round of visits to various temples, shops, and the Magisterium, the group waits for word from the palace on reporting to Nadwi’s council and from Digger regarding Karstus’ mission….

Rob, I hope that your eye is better, and we missed you and Dexter at this past Sunday’s game! Note that our next telecom fantasy game won’t be until 1 May 2011. The FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera teams won’t be meeting again until April 25 and May 2. In the meantime, stay in touch, and have a happy Passover or Easter! -Gene

“Vortex” Update 5b.14 — Swindles for a stardrive

MarSoupAiL's ship — Space gambling venue

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5b.14 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 2 met on Monday, 11 April 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

After encountering regional warlords, extraterrestrial probes, and other hazards around Karachi and Ghanki Station beneath the Arabian Sea, a band of grifters and near-humans escaped to the Shepard 2 orbital city. They conducted a successful heist in the Lunar Free State, then undertook an urgent medical mission to the Venus colonies….

>>”Vortex” Team 2 (5b), crew of the Appomattox, as of spring 2011:

-“Gabriel Adams” [Paul J.]-male North American Terran near-human with telepathy, courier and pilot

-“ARTHERR” [Greg D.C.]-Advanced Resonance Theoretical Heuristic Exploration and Research Robot created by megacorp Vimeco

-“Jasmine” [Sara F.] female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter

-“Dr. Richmond Garrett” [Dave S.C.]-male Southern American Terran human, space snake-oil salesman and social climber

-“Dr. Dieter Klein” [Rich L.]-male European Terran human, semi-retired physician, altruist and thrill seeker

-“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A./absent]-male Latin American Terran human, “burned” operative and communications expert

-“Nero Bartholomew” [Non-Player Character]-male Terran human, former owner of the “Fortune’s Fool,” ship’s cook

-“Averki ‘Deep Dish’ Dyashenko” [N.P.C.]-male reptilian Synth (genetically engineered humanoid), onetime Venusian miner

“22 to 23 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era:” After returning to Earth, the crew of the Appomattox prepares to host a party and follow up on leads to faster-than-light (FTL) engines. Capt. Gabriel Adams handles docking with an orbital city and visiting ships.

ARTHERR reviews ship specifications and repaints himself again, this time as a Doric column in keeping with Nero Bartholomew’s ancient Roman-themed décor. Jasmine puts on a toga and greets arriving guests. The tiger woman asks for their weapons.

Dr. Richmond Garrett supervises Nero and Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko’s cooking and redressing of the yacht’s lounge for gambling, as in a Mississippi River boat. Retiree Dr. Dieter Klein invites former interns and looks forward to making new acquaintances.

Hector Chavez monitors communications and learns that the group’s involvement in treating the Venusian virus and investigating the subsequent stadium disaster has been in the Terran news. The party decides against inviting any officers from the United Earth Authority.

Among the guests is “Ramon Sanchez” [Josh H./Greg], the Lisbon-based “fixer” who had given the party its first mission, to an old battlefield north of Karachi. Ramon wears a long coat and sunglasses and brings two beefy aides, Hugo and Hernando.

Lillian Morrisey, an underworld contact of Gabriel, escorts Capt. Brandon Morgan, who claims to know of “easy pickings” near Earth. Hector’s onetime handler Max mentions a derelict ship at the edge of the Sol system. ARTHERR unobtrusively serves drinks.

Last but not least are two Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian aliens) offering humans work with the galactic Trade Guilds. Gorvek Beezo and “Rabak Porset” [Rich/N.P.C.] say there is another ship with extraterrestrial technology ripe for the picking. They and the other gamblers try various games, including roulette and baccarat, before settling on Texas Hold-’em poker. Jasmine deals the cards.

Capt. Morgan chats up Dr. Garrett, who determines that his fellow confidence artist is neither wealthy nor reputable. Dr. Klein is briefly intimidated by Hugo and Hernando, so he teams up with the Ru’ulok against Ramon. Capt. Adams telepathically contacts Richmond, and Dieter suspects that something is amiss.

