Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 39.8 of the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” fantasy campaign, which Brian W. hosted at his home in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 4 February 2012:

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, using the Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, as of spring 2013:

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 2

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 2

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 2

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 2

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A./absent ]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 2

• “Tempestade” [Josh C./absent ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./absent ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“22 to 25 February 1228 B.C.E.:” After cleansing a farm near Tensar of Undead, Vistel’s Circus rode toward the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human village of Nobb. On the way through some woods, the wagon train was ambushed by Bugbear bandits, but they were quickly vanquished.

As the caravan arrives at Nobb, circus founder Orlando Vistel sends Corwin, Hamfast, Scully, and Elsa to check out the local inn. They enter the smoky common room of the “High Hedge” pub, but the Saganim peasants are alarmed to see Gnoll Scully.

Corwin vouches for his companion, and the Bard buys a round of drinks and sings, allaying their concerns. Scully, Hamfast, and Elsa get a table and order dinner, while Corwin reserves a room with innkeeper Darrin.

A young man named Caleb introduces himself to Elsa and has many questions for the Dwarf Druid, especially about her trained owlbear cub “Oswald.” Caleb is apprentice to “Pita ‘Old Pete’ Arborson” [Dan A./Non-Player Character], a Barbari human Ollave. They also travel with Skald “Melody” [Lori K.S./N.P.C.] and Grugach (Wild Elf) scout Ivy.

Caledil Longbark, a Sylvan Elf trapper, catches Corwin’s eye, but Corwin is curious about Caleb’s group. Hamfast tersely defends the honor of the Zeda kingdom of the Dwarves and Gnomes, since that’s also his homeland, but the Saganim woodsmen and Elves mean no offense to the tall human.

Ol’ Pete asks whether the circus has news from the east. He has heard rumors of hostile Centaurs, evil Druids, and incursions by monsters from the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm. The newcomers haven’t heard of any of these, but are interested in them as well as in possible corruption in the court of King Edmund II.

Corwin asks Ol’ Pete if he could guide the circus toward Thadenis, capital of Saganim. Elsa pays the Ollave 30 crowns (gold pieces), and he recommends heading to the village of Baln rather than taking a northern road across the open Plains of Sathendo.

The next morning, Ol’ Pete and his followers join Vistel’s Circus and head southwest. Giacomo rides in a cart recently acquired from the Necromancer defeated at Tensar. Scully, Ivy, and Corwin to scout ahead through the snowy woods.

Scully slips down a ravine and spots a cave opening covered by icicles. Corwin and Ivy follow, and they notice tracks. Peering into the cave mouth, they see red eyes! A warg and an armored Orc lunge forth.

Corwin draws his long sword, as Ivy shoots arrows from her bow. The wolf-like warg bites Corwin, but the Orc misses with his gladius. Scully sends her bird Owlicious to warn the others.

Back at the wagons, Ol’ Pete is leading the way around the ravine when Owlicious returns. Hamfast, Elsa, and Giacomo prepare to join their friends. Corwin manages to slay the green-skinned Orc, and white-furred Scully fells her fellow canine.

In the cave, Ivy and company find a cache of Zuromm [Roman-style] weapons, jerky of unknown origin, and silver coins with a spider on one side and an eye on the other. They also find a parchment map with a second site marked ahead on their path. The scouts rejoin the circus train and continue hiking.

Sometime later, Orlando and Ol’ Pete give Corwin, Hamfast, Scully, Elsa, and Ivy leave to check out the second site from the map. They climb a hill and see a dense ring of trees around a rocky summit. Vultures circle overhead.

Stealthy Scully and Corwin creep ahead and take out a sleeping warg. The others join them as they enter a pile of standing stones and descend a narrow, winding staircase. A tunnel leads to a vertical shaft on one side and a sloping passage on the other.

Corwin follows the passage and nearly falls into a pit trap. After resetting it, the spelunkers find a back exit near the tree line covered by a relatively thin layer of piled-up rocks.

They head back to the interior of the tor and find an ancient tomb, possibly dating back to the Saganim empire of a few centuries ago. The sarcophagus has been destroyed.

The next chamber has vaulted ceilings and skylights. It was once some sort of temple, although neither Elsa nor Corwin recognizes all the carvings. The raiders find recent bloodstains on the altar. One exit leads to the vertical shaft, and another, hidden behind the altar, leads down to a third subterranean level.

The adventurers ignore the path back to the vertical shaft, which Elsa notes would make a good quick escape route up, if it doesn’t lead down to the nameless horrors of the Underdark. The other direction leads to a mess hall, where three Orcs and a gray-skinned Dwarf are cooking venison and are surprised to have visitors.

Corwin quickly nocks arrows, and Elsa invokes Vulkan (Moradin) to cast True Strike on Scully. Ivy misses and drops her bow in favor of her sword. Hamfast engages the Duergar, as accurate Scully smashes an Orc with a mighty blow.

The two remaining Orcs snarl but miss, and the Gray Dwarf casts Darkness. Corwin swings anyway, as does Ivy. Elsa taunts the Dwarf, and Hamfist kills another Orc. Scully kills the last Orc of the Footmasher clan, and the Duergar levitates Elsa before he is slain by Corwin.

Scully and Hamfast carry the deer on a spit out of the caves, since wise Elsa recommends leaving rather than exploring any deeper. Corwin and Elsa grab scrolls of Chill Touch and Darkness as they head back to rejoin the circus troupe….

I hope you enjoyed the action-packed dungeon crawl! Even though we’ve had more delays because of the weather, I look forward to continuing Jason’s “Barsoomian Adventures” planetary romance miniseries, as well as the " Vortex: Terra’s Pride" telecom space opera. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.9, which Brian W. hosted at his home in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 25 February 2013:

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

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

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

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 2

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 2

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 2

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A./absent ]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 2

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F./absent ]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 2

• “Tempestade” [Josh C./departed ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“26 to 28 February 1228 B.C.E.:” In the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human village of Nobb, performers from Vistel’s Circus had met “Pita ‘Ol’ Pete’ Arborson” [Dan A./Non-Player Character]. The Barbari human Ollave agreed to guide them on a quicker path toward Thadenis, capital of Saganim.

On the way southwest, scouts from the caravan found two small but vicious outposts of Orcs and wargs from the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm. The circus troupe made a forced march through wintery woods to the hamlet of Baln.

Circus founder Orlando Vistel notes that the community is too small to be worth setting up for a full show. Corwin, Hamfast, and Elsa go to the “Sanir’s Trumpet” pub, where they try a variety of brews recommended by barkeep Angus.

“Melody” [Lori K.S./N.P.C.], a Skaevingol human Skald (Scandinavian-style Bard) in [former “Seeker of Lore”] Ol’ Pete’s retinue, performs a song from her homeland. Corwin plays his mandolin, and Gnome inventor Ashkator Bibbleshins joins in with his accordion.

Strongman Hamfast offers to wrestle the diminutive Gnomes in the pub for a round of drinks, as brewer Elsa samples the local ale, Fey wine, and Gnomish cordials. Hamfast returns to the wagons to help drovers Cerdwyn mab Ardain and Baskor Steadyhand set up and guard the camp.

Ol’ Pete’s young apprentice Caleb accompanies Elsa as the Druid feeds Oswald, her Owlbear cub, as well as other animals. Corwin warns Angus about the Orcs and invites Melody up to his room.

The next morning, Elsa overhears Ol’ Pete lecturing Melody about protecting her virtue, and Corwin avoids Tamara bint Yasmina, a dancer in the circus and onetime paramour. Elsa goes to console Melody, while Ol’ Pete confronts Corwin.

