Fellow role-players, I've received my hardcopy of the D20 Fantasy Craft book, and here are some first impressions. Like Pathfinder, it's intended as an alternative to Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition for gamers who prefer the D&D3.5 Open Game License and related rules sets. SpyCraft 2.0 is one of the best modern/espionage games since TSR's TopSecret: S.I.

The bad: The 400-page tome has a list price of $50, but you can get it for less online. Although it's a D20 book, there are enough subsystems that Fantasy Craft isn't immediately compatible with D&D3.x materials, and there isn't as much support yet for this game as there is for, say, "Pathfinder" (which has now moved up to No. 2 in RPG sales).

Character creation is also a bit more complicated than other D&D variants, with origin specialties, base classes, and expert classes replacing the more conventional class/prestige class or occupation/path options. There are enough minor changes to feats, spells, and items that imbalances might creep in.

The good: Combat is more streamlined than in D&D4e or Pathfinder, and the four-page character sheet includes most of the information players should need, potentially reducing flipping pages during a session.

I like being able to play and run from a single book, as with the D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2nd Ed. and Star Wars: Saga Edition games.

Some class options are more focused on social situations than on combat, which I know won't please everyone but encourage some party specialization and cooperation. Talents, feat trees, heroic paths, and skill-based spells should be familiar to Saga Edition and "M&M"2e players.

Speaking of compatibility, Fantasy Craft has relatively few examples of monsters and magic items, but it does provide guidelines for converting them from other D20 games. There are also good rules on poisons, traps, and worldbuilding that I'll probably end up using.

The bottom line: The Boston-area "F.B.I." face-to-face group is still using D&D4e, and the "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team has moved to Pathfinder, so I don't see us needing Fantasy Craft anytime soon. However, I would consider it (and Warriors & Warlocks for "M&M"2e) for future miniseries or to supplement longer-term D20 fantasy campaigns.

Here are links to some reviews:

http://www.crafty-games.com/node/348
http://www.penandpapergames.com/foru...ad.php?t=12248
http://gamecryer.com/2009/09/25/fantasy-craft/
http://www.robotviking.com/2009/09/1...your-d20-game/
http://www.rpgnow.com/product_review...ducts_id=63884
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=468327

For the Pathfinder fans out there, coming after the well-received Core Book and Bestiary are the Game Master's Guide and Advanced Player's Guide. Happy gaming, -Gene

P.S.: I've posted the following poll on the Yahoo/eGroups site -- vote in the Polls section! Which of these alternatives to "Dungeons & Dragons" Fourth Edition interests you most?

-D&D3.5 or older editions
-D20 FantasyCraft
-D20 fantasy using Star Wars: Saga Edition
-GURPS 4e Lite and Fantasy
-Pathfinder (a.k.a. "D&D3.75")
-Savage Worlds
"True20 Fantasy
-Warriors & Warlocks for D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e
-Another rules set -- comment on message board
-I prefer D&D4e.

>>Another review of Pathfinder.
>>Might this have the right balance beyond PF and D&D4e? Fantasy Craft.

>The character creation and class diversity seems to be a strong point -- but we've never really struggled with that in 3.5. Likewise, attacks of opportunity -- they suck, but do we really want to completely deny people the ability to move when threatened? Magic as points/skill system seems fine, it just depends on how it's done.
>I do like Spycraft's way of doing critical hits -- the better you are, the bigger the range of rolls you can crit on, but you still have to spend Action Dice (Hero points?) to do so. Color me interested -- are you picking this up when it comes out? -Greg D.C.

>>Greg and fellow role-players, I am curious about alternative D20 approaches to fantasy besides D&D4e and "Pathfinder/D&D3.75," and I have ordered a copy of "Fantasy Craft." As with "Warriors & Warlocks" for "Mutants & Masterminds" 2nd Ed., I'm looking to balance our library and familiarity with D20 with simpler rules sets and a feel that matches how I view my campaign settings.
>>Sure, D&D4e has worked well enough for the "Faith-Based Initiative" face-to-face group, and I've been enjoying running "Pathfinder" for the "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team. I've also just gotten my hardcopy of the "Pathfinder Bestiary," which looks pretty good so far.
>>Have a Happy Halloween [2009], -Gene

>At a glance, FantasyCraft looks promising. I agree, I'm not happy about Pathfinder and I'm not excited by 4e. $50 is quite enough! At least it's not a WFRP price tag ($100, including special dice and gimmicks -- gah!)
>I found and downloaded a pack of sample PCs for FantasyCraft. They're awfully complex. Completed PC sheets are from 3 to 5 pages long. Looking through them makes me appreciate (again) the relative simplicity and internal coherence of Savage Worlds, where a low-level PC (perhaps minus equipment) could be described on a 3x5 card.
> Final thought -- sorry it's coming to me in pieces late this afternoon -- I think a *good* conversion of Star Wars: Saga Edition to fantasy would be ideal. I think there are one or two variants kicking around, but I'm not sure existing interpretations have hit the quality bar yet. -Brian W.

>>Brian, I agree that the "Star Wars: Saga Edition" has many of the things we would have liked to see in D&D4e. How much tweaking would the fan-written conversions require to be workable for us? I suspect it might still be easier than dealing with the plethora of rules in D&D3.x/Pathfinder or D&D4e... -Gene

>Hey Gene! I found this link, http://www.d20pfsrd.com/, while poking around looking for the next publication date of the Pathfinder core rulebook, and I thought you might find it useful. -Hans C.H.

>>Thanks, Hans! I've been pretty happy with my "Pathfinder" books and PDFs so far. -Gene

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.58 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 2 November 2009:

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.

After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....

"11 to 15 May 1229 B.C.E.:" After many travels, the "Faith-Based Initiative" resumed its quest for the Helm of Gunnar, the last of three Barbari artifacts. The adventuring party left the border village of Crontar and the stronghold of Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord "Saerek" [Greg D.C./Non-Player Character] and rode into the Bamor Mountains.

"Rache" [Paul J.] recommended going to Tekugi to find a map of trade routes into the Underdark, but Dwarf Paladin "Kof" [Alex J.] noted that the city was still occupied by forces of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri.

"Kimo" [Beruk A.] and "Val" [Brian W.] used their existing maps and a blood-encrusted dagger provided by Saerek to conduct a Magic Map ritual. The Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) and Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock suspended the blade above the maps with a ribbon and a gem. It first pointed northeast toward Gisokuri, capital of Gokuri, then back to Crontar!

The arcanists determined that since Saerek was the owner of the dagger, it would turn toward him, but they considered casting the ritual again later to help locate the helm. "August" [Greg] said the badges of the "Deathwatch Clan," recently taken from some Wolven, might help the group enter Tekugi.

Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Rogue August tracked down Thunderin' Willy, a Halfling smuggler. Willy thanked the "F.B.I." for the mules and cart he had bought months ago and said his cousin Harfang was no longer able to sneak into Tekugi by barge.

After some discussion, Skaevingol Warlord "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] and company decided to head north rather than risk detection by the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves). The team headed northwest around Bedoni Lake through misty marshes. Red-skinned Val became lightheaded after inhaling some swamp gas.

As Dragonborn Fighter "Tonks" [Sara F./absent] helped pitch camp and hobble the horses at dusk, August noticed three graceful boats covered in leaves approaching. Eleven Quelanthi (High Elves/Eladrin) disembarked, and scruffy Kurick hailed them. The Fey folk also carried three chests, the contents of which they declined to identify.

Three of the Elves spoke Hifalendorin: leader Gilthanis, stern Haldir, and elegant Falisteriel. Gruff Kof offered to share the campfire, and they exchanged Fey wine and Devil's Piss, both extremely potent potables. A raucus round of singing ensued.

Stealthy August circled around to check out the chests. The scout snuck into the back of one tent, disabled two large bladders of poison, and found ingots of gold bearing the stamped seal of Gokuri.

Val noted that something seemed off with the wine, but Kurick drank it and was temporarily incapacitated, as was one of the Elves from Kof's flagon. When he hit the ground, the Elf no longer appeared lithe and fair but was revealed as some sort of Goblin!

Thanks to the flowing liquor, it took a few moments for the "F.B.I." and the so-called Quelanthi to realize what had happened. August left the tent and spotted two Shambling Mounds in the darkling woods. Renshai Dervish (Scandinavian-style Barbarian) Rache swung his sword at a Spriggan.

Kof mounted his boar and charged, as robed Kimo cast Force Orb. One of Shambling Mounds unleashed lightning at the Dwarf, and thorns from the Spriggans injured Kof, Val, and Kurick. The Warlord shook off the effects of the alcohol but missed the three Gnome-like creaturs surrounding him.

Two of the Spriggans were hit by Val's Howl of Doom, and clawed Tonks guarded the steeds. August's sneak attack dazed one Shambling Mound, and he moved closer to the camp. Rache shifted over to Kimo and Kof and killed one enemy, while Kimo's Fireburst damaged the regenerating Shambler.

Kof, a holy warrior of Otih, god of the sun and justice, called upon the Wrath of the Gods, and his boar knocked another Fey foe prone. One vine-covered Shambling Mound and several sharp-toothed Spriggans wounded Rache and Val, who fell back. Szaboch, Val's imp assistant, became visible, while Zibu, Kimo's monkey familiar, hid.

Kurick knocked several Spriggans prone and finished one off but was bloodied. August dropped another with a head shot from his crossbow and shifted back toward Rache, who destroyed the smaller Shambler. Kof invoked Paladin's Judgment and activated Healing Surges through his axe.

Kimo's Maze of Mirrors and Thunderwave missed the Fey goblinoids, but he had more luck with a second spell. The remaining Shambling Mound whipped at Kof, as the nasty Spriggans swarmed Kimo, Val, and Rache. Kof's steed was blown over by a pernicious blast of bad wind. Val teleported toward August and missed with Flames of Phlegethos.

Kurick called upon Warlord's Favor and Steel Monsoon to aid his fellows, and August killed one Spriggan and ordered another to surrender. Rache charged, slaying three more, while Kof healed Kurick and then also charged. Kimo missed and maneuvered, as he, Val, and Rache were again injured.

Val's Thief of Five Fates missed, but he managed to hit with his mace. Kurick moved to kill another Spriggan and issued a Divine Challenge to the enemy spellcaster. August, satisfied that one "Elf" had surrendered, bound his wounds.

The battle raged on, with Rache leaping and hacking with his sword. Kof delivered a Piercing Smite before healing Val and himself with Martyr's Retribution. The Paladin used Benign Transposition to protect the party, which the relentless Spriggans continued to attack.

Val cast Hellish Rebuke, and Kurick's Stand the Fallen and Commander's Strike helped rally their side. Kof finally dropped the second Shambler with a Staggering Smite, as the remaining Spriggans were felled by Rache and Kurick. Kimo searched the corpses for treasure.

August claimed the poison and interrogated the sole prisoner. "Haldir" explained that his band had been given gold and the trapped chests by the Unseelie Court (Nannuattan in Gisokuri) to bring to the Seelie Court (Quelanthi in Alfhileno). The reformed Rogue planned to deliver the Spriggan to the proper authorities in the hamlet of Sonamtil. The "F.B.I." continued to ride north, with the Bedoni Lake to the east and the Wisalef Forest to the west.

Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, the [Pathfinder teleconferencing] team known as "Holy Steel" prepared for the kenbet (trial) for treason of "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.]. The Paladin of Isis also searched for the missing Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H.], while Rogue "Milos" [Beruk] readied an expedition into the eastern desert to thwart sacrilegious smugglers and cultists of Set....

