Tag: update

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 39.11 — Inheritance interrupted

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.11, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Monday, 8 April 2013:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races 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.

Various groups of mercenaries and diplomats have fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert and the wide Plains of Sathendo….

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s ” Vanished Lands ” heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2013:

  • “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3
  • “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W./absent ]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3
  • “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3
  • “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3
  • “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3
  • “Tempestade” [Josh C./departed ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2
  • “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“2 to 4 March 1228 B.C.E.:” The performers had caroused and conducted research in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. They also obtained an audience with King Edmund II and Queen Margaret and got permission to discreetly investigate possible corruption in the court.

Celtic costumes
Warriors of Saganim

Scully Strongbow returns from hunting with Grugach (Wild Elf) Badgertail outside of the city. The Gnoll Ranger says that they found tracks of a Lizard Folk warband while hunting deer. It is unusual for such humanoids to venture so near to Thadenis.

The next morning, Giacomo Du Vane visits the Harandrim Academy and finds a modest building near the “Happy Brownie” inn and the Royal Society for Cartography. The Mage buys a Tincture of Energy from Akael Nightmist and chats with Maggie Oakleaf, a droll Sylvan Elf student.

Giacomo joins Corwin Windsong in the Agora (market square) to get a silver and ruby pin of a tree for Maggie. Bard Corwin buys an opal necklace for Maeve Gallagher, a priestess of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, he met at the Bardic College.

Crowds gather for the investiture of Prince Daven. A parade leads from the Agora, where Vistel’s Circus is encamped, to the Isle of Valor. Hamfast Hammerfist mingles with the peasants. Leaders of various craft guilds go first, followed by members of the clergy.

Elsa Fairbottom walks with Anatoly Yusoprov, a Dwarf priest from Nersago’s Forge. Druid Elsa also notes the presence of Clerics of darker gods Libitoh, Nenashen, and Gheket.

Scully watches from a riverfront rooftop overlooking the East Rush. She spots a rare Wolfen [“Niac,” Mike F./Non-Player Character] with the Paladins of Otih, god of the sun and justice. Different orders of warriors come next, including caber tossers, the Jaden Spearmen, and the Tartan Guard.

Sir Banor Finney, whose late squire Adric Thumon had enslaved Goblins at a silver mine near Androth, rides with other knights. Finally, aristocrats, diplomats, and councilors cross the Cavalier’s Bridge to the Isle of Valor.

Corwin and Giacomo slip across the Temple Bridge with Maggie and Maeve. They try to avoid being seen by the Tiefling Mage Dalek and Lords Stefan and Sean of House Sable. Corwin notices a man with a bushy beard and a yellow hat talking with one of the queen’s handmaidens — “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./N.P.C.].

King Edmund announces that he is naming Prince Daven heir apparent. A blonde woman arrives on a hippogriff and presents it to the crown prince. Maeve explains that the rider of the winged steed is Princess Julia, who is expected to soon be betrothed to the ambitious Prince Daven.

However, sharp-eyed Scully notices a commotion at the Sailor’s Gate. Two ships (later identified as the “Charming Princess” and the “Wind Duke”) pass the Isle of Grief. Reptile Folk pirates force a path for Prince Garamond, Daven’s older half-brother.

Honorable Garamond challenges Daven’s ascension on the grounds that their eldest sibling, Prince Berek, is still alive and is innocent of the murder of Dalek’s wife Katarina. King Edmund and Queen Margaret are displeased by the public strife and take the argument into the Cathedral of Edillon.

Elsa and Scully manage to catch up to Giacomo and Corwin. Giacomo bribes sentry Aerith into letting them into the temple. They hear the nobles arguing under winged statues in the echoing halls.

Lord Stefan takes notes as Prince Garamond says that he doesn’t want the throne, but Daven doesn’t deserve it either. King Edmund asks Garamond how he knows that Berek is alive, and Princess Karenna tries to be inconspicuous.

Corwin steps forward and reveals himself as the exiled Prince Berek. Dalek is angry to see him, but Queen Margaret and her guards keep any blood from being spilled in the cathedral. Elsa, Giacomo, and Scully vouch for Berek/Corwin’s character.

King Edmund says that he will let the incomplete ceremony stand, leaving Prince Derek the heir apparent for the time being. Berek must first clear his name of the years-old charges before he or Garamond can challenge their half-brother. Lord Stefan suggests a trial by combat.

The weight of ruling his realm upon him, King Edmund agrees to reconvene two days hence. In the meantime, Vistel’s Circus will perform in the Agora, and Berek and Garamond must stay within the city’s walls, if not yet in the Gilded Keep. Giacomo and company are given permission to continue their research.

The princes and their companions go to “Ghanki’s Gin Pub,” near the Ironhooves Arena. Giacomo plans to investigate House Sable and reopen the records surrounding Katarina’s disappearance. The Wizard asks Maggie to help.

Garamond tells brother Corwin/Berek that he searched for him on the Sea of Nagendwa, but lost his original crew when he was shipwrecked in the Zarendo Islands. Garamond eventually fell in with the Lizard Folk and returned home.

Wise Elsa notes that with Daven in line for succession, the king and queen may be in danger as the older princes wait for trial. Corwin asks Garamond to send his crew to guard the circus, while his allies try to sneak back onto the Isle of Valor to protect the crown.

