D&D5e “Vanished Lands: Storm Riders” Session 41.14 — Dinner with Atlanteans

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 41.14 of our face-to-face D&D5e nautical game, which Drew & Divya S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on Monday, 26 October 2015:

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

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

The “Storm Riders,” Party 41 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, as of autumn 2015:

“Kamar Alazar” [Beruk A.]-male Suthern human swashbuckler (proto-Arabic Bard) of the College of Valor, former member of the “Liberators” and “Dragonslayers”; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Nuriel Earendil” [Brian W.]-male Grey Elf acolyte of light (Cleric of Corellan Larethian); NGl, Lvl. 3

“Kaelen Northsea” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf hunter and horde breaker (Sylvan/Saganim Ranger), seeking his father; NGc, Lvl. 3

“Eldamir Tempestborn” [Rich C.G.]-male Atlantean human soldier (Theran/Minoan Barbarian), tattooed berserker of the Order of the Kingfisher, specialist in the net and trident; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Barret” [Drew S.]-male Minotaur wrestler and gladiator (Fighter) with a wanderlust; a would-be Eldritch Knight; LGn, Lvl. 3

“Puliarus Aearion” [Charles S.]-male Half-Elf sage (Thalassaquendi storm Sorcerer), seeking to befriend all; CNg, Lvl. 3

“Cassy Keelnipper” [Sara F./absent ]-female Otter-kin Rogue, street urchin, and sailor; NGc, Lvl. 2

“8 to 10 November 1227 B.C.E.:” The “Storm Riders” sailed from the city of Hesolin to the Hifalendorin naval base at the Gargoyle Headlands. They rescuedpeople from Samhain mummers, and Eldamir found fellow Atlanteans. Barret had his new eldritch abilities analyzed at the chapel of Ismiltar, goddess of magic.

The travelers meet with some Atlantean (Theran/Minoan Greek) humans for a banquet. Kamar asks Cassia of Santoros [Beruk/Non-Player Character], a matronly priestess of Addoh (Poseidon), about the subversive cult of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

Charioteer Dion Xanthus [Brian W./N.P.C.] tells Kaelen that he wants to engage enemies such as the dreaded Ghost Fleet in proper battle with the Hifalendorin army rather than endless skirmishes.

Capt. Khufu Ali [Bruce/N.P.C.], captain of the sloop H.M.S. Alatuk, represents the Order of the Golden Lion. The Khemtish (New Kingdom Egyptian) human is skeptical of Eldamir’s bold plan to reunite Atlantean exiles.

By contrast, navigator Janos Demas [Drew/N.P.C.] is interested in Eldamir’s proposal of creating a “new Atlantis.” The Sorcerer mentions that their people have traded with the Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elves) of the Kelp Kingdom and the Merfolk of Thellosia.

Capt. Theeros Vanimelda [Divya S./N.P.C.] is loyal to Hifalendor, which has welcomed refugees. However, the commander of the Pegasus carrier H.M.S. Ismiltar’s Quiver notes that an Atlantean colony is rumored to exist on an island in the southwestern Sea of Nagendwa.

Young Panos Nikomides [Charles/N.P.C.] knows relatively little about his lost ancestral homeland but is the first to accept Eldamir’s offer to join the Order of the Kingfisher. Panos and Cassia are also excited to meet Barret because Minotaurs were revered in Atlantis.

Eldamir tries to reassure Cassia that a new Atlantis would right the wrongs of their former naval empire. The studious Barbarian says that he saw a tablet in Hesolin of an ancient treaty between Atlantis and the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

Kaelen recounts his crew’s past battles against Merrows (aquatic Ogres) and aSea Hag. Kamar asks Capt. Ali about ports on the way east toward distant Lirgad. Nuriel learns of the “Grey Wind,” another mercenary crew.

Sometime later, Puliarus goes to the chapel of Ismiltar, goddess of magic, to investigate the scrimshaw that gave him his sorcerous abilities. Senmet bet Nirath confirms its extraplanar origin and notes that the script is ancient but not Draconic.

“Commodore Arthur J. Hudson” [Mark A.S./N.P.C.] provides fellow “Liberator” Kamar horses, a wagon, and a week’s rations. The adventuring party decides to leave immediately rather than wait to escort a caravan.