Sara, we missed you at this week's game! Beruk, please let her know what share "Tonks" got of recent booty. Have a good week, -Gene

>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of November 2009:

-Paul J.-"Rache Calistonson"-male Renshai Barbarian (Scandinavian-style Dervish) and former member of the "Broken Chains"; LGn, Lvl. 9

-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice, with boar steed; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9

-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara Swift-tail; NGl, Age 19, Level 9

-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9

-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)

>>Associates and Guests:

-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9

-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5

-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1

-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1

-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1

-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, I hope you had a Happy Halloween! Dexter and Paul, we missed you again at last night's Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing session! Here is my update for our heroic fantasy game, which I ran using Skype on Sunday, 1 November 2009:

"1 to 4 January 1229 B.C.E.:" The adventurers known as "Holy Steel" had journeyed from the "Vanished Lands" to the empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt), where Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H./absent] disappeared during a diplomatic mission to to the court of Pharaoh Ramses II. In the meantime, her companions thwarted evil cultists of Set at the pyramid of Unas and prepared for "Ibrahim's" [Byron V.O.] kenbet (trial) for treason.

The capital of Pi-Ramesses (Per-Ramesse) was in mourning for the recent deaths of Prince Ramessu and Queen Isetnofret, and pesedjer Ghazi/Khery-heb (human Paladin/Wizard) Ibrahim returned to house arrest after reporting to his superiors at the temple of Amun.

"Milos" [Beruk A.] left his hotel and resumed his cover operation as a metals merchant. In the markets, the pesedjer khebenti (human Rogue) learned that the rains and annual Nile flood had come late and that farmers were worrying. A famine could further undermine the long-lived pharaoh's rule.

Outside the city, Caracal-woman Shikari (feline Ranger) Raziya and awakened cat Rafi tracked down the dragons Quenamun and Thilgatha, and Khery-heb (Wizard) "Derek" [Paul J./absent] prepared to return to his world (Paul's Pathfinder: "Crossroads of Eternity").

Ibrahim had told Hunumethet that Prince Sethemwie had been involved in the desecration of Unas' tomb. He asked for guard Ibu to be reassigned away from danger. The king's charioteer also examined his villa with fellow Ghazi Nebkar and Eseteri Kahin (Elf Druid) Arianna for signs of scrying.

Milos discreetly contacted Hartal, a Hittite trader, while qedeshot (Bard) Nialla and Guti shaman (Cleric/Battledancer) Vian observed that commerce had increased with the rising Assyrian empire to the northeast. Hartal mentioned that he had heard of smugglers selling items stolen from Egyptian tombs to a woman named Shal-belit in the Arabian Desert.

The next day, Ibrahim met with Osaze, his legal counsel, to prepare for the kenbet. The holy warrior told Osaze all about how he had uncovered sacrilege and a potential coup conspiracy reaching from the dusty tomb of Unas all the way to Prince Sethemwie! They began drawing up lists of evidence and witnesses to present to Ramses.

Although the three awakened cats and custos (intelligent khopesh) Akhu had been sent away, Ibrahim and Milos stayed in touch via enchanted Earrings of the Wolf. Milos discreetly contacted Tahmeser, a member of the Medjai (secret police) serving Prince Khaemwaset.

"Holy Steel" asked the prince and high priest of Thoth, god of knowledge, if he could use the Scroll of Neheb-Kau to reveal nonhuman followers of Set during Ibrahim's trial in the Jubilee Hall. Khaemwaset replied that such a ritual would be highly irregular but said he would look into it.

Quenamun and Thilgatha said they had heard that Faelonia was last seen heading into the western deserts with one of "her kind" -- another Drow (western Dark Elf), possibly the nefarious Lady Dalesta of Zuromm! Ibrahim said he would try to find his friend once his name was cleared and before returning to the "Vanished Lands."

Ibrahim asked Osaze to send a summons to several people, including Gamal Teknut, an inquisitor he had met many months before. He also learned that Habtu, a high priest of Set slain at Unas' mortuary temple, was a member of pharaoh's advisory council!

Neb went to talk with Admiral Refuet regarding affairs on the "big green" (the Mediterranean Sea), as Arianna tried to determine if the drought was magically caused. The priestesses of Isis informed Ibrahim that the cursed items he and his companions had received from the mysterious Gamal Iblis could be fixed, but they would all need to be present.

Milos asked the dragons and Raziya to track down the smugglers of stolen relics and recruited Djekari, a Nubian archer formerly stationed at Fort Tharvu. Followers of serpent-headed Set had accused Djekari of treason, and he had been exiled after his own kenbet.

Ibrahim and Neb continued their meetings with Osaze and various friendly Clerics, while Milos and Nialla eventually learned of Kamil Zuhar, a supplier to the temples of Set. They lost contact with Faelonia and Derek, but Raziya, Arianna, Vian, and Djekari rode east to hunt smugglers, with Quenamun and Thilgatha providing air support....

Sometime later and far to the northeast, the [Boston-area face-to-face group] "Faith-Based Initiative" fought Wolven of the Deathstalker Clan on the Plains of Sathendo before arriving at the stronghold of "Saerek" [Greg D.C./N.P.C.]. The Skaevingol warlord offered help in finding the Helm of Gunnar, but Zarendo Islander Wizard "Kimo" [Beruk] and others were wary of his intentions. "Rache" [Paul] joined the party, which planned to go into the Underdark....

I'll reply to your follow-up questions and post statistics for Raziya and Faelonia later this week. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

>>Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" team roster (as of autumn 2009/"winter 1230 B.C.E."):

-"Faelonia Telcontar" [Dexter V.H.]-female Drow (western Dark Elf) Ranger/Aristocrat, ambassador, and champion of Vulkan; NGl, Level 12/2

-"Rellim Dorathan" [Mark M./Non-Player Character]-male Quelanthi Fighter/Cleric of Aerdary (High Elf: Labelas), friend of Faelonia; CGn, Lvl. 5/5

-"Noony..."-male Svirfneblin "scout" (Deep Gnome Rogue) and follower of Faelonia; NGc, Lvl. 8

-"Argentis"-female young adult silver Dragon Sorcerer, companion of Faelonia, along with wolf Facon and hawk Azrael; NGl, Lvl. 5

-"Dalis"-Heart Bow, Protector of the Wild, intelligent artifact currently borne by Faelonia, along with the Bracers of Air Control, NGl

-"Ibrahim al-Sufaia" [Byron V.O.]-male Suthern human Ghazi/Khery-heb (Egyptian Paladin/Wizard) of Isis and former "Dragonslayer"; age 27, LGn, Level 13/3

-"Nebkar 'Neb' Khaneferu"-male Suthern human sailor/Ghazi (Paladin) of Ishmas, former follower of Jaguar Woman Ranger "Grace" [Carolyn M.P.] currently attached to Ibrahim's team; LGn, Lvl. 1/7

-"Arianna Leafsplitter"-female Sylvan (Wood) Elf Druid and follower of Ibrahim; TNg, Lvl. 8

-"Quenamun"-female young adult gold Dragon Cleric of Bahamut and steed of Ibrahim, along with Blink Dog "Bink" [Stuart C.G./N.P.C.]; LGn, Lvl. 6

-"Akhu"-male Custos (enchanted khopesh), former Paladin of Ishmas/Isis and mentor to Ibrahim; LGn

-"Milos Valoren" [Beruk A.]-male Barbari human scout [Rogue/Fighter/Gatecrasher from Ted A.H.'s D&D3 "Solar Gods: the Ether Wars"] and former "Liberator"; age 27, CGn, Lvl. 10/3/3

-"Thilgatha/Rhiannen?"-female young adult copper Dragon Fighter and companion of Milos; CGn

-"Nialla Burkin"-female Suthern human Qedeshot/Battle Dancer (Bard/Monk), former crewmember of the "Dragon's Bane" and follower of Milos; NGc, Lvl. 7/1

-"Vian"-female human Guti shaman (barbarian healer/Battledancer) and follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 9

-"Djekari"-male Nubian human archer formerly stationed at Fort Tharvu, exile from Egypt and newest follower of Milos; CGn, Lvl. 7

>>Associates:

-"Lord Mage Derek Ranell" [Paul J.]-male human Wizard from a Prime Material plane parallel to the "Vanished Lands" (Paul J.'s "Crossroads of Eternity"); contact of Ibrahim and Faelonia; age 30, NGc, Lvl. 16

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.58 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 26 October 2009:

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.

After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....

"1 to 10 May 1229 B.C.E.:" The "Faith-Based Initiative" had traveled across several realms and resumed its quest for the Helm of Gunnar, the last of three Barbari relics. The adventuring party departed from the Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human village of Pledwilt, which "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] had renamed "Stormhold" as his new fiefdom.

About six months after helping defend Neldar from a horde of humanoids from Gokuri, Kurick and company returned to the depopulated village. The Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord went to a fortified encampment across a stream and reported to Sir Remy Hotspur, a member of the "King's Cavaliers."

While "August" [Greg D.C.] reopened his free falafel stand, "Kof" [Alex J.], "Kimo" [Beruk A.], "Val" [Brian W.], and "Tonks" [Sara F.] observed the farmers and local militia. Udz, a peasant, told human Rogue August that the armies led by the nefarious Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves) had not attacked in several months, possibly because they were waiting for harvest.

Dwarf Paladin Kof treated some sick and injured people, learning of several deaths from illness. Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) Kimo and Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock Val searched for signs of magical interference but found none. Dragonborn Fighter Tonks found the villagers suspicious of her, mistaking her for a Draconian.

The group rested for one night, using an empty set of barracks. The next morning, Sir Remy learned that a patrol had gone missing. Shaggy Kurick offered to check on it on his way to Crontar, a town on Bedoni Lake's southern shore. Riding out, they spotted a wyvern flying away.

At a ruined monastery, the wanderers found the remains of eight soldiers, whom righteous Kof gave proper burials. Scout August (replacing Ranger "Dante" [Paul J.], who had left the group) noticed tracks of clawed creatures leading northeast.

They later split, with a group of smaller Bakemono (eastern Goblins) going south and some larger Wolven going north. The "F.B.I." followed the canine humanoids through a ravine and some woods, catching up to them on the open plains.

August and Kurick fired crossbows, as robed Kimo cast Stinking Cloud. Val missed with his first Eldritch Blast, and Kof and Tonks readied for the Wolven charge. Scaled Tonks rode her horse into battle, marking an opponent. Kimo moved his magical cloud to follow the enemy, suffocating one.

Not far away, "Rache" [Paul] heard sounds of combat and went to investigate. Kof spurred his boar steed and charged toward the leader of the Wolven warband. August held his position, while horned Val marked one of the eight raiders. One of them hit Tonks with a great club, and Kurick readied his hammer.

Mighty Tonks drew her Oath Blade, knocking a Wolfen prone, and Kimo cast Phantom Bolt but missed the swift attackers. Renshai Dervish (Scandinavian-style Barbarian) Rache charged with a combat surge, while Kof smote the lead Wolfen.

Stealthy August shot quarrels at the rearguard, and Val maneuvered, casting Flames of Phlegethos. The Wolven injured Tonks and Kimo with their blades and claws. Kurick invoked his patron Torr and issued a Divine Challenge, as Tonks repeatedly smacked a Wolfen with her enchanted weapon.

Wary Kimo went Invisible, as blonde swordsman Rache rode his white horse to aid Kurick. Kof knocked down another Wolfen and went to Lay on Hands on Tonks. August defended the party spellcasters, throwing shurikens and immobilizing one foe. Val struck another Wolfen, as the pack tried to maul Kof's boar.

Bold Kurick knocked 'em down and invoked Warlord's Favor for Val with the battle cry "Death and taxes!" Tonks slayed one Wolfen, while Kimo cast Path of Daggers. Rache used Avalanche Strike, and mounted Kof defeated another furred fighter that was attacking Tonks. Accurate August badly injured another Wolfen and killed a second prone one.