Corwin warns Orlando Vistel about the heightened danger, but the circus founder expresses confidence in his master of ceremonies. Scully and Elsa bring their animal companions to the Grove of Arbos, where they meet Druid Lorcan Mahoney and Pfenik, a friendly Brownie.

Vistel’s Circus begins its show in the Agora (another is planned for the nobles in a few days). Corwin introduces acrobats, fire dancers, and additional artists wrangled by Maeve. Some of the audience is curious about his true identity.

Giacomo returns to the Hall of Thanes, ostensibly to read up on Saganim laws, but he also has an Invisibility spell ready and is looking to warn Queen Margaret or her agents. Scully and Elsa leave the circus early to head to the Isle of Valor “to hunt rats” with Owlicious.

Corwin casts Change Self to disguise himself. The once (and possibly future) Prince Berek looks for his half-brother Daven and foes Dalek and Stefan in the gloom….

Please remember to make sure that your Player Character records are up to date, and let me know if I’ve left anything out. While my notes are accurate, I haven’t done justice to the fun role-playing of our recent sessions. I also look forward to continuing our adventures tonight!

In addition, I’ll try to post an update for last night’s ” Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera soon, and remember that we won’t be meeting next week. Josh, good luck with your “Steam Wars” game. Jason’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance will resume on April 29. Later, -Gene

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Update 49.10 — On her majesty’s secret service

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.10, which Brian W. hosted at his home in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 25 March 2013:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races 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.

Various groups of mercenaries and diplomats have fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, encountered pirates on the Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert and the wide Plains of Sathendo….

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s ” Vanished Lands ” heroic fantasy campaign, using theBasic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2013:

  • “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3
  • “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3
  • “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3
  • “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3
  • “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3
  • “Tempestade” [Josh C./absent]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2
  • “Radius” [Jason E.R./absent]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1
On the Isle of Valor
The Hall of Thanes

“1 to 2 March 1228 B.C.E.:” The performers continued their exploration of Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. They planned to investigate corruption within the realm but spent their first night carousing.

Nursing a hangover, Hamfast Hammerfist joins Elsa Fairbottom at Nersago’s Forge. The chants to the lord of the mountains (also known as Gobnihr, Vulkan, or Moradin) don’t help Hamfast feel better at first. Elsa accepts Mountain Dwarf priest Anatoly Yusoprov’s invitation to take a turn at the ringing anvils.

Rather than heading straight to the Harandrim Academy, the local Magisterium (magic school/library), Giacomo du Vane gathers rumors at the Temple Tor. He shows shopkeepers and sages items such as needle and thread taken from the Necromancer near Tensar, as well as a sketch of an arcane symbol. They also refer him to Eudar, a puppeteer.

Scully Strongbow goes to the Field of Grulla, the huntsman, where she buys arrows from a gruff Grugach (Wild Elf) scout. Badgertail sees the Gnoll’s owl companion and offers to take them hunting at night.

Meanwhile, Corwin Windsong goes to Thadenis’ Bardic College, where he chats up Maeve Gallagher, a priestess of Brigitt, goddess of fire and poetry. He learns that Prince Daven, the third son of King Edmund II, is going to be given a hippogriff as a sign of his status as heir apparent.

The adventurers regroup at the Royal Society for Cartography for lunch. “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./Non-Player Character] says that he has requested a royal audience on their behalf. Corwin and Elsa join the society, which charges an annual fee and pays for maps from any exploratory missions. Proud Ulrich gives each of them medallions of membership.

Elsa also persuses a book of regional ales, as Ulrich and Corwin explain the importance of Prince Daven’s ascension and the relationships between House Sable, which they suspect of necromancy, and the throne.

Apparently, Lord Stefans of House Sable is a longtime counselor of King Edmund. His son Sean is a friend of Garamond, Daven’s older brother. Ulrich is interrupted as a herald arrives with a summons to the Hall of Thanes.

Ulrich accompanies the group to the Isle of Valor, where they pass armored guards and knights. They hear of a dispute over territory that could result in an execution but stay focused on the task at hand.

Corwin and Giacomo are uncharacteristically quiet, leaving Elsa to conduct introductions to King Edmund II and Queen Margaret. As their cover story, the visitors request access to a quarry on behalf of Angus of Baln. They then ask for a private conversation and are escorted to the royal chambers.

Scully presents the Sable signet ring taken from the Necromancer, as well as a sigil from a flesh golem. The king takes the charges seriously and seems to recognize Corwin. He then leaves the room so that Queen Margaret can discuss more details with plausible deniability.

She grants permission for the wanderers to watch House Sable, but orders them to report directly and solely to her. To help, she also requests that Vistel’s Circus perform for the nobility after Daven’s investiture as crown prince.

Back at the “Happy Brownie” inn, Elsa asks Corwin what happened between him and the king. The disguised Bard admits to his aristocratic lineage, which he had hidden even from his companions until now.

“My story begins almost 30 years ago, when Athelward the Just was chief of the Saganim clans, and the sun shone down on a land yet untroubled by monsters and wars. Prince Edmund and his cousin Cormac ap Morgan traveled across the ‘Vanished Lands’ in search of adventure.”

“Edmund the Strong fell in love with an Elf named Lyrilian Moonshadow, and they had a son, Berek. The rare Half-Elf learned to fight from his father and about art from his mother. Unfortunately, Lyrilian died in childbirth, leaving Berek with a younger sister, Karenna.”

