“Star Trek: Restoration” Episode 3 — Offworld intruders

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our third “Star Trek” session, which we played online on Monday, 16 February 2015:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise “E” fought the Borg and Remans Nemesis], among others, the United Federation of Planets (U.F.P.) and other interstellar states are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s ” Star Trek: Restoration” space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Bulldogs, and Mindjammer 2e, plus house rules, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org online dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

Absent:

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

Previously, in “Star Trek: Restoration,” the U.S.S. Rotha uncovered an Undine infiltrator during a diplomatic mission and faced off against Romulan and Klingon ships in the Neutral Zone.

“Stardate 95248.04 (9 April 2418):” After stopping at Starbase 24, some junior officers accepted a mission to investigate a onetime Federation colony. They joined the crew of the Love’s Latinum Lost, a Ferengi trade vessel.

Lt. Kyerak and Kimbal Tegan conduct research on the Aldebaran colony. Alpha Tauri III is the third out of four planets orbiting an orange giant and a red dwarf and is the only Class M (inhabitable) one in that solar system.

Alpha Tauri III is slightly larger than Earth, with a 1.2 Gs of gravity, a 27-hour day, and six small moons. Its 1 million sentient natives joined the United Federation of Planets in 2216, and thanks in part to the New Aberdeen Shipyards, its mostly human population grew to 7 billion over the next century.

However, in 2372 (about 50 Terran years ago), Starfleet was forced to abandon the colony as part of the settlement ending the Cardassian War. It has apparently regressed to a pre-warp level of technology, and interstellar trade has been sporadic and indirect.

DaiMon Froot sets a course for Aldebaran, bypassing Deep Space K-7 because of the covert nature of Lt. Kyerak’s mission. Tao, a Ferengi medic, introduces himself to the passengers.

Lt. Jarrick Jameson and Lt. Orzzek Kalifa express misgivings about the fact that Lt. Kyerak had accepted the mission to “terminate any offworld interference” in Aldebaran from Cmdr. Nasami Wahid, the Trill first officer of the Rotha.

Although Starfleet’s Prime Directive prohibits direct contact with pre-warp societies, Lt. Mari Killu and Lt. Boran’ Gorir are more concerned about threats to Aldebaran’s civilian population and potential U.F.P. membership.

Kimbal puts the Love’s Latinum Lost in a standard orbit around Alpha Tauri III and sees the remnants of orbital platforms. The Trill pilot also scans for subspace signals and finds three transmission sites: a science station at Nar Instel, the industrial city of Irdrant, and the agricultural community of Folkhar.

Kyerak checks radio telecommunications and verifies that the colony has fragmented into rival nation-states. The half-Vulcan officer recommends visiting Nar Instel first.

Tau’s biological scans find nearly 6 billion inhabitants, most of whom are human. The decline in global population may be the result of emigration offworld, the decline in technology, epidemics, or wars, theorizes the Ferengi doctor.

Froot says that Aldebaran was once known for its ores (used in starship construction), native life forms, and whiskey. It was also once a venue for medical conferences. He suggests that the away team offer goods and non-critical scientific data in return for local products and information.

The Love’s Latinum Lost lands near Nar Instel. Kimbal hacks into local computer networks and identifies staffers to talk to. Kyerak changes into civilian garb, and Tao offers to handle trade negotiations as their cover story.

Federation science colony — Science station

Kimbal wanders around the science station until he finds a canteen. He meets “Two-Three” and “Three-Two,” two Binar engineers. They are not interested in carousing, but Kimbal uses their literal-mindedness to obtain a network schematic.

Meanwhile, Kyerak goes to the headquarters of the academy and introduces himself as a researcher to a pretty receptionist. He hears an argument and watches Yusuf Darwhish, a human climatologist, storm out of the director’s office.

Tau gets directions to the bursar and offers to trade exotic foodstuffs with a Vulcan scientist who initially dismisses him. However, Stuvek expresses interest in advanced tools, so he accepts Tau’s offer and arranges to meet again later.

Kyerak meets Huang Peipei, director of Nar Instel. He mentions Johann Strom, onetime head of the New Aberdeen Shipyards, and the physicist says that she would like her people to eventually reunite with other Aldebaranians and the Federation. Flirtatious Kyerak says that he can help.

Sly Kimbal eventually excuses himself from conversation with the Binars and sends Kyerak a signal to meet. Curious Tau follows Stuvek into a biology laboratory. He is horrified to see cruel animal testing and notices a decapod acting suspiciously.

