Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.29 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 5 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:

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

-“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

-“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

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

“28 August 1229 B.C.E.:” Before searching for peasants from Alarn, which had been attacked by mischievous Fey and horrifying Undead, the adventuring party continued its investigations in the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi.

The shop of Eligius, an antiquarian of interest to mysterious mage Octavius Karstus, was attacked. Kazuo chased a winged assassin across rooftops near the market square and eventually subdued him with help from Jovinda.

Meanwhile, back at Eligius’ store, Gawain keeps an eye out for the Nezumi and Half-Elf, and Digger checks to see if anything in particular was taken when it was ransacked. Honorable Kovar continues guarding the merchant in the sewers below.

Jovinda and Kazuo drag the unconscious reptile-kin into an alley. They tie him up, and the priestess of Mekkil runs back to the antiques shop. Meanwhile, Asish returns to the “Deer’s Heart” tavern after seeing “Jade Xi” [Sammy/Non-Player Character] at the Arena of Arakkis. The Ranger gets a note from his companions and goes to meet them.

Gawain goes with Jovinda, and they find the darkened alley empty! Kazuo whispers to them from a side door to the temple of Shebsen, lady luck. The cautious Monk explains that he thought it best to hide the prisoner in the casino rather than risk being discovered on the street by the city watch or others.

Casting Invisibility on the dragon-kin and Bull’s Strength on himself, Illusionist Gawain easily picks up the prisoner and carries him south. Asish, finding Eligius’ shop darkened, climbs onto the roof before hearing and seeing an alarmed Digger and Kovar.

Reunited, the party searches and interrogates the reptile man, who is uncooperative. Easterners Asish and Kazuo examine a stiletto and a curved knife but finds no identifying marks or documents. Kovar theorizes that Octavius Karstus may have hired the murderer as a backup plan to Digger obtaining Eligius’ map of the northwestern borderlands.

Rogue Digger asks humans Gawain and Asish to leave, and the Halfling, Half-Elf, Nezumi, and Half-Orc try to get the assassin to confess any connections to Octavius Karstus or Vappu Lahja. While the gargoyle-like creature remains defiant, he recognizes both names and says that “the time of man is ending.”

After much persuading by Digger, Jovinda, and Kovar, merchant Eligius finally turns over the parchment map to them for further study. He shows how some of the markings are drawn over an older map that was partially scraped away.

Gawain and Digger note that Ley lines influence Elven settlement patterns and would be useful to a Wizard or an enemy of the Waletku kingdom. Jovinda adds that the Unseelie Court, rogue Fey such as those allied with Vappu Lahja, would also be interested in a map of mystical currents.

Kovar, Jovinda, and Kazuo are glad to turn over the assassin to Lionel Tarchon, an officer in Nadwi’s city watch. Eligius still worries about his safety, but Asish, Gawain, and Digger promise to compare his map to what they can learn of the area north of the city. The explorers wrap up their research and prepare to ride….

If I’ve left anything out, or if you want to continue party discussions, please use the Google Groups message board. As noted elsewhere, our next virtual games are scheduled for June 19 and 26, July 24, and August 14. The FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera teams will also be on hiatus for most of July because of summer travel. In the meantime, stay in touch! -Gene

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session T3.28 of the latest adventuring party in my “Vanished Lands” heroic fantasy campaign setting. The teleconferencing team met on Sunday, 29 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, the adventurers encountered hostile Centaurs and a haunted hamlet 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. 3

-“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

-“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

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

“27 to 28 August 1229 B.C.E.:” After reporting to the authorities in the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human city of Nadwi, the adventuring party prepares to return north, to frontier villages threatened by Fey and Undead.

Most of the group compares notes over breakfast at the “Deer’s Heart” tavern in the Dagger District. Kovar expresses concern that the forces of evil are coordinating their attacks. To the east, the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri has dominated the barbaric Gusorin Confederation. To the south, the dreaded ghost fleet has sacked coastal cities, and to the west, the monsters of Zuromm have besieged the human kingdom of Saganim.

Digger and Jovinda agree that their immediate tasks are to the north — trying to find farmers who fled the haunted hamlet of Alarn and investigating the borderlands for mysterious mage Octavius Karstus. They and Kazuo also note that thwarting Vappu Lahja’s aggressive Centaur followers is a top priority.

In addition, Digger notes that different versions of the fairy tale regarding Vappu Lahja suggest that she might be the same person as the independent-minded woman once wooed by various princes two centuries ago. The tales aren’t clear on whether she was an outcast or a manipulator, and one suitor was from a family that’s still near the town of Kedetura.

Gawain continues his research into devils at the local Magisterium (magic school/library), and Asish practices archery and meets “Jade Xi” [Sammy/Non-Player Character] at the Arena of Arakkis. The two humans had expressed interest in heading southwest toward Saganim but are outvoted for now.