The grateful “Storm Riders” ride out from the Gargoyle Headlands across the wide Plains of Sathendo rather than take the dangerous sea route to the barbaric city of Gisar [see also telecom team’s notes].

Kamar rides “Baja II,” and Puliarus dubs his steed “Sparky.” Eldamir doesn’t name his horse, but Nuriel calls his “Sirocco.” Kaelen uses the variants “Scirocco” and “Shyrocco,” and Barret calls the beasts drawing the covered wagon “Clippity” and “Cloppity.”

Ranger Kaelen leads the way toward the hamlet of Bancea. Barbarian Eldamir, Cleric Nuriel, and Sorcerer Puliarus follow. Fighter Barret is happy to be back on land, and Bard Kamar sings as he brings up the rear.

The group sees a wooden palisade and a windmill/lighthouse. Kaelen is curious about a Sea Elf woman he glimpses in the tower, and Eldamir chats with Roger, the watchman at the gate.

Lighthouse/windmill — Windmill/lighthouse

Roger is suspicious of burly Barret but directs the group to the “Sandy Shoe” inn. Eldamir and Barret find themselves volunteered for a guard shift in the chilly night. Innkeeper Seonis tells Kamar that Bancea has about 40 full-time residents, led by one Tergan Nentor, a retired swashbuckler.

Nuriel is glad to rest in a bed but notices strange carvings of a tentacled brain under the straw mattress. Kaelen gets sick from some grog and then goes to the lighthouse to flirt with Mikkeli. Barret notices that Kaelen left the inn on his own and rushes to “rescue” him.

Eldamir notices that as he and Barret walk around the perimeter, the path seems to guide them in a spiral pattern, similar to Krakas’ holy symbol. He gathers his companions in their rooms as a precaution.

Suthern human Kamar casts Detect Magic and finds that the carvings under each bed and the tower radiate Transmutation. Nuriel suggests pretending to be subject to any enchantment. The Grey Elf points out that most of the residents may be ignorant of any cult activity.

Half-Elf Kaelen wants to burn down anything associated with the cult of Krakas, and human Eldamir starts packing. Minotaur Barret describes a nightmare of a huge frog with sharp teeth and says that he and Kamar should examine the lighthouse more closely.

Half-Elf Puliarus erases the symbols beneath the beds with a Mend spell. Kaelen eliminates Roger and Mikkeli as suspects. Eldamir tries to intimidate Seonis, who says that the lighthouse “will fall to the Old Ones.”

The enraged Barbarian knocks him out. The “Storm Riders” ask Roger and Mikkeli if Bancea will be safe as they prepare to continue their travels….

Sorry for the delayed update. I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s higher-level telecom game and to resuming our adventures tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 16!

I also look forward to Jason’s next “Star Wars: Dark Times” session and to discussing Bruce’s D&D5e “Kings and Pawns” sci-fi scenario and other proposals for next year.

D&D5e “Vanished Lands: Storm Riders” Sessions 41.12, 13 — Mummers and marines

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 41.12 and 13 of our face-to-face D&D5e nautical game, which Drew & Divya S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on 5 and 19 October 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumansthrived. 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.

The “Storm Riders,” Party 41 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, as of autumn 2015:

“Kamar Alazar” [Beruk A.]-male Suthern human swashbuckler (proto-Arabic Bard) of the College of Valor, former member of the “Liberators” and “Dragonslayers”; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Nuriel Earendil” [Brian W.]-male Grey Elf acolyte of light (Cleric of Corellan Larethian); NGl, Lvl. 3

“Kaelen Northsea” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf hunter and horde breaker (Sylvan/Saganim Ranger), seeking his father; NGc, Lvl. 3

“Eldamir Tempestborn” [Rich C.G.]-male Atlantean human soldier (Theran/Minoan Barbarian), tattooed berserker of the Order of the Kingfisher, specialist in the net and trident; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Barret” [Drew S.]-male Minotaur wrestler and gladiator (Fighter) with a wanderlust; a would-be Eldritch Knight; LGn, Lvl. 3

“Puliarus Aearion” [Charles S.]-male Half-Elf sage (Thalassaquendi storm Sorcerer), seeking to befriend all; CNg, Lvl. 3

“Cassy Keelnipper” [Sara F./absent ]-female Otter-kin Rogue, street urchin, and sailor; NGc, Lvl. 2

“29 October to 7 November 1227 B.C.E.:” In Hesolin, capital of the human kingdom of Hifalendor, the “Storm Riders” accepted Lord Gideon Adams’ mission to explore Lirgad in the east. Kamar visited the Bardic College, Nuriel explored various temples and learned about Bokor Island, and Kaelen hit the “Saffron Scabbard” tavern.