The Ferengi ducks into the room and talks with the native Tauran. Gopal Thivar admits that he is trying to sabotage the tests and that he can telepathically tell that Stuvek is hiding something bad.

A three-headed, floating Aldebaranian serpent attacks Tau and Gopal, and they run down the hall. However, Stuvek corners them and says that it’s too bad that they will be the “victims of a lab accident.”

When the duo tries to run around Stuvek, he pulls out a Romulan disruptor and slowly disintegrates the unlucky decapod! Tau slides past Stuvek and makes a desperate dash for the door.

Kyerak and Kimball, who had been trying to reach Tau, burst into the hallway. Kyerak stuns the Romulan, and Kimbal misses the serpent. Tau keeps running until he finds local security forces outside.

The police take Stuvek into custody, and Kyerak privately tells Huang that he hopes to remove external disruptions so that she can help her world advance politically. Kimball takes the disruptor’s power cell, and Tau explains how he and Gopal had uncovered inhumane research.

Kyerak interrogates the supposed Vulcan, as Huang and guards watch. Stuvek admits that his true name is Vorlag. The spy boldly admits that he planned to train colonial doctors in the mind-set and methods of the Tal Shiar, the Romulan intelligence service.

Vorlag’s initial mission was to evaluate the system for conquest, but he says he felt free to pursue his own experiments. The Romulan then bites down on a poisoned capsule, and Tau is unable to save him without a modern medical bay.

Kimbal checks Vorlag’s quarters and finds a subspace transmitter. The landing party returns to the ship, ready to search for whoever is sending subspace signals from Irdrant and Folkhar. To be continued….

While we missed much of the group, I hope that those of you who were able to participate enjoyed our latest episode! I look forward to continuing our adventures, but we’ll also have to see when we’ll have time between Dexter’s D&D5e “Lands of Lost Souls,” Jason’s FAE “Channel 37,” and my own D20/FATE “Vanished Lands” scenarios. Live long and prosper….

D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls” Session 4 — To Thorbardin

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 4 of our D&D5e game, which was held on Sunday, 15 February 2015:

Player Characters for the “Land of Lost Souls,” Dexter V.H.’s telecom fantasy miniseries, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, AD&D2/D&D3.5 Dragonlance, the Forgotten Realms, Palladium Fantasy, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Kalidren ‘Cal’ Haraishur” [Gene D.]-male Qualinesti (Sylvan Elf) Paladin of Kiri-Jolith, god of valor; folk hero and a potential member of the Legion of Steel; LGn, Lvl. 2

“Sakan Agramon Majere/Sam” [Beruk A.]-male Irda (High Ogre) Ranger, charlatan disguised as a human; TNc, Lvl. 2

“Redrik Stoneflow” [Byron V.O.]-male Neidar (Hill Dwarf) Cleric of Paladine, god of justice; outcast, guild artisan, and silversmith; LGn, Lvl. 1

“Maddie Moonfang” [Sara F.C.]-female wolfing Barbarian, skin changer from the plains and former thrall of an evil wizard; TNc; Lvl. 2

“Perogen Hawke” [Josh C.]-male human Wizard of the White Robes, sage; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Rowan Kar-Thon” [Geoff C.]-male Half-Elf Skald (Bard), outlander and storyteller; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Santiddio Sefrayn” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Rogue (thief), charlatan and professional treasure seeker; CNg, Lvl. 2

“Enyilarur Skilelo” [Drew S.]-male brass Draconian Eldritch Knight (Dragonborn Fighter), noble and arcanist, with three reptilian retainers; CGn, Lvl. 2

After warning their respective superiors about the rising darkness, the travelers regrouped to evacuate the village of Winter’s Edge ahead of an approaching humanoid army. They met a Dwarf and a few Draconians, as well as a Half-Orc who might be related to the King Obould. They also spotted a dragon in the distance.

Skilelo pulls a wolf off the second dark-skinned Elf the group has recently encountered. Maddie returns to human form, and Santiddio resists the Drow woman’s charms and ties her up. Cal casts Detect Evil and verifies the spy’s hostile intent.

Sam and Maddie go to sweep the perimeter of their camp in the Kharolis Mountains. They follow some tracks and find a wounded snow leopard with her two cubs.

Perogen is unfamiliar with the Dark Elf, and his Detect Magic reveals faint extraplanar traces. The Wizard also feels lightheaded, so Redrik casts Purify Food and Drink to ensure that the Drow hasn’t poisoned their provisions.

