Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.33, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 17 February 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

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

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s " Vanished Lands " heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 7

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 7

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 7

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 7

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 6

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 6

• “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 6

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“16 to 18 February 1227 B.C.E.:” While sailing from Bokor Isle to Salhonif Island, the “Foamrunner” fought a giant squid before arriving at the Zarendo port of Riku. The away teams made new friends and enemies, contacted a guide, and hired porters to enter the jungle, where it avoided a dinosaur attack.

The expedition arrives at Estu, where it witnesses a meeting between civilized apes and Wemics (centauroid leonines). Guide Makena Walabu helps translate for introductions. Orangutan scout Anwar Waheed is curious about the newcomers and brings them into the village.

Anwar introduces the onetime circus performers to Acturis Leontis, a gorilla chieftain, and Padmini Tanushi, a gorilla shaman. They politely bid farewell to Wemics Vathud and Tauret and share a meal with the humans and demihumans.

Giacomo is impressed that the primates have managed to avoid the rule of Schm*ckF*ck, the Pit Fiend ruling much of Salhonif Island from a temple on volcanic Mount Tilefa. Acturis says that his people trade with their neighbors but avoid larger conflicts. He agrees with Makena that Queen Zapanga in the city-state of Selifa would be a helpful ally.

Hamfast declines the temptation to test his strength against the apes in a wrestling match. Scully asks Anwar whether it’s better to cross the savannah or jungles to get to Selifa. The javelin-bearing scout says he prefers the dense forests, but the outlanders may be more comfortable in the open.

Tempestade enjoys the local cuisine, which is very similar to that of his distant homeland. Corwin performs some music for those assembled, who join in on drums. Elsa proffers gifts of maps and wine and receives fruit liquor in return. Sir Torrel is wary around the talking apes, but they seem honorable.

Giacomo notices on the high ceilings many geometric carvings, which Acturis attributes to the Reptile Folk who built the city during an age of harmony among beast kin. Scully surreptitiously uses the Lens of True Sight and sees bas reliefs of many-headed Tiamat, mother of chromatic dragons.

Acturis asks Anwar to take the explorers to a vacant house for the evening. Once the group has some privacy, conversation turns to its mission of rescuing Lady Shadira, an Efreeti transformed and imprisoned by the greater devil.

The would-be heroes acknowledge that if they’re successful, they’ll probably need to take the Foamrunner back to Tarvulis Island before continuing on to the barbaric port of Gisar, where Tempestade plans to use an obelisk to return to his own time and rescue fellow slaves.

Scully hears a sound outside. The albino Flind looks out into the alley and sees Waneta Malila, a chimpanzee servant. The eavesdropper runs, and Scully tackles her. Zeda human Hamfast holds the chimp as Giacomo casts Dispel Magic, temporarily transforming Waneta back into her true form, that of a Zarendo human.

Hifalendorin human Giacomo questions the woman, who is reluctant to cooperate until he explains that they have a common foe, her Pit Fiend master. She says he has spies everywhere and that his lieutenant is an Osyluth (bone devil). Waneta seems unaware of the location of the Eye of Heaven, a gem said to be protecting Estu.

After some discussion, Scully and company let Waneta go. She promises not to reveal what she has learned and reverts to simian form. The next morning, Tempestade, Corwin, Elsa, and Sir Torrel keep watch over Makena and the porters, while Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully get a tour of Estu from Anwar.

They see other intelligent apes, Lizard Man ruins, and an abandoned ziggurat near the center of the village. Anwar says his people avoid the ancient edifice, but he doesn’t prevent the curious team from probing further.

Wizard Giacomo, Fighter Hamfast, and Ranger Scully find a ramp descending beneath the step pyramid. As they walk, they step on numerous bones, and Anwar warns them that there are likely traps. Scully glimpses a large idol with one intact eye.

The statue of the plum, red-skinned humanoid flickers in torchlight before the rumble of stones indicates that a trap has been triggered. Anwar leads the way back to the surface.

