“Uncommon Companions” Update T3.41 — Tea house and terror bird thief

Stock image of a Chinese tea house — Tea house in Alfendi

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.41 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Saturday, 4 February 2012, 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 group of adventurers gathered in the northwestern “Vanished Lands” to explore a world full of perils and wonders.

After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the “Uncommon Companions” encountered the Centaur followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja and Unseelie Fey in the increasingly dangerous borderlands….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2012:

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from Gokuri; owner of Akita dog Genghis and horses Onimusha and Gashmu; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Saganim) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; has horses Wyth-Amoi and Meth-Fenna and falcon Ana-Quessahr; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 4

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Hateem Shisakli” [Josh C.]-male Suthern human Dervish (proto-Arabic Bard/Battledancer) visiting the cold north; Lvl. 4

-“Suki” [Sara F.]-female Tengu Mahotsukai (raven-folk Sorceress/Illusionist) and fugitive; Lvl. 4

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

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3

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

>>”16 November 1229 B.C.E.:” After recovering from their long journey across the Plains of Sathendo, the travelers continued exploring the city of Alfendi in the Waletku kingdom of the Elves. After asking around about where other easterners may be found, they visited the tea house of Bamboo Spirit Folk (eastern Sylvan Elf) Seng Shiu Jun.

Asish recognizes a tea ceremony in one paper-walled alcove and orders wulong with honey. Jovinda asks for white tea and observes Sylvan Elves in kimonos. Kazuo is reminded of the scents of his distant homeland and orders green tea. Hateem, who is from far to the southwest, asks the confused wait staff for a hookah.

The adventuring party discusses what it has learned so far in Alfendi, including Ranger Asish‘s training with Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elf) exile “Thalissa” [John Z.G./Non-Player Character] and his upcoming dinner date with Saganim/Shengtese human Rogue “Jade Xi Aschent” [Sammy/N.P.C.]. Cleric Jovinda is unsure of how investigating abandoned border forts will help in thwarting Vappu Lahja’s intolerant followers on the Plains of Sathendo.

Monk Kazuo is not interested in more shopping in the city, while Dervish Hateem is pleased when he is eventually brought a small and rare hookah. They wonder how a small establishment in the western Wisalef Forest manages to trade tea with Tong Sheng and the Zedu kingdom despite the barbaric Gusorin Confederation and oppressive Gokuri being in between.

The group orders dim sum, including dow sa bow (red bean paste buns), wu tao go (taro root pudding), larp cheung guen (steamed sausage rolls), and gow gee (dumplings). Kazuo agrees to help guide Asish in the martial arts, on the condition that he abstain from meat and alcohol.

As hostess Seng Shiu Jun greets each of her guests, Asish overhears a woman asking for safe haven in Shengtese, but he unable to see the speaker. The Tsucharim horseman feels honor-bound to offer aid, but his companions recommend caution.

Some of Asish’s questions are soon answered as the fugitive prepares to leave the tea house. She is a Tengu with black and white feathers, blue eyes, robes, and several pouches hanging from her belt. Rather than draw more attention to themselves, the group and shy Suki go outside to talk. However, she sees someone trying to steal Jun, her Axebeak steed!

Swift Kazuo runs after the would-be thief, as Bard Hateem maneuvers to keep up. Archer Asish draws his bow and fires two leaf-headed arrows, hitting his quarry. Sorceress Suki casts Magic Missile. Jovinda, priestess of nature goddess Mekkil, calls Ana-Quessahr (Sun Wing). The falcon tries to rake Jun’s rider with his claws.

The thief spurs the Axebeak, and Nezumi Kazuo’s Stunning Fist misses. Suthern human Hateem casts Grease, but he trips Kazuo rather than Suki’s steed. Asish whistles for his dog Genghis and horse Onimusha and fires more arrows. Half-Elf Jovinda casts Spiritual Weapon, summoning a staff to whack at the thief.

Fortunately, his flight is interrupted when the Axebeak slips, and the rider jumps clear. Kazuo circles around the slippery spot to fight him, and Hateem swings his scimitar. Genghis tries to bite the assassin, who strikes Kazuo with a poisoned blowgun dart.

