The Show Must Go On

The Show Must Go On, Session 5
Someone's looking to get flogged

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5 of Josh C.‘s Spelljammer: " the Show Must Go On " space fantasy miniseries. We met on Sunday, 13 May 2012, and have been using Skype, Google+ / Tabletop Forge, an online dice roller , and Cubicle 7’s Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE) 3rd Ed. Starblazer Adventures — Legends of Anglerre .

>> From the “Grand Show,” a port shaped like a top hat floating in the Hysgeu sphere, the performers of “Le battant elephant” and the “Dragon Fly” workers joined the crew of the Drowned Swan as it departed for Prince Andru’s birthday celebration at the Rock of Bral. However, our heroes soon encountered a potential mutiny, mysteries deep within the huge ship , Undead pirates, and more ….

-" Oner Walek " [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the " Vanished Lands " now aboard the Drowned Swan

-" Scylla " [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak

-" Samael Muckblood " [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow “Guinevere”

-" Zanzibar " [Robin H.]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space (Spelljammer)

-" The Amazing Lorenzo Le May " [Byron V.O./absent]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in " Le battant éléphant " circus troupe

Bral5a1

>>Upon returning to the Drowned Swan’s top decks to be reprimanded for unauthorized exploration of its inner hold, a rogue band helped the regular crew avoid mops and rigging wielded by ghosts that a former captain had summoned.

Capt. Andraimon Ianthe berates Winston Reisel III for neglecting to find Druids to tend to the “Ship Mother” before leaving port. The huge vessel continues on its way to the Rock of Bral .

Still curious about secrets hidden below, Oner helps the sailors and “Dragon Fly” workers. Sam eyes the animated buckets suspiciously and brandishes Guinevere before going off to down more grog.

Scylla finds Zanzibar in the cabin/library of lead Spelljammer Nonius Vatinius. They continue their research and determine that the ghostly crew can be dispelled, but the dragon and lizard wizard agree that it’s best to wait until the Drowned Swan is safely in port .

After an exciting week’s journey, all are relieved to arrive at the Rock of Bral, a bustling spaceport. The Drowned Swan passes sky piers and goes to the lower docks, near a huge cave mouth. Oner helps Vangar make sure that no unauthorized personnel come aboard.

The Wolfen on deck also asks Lorenzo to keep an eye on the performers in " Le battant elephant " as the troupe joins the throngs gathered for Prince Andru’s birthday. Winston asks Sam for an armed escort as he goes ashore , and the crossbowman goes to get his fellows.

Zanzibar scrubs the ship of Undead and goes to sun herself on a rock. When the reptilian mage awakens, she finds herself surrounded by others of her kind! They are angered to learn that Zanzibar isn’t part of their crew, but she dismisses them.

Oner helps Scylla stow and secure her possessions, and they then meet Sam and Winston. Sam talks with fellow Dwarf Raknog. Winston posts a sign offering three days’ wages in silver to anyone who can find a Druid for hire.

The away team chats with Bob… a talkative Tinker Gnome who runs an elevator to the floating city’s upper tiers. Winston tries to haggle for stage space, and Oner helps by mentioning diva Vermella Rogili. " Le battant elephant " gets permission to set up near a road and to seek smaller, “more intimate” venues.

Winston admits that he asked for Sam and company to accompany him as an “entourage” to help with the initial round of negotiations. Scylla and Oner realize that the man is in over his head, so they offer to split up to help look for Druids.

While Winston goes to the Elvish District to drum up business for the carnival, the wanderers go to a quiet neighborhood on the Rock of Bral . Zanzibar, Sam, Scylla, and Oner find the Pantheist University, the House of the Path and the Way, the Polygot Shrine, and students of various races and worlds .

In the Polygot Shrine, they see bear worshippers of various pantheons , and in a nearby grove, Zanzibar meets a laid-back group of Elves. Silvermoon Lunawalker languidly says that he’ll consider her offer to serve as the “Ship Mother’s” caretaker aboard the “Drowned Swan.”