“When Edmund became king, he remarried, and Queen Margaret is loved by the people. Her son Garamond got along well with his older siblings, despite the difference in age. Edmond also fathered another son, Daven, by consort Galera. Our people are more flexible about kin than our neighbors in Hifalendor. Garamond and Daven were more like their father than Berek ever was.”

“Berek fell in love with his tutor Katarina. However, that Bard was already married to Dalek, a Tiefling Mage and advisor to the king. Their affair was discovered, and Katarina disappeared. Blood was found in her chambers, and the prince fled to the stormy Sea of Nagendwa. Many regarded this as an admission of guilt. I am Berek, son of Edmund, but I have renounced my claim on the crown of Saganim.”

After a moment of stunned silence, Hamfast likens Corwin’s tale to that of Alfonse Dourface and his sons Hanso the cowherd and Zeppo the wheat farmer. Elsa wonders about where Garamond might be and suggests that Corwin reclaim his rightful place as Prince Berek, but he is not interested.

Ulrich points out that Prince Daven is known to be ambitious and that they now have to worry about both Lord Stefans and the Mage Dalek. Giacomo conducts research into House Sable’s holdings, and Hamfast lets Orlando Vistel know that a show has been added to the public one in the main Agora (market square).

Sometime later, Corwin prepares a lineup of acts for the next few days and slips back into the palace to check on his sister. A cloaked courtier walks from her room, and Karenna is angry at Berek for leaving and summons guards to throw him out.

Scully hikes out of town with Owlicious and fellow Ranger Badgertail. They cross fields and pastures before finding wilderness where their animal companions can roam free.

As crowds gather for Prince Daven’s elevation, the members of Vistel’s Circus take up their own positions. Wary Giacomo looks for various notables such as Dalek and Lord Stefans. Tall Hamfast mingles with the Saganim townsfolk and yeomen and looks for nonhumans.

Cloaked Scully watches river traffic on the East Rush, while Corwin covertly approaches his half-brother Daven. Pious Elsa maneuvers to the Cathedral of Edillon. Horns and drums announce the beginning of the ceremony….

I hope that everyone had a happy Passover or Easter. It was great to see the whole gang after various scheduling interruptions this past winter! I look forward to rejoining Jason E.R.’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance tomorrow night, and the “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera will resume next Sunday. Be seeing you, -Gene

“Vortex: Terra’s Pride” Update 5c.29 — Medical mission and the cloud

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 5c.29 of the “Vortex” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 24 March 2013. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but environmental degradation, population pressures, and internecine conflict persist. The rediscovery of mystical abilities and open and official First Contact with galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

FATE 3e “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” (Team 3/5c) telecom Player Characters, as of spring 2013:

Crew of the refitted yacht Pina Colada:

  • “Capt. Jasmine” [Sara F., primary]-female Martian Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” tiger), former pit fighter and crewmember of the Appomattox, now captain of the Pina Colada searching for a homeworld for her people
  • “Hector Chavez” [Beruk A., primary/absent]-male Terran human, former spy and crewmember on theAppomattox, cautious engineer and communications expert
  • “Chris McKee /Agent Prometheus” [Josh C., primary]-male Terran human, former assassin for the eugenicists at Black Box Security Co., sniper and seeker aboard the Blackbird and Pina Colada
  • “Orion Starchaser” [Geoff C., primary]-male Pomuyan (blue telepathic humanoid alien), irrepressible mystic and thrill-seeking galactic hitchhiker
  • “Dr. Srinu Pahul” [Byron V.O., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (genetically modified) xenobiologist, curious and confident planetary patriot; with robots MEGAN and PEPE
  • “Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K., primary/absent]-male Terran “near-human” (cyborg), former Interplanetary Patrol officer and member of the Blackbird and Dauntless crews; defender of the homeworld
  • “Chiron” [Dexter V.H., primary/absent]-male (secretly android) pilot, assigned to assess and protect humanity

Crew of the experimental scout ship Blackbird:

  • “Lt. Sebastian Growlick” [Bruce K., secondary/absent]-male Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” lion), elite soldier and acting commander of the refitted Blackbird
  • “Tela” [Sara F., secondary]-female Tharian (gargoyle-like alien), escapee from the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), fond of humans; engineer with boyfriend Kedar and robot Dr. Bucket
  • “Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A., secondary/absent]-male Terran “near-human” (mutant) wanderer with a past, investigator
  • “Lord Wallace Tubbington III” [Josh C., secondary]-male Olvar (arboreal, mammal-like alien) swashbuckler and diplomat for the Kharvamid Alliance
  • “Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup” [Byron V.O., secondary ]-male Terran human, gung-ho member of the North American Aerospace Marine Corps
  • “Enkidu Aristheon” [Dexter V.H., secondary/absent]-male Seranen (pale empathic humanoid alien) exile, wilderness survival expert curious about Terrans and the Zarkonian threat; with sphinx-like companion Glaucon

See other records for the previous crews of the Blackbird, Appomattox, and Gryphon.

“22 to 24 July 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” The soldiers aboard the Blackbird had tracked the Dauntlessfrom Wolf 359 and found its crew incapacitated but mysteriously reanimated.

Tela and Kedar are reminded of experiments conducted by the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), and Chris McKee keeps the scout ship’s guns at the ready, even though others have explained that the corvette is too valuable to Earth’s defense to scuttle.

Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup prepares explosives and watches the body of Spc. Donar Kievich, whose body had retrieved by robot Dr. Bucket. Fellow space marine Lt. Brun Bearhammer waits at the helm for reinforcements.

Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese sends a message to the Pina Colada urgently requesting backup, as well as a warning to the Union of Solar Nations (U.S.N.) fleet command.

Tariq Asrad Saladin studies medical and personal logs from the Dauntless, part of Kevin’s homeworld security task force. Empath Enkidu Aristheon senses a presence but no intelligence from the drifting ship.

Over on the Pina Colada, Capt. Jasmine orders an away team to prepare to board the Dauntless, even though Lt.Cmdr. Reese recommends against it. Orion Starchaser asserts that only a close inspection can determine the nature and cause of the zombie-like crew.

Lord Wallace Tubbington III grabs a shotgun and his newly forged katana (in the Scabbard of Musashi). Dr. Srinu Pahul also wants to examine Donar’s body and review the records that Tariq has culled.

Hector Chavez makes sure that everyone is wearing space suits and programs more scans, and pilot Chiron is curious about the energy readings from a strange cloud the Dauntless encountered before its crew was affected.

Beta Renner cloud
Cloud emitting strange energy

Lt. Sebastian Growlick looks forward to eventually returning to the Blackbird with Lord Tubbington, since they had swapped places with Chris and Kevin. On the other hand, the duo from the Pina Colada is comfortable surrounded by fellow soldiers.

The refitted yacht comes out of Transit (faster-than-light travel) and receives reports from the Blackbird. Capt. Jasmine, Orion, and Lord Tubbington head over to the Dauntless, leaving Hector, Chiron, and Lt. Growlick behind on the Pina Colada.

Dr. Pahul goes to the Blackbird ‘s laboratory, where he confers with Tariq. Lt.Cmdr. Reese sends Sgt. Jessup and Mr. McKee over to the Dauntless to escort the away team. Nate and Chris wager some of Srinu’s whiskey on what trouble the civilians will get into.

The sergeant and sniper use grenades to clear a path to the forward turbolifts for the explorers. Jasmine leads the way to the bridge of the Dauntless, and Wallace draws his katana against Undead.

Orion, however, asks that no crew be destroyed unless necessary for self-defense, since he senses something when any are blown up. From the Pina Colada, Hector reactivates internal surveillance and basic systems.

Brave Jasmine, Orion, and Wallace climb down two decks, leaving armored Nate and Chris at amidships. The trio heads aft to the fighter hangar and is briefly startled when a decaying crewmember slams up against a porthole.

Blue-furred Orion closes his eyes and telepathically contacts the reanimated astronauts on the other side of the hatch. The Pomuyan mystic likens the experience to being in a house with the lights on but nobody home. There is mental activity but no sentience. Orion reaches out and finds the body linked to others in a hive mind.

Meanwhile, Jasmine maintains radio contact with the marines on the upper deck, as well as with the Pina Colada andBlackbird floating near the Dauntless. Wallace again draws his katana as six rotting marines break through a hatch and approach from the rear.

Wary Tariq had looked for a “Patient Zero” or a central, directing intellect. Dr. Pahul finds elevated neurochemicals in the Kievich’s corpse, confirming how the bodies were reanimated and thus not prone to many conventional attacks. The sparks that Chris saw when he blasted a hole through an officer’s chest were a biochemical side effect rather than cybernetics.

More space zombies press in on the away team, and tiger woman Jasmine calls for a retreat. Swashbuckling Wallace easily cleaves his opponents, and Orion reluctantly pushes some back with telekinesis. He tells Srinu that he senses an inhuman hunger and tries to convey a “non-prey” feeling.

Chris and Nate begin climbing the port turbolift shaft ahead of the others, but they find more grasping hands at the elevator door. Chris tosses up a grenade, blasting four more foes. Mighty Jasmine shoves the hungry horde out of her way, and Wallace continues hacking away at the rear.

Jasmine successfully leads the group back to the Pina Colada. Hector passes along an incoming transmission from theSovereign, another ship from Lt.Cmdr. Reese’s task force that recently went missing.

Capt. Aveeshi Stormsea, an Aquarian (amphibious humanoid alien) reports that the Sovereign has found a cloud emitting strange energy similar to the one that Capt. Helena Cain encountered. Kevin sends a warning not to engage and begins planning a rendezvous.

However, Chiron notes that “Terra’s Pride” must first deal with the zombies on the Dauntless. Dr. Pahul hypothesizes that the reanimated crew members are acting in a decentralized manner similar to the nervous system of a Terran jellyfish.

Srinu and Tariq test reactions to the entire electromagnetic spectrum, but Orion and Enkidu observe that a psychic projection could help free the 50 remaining U.S.N. personnel. Capt. Jasmine and Lt.Cmdr. Reese approve their plan.

With help from amplification crystals, Orion and Enkidu project psionic energy in front of the Blackbird as it moves away from the Dauntless. On the way, Brun expertly scoops up the Dragonfly drop ship and lures the energy entity into deep space.

The Pina Colada nudges the Dauntless in the opposite direction, and Hector observes the crew falling to the floor. Robots MEGAN and PEPE assist Dr. Pahul and Tariq with medical supplies as they prepare to head back to look for revivable crew.

Lt. Bearhammer outmaneuvers the cloud and marks its position for future reference. “Terra’s Pride” regroups, and Kevin recommends that one ship be sent to rescue the Sovereign….

Dexter, Beruk, and Bruce, we missed you this past weekend! Please note that we won’t be meeting virtually this coming Sunday because of Easter.