Eldamir inquired into other Atlanteans and helped Barret at the arena, even as the “Masked Minotaur” gained arcane abilities. Puliarus visited the Istari Bazaar and got his scrimshaw analyzed.

Nuriel, Kamar, and Eldamir bid farewell to Itharides, a prominent Grey Elf adventuress and Nuriel’s grandmother. Itharides tells her kinsman to be careful in his travels and seems flattered by Kamar’s attention.

Eldamir inquires into Elven artifacts and learns of the Dragon Orbs, Bracers of Elemental Control, and Heart Bows, among other things. He also changes 5,000 crowns (gold pieces) into gems, platinum, and pearls.

Barret, Kaelen, and Puliarus visit the temple of Ismiltar. Lorna Travers, a priestess of the matron of magic, recommends that Barret undertake a quest to fully qualify to become an Eldritch Knight.

The people of Hesolin prepare to celebrate the autumn festival of Samhain. Eldamir recommends staying in the Golden Horn Hotel on Castle Court, but Kamar leaves to look for Itharides. He learns that the temples of dark goddesses Sherma and Ennenah are holding open houses.

Nuriel attends the lantern show at the temple of Corellan Larethian, head of the Elven pantheon. Kaelen, Eldamir, and Barret go to the “Bright Battlement” tavern in the theater district. They join a mummer’s parade in Bridge Plaza.

Out of the corner of his eye, Kaelen sees a mummer adjusting his mask, but there’s no face underneath! Two similarly garbed people guide nine revelers into a zone of Silence down a side street. Barret says the innocent must be protected.

The masked mummers begin sucking the life out of the hapless Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) humans. Eldamir rages and lunges for the ghouls. The Barbarian makes a reckless attack with his trident “Tempest,” strabbing one foe twice.

Two of the monsters miss Eldamir and Barret, who steps into the area of Silence.Kaelen casts Hunter’s Mark on himself, draws his short swords, and follows. Eldamir destroys one of the pale-skinned creatures, splattering black ichor.

The mummers rake Kaelen and Barret with long claws, and Ranger Kaelen responds with his blades. Fighter Barret gores and shoves his opponent before getting tangled up in the narrow alley. The revelers scatter.

Eldamir skewers Kaelen’s opponent, but the last masked villain scratches him. Barret gets a second wind and attacks. Eldamir helps finish off the last mummer.

Members of the city watch arrive, and Kaelen tries to explain what has happened in the absence of witnesses. Eldamir takes responsibility, but the guards are suspicious of the tattooed, long-haired outlander.

At a nearby watchtower, the guards pay 60 crowns as a bounty for the destroyed Undead. They explain that they’re overwhelmed with the Samhain celebrations around various temples.

Kaelen, Eldamir, and Barret then find Kamar talking to Yvonne Valetta at the Bards’ College and Nuriel with fellow Cleric Vellamo at the temple of Corellan. The next morning, Barret picks up the wooden armor he had commissioned for 40 crowns.

The next morning, the “Storm Riders” board the H.M.S. Alatuk at the recommendation of harbormaster Lord Adams. Capt. Khufu Ali orders the Hifalendorin naval vessel to head for the base at the Gargoyle Headlands.

Suthern human Kamar plays games of chance with off-duty crew members, while Grey Elf Nuriel enjoys the view from the prow. Half-Elf Kaelen has difficulty understanding the Khemtish (New Kingdom Egyptian) human captain’s orders.

Atlantean human Eldamir keeps to himself, and Minotaur Barret helps provide ballast. Puliarus studies charts of the Sea of Nagendwa. On the way east, they encounter the Raven’s Eye, a Hifalendorin longboat captained by Korvus Bracas. He is pleased to meet another honorable Minotaur in Barret.

The Alatuk approaches a cliff face with a fortified harbor at its base. Among the vessels docked there they notice one with a wide top deck free of rigging. Massive, mastaba-style walls tower above, with blue and gold Hifalendorin flags fluttering in the sea breeze.