Sam is distracted by something and wanders away, so Zanzibar telekinetically grabs his hat. The Dwarf crossbowman ignores the Lizard Wizard, who then reaches for “Guinevere.” Oner ducks behind Scylla as Sam turns back to Zanzibar.

Three Dwarven thugs emerge from a shadowy alcove and greet Sam as a long-lost kinsman, but all present feel the tension between them. Fortunately, dragon Scylla’s size is enough to scare them off, but they promise to find Sam again later.

Unruffled, Sam retrieves his hat, glares at Zanzibar, and pays his respects at a shrine to Derin, the beggar god. Scylla divines the way to an orchard near the campus, where a group of people deny being Druids to blunt Zanzibar.

Oner asks another Elf about good places to eat. Farrelly recommends the “Enchanted Butterfly” in the Elven district and “Eat Like a Halfling” in “the Burrows” (the Halfling district ). The travelers opt for the latter and see a sign with an overflowing cauldron.

The Lizard Woman, Dwarf, Wolfen, and dragon enjoy a long and hearty meal, and Oner recognizes and greets some shipmates. Sated, Sam and Scylla return to the Drowned Swan for a nap, but Zanzibar wants to go drinking in the Lower Market, so Oner follows her to keep her out of trouble.

In the thieves’ district, Zanzibar finds a sauna run by an Orc accustomed to reptile folk. He shows her to some heated rocks and strong alcohol. Periwinkle mentions a " Lizard Folk scene ," while Oner tries to stay cool with strange, frozen beverages.

Zanzibar falls asleep, and furry Oner worries about spending the night in the sweltering sauna. The swashbuckler hears a commotion overhead and wakes the assistant Spelljammer — winged Scylla is taking Sam flying! Those on the ground are amused by the Dwarf’s misadventure , and Oner and Zanzibar go to meet them back at their ship….

I’m glad that we were able to play, despite the latest technical difficulties with Google+/Tabletop Forge and Skype. Byron, we missed you at this past weekend’s game!

I look forward to Jason ’s " Glassworks " superhero scenario using Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, as well as whatever Rich, Bruce, and others run on alternating Monday nights. I expect to eventually return to my own long-running Pathfinder: the Vanished Lands " and " Vortex " campaigns.

If I remember correctly, we won’t be meeting this coming Sunday, 20 May 2012, and I won’t be available during Memorial Day weekend. I hope to see all of you virtually in June! -Gene

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MAY/2012
Session 4: Mopping up
Mopping up

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 4 of Josh C.‘s Spelljammer : " the Show Must Go On " space fantasy miniseries. We met on Sunday, 29 April 2012, and have been using Skype , Google+ , an online dice roller , and Cubicle 7’s Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE) 3rd Ed. Starblazer Adventures — Legends of Anglerre .

From the “Grand Show,” a port shaped like a top hat floating in the Hysgeu sphere, the performers of “Le battant elephant” and the “Dragon Fly” workers joined the crew of the Drowned Swan in preparing to depart for Prince Andru’s birthday celebration at the Rock of Bral. However, our heroes soon discovered that not all is as it seems ….

-" Oner Walek " [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the " Vanished Lands " now aboard the Drowned Swan

-" Scylla " [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak

-" Samael Muckblood " [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow “Guinevere”

-" Zanzibar " [Robin H.]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space ( Spelljammer )

-" The Amazing Lorenzo Le May " [Byron V.O.]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in " Le battant éléphant " circus troupe

Sorcerers apprentice fantasia

>>While crossing the plogiston and Wildspace, the ethernauts and circus performers had encountered Undead pirates . About halfway in a week’s journey to the Rock of Bral, the crew and passengers of the Drowned Swan find themselves entangled with magically animated rigging, mops, and buckets.