I expect “Vortex” to resume the following weekend. In the meantime, I enjoyed the latest “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy session (I’ll write an update for it soon), and I look forward to rejoining Jason E.R.’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance game next Monday.

In the meantime, I hope that everyone’s spring holidays are fun, and stay in touch, -Gene

“Vortex: Terra’s Pride” Update 5c.28 — The “Dauntless” adrift

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 5c.28 of the “Vortex” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 17 March 2013. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures /Mindjammer, Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but environmental degradation, population pressures, and internecine conflict persist. The rediscovery of mystical abilities and open and official First Contact with galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

“Vortex” Team 5c (3) Player Character rosters: Crew of the refitted experimental scout ship Blackbird:

  • “Lt. Sebastian Growlick” [Bruce K., secondary]-male Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” lion), elite soldier and acting commander of the refitted Blackbird
  • “Tela” [Sara F., secondary]-female Tharian (gargoyle-like alien), escapee from the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), fond of humans; engineer with boyfriend Kedar
  • “Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A., secondary]-male Terran “near-human” (mutant) wanderer with a past, investigator
  • “Lord Wallace Tubbington” [Josh C., secondary]-male Olvar (arboreal, mammal-like alien) swashbuckler and diplomat for the Kharvamid Alliance
  • “Lt. Brun Bearhammer” [Geoff C., secondary]-male Martian Ursoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” bear), former wrestler, pilot
  • “Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup” [Byron V.O., secondary]-male Terran human, gung-ho member of the North American Aerospace Marine Corps
  • “Enkidu Aristheon” [Dexter V.H., secondary/absent]-male Seranen (pale empathic humanoid alien) exile, wilderness survival expert curious about Terrans and the Zarkonian threat; with sphinx-like companion Glaucon

Crew of the yacht Pina Colada:*

  • “Capt. Jasmine” [Sara F., primary]-female Martian Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” tiger), former pit fighter and crewmember of the Appomattox, now captain of the Pina Colada searching for a homeworld for her people
  • “Hector Chavez” [Beruk A., primary]-male Terran human, former spy and crewmember on the Appomattox, cautious engineer and communications expert
  • “Chris McKee /Agent Prometheus” [Josh C., primary]-male Terran human, former assassin for the eugenicists at Black Box Security Co., sniper and seeker aboard the Blackbird and Pina Colada
  • “Orion Starchaser” [Geoff C., primary]-male Pomuyan (blue telepathic humanoid alien), irrepressible mystic and thrill-seeking galactic hitchhiker
  • “Dr. Srinu Pahul” [Byron V.O., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (genetically modified) xenobiologist, curious and confident planetary patriot; with robots MEGAN and PEPE
  • “Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (cyborg), former Interplanetary Patrol officer and member of the Blackbird and Dauntless crews; defender of the homeworld
  • “Chiron” [Dexter V.H., primary/absent]-male (secretly android) pilot, assigned to assess and protect humanity

See other records for the previous crews of the Blackbird, Appomattox, and Gryphon.

“19 to 21 July 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” After the Pina Colada delivered items stolen from the Vatican Museums to the United Ecumenical Movement near Mars, the Blackbird turned over some of the smuggled cargo to the Ilokar, flagship of a Union of Solar Nations (U.S.N.) battle group in the Asteroid Belt.

Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese learned that the Dauntless, Crazy Horse, and Sovereign, three ships in his homeworld security task force, had gone missing in the vicinity of Wolf 359. “Terra’s Pride” sets out to investigate.

Lt.Cmdr. Reese, who has swapped ships with Lt. Sebastian Growlick, explains the search and retrieval mission to the crew of the Blackbird. Also in the cockpit, pilot Lt. Brun Bearhammer becomes more accustomed to his symbiotic link to the experimental scout ship.

Tela keeps busy with robotic assistant Dr. Bucket and boyfriend Kedar in engineering. Tariq Asrad Saladin and Enkidu Aristheon check medical and survival supplies. They also review Dr. Srinu Pahul’s notes on the Zurmiz Krott, biomechanical probes of the approaching Zarkonian Armada.

Chris McKee, who has temporarily changed places with Lord Wallace Tubbington III on the refitted yacht Pina Colada, joins Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup in readying armored space suits and weapons.

The Blackbird approaches Wolf 359, a red dwarf star with no inhabitable planets. Capt. Evander Scofield of theKorelev had told Kevin that the Dauntless was last seen near that system. Lt.Cmdr. Reese acknowledges Cmdr. Guillermo Ortiz at the U.S.N. orbital outpost but decides against visiting it.

Tela uses the Blackbird’s scanners to detect traces of the Dauntless leading away from Wolf 359. Lt. Bearhammer and Dr. Bucket lay in a course to intercept. Mr. McKee asks about trying to hail the missing corvette, but Kevin decides against long-distance attempts at communication.

Worlds-weary Tariq begins research into the Blackbird’s level of sentience, and Brun expertly drops the ship out of Transit (faster-than-light travel) and maneuvers behind the Dauntless. Enkidu attends to his animal companion Glaucon.

Bold Kevin hails the sister ship, but there is only an automated reply. Tela’s optimism is dashed when she detects no life signs and minimal life support. Cautious Chris borrows an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) gun from Tela, and Tariq grabs the Bow of Indra. Nate and Kevin ready concussion grenades and the chain Coif of Egg Shen.