Suki’s Magic Missiles eventually finish off the thief. Asish offers to take Kazuo on Onimush to the Chalice of Healing near the temple district, but the Monk declines, insisting on limping there alongside the Ranger. Hateem questions Kazuo’s state of mind, but he and Kovinda search the assassin’s body. Suki tends to her mount.

Jovinda identifies a vial as Black Smear poison. Weakened, Kazuo manages to get to the local hospital, where Asish consults Halfling dentist Glechi Drax. Quelanthi (High Elf/Eladrin) physician Meredemario asks for a sample of the poison for antidote and payment. Asish sends runner Laenvin to report to Aldarion at the Rangers’ Guild.

Back in the alley by the tea house, Hateem finds 200 crowns (gold pieces) and a masterwork dagger and thieves’ tools. Suki claims a disguise kit and notes that Ninjas have been pursuing her. They are surprised when the thief’s visage changes from that of a Sylvan Elf to the blank features of a Changeling!

Asish and Kazuo return to the alley in time to give statements to High Elf guard Gavalaraen, who promises to investigate the possibility of infiltration by spies from the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri. The city watch won’t press charges against Suki for self-defense, and the “Uncommon Companions” go back to the “Unicorn Moon” inn, where they see a chrysanthemum delivery….

Welcome, Sara, to this telecom game! I look forward to our next regular session on Sunday, Feb. 12, our last before you and Josh — and Janice and I — move! I expect my campaigns, including the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera, to resume in early March.

In the meantime, please remember to take advantage of our Google Groups message board, the Obsidian Portal wiki (which Josh has updated), and stay in touch!

“Vanished Lands” Update T3.40 — Uncommon Companions: the Night of 1,000 Echoes

Hunter Elf And Falcon - Elven Girls - Magical Pictures — Elf falconer

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.40 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 29 January 2012, and has been using Pathfinder, Skype, and an online dice roller.

After meeting in the Wisalef Forest, the “Uncommon Companions” encountered the Centaur followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja and Unseelie Fey in the increasingly dangerous borderlands….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2012:

-“Asish Chen Ti” [Byron V.O.]-male Tsucharim human archer (Mongol-style Ranger), escaped from Gokuri; owner of Akita dog Genghis and horses Onimusha and Gashmu; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Saganim) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; has horses Wyth-Amoi and Meth-Fenna and falcon Sun Wing; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 4

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Hateem Shisakli” [Josh C.]-male Suthern human Dervish (proto-Arabic Bard/Battledancer); Lvl. 4

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

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3

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

>>”15 to 16 November 1229 B.C.E.:” After recovering from their long journey across the Plains of Sathendo, the travelers continued exploring the city of Alfendi in the Waletku kingdom of the Elves.

Early one morning, Asish and Jovinda pass archers practicing outside Alfendi’s high walls and walk into the surrounding woods. They find a clearing, mark the four cardinal directions, and burn incense.

The Tsucharim Ranger bonds with his dog Genghis, as the Half-Elf Cleric invokes nature goddesses Mekkil and Ami-Koshi. Jovinda cuts Asish and nervous Genghis with a ritual dagger and mingles their blood, smears their foreheads with ash, and declares them brothers.

Meanwhile, Kazuo and Hateem stretch and do morning katas in Lake Park, near the “Unicorn Moon” inn. Neither expects to find trainers for their exotic fighting styles at the local arenas. The Nezumi Monk and Suthern Dervish then go to the main market square to find warmer clothes and a small drum for Hateem.

Asish goes for a run with Genghis to hone their communications, and Jovinda wanders alone to search for an animal companion. Hiking to a rocky ledge over a fast, cold stream, the priestess sees a large falcon preening in the the sun. The bird of prey has glossy feathers and an unflinching gaze.

In a moment of communion with nature, Jovinda asks the falcon its name. The formidable bird replies that he is known as the “Claw of Heaven,” but that is too grand to be used by his newfound “sister,” whom he had been searching for his whole life. Jovinda introduces herself as “Halflight or twilight” and dubs the falcon “Sun Wing.”

Kazuo and Hateem meet up with Asish, Jovinda, and their animal companions. Genghis has little use for Sun Wing, who doesn’t mind the bustle of the city because it offers much prey. Jovinda allows the falcon to hunt after warning him to avoid carrier pigeons, whose masters might get upset.