Vangar, the Wild Elf head of security , dresses down the group that defied orders and explored the massive ship’s inner decks . Oner tries to explain that he felt there was an imminent danger requiring investigation, while Scylla and Sam try to avoid eye contact. Vangar puts the wayward team on report, and he orders it to help the regular crew.

Zanzibar takes a journal she found to Nonius Vatinius at the Spelljamming section. The Elf Summoner grudgingly grants the Lizard Wizard permission to examine it in his cabin/library. Zanzibar soon confirms that the log belonged to a previous captain and a Necromancer, who had decided to use ghosts rather than living sailors.

Wily Oner tells Lorenzo that he still believes that answers to stopping the spirits and preventing potential mutinies lies below decks. Scylla tries to divine the future, which at first appears hazy. The dragon seer then has a vision of an onion with a purple light at its heart, bound by chains and a lock, no doubt a reference to the strange energies at the Drowned Swan ’s core.

Back on the top decks, doughty Sam struggles with a bucket as he tries to help the scared sailors. The Amazing Lorenzo Le May tries to pin down the moving mops and buckets. Oner then realizes that the ghosts are just trying to carry out regular shipboard duties.

The Wolfen on deck quickly checks with Lidia Kameneve, the Halfling first mate, and they agree to tell the regular crew to stand aside. Capt. Andraimon Ianthe, a tall human, orders his people to do other things for the time being while the spirits handle their tasks. Lorenzo juggles knives to entertain.

Scylla goes to Nonius’ cabin to compare notes with Zanzibar. The women agree that the only way to stop the ghostly crew is to find out more about the trapped energy at the center of the old vessel. They are soon joined by Lorenzo, Sam, and Oner, who recommends checking with the strange entity known as the “Ship Mother.”

The spelunkers visit the lush garden level, where food, air, and water are recycled. Instead of the talking tree, an attractive female humanoid emerges from the vegetation and introduces herself as the “Emissary.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ship Mother, the Emissary demands to know why the Druids who should be stationed in this deck are absent. Lorenzo observes that he hasn’t seen any divine or nature-based spellcasters aboard, but he and his companions promise to pass along her question to the captain.

The adventuring party goes to Winston Reisel III, who is in charge of the carnival. Zanzibar and Lorenzo tell the haggard man and Nonius about their findings thus far. Sam, Lorenzo, and Oner recall that some of the senior crew tried to hide deck plans when they first asked for permission to go below.

Zanzibar then boldly asks Capt. Ianthe for permission to go back to the previously sealed-off portions of the Drowned Swan. She notes the presence of “negative energy” and asks about the missing Druids. The imposing captain sends Sam to get Lidia.

Capt. Ianthe considers the reports and asks the Lizard Wizard and company to wait on further inquiries until they make port at the Rock of Bral in a few days. After Lidia relieves him at the helm, the captain angrily goes to the officers’ quarters to ask about the missing Druids. Oner suggests that Zanzibar, as an officer herself, follow to find out what happens….

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MAY/2012
Session 3: To the core
To the core!

Fellow role-players, here are Josh C.‘s and my notes for Session 3 of his Spelljammer : " the Show Must Go On " space fantasy miniseries, which met on Sunday, 22 April 2012. We’ve been using Cubicle 7’s Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE) 3rd Ed.: Starblazer Adventures — Legends of Anglerre , Skype , and an online dice roller .

>>_From the “Grand Show,” a port shaped like a top hat floating in the Hysgeu sphere , the performers of_ “Le battant elephant” and the “Dragon Fly” workers joined the crew of the Drowned Swan in preparing to depart for Prince Andru’s birthday celebration at the Rock of Bral. However, our heroes soon discovered that not all is as it seems….