The Bard promises that he won’t hurt Melody and that he would take care of her and any potential children. Ol’ Pete is placated, and Elsa says that although she admires his paternal instincts, Ol’ Pete should give his followers more freedom.

The Saganim peasants and Gnomes of Baln bid a fond farewell as Vistel’s Circus departs. Scouts Scully and Ivy (another of Ol’ Pete’s band) walk ahead of the wagons. Giacomo studies spells in the tinkerer’s cart of the late Necromancer from the Sable clan, while Tempestade shivers and stays close to the other roustabouts.

Hamfast asks Ol’ Pete if there’s anything interesting in Thadenis, since he has never been in a city before. The Ollave mentions temples and arenas, the supposedly haunted Isle of Grief, and numerous bars. Ivy refers Elsa to the Royal Society for Exploration and Cartography.

Corwin asks Mama Vistel for hair dye and shaves his goatee. The Half-Elf reveals that “Corwin Windsong” is not his true name and that he is familiar with the capital of the kingdom of Saganim. Elsa concludes that he must be an exiled or disgraced noble.

Scully and Ivy signal the wagon train to halt and bring Hamfast, Corwin, and Elsa to a grim discovery. The Gnoll and Grugach (Wild Elf) have found the frozen bodies of three Sylvan Elves and seven Orcs. There are signs of magic, but no identifying heraldry on either side. If any Orcs survived, they fled without looting the bodies.

Pious Elsa casts Gentle Repose on the Elven corpses so that they can be brought to Thadenis. Corwin warns Orlando and Cerdwyn to beware of more bandits on the road, and Hamfast carries the fallen to a wagon.

That evening, the circus camps under the stars. Hamfast, Cerdwyn, and Baskor take the first watch and stoke the fire. During the second watch, Corwin and Ivy hear an eerie caterwauling.

Corwin wakes Elsa and creeps out to investigate. He is surprised by a mountain lion, but a quick Sleep spell neutralizes the danger. Druid Elsa and Ranger Scully are pleased at the lack of violence. Elsa and Caleb have an uneventful third watch.

The caravan crosses the Plains of Sathendo, as the terrain shifts from woods to hills and, finally, sheep pastures and frosty fields. Ol’ Pete, Caleb, Ivy, and Melody take their leave. The performers behold the gray stone walls and towers of Thadenis and join the throngs at the city’s gates.

They pay the blond Saganim sentries a weapons tax and head to the “Happy Brownie,” which is between the temple district and various consulates. Corwin spares no expense, paying innkeeper Doyle 30 crowns (gold pieces) for a week’s stay in a suite.

Elsa spends 2 g.p. each for midrange rooms for Miranda Barrowright, Halfling priestess of Yondolla, and her family, as well as few other members of the troupe. Hamfast is content to spend 1 g.p. for space in the “Happy Brownie’s” common room.

Hamfast, Corwin, and Elsa go to the Royal Society for Exploration and Cartography and find a brownstone in a quiet neighborhood. An apparently bored student greets them from behind a desk, but a voice from deeper within the building instructs Ilnadu Magevictor to show the guests in.

In a book-lined room, “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] welcomes the trio. In return for a map of the Zuromm outposts within Saganim borders, former adventurer [with the “Liberators”] Ulrich agrees to arrange for an audience with King Edmund II so the group can investigate corruption within the realm.

The wanderers then go to the embassy of the Waletku kingdom, where they are greeted by Elven soldiers resplendent in mithril chain. The haughty guards are suspicious of the scruffy human, Half-Elf, and Dwarf but swiftly give them permission to bring the Elven remains into the white building.

Quelanthi (High Elf) consuls Annette and Valery are troubled by the group’s story of an Orcish ambush and promise to properly bury the dead and notify their families. The diplomats mention the shrine of Corellan Larethian in the Field of Grulla, the huntsman. Grateful for the service, Annette and Valery grant Vistel’s Circus safe passage through the Blackhorse Woods.

Hamfast later helps Cerdwyn and the roustabouts set up tents in the southeastern part of the Agora, or market square. Corwin goes to the Bardic College, where he sees redheaded priestesses of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry. Disguised Corwin also chats with Miss Crevan, a Half-Elf who has performed at the Cathedral of Edillon, lord of the sky.

At Corwin’s recommendation, Gnoll Scully and Lizard Woman Malinzel keep a low profile. Ol’ Pete had recommended that Giacomo check out the Harandrim Academy, the modest local Magisterium (magic school/library).

Elsa goes to the temple of Nersago, also known as Gobnihr, Vulkan, or Moradin. The Dwarf gives a generous tithe and is pleased to see Clerics of the mountain deity wielding hammer and tongs above massive anvils and passing around flagons of strong ale.

Speaking of liquor, Hamfast leads Cerdwyn, Baskor, clown Graham Tervin, and the Flying Perhutens on a pub crawl around Thadenis. The circus folk make themselves at home at “Ghanki’s Gin Pub,” which hosts a mix of sailors and gamblers from the nearby Ironhooves Arena.

They then pay the toll at the Cavalier’s Bridge to party at the “Crystal Goblet,” which turns out to be a stuffy officer’s club. The rowdies stagger back to the “Happy Brownie” and “Half Moon,” and their recollections become blurry after that.

Hamfast intends to lead the carousers to the “Silver Tankard,” the “Leprechaun’s Spittle,” and finally, the “Chalice of Pain,” but few make it that far. Meanwhile, Elsa visits the “Bulging Baldric” but is disappointed to find it full of swashbuckling Saganim swains.

The next morning, the performers groan amid hangovers. Hamfast joins Elsa at Nersago’s Forge, and Corwin awaits word from Ulrich about a royal audience at the Hall of Thanes….

Beruk and Sara, I’m sorry that you couldn’t join us, and I hope that Josh feels better! It was good to chat with you during the latest " Vortex: Terra’s Pride" telecom space opera, and I hope you’ll be able to attend Jason E.R.’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” next week.

I may have to travel in the coming week, but I’ll try to let everyone know if it will affect our games. Note that Brian won’t be available on March 11, so we’ll have to meet at Rich’s place in Waltham, Mass. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

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

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Tempestade” [Josh C./absent ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./absent ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W./absent ]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Tempestade” [Josh C./departed ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.12, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 15 April 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A./absent ]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Tempestade” [Josh C./departed ]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“4 to 5 March 1228 B.C.E.:” Some of the wanderers had gotten royal permission to investigate possible corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. However, the ceremony designating Prince Daven as heir apparent was interrupted by his half-brothers, Garamond and Berek (Corwin Windsong’s true identity).

After a performance in the Agora (market square), the adventurers reconvene in “Ghanki’s Gin Pub,” where they decide that the princes’ parents could be in danger. Prince Garamond agrees to guard Vistel’s Circus with his Lizard Folk pirates, and Prince Berek takes a few of his friends back to the Isle of Valor.

Hamfast Hammerfist has little difficulty posing as a partier headed to the “Crystal Goblet,” and Scully Strongbow tells sentries that she’s hunting vermin with her owl. Elsa Fairbottom claims to be searching for rare herbs in the queen’s gardens — even though it’s late at night.

Giacomo Du Vane stays in the archives, researching House Sable, which he suspects of necromancy, and options for Berek’s trial for the disappearance of the Bard Katarina several years ago. She was his tutor and lover, as well as the wife of Dalek, a Tiefling (devil-touched) Mage and counselor to the king.