Rowan chats with Half-Orc Root and Skilelo’s Draconian squire, cook, and porter/messenger. Santiddio confiscates the Elf’s armor and jewelry and tries to interrogate the haughty prisoner.

Meandrea says that Lolth is her mistress and defiantly claims that her people will soon dominate “lesser races.” When the Drow starts muttering or chanting, Perogen smacks her and gags her before she can cast any more spells.

Among Meandrea’s magic items is a spider amulet, which Redrik tries to smash with his hammer. The strange metal sparks but remains undamaged. The Cleric switches to fire and holy water, to no effect. He then wraps up the amulet and a Charm brooch with a face on it.

Meanwhile, Sam and Maddie find that the snow leopard is fatally poisoned by darts, presumably from the Drow’s hand crossbows. The Ranger and Barbarian bury the mother and take a cub each (one male, one female) to safety.

After regrouping, the adventuring party makes a forced march from Windweavers to Thorbardin. Scouts Sam and Maddie take point, followed by armored Cal and stealthy Santiddio.

Spellcasters Redrik and Perogen ride behind them, and Meandrea is tied to the cart bearing Skilelo and his entourage. Rowan and Root take the rearguard through the mountains.

Several miles into their hike, Sam and Maddie see five Goblins riding wargs. Eager to avoid scouts for the Orcish army, the caravan makes a detour. It eventually arrives at the massive North Gate of Thorbardin, the Dwarven capital.

A group of sentries rides out on rams. Retnu Greybeard, a captain of the guard, talks with Redrik and Perogen in Neidar (Hill Dwarven). The priest of Paladine and the white-robed mage explain that they have come to warn the city about an approaching Orcish horde.

From The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies — Dwarves on rams

Retnu tells the newcomers to wait in the outer city while he gets word to the proper authorities. They check into the Dragon Forge Inn. Abstemious Cal tries to order a salad, but boisterous Redrik gets the Sylvan Elf drunk on strong ale.

Sam and Maddie make sure the leopard cubs are fed. Perogen asks Redrik to order him some ale. Santiddio goes out to the stable to check on Rowan, the Draconians, Root, and Meandrea.

Two soldiers arrive and tell the tavern regulars to leave. Princess Eina enters and listens to Redrik’s report. She sends for a priest of Reorx, the metal forger, to dispose of the Drow’s amulet and brooch.

The princess notices that Perogen is a rare human in Thorbardin. He says that he came from a port town. She also tells Sam to reveal his true form. The Irda shifts into a Wild Elf, and Eina disdainfully dismisses him.

The visitors turn Meandrea over to the Dwarves, who order them to wait until summoned. The Half-Elves are annoyed that they are not able to enter Thorbardin proper, but Cal needs to sleep off his drink.

While they wait, Perogen analyzes the Drow’s chain shirt, which is made of the same hard metal as the amulet and brooch. The group divides the remaining spoils:

Armor, Elven chain — Maddie or Rowan?
Bracers of Archery — Sam
Cloak of Elvenkind — Santiddio
Crossbows, hand, 2 masterwork — Sam, Perogen
Daggers, 2 masterwork — Cal, Redrik
Poison, 1 vial, lethal — Santiddio

The team waits impatiently in the tavern and wonders how it can help fight the growing gloom in the Wayreth Forest, Obould’s Orcs, and Drow infiltrators….

Dexter, I’m glad you felt well enough to run, and I look forward to continuing our adventures next Sunday! I’ll also try to post my notes for the latest “Star Trek: Restoration” session soon….

“Land of Lost Souls” Session 3 — Ahead of the Orcish army

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 3 of our latest D&D5e game, which was held on Sunday, 8 February 2015:

“Kalidren ‘Cal’ Haraishur” [Gene D.]-male Qualinesti (Sylvan Elf) Paladin of Kiri-Jolith, god of valor; folk hero and a potential member of the Legion of Steel; LGn, Lvl. 2

“Sakan Agramon Majere/Sam” [Beruk A.]-male Irda (High Ogre) Ranger, charlatan disguised as a human; TNc, Lvl. 2

“Redrik Stoneflow” [Byron V.O.]-male Neidar (Hill Dwarf) Cleric of Paladine, god of justice; outcast, guild artisan, and silversmith; LGn, Lvl. 1

“Maddie Moonfang” [Sara F.C.]-female wolfing Barbarian, skin changer from the plains and former thrall of an evil wizard; TNc; Lvl. 2

