This was a fantastic read all the way and if you do continue, would love to hear about it.
Grant and Ethan
Grant (left) and Ethan (right), with Macavity the Cat
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Friday, 30 August 2013
Session 8 - Parts 2 and 3
Ok, I'm going to describe the rest of Session 8 via an Interlude (what happened to Ethan on Day 4), and then the cumulation of the story arc. Otherwise it may not make complete sense.
Session 8 - Part 2 - Interlude
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- As promised, Ethan returns to the Xia lines and meets with General Xia. However, the General is no fool and Ethan finds that he has walked into a trap. Even though the discussion is cordial (they talk candidly over a cup of hot tea), the General has stationed archers with orders to shoot if Ethan moves from his seat. Ethan's sword is taken from him and he is not permitted to return to the Temple of the Four Winds. They talk at length, and Ethan learns a great deal about the recent history of the conflict between the General and the 'mad Emperor'. He decides not to contact Grant using the Icon, nor to draw any attention to the artefact. Ethan hears the sound of massed bow-fire in the distance but decides not to intervene.
- Ethan is given a place to sleep but he remains stoically awake, even when the General retires. He knows that he can escape, but decides that he may be able to stall the Xia more effectively if he remains, and he is quite enjoying the General's company and what he is learning of the Middle Kingdom. The General seems to be under the impression that Ethan is alone.
Session 8 - Part 3 - The Face of the Enemy
GM Observations/Summary
- Plots are revealed. To quote Buffy, "Wackiness ensues …. " (actually I think that was Spike who said that)
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- The Emperor's army attacks just before dawn, smashing through the thin Xia lines to the east and making a beeline for the Temple of the Four Winds. Some of the the flanking cavalry units peel off and engage small groups of Xia mounted units. Grant and the Emperor reach the Temple largely unchallenged.
- The Temple itself is peppered with arrows - many more than when Grant left, but there are still Shang soldiers on guard at the entrance. As the Emperor's vanguard halts in front of the Temple, Grant senses that something is wrong. General Han leaps down from his horse and begins ascending the steps, furious that the Shang loyalists are not bowing in deference to their arrival. The General demands a report, and one of the soldiers provides a brief answer but the voice is strange. Then Grant notices that some of the guards have arrows lodged in their armour, but they have made no effort to remove them. Grant begins ascending the steps, but freezes as he notices that the Shang soldiers at the temple Door are moving strangely - he sees the similarities to Tyndam (See Session 5).
- Grant pulls out his Icon of Ethan and attempts to contact him, but fails. (GM's note - this fails because it is not a true Icon - Ethan must be able to use his artefact in order to establish a connection and he cannot do so whilst in the Xia encampment) Grant is suddenly concerned as he believes that Ethan is inside and something bad has happened to him. Just as he is about to shout a warning, General Han is dragged into the temple by something from the shadows.
- In the confusion, Grant shouts to the Emperor that it is a trap and he begins fighting and disarming the nearby soldiers. Seeing that some of the Shang defenders are drawing back their bows and aiming roughly at the Emperor and his reinforcements, the Emperor takes Grant's advice and orders a retreat. As Grant deals with the last of the soldiers, a strange red robed wizard appears at the Door of the temple. The wizard appears to know Grant by name, and they start talking.
- Grant begins the conversation by assuming that the red wizard may be a potential ally against the creatures from Tyndam, but the wizard's answers are evasive. The Red Wizard seems curious about Grant and also where Ethan is (he also appears to know Ethan by name), but reveals little about himself. Grant sees storm clouds pooling overhead and in the nearby battlefield a great sink-hole is forming, pluming black soot from below. They talk further, and Grant manages to get a look at the back of the Shang loyalists who remain on guard (minus their bows) - he is able to tell that there is something on their backs, but it is difficult to see with the naked eye.
- As the conversation develops, the storm clouds become black and lightning strikes begin. The great sink-hole has grown more than a hundred metres across and a terrible black cloud has formed above it. Grant notices a glazed look in the Red Wizard's eyes and determines that the Red Wizard is using an Icon and sharing the conversation with another party. Grant snaps - he successfully determines that the Red Wizard is stalling him, and he punches the Red Wizard hard enough to knock him clean off the raised dais. The force of the blow kills the Red Wizard instantly. (GM's note - the Red Wizard had Superior level Strength, and Grant has Dominant rank Strength - basically the Red Wizard was paste with a single blow)
- The Temple of the Four Winds begins transforming around him, the structure extending upwards and becoming the black tower previously seen in Tyndam.