At the “Pixie’s Pint” tavern, the adventuring party listens to a Dwarf skald’s bawdy songs while waiting to meet Aldarion, a Grey Elf Ranger whom Asish had contacted. The group sits at a back table and orders food and drink. Hateem joins in playing music with Durgin Blackbrow.

Aldarion arrives and explains that he has sent word to King Ereval I [Steve A.L./Non-Player Character] about the threat of Vappu Lahja’s followers. The onetime general also says that the Elven Rangers are monitoring the troop movements of the Drow of Zuromm and the Nannuattan of Gokuri. Jovinda and Asish are concerned about rumors that the Grugach tribes have been swayed by Gokuri guile or infiltrated by disgused Ninjas.

A woman wearing a hooded cloak enters the tavern and quietly approaches the “Uncommon Companions.” Asish recognizes her white hair, pointed ears and teeth, and violet eyes as that of a Dark Elf, and he draws his katana. Kazuo and Hateem ready for a fight but hold and wait.

Jovinda‘s suspicion that the newcomer is “Thalissa” [John Z.G./N.P.C.], Aldarion’s wife, is confirmed when the Ranger greets her warmly. Asish and Kazuo relax only slightly, and Hateem observes that the ebon-skinned Elf reminds him of certain desert spirits.

Thalissa confirms that the jade chop that Asish retrieved from his former overlords is an order for Gokuri troops to mass. The alluring “Jade ‘Xi’ Aschent” [Sammy/N.P.C.] had translated it previously. Thalissa also notes that there is a coded message hidden in the pictograph indicating an order of assassination, not uncommon among the Nannuattan.

Jovinda asks how imminent the danger is to the Waletku kingdom, and Thalissa responds that since Asish took the chop when he escaped the Calastrial clan, the orders probably weren’t received or implemented for months. The Tsucharim rider reluctantly asks the Nannuattan exile for training so that he can eventually free his family.

Thalissa agrees to help, showing him “whippets” (incendiary boomerangs) and mentioning her son in law, “Shea” [Peter D./N.P.C.] in the Ivory Mountains to the northwest. Aldarion says that Alfendi’s Rangers would pay for any new maps, especially of areas beyond the Wisalef Forest.

Back in the main market square, Asish goes to Sylvan Elf tanner Gadrelas on River Street to arrange for leather bracers for new falconer Jovinda. The scouts also buy arrows from bowyer/fletcher Hasariel near the North Park and visit Mountain Dwarf armorer Ygnis Miklovitch.

At the smithy of Glosin, who silvered Asish’s katana, Hateem asks about weapons that might be useful against Unseelie Fey. The Hill Dwarf replies that a reddish alloy known as “cold steel” is effective against all magical creatures. In addition, they plan to visit the shop of Gnome alchemist Rapalikvarbingisparrow… (“Rapalik” for short) for some potions.

Jovinda buys food from Faldine Halfling Miranda Northshire, who recalls meeting Digger several weeks ago [in “game time”]. Jovinda and Kazuo follow tea merchant Bodhi Chandarev’s directions to the tea house of Bamboo Spirit Folk (eastern Sylvan Elf) Seng Shiu Jun. Asish has a date with Jade, but the rest of the “Uncommon Companions” don’t want him to go alone….

Thanks again for your patience as we deal with balky technology and another upcoming interruption to our schedule as Josh & Sara and Janice and I move. Note that our next telecom fantasy game will be on Saturday, 4 February 2012, to accommodate the Super Bowl.

In the meantime, keep discussing your characters and what you’d like to do next on the Google Groups message board. We can still do a lot of role-playing in this forum, even if we don’t have sessions, but we need more than just Byron to post…. ;)

After this coming Monday’s meeting for Team 1 in the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera, my face-to-face groups will also take a break. Take it easy, -Gene

“Vanished Lands” Update T3.39 — Entering Alfendi

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.39 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 15 January 2012, 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 and Unseelie Fey in the increasingly dangerous borderlands….