Giacomo casts Levitate to aid their hasty escape. They privately confirm that the Eye of Heaven is indeed at the center of Estu, possibly protecting the apes from the devil in the mountain….

While we missed Josh, Bruce, Rich, and Alex last week, I’m glad that Beruk, Brian, and Sara were game. Not only did we convert their characters to the latest D20/FATE house rules, but we also got some good role-playing in!

I look forward to seeing everyone at our next “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” and Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” sessions! Later, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.31, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 13 January 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

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

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s " Vanished Lands " heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 6

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 6

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 6

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 6

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 6

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 6

• “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 6

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“4 to 10 February 1227 B.C.E.:” The onetime circus performers had traveled from the city of Falit to a former dragon’s lair on Tarvulis Island. There, they consulted arcane and divine spellcasters on how to rescue an Efreet held prisoner by a greater Devil, how to travel through time and space to free slaves, and how to fight the dreaded Ghost Fleet.

However, not everything went as planned. In a scrying chamber, Giacomo was temporarily overcome by the “Mad Mage” Ezra, trapped in a tattoo on his back. Hamfast and Tempestade briefly visited the barbaric port of Gisar, thanks to mischievous pseudodragon Tequila.

Scully played with a Giff’s blunderbuss, and Elsa compared notes on the accursed ailment known as Scourge and on the cult of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom, with Drow Wizard “Vasec” [Alex J./Non-Player Character] and Zarendo human Cleric “Tondra” [Rob A.S./N.P.C.].

Corwin asked for magic to help save Lady Shadira, the Efreet Polymorphed into a Shambling Mound by Pit Fiend “Schm*ckF*ck” on Salhonif Island. Sir Torrel had a run-in with a giant leech but fared better against a hydra.

Vasec creates a Lens of True Sight , which Scully carries for the adventuring party to find Lady Shadira. The explorers reboard the schooner Foamrunner , which Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elf) Capt. Scarlet takes south across the Sea of Nagendwa.

Scully takes a dip in the warm waters with some of the Foamrunner ’s crew. Thanks in part to her magic items, the Flind is a strong swimmer, and she enjoys chasing tropical fish. Her friends are less happy about the smell of wet dog, but Elsa casts Create Water to help wash off the salt.

The Sea Elves pause on deck, and Capt. Scarlet later explains to Tempestade that they were praying as they passed over a holy site. Sir Torrel, who had recently joined the Order of the Golden Lion in Falit with Scully, casts Sense Weather and warns of an imminent change.

The swift ship’s passengers and crew are battered during a violent storm. Hamfast and Tempestade are bruised while being tossed around in their cabins, while Giacomo, Elsa, Scully, and Sir Torrel hang onto the main (top) deck.

When the storm eventually passes, Capt. Scarlet notes to Corwin and company that the moon and stars aren’t yet visible through clouds, so she doesn’t know how far off course they are. Elsa casts Know Direction to help resume their journey.

A day or so later, the sailors spot someone clinging onto a floating chest. Corwin, Elsa, and Sir Torrel take a dinghy out to investigate. Back on the Foamrunner, Hamfast spots the dorsal fins of approaching sharks.

As Corwin reaches out to the apparent shipwreck survivor, she tosses her hair back, revealing her beautiful features. However, Elsa, who has shifted into seal form, sees fins instead of human legs beneath the waves!

Sir Torrel casts Detect Evil, which reveals malicious intent. The woman gazes at Corwin, to no effect, so she starts singing, enthralling Hamfast and Scully. From the Foamrunner, Barbari human Tempestade hurls sling stones at the Siren.

Half-Elf Corwin draws his sword, drawing first blood from the amphibian. Hill Dwarf Elsa shifts to shark form and swims into battle. Albino Gnoll Scully fires arrows, and Zeda human Hamfast readies a harpoon for the sharks on the opposite side of the ship.

Hifalendorin humans Giacomo and Sir Torrel prepare spells. Giacomo’s Magic Missile misfires, turning his hands red. Torrel’s Protection From Evil deafens him to the alluring Siren’s song.