Brun docks the Blackbird to the Dauntless at an amidship airlock. Lt.Cmdr. Reese leads the away team of Sgt. Jessup, Mr. McKee, and Mr. Saladin, leaving Lt. Bearhammer, Tela, Enkidu, Kedar, and Dr. Bucket to monitor their progress.

The squad passes through an airlock and finds empty barracks. Tariq detects cold air but recommends against opening helmets and risking exposure to unknown pathogens. Chris and Nate look for signs of battle or Zurmiz Krott but find none.

The explorers pass through a long corridor leading toward the bridge. Brun scans for hostile nanites (microscopic robots) and for any approaching vessels. Tela and Enkidu tap into the corvette’s systems and reactivate its lights and artificial gravity.

Space marines Nate and Chris use manual overrides to open the hatch to the bridge, which is similarly empty. They do notice that some of the control panels appear to have been smashed by human fists. Kevin views the logs of Capt. Helena Cain, a former colleague who appears increasingly disheveled.

Capt. Cain says that some of her crew has begun acting strangely and that she had tried confining people to their quarters. A later entry shows communications officer Lt. Harry Takahari Jr., who says that the captain had gone down to engineering to try to maintain control.

The last log entry is by Delphine (“Uplifted” cetacean) astrogator Lt. Wynona Smoketrail, who had once raced Aughest-vor. She says that most of the crew is incapacitated or worse and that the ship should be quarantined. Kevin swears.

The away team’s investigations are interrupted when Brun notices a person in a space suit drifting alongside theDauntless. Tariq volunteers to retrieve him, but Kevin and Nate are reluctant to let their only medic go.

Tela asks cheerful Dr. Bucket to bring the astronaut to the Marauder-class ship rather than the Blackbird for further study. In the meantime, Tariq goes to another compartment to manually remove the flight recorder (a.k.a. “black box”).

With remote help from Brun, Nate and Chris check gunnery records. They find that beam weapons were fired into a gas cloud, to no apparent effect. Lt.Cmdr. Reese takes Sgt. Jessup and Mr. McKee to check out the lower decks while Tariq examines the flight recorder and waits for Dr. Bucket.

Tela detects movement, despite the absence of heat signatures. Kevin asks her to reactivate internal cameras, and he recognizes Olvar (arboreal, mammal-like alien) science officer Dr. Mulan Neverland, Lt. Jamie Segars, and four other crew members sitting in the brig.

After a moment’s hesitation, Kevin opens the door to the brig, flanked by Chris and Nate, who have drawn weapons. The Dauntless officers wear blank expressions and step forward in unison.

Undead space marine
Boo!

Kevin tries to close the door, but the zombiefied crew is upon him. Chris fires the EMP gun, causing one person to move spasmodically. Nate fires his laser pistol, as Kevin backs away.

The insensate mob claws at Chris’ space suit, and the sniper switches to a Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien) disruptor. He burns a hole in an undead astronaut with a laser, but that barely slows it down, as sparks course through its chest.

Nate pulls out titanium rods and applies his martial arts training for close combat, knocking down a crewman. Kevin unleashes a devastating barrage with his gyroc pistol, blasting the leg off another, which continues crawling forward.

The Terran trio falls back toward the turbolift. Dr. Bucket is attacked by the person in the space suit, so Tela orders him back to the Blackbird. Brun sees the launch bay of the Dauntless opening and warns the away team. Tela manages to reverse bay doors. Tariq grabs the black box and heads to the forward airlock near the bridge.

After Chris and Kevin are pummeled by more zombies, Nate covers their retreat, dislocating the limbs of his opponents. Kevin asks Tela to open all airlocks to evacuate the ship, but the cold and vacuum don’t slow down the reanimated crew.

Mystic Tariq happens to be at the right place, at the right time and manages to saunter past two spacemen and one crippled cyborg unnoticed.

Tharian Tela detects more motion from sickbay and the lower decks, as sailors, pilots, and marines try to get to the away team. Dr. Philips, a Pomuyan or blue alien telepath of the same species as Orion Starchaser, is among them.

Brun sees crew crowded by the Dauntless ’ portholes and sends a message to the Pina Colada asking Capt. Jasmine to hurry and catch up. Tela checks in with Lt.Cmdr. Reese via intercom, as the sounds of bodies slamming into hatches echo through the ship.

Humans Kevin, Nate, and Chris get into a turbolift, but it gets stuck halfway to the bridge. Tela diagnoses the problem and says it’s mechanical rather than electrical. As a shambling horde approaches from below, Lt.Cmdr. Reese and Sgt. Jessup throw concussion grenades. They and Mr. Reese then begin climbing.

Ursoid Brun would rather wade into battle, but he undocks and brings the Blackbird around to the Dauntless’ forward airlock. Tariq agrees that evacuation is a higher priority than getting organic samples.

Tela manages to get the turbolift unstuck, and Kevin, Nate, and Chris evade grasping hands and rejoin Tariq. With a mighty shout, Nate breaks a zombie’s neck before reboarding the Blackbird, which immediately disengages.

Tariq asks Brun to come around so that they can retrieve Dr. Bucket’s space-suited former foe. Kevin asks Tela to reseal all airlocks on the Dauntless to prevent any spread of infection. Brun also deactivates the ship’s flight controls, in case any of the crew are somehow still able to pilot it.