Corwin casts Change Self to pose as a guard and gain entry to the Gilded Keep. He follows King Edmund II and Lord Stefan Sable to a chamber and waits outside. The disguised prince notices a very large cat prowling the corridors. The feline hisses at Berek as he shoos it away. The creature’s shadow changes shape as it rounds the corner.

Meanwhile, Elsa and Hamfast approach the Hall of Thanes. The Dwarf Druid casts Detect Magic but doesn’t find anything wrong with the guards. The tall Zeda human can almost pass as a blond Saganim warrior. Gnoll Scully pretends to chase her owl to a tree near the palace, in the hopes of climbing up to keep a better watch.

Corwin nods as Lord Stefan leaves the king’s chambers, and he hears his father apparently arguing with Queen Margaret. The errant prince hears furniture breaking and smashes in the door, only to see the queen perched unnaturally over King Edmund!

The Bard quickly casts Sleep, incapacitating the woman. As he bends down to help his father tie her up, soldiers arrive with Lord Dalek. The court Wizard says that Corwin has attacked the king, but Edmund groggily vouches for him.

Dalek’s Dispel Magic removes Berek’s disguise and reveals the attacker as a Doppleganger. The king angrily orders his men to scour the castle for the real Queen Margaret, and Prince Berek persuades his father to let him to join the search rather than be expelled.

At the gate tower, Elsa and Hamfast try to talk their way past the guards and hear a commotion inside. Scully decides against scaling the Gilded Keep’s walls and joins her friends.

Corwin/Berek must tread carefully with various nobles watching him. Retracing the queen’s steps back to her chambers, he finds his sister Karenna, who slips him a note telling him to go to the Cathedral of Edillon.

Corwin grabs Hamfast, Scully, and Elsa, and they go to the temple of the lord of the winds. High priest Gwawn takes the group past Paladins and down into the crypt. There, he reveals a secret passage that leads farther beneath the Isle of Valor.

In a subterranean cell, the team finds Queen Margaret fully decked out in armor, flanked by handmaiden Morgaine and “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character], a Defender of the Night. She explains that they were exploring passages added while the royal family had fled the city when it was under attack by Dubwana (Goblinoid) legions from the Garku Nasit.

The Saganim sovereign recommends that Prince Berek interrogate the shapeshifter and check on his siblings. Queen Margaret reassures him that now that the alarm has been raised, she and King Edmund will be safe.

Corwin and company go back to the castle, where Prince Daven and his girlfriend Princess Julia have just arrived on his new hippogriff. Daven accuses Berek of interfering with state security, and Elsa asks Daven where he has been.

The crown prince replies that he was with friends at his theater near the Bardic College. At Scully’s recommendation, Elsa communicates with the hippogriff, which corroborates Daven’s story about being across town.

The investigators head to the dungeon, where the Doppleganger changes itself to resemble Corwin. It taunts him, trying to loudly implicate the prince in a plot to the guards. The would-be assassin yields no further information.

In the kitchen, Berek is greeted by cook Skilti, who remembers him as a boy. He is butchering a strange animal, which he said was just delivered to him already skinned. Corwin is horrified to recognize it as the unnatural cat he had encountered, and he casts Charm Person to keep Skilti from putting it into meat pies.

Berek recalls that Dalek’s familiar was a bat but still believes that the mage, House Sable, and Daven are up to no good. The carnival folk leave the Isle of Valor and bring the cat carcass to the Grove of Arbos, where Scully and Elsa met Brownie Pfenik.

The helpful Fey says it could be a varun, a breed of cat used by the Drow (western Dark Elves) of Zuromm. The exhausted party returns to the Agora to catch a few hours of sleep in their familiar tents and wagons guarded by Garamond.

The next morning, Elsa leads the way to the Royal Society of Cartography to ask “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] for fragmentary maps of the Underdark. At the tower of the Tartan Guard, Hamfast hears Sir Owen’s tales of attacks by giant spiders and scorpions at the edge of the Halmed Desert.

Prince Berek sends a message to the queen, who sends Melchior to meet him at the Houses of Healing. Corwin reports on his findings regarding the cat and his frustration in questioning the Doppleganger. Melchior suggests leaving the palace alone for a time and seeing if there are ties back to the nefarious Dark Elves.

Sister Ophelia, a priestess of Ulandt, lady of rest, tells fellow Cleric Elsa that the knights of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, are also trustworthy. Scully is interested in meeting Wolfen Paladin “Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.]. Although Berek and Garamond oppose Prince Daven, neither is eager to become heir to the throne himself.

Corwin takes Scully to the Bardic College, where they meet with Maeve Gallagher, a priestess of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry. There, the Gnoll Ranger gets a makeover as Corwin considers Maeve’s advice on repairing his reputation with the people of Thadenis.

Hamfast notes that it might also be worth paying a visit to the Zuromm embassy, while Giacomo continues his studies….

Given the tragic events at the Boston Marathon, it’s understandable that we were all a bit distracted, but it was still good to get together with friends. Let us hope that justice prevails in the real world at least as much as in our fantasy ones.

Remember that we won’t be meeting next Monday, April 22, because David I.S. (who played Elf Ranger “Kelan” 25 years ago) will be visiting for the Boston Comic Con. There also won’t be a “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera session this coming Sunday.

Jason E.R.’s “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” planetary romance will continue on April 29, and good luck to Josh C.’s “Steam Wars” telecom group. I look forward to resuming our adventures in the “Vanished Lands” in May!

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.13, which Rich C.G. hosted in Waltham, Mass., on Saturday, 18 May 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage magician, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 3

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 3

Guests:

• “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.]-male Hifalendorin/Saganim human Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest/Defender of the Night, former member of “Mystical Harmony/the Seekers of Lore” (Party 33); NGl

• “Uldor” [Thomas]-male Hifalendorin human priest of Otih (Cleric of sun deity Pelor) and healer; NGl, Lvl. 3 (from D&D5e/“Next” playtest, Party 38)

• “Gug Trushin” [Kai-Yin H.]-male Hill Dwarf Fighter (Soldier, Slayer), taciturn mercenary; CNg, Lvl. 3 (from D&D5e/“Next” playtest, Party 38)

Absent:

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 3

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 3

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 2

• “Radius” [Jason E.R.]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“6 to 7 March 1228 B.C.E.:” The traveling performers continued their investigation of corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Corwin Windsong had revealed himself as the long-lost Prince Berek during the ceremony to name his half-brother, Prince Daven, heir apparent.

After thwarting a Doppleganger’s attack on King Edmund II, Corwin, Giacomo du Vane, and Elsa Fairbottom had found the remains of a varun, a cat native to the Underdark. They left the Gilded Keep on the Isle of Valor and returned to the “Happy Brownie” inn.

There, they meet Melchior Merryman. Queen Margaret had sent the priest of Ulandt, goddess of the night, to discreetly help Prince Berek clear his name. Before he joined Vistel’s Circus, Corwin had been falsely accused of murdering his tutor Katarina, the wife of Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) Mage and advisor to the king.

Since Hamfast and Scully are busy protecting the circus with Prince Garamond’s Reptile Folk pirates, Melchior recruits people to help Corwin. He finds Uldor, a human Cleric of sun deity Otih, and Gug Trushin, a Dwarf mercenary recently returned from exploring caves near a border keep.

Melchior asks about evidence tying a serial killer defeated near the village of Tensar with House Sable, which is friendly with the royal family. The Defender of the Night is wary of Undead and hopes to find whoever was behind the attack on the king.