Meanwhile, Hamfast spots a sled or chariot behind the two sharks, and a Kuo Toa driver approaches the Foamrunner. Monk Tempestade maneuvers on deck to see both enemies. Bard Corwin begins a countersong to drown out the Siren and free his friends.

Still in shark form, Druid Elsa swims over to the other sharks and casts Calm Animal. They slow their approach, causing the aquatic chariot to sink. Ranger Scully stares helplessly at the Siren.

Hamfast fires a harpoon at the Kuo Toa, but the fish man pulls it out and throws it back at the Fighter. Wizard Giacomo’s Fireball also fizzles, but Paladin Sir Torrel’s Silence is effective in breaking the Siren’s spell. She dives beneath the rowboat.

Corwin casts Death Armor on himself, as Elsa swims around the Foamrunner. Scully looks for a foe who’s not submerged, and Hamfast again fires the harpoon at the Kuo Toa.

The Siren leaps out of the water at Corwin, and Sir Torrel slices her in twain, distracting the sharks. Giacomo casts Sphere of Force, killing the Kuo Toa, which Hamfast reels back to the ship. Those in the dinghy retrieve the bobbing chest.

Scully claims the Kuo Toa’s malachite locket before Capt. Scarlet orders it tossed back into the sea. In the chest, Corwin finds 50 silver pieces, and Sir Torrel claims a Potion of Fire Resistance. Elsa privately pays Capt. Scarlet extra for the risks to her crew.

The next night, Scully awakens in a panic. She hears leathery wings and slowly climbs to the crow’s nest. There, Scully finds Fingonel, a young Sea Elf sailor, cowering in terror. In the morning, Tempestade and Elsa attend to the panicked women, noting that a dragon or devil could have flown overhead.

Sir Torrel reiterates his vow to smite evil, and Capt. Scarlet notes that the Foamrunner is no longer passing over or through the Coral Kingdom. She warns of Aboleth, psionic and fiendish fish of the deep.

The away team prepares to go to the open port of Laguro on Bokor Island, where it hopes to consult an experienced plane traveler known as “Valoren.” Albino scout Scully recommends disguises and dyes her fur. Sir Torrel pulls on a hooded cloak and uses his new Amulet of Conceal Alignment.

Giacomo, Hamfast, Corwin, and Elsa say that their group is motley enough to blend in with corsairs and swashbucklers. Capt. Scarlet says she’ll return in a few days rather than draw too much unwanted attention.

The group finds a ramshackle but growing pirate town and walks to the “Otter’s Oil” tavern, passing a small arena on the way. The new arrivals see a mix of human nationalities, a few Reptile Folk, and a Shalverin (short aquatic humanoid). The rough crowd pays little heed to Bokor Island’s newcomers.

After chatting with innkeeper Tara MacAlister, Elsa tries a gelatinous drink — carrion crawler juice! Giacomo and Scully stick with berry wine, and Hamfast and Corwin taste slightly skunky ale. Sir Torrel orders milk and then is surly to maintain his cover.

Tara tells Elsa of her supplier, Ghalil ibn Rashid, and that Valoren can be found at “GlassCraft,” a shop selling spyglasses to ship captains. After reserving cheap rooms and finishing their meal, the travelers head back out into Laguro’s winding streets.

Ghalil turns out to be a tall Suthern (proto-Arabic) human whose shop is a tangle of copper pipes, hot cauldrons, and a mill grinding mash. He eagerly shows fellow brewer Elsa his exotic ingredients such as a dinosaur egg and rotten carcasses, which the rest of the group finds nauseating.

Elsa and Ghalil trade recipes, and she trades for potent potables including “Devil’s Piss.” At the large GlassCraft shop, Nubian archer Djekari escorts the visitors to a showroom. They see well-dressed pirates such as Chundo Arcil, the cigar-smoking captain of the “Hangman’s Skull,” ogling spyglasses, crystal balls, and miniature ships in bottles.

The former members of “Vistel’s Circus” are then taken past club rooms, where they see plush chairs and gambling tables. Giacomo is blocked by a “cold steel”-bound inner chamber. “Milos Volorn” [Beruk] welcomes the others and eventually explains that, like Tempestade, he isn’t originally from the “Vanished Lands.”