Val grabbed a mace and struck, as some Wolven circled Kof. Kurick felled another foe and mistook Rache for Roga Far-runner, a follower of his lost in the Therud Forest. Kimo again moved his Stinking Cloud, while Kof turned for another charge. The Wolven hit Rache and Kurick before they themselves were finished.

Kimo supervised the searching of the carcasses for magical weapons and armor. Val found that the Wolven had been carrying the beheaded body of a human guard, which Kof and Tonks laid to rest. August took brooches in the shape of a skull, which Kurick said denoted the Gokuri scouts as members of the Deathwatch Clan.

The "F.B.I." welcomed Rache, a former member of the "Broken Chains" in the distant Halmed Desert. The group later camped by the Bedoni River, where it met four centaurs: Kasaka, Thota, Makion, and Emianna. Kasaka warned the humans, Tiefling, and Dragonborn that they were in Fey folk territory, near the Wisalef Forest.

The centaurs agreed to help hunt the band of Goblins whose tracks August had found and to warn Neldar and Gen. Dreogan in Pledwilt/Stormhold. The next morning, the sometime mercenaries continued on to Crontar. From there, they went to the hilltop stronghold of "Saerek Aesgeirr" [Greg/Non-Player Character], another Skaevingol warlord.

Kurick hailed Saerek and announced his intention to go into the Bamor Mountains (and the Underdark beneath them) in search of the Helm of Gunnar. Previously, the "F.B.I." had retrieved the Spear of Vorod and given it to Saerek, and the Horn of Connor was in Stormhold. All three relics could help reunite the Barbari tribes once ruled by King Cormac more than a century ago.

The Skald (Bard) Ithac noted that Gokuri's dragon armies had not recently attacked the northwestern remnants of the Gusorin Confederation, which were protected by warlords Saerek, "Kyrene of Harsuth" [Angela M.B./N.P.C.], and "Tim-Floyd" [Steve M./N.P.C.]. However, the northern city of Tekugi was still under Nannuattan control, and the southern port of Gisar was ruled by vampires and other Undead.

Cradling his great sword, "the Prosecution," Saerek expressed his desire for the three artifacts, but some of his visitors preferred that they be spread among chieftains friendly to Hifalendor. Saerek offered assistance in finding the Helm of Gunnar, with the condition that it must be brought to his stronghold.

Ithac said he could help Kimo and Val with rituals to find the enchanted helmet, and Rache asked to look at Saerek's maps. Kof and Tonks helped the party resupply, while August inquired about the Grugach (Wild Elves) and Tsucharim tribes.

Apparently, Gen. Shin Kyong-tsu and the Korobokuru (eastern Dwarves) had diverted some of Gokuri's attention north. Chromatic dragons and their legions had continued to gather around the Temple of Elemental Evil in Mount Gruldar.

The group then debated whether to accept Saerek's offer and conditions. Rache, Kurick, and August said that any help in finding the Helm of Gunnar could save time and effort, while Kof, Kimo, and Val were wary of the warlord, who already had the Spear of Vorod and who declined to explain how he would help a ritual.

Rache deduced that Saerek, like Kurick and other chiefs, could be a descendant of King Cormac. Kurick noted that the "F.B.I." would eventually have to pass through Crontar anyway on its way back to Stormhold, and August pointed out that Saerek had a reputation as a harsh but fair protector.

Kof strenuously objected, saying that Saerek didn't share the risk incurred by the people undertaking the quest into the Underdark. Kimo was uncertain about concentrating power in the hands of any one warlord, and Val observed that Saerek was more cunning than most of his peers. Tonks declined to vote.

The travelers eventually agreed to ask Ereval [Steve A.L./N.P.C.], high king of the Waletku kingdom of the Elves, to arbitrate when and if they retrieved the helm. They viewed the Seelie Court as impartial about the affairs of Gusorin warlords and decided to head into the Bamor Mountains without Saerek and Ithac's ritual aid....

Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, [Pathfinder teleconferencing team] "Holy Steel" arrived at Pi-Ramesses, capital of the empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt). Paladin "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.] reported on the cult of Set's activities to his superiors at the temple of Amun before returning to house arrest. Rogue "Milos" [Beruk] delivered the Book of Thoth to Prince Khaemwaset and resumed his disguise as a merchant....

>Treasure list [for D&D4e "F.B.I." Session 58, 26 Oct. 2009]
+2 Armor 360gp
+2 Bloodcut Armor 4,200 (840 sell/components)
Armor: Leather, Hide; Enhancement: AC
Power (Healing Surge): Minor Action. While you are bloodied, use this armor to gain resist 10 to all damage until the end of your next turn. (Val has claimed)
+2 Ghostphase Armor 4,200 (840 sell/components) Armor: Cloth
Power (Daily): Minor Action. Become insubstantial until the end of your next turn
-Lifedrinker +2 longsword 5,000 (1000 sell/components)
Enhancement: Attack rolls and damage rolls; Critical: +1d6 necrotic damage per plus
Property: When you drop an enemy to 0 hit points or fewer with a melee attack made with this weapon, gain 5 temporary hit points.
-50 gold pieces for guides; Leaves 832gp in party fund
>What do you know, bloodcut armor is the armor of choice! Well, last nights treasure totals and distribution no prices for stuff distributed:
-Bracers of Defense and Belt of Sacrifice to Kurick
+2 Club of Berzerker rage to Koff
-Bloodcut armor ground to residuum 840 altogether 120 gp each
700 g.p. (100 each)
832 g.p. in party fund.
>By the way, I know we missed a couple of sessions this month, based on last loot list we have 260 gp in residuum due for all of us (know one clamed the cloth armor or necrotic sword listed below). Did everyone add that to their inventory? -Beruk A./"Kimo"

>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of October 2009:

-Paul J.-"Rache Calistonson"-male Renshai Barbarian (Scandinavian-style Dervish) and former member of the "Broken Chains"; LGn, Lvl. 9

-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice, with boar steed; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9

-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara Swift-tail; NGl, Age 19, Level 9

-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9

-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)

>>Associates and Guests:

-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9

-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5

-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1

-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1

-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1

-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, I hope you had a good weekend. The pet cemetery tours that Janice and I helped with for the Animal Rescue League of Boston went well, despite the rain.

Dexter and Paul, we missed you at last night's Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing session! Here is my update for that heroic fantasy game, which I ran using Skype on Sunday, 25 October 2009:

"28 to 31 December 1230 B.C.E.:" The team known as "Holy Steel" had traveled from the "Vanished Lands" to the distant empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt), where they encountered plots perpetrated by cultists of Set. While on a diplomatic mission at the court of Pharaoh Ramses II, Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H./absent] had disappeared, but her companions had recovered the Book of Thoth from the pyramid of Unas.

The travelers approached Pi-Ramesses (Per-Ramesse) from Bubastis to the south, along the mighty Nile River. Khery-heb (Wizard) "Derek" [Paul J./absent] cast Nondetection on the case carrying the Book of Thoth and noted that he would soon have to return to his world (Paul's Pathfinder: "Crossroads of Eternity").

After some discussion, "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.] said he would enter the capital first. The pesedjer Ghazi/Khery-heb (human Paladin/Wizard) planned to report at the temple of Amun, accompanied by fellow Ghazi Nebkar, Eseteri Kahin (Elf Druid) Arianna, and Ibu, the officer assigned to escort him while he was on temporary release from house arrest while awaiting a kenbet (trial) for treason.

"Milos" [Beruk A.] reluctantly agreed to bring the Book of Thoth to Prince Khaemwaset, the high priest of the god of knowledge, head of the Medjai (secret police), and the archaeologists' royal patron. The pesedjer khebenti (human Rogue/Gatecrasher) donned local garb with qedeshot (Bard) Nialla and shaman (Cleric) Vian.

Caracal-woman Shikari (feline Ranger) Raziya and awakened cat Rafi stayed outside the city with Derek to search for dragons Quenamun and Thilgatha, as well as Faelonia and her squad. They hoped to stay one step ahead of the evil followers of Set.

Neb acquired a boat for Ibrahim and company, who openly entered Pi-Ramesses' north gate. They noticed an ancient silver dragon and a surprised blue drake guarding the area. Ibu announced Ibrahim's return and got an armed escort to the temple of Amun, god of rulership. Ibu carried evidence for Ibrahim, who was searched.

During the commotion caused by the accused shova (traitor), Milos slipped into Avaris through its southern gate, where he had previously spotted with his spyglass a huge black dragon playing senet, a board game, with an ancient brass dragon. Nialla pondered about what could compel -- and feed -- so many large creatures working together.

Bold Ibrahim and his followers strode right into the temple of Amun before being stopped by priests and guards. The king's charioteer demanded to be brought to Hunumethet, chief ghazi of Isis. She came to him with 12 armed Ghaffir and 12 priestesses, and they went to talk privately.

Relieved to be among friends (for the moment), Ibrahim gave a full report on his findings at the pyramid of Unas, including how cultists of Set had desecrated the tomb. He presented evidence, including Memory Crystals with images of the sacrilege, weapons from summoned monsters, and rubbings taken of altered enscriptions.

The Clerics of the goddess of magic were shocked as Ibrahim, Arianna, and Neb described demonic guards and the dimensional portal installed in a mortuary temple. Most damning of all was a letter linking Prince Sethemwie, the current crown prince, to the illegal activities.

Hunumethet expressed dismay and noted that the items must be shown at Ibrahim's kenbet, both to clear his name and to uncover a potential coup. She also agreed to hold the evidence until the knight needed it, because he would again be searched and interrogated back under house arrest.

Meanwhile, out in the dusty streets, Milos hid the Book of Thoth in a cart of onions and rode past apartments, warehouses, and palaces to the temple of Ptah. The stealthy Rogue covertly notified one of the Medjai of his presence and was led by an old woman to a small courtyard behind the temple of Utu.

There, Milos, Nialla, and Vian found several people preparing fragrant foods, including fresh bread, stews, and roast duck. While making small talk with the old lady, Milos realized that she was Khaemwaset in disguise!

They discreetly discussed getting the relic to safety and Ibrahim's situation. The prince told the khebenti to avoid the villa he had rented previously, as well as the chapel of Isis, because they were being watched by Settites. Learning of a decent hotel, Milos left the artifact in the temple precincts with the disguised high priest.

Before leaving the temple of Amun, Ibrahim swapped his enchanted plate-mail for a less valuable suit and handed over custos (intelligent khopesh) Akhu for safekeeping. Hunumethet said she would send some troops south to Saqqara to secure the pyramid of Unas but explained that she could not yet openly defy Prince Sethemwie.

Amid confused crowds, Ibrahim returned to the custody of the pharaoh's guards, some of whom were doubtless agents of serpent-headed Set. Although the empire was still mourning the deaths of Prince Ramessu and Queen Isetnofret, he hoped for a speedy trial to thwart Sethemwie's plot.

Elsewhere in the port city, Milos cautiously resumed his cover as a merchant and expected to hear from agents of Assyria....

Sometime later and far to the northeast, the [face-to-face Boston-area D&D4e party] "Faith-Based Initiative" stopped by the village of Pledwilt on the Plains of Sathendo. The wanderers helped "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] set up his fiefdom of "Stormhold" before continuing on their way to the Bamor Mountains and (they hoped) the Helm of Gunnar....