The wanderers go to the circus wagons and tents in the southeastern corner of the Agora (market square). Uldor and Gug are impressed at seeing a fire eater, acrobats, and unusual creatures. Some of the female carnival folk avoid Corwin. Elsa offers fellow Dwarf Gug a draught of her Gnomish brew, and he readily accepts.

Giacomo the Mysterious leads the way to a tinker’s cart that he has redecorated. It once contained the tools of the Necromancer who had killed farmers at the Fenor homestead and taken their skins for disguises and a flesh golem.

Uldor casts Detect Magic, and Giacomo opens various drawers. One of them contains a leather marionette wearing a mask. The strange puppet makes Giacomo’s companions uncomfortable. The stage magician also shows Melchior an enchanted needle and thread, and Uldor later confirms with the Paladins of Otih that a set of cursed shears was destroyed.

A signet ring bears the symbol of House Sable, which holds territory in the northwestern Plains of Sathendo, not far from Tensar and lands of Prince Daven. Lord Stefan Sable is an advisor to the king, and his son Sean is friends with Daven.

Based on Hamfast’s earlier recommendation, Corwin and company go to the embassy of Zuromm to ask about the varun. Melchior and Uldor wait across the street, since they’re unlikely to be welcomed by worshippers of Lolth and Gruumsh at the brownstone.

A Saganim human butler ushers the visitors into a round waiting room after Corwin introduces himself as Prince Berek. Giacomo looks up at the demonic tapestries and ornate rafters, and Gug and Elsa notice that the stones of the floor have been laid in a spider web pattern.

Lady Dolista [not to be confused appears with Faelonia ’s nemeses Balesta and Dalesta] and offers formal greetings. The attractive envoy apologizes for her lacy sleeping clothes, since the Drow (western Dark Elves) are nocturnal. Elsa and Gug face off with two Duergar (Gray Dwarf) guards.

Meanwhile, Melchior takes Uldor to a cart that he uses as a mobile changing room. They disguise themselves as “Seamus McMurdoch,” a potion seller, and his helper “Vinstel.” Melchior asks the Halfling driver to drop them off at a back door to the Zuromm embassy.

The butler greets “Seamus” and “Vinstel” and, after some negotiations, gives a bag of 60 gold coins in return for a paralytic venom, poison in paste form, and an “animal pacifier.” Melchior and Uldor overhear Corwin and Dolista nearby and stall for time and diversion.

Lady Dolista says that she has partied with Berek’s sister, Princess Karenna. Corwin claims that Prince Daven’s investiture threatens his and Garamond’s plans to replace King Edmund with a regime that would be more friendly to Zuromm. Dolista says that Daven has also come to her for advice but is seemingly unaware of new tunnels beneath the city.

Prince Berek asks if he can get any help for his upcoming trial and challenge of Daven. Giacomo has been researching evidence for the murder of Katarina and alternatives to trial by combat. Lady Dolista says that she may provide poisoned weapons.

Back on the streets of Thadenis, Corwin/Berek, Giacomo, Elsa, and Gug head back to the inn to regroup. Melchior and Uldor are changing clothes in their wagon when it is forced to stop because of another wagon with a broken axle ahead of them. They realize they’ve been ambushed when a cart of burning hay bales comes up behind them!

Melchior utters Abyssal to cast a Curtain of Darkness as the crone ahead straightens up and pulls out a hand crossbow. Uldor holds as the Halfling and driver of the haycart run to safety. Their companions see smoke and rush over to help.

Cleric Melchior invokes Ulandt and casts Shadow Bridge to retreat to a nearby rooftop. Uldor summons the power of Otih and casts Radiant Lance at the would-be assassin. The priests spot movement on the roof, where they find two grotesque statues.

Druid Elsa casts Aura vs. Flame to put out the burning hay. Bard Corwin and Fighter Gug move to the area of magical darkness, and Mage Giacomo casts Levitate. The gargoyles on the roof attack, clawing Melchior and biting Uldor.

Melchior blasts the wings off one with a Sound Lance spell, and Uldor yells to the others and misses with another Radiant Lance. Elsa calls upon Gaia to grant Melchior Snake’s Swiftness. Giacomo hurls Magic Missiles, and Gug swings his great axe.

Corwin casts Sleep on the old woman in the alley, but he notices that she falls too slowly. Melchior takes his silver-tipped Staff of Sizing and smashes the head of one gargoyle. The remaining monster attacks Gug and Uldor, who fails to reason with it.

Elsa casts Sand Blast at the woman, blasting away her disguise and reveling her as a Drow. She looks for an amulet that she apparently dropped. Giacomo casts Color Spray, and Corwin draws his bow. Uldor slides down the Shadow Bridge, casting another Radiant Lance, while Elsa readies her sling.

Mighty Gug drops the last gargoyle, as Melchior runs down the wall, thanks to his Arachnid Cloak. Arrows and sling stones slay the Drow, and the group departs before members of the city watch arrive.

The Clerics attend to the wounded, and wise Elsa notes that it’s good her Owlbear is safe from Lady Dolista at the Grove of Arbos. Bold Corwin agrees to try talking to Prince Daven directly at his theater in Thadenis.

Clever Giacomo goes to the Harandrim Academy to ask Maggie on a date. Righteous Uldor lectures Melchior on the use of darkness spells, since their patron deities’ portfolios (sun vs. the night) are somewhat opposed. Melchior changes to more flamboyant clothes and gets his wife Morgaine.

Sometime later, the investigators go to Daven’s Theatre. Giacomo and Maggie enjoy the vaudeville acts, while Melchior and Morgaine watch the audience. Uldor keeps Corwin in his sights as he approaches the royal box. Elsa enjoys sharing drinks with Gug, who starts drunkenly heckling the performers.

Berek confronts his half-brother and finds no love lost between them. Melchior casts Phantasmal Thief to pick Daven’s pocket while they’re talking. The team regroups at “Ghanki’s Gin Pub” by the docks to compare notes.

Morgaine identifies the contents of Prince Daven’s pocket as coins from Zuromm and Turkish delight wrappers, possibly from the Garku Nasit to the southwest. Melchior is grimly pleased to find evidence linking the young noble with Saganim’s foes.

Giacomo observes that it could be used in testimony in a trial to help clear Corwin’s name and challenge Daven’s right of succession….

Brian and Sara, we missed you this past weekend! I’m glad that we had a good turnout for Star Trek: Into Darkness, dinner with guest Byron V.O., and this game. I didn’t run a “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera last night, but I look forward to Jason E.R.’s last session (for now) for “Barsoomian Adventures: the Tenth Ray of Mars” tonight.

We probably won’t be meeting around Memorial Day, and we’ll have to sort out the June calendar for upcoming “Vanished Lands” and other games. Be seeing you, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.14, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 3 June 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 3

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“8 to 9 March 1228 B.C.E.:” Members of the performing troupe continued their investigations into corruption in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. The Lizard Folk pirates of Prince Garamond guarded the circus in the Agora (market square).

Corwin Windsong, revealed as Prince Berek, seeks to clear his name before he can challenge his half-brother, Prince Daven, on his right to succeed King Edmund II. First, the Bard must prove that he didn’t kill Lady Katarina, his onetime tutor and lover, as well as the wife of Lord Dalek, a Tiefling (demon-touched) Wizard and royal adviser.

Elsa Fairbottom and Tempestade go to the tower of Otih. “Uldor” [Thomas K.Y.], a helpful Cleric of the lord of the sun and justice, referred them to the temple.

The Dwarf Druid and human Monk meet “Sir Niac Eden” [Mike F./Non-Player Character], a Wolfen Paladin. Elsa gives a generous donation of 200 sovereigns (gold pieces) and asks Niac if sages can help divine what truly happened the night of Katarina’s disappearance.