Kedar [+2 Computers] double-checks the Blackbird’s systems, while Dr. Bucket analyzes the flight recorder that Tariq retrieved. The crewman in the space suit is Specialist Donar Kievich. Tariq examines him in a sealed-off chamber and concludes that he isn’t infected by Zurmiz Krott nanites. Unfortunately, Kievich can’t be revived.

The so-called black box reveals that the outbreak happened shortly after the Dauntless parted ways with the Crazy Horse and Sovereign, so they may not be affected. The corvette did encounter a cloud with strange energy readings, and Lt.Cmdr. Reese sends a warning back to Earth.

Tariq and Tela analyze Dr. Philips’ journal in the hope of finding a clue or countermeasure. Chris suggests that the ship be scuttled, but Kevin notes that it’s too important to the defense of the Sol system and that they should wait for the scientists aboard the Pina Colada….

I’m sorry that I missed Jason E.R.’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance game again last night — how did it go? Weather permitting, I look forward to resuming the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy campaign next Monday. Later, -Gene

“Vortex: Terra’s Pride” Update 5c.27 — Fleet reports

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 5c.27 of the “Vortex” telecom space opera campaign, which met via Skype on Sunday, 10 March 2013. We’ve been using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures /Mindjammer, Bulldogs, and an online dice roller.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but environmental degradation, population pressures, and internecine conflict persist. The rediscovery of mystical abilities and open and official First Contact with galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

“Vortex” Team 5c (3) Player Character rosters: Crew of the refitted experimental scout shipBlackbird:

  • “Lt. Sebastian Growlick” [Bruce K., secondary]-male Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” lion), elite soldier and acting commander of the refitted Blackbird
  • “Tela” [Sara F., secondary]-female Tharian (gargoyle-like alien), escapee from the Encegulans (slug-like slavers), fond of humans; engineer with boyfriend Kedar
  • “Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A., secondary/absent]-male Terran “near-human” (mutant) wanderer with a past, investigator
  • “Lord Wallace Tubbington” [Josh C., secondary]-male Olvar (arboreal, mammal-like alien) swashbuckler and diplomat for the Kharvamid Alliance
  • “Brun” [Geoff C., secondary]-male Martian Ursoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” bear), former wrestler, pilot
  • “Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup” [Byron V.O., secondary]-male Terran human, gung-ho member of the North American Aerospace Marine Corps
  • “Enkidu Aristheon” [Dexter V.H., secondary]-male Seranen (pale empathic humanoid alien) exile, wilderness survival expert curious about Terrans and the Zarkonian threat; with sphinx-like companion Glaucon

Crew of the yacht Pina Colada:

  • “Capt. Jasmine” [Sara F., primary]-female Martian Felinoid “Synth” (“Uplifted” tiger), former pit fighter and crewmember of the Appomattox, now captain of the Pina Colada searching for a homeworld for her people
  • “Hector Chavez” [Beruk A., primary/absent]-male Terran human, former spy and crewmember on theAppomattox, cautious engineer and communications expert
  • “Chris McKee /Agent Prometheus” [Josh C., primary]-male Terran human, former assassin for the eugenicists at Black Box Security Co., sniper and seeker aboard the Blackbird and Pina Colada
  • “Orion Starchaser” [Geoff C., primary]-male Pomuyan (blue telepathic humanoid alien), irrepressible mystic and thrill-seeking galactic hitchhiker
  • “Dr. Srinu Pahul” [Byron V.O., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (genetically modified) xenobiologist, curious and confident planetary patriot; with robots MEGAN and PEPE
  • “Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K., primary]-male Terran “near-human” (cyborg), former Interplanetary Patrol officer and member of the Blackbird and Dauntless crews; defender of the homeworld
  • “Chiron” [Dexter V.H., primary ]-male (secretly android) pilot, assigned to assess and protect humanity

See other records for the previous crews of the Blackbird, Appomattox, and Gryphon.

Ships in the Asteroid Belt
Terran space fleet

“15 to 18 July 2195 A.D./C.E. or 1 Terran Galactic Era:” The Pina Colada delivered part of a smuggled cargo of artifacts from the Vatican Museums to the United Ecumenical Movement’s temples on Phobos. Its crew also uncovered a cultist for the approaching Zarkonian Armada.

Meanwhile, the Blackbird returns to the Asteroid Belt to report to the Union of Solar Nations (U.S.N.). Lt.Cmdr. Kevin Reese is happy to settle back into the captain’s seat, and Chris McKee resumes his post as gunner, having swapped ships with Lt. Sebastian Growlick and Lord Wallace Tubbington III, respectively.

Lt. Brun Bearhammer pilots the Blackbird from a disused Black Box Security Co. safe house to Ceres Station. Tela and astromech assistant Dr. Bucket notice that passing tugs have been outfitted with weaponry.

Sgt. Nathan A. Jessup wants to ensure a safe transfer of the Vatican relics, and Enkidu Aristheon is curious about the human colonies. Tariq Asrad Saladin keeps busy cataloging the artifacts. Hector Chavez sends a message from thePina Colada warning to watch out for compromised recipients.

Col. Shan Gray, Lt.Cmdr. Reese’s superior officer in the Interplanetary Patrol, personally greets members of “Terra’s Pride” in a landing bay. He assigns eight space marines to escort the cargo and crew to a secure level. Tariq, Dr. Bucket, and Enkidu’s gryphon-like companion Glaucon initially stay with the Blackbird.

Kevin pilots the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm, a modular ground-effect vehicle, and Tela, Chris, and Brun ride along with the cargo. Nate and Enkidu walk with the marines, warily watching the station’s inhabitants because several other parties are still hunting for the treasure.