- Meanwhile, glowing eyes can be seen at the edge of the terrible black cloud. An army of demons begins breaking through. Grant finds that the opening which was the Door to the Stair has now disappeared into the belly of the black tower. He finds himself sliding down the structure wall to its base, and he quickly gets to his feet. He looks at the demons spilling out of the black cloud, and then looks back to the tower. He needs to make a choice ….
- Grant decides to break into the tower before the transformation is complete. He believes Ethan to be inside. With his bare hands, he smashes his way into the tower, tearing the dark metal apart and stepping into the chamber beyond before the wall can reform. Almost immediately he comes under attack by some of the Shang loyalists, whom he quickly dispatches, only to find large black spiders detach from their backs and attempt to escape. Grant kills them and heads deeper into the complex.
- Grant cuts his way through everything he meets until he arrives at the site of a Purple Door. A woman in black with ghost white hair appears to be guarding the Door.
- Grant attempts to talk to her, but she treats him with disdain and apathy. She refuses to give way and speaks as her life means nothing to her. A spider leaps from above onto Grant but he quickly skewers it. He attempts to shoot her, but a magical field around her deflects the projectile. She draws a blade, and they fight. She is a skilled adversary, but no match for Grant. (GM's note - 'Arana' has Paragon rank Warfare and Superior rank Strength but Grant has Dominant rank in both)The battle does not last long and he subdues her rather than kill her. He finds that she carries a strange black Icon which is cold to the touch.
- Still unsure as to where Ethan is, Grant takes out his Icon of Ethan and concentrates on it, hoping to at least determine how close he is. He decides that Ethan is not nearby, so he focusses on the Purple Door. Grant opens the Door and steps through. (GM's note - I actually did not expect David to do this - it took me rather by surprise. I was right at the point where the 'Big Bad' was about to do something very bad … but more on that later.
Realm 13 - Hell World
- Grant comes face to face with a living nightmare. The architect behind the Red Wizard, the White Samurai, Arana the Dark Elven Sorcerer and Demon invasion. It is a Dwimmerlaik, one of Krovaliss' Sable Guard (GM's note - see p224 of the LoG&S rulebook) - he is a bad-ass Dwimmerlaik with Rank 1.5 in Warfare, a Hardened Weapon, armour that is resistant to firearms, and double-speed. A really tough challenge for Grant). All around them is a lifeless world, and not the Grand Stair.
- (GM's note - I didn't want to use the images from the LoG&S rulebook as they are for notable characters. I haven't seen images yet of other villainous Dwimmerlaik that I could use - hence I grabbed something suitably sinister looking which was an approximation of Jason Rainville's superb works)
- The Dwimmerlaik correctly identifies Grant by name, and it becomes clear from their conversation that the Dwimmerlaik's servants have lain in wait on Tyndam, Middle Earth and the Middle Kingdom for signs of Greywalker's return. When there was activity, Arana was sent to Tyndam; the Red Wizard was sent to Middle Earth, and the White Samurai was sent to the Middle Kingdom. Disappointed by his failure to find Greywalker, the Dwimmerlaik announces his intention to kill Grant, and sever all three realms plus Shadow Earth from the Stair and 'cast them into the Abyss'.
- Grant attempts to blast him with his magical staff, but finds that it doesn't work. Grant pulls a handgun and tries that tool - the gun works but the bullets just bounce off the Dwimmerlaik's armour. The villain laughs and draws an evil-looking blade with glowing runes.