Before the visitors can climb the narrow, winding path up to the Gargoyle Headlands, they must submit to a scan by Hai-Yuan Peihsi, a Shengtese (East Asian) priestess of the sea lords. At the plateau, the group sees charioteers practicing. Lt. Laurence Tertius takes the adventuring party into the fort.

Thick pillars frame sunny courtyards around the barracks, stables, command tower, and chapel to Ismiltar. While most of the personnel are Hifalendorin, there are several Egyptian, Atlantean, and Saganim humans.

“Commodore Arthur J. Hudson” [Mark A.S./Non-Player Character] is preoccupied with other duties and doesn’t recognize Kamar right away. An ensign adds insult to injury by mistaking him for “Westly the Wondrous” [Alex J./N.P.C.].

The crew presents its letter of introduction from Lord Adams, and Commodore Hudson agrees to support its mission to scout Lirgad, although he notes that it would be unwise to take a Hifalendorin vessel into raider-plagued waters.

Kamar later catches up with Arthur over dinner and drinks. The former “Liberators” reminisce about their adventures six years ago [in “game time”/D&D3.0, 2000 to 2002], including venturing into the Underdark, racing Orcish warlords for the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords, and discovering the lost city of Eagle’s Rest.

Nuriel and Kaelen talk with Hei-Yuan Peihsi at a shrine to the Sea Lords. In the officers’ mess, Eldamir asks Capt. Theros Vanimelda, commander of the Ismiltar’s Quiver, about fellow Atlanteans. Barret and Puliarus go to the temple of Ismiltar, where they see depictions of the Ennead (Egyptian pantheon).

The Minotaur and Half-Elf meet Senmet bet Nirath, a priestess of the goddess of magic. She asks for a demonstration of Barret’s new abilities, and they go outside. The gladiator invokes Hendlir, guardian of travelers, and instinctively responds to a threat from Puliarus with a Magic Missile from his horns.

Fortunately, the storm Sorcerer is able to erect a magical Shield in response. Puliarus prays to Angkir, lord of storms. Senmet wonders if the gods have seen fit to share their powers. Kamar entertains the troops and acolytes with “Sympathy for the Minstrel.”

Sometime later, Barret reluctantly submits to a ritual conducted by Senmet. She tosses a quill at the Minotaur, which he disintegrates. The Cleric later explains that it’s a sign that he retains his free will and can still love and lose.

Senmet hits Barret with a pebble, which she interprets as proof that he can still be physically harmed despite his newfound powers. She sprinkles holy water on him, and it does not turn to steam, indicating that the enchanted brass orb on his horn isn’t diabolical or fiendish in origin.

The Egyptian woman shows Barret a mirror, and he poses, showing that he is capable (or not) of self-control. Those assembled have a vision of the moon between Barret’s horns, which Senmet says is a sign of Isis’ approval of his quest.

Barret wonders if he can recruit anyone for the “cult of the Masked Minotaur,” and Puliarus is grateful to learn that other Eldritch Knights may be able to help his friend learn to use his arcane abilities. They have a good Mediterranean-style meal.

Kamar rejoins his companions and suggests traveling over land toward Lirgad, hugging the coast to accommodate Puliarus’ Sea Elven blood….

I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s higher-level telecom session and to continuing the “Storm Riders’” travels tomorrow!

D&D5e “Vanished Lands: Storm Riders” Session 41.11 — Capital plans

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 41.11 of our face-to-face D&D5e nautical game, which Drew & Divya S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on 28 September 2015:

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

The “Storm Riders,” Party 41 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” fantasy campaign, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, as of autumn 2015:

“Kamar Alazar” [Beruk A.]-male Suthern human swashbuckler (proto-Arabic Bard) of the College of Valor, former member of the “Liberators” and “Dragonslayers”; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Nuriel Earendil” [Brian W.]-male Grey Elf acolyte of light (Cleric of Corellan Larethian); NGl, Lvl. 3

“Kaelen Northsea” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf hunter and horde breaker (Sylvan/Saganim Ranger), seeking his father; NGc, Lvl. 3

“Eldamir Tempestborn” [Rich C.G.]-male Atlantean human soldier (Theran/Minoan Barbarian), tattooed berserker of the Order of the Kingfisher, specialist in the net and trident; CGn, Lvl. 3