Gorvek clumsily tries to make small talk with “Synth” Jasmine, whom has been instructed to take a 5% rake for the house. Hector helps keep watch for cheating. Brandon changes tack, flirting with Jasmine, confusing the former wrestler. Richmond successfully bluffs Brandon, causing him to be short-stacked.

Mr. Sanchez turns his attention to Dr. Garrett, who agrees to take a load of mysterious cargo to Epsilon Eridani. Gabriel asks the Ru’ulok about who invited them. Rabak replies that they had heard of the soiree from Lillian, and Gorvek finds that Gabriel is as altruistic as he is mercenary. Richmond tries to get the reptilian visitors drunk (“poker-faced”) by offering several toasts.

Ramon continues his winnings against Dieter, who bets against Gorvek. Gabriel pushes Brandon to the brink of being broke but is intimidated in turn by the Ru’ulok. Capt. Morgan briefly recovers at Dr. Klein’s expense, and Richmond presses his advantage over Gorvek.

Dieter and Brandon reluctantly take loans from Ramon, and Gorvek suggests that a Kharvamid Alliance ship would be easy prey, despite potential Gustrall (orange-furred, raptor-like alien) guards. He surprises the other card players with strong hands against Richmond and Dieter.

Gabriel offers to pay Brandon’s debt to Ramon in return for a favor, and the suave captain agrees. Dieter also has second thoughts about becoming indebted to the fastidious fixer. Ramon, satisfied with his winnings, departs with Hugo and Hernando. Gorvek and Rabak say that the alien ship can still be salvaged, if another crew doesn’t get there first.

Max says he’ll keep the group in mind for the derelict at the Sol system’s edge. Brandon and Lillian describe the Enlightened Flower, a vessel being refitted with an Olvar FTL drive in the private shipyard of one Feng Ruying. Brandon says he wants that ship’s central computer as a finder’s fee. Richmond says that the Appomattox‘s crew will begin planning a heist….

Session 5b.15 for the crew of the Appomattox is scheduled for 2 May 2011. Neither “Vortex” team nor the Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy game will be meeting during the next two weekends because of family travel. The crew of the Blackbird will meet again on April 25, and the “Vanished Lands” should resume on May 1.

We also have some nongaming events coming up, including Waltham’s steampunk festival on May 7, The Mighty Thor, and the mid-May potluck! I look forward to seeing all of you after Passover and Easter, -Gene

“Vanished Lands” Telecom team, Update T3.23 — Newcomers in Nadwi

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.23 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 3 April 2011, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, an unlikely band of adventurers encountered the hostile Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja on the Plains of Sathendo….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2011:

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J.]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-“Kovar” [Beruk A.]-male Half-Orc/Saganim human Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts and brotherhood; LGn, Lvl. 3

-“Davven ‘Digger’ Hollysharp” [Robert A.S.]-male Faldine Halfling archaeologist (Tallfellow Rogue) from a pipeweed farm in Tarken; CGn, Age 45, 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

-“Favelhorn Riftbringer” [Dexter V.H./absent]-male Mountain Dwarf Summoner; CGn, Age 51, Lvl. 1

“22 to 23 August 1229 B.C.E.:” The travelers ride south from the haunted hamlet of Alarn and the village of Rockney. They follow the Aspar River, which glitters in the summer sunlight like a silver ribbon winding across the brown plains and fields. The stone ramparts of Nadwi encircle the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city, rising 30 feet from the packed earth.

At the North Gate, the group waits with various farmers’ wagons to be admitted. Gawain notices pennants of the neighboring Waletku kingdom of the Elves in addition to the banners of Hifalendor and Nadwi. “Sir Bonner of Runnymeade” [Jon W.B./Non-Player Character] offers to introduce Kovar to a local order of knights.

Digger tells the skeptical guards that he and his companions are travelers who plan to visit Nadwi‘s libraries and temples. The Halfling scholar also asks for recommendations of inns. Asish watches for Centaurs or enemy spies.

Jovinda looks in wonderment at the buildings and throngs of her first human city. The Half-Elf had been reminded of her missing father by the tinkering gear of Taras of Rockney, who had been slain by scarecrows. Kazuo is uncomfortable in the crowded, cobbled streets.