As always, please stay in touch with one another and remember to update your Player Character records. Also, we'll all need to review our notes on relevant N.P.C.s in Pi-Ramesses before next weekend! Take it easy, and have a Happy Halloween, -Gene

>>Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" team roster (as of autumn 2009/"winter 1230 B.C.E."):

-"Faelonia Telcontar" [Dexter V.H.]-female Drow (western Dark Elf) Ranger/Aristocrat, ambassador, and champion of Vulkan; NGl, Level 12/2

-"Rellim Dorathan" [Mark M./Non-Player Character]-male Quelanthi Fighter/Cleric of Aerdary (High Elf: Labelas), friend of Faelonia; CGn, Lvl. 5/5

-"Noony..."-male Svirfneblin "scout" (Deep Gnome Rogue) and follower of Faelonia; NGc, Lvl. 8

-"Argentis"-female young adult silver Dragon Sorcerer, companion of Faelonia, along with wolf Facon and hawk Azrael; NGl, Lvl. 5

-"Dalis"-Heart Bow, Protector of the Wild, intelligent artifact currently borne by Faelonia, along with the Bracers of Air Control, NGl

-"Ibrahim al-Sufaia" [Byron V.O.]-male Suthern human Ghazi/Khery-heb (Egyptian Paladin/Wizard) of Isis and former "Dragonslayer"; age 27, LGn, Level 13/3

-"Nebkar 'Neb' Khaneferu"-male Suthern human sailor/Ghazi (Paladin) of Ishmas, former follower of Jaguar Woman Ranger "Grace" [Carolyn M.P.] currently attached to Ibrahim's team; LGn, Lvl. 1/7

-"Arianna Leafsplitter"-female Sylvan (Wood) Elf Druid and follower of Ibrahim; TNg, Lvl. 8

-"Quenamun"-female young adult gold Dragon Cleric of Bahamut and steed of Ibrahim, along with Blink Dog "Bink" [Stuart C.G./N.P.C.]; LGn, Lvl. 6

-"Akhu"-male Custos (enchanted khopesh), former Paladin of Ishmas/Isis and mentor to Ibrahim; LGn

-"Milos Valoren" [Beruk A.]-male Barbari human scout [Rogue/Fighter/Gatecrasher from Ted A.H.'s D&D3 "Solar Gods: the Ether Wars"] and former "Liberator"; age 27, CGn, Lvl. 10/3/3

-"Thilgatha/Rhiannen?"-female young adult copper Dragon Fighter and companion of Milos; CGn

-"Nialla Burkin"-female Suthern human Qedeshot/Battle Dancer (Bard/Monk), former crewmember of the "Dragon's Bane" and follower of Milos; NGc, Lvl. 7/1

-"Vian"-female human Guti shaman (barbarian healer) and follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 9

-"Onslow"-male Demi-Elf (Half-Drow/human) Barbarian from the "Crossroads of Eternity" [Paul J.'s D&D3.75 campaign] and late follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 8

>>Associates:

-"Lord Mage Derek Ranell" [Paul J.]-male human Wizard from a Prime Material plane parallel to the "Vanished Lands" (Paul J.'s "Crossroads of Eternity"); age 30, NGc, Lvl. 16

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.57 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 19 October 2009:

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.

After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....

"26 to 30 April 1229 B.C.E.:" After encountering warlords, witches, and monsters and wandering across forests, deserts, and seas, the "Faith-Based Initiative" had resumed its quest for the Helm of Gunnar, the third of three Barbari relics. The adventurers rode north from Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

After stopping in the villages of Histarnali and Chevroln, the party approached Pledwilt, which "Baronet Kurick" [Dave S.C.] planned to rename "Stormhold," since the Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord had been granted the area as his fiefdom. But first, he had to pass through some wooded hills.

"August" [Greg D.C.] spotted tracks of two giants and crept ahead until he could see their camp. The Hifalendorin scout (Rogue) reported back to his companions. Kurick volunteered to talk with the large humanoids, and "Kimo" [Beruk A.], "Val" [Brian W.], and "Tonks" [Sara F.] went with him.

Bold Kurick introduced himself to the hide-clad giants, who were named Blodget and Piker. They were wary of Tonks, confusing the Dragonborn Fighter with the Draconians of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri. Val claimed to be a satyr, but the Firbolgs recognized the Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock as something else.

After Val, Tonks, and Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) Kimo went away, the giants shared their stag dinner with Kurick. He learned that they had been poaching livestock from farms rather than fight for the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves) of Gokuri. The Warlord offered Blodget and Piker a place in his nascent army, and they agreed to visit Stormhold the next day.

Meanwhile, Hifalendorin Ranger "Dante" [Paul J.] had pitched camp nearby. (Dwarf Paladin "Kof" [Alex J./absent] had stayed behind in Chevroln.) Later that evening, Kimo and Tonks were surprised when three beings emerged from their campfire!

Kimo cast Ghost Sound to rouse his companions, and Val chatted with the three Phoelarchs, who came from the Great Sea of Chaos. Confused, they asked if anybody in the camp was Fey and had summoned them to the Prime Material Plane. The Wizard and Warlock confirmed that the flame-haired folk weren't infernal or abyssal in origin and determined that something in the woods must have temporarily weakened the barriers between worlds.

In exchange for some arcane lore and a glimpse of an old Skaevingol treaty, the robed Phoelarch told Val and Kurick a bit of the history of the Temple of Elemental Evil in Mount Gruldar, an active volcano in the Bamor Mountains. It was once home to numerous elementals (and Tieflings) before being taken over by necromancers and then the Nannuattan and their chromatic dragon allies many years ago. They also said they had heard of Skaevingol worshipping Surtur and Loki as evil fire deities.

The Phoelarch's escort released a Phoera, a blazing bird, to hunt, while the third elemental stood quietly in his armor and watched. Dante noticed the two Firbolgs paying close attention to the conversation. Kimo and new follower "Kirara Swift-Tail" [Sara F./Non-Player Character], noted that their fiery door might be closing, so the Phoelarchs left before dawn.

The "F.B.I." emerged from the woods and approached the village of Pledwilt. Members of the local militia rang an alarm bell upon seeing the two giants, but Kurick ordered them to stand down as his kinsman Gygar welcomed the new feudal lord. Gen. Saverio Dreogan reported that he was in the process of training the Skaevingol and Hifalendorin mercenaries whom Kurick had recruited in Hesolin.

Swift Dante found his father, Tergan Nentor, sitting in the town square with local headman "Tway" [Frank P.D./N.P.C.]. The Rogues were auditioning local women to be "goodwill ambassadors." Kurick approved, but Dante did not.

Robed Kimo and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara searched for fellow spellcasters, eventually finding a hedge mage, an herbalist, and an acolyte of Yondalla named Matteo. They offered to send two of them to Hesolin's Magisterium (magic school/library) for training to eventually help Kurick.

Stealthy August learned of Schuyler, a Halfling (Hobbit) troublemaker who had once stolen Tway's bed as a prank. He broke into Tway's home himself, carved a dummy from the mattress, and went to Schuyler's burrow to wait.

When the Halfling returned home from the "Curt Skirt" tavern, he was greeted by August's crossbow. The Rogue was pleased to find that Schuyler had a gift for vicious combat and said that he should hone his skills and report to Tergan.

Horned Val was assigned the unenviable task of auditing the county's finances. He was aided by Carl, a scribe from Kurick's troops, and Valerie, a Halfling merchant. Pledwilt was a prosperous farming community with about 700 inhabitants and occasional trade with Elves and Centaurs to the north, but the Tiefling found a shortfall in taxes. Val suspected that some Halflings were holding out.

Meanwhile, scaled Tonks taught self-defense maneuvers to some of the peasant women, aided by Skaevingol shield maidens. Although the Hifalendorin women were reluctant to take up weapons, Tergan noted that they would need to be able to defend themselves as "goodwill ambassadors" gathering information for him and Kurick.

Dante and Emile, head of the local militia, followed the two giants into the woods. The Ranger then sent the Firbolgs back to the leaders' tents, annoying his disappointed father. After a night's rest, Dante later headed west toward Grenville.

Val made an example of one Otto, a Halfling gentleman farmer. The accountant from Hell (literally) found secret stores of wine, trade goods, and even Elven-made arms and armor beneath Otto's burrow! Impervious to bribery, Val declined the offer of immediate payment of 1,000 crowns (gold pieces) and said the Halflings would have to pay their fair share of taxes to support Hifalendor's ongoing war efforts.

Kurick introduced Sgt. Hurn Lucasson to Gen. Dreogan, who agreed to send a few troops in return to Akkon Wotarif in Chevroln. They drew up plans to add a wooden palisade to Stormhold's new watchtowers. The soldiers also planned to test the enchanted Horn of Connor against enemy warbands near the town of Chevka.

In addition, the baronet appointed Emile, Matteo, and Otto to Stormhold's civilian council, where they would sit with military leaders Gygar, Saverio, and Tergan while Kurick continued his travels for now with the "F.B.I." Satisfied that the stronghold was strengthened and in good hands, the wanderers prepared to head to Bedoni Lake and, ultimately, the Underdark in search of the Helm of Gunnar....

Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, the [Pathfinder teleconferencing] team known as "Holy Steel" arrived in Mennefer (Memphis) while on an urgent mission in the empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt). Paladin "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.] learned that royal patron Prince Khaemwaset had been recalled to the court of Pharaoh Ramses II (from which Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H.] had disappeared) because of the recent death of his mother, Queen Isetnofret.

Ibrahim, Rogue "Milos" [Beruk], and their followers decided to travel to the capital of Pi-Ramesse to present evidence of a coup plot by cultists of Set. On the way, they fought Ogres riding giant centipedes! With help from priestesses of Bast, Wizard "Derek" [Paul] and company later traveled north to Bubastis, bearing the Book of Thoth....


It was good to see all of you at last week's D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" rules-light one-shot and at this week's games! Paul, please remember to bring my D&D4e "PHB2" to next week's session, and Beruk, do you have the Adventurer's Vault? Be seeing you, -Gene

>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of October 2009:

-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9

-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9

-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara Swift-tail; NGl, Age 19, Level 9

-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9

-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)

>>Associates and Guests:

-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5

-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1

-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1

-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1

-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, I hope you had a good weekend. Dexter, we missed you at last night's "Pathfinder: Holy Steel" teleconferencing session! Here is my update for that heroic fantasy game, which I ran using Skype on Sunday, 18 October 2009:

"25 to 27 December 1230 B.C.E.:" The adventurers known as "Holy Steel" had journeyed from the "Vanished Lands" to the distant empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt), where they had fought evil cultists of Set. Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H./absent] had disappeared while on a diplomatic mission at the court of Pharaoh Ramses II, but her companions had retrieved the Book of Thoth from the pyramid of Unas.

"Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.], "Milos" [Beruk A.], "Derek" [Paul J.], and their entourage avoided Saqqara after fighting a winged serpent. They hiked directly to Mennefer (Memphis) to present the relic to Prince Khaemwaset, the head of the Medjai (secret police), a priest of the god of knowledge, and their royal patron.

Pesedjer Ghazi/Khery-heb (human Paladin/Wizard) Ibrahim disguised himself as a mercenary. Neb, a fellow holy warrior of Isis, did likewise, as Eseteri Kahin (Sylvan Elf Druid) Arianna donned nomad's robes. Ibu continued to escort Ibrahim while he was on temporary release from house arrest and awaiting his kenbet (trial) for treason.

With the corpse of Khasti (Barbarian) Onslow in tow, pesedjer khebenti (human Rogue) Milos kept a low profile and headed toward the temple of ibis-headed Thoth. He was aided by qedeshot (Bard) Nialla and shaman (Cleric) Vian and accompanied by three awakened cats, including one named Rafi.

Khery-heb Derek kept an eye out for Settite pursuers, as Caracal-woman Shikari (feline Ranger) Raziya scouted ahead. As they passed the temple of Ptah, they noticed that the pilgrims, traders, and guards in Mennefer seemed subdued.

The wanderers learned from Nefretkep, a priest of Thoth, that Queen Isetnofret had "been called to join the gods." She was the mother of Khaemwaset and his older brother Ramessu, who had also recently died under mysterious circumstances. Khaemwaset had left for the capital of Pi-Ramesse.

Ibrahim warned Nefretkep to beware of cultists of serpent-headed Set and asked for help in quickly returning north. The Clerics referred the king's charioteer to Tabubu, a beautiful priestess of cat goddess Bast.