Their companions, meanwhile, go to the consulate of the Waletku kingdom of the Elves to meet with Lark Utbehule, a Sylvan Elf they had met during an audience with the city council. Green pennants flutter over the ivy-covered building.

Digger thanks Lark for taking his report of the threat posed by Vappu Lahja more seriously than some Hifalendorin aristocrats and soldiers on the council. She replies that King Ereval I in Alfhileno would be more concerned with Fey creatures turning to the Unseelie Court than with periodic raids on border communities.

Half-Elf Jovinda asks if there are trustworthy people to report to in the Wisalef Forest. Lark says that the Alfendi Rangers’ Guild, led by Gen. Aldarion Telcontar, will be most interested in what her team may find. As tokens of support, the Elves present each member with gifts [from the Pathfinder: Advanced Player’s Guide].

Lark gives scholarly Digger scrolls to help him learn Akkadian, Sanskrit, and Draconian. She gives Jovinda, a Cleric of Mekkil, goddess of nature, a Bottle of Messages. Kovar, a Paladin of Mithras, god of contracts, gets a Jurist enchantment for his shield, and Monk Kazuo receives a bar of Soul Soap to protect against mental control similar to that of Vappu Lahja.

The consul also gives a magical Catching Cape to Illusionist Gawain and a Campfire Bead to Ranger Asish. Somewhat reluctantly, Digger passes along Jade’s offer to help find highly placed agents of Vappu Lahja in Nadwi, for a price. Digger and company then go the art and antiques shop of Eligius near the market square.

Attentive clerk Lucian follows cheerful Jovinda and quiet Kazuo around the shop. When Digger mentions Octavius Karstus, Eligius tries to flee, but the nimble Rogue and burly Half-Orc corner the panicked merchant. He asks whether they’re assassins, but Digger and Kovar try to reassure him.

Eligius explains that Octavius Karstus had inquired about a parchment map drawn over an older chart. Both were of the area between the Plains of Sathendo, the Wisalef Forest, and the Ivory Mountains. Eligius initially declined, and his shop was broken into shortly thereafter. The tradesman hired an apprentice and tightened security rather than acquiesce to the mage’s demands.

Digger offers protection and analysis, and Eligius agrees, on the condition that the Paladin be the only one to stay with him until they meet again at midnight. After the others leave, Eligius takes Kovar through a trap door into a safe room hidden in Nadwi’s sewers. He has stashed the map and other artifacts but still fears discovery.

Stealthy Digger and Kazuo wait near the antiques store. Jovinda and Gawain go to a nearby pub for drinks. However, the Nezumi’s nose leads him and the Halfling to a grisly scene inside — Lucian is dead, with burns on his face!

Kazuo hears a falling roof tile and scrambles up a storm drain. Digger examines the scene, finding some signs of struggle but nothing removed. Gawain goes to notify Asish and the city watch, while Jovinda runs into the cobblestone streets to follow Kazuo and his quarry.

Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, Kazuo closes in on Lucian’s murderer. Jovinda sees them move around the market square, and Digger finds a hole in the ceiling and calls to Kovar through the trapdoor into the sewers. The wise holy warrior tells Eligius to stay put and promises to stay with him.

Kazuo grapples with his opponent, a reptilian humanoid. The assassin tries to butt heads and is struck by a Spiritual Weapon cast by Jovinda. Kazuo dodges the dragon-kin’s fiery breath and hits him with Stunning Fists.

Jovinda invokes Mekkil’s protection for Resistance from flames and climbs up a rough stone wall. Her staff-like Spiritual Weapon continues to hit the beast. Just as the Cleric gets to the roof, however, Kazuo and his foe roll off! The Monk acrobatically manages to evade being crushed, and the creature unfurls leathery wings.

Grugach Jovinda channels positive energy to heal Kazuo, who has been raked by the scaly folk’s claws. The Nezumi leaps up and grabs onto the assassin’s legs as he tries to fly away. They wobble into the night sky, and Jovinda contemplates firing at them after she safely slides off the roof.

Agile Kazuo climbs up the reptile-kin’s back and pummels him with his furry fists of fury. They drop again to the shadowy street, and Jovinda inspects the now-unconscious creature, which she and Kazuo recognize as being related to Gargoyles, Lizard Folk, Dragonborn, and Draconians. They drag their prisoner back toward Eligius’ antiques shop…

I hope that all of you had a good Memorial Day. Paul and Byron, thanks for checking in, and Paul and Beruk, it was good to see you at Monday night’s FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures: “Vortex” space opera. Thanks also to those who have updated their Player Character records and replied to the threads regarding tactics, multiclassing “Asish,” and party direction.

I look forward to seeing all of you online for our next virtual session on June 5. Also, note that June 19 is Father’s Day, so Rob and Byron, please let us know whether you’ll be available. Have a good week, -Gene

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.

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, 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