Seranen empath Enkidu senses surprise at extraterrestrials such as himself and Tharian Tela being escorted by so many soldiers in urban battle dress, but no hostility.

In a research facility deep in the honeycombed asteroid, Lt.Cmdr. Reese turns over the last containers to Dr. Brett Carson. The explorer explains that the ancient items could be helpful in defending the Sol system against the Zarkonians.

While Kevin and Nate brief fellow U.S.N. personnel, Tela goes to look for Ceres Station’s main engineering section. Brun, Chris, and Enkidu accompany her. They find a massive amount of activity, as microfusion generators are installed, structural reinforcements are made, and khaki-clad workers scurry about. Some components bear megacorporate logos.

Tela talks with Lt. Hedy, a “Synth” (artificial intelligence/gynoid) engineer. Lt. Hedy cheerfully confirms Tela’s theory that the asteroid is being turned into a vessel capable of Transit (faster-than-light travel). Brun is bored, and Chris doesn’t like robots, so they leave as the engineers continue their discussion.

Enkidu returns to the Blackbird and rides Glaucon into the station, turning heads on their way to get exercise in a hydroponic garden tier. Brun goes to the “Sloppy Seconds” bar and finds a brawl in progress.

Chris inquires about former buddies and finds fellow sniper Sgt. Jane Walthrop at a firing range. They try out new guns and reminisce about service at Fort Olympus Mons on Mars.

At Col. Gray’s office, Lt.Cmdr. Reese and Sgt. Jessup get a friendlier private reception. As usual, the colonel asks the formerly burned-out space cop how he’s feeling, and Kevin says that he is happy to have found a purpose.

Shan explains that the Korelev, part of Kevin’s homeworld security task force, has recently docked with the U.S.N. battleship Ilokar [named after the Zarendo god of war]. Gustrall (orange-furred, antlered, flightless avian alien) Capt. “Evander Scofield” has reported to Adm. Jaques Pons that the Dauntless, flagship of the task force, is missing.

Back at the “Sloppy Seconds,” Brun bellows for the fighting to stop. Most of the drunken patrons cease their fisticuffs, but a few in the back keep going. The Ursoid shoves his way through the crowd and slams a Felinoid (“Uplifted” tiger) into a table. Brun then asks Darcy, Jasmine’s ex-boyfriend, to play cards. The furry duo exchange more grunts than words thereafter.

Tela helps Lt. Hedy improve the efficiency of Ceres Station’s new systems, which are Terran models based on Olvar (arboreal, mammal-like alien) and Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity, reptilian alien) designs. The android states that the asteroid is a test bed for the new technologies.

Chris and Jane go to Murphy’s Pub, while Kevin and Nate eventually join Brun on Deck 3, Room 32C. Chris then gives Jane a private tour of the experimental scout ship Blackbird. While Lt.Cmdr. Reese would also like female companionship, he and Sgt. Jessup have to report to the Ilokar. They grab a few bottles of whiskey as consolation.

Lt. Bearhammer and Darcy go bar-hopping, and Enkidu stays in radio contact with Tariq. Kevin and Nate take the Dragonfly drop ship over to the Ilokar battle group. Capt. Scofield [Josh/Non-Player Character] explains that the task force was spread thin over a large area of interstellar space when the Dauntless, Crazy Horse, and Sovereign failed to check in.

Evander provides the ships’ last known position and volunteers to help find them and “destroy the perpetrators,” but Kevin decides not to ask Adm. Pons to have the Korolev join the Blackbird. Nate suspects the Zurmiz Krott, biomechanical advance probes of the armada.

The admiral does say that support is available from Terran bases in the nearby systems of Alpha Centauri, Epsilon Eridani, and Wolf 359. He also gives the officers alarming top-secret information: The Zarkonian Armada, once believed to be far from Earth, is now less than two months away.

The U.S.N. and Kharvamid Alliance are rushing to outfit as many vessels and habitats as possible with Transit capability, but escalating conflicts in the Inner Solar System have forced them to refocus their efforts. Ma’ari Talari (alien ark ships) are also on their way, and the Trinoids (trilateral amphibians) and Nethians (insectoid engineers) have provided advisers.

Kevin asks for his sister in law Jennifer and her boyfriend Capt. Nick Cheney (whom he suspects of murdering his wife Heather) to be evacuated from New Shanghai on Mars. Nate requests that his clan of miners also be moved if possible.

Adm. Pons asks Lt.Cmdr. Reese to report back to high command upon successful completion of his mission to find the Dauntless, Crazy Horse, and Sovereign because his task force will be needed to help scout out evacuation routes and destinations.

However, as Kevin calls “Terra’s Pride” to regroup, he tells his companions that they should try to find a way to slow or injure the approaching armada. Lt.Cmdr. Reese asks Capt. Jasmine and the Pina Colada to catch up to theBlackbird as it searches for the Dauntless in deep space….

Next time, on “Vortex: Terra’s Pride:” A space-suited away team waves rifles and flashlights through an apparently vacant ship. “There are no life signs, sir, but we’re getting movement….”

Dexter, I hope that you had a Happy Birthday, and Beruk, we missed “Tariq.” Geoff, please direct your friend who’s interested in our campaign to the Obsidian Portal site and have him contact me directly.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy game, and remember that I’ll probably be missing Jason E.R.’s next “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance session. Take it easy, -Gene