-" Oner Walek " [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the " Vanished Lands " now aboard the Drowned Swan

-" Scylla " [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak

-" Samael Muckblood " [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow “Guinevere”

-" Zanzibar " [Robin H.]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space ( Spelljammer )

-" The Amazing Lorenzo Le May" [Byron V.O.]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in “Le battant éléphant” circus troupe

Wasp4

>>As the Drowned Swan made its way between crystal spheres to the Rock of Bral, a party of rogue crew members continues its exploration of the massive ship. Wolfen Oner notices musty odors of wood and oil.

The first time the group reached the hatch to the ship’s bowels, The Black Heart of the Woods — a pirate ship hewn from darkened oak crewed by the damned — attacked. The eyes of the lost souls burned with hellfire. The crew fought valiantly, and the invaders were handily defeated, just as the damned approached Vermelle Rognoni, lead actress in the play “The Harrowing of Princess Crispina.”

Fortunately, the damage is light and can be repaired over the next three days. The Drowned Swan sails to the sphere of Zeal and the port town of Halelbaovo. Zanzibar studies in the library of fellow Spelljammer Nonius Vatinius and considers Oner and Lorenzo’s request to study the problem of space for the crew and passengers.

Sometime after the battle, Scylla and Sam lead the way back to the hatch to discover that the boards and wards against the restless dead have been carefully moved. As the covert party progresses, it finds another hull. The Drowned Swan apparently consists of multiple ships, each built around the one before, like layers of an onion. Zanzibar is disappointed not to find more Spelljamming helms.

The explorers find storerooms that were abandoned in a hurry, with rotten supplies as well as a trunk of some nice clothing. Zanzibar stashes some nice clothing, and Oner claims an officer’s greatcoat. Lorenzo catches up and says that someone is following them.

After more stealthy climbing down ladders, the ship seems to attack: Rope rigging, cutlasses and sabers, and mops and buckets fly at the crew!

Sam snipes with “Guinevere,” and Zanzibar warns against engaging. Scylla bumps into a mop, and her dragon’s breath slows down the animated rigging. Oner draws his sword and happily parries the mops and swords. Lorenzo dodges attacks and heads for the wide mast.

Scylla nimbly avoids entanglement by the writhing rigging, while Wolfen Oner is slashed protecting her. Dwarf Sam punches a bucket and pins it to the deck with a quarrel. Juggler Lorenzo destroys another bucket with a well-thrown dagger, but a hovering blunderbuss blasts everyone!

Sam is singed, as are Zanzibar and Lorenzo, but scaled Scylla and furry Oner escape harm. The team beats a hasty retreat and descends to the innermost ship, an old galleon.

Oner is impressed at the ebony and silver staterooms, and Scylla notices a painting of a human mage shaking hands with an Elf admiral. Sam reloads his crossbow, which is powered by pressurized water rather than explosive steam.

In a desk in the captain’s quarters, Lorenzo finds a journal, which he gives to Zanzibar. The Lizard Wizard looks at the leather-bound tome, whose last entry is dated five years ago and mentions the use of ghosts as crew.

The group’s inquiries are halted when Vangar, the Wild Elf head of security for the Drowned Swan drops down and angrily orders it topside. There, they find the regular crew fighting more animated rigging.

Oner slashes at flying sacks with his trusty cutlass, and Lorenzo jumps out of the way. Scylla replies defiantly to Vangar, who had ordered her to stay in her “elephant cage.” Zanzibar goes to take the journal to her superior, Nonius. Sam finds himself staring down an approaching bucket….

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MAY/2012
Undead pirates!

Update 2 for Josh C.‘s Spelljammer : the Show Must Go On space fantasy miniseries, using Cubicle 7’s Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE) 3rd Ed.: Starblazer Adventures — Legends of Anglerre , Skype , and an online dice roller

At the Grand Show, a port shaped like a top hat floating in the Hysgeu sphere, the performers of “Le battant elephant” and the “Dragon Fly” workers join the crew of the huge Drowned Swan in preparing to depart for Prince Andru’s birthday celebration at the Rock of Bral. However, our heroes soon discover that not all is as it seems….