- Battle is joined and Grant finds the fight very evenly matched. The Dwimmerlaik is deadly with his blade and is extremely fast - much faster than any opponent Grant has ever fought. Grant finds himself on the defensive under a bewildering flurry of blows, but then the Dwimmerlaik makes a fatal mistake - he arrogantly assumes that he superior in every way to Grant and seizes him with one clawed hand and attempts to crush him. Instinctively, Grant pulls off his adversary's hand and breaks it as if it were matchwood. He suddenly realises that even though the Dwimmerlaik is exceedingly skilled with a blade, he is physically much stronger. The Dwimmerlaik howls in rage and attacks again - Grant continues defending until he can grab his enemy's weapon arm. The Dwimmerlaik somehow draws another blade with his broken hand and stabs him, but Grant uses his full strength to rip his enemy's arm from its socket. Bleeding profusely, Grant slays the Dwimmerlaik and claims his opponent's runed blade.
- Wounded, Grant surveys the world around him. It is grey and bleak in all directions. Grant looks over the body, takes a few items from it, and departs back to the Middle Kingdom.
And that's where we left it. There are so many plot threads left open that I think we have to run a Session 9.
Final note - I need to go back through these images and give appropriate credit to the artists as to where I got these from. I'll do my best to dig this up tomorrow.
Session 8 - Part 2 - Interlude
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- As promised, Ethan returns to the Xia lines and meets with General Xia. However, the General is no fool and Ethan finds that he has walked into a trap. Even though the discussion is cordial (they talk candidly over a cup of hot tea), the General has stationed archers with orders to shoot if Ethan moves from his seat. Ethan's sword is taken from him and he is not permitted to return to the Temple of the Four Winds. They talk at length, and Ethan learns a great deal about the recent history of the conflict between the General and the 'mad Emperor'. He decides not to contact Grant using the Icon, nor to draw any attention to the artefact. Ethan hears the sound of massed bow-fire in the distance but decides not to intervene.
- Ethan is given a place to sleep but he remains stoically awake, even when the General retires. He knows that he can escape, but decides that he may be able to stall the Xia more effectively if he remains, and he is quite enjoying the General's company and what he is learning of the Middle Kingdom. The General seems to be under the impression that Ethan is alone.
Session 8 - Part 3 - The Face of the Enemy
GM Observations/Summary
- Plots are revealed. To quote Buffy, "Wackiness ensues …. " (actually I think that was Spike who said that)
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- The Emperor's army attacks just before dawn, smashing through the thin Xia lines to the east and making a beeline for the Temple of the Four Winds. Some of the the flanking cavalry units peel off and engage small groups of Xia mounted units. Grant and the Emperor reach the Temple largely unchallenged.
- The Temple itself is peppered with arrows - many more than when Grant left, but there are still Shang soldiers on guard at the entrance. As the Emperor's vanguard halts in front of the Temple, Grant senses that something is wrong. General Han leaps down from his horse and begins ascending the steps, furious that the Shang loyalists are not bowing in deference to their arrival. The General demands a report, and one of the soldiers provides a brief answer but the voice is strange. Then Grant notices that some of the guards have arrows lodged in their armour, but they have made no effort to remove them. Grant begins ascending the steps, but freezes as he notices that the Shang soldiers at the temple Door are moving strangely - he sees the similarities to Tyndam (See Session 5).
- Grant pulls out his Icon of Ethan and attempts to contact him, but fails. (GM's note - this fails because it is not a true Icon - Ethan must be able to use his artefact in order to establish a connection and he cannot do so whilst in the Xia encampment) Grant is suddenly concerned as he believes that Ethan is inside and something bad has happened to him. Just as he is about to shout a warning, General Han is dragged into the temple by something from the shadows.
- In the confusion, Grant shouts to the Emperor that it is a trap and he begins fighting and disarming the nearby soldiers. Seeing that some of the Shang defenders are drawing back their bows and aiming roughly at the Emperor and his reinforcements, the Emperor takes Grant's advice and orders a retreat. As Grant deals with the last of the soldiers, a strange red robed wizard appears at the Door of the temple. The wizard appears to know Grant by name, and they start talking.
- Grant begins the conversation by assuming that the red wizard may be a potential ally against the creatures from Tyndam, but the wizard's answers are evasive. The Red Wizard seems curious about Grant and also where Ethan is (he also appears to know Ethan by name), but reveals little about himself. Grant sees storm clouds pooling overhead and in the nearby battlefield a great sink-hole is forming, pluming black soot from below. They talk further, and Grant manages to get a look at the back of the Shang loyalists who remain on guard (minus their bows) - he is able to tell that there is something on their backs, but it is difficult to see with the naked eye.