Elsa explains how a Doppleganger recently attacked the king, how her companions found a varun (Underdark cat) butchered in the palace, and how Corwin talked with Drow (western Dark Elves) and Duergar (Gray Dwarves) at the Zuromm embassy. Niac replies that Corwin must come to the tower of Otih “for purification” and to verify his innocence.

Giacomo du Vane, Hamfast Hammerfist, and Scully Strongbow return to the Gilded Keep on the Isle of Valor. The Hifalendorin mage and Zeda Fighter question members of the castle staff about the night of Katarina’s presumed murder. The albino Gnoll uses her keen nose to sense nervousness and deception.

The trio first questions cook Skilti, who saw young Prince Berek run by in a panic on a dark and stormy night. A trail of blood was found near Dalek and Katarina’s chambers, and Berek’s flight from the city was interpreted as a sign of guilt. Like Princess Catherine, Berek’s partying younger sister, old Skilti believes that Corwin loved not too wisely but too well.

“Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, sends gifts to the travelers, including masterwork arrows for Corwin. Hill Dwarf Fighter “Gug Trushin” [Kai-Yin H.] helps watch the circus wagons and tents.

Meanwhile, Corwin goes to the Bardic College, where he finds fellow musician Maeve Gallagher. She reports that Lord Dalek is rumored to be wooing Princess Catherine. Prince Berek asks the priestesses of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, to help defend his reputation to the Saganim people.

Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully talk with Gudrun, a chambermaid who professes no love for “spoiled princelings.” She said she was bringing laundry from the royal chambers. Elsa and Fighter Hamfast learn that Berek was seen running with blood on his hands and that Katarina’s body was never found. Ranger Scully smells salt water on Gudrun, who claims that she prefers to eat her favorite fish away from other servants.

Sir Niac agrees to help Elsa, but he notes that Lord Dalek’s chambers are likely magically shrouded. Tempestade (who had tried to make a berimbau) seems more curious about how Otih’s followers oppose slavery and about joining their order than about Corwin’s fate.

In the Gilded Keep, Giacomo, Hamfast, and Scully question Aella, a pious servant. After some cajoling, they persuade her to recount what she saw on the night of Katarina and Berek’s disappearances from the palace. Aella says that she saw Gudrun running in the opposite direction of most people — including Berek — on lower level where she wouldn’t normally need to be.

Because Aella fears for her own safety, the trio takes her to the temple of Otih, but not before asking Morgaine, handmaiden to Queen Margaret and Melchior’s wife, to keep an eye on Gudrun.

Corwin confesses his sins to Sir Niac, including how he killed Adric Thumon, the squire to Sir Banor Finney who was running a silver mine operated by Goblin slaves. Thumon had surrendered, but Corwin and company killed him anyway and freed the slaves, who then went with Dubwana (Hobgoblins) from the Garku Nasit.

The knights of Otih are impressed by Prince Berek’s honesty and agree to support him in both his trial for Lady Katarina’s presumed murder and his challenge of the ambitious Prince Daven’s ascension to heir apparent.

Corwin, Niac, and friends listen to Aella’s story and send messages to Prince Garamond and Maeve telling them that they have testimony exonerating Berek. They then take a rowboat to the Isle of Valor to search the area beneath the Gilded Keep.

Hamfast and Tempestade work the oars, while Scully and Niac search the rocks. Giacomo and Corwin impatiently wait with Aella at the temple of Otih because Prince Berek is banned from the palace until his trial.

Elsa spots a pile of fish bones on a rock. As the boat pulls close, Tempestade sees a cave opening behind the rock. Scully leads the way, and Hamfast lights a torch. They see movement, followed by a woman’s wail.

Scully and Tempestade are momentarily stunned, but Hamfast and Elsa press forward on the slick rocks. Sailor Niac flirts with Scully and secures the boat. Hamfast draws a knife and tries to jump on the woman [Beruk/Non-Player Character] before she crawls away, but he misses. The investigators realize with horror that her legs (or fins) have been hacked off.

Ensorcelled, Scully shoves Hamfast away from the crippled siren, whose strawberry blond hair reminds everyone of Corwin’s description of Katarina. Elsa casts Protection From Evil on Hamfast and gives him her mace.

The woman slashes at the burly human with a cutlass, and Niac readies his club. Hamfast tries to subdue the screaming woman, and Elsa prays to Gaia and Moradin for Guidance. Hamfast knocks out the malnourished mermaid and takes her to the boat, where saddened Scully wraps her in a blanket.

They return to Otih’s tower, where Berek is shocked to see how Katarina has been magically transformed and crippled. The Paladins of Otih take the former captive to the Houses of Healing so that the Clerics of Ulandt, lady of rest, can attend to her many wounds.

Sometime later, King Edmund and Queen Margaret preside over the trial of Prince Berek. Among the attendees are Lord Dalek and Lord Stefan Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Dalek repeats his charge of murder against Berek, noting that the prince fled after Lady Katarina’s disappearance and that his bloody handprints were found.

Giacomo, acting as Corwin’s counsel, points out that the evidence is circumstantial. Aella testifies that as angry as Lord Dalek now seems, he was calm after the blood trail was found near his quarters.

Melchior and Sir Niac unwrap Katarina, causing the crowd to gasp. Giacomo observes that only a few spellcasters in all of Saganim would be powerful enough to permanently transform her, and he accuses Gudrun of working with Dalek and feeding on her.

Hamfast holds furious Corwin from attacking Dalek, and King Edmund shares his son’s righteous anger. Guards haul unrepentant Dalek and Gudrun to the dungeon to await the headsman. Giacomo recommends that they be searched for magical implements, and Scully and Elsa are relieved that justice has prevailed. Scully hugs Corwin.

Melchior says that now that Dalek’s magic is waning, Lady Katarina has only days to live at most. Corwin mourns for his lost love, even as Scully seeks out Niac’s company and the circus prepares for its next performance….

Welcome back, Josh, and I hope that everyone enjoyed the dramatic game! It’s interesting that we’re wrapping up major chapters in both the “Vanished Lands” and the “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera. Note that your Player Characters have leveled up — I’ll double-check adjustments by our next session.

I look forward to Rich’s Star Wars: Edge of the Empire playtest next Monday, and I’m sorry that I’ll be missing Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot later this month. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.15 and 16, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on 17 June and 1 July 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), roustabout; CGl, Lvl. 4

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“10 March to 25 October 1228 B.C.E.:” After finding his lost love Lady Katarina, Prince Corwin proved that court mage Lord Dalek was responsible for her maiming and imprisonment. As the Tiefling (demon-touched) wizard is hauled to the dungeon, exonerated Corwin visits the polymorphed mermaid at the Houses of Healing to spend her last hours with her.

Meanwhile, the prince’s friends prepare for his challenge of his half-brother Daven’s right to the throne of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Giacomo du Vane goes to the Bardic College to research magic and see if there is any connection between Lord Dalek and Prince Daven.

Hamfast Hammerfist spends his time at Ghanki’s Gin Pub, where he learns that Saganim sailors have no love for arcane spellcasters. Scully Strongbow goes to Daven’s Theater to keep an eye on the prince, who is in the patron’s box with betrothed Julia and friend Sean Sable, whose house is suspected of necromancy. Scully reports to Corwin via owl Owlicious.

Dressed as a servant, Tempestade watches Dalek’s room in the Gilded Keep. The Monk observes a crow on the windowsill, as well as Lord Stefan Sable, who searches the room with some guards.