-" Oner Walek " [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the " Vanished Lands " now aboard the Drowned Swan

-" Scylla " [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak

-" Samael Muckblood " [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow “Guinevere”

-" Zanzibar " [Robin H.]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space ( Spelljammer )

-" The Amazing Lorenzo Le May " [Byron V.O./absent]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in “Le battant éléphant” circus troupe

Pirateisland copy 700x437

>>The crew and passengers of Drowned Swan spend one more night at the Grand Show before the massive vessel leaves port . After reporting to their superiors on crew complaints about a lack of space and poor treatment compared with the traveling carnival, Oner Walek and “the Amazing” Lorenzo Le May split up to avoid further notice.

Scylla buys tea and meditates. The dragon’s divination states that “On the seventh hour of the seventh day, a princess shall fall.” Unfortunately, she doesn’t know to whom the prophecy refers.

Samael Muckblood finishes securing his crossbow “Guinevere” and brings several kegs of liquor to hide beneath his bunk. However, the Dwarf runs into Lidia Kameneve, the Halfling first mate, who merely warns him not to get caught drunk on duty.

Zanzibar asks head mage Nonius Vatinius to borrow a book on dimensional magic. The Elf Summoner allows the Lizard Wizard to peruse the extensive library crammed into his cabin.

While Lorenzo resumes his cover by juggling, Oner tries to persuade Sam to help him explore the Drowned Swan ‘s sealed-off lower decks. The rustic hunter isn’t impressed by the Wolfen pirate’s smooth words, but he eventually agrees to assist.

As the ship casts off, Zanzibar tries to go to the top deck, but tall Capt. Andraimon Ianthe sends her below to the actors’ lounge. There, she again exchanges harsh words with diva Vermella Rogili. Sam disassembles, cleans, and reassembles Guinevere, while Oner watches the women with amusement.

Sometime later, Zanzibar climbs to the Spelljamming helm to relieve Nonius. She controls the mystical propulsion as the Drowned Swan approaches a crystal sphere with a massive black wall. The ship is then steered into the rainbow ocean of flammable phlogiston , also known as " the Flow ."

Insectoid Mario relieves Zanzibar in turn, and she goes to her quarters and is exasperated to find a note from Oner asking to meet. Zanzibar goes to the mess hall, where she finds the Wolfen about the decks trying again to engage laconic hunter Sam in conversation.

Oner asks Zanzibar to join him in spelunking through the Drowned Swan ‘s lower levels, since Vangar and One-Eyed Willie seemed uninterested in Rafael Galves’ grievances and were hiding deck plans. The Spelljammer is reluctant to defy the captain and Nonius, but Oner appeals to her sense of worth.

The covert team is complete when Scylla squeezes into the mess hall and joins, “as I foretold.” Oner stealthily leads the way to a hatch that has been boarded up. The onetime sky pirate warns his new companions to avoid the “Ship Mother,” a protective entity he stumbled upon in the “Garden of Delights.” Apparently, Zanzibar already knows about her.

Doughty Sam leads the way with his steam-powered crossbow, followed by Oner, whose keen nose and ears don’t complete negate his need for a jar of fireflies for light. Sardonic Zanzibar and stout Scylla bring up the rear.

Too late, the adventurers see that they have stepped across some magical wards. Sam cocks his weapon, and Oner hears moaning and shuffling. Scylla feels something rustle near her, but rather than decipher the runes, Zanzibar directs the party’s attention back topside, where an alarm is being raised.

The investigators beat a hasty retreat. Scylla and Oner reseal the hatch. Zanzibar and Sam go to the top deck, where they see the crew arming as a black ship circles the Drowned Swan . Zanzibar invokes her dimensional control to warp the enemy vessel, while Sam shoots quarrels at its main mast.