The Barbari human Rogue/Gatecrasher listens to Tempestade’s tale and suggests that there may be multiple ways home in addition to the obelisk in Gisar. Milos knows of Vasec, the devil at the the volcanic temple, the dreaded Ghost Fleet, and more.

He trades information for a letter of referral from Prince Corwin to set up a shop in the kingdom of Saganim. In addition, Milos says that he’ll see if there’s anyone who can guide the group to Queen Zapanga in Selifa.

Elsa agrees to help one of Milos’ contacts join Vistel’s Circus on the mainland. She also asks for a model of the Foamrunner. Milos provides coins from his homeworld so that contacts will recognize the party.

The associate of the “Liberators,” “Dragonslayers,” and “Holy Steel” gives the would-be heroes the following items:

• Blindfold of Blindsight — Tempestade
• Cold steel (antimagical alloy) warhammer — Hamfast
• Dust of Dryness, in a glass sphere — held by Elsa
• Hat of Disguise — carried by Corwin for the party
• Quiver of Elhonna — Scully
• Sword Brooch — Sir Torrel

Corwin and Elsa thank Milos for his generosity, and the party prepares to leave for its infiltration of Salhonif Island in the Zarendo Archipelago….

I hope that everybody enjoyed our three “Vistel’s Circus” sessions on consecutive Mondays! While Jason E.R.’s “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using “Icons”) will begin in the next two weeks, I look forward to resuming our adventures on Feb. 3, weather permitting.

In the meantime, thanks again to Brian and Rich for hosting, and remember to make use of the Yahoo/eGroups message board between games. Some of you get to continue in the “Vanished Lands” with the “New Dawn” telecom team on Sundays. Be seeing you, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.30, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 6 January 2014:

In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

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

“Vistel’s Circus,” Player Character Party 39 in Gene D.’s " Vanished Lands " heroic fantasy campaign, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2014:

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 6

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda (proto-Germanic) human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 6

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 6

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 6

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with Banuq (winged cat) Penryn; NGc, Lvl. 6

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now a follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 6

• “Sir Torrel” [Alex W.]-male Hifalendorin human Paladin of Otih, the lord of the sun and justice; LGn, Lvl. 6

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 5

“1 to 3 February 1227 B.C.E.:” In the city of Falit, Giacomo claimed a favor from Darius Gaspar, Scully joined the Order of the Golden Lion, and Tempestade prepared to return to his former plantation. Corwin and Elsa verified objectives in the Zarendo Islands.

Sir Torrel met the Mamluks, the caliph’s elite warriors. Later on the Sea of Nagendwa, Hamfast and the passengers and crew of the Sea Elven schooner “Foamrunner” fought an Undead shark, possibly part of the dreaded Ghost Fleet.

At Tarvulis Island, the former circus performers consult “Vasec” [Alex J./Non-Player Character], a Drow Archmage and Loremaster. The onetime circus performers need help rescuing Lady Shadira, an Efreet (fire spirit), from a greater Devil on Salhonif Island.

Spellcasters Giacomo, Corwin, and Elsa conduct research in Vasec’s library. Restless Hamfast decides to wander around the tropical island, and Tempestade and Sir Torrel join him. Scully talks with Nevada Sphereskimmer, a Giff (hippo-like) adept.

Wizard Giacomo reads about dimensional magic such as Banishment but is interrupted by Tequila, Vasec’s curious pseudodragon familiar. Half-Elf Bard Corwin also copies arcane spells while keeping an eye out for Serina, a Tiefling (demon-blooded) student.

Dwarf Druid Elsa finds letters describing studies done by Vasec and others on the Undead pirates commanded by “Capt. Jack Kildare” [Randy K.M./N.P.C.]. They describe attempts to find a contagion that could affect bearers of the Scourge.

Scully and Nevada go outside so that he can demonstrate his blunderbuss. The Giff’s primitive firearm fires only on the third attempt, but its recoil almost knocks down the Gnoll Ranger.