“Barret” [Drew S.]-male Minotaur wrestler and gladiator (Fighter) with a wanderlust; a would-be Eldritch Knight; LGn, Lvl. 3

“Puliarus Aearion” [Charles S.]-male Half-Elf sage (Thalassaquendi storm Sorcerer), seeking to befriend all; CNg, Lvl. 3

“Cassy Keelnipper” [Sara F./absent]-female Otter-kin Rogue, street urchin, and sailor; NGc, Lvl. 2

Backup characters:

“Ludovico ‘Ludo’ Rosso” [Beruk A.]-male human ex-gladiator (Monk; see Bruce K.’s Pathfinder: Eberron/Reign of Winter); LN, Lvl. 1
“?” [Brian W.]-male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Fighter, pragmatist; LN, Lvl. 1
“?” [Sara F.]-female ?; NG, Lvl. 1
“Drogan” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Orc (Saganim) Barbarian, with a great sword; CN, Lvl. 1
“Sebastian Leafsworn” [Rich C.G.]-male Sylvan Elf Monk and sage, with forbidden lore; LG, Lvl. 1
“Vasco” [Drew S.]-male clockwork butler (Warforged), former member of theZephyr ’s crew, displaced in time and space; LN, Lvl. 1
“Antoun Miner” [Charles S.]-male Hill Dwarf Druid, healer curious about the sea; TN, Lvl. 1

“26 to 28 October 1227 B.C.E.:” The adventurers left Drunstimlos aboard the mercenary ship Floating Eel, talked with Nuriel’s grandmother Itharides, and helped put down a mutiny. They stopped in the villages of Sanry and Semorn before arriving at Hesolin, capital of the human kingdom of Hifalendor.

The group goes to the Harbormaster’s Tower, where it reports to Lord Gideon Adams. Kamar shows a letter from Capt. Sheridan Driscoll of the H.M.S.Dauntless, a Saganim naval vessel. Lord Adams is suspicious of Barret, who is from the Silent Stalkers tribe, but Kaelen vouches for the Minotaur.

Eldamir hopes to find other Atlanteans, and the harbormaster says that several are stationed at a Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) naval base a few days’ sail away.

Puliarus asks about potential missions, and Lord Adams is willing to pay a total of 10,000 crowns (gold pieces) for scouting the port of Lirgad, far to the east in the Principality of Silado, a.k.a. Tong Sheng.

The “Storm Riders” say they’ll consider his offer, and Nuriel leads the way to the open-air temple of Addoh, known in Saganim as Ghanki. Halateriel, a Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elf) priestess of the sea lord, greets the travelers.

Nuriel asks Halateriel to replace drunkard Fr. Gwydion in Drunstimlos, but she notes that it’s unusual for a Hifalendorin temple to send clergy to Saganim (proto-Celtic human) towns. Halateriel also says that many priests have been assigned to ships in the Hifalendorin navy as a precaution against the mystical ailment known as the Scourge.

However, she is willing to send an acolyte to Drunstimlos if the adventuring party will check the port of Laguro on Bokor Island for cultists of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom. Cleric Nuriel and company are interested, but they don’t have a time frame in mind to travel south.

The “Storm Riders” then follow Sailors’ Walk into Hesolin. Rogue Kamar explains that Bokor Island is ruled by two black dragons, Artaxis and Zineida. Ranger Kaelen notices the “Saffron Scabbard” tavern and the Sallus Baths on the way, but Barbarian Eldamir recommends visiting the Library of Memir next.

Gladiator Barret feels the tug of cheers from the Ariyas Arena, and Sorcerer Puliarus wonders about the theaters around Bridge Plaza. The wanderers pass the Golden Horn Hotel on Castle Court and walk up Embassy Row.

Nuriel drops off a letter at the Waletku embassy to his family in the distant Grey Elven outpost of Silgath. He reports on his hopes of redeeming aggressive humans such as Eldamir.

International affairs
At the royal library, Eldamir encounters an irascible archivist. Harold eventually helps the mercenaries find records for their various inquiries. Eldamir reads a tablet containing an old trade treaty between Atlantis and Hifalendor.

Puliarus learns that trade with the Sea Elves has declined in recent years because of corsairs from the Garku Nasit, pirates from Saganim and the Zarendo Islands, and Skaevingol raiders, not to mention the dreaded Ghost Fleet.