“Perogen Hawke” [Josh C.]-male human Wizard of the White Robes, sage; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Rowan Kar-Thon” [Geoff C.]-male Half-Elf Skald (Bard), outlander and storyteller; NGc, Lvl. 2

“Santiddio Sefrayn” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Rogue (thief), charlatan and professional treasure seeker; CNg, Lvl. 2

“Enyilarur Skilelo” [Drew S.]-male brass Draconian Eldritch Knight (Dragonborn Fighter), noble and arcanist, with three reptilian retainers; CGn, Lvl. 2

The new adventuring party had followed the ghost of Jahan, a Moonwatch Paladin, into the ruined tower of Methegrist. There, it met a band of treasure-seekers and explored subterranean chambers.

In addition to traps, the spelunkers found cursed and blessed areas and solved an imp’s riddle. However, the devil turned the teams against each other, and they fled as the ruins collapsed, releasing a magical darkness.

After evacuating the border village of Quarevarr, the travelers temporarily disbanded to warn their respective superiors. Spring turned to summer, and a shadow fell over the Wayreth Forest and the kingdom of the Qualinesti.

Rumors of Orcs massing in the Kharolis Mountains prompt the would-be heroes to reunite. Two tribes of the normally chaotic humanoids march under the banner of King Obould toward the town of Winter’s Edge.

The party skirts the increasingly dangerous woods and takes a pass east through the mountains to the Plains of Dergoth between Skullcap and Pax Tharkus. It arrives near Windweavers shortly after nightfall.

Cal and company tell goodwife Winnstrom about the approaching Ogre kin. Sam asks if there are any nearby caves that can shelter the villagers. Maddie and Santiddio keep watch for Orc scouts and help the people of Winter’s Edge gather their belongings.

Perogen wonders if they should head back toward the Tower of High Sorcery, or south to the Dwarven capital of Thorbardin. Rowan keeps the human peasants from panicking.

Winnstrom thanks the team for its warning and introduces Root, a Half-Orc raised in Winter’s Edge. Root says that his late mother, who had married a human, said she belonged to the Broken Arrow tribe, one of the groups now following King Obould.

The goodwife asks the wanderers to bring Root with them, since he may even be related to the king. They reluctantly agree, noting that they don’t know how to get to Obould’s Dark Arrow Keep to the northeast unmolested.

After some discussion, the party sends the refugees to Thorbardin. A girl named Lithendel offers Rowan her doll, which she says a Gnome once gave her. Lithendel tells the skald that the doll should magically protect them. Rowan thanks her and passes it to Perogen for later study.

Maddie hears the thunder of many feet and the horns of the approaching Orcish army. A squad of five Orcs charges into the village as the last peasants flee. Meanwhile, a Hill Dwarf riding a large boar and a group of Draconians approach from the opposite direction.

Redrik spurs his boar steed Gristle, draws his war hammer “Silver Rain,” and casts Channel Divinity to blast the Orcs with the light of Paladine. Fellow newcomer Skilelo sends his three Dragonborn followers and cart away from the fight.

Half-Elf Rowan gallops to the first Orc and cuts it down with his long sword. Abanasinian plainswoman Maddie slays another, but Sylvan Elf Cal misses with his javelins. Tall Sam casts Rain of Thorns before felling the last Orc with an arrow.

Human Perogen and Half-Elf Santiddio quickly search the Orcs and find 50 steel pieces, hide armor, and hand axes. Root tells Sam that such an attack is unusual for Orcs and shows a necklace proving his royal blood. Cal considers sending Root to parley.

The adventurers ride northwest, toward Pax Tharkus, to draw any more patrols away from the fleeing villagers. Ranger Sam leads the climb into the foothills, where he and the others see columns of Orcs marching south.

Cleric Redrik mentions a prophecy of an otherworldy being and how the magical darkness might be repelled if they can learn more about the mysterious Mistress of Spiders.

Wizard Perogen casts Detect Magic on Lithendel’s doll, and says that it is somehow blessed. Redrik identifies it as Gol’s Puppet (+1 amulet of Protection, sheds sunlight in an area of 20 squares/hexes). He then gives it to Paladin Cal.

As they hike, Barbarian Maddie senses movement nearby. Sam determines that four wolf-like wargs are surrounding the band. Redrik readies Silver Rain, but Maddie is able to communicate with the lead warg.