Smitten, Ibrahim presented Tabubu with a small silver case of celestial holy water and asked her to watch two of the party's awakened cats. The young woman was delighted and began preparing for a ritual plea to Bastet.

Milos got food, horses, and healing potions, while Derek and Ibrahim studied the case of the Book of Thoth, noting that it likely had layers of curses and other magical protections. They decided to tell no one about the artifact until they met with Khaemwaset.

An hour or so later, Tabubu invited "Holy Steel" to join hands in a teleportation circle, and they were swept like a sandstorm to Bubastis. The heroes rested for the night at Bast's temple before taking their leave of the priestesses.

Before dawn, the caravan got on the road following the mighty Nile River. It was soon waylaid by four giant centipedes with Ogre riders! Clever Derek cast Fireball, killing one centipede and injuring the others, and Raziya drew her long bow.

Armored Ibrahim swung his custos (enchanted sword) Akhu, missing, but Arianna's Entangle spell slowed their foes. Neb held his attack, as Ibu watched for enemy reinforcements. One centipede bit Neb's horse, injecting venom into the wound.

Agile Milos used his Flaming Slingshot and his Bag of Boulders, as Nialla cast Pyrotechnics. Vian cast Delay Poison on Neb's steed, and Rafi was held back from the entangling reeds by Arianna. Derek cast Whirling Blade at another rider, and Raziya loosed four arrows.

Ibrahim slayed two of the brutish Ogres, who were wearing Canaanite-style clothing. Arianna fell back and missed with a Precise Shot, but Neb killed one of the multilegged menaces. Ibu blocked a mace blow intended for Arianna and was hit in turn.

Milos checked for more foes with a spyglass and killed an Ogre with his crossbow. Nialla blinded another with Glitterdust, and Derek's Whirling Blade dropped another centipede. Neb layed on hands on his horse, as the others searched the bodies and tied up the last bandit.

Jaamiz spoke strangely, leading Ibrahim and Derek to deduce that the Ogres had been attracted to the Book of Thoth but were not in direct contact with the cult of Set. The party claimed a Lesser Mace of Resist Electricity (+1/10), a Mace of Spell Resistance (+1/+12), a +3 flail, and a Flail of Slay Good Outsiders (which they intended to redeem). Milos also retrieved four suits of +4 hide armor and amulets of Apophis and Set.

"Holy Steel" left the Ogre tied to a tree for local farmers and watchmen to find and rode on to Pi-Ramesse with evidence of a potential coup plot....

Meanwile, sometime later and far to the northeast, the [Boston-area D&D4e party] "Faith-Based Initiative" had decided to leave Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor and ride north on the Plains of Sathendo to resume its quest for the third of three Barbari relics....


Byron, I'm glad that your business trip to Germany went relatively smoothly! Beruk, it was good to see you and Thomas K.Y. at Where the Wild Things Are on Saturday night, and thanks for pointing us toward that online dice roller, which we can use instead of RPGtonight!
Paul, I'm glad you got Skype working, and I look forward to seeing you and the rest of the face-to-face group at tonight's D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the F.B.I." game! Later, -Gene

>>Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" team roster (as of autumn 2009/"winter 1230 B.C.E."):

-"Faelonia Telcontar" [Dexter V.H.]-female Drow (western Dark Elf) Ranger/Aristocrat, ambassador, and champion of Vulkan; NGl, Level 12/2

-"Rellim Dorathan" [Mark M./Non-Player Character]-male Quelanthi Fighter/Cleric of Aerdary (High Elf: Labelas), friend of Faelonia; CGn, Lvl. 5/5

-"Noony..."-male Svirfneblin "scout" (Deep Gnome Rogue) and follower of Faelonia; NGc, Lvl. 8

-"Argentis"-female young adult silver Dragon Sorcerer, companion of Faelonia, along with wolf Facon and hawk Azrael; NGl, Lvl. 5

-"Dalis"-Heart Bow, Protector of the Wild, intelligent artifact currently borne by Faelonia, along with the Bracers of Air Control, NGl

-"Ibrahim al-Sufaia" [Byron V.O.]-male Suthern human Ghazi/Khery-heb (Egyptian Paladin/Wizard) of Isis and former "Dragonslayer"; age 27, LGn, Level 13/3

-"Nebkar 'Neb' Khaneferu"-male Suthern human sailor/Ghazi (Paladin) of Ishmas, former follower of Jaguar Woman Ranger "Grace" [Carolyn M.P.] currently attached to Ibrahim's team; LGn, Lvl. 1/7

-"Arianna Leafsplitter"-female Sylvan (Wood) Elf Druid and follower of Ibrahim; TNg, Lvl. 8

-"Quenamun"-female young adult gold Dragon Cleric of Bahamut and steed of Ibrahim, along with Blink Dog "Bink" [Stuart C.G./N.P.C.]; LGn, Lvl. 6

-"Akhu"-male Custos (enchanted khopesh), former Paladin of Ishmas/Isis and mentor to Ibrahim; LGn

-"Milos Valoren" [Beruk A.]-male Barbari human scout [Rogue/Fighter/Gatecrasher from Ted A.H.'s D&D3 "Solar Gods: the Ether Wars"] and former "Liberator"; age 27, CGn, Lvl. 10/3/3

-"Thilgatha/Rhiannen?"-female young adult copper Dragon Fighter and companion of Milos; CGn

-"Nialla Burkin"-female Suthern human Qedeshot/Battle Dancer (Bard/Monk), former crewmember of the Dragon's Bane and follower of Milos; NGc, Lvl. 7/1

-"Vian"-female human Guti shaman (barbarian healer) and follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 9

-"Onslow"-male Demi-Elf (Half-Drow/human) Barbarian from the "Crossroads of Eternity" [Paul J.'s D&D3.75 campaign] and late follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 8

>>Associates:

-"Lord Mage Derek Ranell" [Paul J.]-male human Wizard from a Prime Material plane parallel to the "Vanished Lands" (Paul J.'s "Crossroads of Eternity"); contact of Ibrahim and Faelonia; age 30, NGc, Lvl. 16

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

>>Gene's capsule movie reviews, 2009:

-"Coraline" (stop-motion fantasy) ***/B+
-"Watchmen" (graphic novel antiheroes) ****/A-
-"Monsters vs. Aliens" (computer-animated comedy) ***/B+
-"Star Trek" (space opera reboot) ****/A
-"Up" (computer-animated comedy/drama) ****/A-
-"Harry Potter [6] and the Half-Blood Prince" (fantasy) ***/B+
-"District 9" (science fiction allegory) ***/A-
-"Ponyo" (anime fantasy) ***/B+
-"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" (animated comedy) ***/B+
-"Where the Wild Things Are" (fantasy) Oct. 16 **/B-

>>Upcoming 2009 movies:

-"The Fantastic Mr. Fox" (stop-motion fantasy) Nov. 6
-"The Princess and the Frog" (Disney animation) Nov. 25
-"Avatar" (space opera) Dec. 18
-"Sherlock Holmes" (steampunk/action) Dec. 25

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for the D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" steampunk/fantasy scenario, which I hosted and ran last night (Columbus Day 2009) in Needham, Mass.:

In one world, the magicks and demihuman races of the "Vanished Lands" never disappeared, instead dispersing throughout the world. Three millennia later, European empires compete to explore and control the globe, technology has developed, and new heroes and villains arise....

>>Dramatis Personae for Gene D.'s "Gaslight Grimoire" steampunk/fantasy role-playing campaign,
using True20 and "D20 Lite," Boston area, 2009

-"Dr. Alexander Terence Levy" [Paul J.]-male British human, inventor of clockwork marvels (Explorer/Trader, Lvl. 1/1)

-"Ms. Eleanor Wright" [Brie C.-R.]-female British human, dilettante of the Raj in India and spy/smuggler (Explorer/Trader, Lvl. 1/1)

-"Prof. Connor Winstead" [Alex J.]-male North American human, archaeologist and lecturer at a northeastern university (Explorer, Lvl. 2)

-"Tariq Asrad Saladin" [Beruk A.]-male Turkish 'human, Dervish and performer traveling the world (Warrior/Mystic, Lvl. 1/1)

-"Mr. Herod Ambler" [Greg D.C.]-male British human, gentleman and stage magician (Mystic, Lvl. 2)

-"Mr. Hank Avery" [Brian W.]-male Texan human, entrepreneur and gunslinger (Trader, Lvl. 2)

-"Sparrow" [Sara F.]-female North American cyborg, a wanderer with mechano-organic wings (Explorer, Lvl. 2)

"1 to 12 October 1875 A.D./C.E.:" In London, inventor extraordinaire "Dr. Alexander Terence Levy" [Paul J.] receives an invitation to meet Mr. Duncan Cogsworth, a prominent industrialist in the United States of America (including semiautonomous regions). Dr. Levy bravely takes a Gnomish airship via Paris to New York.

Also in the fog-shrouded metropolis, gentleman mage "Mr. Herod Ambler" [Greg D.C.] notes the quality of the calligraphy on the letter he has received to his butler Mungo and uses the enclosed ticket to board a steamship across the storm-tossed Atlantic Ocean.

In London by way of India, the dilettante "Ms. Eleanor Wright" [Brie C.-R.] decides that she's bored and follows her own invitation. Similarly, the Turkish Dervish "Tariq Asrad Saladin" [Beruk A.] takes leave of his traveling troupe from the Ottoman Empire and takes a train to Chicago, which is still rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1871.

"Prof. Connor Winstead" [Alex J.], a lecturer on archaeology at New Wales State University, reluctantly leaves his studies to respond to Mr. Cogsworth's proposition. By contrast, "Mr. Hank Avery" [Brian W.] is only too happy to hear from a fellow entrepreneur and saddles up his horse to ride north from the Republic of Texas. He crosses Indian territory on the way.

Still recovering from the mad scientist's experiments that gave her the gift of flight, "Sparrow" [Sara F.] is surprised to be noticed. The teenager hides her biomechanical wings under a long coat and goes to Chicago, where she, like the others, is received by a coachman driving a soot-belching horseless carriage.

The travelers spend a night or two in a well-appointed hotel downtown until all have arrived. Four horse-drawn broughams begin to take the curious collection to Mr. Cogsworth's mansion on Lake Shore Drive, but a riot halts their progress!

In the first carriage, the mustachioed Mr. Ambler waits and flirts with elegant Ms. Wright, while Mr. Avery and Prof. Winstead note that the mob in the cobbled streets isn't composed of immigrant factory workers or anarchists but includes cattle ranchers and Luddites. Mr. Avery recalls the Mason County War between farmers and ranchers.

Sparrow feels hemmed in aboard the third brougham, but Tariq, wary of foreigner-hating protestors, offers Turkish delights out the window. One unlucky cowboy breaks his teeth! In the last carriage, Dr. Levy quickly unbolts his seat and crawls out the bottom to get a better look and avoid brickbats.

Alarmed by the press of the masses, the horses pulling Herod and Eleanor's coach bolt! Also rocked by the crowd, skittish Sparrow unfurls her wings and prepares to take flight, but fez-wearing Tariq recommends caution.

Hank slams doors into the rioters, but two climb in for more fisticuffs! Connor pulls out his whip to fend off more people as outnumbered police officers use billy clubs on the mob. Alexander observes some men coordinating the protesters.

The riot turns ugly as guns are drawn. Herod climbs up to the driver's seat and cleverly uses his cane to regain control of the reins. Eleanor gracefully jumps out of the carriage and runs back to the fracas.

Hank is winged by a sniper, whom the professor glimpses in a second-story window! Sparrow leaves her carriage, striking wonder into the passers-by on the street, but she too is shot as she flies up. Tariq dashes toward the building, intent on stopping the unidentified assassin. Alexander activates some of his amazing inventions.