Oner dashes up and finds himself facing pale sailors with burning red eyes. He cuts down three of them with his cutlass as spells and other ammunition fly between the ships.

Scylla uses her draconic breath to put some of her foes to sleep before rending them limb from limb. Crewman Smitty identifies the Undead boarders as “souls of the damned” or zombies under the command of Capt. Blackheart, an escapee from Hell itself!

Sam shoots at the enemy commander who is taunting him from the Dark Heart of the Woods , per Oner’s recommendation. Zanzibar crushes the mast that Sam had weakened, and Scylla slaps the scurvy seamen with her tail.

Screams from a ledge below indicate that more boarders are attacking the actors’ quarters. Oner grabs a line from the rigging and swings down to the observation deck. As the Wolfen and other crew push the souls of the damned back, the Drowned Swan and Dark Heart disengage.

As they assess the damage and casualties, Zanzibar and a few crewmen report injuries….

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MAY/2012
First session notes
Getting under way

Fellow role-players, here are Josh C.‘s and my notes for his “Spelljammer — the Show Must Go On” space fantasy miniseries. We met virtually on Sunday, 25 March 2012. We’re using Cubicle 7’s Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE) 3rd Ed.: Starblazer Adventures — Legends of Anglerre, Skype, and an online dice roller.

Treasure planet 2

>Floating in the Hysgeu sphere is a station shaped like a top hat. The “Grand Show” is a port of call for the curious, pleasure-seekers, and experienced spacefarers alike. It’s also the home to a fleet of merchant vessels and itinerant shows. Coming aboard the huge ship the Drowned Swan, we find our heroes:

-“Oner Walek” [Gene D.]-male Wolfen sky pirate, romantic swashbuckler, prestidigitator and deck hand hailing from the “Vanished Lands” now aboard the Drowned Swan

-“Scylla” [Sara F.]-young female Amethyst Dragon fortuneteller, raised by Gypsies and devoted to protecting the weak

-“Samael Muckblood” [Geoffrey C.]-male Hill Dwarf hunter, sniper, and “bad cop” serving in ship’s security; has a steam-powered crossbow

-“Zanzibar” [Robin]-female Lizard Wizard, pyromaniac mistress of time and space (Spelljammer)

-“The Amazing Lorenzo Le May” [Byron V.O.]-male human Thief-Acrobat, juggler, and sometime cat burglar in “Le battant éléphant” circus troupe

>About a week ago, these notifications were posted around The Grand Show:
To all members of the Grand Show. The Drowned Swan will be space-worthy ahead of schedule. Because of this, the ship has been scheduled to attend the Festival of Festivals commemorating the 45th birthday of Prince Andru of the rock of Bral.
__
Performers of the Drowned Swan production should report to Winston Reisel III for housing and general information. Le battant éléphant will be accompanying them to the festival. In addition, Le battant éléphant has some openings for new members. Please speak to Winston Reisel III to arrange an audition.
__
Work crew “Dragon Fly” has also been assigned. Vangar and One-Eyed Willie are still assembling the crew; please speak Vangar for ship security and One-Eyed Willie for carnival security. Be advised, space is limited due to the large staff.

Upon reading this notification, several members of the crew were tapped. Sam Muckblood, a Dwarf from a backwater planet, was approached by Grugach (Wild Elf) Vangar for the security team. Vangar noted that “Guinevere,” Sam’s steam-powered, multishot crossbow, would be handy to help with the ship’s defense.

Oner Walek, a Wolfen about the deck, was approached by One-Eyed Willy, a lanky Halfling. Oner had a reputation for discretion and a good pair of ears, useful traits both shipside and dockside.

Scylla met with Winston Reisel III. The dragon fortuneteller expressed interest in joining the show. Her reputation preceded her, and a haggard Winston accepted her petition after they finished some paperwork and herbal tea.