It invites Maddie to join his pack, but she declines. Cal readies his bow, and Bard Rowan is relieved as the wargs withdraw. Sometime later, Fighter Skilelo spots a large dragon flying from the northeast, but it is too far away to cause fear or identify a rider.

The party turns to notify Thorbardin, a few day’s forced march away. At night, Perogen and Santiddio sit first watch, and keen-eyed Maddie and Skilelo take second watch. Wary Cal and Redrik follow, with Sam and Rowan finishing.

Perogen hears something and casts Light. He sees a leopard with a cub. During the second watch, Maddie pounces on a dark-skinned Elf spying on the camp. She is similar to a woman encountered near Methegrist.

Maddie tries to question the haughty Drow, who creates Darkness.The women continue talking, and Skilelo wakes the rest of the caravan. Maddie changes into a wolf and bites the Dark Elf to keep her from running.

Perogen dispels the Darkness with a Light spell. Cal readies Gol’s Puppet and sees an Elf and a wolf struggling but no obvious sign of Maddie. Sam throws a net at the woman and draws his scimitar. Skilelo pulls the wolf off the Drow.

Rowan ties up Meandrea and begins interrogating her. The strange scout claims that her people will soon rule the world. Santiddio finds daggers, vials of poison, and hand crossbows. Sam identifies the wolf as Maddie, who returns to human form.

The riders resume their journey toward Thorbardin, staying just ahead of the Orcish army….

Welcome, Drew, to the “Land of Lost Souls!” While I’m sorry that Jason E.R.‘s “Channel 37” was again postponed because of weather, I hope that everybody will be able to play tomorrow night (Sunday, Feb. 15). Also, let me know if you’re interested and available for “Star Trek: Restoration” on Monday. -Gene

D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls” Session 2 — Into the ruins of Methegrist

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 2 of our latest D&D5e game, which was held on Sunday, 25 January 2015:

Player Characters for the “Land of Lost Souls,” Dexter V.H.’stelecom fantasy miniseries, using Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, AD&D2/D&D3.5 Dragonlance, the Forgotten Realms, Palladium Fantasy, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Kalidren ‘Cal’ Haraishur” [Gene D.]-male Qualinesti (Sylvan Elf) Paladin of Kiri-Jolith, god of valor; folk hero and a potential member of the Legion of Steel; LGn, Lvl. 1

“Sakan Agramon Majere/Sam” [Beruk A.]-male Irda (High Ogre) Ranger, charlatan disguised as a human; TNc, Lvl. 1

“Redrik Stoneflow” [Byron V.O.]-male Neidar (Hill Dwarf) Cleric of Paladine, god of justice; outcast, guild artisan, and silversmith; LGn, Lvl. 1

“Maddie Moonfang” [Sara F.C.]-female wolfing Barbarian, skin changer from the plains and former thrall of an evil wizard; TNc; Lvl. 1

“Perogen Hawke” [Josh C.]-male human Wizard of the White Robes, sage; NGc, Lvl. 1

“Rowan Kar-Thon” [Geoff C.]-male Half-Elf Skald (Bard), outlander and storyteller; NGc, Lvl. 1

“Santiddio Sefrayn” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Rogue (thief), charlatan and professional treasure seeker; CNg, Lvl. 1

After meeting in Quarevarr late one spring, a new adventuring party investigated reports of a ghostly knight haunting the border village. As the team headed north into the Wayreth Forest, it encountered Orcs, winter wolves, and a mysterious sorceress.

The group resumes its pursuit of the apparition, which leads the way to the ruined tower of Methegrist. Skald Rowan recalls tales of Jahar, the first Moonwatch Paladin to strike one of his fellows at the instigation of an evil imp.

Sam and Rowan search the area and find recent tracks. They soon find four other people poking through the rubble. A Dwarf in chain armor aims a crossbow at the newcomers, and says that his group arrived first and is thus entitled to first dibs on any treasure.

Meanwhile, a female Elf in dark leather crouches by a tree, while two humans holding clubs stand watch. Cal isn’t intimidated by gruff Karrik, and Santiddio flirts with Lisstra. The shade of Jahar sinks into the ground, and Maddie finds a trapdoor concealed by some brush.

Santiddio slides down a ladder into a stone chamber. The Rogue finds an old rectangular rug and a door swollen by moisture. Both bands follow. Rowan rolls up the rug but finds nothing under it, while Paladin Cal Detects Evil but senses divine benevolence instead.

Ranger Sam and Barbarian Maddie pry open the door to the west. In the next room, they find a statue of a knight in antique plate armor and the holy symbol of Paladine, god of justice. Cal offers a prayer, and Sam is healed from his earlier injuries.