Elsa Fairbottom visits Pfenik, a Brownie at the Grove of Arbos. The Dwarf Druid asks Pfenik if he’s interested in traveling beyond the city of Thadenis, and he agrees to join her. Elsa later charms some rats to watch the embassy of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm.

Meanwhile, Corwin’s other half-brother, Prince Garamond, guards the tents and wagons of Vistel’s Circus with his Reptile Folk pirate crew. The wanderers regroup at the Happy Brownie Inn to compare notes.

Sometime later, Giacomo goes to question Dalek but learns that the Tiefling has escaped! His two guards have apparently killed each other, but no trace of poison is found.

Corwin, Hamfast, and Garamond race to the palace, where Tempestade searches the mage’s quarters. Giacomo reviews the list of items taken from Dalek.

A Detect Magic spell reveals a rope ladder leading from his cell to the kitchen, where the group finds a surprised maid and an enchanted knife. Hamfast confiscates some food. The trail leads to rocks at the base of the tower walls, surrounded by the East Rush River.

Corwin consults “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./Non-Player Character], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, and counselor to Queen Margaret. Melchior notes that the doppleganger who attacked King Edmund II was likely working with the disgraced Dalek, as was servant Gudrun.

Hamfast identifies the knife as a style belonging to the Rakshasa, the demonic tiger folk rulers of the neighboring Garku Nasit. Scully continues her stakeout of Prince Daven, but Tempestade finds no sign of a boat at the base of the Gilded Keep.

Cautious Giacomo casts Detect Magic and prepares to spend the night watching the royal family. Elsa’s Detect Evil and Speak With Animals spells reveal little.

The onetime carnival performers tell Melchior and Queen Margaret that they suspect Lord Sable in Dalek’s escape. Corwin and Hamfast guard Princess Catherine, Corwin’s younger sister.

The next morning, Corwin casts Change Self to anonymously visit the Zuromm embassy. The prince boldly bargains with Lady Dolista, a seductive Drow (western Dark Elf) diplomat. She agrees not to contest his or Garamond’s right to the throne over that of Prince Daven in return for mutual noninterference for a year and a day.

Giacomo brings the Rakshasa blade to the Clerics of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, and the Harandrim Academy for further study. Friendly Flind Scully meets with “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.] and the knights of Otih, lord of the sun and justice, who also agree to support Prince Corwin.

Humans Hamfast and Tempestade check on Orlando Vistel, Garamond, and the circus. Dwarf Elsa visits “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./N.P.C.] at the Royal Society for Exploration and Cartography.

Back at the Hall of Thanes on the Isle of Valor, Prince Corwin formally challenges Prince Daven for the right of succession. Corwin, also known as Prince Berek, calls Niac as a character witness. The Wolfen Paladin states that Corwin has acted in the kingdom of Saganim’s interests, even when he was away from the capital.

Ambitious Daven calls Skilti, the palace cook, to testify on his behalf. Corwin and his allies don’t trust Skilti, who recently tried to serve the king a cooked varun, or Underdark cat. Corwin then calls Lady Dolista to the stand.

The Drow emissary admits that she gave Prince Daven gold, and Giacomo produces Zuromm coins covertly taken from the prince as evidence. Dolista is less cooperative than Corwin had hoped, but her testimony does sway many in the court.

“Black Raven” [Michael C./N.P.C.] testifies that he found evidence linking Corwin to the death of Adric Thumon, squire to Sir Banor Finney. However, the scout also notes that Thumon had enslaved a tribe of Goblins at a secret silver mine.

King Edmund, son of Athelward the Just, pronounces his verdict: His second son, Garamond, is the new heir apparent. Edmund’s eldest, Corwin, is required to spend a year and a day within Saganim’s borders to atone for his flight after the apparent murder of Lady Katarina and for the death of Thumon.

Prince Daven, the youngest son, is ordered to spend a year and a day outside of the kingdom to make a name for himself and demonstrate Saganim values of valor and honor. Daven leaves with the Lady Julia, Sean Sable, and his hippogriff.

Corwin and his companions say farewell to Orlando Vistel and his circus, which leaves Thadenis. Tempestade and Elsa are tempted to go with the performers. The displaced Monk also expresses interest in heading to the warmer lands to the south.

Several months pass. Giacomo offers his services as a court wizard to King Edmund and continues his relationship with Maggie Oakleaf, a droll Sylvan Elf student at the Harandrim Academy. Akael Nightmist helps the mages watch for Dalek, still at large.

Hamfast and Elsa visit their homeland in the Ivory Mountains to the north. Pfenik and owlbear Oswald travel with them through the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor to the Zeda kingdom of the Dwarves and Gnomes (and some humans).

Scully acts as a scout for the knights of Otih, exploring caves near Thadenis. The canine humanoid also becomes close with Sir Niac and learns about sailing from the onetime “Dragonslayer.”

Tempestade spends two months becoming a friar at the temple of Otih. The martial artist also inquires about ways to his distant homeland and for a refuge for freed slaves. He reads about an obelisk supposedly guarded by a purple worm in the distant port of Gisar.

Prince Corwin works with the Bardic College to burnish his brother Garamond’s reputation. True to his word, the Bard also helps the crown prince strengthen the kingdom of Saganim’s economy and defenses. He keeps a wary eye on Lord Stefan Sable and Lady Dolista.

Corwin also gets reacquainted with his family, hunting with father King Edmund, playing chess with stepmother Queen Margaret and stepsister Catherine. According to reports, Prince Daven and Sean Sable have traveled east to the barbaric Gusorin Confederation.

In the Ivory Mountains, Hamfast brings Elsa and Pfenik to his home hamlet. The Dwarf and Brownie find the human’s family as taciturn as he is. Hamfast gives his brother Olaf money for the care of wife Helga and a son and daughter.

Perceptive Elsa realizes that detached Helga was once Hamfast’s wife and that the children are his. Hamfast matter-of-factly explains that the relationship didn’t work out.

Olaf brings the visitors to a nearby farm, where injured Hans [Beruk/N.P.C.] waits for the Tottenkoff. Druid Elsa offers healing, but the Zeda humans look at her with confusion. Hamfast coldly performs his duty, ending Hans’ suffering and shocking Elsa.

Meanwhile, back in Thadenis, Giacomo starts a scholarship fund for underprivileged youth and studies magic at the palace. Tired Scully gets a tailored outfit to minimize her frightful appearance, and Tempestade asks her to teach him the basics of sailing.

Corwin tries to conduct diplomacy with Lady Dolista and hears rumors of a new cult in the city. The prince tells the council and Bard Maeve Gallagher about his intention to leave when his year is finished. King Edmund also looks fatigued at public events.

Rather than return to her clan, Elsa busies herself with brewing and mapmaking. Strong Hamfast helps out around his brother’s farm, cutting trees from the dense surrounding woods. Pfenik repeats rumors about renegade Druids, who no longer defend the balance of nature but instead seek power for themselves.

Hamfast, Elsa, and Pfenik decide to return to Saganim early rather than spend winter in the mountains. They meet their friends at Ghanki’s Gin Pub and are surprised at how bedraggled Scully and other patrons look. Corwin suspects the evil cult.

Hamfast drinks heavily, and Tempestade says that fog and will o’ wisps have been seen around the Isle of Grief. Elsa, Pfenik, and half-grown Oswald go to the Grove of Arbos, where fellow Druid Lorcan Mahoney relates the tale of a dragon whose breath induced sloth among his subjects.