Connor successfully shoots the sniper and one of the brawlers, who retreat. Hank pummels the other cowboy and tosses him from the brougham. Herod retrieves his top hat, while Alexander cautiously climbs back into his carriage.

Eleanor sneaks past Tariq and goes into the tenement. Upstairs, they find an empty flophouse room and brass shell casings, as well as a trail of blood from Connor's crack shot. Tariq also finds a damaged clockwork automaton resembling a spider or crab.

On the roof, Sparrow confronts the shooter, who is trying in vain to fend off several of the spider-like devices! She acrobatically flies and knocks him away from the roof's edge into some laundry lines. One is plucked off by the ladies, and Tariq beats the remainder away with a staff. Sparrow ties up the sniper, Eleanor keeps her pistol drawn on him (and claims a fine Belgian rifle), and Tariq escorts them to the carriages.

With the mob mostly dispersed by gunfire and the police, the caravan continues to Cogsworth Manor. The newcomers enter a marble-lined hall and meet their potential patron. Halfling servants and medics attend to Mr. Avery and Sparrow's wounds, with help from Dr. Levy and Tariq. Alexander also retrieves his damaged automata from Ms. Wright.

Mr. Ambler gets a moment alone with the sniper to use his mesmerist powers. He learns that George Randal is a member of the Fraternity of Blood sent to kill Mr. Cogworth's new employees. The magnate later agrees to turn Randal over to the proper authorities.

At a sumptuous dinner, Mr. Cogsworth thanks his guests for their arduous journey, adding that he had expected more people. However, an airship from Bavaria went missing (possibly prey of sky pirates), a train was derailed in Tennessee, and a ship was sunk in the Caribbean. The attendees warn Cogsworth of the Fraternity of Blood, which he says he isn't familiar with.

The forward-thinking land baron offers $1,000 to each person who helps him obtain an area straddling the mighty Mississippi River. Cogsworth explains that he wants to replace a few sleepy towns with a planned community that combines farming, trade, and mills, but he needs the adventurers' help in getting the current residents to agree or leave. The party is wary but agrees to set out the next morning.

Alexander talks with Duncan late into the night, sharing blueprints and brandy. Connor heads to a saloon, where he confirms that Cogsworth isn't much liked by the cattlemen. Hank catches sleep in a feather bed while he can.

Tariq camps out on the manor grounds, where Sparrow also goes to stretch her wings. The Dervish dances into a trance and has visions of their destination -- sleeping trading posts, Indians, and humanoids.

Herod goes to the municipal library, where he helps Miss Lindy Darrow, an intrepid newspaper reporter, talk her way into the archives after hours. They research land grabs and other things. Cogsworth has built a veritable business empire after starting in shipping in Empire City and Drake's Port [see GURPS 3e "Supers" PBEM and D20 "Mutants & Masterminds" 2e superhero scenarios].

Eleanor is referred to the Hon. Frederick Coleman Esq., who explains that Cogsworth has tried to send local attorneys and "persuaders" to Riverton and Fort Cassidy without violence -- or success. The next day, the group boards a boat to Riverton, more than 200 miles down the Mississippi.

At the one-street town, Alexander assesses the industrial potential, while Eleanor notes a gambling hall. Connor says he doesn't want to drive indigenous people from their land, and Tariq keeps an eye out for the nefarious fraternity.

Hank smells opportunity and goes to meet Pastor Eli Barber at the rundown church, while Herod sniffs and seeks the local notables. Sparrow is curious about Wolven and other nonhumans, as her companions begin their mission for Cogsworth....


Dave, we missed you at last night's session! I'll post the homebrew, rules-light D20 Player Character record sheet we used later. Whenever we return to this steampunk campaign, I'll probably recommend using the D20 Etherscope, Ravenloft: Masque of the Red Death, or OGL Steampunk for feats and powers more than True20.

In the meantime, everyone should let me know your availability for the Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" and D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy games, which are set to resume on Sunday, Oct. 18, and Monday, Oct. 19, respectively. Have a good week, -Gene

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.56 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 5 October 2009:

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.

After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....

"17 to 25 April 1229 B.C.E.:" The "Faith-Based Initiative" had fought humanoids alongside Barbari warlords, retrieved relics in northeastern mountains and forests, and journeyed across deserts and seas. More recently, the adventuring party had uncovered a ring of smugglers in Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

The would-be heroes were tracking vampire necromancer Mordant Slobodan when they were ambushed in sewers by Troglodytes and in swamps by Undead. Back in Hesolin, "Dante" [Paul J.] and "Tonks" [Sara F.] met "Kimo" [Beruk A./absent] at the local Magisterium (magic school/library) to research scrying rituals.

At the temple of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, "Kof" [Alex J.] asked his fellow Paladins to watch the docks in case the vampire's followers returned. "August" [Greg D.C.] sent word about Mordant Slobodan to some corsairs in Falit, capital of the Ebir Sheikdom.

"Val" [Brian W.] offered to use a dimensional portal to go to the port of Gisar, where Slobodan may have fled. Meanwhile, "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] went to mercenary camps outside the city walls to look for former followers of Vadim Sachov, a Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord who had sold corpses to necromancers and whom he had defeated.

Assistant librarian Leon the Blasphemer directed Hifalendorin human Ranger Dante and company to Lord Josiah Mearls, who had led the official investigation into the sack of Hesolin's Magisterium by the dreaded ghost fleet about two years before.

Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) Kimo cast Sending to try to track the vampires. Dragonborn Fighter Tonks stood guard, while Tiefling Warlock Val joined her and the others at Lord Mearls' private library.

Dante, Val, Tonks, and Kimo reported to the Hifalendorin magocrat that the necromantic smugglers had been driven out of the city for now. Dante warned Lord Mearls that the Magisterium should be wary of temple of Sherma, goddess of death.

Upon learning that a reply from Falit would take more than a week, August joined Kurick at the Barbari camps. The Hifalendorin Rogue and Skaevingol Warlord learned of Borysko ("Boris") Sachov, the cunning brother of the late Vadim who had gathered a warband on the Plains of Sathendo.

Stealthy August also went to Hubert at the "Blue Lotus" tavern to ask the thieves' guild to keep an eye out for Mordant Slobodan. In addition, he asked Sir Culwych, the ambassador of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim, for help in questioning former aide Erlina Trelaine, who had been arrested for collaborating with the smugglers.

Sir Culwych hinted that the royal family in Thadenis, the Saganim capital, was about to be evacuated as an army of Orcs and Drow approached from Zuromm. He also noted that Erlina had been loyal to her homeland and that she had some family left in Thadenis and Sileran, also under siege.

The "F.B.I." regrouped at the Rangers' Tower, where it asked Trelaine about her dealings with Stefan, a servant of the Gusorin vampires. Swift Dante and August offered to help her family if she told them more. Trelaine revealed that she had once met Stefan on the Sea of Nagendwa aboard the Brave Widow, a ship out of Gisar.

Back at the "Bright Battlement" inn, the wanderers debated their next moves. Dante and August initially recommended riding west to help Thadenis. Doughty Kof and robed Kimo wanted to travel east to fight Undead in Gisar in the Gusorin Confederation.

Scruffy Kurick reminded the group of his Bullywug (frog folk) allies to the north near Nadwi and his fiefdom in Pledwilt, which he was going to rename "Stormhold." Horned Val reluctantly agreed to return to the Bamor Mountains, where scaled Tonks hoped to rescue her brother from enslavement by the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves) of Gokuri.

After some debate, Dante expressed interest in joining Kurick to the Bullywugs, while Kof said he didn't want to resume the quest for the third Barbari relic in the Bamor Mountains. August wanted to continue the hunt for Mordant Slobodan and to help Hifalendor by thwarting the Nannuattan's schemes.

Kimo preferred to help Hesolin's Magisterium strengthen its security than to travel north. However, most of the group eventually agreed with Val and Tonks, planning to stop by Stormhold for Kurick on the way to the Underdark to search for the Helm of Gunnar.

Dante consulted maps, plotting a course from Hesolin across the Plains of Sathendo to Pledwilt, then to the Wisalef Forest and Crontar, the stronghold of Warlord "Saerek" [Greg]. From there, the Ranger planned to follow the shore of Bedoni Lake, the last known position of Gunnar a century ago, then into the Bamor Mountains.

August and Val recalled encountering Grugach (Wild Elven) followers of Taureen the Strong in that area, as well as murderous Goblins in caves on the way toward Gisokuri, capital of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri.

Paladin Kof summoned his mount for the first time, while August obtained the names of a few slavers in the Gokuri-occupied city of Tekugi to try to find out about Tonks' brother. He didn't hear further news from the corsairs.

At the Magisterium, Kimo prepared for another leave from his studies, talked with Kitsune Wu Ken (fox-woman Wizard) "Kirara Swift-tail" [Sara], and bought supplies at the Istari Bazaar.

Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock Val left some things with Yevcasosh, the high priest at the temple of Sherma, and Tonks bought six healing potions. Dante asked Sir Marcus Tiberion of the "King's Cavaliers" for references as he journeyed north.

Kurick went to the bardic college at the temple of Brijitt and paid Claudia and "Westly the Wondrous" [Alex] for ballads to be sung about his onetime followers Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim. He also sent word to Saverio Dreogan, a retired Hifalendorin general, asking him to help with his nascent army.

After about two weeks in Hesolin, the "F.B.I." rode north, following roads and streams to the village of Histarnali. The team found the remains of an army on the plains but was unable to tell whether it was Hifalendorin or Gusorin.

At the "Sapphire Spurs" inn in Chevroln, Kurick found Gen. Akkon Wotarif, who welcomed his new colleague. The local lord explained that Pledwilt had some advantages, such as Halfling farms, hills for quarries and woods for lumber nearby, and potential allies such as Centaurs in neighboring Grenville.

Akkon also noted that, like Chevroln, Pledwilt was on the open plains and harder to defend than a fortified coastal community. He agreed to send a sergeant with the "F.B.I." to help set up Stormhold as the party continued its journey to the Bamor Mountains and the Underdark....

Beruk, we missed you at this week's game! I'll post more soon regarding ongoing discussions about the "F.B.I.'s" direction, longer-term individual goals, and potential one-shots and miniseries. Have a good week, -Gene

>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of September 2009:

-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9

-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9

-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu; NGl, Age 19, Level 9

-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9

-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)

>>Associates and Guests:

-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5

-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1

-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1

-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1

-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.55 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 28 September 2009:

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.

After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....

"15 to 16 April 1229 B.C.E.:" After recovering Barbari artifacts from warlords and witches, traveling from the northeastern borderlands to the warm south, and fighting numerous monsters, the "Faith-Based Initiative" had uncovered a ring of necromantic smugglers in Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

The adventuring party had ventured into the sewers near the temple of Sherma, goddess of death, in the hopes of tracking Mordant Slobodan, a Barbari vampire. Although three Troglodyte guides had turned on the spelunkers, they managed to follow a rowed casket's trail to the Arena of Ariyas and some craft guild houses.

"Dante" [Paul J.] returned to the "Bright Battlement" inn to see whether Yevcasosh, the high priest of Sherma, had provided any additional information about Slobodan. Gwydion, the proprietor, told the Hifalendorin human Ranger that no message had come yet. Dwarf Paladin "Kof" [Alex J./absent] returned to various temples and taverns.

"Kimo" [Beruk A.] cast Animal Messenger on a rat, then sent his monkey familiar Zibu to follow it. The Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) followed Mordant Slobodan's trail from the guild halls to a dock in Hesolin's southeastern corner. He also suspected the necromancer of helping the dreaded ghost fleet sack the city's Magisterium (magic school/library) a few years before.