Sam and Perogen sketch a rough map. Sam notices a loose flagstone, beneath which he finds the following:

85 steel pieces (equivalent to D&D5e gold pieces)
Goblet, silver, worth 250 steel
Moonstone, worth 100 steel (pocketed by Santiddio)

Santiddio peeks into the next room and sees double doors to the north. The Half-Elf steps in but takes damage from a spike trap. Maddie pulls him back with a rope.

Half-Elf Rowan treats Santiddio’s injuries and helps him and Sam figure out which floor tiles are trapped. Cal asks Perogen to keep an eye on Karrik and company, and the Wizard agrees that he doesn’t trust them either.

Through the double doors is a series of halls lit by braziers. Perogen is drawn to the Pool of Remorse, where he is reminded of a letter from a dead colleague. The human gains confidence from the vision.

Santiddio gazes into the magical pool and feels fresh guilt for not talking to his mother before he left home. He encourages Lisstra to join him at the water.

Sam secretly regrets resenting his brother, who took more after the Ogre side of the family than the Irda one. Cal and Maddie resist the temptation to look in the pool, and Karrik and his team are too busy looking for tombs to raid.

The explorers turn east, and the braziers in this area radiate an unholy aura. Cal prays to his patron deity, Kiri-Jolith, as he extinguishes them. A distant scream echoes. The wanderers then find red flaming runes on the floor and hear the voice of the imp.

The diminutive devil taunts them and poses a riddle — if they can guess his true name, he will leave them alone:

First is number whose letters count,
True to its name’s amount,
Then you can subtract a letter,
But adding six would be better.
To get the second part,
Then comes the sound of the start of start,
And finally, with a blast,
Sound out the last of last.

The imp then tries tempting the spelunkers with untold riches. Even with the door closed, Karrik’s squad turns on them! Karrik and Lisstra swing at Cal, while the human warriors attack Maddie, who rages.

Sam fires an arrow at Karrik, and Perogen casts Acid Spray at the Dwarf. Rowan misses him, but Santiddio’s rapier finds its mark. Cal orders the treasure hunters to drop their weapons, and Rowan asks Lisstra and the two goons to leave with their leader rather than fight to the death. They reluctantly do so.

Perogen casts Detect Magic and confirms that Karrik was merely greedy and thus prone to the imp’s influence. The white-robed mage also perceives auras past a door to the northwest.

Behind it, the party finds two glowing fonts and the kneeling ghost of Jahar. Cal and Santiddio pay their respects alongside the fallen knight. Sam finds vials and fills them with holy water, or the “tears of Paladine.”

Cal, Sam, and friends eventually solve the puzzle by naming the imp “Fortenst,” who disappears. Santiddio and Rowan also find the following items:

115 steel pieces
2 gemstones worth a total of 100 steel
Statue of Paladine, silver, worth 175 steel (kept)

Including the previous haul, each party member present gets 108 steel pieces. Maddie calls the rest of the group back to the font chamber, where Jahar’s shade is finally fading. In addition, the ground shakes, and the dungeon begins to fracture!

The would-be heroes race out of the ruins as the walls crumble. A fissure opens in the ground, swallowing Methegrist and releasing dark filaments. The night sky is blotted out as magical murk spreads from the site.

Sam, who can see in darkness, hastily leads the way back to Quarevarr. Cal and Perogen urge the villagers to evacuate beyond the darkness. Mayor Geldren Bressar thanks the newly-confident team….

While we won’t be meeting virtually this coming Sunday, 1 February 2015, because of the Super Bowl, I look forward to continuing our adventures! Don’t forget to update your characters on Obsidian Portal to Level 2.

Byron and Sara, I hope you’ll be able to fully rejoin us soon! We’ll also have to see when the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” and Jason’s “Channel 37” face-to-face groups will meet next. Stay in touch….

“Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” Session 39.56 — Fighting frosty fey and Astral arrival

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.56, which Drew S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on Monday, 19 January 2015:

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. One such band began as circus performers, rescued slaves, and seeks to fight the dreaded Ghost Fleet….