Giacomo finds Maggie curled up asleep under a desk. Exhausted, Scully goes for a moonlight sail with Niac, while Corwin casts Detect Magic and finds that the capital has fallen under an enchantment. Sylvan Elf Akael later confirms that a Theft of Sleep ritual has been used to weaken the populace and to help rouse a sleeping or Undead entity, even as Samhain approaches….

As you can see, I’m still catching up on gaming notes, and I’m sorry that I missed Josh’s Dungeon World one-shot. In the meantime, please remember to double-check your Player Character records on Obsidian Portal and let me know of any changes or corrections.

I look forward to continuing our “Vanished Lands” and “Vortex” campaigns into the fall! -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Sessions 39.17 and 18, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on 15 July and 5 August 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 4

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“26 to 27 October 1228 B.C.E.:” The erstwhile performers had begun investigating rumors of a new cult in Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. Many residents of the city, including King Edmund II and Scully Strongbow, were suffering from an unnatural fatigue.

Giacomo du Vane goes to the Royal Society for Cartography, where he finds girlfriend Maggie Oakleaf asleep. The mage asks “Ulrich Vandermoor” [Ted A.H./Non-Player Character] for any maps of the sewers.

Hamfast Hammerfist and Tempestade go to the Chalice of Pain, where they find wiry bouncers and throngs dancing to the beat of large drums. Scully joins them at the nightclub, which is between the temples of Nenashen, goddess of pain, and Libotoh, lady of death.

Corwin Windsong casts Change Self to appear as the scout “Black Raven” [Michael C./N.P.C.] to visit the embassy of the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm. The prince talks with Lady Dolista about signs of a rising cult. The seductive Drow (western Dark Elf) delegate denies any direct involvement.

Elsa Fairbottom traces the city’s malaise to the East Rush River, and the Druid talks with a turtle named Earl who notes that plant growth beneath various bridges has changed recently.

At the Chalice of Pain, strong Hamfast gets invited to a lounge by Seamus McGinty [Rich/N.P.C.]. Cloaked Scully watches a large man in a kilt arm-wrestling with scrawny fop Edard McMullen [Bruce/N.P.C.]. Tempestade eagerly joins in on beating the hide drums.

Lady Dolista tells cautious Corwin that a statue at the temple of Gherra, matron of the gods, was recently defaced. The statue’s gender was crudely changed to male. Giacomo isn’t happy to learn that spiral carvings found underneath piers match the holy symbol of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

Hamfast directly asks Seamus where cultists would gather in Thadenis. The gentleman suggests new tunnels connecting to the sewer system since the Zuromm sack of about a year ago (in “game time”).

The wanderers regroup at Ghanki’s Gin Pub to compare notes. Tempestade notes that with Samhain approaching, any unholy ritual should take place soon. The adventuring party agrees that the first step to stopping the Theft of Sleep, which is robbing the Saganim people of rest to rouse an Undead or sleeping god, is to unpoison the water supply.

Court wizard Giacomo looks for alchemical treatises, and Hamfast and Corwin ask crown prince Garamond, Corwin’s half-brother, for help from his Lizard Folk pirate crew. Scully acquires Sun Rods from her boyfriend “Sir Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.], a Wolfen Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and law.

Elsa visits the temples of Gherra and Moradin. The Dwarf petitions the priests of the soul forger to share their brews with the populace until the river is made safe.

When some of Garamond’s Reptile Folk go missing, Ranger Scully follows a trail of blood to Hunter’s Bridge, across Cadebas Stream. Two slimy Troglodytes emerge from the murky water, upsetting the rowboat!

Prince Corwin strikes with his sword and dagger, but Elsa’s Charm Animal spell fails. Scully pulls Giacomo out of the water and sends a message to the Grove of Arbos via Owlicious. The Troglodytes rake at Corwin with their filthy claws.

Hamfast stabs at the creatures with a spear, as Tempestade’s knives fly. Giacomo casts Levitate Foe to isolate one of the Trogs, which Corwin slays. Elsa invokes Gaia to Entangle the other, and Giacomo’s Magic Missile has a delayed blast, inadvertently turning his irises white.

Corwin finishes off the second Troglodyte, and local Druids help Elsa and Scully remove the last of the Lethargy Weeds for burning. Garamond is sad to lose sailors but glad that his city is safer.

At the Gilded Keep, Corwin and Tempestade talk with “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O./N.P.C.], a Cleric of Ulandt, lady of rest, and counselor to Queen Margaret. Melchior says that the chaotic cult of Krakas is linked to the dreaded ghost fleet.

Giacomo and Scully go to the docks to ask sailors whether they have seen anything unusual. One named Bart is drowning his sorrows in rum and claims that the entire city is damned. Bart says he was serving on the Angry Angel to the Zarendo Islands, where three cultists among the crew committed mutiny against Capt. Hom.

Lady Dolista tells Corwin that a group as large as a cult would need a space such as a sewer node to gather in secret. Hamfast goes with Elsa to a sewer grate, where the Druid charms rat Benny. He agrees to show them the way through the sewers in return for food and reputation.

Scully and Elsa ask Pfenik, a Brownie at the Grove of Arbos, if there are any Druids who might know more about Krakas and the other sea lords. He mentions Sigmund, a Thallassaquendi (western Sea Elf).

The next morning, the brave band enters the sewers beneath the Temple Bridge. Benny leads the way to a large intersection beneath the Temple Tor before scampering off. As the party edges along a slippery walkway, two Troglodytes rise from the depths, followed by a four-armed Sahuagin/Yuan-ti mutant!

Bard Corwin casts Web, ensnaring one, and Fighter Hamfast takes Giacomo’s walking stick. Druid Elsa invokes Moradin to Heat Metal on the leader’s harness, as sniper Scully hits a Trog with an arrow. The monsters hurl spit and feces.

Giacomo shoots Magic Missiles, while Tempestade lobs sling stones. The Troglodytes struggle in the raw sewage, but the Yuan-ti casts Darkness for cover. Corwin casts Mirror Image and tries to restrain the four-armed monster.

Hamfast switches to his maul, hitting one opponent, as Elsa calls upon Gaia for Light to dispel the darkness. Scully misses, and Giacomo casts Magic Shield. One of the Troglodytes dives to escape the webbing, and the Yuan-ti grabs at Giacomo.

Corwin strikes the enemy leader with his sword, and Hamfast helps Tempestade by killing a Trog. Elsa readies her sling “Seeker” and asks Moradin to Bless her companions. Scully is glad that she has wax in her nostrils and fires at the webbed foe.

Giacomo’s next Levitate and Magic Missile spells fail, but he succeeds on his next tries. The mage is hit by the Yuan-ti’s Magic Missiles in return. Corwin and Giacomo finish the skirmish, and they retrieve a Harness of Buoyancy and curved daggers with pearl-inlaid handles.

Elsa heals Giacomo’s burns, as the group catches its breath. Corwin ties a rope around his waist and dives, finding a hidden hatch. He opens it, and the water starts to drains out, pulling in Hamfast, who was holding the rope.

The former members of Vistel’s Circus feel a blast of warm, dry air and prepare to face the cultists deep beneath Thadenis….

Our adventures will continue next Monday, 19 August 2013! Those of you playing spellcasters should probably check your character records on Obsidian Portal to make sure that their lists are up to date.