- As the conversation develops, the storm clouds become black and lightning strikes begin. The great sink-hole has grown more than a hundred metres across and a terrible black cloud has formed above it. Grant notices a glazed look in the Red Wizard's eyes and determines that the Red Wizard is using an Icon and sharing the conversation with another party. Grant snaps - he successfully determines that the Red Wizard is stalling him, and he punches the Red Wizard hard enough to knock him clean off the raised dais. The force of the blow kills the Red Wizard instantly. (GM's note - the Red Wizard had Superior level Strength, and Grant has Dominant rank Strength - basically the Red Wizard was paste with a single blow)
- The Temple of the Four Winds begins transforming around him, the structure extending upwards and becoming the black tower previously seen in Tyndam.
- Meanwhile, glowing eyes can be seen at the edge of the terrible black cloud. An army of demons begins breaking through. Grant finds that the opening which was the Door to the Stair has now disappeared into the belly of the black tower. He finds himself sliding down the structure wall to its base, and he quickly gets to his feet. He looks at the demons spilling out of the black cloud, and then looks back to the tower. He needs to make a choice ….
- Grant decides to break into the tower before the transformation is complete. He believes Ethan to be inside. With his bare hands, he smashes his way into the tower, tearing the dark metal apart and stepping into the chamber beyond before the wall can reform. Almost immediately he comes under attack by some of the Shang loyalists, whom he quickly dispatches, only to find large black spiders detach from their backs and attempt to escape. Grant kills them and heads deeper into the complex.
- Grant cuts his way through everything he meets until he arrives at the site of a Purple Door. A woman in black with ghost white hair appears to be guarding the Door.
- Grant attempts to talk to her, but she treats him with disdain and apathy. She refuses to give way and speaks as her life means nothing to her. A spider leaps from above onto Grant but he quickly skewers it. He attempts to shoot her, but a magical field around her deflects the projectile. She draws a blade, and they fight. She is a skilled adversary, but no match for Grant. (GM's note - 'Arana' has Paragon rank Warfare and Superior rank Strength but Grant has Dominant rank in both)The battle does not last long and he subdues her rather than kill her. He finds that she carries a strange black Icon which is cold to the touch.
- Still unsure as to where Ethan is, Grant takes out his Icon of Ethan and concentrates on it, hoping to at least determine how close he is. He decides that Ethan is not nearby, so he focusses on the Purple Door. Grant opens the Door and steps through. (GM's note - I actually did not expect David to do this - it took me rather by surprise. I was right at the point where the 'Big Bad' was about to do something very bad … but more on that later.
Realm 13 - Hell World
- Grant comes face to face with a living nightmare. The architect behind the Red Wizard, the White Samurai, Arana the Dark Elven Sorcerer and Demon invasion. It is a Dwimmerlaik, one of Krovaliss' Sable Guard (GM's note - see p224 of the LoG&S rulebook) - he is a bad-ass Dwimmerlaik with Rank 1.5 in Warfare, a Hardened Weapon, armour that is resistant to firearms, and double-speed. A really tough challenge for Grant). All around them is a lifeless world, and not the Grand Stair.
- (GM's note - I didn't want to use the images from the LoG&S rulebook as they are for notable characters. I haven't seen images yet of other villainous Dwimmerlaik that I could use - hence I grabbed something suitably sinister looking which was an approximation of Jason Rainville's superb works)
- The Dwimmerlaik correctly identifies Grant by name, and it becomes clear from their conversation that the Dwimmerlaik's servants have lain in wait on Tyndam, Middle Earth and the Middle Kingdom for signs of Greywalker's return. When there was activity, Arana was sent to Tyndam; the Red Wizard was sent to Middle Earth, and the White Samurai was sent to the Middle Kingdom. Disappointed by his failure to find Greywalker, the Dwimmerlaik announces his intention to kill Grant, and sever all three realms plus Shadow Earth from the Stair and 'cast them into the Abyss'.
- Grant attempts to blast him with his magical staff, but finds that it doesn't work. Grant pulls a handgun and tries that tool - the gun works but the bullets just bounce off the Dwimmerlaik's armour. The villain laughs and draws an evil-looking blade with glowing runes.