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2012:

-“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 horses Onimusha and Gashmu; NGl, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Saganim) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horses Wyth-Amoi and Meth-Fenna; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 4

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 4

-“Hatem Shisakli” [Josh C.]-male Suthern human Dervish (proto-Arabic Bard/Battledancer); Lvl. 4

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

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3

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

>>”14 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After reporting to the Grove of Mekkil and the local Rangers’ Guild, the trio of travelers rested at the “Unicorn Moon” inn. The next morning, Asish, Jovinda, and Kazuo continue their exploration of the Elven city of Alfendi.

At the main market square, Asish buys fruit and wine and inquires about leatherworkers for skins he recently took from a fallen Ettin. The Ranger learns of tanners on River Street near the North Square and asks them to rework the hides into barding for horses Onimusha and Gashmu.

Jovinda asks Kazuo if he’d like to visit the arenas or temples to look for other Monks, but he declines. The Cleric also makes plans to summon a hawk companion and to help Asish with a ritual for his dog Genghis, probably outside the high city walls.

Meanwhile, after a journey of several months from the Halmed Desert far to the southwest (see the “Broken Chains“), Hatem Shisakli arrives in Alfendi, seeking enlightenment. The Dervish finds his way to the bright cathedral of Corellan Larethian, where he obtains an audience with high priest Felhis Kallen.

Tsucharim archer Asish asks various merchants about a bowyer/fletcher and is eventually referred to a Sylvan (Wood) Elf named Hasariel who has a shop near the North Park. He reunites with Jovinda and Kazuo at the temple of Corellan, where they wait in line with an impatient Elven knight to speak with Felhis. The Quelanthi (High Elf/Eladrin) high priest is speaking with a dark-skinned, robed human.

Sir Japeth talks with the Clerics of Corellan, head of the Sylvan pantheon, leaving the other visitors to wait a bit longer. Jovinda introduces herself as a priestess of Mekkil, goddess of nature, to Hatem, but Nezumi Kazuo is quiet, and Asish recalls Kovar’s usual wariness.

Felhis Kallen returns and apologizes, saying that he had urgent business with the Paladins. Jovinda repeats her warning about the spread of Vappu Lahja’s intolerant teachings and corruption of the Fey folk between the Plains of Sathendo and the Wisalef Forest. She also asks for access to the temple library.

The high priest offers to help with holy water and healing, and he asks Hatem if he might find knowledge by traveling with the group. After some consideration, Hatem agrees to go with Jovinda, Asish, and Kazuo. Sir Japeth pledges to continue smiting evil, and Jovinda gives Felhis and scribe Lejorian an old map of Ley lines and border settlements to copy.

The grateful group leaves the temple district and goes to Alfendi’s Hall of Records to search the civic library for more information that might help them against Vappu Lahja. At the front steps, an attractive Saganim/Shengtese human woman recognizes them.

Smitten Asish stammers a greeting to “Jade Xi Aschent” [Sammy/Non-Player Character], but Jovinda and Kazuo are not impressed by Digger’s onetime rival. Hatem is bemused. The tomb raider exchanges strained pleasantries and makes a dinner date with Asish back at the “Unicorn Moon,” where she also happens to be staying.

In the Hall of Records, Quelanthi librarian Celondoril helps the outlanders conduct their research. Asish looks for more maps and records of past wars. Hatem shows his new companions where he is from. “Hijiri” Jovinda asks about Druid meeting places, and she and Kazuo study dusty tomes for variants of the legend of Vappu Lahja.

The group also learns that hundreds of years ago, the junctions of the Saganim empire, the Waletku kingdom of the Elves, and the Zeda kingdom of Dwarves and Gnomes — not to mention the Orcs of Zuromm — were very different from the present boundaries. Dwarven outcasts Konar, Rollin, Nesil, and Gofdur helped early Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) humans, and their sons may still be alive.

After a few hours, the wanderers leave Celondoril to his stacks because they have meetings planned with Ranger Aldarion, Jade, and others in Alfendi….

Welcome again, Josh! I look forward to continuing this telecom team’s adventures on Jan. 29. See also my separate posts regarding multiclassing and prestige classing.

In the meantime, the “Broken Chains” — using FATE 3e Legends of Anglerre — will be meeting virtually tonight (Sunday, Jan. 22) because Sammy & Taum won’t be available. Team 1, the crew of the Blackbird and Dragonfly, will be playing in the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera tomorrow, weather permitting. Be seeing you, -Gene

Revisiting RPGs and Lego licenses

One game to rule them all? — Lego Lord of the Rings

Continuing this week’s look at tabletop role-playing games, especially the announcement of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition and subsequent reactions, here’s an overview of my current groups. I caught up on videos and some reading around the holidays, but I had to take a short break from my campaigns because it was too difficult to get quorum for my groups. We seem to be getting back on track.