Harold also mentions that the Gusorin Confederation is no more. The Gokuri Empire has conquered the northern city of Tekugi, and the southern port of Gisar is ruled by the Undead. Hifalendor still views the human and humanoid tribes of the central Plains of Sathendo as a threat.

Bored Barret and Eldamir go back through bustling streets to the arena, while musician Kamar visits the Bardic College. Pious Nuriel strolls to the Temple Court, as lecherous Kaelen goes to the Saffron Scabbard. Curious Puliarus heads to the Istari Bazaar.

At the Arena of Ariyas, Barret and Eldamir ask Halfling bookie Waltod [Beruk A./Non-Player Character] to join the bouts in progress. The “Masked Minotaur” faces off against Aquila [Charles S./N.P.C.], a River Spirit Folk (eastern Grey Elf) Monk, and tattooed Eldamir is matched with Lorgan [Bruce K./N.P.C.], a Wolfen Barbarian and follower of Torr (Thor).

Kamar chats with redheaded priestess Yvonne Valetta at the temple of Brijitt,goddess of fire and poetry. The Suthern (proto-Arabic) human performs to gain entrance in the College of Valor. Yvonne mentions that a brave but foolhardy band entered the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm to the northwest but hasn’t been heard from since.

Nuriel learns about mushrooms from Gaffy Barkeater, a Forest Gnome Druid at the Grove of Mekkil. At the vaulted temple of Corellan Larethian, Nuriel talks with Vellamo, another Grey Elf Cleric. Vellamo describes a premonition of evil from the Shadowfell creeping into the Wisalef Forest.

Half-Elf Kaelen has a good evening at the Saffron Scabbard, while Half-Elf Puliarus is intrigued by the magical shops, sages, and archives at the Istari Bazaar.

Eldritch arena duel
At the arena, Lorgan has gray fur, scars, and an ugly morning star. Eldamir stabs the Wolfen with “Tempest,” his trident. Barret charges at Aquila, who nimbly steps aside before striking him hard.

Eldamir and Lorgan trade heavy blows before the Atlantean knocks down the Wolfen. Waltod notes that the winner will have to fight the winner of the other bout. Aquila tries to trip the Masked Minotaur and switches to kicking him instead.

Barret surprises everyone, including himself, by knocking out Aquila with a Magic Missile from the brass orb on one of his horns! Waltod declares the match over on a technicality.

Cleavage can’t beat a muffin
At the Istari Bazaar, Puliarus buys a muffin from fortuneteller Tejai Marijukha [Bruce/N.P.C.]. A tall robed man named Perrin [Kim A.G./Drew S./N.P.C.] grabs the muffin and ducks into a tiny tent. Bystander Shang Dun [Beruk A./N.P.C.], a Shengtese Wu Jen (eastern human Wizard), watches with amusement.

Puliarus reaches for the tent but then sees a mighty Balrog. The storm Sorcerer casts Gust of Wind, which blows away the illusory Balrog and tent, revealing a mischievous Gnome munching his muffin. Perrin scurries off.

Voluptuous Tejai gives Puliarus a replacement muffin, and he enters the local Magisterium (magical academy). Harried librarian Leon the Blasphemer [Rich C.G./N.P.C.] directs him to Thyril Nailo [Paul J./Brian W./N.P.C.], an older Quelanthi (High Elf).

Shang Dun is skeptical that Thyril can help Puliarus with the scrimshaw that granted him his sorcerous abilities. However, the Elf is able to determine that the ivory came from an extraplanar source.

Thyril says, “Oops,” as a feeling of vertigo overcomes those present during a vision of a sea of stars. He says that others are looking for the scrimshaw.

Sometime later, the party reconvenes at the Golden Horn Hotel. Itharides and Cassy aren’t around. Kaelen plans to visit the Rangers’ Gate and quietly asks Nuriel for a Cure Disease. Barret and Puliarus share their magical findings. The team decides to head east first, then to Bokor Island.

Lord Adams gives the “Storm Riders” 5,000 crowns, which they save of an eventual ship of their own. He agrees to provide passage to the Hifalendorin naval base on the way to Lirgad….

I hope that those of you in the D&D5e telecom team enjoyed last night’s session, and I look forward to continuing our face-to-face adventures tonight!

I also look forward to eventually rejoining Jason E.R.’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” game. Let us know your availability for October.