- Battle is joined and Grant finds the fight very evenly matched. The Dwimmerlaik is deadly with his blade and is extremely fast - much faster than any opponent Grant has ever fought. Grant finds himself on the defensive under a bewildering flurry of blows, but then the Dwimmerlaik makes a fatal mistake - he arrogantly assumes that he superior in every way to Grant and seizes him with one clawed hand and attempts to crush him. Instinctively, Grant pulls off his adversary's hand and breaks it as if it were matchwood. He suddenly realises that even though the Dwimmerlaik is exceedingly skilled with a blade, he is physically much stronger. The Dwimmerlaik howls in rage and attacks again - Grant continues defending until he can grab his enemy's weapon arm. The Dwimmerlaik somehow draws another blade with his broken hand and stabs him, but Grant uses his full strength to rip his enemy's arm from its socket. Bleeding profusely, Grant slays the Dwimmerlaik and claims his opponent's runed blade.
- Wounded, Grant surveys the world around him. It is grey and bleak in all directions. Grant looks over the body, takes a few items from it, and departs back to the Middle Kingdom.
And that's where we left it. There are so many plot threads left open that I think we have to run a Session 9.
- The Demons are still at large and pouring into the Middle Kingdom. With the Dwimmerlaik dead, will the portal close or will it remain open? If the Demons were being directed via an Icon, what will they do now that the Dwimmerlaik is dead?
- Arana, the Dark Elven Sorcerer, is the last survivor of her world. This is why she does not care if she lives or dies - she serves the Dwimmerlaik because she had nothing else. Given that Grant spared her, what could be in store for her? She is an excellent source of information about the Dwimmerlaik.
- Where is Greywalker? The old guy seems to have moved on, but where? (GM's note - there is a lead as to where Greywalker has gone, but the PCs just haven't tripped over it yet)
- What about the Bird People?
- Whatever happened to John in Antarctica? Is there something else lurking on Shadow Earth?
- There has just been some major Dwimmerlaik activity - what other Lords of Gossamer would be attracted by what has occurred across these realms?
Final note - I need to go back through these images and give appropriate credit to the artists as to where I got these from. I'll do my best to dig this up tomorrow.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Session 8 - Part 1 - Grant's Adventure
GM Observations/Summary
- As per my Session 7 comments, when characters split up then you can end up with one of the characters taking actions which alter the flow of the game for the other character. Communication via Icon is the key example here. I hadn't taken into account that Grant would use his Icon to contact Ethan and exchange information. This didn't markedly change things in this situation, but it easily could have.
- In this session, all bets are off. The 'Big Bad' knows where the Lords of Gossamer are, and has brought in all of his reinforcements. However, no spoilers at this time …. read on….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Under the cover of darkness, Grant heads east with ten Shang loyalists, leaving Ethan behind at the temple to guard their exit. Grant and his men avoid the Xia sentry posts, and they slip away.
Journey to the Emperor
- The group push on through the night and there is no pursuit. They leave a trail through some of the rapeseed crops but Grant pushes on as speed is everything. There are two of the Shang soldiers who seem to know the way, using a combination of landmarks and the stars to guide them. By dawn the group is tired, but none of the Shang will admit to weakness and request a break. Grant orders the occasional rest, but then pushes them on. They encounter an enemy-controlled village shortly after daybreak, and Grant instructs them to avoid engagement. They circumvent the township and all of the nearby fields, and push on, climbing into the hills. Still, there is no pursuit.
- An eagle is seen high above, which puts Grant on edge. The group pushes on, heading deeper into the hills. The men are tired, but they remain focused and resolute. In the early afternoon a white bird lands in front of the group and one of the Shang soldiers speaks to it, telling it that a "friend to Greywalker" has arrived. The bird flies off, and soon after they arrive at the Emperor's hidden palace.
* Image by Alayna on DeviantART
- They are greeted by a seneschal who is dressed in white and blue robes. He introduces himself as Ma Jun, and the soldiers are quickly ushered away to be looked after. Grant is taken into the palace and provided chambers.