“Vistel’s Expedition,” crew of the Zephyr, Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s “Vanished Lands” campaign, using D20 Pathfinder and FATE 3e Legends of Anglerre, as of spring 2015:

“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) with a checkered past and homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 12
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Flind (Gnoll) Ranger, archer, and sailor, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 12
“Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, wandering noble, warrior/mage, and mandolin player; CNg, Lvl. 12
“Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, diplomat, and animal handler with banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 12
“Rhys Davies” [Drew S.]-male Tinker Gnome (Minoi) clockwork gadgeteer, ship’s engineer, and impetuous Rogue; TNcg, Lvl. 12
“Tarwen Rinuendell” [Dana S.]-female Avariel (winged Elf) Fighter, unflappable but secretive scout; LGn, Lvl. 12

(See previous notes for “Hamfast” and “Brendan” [Brian W.], “Tempestade” [Josh C.], “Radius” [Jason E.R.], “Melchior” [Byron V.O.], “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.], “Brogar” [Brian S.].)

“20 to 22 May 1227 B.C.E.:” The Zephyr’s command crew finished training and equipping in Alfhileno, capital of the Waletku kingdom of the Elves. It also met Avariel scout “Tarwen” [Dana S].

The adventurers then headed south to the Hifalendorin human town of Kedetura. They rejoined their airship and fought another nasty Grimm. Rhys and Tarwen snuck into Kedetura, where they found a tent city, many Centaur followers of Vappu Lahja, and Unseelie Fey running a twisted carnival based on Vistel’s Circus….

Giacomo uses a crystal ball to find the nexus of local ley lines, or currents of magical energy. The Wizard finds it near the center of Kedetura, where a statue of the pale lady siphons off mana. He recommends further investigation and possibly sabotage.

Scully says the group should sneak into the town to get as close as possible to the mysterious Vappu Lahja and identify her weaknesses. The Ranger reminds her companions that since troops from Nadwi or Alfhileno are far away, the crew of the Zephyr is their only backup.

Corwin urges his team to get close to the enemy leader, seize her, and thenTeleport away before her thralls can defend her. The Bard also begins preparingContingency spells to protect himself.

Elsa focuses on counterspells against Vappu Lahja. The Druid also Communes With Nature and learns that in addition to Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) humans, Centaurs, Satyrs, and Halflings, there are more extraplanar Grimms, Korred, and Redcaps in Kedetura.

Engineer Rhys says he would prefer to leave the occupied town rather than face Unseelie Fey again, but Fighter Tarwen is impatient for battle. Giacomo points out that the Gnome and Avariel (winged Elf) aren’t known as former members of Vistel’s Circus.

Giacomo casts a Contingency spell of Reverse Gravity on his homunculus familiar Gerald, and Corwin readies Resist Charm and Teleport. Elsa prays for Mass Hold Monster and Protection From Evil, and the group eventually agrees to walk into Kedetura.

Centaur sentries Nikodemus and Phyto escort the Zephyr ’s away team through the tent city and into the walled town. Giacomo, Corwin, and Elsa ask to meet with Vappu Lahja. Meanwhile, Tarwen uses her ring of Invisibility and flies behind them, carrying Rhys, upon whom Corwin has cast Improved Invisibility.

The Centaurs take the Hifalendorin human, Half-Elf, and Hill Dwarf to town hall, near the 10-foot tall alabaster statue. The Tinker Gnome has used a wand ofSilence to aid the Invisibility and defend against Charm. The winged Avariel narrowly avoids obstacles as she follows the others into a meeting room.

Meanwhile, aboard the Zephyr, Scully and boyfriend “Capt. Niac” [Mike F./Non-Player Character] ready ballista bolts that Rhys has coated with cold steel, a reddish antimagical alloy. The Flind and Wolfen Paladin prepare for Rhys and company to Teleport back to them with Vappu Lahja as prisoner.

The adventuring party meets the coldly beautiful Vappu Lahja, as well as her retinue, which includes Centaur chieftans, a Grugach (Wild Elf) shaman, and Gilean, a diminuitive and malevolent Redcap whom they had fought in the haunted hamlet of Alarn. He recognizes them, but no one draws weapons immediately.

Elsa steps forward and presents a mirror, and Corwin sings a ballad that puts the legendary Vappu Lahja in a more favorable light. The Saganim prince weaves a counterspell into his song in the hope of releasing some of the Centaurs from magical compulsion.

Invisible Tarwen keeps a hand on Silenced Rhys as they sneak up to Vappu Lahja. He touches the woman, and they become visible, but she resists the Teleport Contingency!

Elsa calls upon Vulkan (Moradin) and hits the evil Redcap with Holy Smite. Arcanists Corwin and Giacomo cast Mass Charm Monster, preventing five Centaurs and several hovering Faeries from attacking.