Zanzibar, a lizard woman mistress of dimensions, was approached by head mage Nonius Vatinius, an Elf Summoner. Since Zanzibar was one of the few “Spelljammers” in the crew, Nonius recruited her to help propel the Drowned Swan, but only after reminding her of her lowly rank.

Lorenzo, a long-standing member of Le battant éléphant, was also included in the show roster. He amused himself by juggling on the top deck. After Sam signed up, he went to his bunk to check out the cramped setup and research ways to secure his weapon.

Meanwhile, Oner obtained some refreshments for the crew after consulting with quartermaster Numen Yucebs. Oner walked around and ingratiated himself by offering water and grog. The Wolfen eventually found Muckblood in a nearby bunk taking measurements and muttering to himself. After a brief conversation, they parted ways.

Oner continued to explore the ship, eventually finding a large, pastoral room filled with the “Garden of Delights.” He was greeted by an entity calling itself the “Ship Mother.” It shooed Oner away, saying that only her staff was permitted to attend her. He thanked her and walked off, finding that deeper levels of the ship were blocked off.

Dragon Scylla, who was unable to fit in the regular crew compartment, asked for a proper tent for shelter on the main deck. Zanzibar met Capt. Andraimon Ianthe, an imposing man, as well as Lidia Kamenevem, the Halfling first mate, and Mario, an insectoid (Neogi?) Spelljammer.

As the “Dragon Fly” work crews rushed about, trying to avoid collisions with the regular hands of the Drowned Swan, the performers of Le battant elephant tried to find space to rehearse. Scylla observed beasts in the “elephant wagons,” and Zanzibar laughed at a haughty blonde woman who was startled by nonhumans aboard the ship .

Vangar and One-Eyed Willy warned Oner and Sam to stay out of the way of the various groups, notify superiors of any problems, and to “gently eject” unauthorized boarders such as pirates. The guards’ resolve was soon tested when they met diva Vermella Rogili, star of the “Harrowing of Prince Caspian.” Fortunately, the acting ship’s owner discreetly escorted her away.

Sometime after that, Rafael Galves held a secret meeting of some of the carnival folk. During the meeting, he rallied against the poor treatment of the workers. Disgruntled Galves got the circus performers riled up, and in general nothing happened, but none walked away happy.

Oner and Lorenzo had attended the meeting on behalf of the security team but were unable to keep quiet. After dodging irate carnies in the Drowned Swan’s labyrinthine corridors, they suggested to Vangar and One-Eyed Willie that some of the sealed-off portions of the ship be used to expand the crew quarters.

The officers promised to tell the captain, but they were clearly hiding something in addition to the onion-like deck plans they were studying. Oleg later quietly suggested to Lorenzo that they find some help and covertly explore the forbidden areas….

Note that the next FATE 3e “Spelljammer” game will be on Sunday, 8 April 2012. Byron might be late because of Easter celebrations, but we should have quorum. We’ll eventually return to my “Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy game.

The Boston-area face-to-face groups may also be taking a break from my FATE 3e " Vortex " space opera after April 23 to play a superhero game as suggested by Jason E.R. In the meantime, happy gaming!

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APR/2012
Welcome to your Adventure Log!
A blog for your campaign

Every campaign gets an Adventure Log, a blog for your adventures!

While the wiki is great for organizing your campaign world, it’s not the best way to chronicle your adventures. For that purpose, you need a blog!

The Adventure Log will allow you to chronologically order the happenings of your campaign. It serves as the record of what has passed. After each gaming session, come to the Adventure Log and write up what happened. In time, it will grow into a great story!

Best of all, each Adventure Log post is also a wiki page! You can link back and forth with your wiki, characters, and so forth as you wish.

One final tip: Before you jump in and try to write up the entire history for your campaign, take a deep breath. Rather than spending days writing and getting exhausted, I would suggest writing a quick “Story So Far” with only a summary. Then, get back to gaming! Grow your Adventure Log over time, rather than all at once.

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FEB/2012