* Image by Artpox on DeviantART
- He is offered food, drink, a bath and other luxuries (which he accepts). He realises that he is probably the first 'alien' that the attendants have ever seen. Ma Jun asks some questions, and finally tells him that the Emperor is aware of his arrival and will meet him 'shortly'. Grant feels quite awkward - he has no authority to press this matter and he simply has to be patient. He takes note that his balcony window overlooks the lake and there are the sounds of a waterfall nearby. He decides to sleep while he can.
- Grant is suddenly awake in the middle of the night (around 3am) but he finds no reason for it. From the balcony window he sees the Silver and Black clad warriors of the Emperor's Honour Guard and decides that nothing is amiss. He returns to his bed.
- At dawn, he is awoken again by the sound of soft, pleasing birdcalls. The attendants bring him food. He speaks to Ma Jun again, who says that the Emperor will see him 'at the Hour of the Crane' (which correlates to 10am). Grant takes the opportunity to ask about the soldiers who come with him. He finds out that the temple which contains the Door is called 'The Temple of the Four Winds'. Ma Jun seems surprised that Grant is concerned about the men - he speaks of their 'sacrifice' at bringing Grant to the Emperor, as if the men who remain at the temple have already died. Ma Jun explains that those who arrived with Grant have been looked after - they have been fed and are resting.
- After Ma Jun leaves, Grant uses an Icon to contact Ethan. (GM's note - this is technically Day 3 of Session 7 for Ethan. Ethan has killed one man in a duel on Day 2 and is wearing samurai armour, and he's about to walk over to the Xia lines and start challenging some of the lords to duels. Hence it is possible that Grant's actions could have changed what Ethan did, but in this case it made no difference) Grant spoke to Ethan about a Cure for the Emperor and was surprised that Ethan had not already traversed the Stair to find one. There seemed to be a misunderstanding between them. Ethan convinced Grant that it was more important to stay put and hold the Door rather than venture onto the Stair to find a Cure that may or may not work. Grant expressed disappointment that the journey to the palace had been so long. Ethan asked if Grant might be able to borrow some horses which could speed his return journey.
- Grant then summoned Ma Jun again and asked about the customs and etiquette of meeting the Emperor. Ma Jun spoke cordially with Grant, and expressed surprise when Grant suggested that the Emperor might have to leave the palace and journey to the Temple of the Four Winds. However, when Grant explained that he would take the Emperor through the Door, Ma Jun was convinced. In the culture of the Middle Kingdom, the Door was said to lead to 'Heaven' and Grant was advised to explain it to the Emperor in those terms, and that it would be Celestial journey.
- Grant then met the Emperor in the Grand Hall. Although said to be old, Grant noted that superficially he appeared much younger.
- The two spoke for some time, but the Emperor became convinced once Grant offered to take him through the temple Door. The Emperor gave orders for his Honour Guard to be assembled, and a small army of almost two hundred on horseback soon rode out from the hidden palace. In the lead was General Han ….
and a lady said to the Emperor's daughter.
* Image from DeviantART (could not find again to provide credit)
*Image by Conceptopolis on DeviantART
- Before departure, Grant contacted Ethan again via Icon and forewarned him that they were on their way. (GM's note - again this did not disrupt Ethan's adventure as this contact occurred between duels and before the White Samurai took the field)
- The Emperor's army rode swiftly, but the Emperor tired often. During rest periods, Grant noticed the Emperor using magic to maintain himself. They made camp at the end of Day 3, circumvented the township that Grant had bypassed earlier on Day 4 and positioned themselves to ride to the Temple in the early morning on Day 5.
So by this point in time, Grant has been out of contact with Ethan for a day…. and the Emperor's army rides in …..
Cue … mayhem ….
Will do the write up of Part 2 shortly.
- As per my Session 7 comments, when characters split up then you can end up with one of the characters taking actions which alter the flow of the game for the other character. Communication via Icon is the key example here. I hadn't taken into account that Grant would use his Icon to contact Ethan and exchange information. This didn't markedly change things in this situation, but it easily could have.
- In this session, all bets are off. The 'Big Bad' knows where the Lords of Gossamer are, and has brought in all of his reinforcements. However, no spoilers at this time …. read on….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Under the cover of darkness, Grant heads east with ten Shang loyalists, leaving Ethan behind at the temple to guard their exit. Grant and his men avoid the Xia sentry posts, and they slip away.