While I’m sorry that we’ve had to skip some “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera sessions, we’ll resume later this month. Josh, I hope your “Steam Wars” game wraps up well, and Jason, I look forward to your “Star Wars: Dark Times” miniseries (using Savage Worlds) this fall. Later, -Gene

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Circus” Session 39.19, which Brian W. hosted in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 19 August 2013:

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

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

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

• “Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) and stage seer, embittered by experiences in Hesolin’s Magisterium; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Hamfast Hammerfist” [Brian W.]-male Zeda human Fighter, mountaineer, “barbarian” strongman, and laborer; TNg, Lvl. 4

• “Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Gnoll (Flind) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and scout, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 4

• “Corwin Windsong” [Bruce K.]-male Half-Elf Bard, runaway aristocrat, ladies’ man, and former ringmaster with a mandolin; CNg, Lvl. 4

• “Elsa Fairbottom” [Rich C.G.]-female Hill Dwarf Druid outcast, cook/brewer, and animal handler with owlbear cub “Oswald”; NGc, Lvl. 4

• “Tempestade” [Josh C.]-male Barbari human Monk (Battledancer/capoeirista from outside the “Vanished Lands”), former roustabout, now follower of Otih; CGl, Lvl. 4

• “Radius” [Jason E.R./departed ]-male Modron Paladin of Primus, lord of Nirvana; exiled to the Prime Material plane; LGn, Lvl. 1

“28 October 1228 B.C.E.:” The former performers had followed rumors of cult activity to the sewers of Thadenis, capital of the (proto-Celtic) human kingdom of Saganim. They fought Troglodytes and a Yuan-ti/Sahuagin mutant and rooted out Lethargy Weeds.

After draining a fetid chamber beneath the Temple Tor, Corwin Windsong drops a sunrod down a 15-foot shaft. Giacomo du Vane examines the masterwork dagger taken from the Reptile Folk.

Hamfast Hammerfist ties a rope to a metal ring, and Elsa Fairbottom casts Guidance and Ward. Tempestade climbs down a rope, with Scully Strongbow ready to pull him up at a moment’s notice.

The Monk finds a square room with four doors in the cardinal directions. The others climb down. Corwin finds no traps, but underneath one half-open slab, the Bard does feel a carved spiral, the holy symbol of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom.

Elsa puts runes on the wall in chalk and notes that the eastern passage has the least sewage. Scully spots wear marks on the stone floor. Nimble Tempestade leads the way, followed by Hamfast, Corwin, Giacomo, Elsa, and Scully.

The six spelunkers turn south at the first intersection. Corwin casts Light to dispel an area of magical Darkness. After turning east again, the adventuring party finds a corridor lined by iron spikes. Unfortunate people have been impaled and gutted like fish, presumably by worshippers of Krakas.

Dwarf Elsa notices that the floor is tiled, and Flind Scully points out that the scuff marks continue. Hamfast probes the tiles with his maul, setting off a pressure plate and getting scratched. Giacomo tries to Levitate but fails, so Corwin crawls beneath the spikes to spread out his weight.

The Saganim prince finds a lever to partially retract the spikes, and the group continues northward. Tempestade listens at a door but hears nothing. The Barbari human opens it and is greeted by eight pirates. Quick-thinking Corwin tries to close the door, but a skirmish breaks out.

The human followers of Krakas spread out, with some going to adjacent rooms. Cleric Elsa casts Bane on two of them, and Fighter Hamfast readies his hammer for when the door reopens. Mage Giacomo considers casting Web, then decides to aid Tempestade with Magic Shield.

As Tempestade ducks and moves, Ranger Scully watches the rear with her bow. Swift Corwin greets pirate Ulex with his sword, as Goral hits Hamfast. Pious Elsa calls upon Moradin to Heat Metal on the spikes behind the group, and Melissa is injured while trying to sneak up.

Strong Hamfast smashes Goral, as wily Giacomo casts Magic Missile, killing corsair Omar. Agile Tempestade kicks at Vushin but then tries to parley. Burly Scully rearms the trap, forcing pirate Melissa to retreat. Corwin strikes Igar, and Hamfast fells Vushin. The last two pirates, Elander and Nalmo, flee deeper into the tunnels beneath Thadenis.

The group quickly searches the subterranean dining hall and pantry. Hamfast smashes a squid chandelier, and Giacomo and Corwin recover 300 crowns (gold pieces) in pearls. Scully examines leather armor and rusty cutlasses.

Elsa finds four barrels and hears something thrashing around inside them. Despite warnings from Giacomo and Corwin, the curious Druid opens one and is attacked by eel-like animated entrails (from the eviscerated people in the spiked hallway).

Hamfast smashes the unnatural intestines, and the team decides to leave the other barrels alone. In the next cell to the north is a murky pool. Elsa prays to Gaia/Mekkil to Purify Water, clearing it enough to see four large sea snakes. Giacomo and Scully spike the doors shut behind them.

Perceptive Scully hears muffled cries from the next chamber. Corwin checks for traps and casts Sleep on potential guards. Tempestade opens the heavy door and finds six abductees in manacles and a guard, who is quickly dispatched.

Giacomo finds a set of three keys and a cat o’ nine tails on the human sentry. The six Saganim ex-slaves are filthy but grateful.

Aged Gorton thanks Prince Corwin on behalf of fellow fishmongers Tean and Aiden and fishwives Betty, Bitsie, and Bonnie. Elsa examines the prisoners and finds that they’re in good condition despite several days’ captivity, confirming Hamfast’s suspicion that they were being held as sacrifices for the Theft of Sleep ritual at Samhain.

The infiltrators agree to evacuate the liberated cityfolk, retracing their steps toward the surface. Cultists of Krakas raise an alarm in their warren, and Giacomo casts Web to delay their pursuit. However, three Scrags (aquatic Trolls) begin clawing their way through.

The onetime members of Vistel’s Circus and the freed prisoners run through narrow corridors as more Troglodytes emerge. Giacomo successfully casts Levitate to get his companions and charges closer to the exit. Corwin rushes at one Trog in the circular chamber, and Elsa readies mace “Grimtooth” and sling “Seeker.”

Hamfast falls back to guard the retreat, and Giacomo casts Color Spray, knocking one humanoid unconscious. Scully switches from arrows to her long sword, killing a foe. Tempestade kicks one of the enemies blocking the escape. Slimy Troglodytes hit Hamfast and Giacomo.

Corwin kills another Troglodyte, as does Elsa. Hamfast knocks one creature into a pit, and Giacomo drops two more with Magic Missiles. Tempestade misses, and the cultists’ lack of concern about a dozen casualties is explained when more arrive.

Corwin kills a third enemy, as Elsa aids Scully and Tempestade. Stoic Hamfast swings his maul mightily, while tattooed Giacomo gets charged up from a miscast spell. Scully drops another Trog, and Tempestade helps the fishmongers climb out of the sewer.

As a parting shot, Giacomo casts Scorching Ray. Panting by a grate near the Temple Bridge, the humans, Dwarf, Half-Elf, and Gnoll are relieved that the Troglodytes don’t pursue them into the streets at daylight.

Giacomo recommends resting before returning with reinforcements. Hamfast notes that although Samhain is still a few days away, the summoners now know that they have been discovered.

Furred Scully offers to ask “Sir Niac” [Mike F./Non-Player Character] and the knights of Otih for aid. Tempestade is eager to continue the fight against unholy slavers, but priestess Elsa says she needs time to pray.

Corwin agrees to report to “Melchior Merryman” [Byron V.O.], an agent of Queen Margaret. With soldiers and holy warriors securing their route, the group plans to reenter the labyrinth to defeat the cult of Krakas….

Note that we’re planning on meeting at Rich’s place in Waltham, Mass., next week. The “Vortex: Terra’s Pride” telecom space opera will also resume this coming Sunday! Happy gaming, -Gene