Hamfast, Tempestade, and Sir Torrel leave the former “Liberator’s” stronghold and cross the caldera of Tarvulis Island’s inactive volcano. They see two other peaks. A balloon floats near one, dropping experimental explosives. They decide to head to the third one.

Unfortunately, Torrel falls in some mud, and a giant leech attaches itself to his neck. The Paladin’s friends bring him back to the Vasec’s Magisterium (magic school/library) in the former dragon lair, where Elsa, Goblin scribe Durange, and Akkadian human Dornamu can attend to him.

Fighter Hamfast and Monk Tempestade again venture into the jungle. They find fresh graves and decide to head back to the beach to hail the Foamrunner. However, Tequila appears and asks for rum. Tempestade shares some, and he and Hamfast suddenly find themselves in the gray streets of Gisar!

Hamfast is happy to be back north and buys a turnip from a passing cart. Although Tempestade hopes to use an obelisk in the barbaric port to get back to his distant homeland and rescue fellow slaves, he isn’t pleased about the cold weather.

After buying drinks at the “Broken Lance” bar, Hamfast and Tempestade join the raucous crowd watching two Wolven fight a Minotaur in the Vistani Arena, far from the Zarendo Islands.

Meanwhile, on Tarvulis Island, Serina senses that something is awry and tells Corwin that two of his companions have left the island. The Saganim (proto-Celtic) prince gathers the rest of his adventuring party and goes to Vasec’s scrying chamber.

Gerald, Giacomo’s winged homunculus familiar, peeks under the cloth covering a crystal ball. The group glimpses hellish flames. Giacomo begins acting even more strangely than usual, prompting Sir Torrel to Detect Evil.

The Hifalendorin (proto-Northwestern European) human’s aura has changed, and Elsa tries to cast Hold Person but fails. Corwin’s Dispel Magic temporarily suppresses Giacomo’s alternate personality, and Torrel punches the Wizard in the face, knocking him out. Scully notices that Giacomo even smells different.

Durange [Brian/N.P.C.] and Nevada [Josh/N.P.C.] help tie him up. Vasec appears and is displeased at the intrusion, but Elsa’s apology seems to mollify the Dark Elf. The Mage eventually agrees to determine what’s wrong with Giacomo, find the missing party members, and help with their missions.

Vasec redirects the crystal ball from its “default setting” and finds Hamfast, Tempestade, and Tequila (disguised in human form) in Gisar. The adolescent pseudodragon realizes that he has been found and Teleports the trio back to Tarvulis Island. Vasec punishes his wayward familiar by “grounding” him. Elsa berates Tempestade for leaving.

Scully holds onto Gerald, and Serina suggests removing Giacomo’s shirt. A strange tattoo on his back tries to speak with those in the room, but Vasec orders it to be quickly covered. He recognizes the Mad Mage Ezra, who has apparently been imprisoned but still seeks to thwart death.

Through Vasec’s crystal ball, Tempestade sees Lady Shadira, who has been Polymorphed into a Shambling Mound near the devil’s temple. The time-displaced capoeirista also tries to find his homeland relative to Gisar.

In return for an enchanted rod from the hoard of the late dracolich Daneira in Gisar, Vasec agrees to create a Lens of True Sight to help the onetime members of Vistel’s Circus spot Lady Shadira and others transformed on Salhonif Island.

Giacomo gradually returns to his senses and trades for Arcanist’s Gloves. Hamfast is disappointed to be away from the arena, and Scully asks him for a turnip. Vasec tells Tempestade that there are ways to get back to the “Vanished Lands” besides finding the obelisk in his own time.

Corwin asks the Archmage for Counterstrike Bracers and a Vanishing Cloak, which he hopes to get the next time he visits the island. Sir Torrel doesn’t trust the Drow or his followers.

Elsa asks Vasec about the Ghost Fleet and gives Durange her notes on the cult of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom, to copy. The priestess also acquires 10 Daylight Pellets against the Undead and inquires about a Crystal Mask of Languages.