On Wood Street, Gawain and Digger go to the Boar’s Head Inn, where liveried coachmen hold the doors for them. Concierge Hiram Connors offers the party a suite at 15 crowns (gold pieces) per night, or 20 for the week. The Illusionist and Rogue quickly realize that the hotel is beyond their means and leave.

Meanwhile, Sir Bonner takes Kovar to a knight’s tower near the fortified palace. Sir Niles Hawthorne greets his old friend and listens to Sir Bonner’s tale of woe, including how he was trapped by two Korred in Alarn and freed by Kovar and company. Sir Hawthorne gives the Half-Orc Paladin of Mithras a writ of safe passage and recommends that he seek fellow holy warriors at the temple of Otih, god of the sun and justice.

Kovar and the spare horse (and the party purse) rejoin their band at the Temple Court, in the shadow of the palace and Arena of Arrakis. Next to the columned temple of Ismiltar, goddess of magic, is the modest chapel of Yondolla. Worshippers of the goddess of the hearth and Halflings sit on low benches. In return for offerings, they are fed by acolytes.

Digger and Jovinda say they were referred by Seglinda, a priestess in the town of Kedetura. Nelly O’Keefe leads the pilgrims to a quiet alcove, then to a comfortable sitting room beneath the main hall. Jovinda explains how Davven and Kazuo came under the magical sway of the mysterious Vappu Lahja, who shares a name with a fairy tale wise woman and is too old to be human. Gawain theorizes that she is some sort of devil.

Nelly responds by offering everyone freshly baked scones and tea. Digger eagerly eats a few scones, but Nezumi Kazuo needs some persuading. The Rogue and Monk soon find their attitude changing and mood lifting, restoring trust within their fellowship. They are disturbed that Vappu Lahja’s rituals compromised their judgment and ask for Nelly’s help in getting an audience so they can report to the local authorities.

Sometime later, the wanderers cross the busy market square and follow Galnoris Avenue into the Dagger District, by the docks. At the Deer’s Heart Tavern, Gawain slides up to the bar and asks Neil Heckler about room rates. The innkeeper tells him it would be a crown per day for the group and its mounts, but Digger haggles the price down to 3 g.p. for four nights.

Impatient Digger has a verbal altercation with a drunken River Dwarf. “Jeevus McMarne” [Randy K.M./N.P.C.] mocks the Halfling Rogue and tries to provoke a bar brawl. Tsucharim Asish sits at a table with his back to the wall and offers Gawain a wager on the outcome.

Diplomatic Jovinda steps between Digger and Asish, trying to calm the patrons, and burly Kovar warns the Dwarf to avoid trouble and move on. Kazuo quietly backs up Digger, whom Gawain reminds of the group’s desire to keep a low profile. Jeevus is eventually placated with a round of drinks.

The Deer’s Heart’s rooms are spare but clean. Gawain and Digger share quarters, Asish and Jovinda split another room, and Kovar and Kazuo take a third. Digger and Kazuo ask to be left alone to meditate. The next morning, they plan to look into the mission from mage Octavius Karstus to inquire about a map of Evesboro from merchant Eligius and deliver information to associate Marcel, a stonemason.

Arcanist Gawain goes to the local Magisterium (magic school/library), where he expects Digger to join him in the coming days. Armored Kovar goes to Dwarven metal smiths along Mercantile Row, and Ranger Asish plans to ask tanners to refit barding confiscated from Centaur raiders for the party’s steeds.

Asish and Jovinda also visit bowyers, fletchers, and other Elven craftspeople near the Waletku consulate. They also intend to make inquiries at Gnomish tinkers’ shops, the Saganim consulate, and the Grove of Mekkil, goddess of nature….

Thanks again to those of you who have used the “Holy Steel” Google Group to discuss party plans for Nadwi, treasure distribution, and images and backgrounds for your characters! I’ve revised your characters’ experience levels above (Gawain should catch up soon).

Please note that we’ll be meeting next Sunday, April 10, but not the two weekends after that because of holidays. I’ll be checking with the FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” teams tonight regarding the schedule for the face-to-face space opera game. Have a good week, -Gene