Vappu Lahja stands up, and her silk robes turn to bark and then flexible metal. She Bestows Curse on Rhys, weakening him, and Gilean turns Invisible to maneuver and stab Corwin.

Rhys manages to empty his Bag of Holding, so that his clockwork spider and dragon can hurl cold steel pellets at the Unseelie Fey. Vasco, an automaton butler, joins them, while Rhys’ clockwork scorpion tries to sting approaching reinforcements.

Tarwen fires Blinding bolts from her magical crossbow and puts her ring ofInvisibility back on. Elsa Wild Shapes into a bear and charges. Corwin casts Imprisonment, which successfully places Vappu Lahja in an underground cell that can be found only with Discern Location.

However, the would-be heroes still have to contend with her followers. Giacomo casts Shield and then See Invisible to locate the Redcap. Rhys throws a Tanglefoot Bag at Gilean but misses him.

The team hears rioting outside, as some Centaurs are freed from Vappu Lahja’s influence but other Fey folk fight them and Hifalendorin human townsfolk.

Tarwen flies up and sees numerous angry Sprites and five Grimms approaching the windows. She lands so that Giacomo and Corwin can Teleport the group out of the besieged town hall to Orlando Vistel, founder of Vistel’s Circus.

The adventuring party finds itself in a chilly tent, where “Papa” and “Mama” Vistel have been encased in ice! A “steward” greets them, as do several Ice Mephits. The Cold Rider hits Corwin with a frozen, shocking glaive and summons its steed, a large, unnatural elk.

The Mephits brandish poisoned daggers, and Corwin defensively casts Displacement and Invisibility on himself. Elsa casts another Holy Smite, destroying half of the Mephits. The others climb into the rafters and begin chanting.

Giacomo casts Bungle on the Unseelie Fey, as Rhys sends most of his constructs to attack. The Tinker Gnome orders his clockwork dragon to thaw out the Vistels with its fiery breath, and Tarwen shoots more Blinding bolts.

The frost elk’s antlers nearly pin Tarwen, and the surviving Mephits swarm around Giacomo and Rhys. Bold Corwin casts Storm Bolts and Magic Missiles, and pious Elsa invokes Mekkil (Gaia) to Channel Positive Energy and heal her allies.

Giacomo the Mysterious destroys the Cold Rider and the Mephits with a Scorching Ray. Nimble Rhys and airborne Tarwen fire at the Unholy steed but miss. Still in bear form, Elsa finishes off the ice elk.

While they debate over whether to try to rescue other circus performers, Giacomo and Corwin thaw out the Vistels with Flaming Hands. Rhys helps find and retrieve the following items:

Antlers, from ice elk
Bead of Force
Daggers, Fey (1d4 + sleep, DC 15)
Glaive, frost (1d10 + 1d6 icy burst)
Witch’s Ice Shard (Trap the Soul) — to have Sir Niac destroy because it’s a Necromantic item

As the sounds of strife in Kedetura’s streets get closer, Giacomo and Corwin again cast Teleport. However, instead of taking the team back to Scully and the Zephyr, the travelers find themselves on an island floating in midair surrounded by a sea of stars.

The spellcasters quickly identify their new location as somewhere in the Astral Plane, which is better than in the Zarendo Islands or the Nine Hells, where a certain Pit Fiend has tried to trap them.

Elsa notes that since nobody has a silver cord, if anyone is killed on this plane of existence, they are truly dead, but they are also harder to track. The arcanists need some time to rest before safely casting higher-level spells again.

The scouts spot a vessel approaching. Rhys is excited to see a Spelljammer skiff, which lands on their island. Thin, robed, gray-skinned humanoids disembark, and one greets the newcomers with a smile.

Rek’elma says that Modron Paladin “Radius” [Jason E.R.] told him to expect to find them. Giacomo and company ask how time flows in the Astral, and the Githzerai says, “Sideways.”

Rek’elma says that the “pale lady” has local allies and that she may try to head to a Githyanki fort to regain her powers. “Vistel’s Expedition” agrees to join Rek’elma in raiding the Githyanki tower….

Dana, I hope you enjoyed sitting in on our campaign, and Sara, I’m glad that you were able to Skype into our latest face-to-face session. Everybody should make sure that their characters and current item/spell lists are up to date.

I look forward to upcoming games of Dexter V.H.‘s D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls” and Jason E.R.’s FAE “Channel 37.” Let’s hope the weather cooperates for the latter!