That night, the travelers sleep fitfully. Sir Torrel has a dream in which he is covered by leeches and talks with Pit Fiend Schm*ckF*ck. Scully sees herself covered by the moving tattoo of a sorcerous puppet.

The next morning, the weary wanderers follow Vasec’s recommendation to visit “Tondra Mokae” [Rob A.S., R.I.P.], a wise Cleric also on Tarvulis Island. The entire team proceeds more carefully through the jungle, even as it hears a large beast crashing toward it.

Elsa invokes Mekkil (Gaia), casts Friendly Forest, and shifts into bear form. Sir Torrel prays to Otih, god of the sun and justice, and casts Protection From Evil. Strongman Hamfast is not afraid of death and readies his maul. Scout Scully releases owl “Owlicious” and readies her longbow.

Nimble Tempestade climbs a tree to get an idea of where they are and sees a giant frog. Wary Giacomo and Gerald hang back. Prince Corwin prepares Lighting Bolt. A three-headed hydra comes charging out of the woods.

Elsa “Bearbottom” responds in kind, striking the hydra. Tempestade throws a javelin but misses, and Sir Torrel lops off a head with his sword. Corwin’s spell does some damage, and he moves to the creature’s rear.

Hamfist swings, but he hits Torrel by accident. Scully fires arrows, and Giacomo casts a maximized Magic Missile, which appears as a force arrow. The hydra breathes fire on Hamfast and Sir Torrel. Elsa’s winged cat Penryn flies out of range while she claws and bites at the monster.

Tempestade hurls another javelin and wishes that he could have ridden Elsa in bear form into battle. Sir Torrel and Corwin keep slashing at the hydra, and Hamfast finishes it off.

Giacomo harvests a fire gland. Scully claims some claws and tracks the beast back to a lair, where they find the following pirate booty:

• Coins: 100 copper pieces, 150 silver pieces (worth 15 gold pieces), 800 electrum (worth 400 g.p.), 700 g.p., 10 platinum (worth 100 g.p.), and 700 g.p. worth of gems and pearls
• A “+1” mace (claimed by Sir Torrel)
• A short bow +1, +2 vs. regenerating foes (given to Scully)
• A scroll of Protection vs. Elementals (held by the group)

Corwin divides the coins to about 350 g.p. per person, with a share going to the party fund. Giacomo tells Sir Torrel that there’s something wrong with his magical mace. The adventurers again pass the fresh graves and eventually come to Tondra’s garden, which is tended by Undead.

They enter the herbalist’s house and meet the Zarendo Islander human priestess of Buwalgo, the earth mother. Tondra explains that she splits her time between Tarvulis Island and Hesolin, the capital of the kingdom of Hifalendor. Tempestade recognizes Tondra as being similar to the shamans of Brazil.

Elsa asks Tondra about the Scourge and its connection to the followers of Krakas. Tondra explains that Capt. Kildare, while initially appearing only on Midsummer’s Eve, has somehow renegotiated his curse, enabling the Ghost Fleet to keep growing and sacking coastal communities.

The cultists of Krakas are chaotic, she continues, while Capt. Kildare and the followers of the devil on Salhonif Island are more orderly. Tondra suggests to Scully that, rather than trying to find and fight numerous Undead pirates at their headquarters, the would-be heroes pick a time and a place to lure Capt. Kildare into battle.

Corwin and Elsa thank Tondra for her advice. Giacomo and Hamfast bring Sir Torrel forward, and Tondra takes the cursed mace off the Paladin’s hands. She also gives him an Amulet of Hide Alignment.

The former performers head back to Vasec’s tower and the Foamrunner, which they plan to take next to the open port of Laguro on Bokor Island. There, Tempestade hopes to question Valoren, an experienced plane traveler….

Weather permitting, I look forward to continuing our adventures on Monday, Jan. 13! The “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” telecom game should also continue this coming Sunday night.

Remember to post your character concepts for Jason E.R.’s upcoming “Glassworks: the Devil’s Den” superhero scenario (using “Icons”) and for Bruce’s planned “Eberron” game. Later, -Gene