Hifalendorin Rogue "August" [Greg D.C.] checked with Javier, a contact in the local thieves' guild. Javier said that four barges had left in the past few hours: one carrying lumber east to the port of Gisar, another bearing wine south to Laguro, the third sailing west to Sileran, and the last headed toward Falit with spices and silk [see maps].

After the "F.B.I." had exhausted its inquiries at the temple of Sherma, goddess of death, "Val" [Brian W.] noted that Slobodan and his minions had a head start. The Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock was joined by Dragonborn Fighter "Tonks" [Sara F.], who was reluctant to contact more Troglodytes after their recent fight in the sewers. Dante said it seemed likely that the vampire was headed to Gisar or Sileran.

August went to the "Devil Rat's Tomb," where he learned that the lumber barge was named the Easy Lass and was owned by one Samuel Bainbridge. Javier also referred August to another captain named Philippus.

"Kurick" [Dave S.C./absent] had also been to the "Devil Rat's Tomb," among other pubs, but he was busy recruiting followers to go to the village of Pledwilt on the northern Plains of Sathendo. The Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord planned to rename it "Stormhold."

The wanderers regrouped and rode their horses hard eastward. They spotted several ships on the Sea of Nagendwa, but when August swam out and asked one skipper whether he had seen the Easy Lass, he hadn't. The "F.B.I." raced back to Hesolin, where it learned that the barge had last been seen heading into the swamps.

August led the way to the Painted Lady, Philippus' riverboat. He offered the smuggler and his crewman Freddie some gold to take the vampire hunters into the Shalo Delta. As night fell, Val and Tonks smelled smoke out in marshes. It led them to Sam's lumber barge, which was ablaze.

An away team consisting of Dante, Kimo (wearing a fireproof skin suit), and Val (who could resist heat) went to investigate the conflagration, while August and Tonks waited at a distance. They found the charred remains of the Easy Lass' crew but no sign of Mordant Slobodan.

Those standing among the reeds were suddenly attacked from below by six zombies! Stealthy August fired his Silent crossbow at the greater Xochatateo, as horned Val finished searching the burning barge. Robed Kimo found a coffin with some dirt in it, while the Undead ganged up on Tonks.

Swift Dante shot arrows from a position atop the boat, and scaled Tonks drew her Oath Blade. August blinded most of the zombies with his magical dagger, and Val cast Flames of Phlegethos but missed. Kimo's Maze of Mirrors was more successful, immobilizing some of the ambushers.

The animated corpses weakened unlucky Tonks, biting into the Dragonborn Fighter. Ranger Dante jumped down to aid Tonks as she breathed fire at the surprisingly tough zombies. Rogue August dazed another and readied a cold iron shuriken. Warlock Val also disembarked and marked an opponent.

Wizard Kimo cast Phantom Bolt, temporarily knocking the slavering horde away. However, Tonks fell unconscious, and the zombies moved to claw at Dante, who brandished a holy symbol of Sherma in a vain attempt to ward them off.

August managed to trip one of Mordant's minions, but Tiefling Val's Diabolic Grasp missed. The relentless Xochatateo wounded August, while Tonks remained unconscious but stable. August shifted and ran to the boat, and Val mounted his flying broom.

After casting another Phantom Bolt, Kimo tried to retreat but was approached by shambling zombies. Dante used Full Defense to escape and was pushed further away by Val's Howl of Doom. August's flying dagger dazed more Undead, and he used his Boots of Water Striding to get back to the ship.

Val cast Hellish Rebuke at a damaged monster, joined by Kimo's Force Orb. However, the Wizard's Icy Hand didn't fend off the cannibalistic zombies, which continued to surround the blazing barge. Dante used a healing potion on Tonks, picked her up, and used magic to fly to a tree.

August fired a shot at one of the Xochatateo climbing toward Kimo, then fell back to a safe range for his crossbow. Val blasted some of the Undead with Otherwind Stride, inadvertently knocking out Kimo!

Dante left Tonks in the tree and grabbed Kimo. The Ranger bound the wounds of the Fighter and Wizard, while the Rogue and Warlock eventually finished off the zombies. The Painted Lady returned to Hesolin the next morning.

Dante returned to the Rangers' Tower to see whether his guild could help track Mordant Slobodan and whether it had any news of the battles to the north (which were also of interest to Kurick). At the temple of Otih, Kof treated Kimo, Tonks, and other injured party members for the mystical ailment known as the Scourge.

Kimo and Val, who noted that Slobodan may have switched ships, went to report to the Magisterium. August recommended continuing the hunt for the vampire. Tonks said that after being ambushed in the sewers and the swamps, she didn't think contacting more reptile folk was worthwhile.

Although the Horn of Connor had been retrieved and a necromantic smuggling ring had been broken in Hesolin, the "F.B.I." had yet to decide its next moves....

Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, [teleconferencing team] "Holy Steel" managed to evade cultists of Set stirred up at the pyramid of Unas and crossed the mighty Nile River. Paladin "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.], Rogue "Milos" [Beruk], and their companions defeated a winged serpent and raced toward Memphis....

Alex and Dave, we missed you at this week's game! Paul and Beruk, note that we won't be meeting virtually for the "Pathfinder: Holy Steel" game on Sunday, 4 October 2009, because Byron won't be available. In the meantime, stay in touch with one another, and see you next week! -Gene

>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of September 2009:

-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9

-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9

-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu; NGl, Age 19, Level 9

-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9

-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9

-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)

>>Associates and Guests:

-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5

-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1

-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2

-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1

-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1

-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8

>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:

>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game

>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup

>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"

edemaitre

Fellow role-players, I hope you had a good weekend. Dexter and Paul, we missed you again at our latest Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing session! Here is my update for that heroic fantasy game, which I ran using Skype and RPGtonight on Sunday, 27 September 2009:

"25 December 1230 B.C.E.:" After a long journey from the "Vanished Lands," the adventurers known as "Holy Steel" tried to thwart plots by evil cultists of Set in the empire of Khemet (New Kingdom Egypt). During a diplomatic mission to the court of Pharaoh Ramses II, Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H./absent] had disappeared, but her companions had continued south to Saqqara.

>>Map of Khemet

The archaeologists encountered traps, demonic guards, and priests of Set and retrieved the Book of Thoth. They also found documents linking Prince Sethemwie to illegal activities that could help exonerate "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.] of charges of treason.

>>Egyptian nobility

Ibrahim, "Milos" [Beruk A.], "Derek" [Paul J./absent], and their followers broke through a curtain wall to escape from a satellite pyramid now that an alarm had been raised. Khery-heb (Wizard) Derek had cast Tenser's Floating Disk to carry the corpse of Onslow, Milos' Khasti (Barbarian) follower, who had died in battle against devils.

>>Primary link regarding Unas' pyramid

Pesedjer Ghazi/Khery-heb (human Paladin/Wizard) Ibrahim cast Darkness to help his team evade numerous pursuers. Arianna changed back to her true form after shape shifting into an earth elemental. The Eseteri Kahin (Sylvan Elf Druid) used Sand Shape and Haboob (sand storm) to delay more guards.

Pesedjer Khebenti (human Rogue) Milos used his magical Cloak of Arachnia to Web the gap in the outer wall. Pesedjer qedeshot (human Bard) Nialla was still under the effects of an Invisibility Sphere and climbed after Milos.

>>Another map of Unas' tomb

Ibrahim's custos, the enchanted khopesh (sword) Akhu, cast Protection From Evil on Milos and Nialla as they climbed into the long causeway between Unas' pyramid and a temple near the banks of the Nile River.

Milos and Nialla found themselves facing six sentries. The Rogue activated his Sizing shield and Mithral Mist armor, while the Bard cast Pyrotechnics as a diversion. Paladin Ibrahim cast Hold Evil, freezing a guard on the parapet.

The Clerics of serpent-headed Set threw spears, fired arrows, and Dispelled the protection of Milos' armor. Stealthy Milos acrobatically dodged between them and jammed an Immovable Rod into the door to the temple, preventing more reinforcements from arriving.

Clever Nialla blinded the enemy caster and cast Grease to slow the guards. Armored Ibrahim used Hand of the Acolyte to knock the frozen man off the wall. Meanwhile, Ibu, the officer assigned to escort Ibrahim while he was temporarily released from house arrest, watched the team's back as the workmen summoned by shabti (magical statuettes) set a false trail.

The priest shook off his blindness and cast Unholy Blight at Milos, who responded with his Vicious blade and Onslow's falchion (sword). Arianna caught up with Longstrider boots and moved the Haboob into the causeway. Milos drew an Everlasting Torch and made his shield Blinding to get away from the remaining guards trapped in sand and grease.

Having been notified telepathically by Akhu, the Ghazi Nebkar, Caracal-woman Shikari (feline Ranger) Raziya, and Guti shaman (barbarian healer) Vian rejoined "Holy Steel" as it left the pyramids and prepared to covertly cross the mighty Nile. However, while going around the town of Saqqara, the travelers were attacked by a large flying cobra!

Ibrahim noted that unlike most couatl, this one had bat-like wings. He invoked his patron goddess Isis and cast Holy Smite. Milos fired a Thundering Bolt from his crossbow, and Nialla cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter. Arianna cast Freedom of Breath against the snake's venom and dust, and she summoned an air elemental to help.

The evil Outsider teleported and coiled around Ibrahim, who hacked away with his flaming khopesh, eventually slaying it. Derek cast Obscuring Mist and Major Image to further conceal the party's retreat from the dangerous tombs.

Knowing that the main river crossings between Saqqara and Mennefer (Memphis) would be watched by agents of Set, Ibrahim and company slunk into the reeds. Arianna and Raziya covered their tracks, as the camels and shabti men were sent away.

Derek polymorphed Neb into a giant crocodile to ferry the adventurers east across the Nile. Arianna cast Beast Shape and also turned into a crocodile to help carry Ibrahim (and Akhu), Milos (and awakened cat Rafi), Derek, Raziya, Nialla, Vian, and Ibu. Onslow's body was invisible on Derek's Floating Disk.

Successfully avoiding hippopotami, river snakes, and Settite spies, "Holy Steel" headed toward Memphis to deliver the Book of Thoth to Prince Khaemwaset, the head of the Medjai (secret police) and its royal patron....

Sometime later and far to the northeast, the "Faith-Based Initiative" [Boston-area D&D4e group] had uncovered a nest of vampires while retrieving Barbari relics and investigating an attack by the dreaded ghost fleet on Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

Zarendo Islander (proto-East African) human Wizard "Milos" [Beruk] had found a link between the sack of Hesolin's Magisterium (magic school/library) and Mordant Slobodan, a smuggler of necromantic items. Hifalendorin Ranger "Dante" [Paul] helped the "F.B.I." track Slobodan from the sewers into the swamps, where it was ambushed by more Undead....