In the meantime, I’ve enjoyed several recent sourcebooks — in both hardcopy and PDF — including the Asian-flavored Pathfinder Bestiary 3, Mongoose’s printing of science fiction sandbox Stars Without Number, and the horror/SF Ashen Stars, which uses the Gumshoe investigative/troubleshooter rules. All of them will be helpful in my current campaigns.

The two teams of about six people each in my “Vortex” space opera game (using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer plus Bulldogs) were on hiatus over the past few weeks. I’ve kept busy, however, with planning for our alternating Monday night sessions, which are still going strong. Fellow Game Masters Jim J.D’B. and Byron V.O. have helped me prepare for the continuing misadventures of the explorers and diplomats aboard the Blackbird and the grifters on the Appomattox.

My Pathfinder: “the Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy team has had persistent scheduling problems on Sunday nights, but I hope to rebuild from our core group of three low-to-midlevel Player Characters. They’ve been heading north into the Wisalef Forest to investigate rumors of Unseelie Fey…. Paizo’s recent Pathfinder Boxed Set is a good introduction to that system (for up to four or five players to Level 5) and to role-playing in general.

Most of the people in my groups are also playing in other games. Various local Game Masters have expressed interest in running one-shots, although they’ll have to promote their ideas and find time and space for them. Here are some of their ongoing campaigns and potential one-shots:

–Paul J. and Greg D.C.: FATE 3e Dresden Files (modern supernatural)

-James B.: D20 Call of Cthulhu (period horror) or Gumshoe: Mutant City Blues (investigative metahumans)

-Josh C.: conversion of AD&D2 Spelljammer to FATE 3e Legends of Anglerre (fantasy) or Arkham Horror (board game)

-Jason E.R.: Fvlminata (alternate Roman history/espionage)

-Bruce K.: Pathfinder/D&D4e or D20 Conan (sword and sorcery)

-Rich C.G.: Cthulhu Invictus (alternate Roman history/horror)

A few of the local role-players have also asked to return to my “Societe de Justice Internationale: Drake’s Port 7″ superhero scenarios using D20 Mutants & Masterminds 3rd Ed., whose excellent Game Master’s Guide just arrived. So many games, so little time….

In unrelated but exciting news, Lego recently announced that, in addition to its licenses for Harry Potter, DC and Marvel Comics, and Star Wars, it won the rights to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies! We briefly used Lego for the D&D3.0 “Vanished Lands: the Liberators” and “Dragonslayers,” and even though I have dozens of other miniatures, I’d love to use Lego minifigs for my campaigns in any genre, from steampunk and superheroes to science fiction!

“Vanished Lands” Update T3.38 — Arrival in Alfendi

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.38 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 8 January 2012, using Pathfinder, Google+, and an online dice roller.

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

>>Telecom party Player Character roster, as of spring 2012:

-“Jovinda Halflight” [Sammy H.]-female Half-Elf (Grugach/Hifalendorin) Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature; owner of horses Wyth-Amoi and Meth-Fenna; NGl, Age 23, Lvl. 4

-“Kazuo Takenaga” [Taum D’A.]-male Nezumi (Rat-kin) Monk from the Zedu kingdom in the Therud Forest; LNg, Age 20, Lvl. 4

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

-“Gawain Keary” [Paul J./absent]-male Saganim human Illusionist (proto-Celtic Wizard); NGc, Age 20, Lvl. 3

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

>>”13 to 14 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After a long ride from Alarn, the would-be heroes arrive at the city of Alfendi. As the trio passes through the Thelloc Gate, Jovinda is surprised to find so many buildings of brick and stone, betraying Dwarven influence. Most of Alfendi’s inhabitants are Alvari, or Sylvan Elves, but there are also some Quelanthi (High Elves/Eladrin), Faldine Halflings, Forest Gnomes, and humans.