Paul and Beruk, it was good to see both of you at last night's D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" face-to-face game! Note that if Damon F.P. and Dexter visit this coming weekend, we may not have a "Holy Steel" session on Sunday, 4 October 2009. In the meantime, please continue updating your Player Character records and stay in touch with one another, -Gene

>>D&D3.5 "Vanished Lands: Holy Steel" team roster (as of autumn 2009/"winter 1230 B.C.E."):

-"Faelonia Telcontar" [Dexter V.H.]-female Drow (western Dark Elf) Ranger/Aristocrat, ambassador, and champion of Vulkan; NGl, Level 12/2

-"Rellim Dorathan" [Mark M./Non-Player Character]-male Quelanthi Fighter/Cleric of Aerdary (High Elf: Labelas), friend of Faelonia; CGn, Lvl. 5/5

-"Noony..."-male Svirfneblin "scout" (Deep Gnome Rogue) and follower of Faelonia; NGc, Lvl. 8

-"Argentis"-female young adult silver Dragon Sorcerer, companion of Faelonia, along with wolf Facon and hawk Azrael; NGl, Lvl. 5

-"Dalis"-Heart Bow, Protector of the Wild, intelligent artifact currently borne by Faelonia, along with the Bracers of Air Control, NGl

-"Ibrahim al-Sufaia" [Byron V.O.]-male Suthern human Ghazi/Khery-heb (Egyptian Paladin/Wizard) of Isis and former "Dragonslayer"; LGn, Level 13/3

-"Nebkar 'Neb' Khaneferu"-male Suthern human sailor/Ghazi (Paladin) of Ishmas, former follower of Jaguar Woman Ranger "Grace" [Carolyn M.P.] currently attached to Ibrahim's team; LGn, Lvl. 1/7

-"Arianna Leafsplitter"-female Sylvan (Wood) Elf Druid and follower of Ibrahim; TNg, Lvl. 8

-"Quenamun"-female young adult gold Dragon Cleric of Bahamut and steed of Ibrahim, along with Blink Dog "Bink" [Stuart C.G./N.P.C.]; LGn, Lvl. 6

-"Akhu"-male Custos (enchanted khopesh), former Paladin of Ishmas/Isis and mentor to Ibrahim; LGn

-"Milos Valoren" [Beruk A.]-male Barbari human scout [Rogue/Fighter/Gatecrasher from Ted A.H.'s D&D3 "Solar Gods: the Ether Wars"] and former "Liberator"; CGn, Lvl. 10/3/3

-"Thilgatha/Rhiannen?"-female young adult copper Dragon Fighter and companion of Milos; CGn

-"Nialla Burkin"-female Suthern human Qedeshot/Battle Dancer (Bard/Monk), former crewmember of the "Dragon's Bane" and follower of Milos; NGc, Lvl. 7/1

-"Vian"-female human Guti shaman (barbarian healer) and follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 9

-"Onslow"-male Demi-Elf (Half-Drow/human) Barbarian from the "Crossroads of Eternity" [Paul J.'s D&D3.75 campaign] and late follower of Milos; CNg, Lvl. 8

>>Associates:

-"Lord Mage Derek Ranell" [Paul J.]-male human Wizard from a Prime Material plane parallel to the "Vanished Lands" (Paul J.'s "Crossroads of Eternity"); contact of Ibrahim and Faelonia; NGc, Lvl. 16

edemaitre

On Sunday, 23 August 2009, the "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team resumed, now using the Pathfinder core book, which revises the Dungeons & Dragons Edition 3.5/D20 System Reference Document. So far, despite this rule set's complexity and the tome's heft, I like Paizo's iteration of the world's most popular fantasy role-playing game more than Wizards of the Coast's Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition (D&D4e)/Game System License.

Although Dexter V.H. has been too busy with family commitments to rejoin our virtual sessions as Drow Ranger "Faelonia," Byron V.O., Beruk A., and Paul J. have continued their exploration of the pyramid of Unas as Paladin "Ibrahim," Rogue "Milos," and Wizard "Derek," respectively. Their adventuring party has fought monsters and is searching for the Book of Thoth, which it believes cultists of Set are also after.


I've had to cancel two weeks' worth of D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" face-to-face (F2F) games because of work. We'll probably meet again around Labor Day. After about 50 consecutive sessions, I don't think missing a few Monday nights will hurt the momentum of that party, which is investigating smugglers in the Hifalendorin human capital of Hesolin. Overall, "Holy Steel" has had more interesting investigations by Player Characters (P.C.s), and the "F.B.I." has had more action scenes. A good group has a balance of the two.

I'm still looking forward to taking a break after the "F.B.I." winds down, although that has taken longer than I expected. On the one hand, several people prefer Pathfinder or other systems to D&D4e, and the P.C.s are approaching Tenth Level, which used to be "name level" -- the midrange in power that usually marks the end of my campaigns.

On the other hand, the current Boston-area P.C.s have been gaining in experience and knowledge, and some gamers are understandably interested in maximizing their abilities. I still hope to give other Game Masters a shot and to run shorter-term steampunk, superhero, and/or space opera scenarios, most likely using a D20 variant, although I've seen mostly favorable reviews for the rules-light and pulp-flavored Savage Worlds.

I don't expect my F2F game to return to the "Vanished Lands" setting, probably using Pathfinder, until spring of 2010. Since I've been building that fictional world since 1982, I'd like to take some time to tweak it to properly challenge and entertain another party, which won't be easy because most of the current group is now familiar with it.

I ended my subscription for Lord of the Rings Online because college chums David I.S. and Dexter haven't had the time to play regularly. The "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup for the City of Heroes multiplayer online game is still going strong, and Dex invited me to try Champions Online (now separated from the Hero System 6th Ed. license). I have, however, enjoyed Wii Sports Resort. Batman: Arkham Asylum also looks very cool, but the superhero video game isn't available for the Wii.

edemaitre

Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) may not be quite as immersive as live-action role-playing (LARPing) or convention cosplay, or as potentially addictive as massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, but I think they exercise the imagination the best and are a good social outlet.

At last month's San Diego Comic-Con, video game companies hawked their wares, some of which involved superheroes. While most of our former supergroup has stuck with City of Heroes, college chum Dexter V.H. and I are looking forward to some upcoming MMOs, such as DC Universe Online, Champions Online, and Star Wars: Old Republic.

Costumed vigilantes and metahumans can also be found in much-anticipated console games, such as Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum (which, like the animated video Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, features the voice cast of the popular 1990s cartoons).

In the meantime, I have yet to play Wii Sports Resort, a sequel to the best-selling Nintendo game that uses the Wii Motion Plus controller. The video game has three of my favorite sports: archery, fencing, and table tennis!

This past weekend, Janice and I took advantage of the nice weather and went to Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. July was almost as rainy as June in the U.S. Northeast, which was good for our lawn but not for much else. Among other things, we visited Pandemonium Books & Games in Central Square.

Naturally, I looked first at new releases for face-to-face role-playing games I've run or hope to play:
-Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition (D&D4e): Divine Power

-Pathfinder: Qadira, Gateway to the East

-Kobold Quarterly, Issue 10

-D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition--Rebellion Era Campaign Guide

-GURPS 4e Thaumatology

I decided to pass on the D&D4e book, since my "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" group is slowly winding down. I've subscribed to Paizo's Pathfinder Chronicles, Companion, and core book releases, which I'm using with the "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team. I'm also considering subscribing to Kobold, which nicely supports D&D3.x/D20/Pathfinder and D&D4e as Dragon magazine once did.

The Star Wars: Rebellion Era Campaign Guide wasn't as comprehensive as its D6/D20 predecessors, but then, the Saga Edition core book had more information about George Lucas' original space opera film trilogy. I held off on GURPS Thaumatology, but the Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion and True20 Mecha vs. Kaiju caught my eye instead. At the recommendation of fellow Game Masters Tim M.B. and Brian W., I also picked up Mythic, which can be used for scenario generation.

In addition to the D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e Supervillain's Handbook and the aforementioned Pathfinder books, I'm most looking forward to the upcoming Doctor Who science fiction RPG, from the same publisher as the well-reviewed Starblazer Adventures.

I hope you're having a good summer!

edemaitre

As discussed at our Yahoo message board, the current economic recession and technological change have caused several observers to ask whether pen-and-paper (or pizza-and-dice) role-playing games (RPGs) are doomed. I hope not.

Despite increasing competition from miniatures/war games, collectible card games, board games, and of course, computer/video games, I've rarely had difficulty finding tabletop gamers. I want our hobby and the publishers that support it continue to thrive, if not at the same levels as during the booms of the early 1980s or late 1990s.

According to some estimates, about 4 million people in the U.S. (and up to 2 million in the rest of the world) regularly play such games, most of them using Wizards of the Coast's Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition (D&D4e). I'm looking forward to Paizo's final release of the Pathfinder (or "D&D3.75") fantasy RPG later this summer. The sourcebooks for that alternative to D&D4e have been inspiring so far.

Although it has started to wind down, I hope the D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" face-to-face party has pushed ahead with its adventures. The wanderers have helped barbarian tribes and fought witches and monsters. In fact, prospective player Rich D. may be joining the Boston-area group, which currently has about eight members.

We'll see how the purchase of Your Move Games in Somerville, Mass., by Cambridge-based Pandemonium Books & Games affects the local role-playing community. I've also supported the Compleat Strategist in Boston, New York, and Virginia, but its current location near Northeastern University isn't easy for me to get to right now.

Despite some scheduling snafus, the Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team has done well in ancient Egypt, where it has conducted diplomacy and tried to uncover plots by the cult of Set against Pharaoh Ramses II.

I dropped out of the City of Heroes supergroup around the time of my layoff earlier this summer. Since David I.S. and Dexter V.H. have been too busy for the Lord of the Rings Online, I may end my subscription for that multiplayer game as well. Dex is waiting for Champions Online, and I'm somewhat interested in DC Universe Online.

On the other hand, I've been using Wii Fit every other day for a few months now, and I'm looking forward to the Wii Motion Plus and Wii Sports Resort, and back to pen-and-paper games for a moment, the Doctor Who RPG.

edemaitre

A few months ago, Janice and I rented some video games for our Nintendo Wii. Wii Music was decent, with a wide array of instruments and styles. Since Janice took piano and violin lessons growing up, I was at a disadvantage in figuring out the rhythms and controls. Still, we may eventually buy this game.

Star Wars: Clone Wars--Lightsaber Duels is based on the well-done Cartoon Network television show, the latest installment in George Lucas' space opera saga. The characters and audio clips are taken from that computer-animated series, which is a good tie-in for young audiences.

However, I found that the Wii Remote, or "Wiimote," didn't translate very well to the Jedi signature weapon, and the fights quickly became repetitive. Thus, I unfortunately can't recommend Lightsaber Duels, and I hope for a video game that isn't too complicated or require lots of time or expertise (as Soulcaliber IV or The Force Unleashed seem to).

For now, I'm happy with occasionally playing Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga and the tabletop D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition role-playing game, but a well-done massively multiplayer online game (MMO) such as the upcoming Old Republic could lure me back to that galaxy far, far away. Of course, there's also a small space-opera rival called Star Trek Online, which might get a boost in popularity from the recent film, even if the latter is a continuity reboot.

Speaking of MMOs, while I miss travel powers such as flight in City of Heroes ("CoH"), David I.S., Dexter V.H., and I enjoyed exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings Online ("LotRO"). I don't know whether I'll get as far as I did in CoH (28 out of 50 levels), but I have enough different characters right now to provide different perspectives and glimpses of locations, characters, and monsters from that classic fantasy setting.

Speaking of superheroes, there are a number of promising video games in the works, including DC Universe Online, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Champions Online. In the meantime, I have Lego Batman and Marvel Ultimate Alliance (for which a sequel is coming) to keep me busy. However, I've been using the Wii Fit more lately, and reading comic books rather than playing games based on them.

Before my recent (and brief) layoff and before Dave and Dex got busy with schoolwork, we played LotRO on Friday nights and/or Sunday mornings, while the rest of the "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup has been logging into CoH on Tuesday evenings, among other times. Some of my other friends and former co-workers play the same MMOs, but on different servers.

In addition, my face-to-face D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy role-playing group still meets most Mondays. That adventuring party has continued its quest for barbarian relics, defeating numerous ninjas in a Dwarven mountain citadel, creeping through a haunted forest, and defeating a witch and her minions in a strange pagoda.

Meanwhile, the Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team has finally regained momentum on Sunday nights. That group is in Pi-Ramesses, capital of New Kingdom Egypt, attempting to exonerate its Paladin of charges of treason against Pharaoh Ramses II and fight the cult of Set.

The debate between supporters of Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition and other rules systems such as Pathfinder has continued, and the current Boston-area gamers haven't yet shifted to the D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2nd Ed. superhero scenarios or Star Wars: Saga Edition. So many games, so little time!

edemaitre