Asish is more disturbed to see the local Magisterium (magic school/library) on Sparrow Lane and shops such as “Malgwyn’s Rods” and “Scroll Lust.” As a former slave of the sorcerous kingdom of Gokuri, the barbarian has no love of arcane spellcasters.

Kazuo notices sporting activities at the Arena of Enduril, the parade grounds next to the governor’s palace, and the People’s Arena, as well as tree-lined cobblestone streets. He is not impressed at the prancing steeds of Elven equestrians. Despite his unusual appearance, the Nezumi isn’t accosted by curious children or potentially racist peasants.

The travelers dismount and enter the Temple District, where the shining spires of Corellan’s cathedral overlook shrines to the rest of the Waletku pantheon. Jovinda asks for directions to the Grove of Mekkil, the goddess of nature. Sister Elizabeth greets her fellow priestess and her companions, and she directs Kordar, a Hill Dwarf Druid, to help guide them around the city.

Jovinda warns Elizabeth and Kordar of the spread of Vappu Lahja’s influence and unnatural creatures in the southern Wisalef Forest. The Druids are concerned about these and the possible fouling of Ley lines.

At Elizabeth’s recommendation, Asish, Jovinda, and Kazuo go to the “Unicorn Moon” inn, where they obtain room, board, and stabling for 6 crowns (gold pieces) for two nights. Sylvan Elf concierge Galdor summons Frik, a Halfling porter, to take the trio’s luggage to their small but well-furnished and seemingly secure rooms on the second floor.

Asish tends to the horses, mule, and dog, while Jovinda and Kazuo go to the public baths across Well Square. The Grugach (Wild Elf) enjoys a hot soak and chats with other women, but the ratkin Monk keeps to himself and quickly cleans. They return to the hotel relaxed, so inquisitive Asish then goes to wash away the dust and strains of the road.

In the main market square, Asish sells various pelts and weapons that his portion of the party has acquired to Tigen Sanar for a total of more than 600 crowns. Finally flush with cash, Asish, Jovinda, and Kazuo go to the Rangers’ Guild, a log structure on the Wainway in Alfendi‘s northeastern quadrant.

They find scruffy scouts wearing green cloaks lounging around the main hall. Kazuo sees relatively few beast-kin like himself, unlike back in Alfhileno, capital of the Waletku kingdom of the Elves. Jovinda recognizes one Ranger as a blond Saganim human, like her missing father.

Asish admires the assortment of bows on one wall and approaches another Ranger, a Grey Elf wearing chain armor with his boots up on a desk. Silver-haired Aldarion turns out to be friendly and receptive to the Tsucharim rider’s warnings about the Unseelie Fey in Alarn.

Aldarion leads his three fellow explorers up a ladder to a room with no windows but numerous oil lamps and maps of the entire region. He offers to immediately take six gryphons to raze Alarn, pleasing Jovinda and Kovar, who recall the reluctance of some council members in the Hifalendorin human city of Nadwi to intervene. Two groups of knights were lost in ill-advised forays.

Asish asks for a brief delay, noting that Aldarion should probably check with Alfendi’s authorities and that he has other questions to address. Asish, Jovinda, and Kazuo show the Ranger the map of old border forts and Ley lines, as well as a jade chop taken from the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves).

While he knows little about the markings on the chop, Aldarion says his wife might be able to help. He notes that Delvalatar Juteriel, with whom the travelers had also shared the map, is known to the guild as a bounty hunter. Jovinda suspects that Halfling Rogue Digger or Saganim/Shengtese scholar Jade could be Delvalatar’s true quarry.

Aldarion agrees to meet the trio for lunch the next day at Zed’s pub, and Asish, Jovinda, and Kazuo leave the lodge to explore more of the city….

Thanks again for your patience as we dealt with Skype problems this past weekend. Since Google+ hangouts worked fine, we’ll try that again for our next regular Sunday game. Sammy, I may be at Arisia, a genre entertainment convention near Boston, but I’ll try to log in early this coming weekend to dscuss “Jade.”

By now, you may have seen Josh C.’s Suthern human Dervish and Sara F.’s Tengu Sorcerer, as well as my blog posts about D&D5e. Josh and I will also eventually post notes for the latest Team 1 session of the FATE 3e “Vortex” space opera, and Team 2 meets next on Monday, Jan. 16. In the meantime, have a good week, -Gene