Journey to the Emperor
- The group push on through the night and there is no pursuit. They leave a trail through some of the rapeseed crops but Grant pushes on as speed is everything. There are two of the Shang soldiers who seem to know the way, using a combination of landmarks and the stars to guide them. By dawn the group is tired, but none of the Shang will admit to weakness and request a break. Grant orders the occasional rest, but then pushes them on. They encounter an enemy-controlled village shortly after daybreak, and Grant instructs them to avoid engagement. They circumvent the township and all of the nearby fields, and push on, climbing into the hills. Still, there is no pursuit.
- An eagle is seen high above, which puts Grant on edge. The group pushes on, heading deeper into the hills. The men are tired, but they remain focused and resolute. In the early afternoon a white bird lands in front of the group and one of the Shang soldiers speaks to it, telling it that a "friend to Greywalker" has arrived. The bird flies off, and soon after they arrive at the Emperor's hidden palace.
* Image by Alayna on DeviantART
- They are greeted by a seneschal who is dressed in white and blue robes. He introduces himself as Ma Jun, and the soldiers are quickly ushered away to be looked after. Grant is taken into the palace and provided chambers.
* Image by Artpox on DeviantART
- He is offered food, drink, a bath and other luxuries (which he accepts). He realises that he is probably the first 'alien' that the attendants have ever seen. Ma Jun asks some questions, and finally tells him that the Emperor is aware of his arrival and will meet him 'shortly'. Grant feels quite awkward - he has no authority to press this matter and he simply has to be patient. He takes note that his balcony window overlooks the lake and there are the sounds of a waterfall nearby. He decides to sleep while he can.
- Grant is suddenly awake in the middle of the night (around 3am) but he finds no reason for it. From the balcony window he sees the Silver and Black clad warriors of the Emperor's Honour Guard and decides that nothing is amiss. He returns to his bed.
- At dawn, he is awoken again by the sound of soft, pleasing birdcalls. The attendants bring him food. He speaks to Ma Jun again, who says that the Emperor will see him 'at the Hour of the Crane' (which correlates to 10am). Grant takes the opportunity to ask about the soldiers who come with him. He finds out that the temple which contains the Door is called 'The Temple of the Four Winds'. Ma Jun seems surprised that Grant is concerned about the men - he speaks of their 'sacrifice' at bringing Grant to the Emperor, as if the men who remain at the temple have already died. Ma Jun explains that those who arrived with Grant have been looked after - they have been fed and are resting.
- After Ma Jun leaves, Grant uses an Icon to contact Ethan. (GM's note - this is technically Day 3 of Session 7 for Ethan. Ethan has killed one man in a duel on Day 2 and is wearing samurai armour, and he's about to walk over to the Xia lines and start challenging some of the lords to duels. Hence it is possible that Grant's actions could have changed what Ethan did, but in this case it made no difference) Grant spoke to Ethan about a Cure for the Emperor and was surprised that Ethan had not already traversed the Stair to find one. There seemed to be a misunderstanding between them. Ethan convinced Grant that it was more important to stay put and hold the Door rather than venture onto the Stair to find a Cure that may or may not work. Grant expressed disappointment that the journey to the palace had been so long. Ethan asked if Grant might be able to borrow some horses which could speed his return journey.
- Grant then summoned Ma Jun again and asked about the customs and etiquette of meeting the Emperor. Ma Jun spoke cordially with Grant, and expressed surprise when Grant suggested that the Emperor might have to leave the palace and journey to the Temple of the Four Winds. However, when Grant explained that he would take the Emperor through the Door, Ma Jun was convinced. In the culture of the Middle Kingdom, the Door was said to lead to 'Heaven' and Grant was advised to explain it to the Emperor in those terms, and that it would be Celestial journey.
- Grant then met the Emperor in the Grand Hall. Although said to be old, Grant noted that superficially he appeared much younger.
- The two spoke for some time, but the Emperor became convinced once Grant offered to take him through the temple Door. The Emperor gave orders for his Honour Guard to be assembled, and a small army of almost two hundred on horseback soon rode out from the hidden palace. In the lead was General Han ….
and a lady said to the Emperor's daughter.
* Image from DeviantART (could not find again to provide credit)
*Image by Conceptopolis on DeviantART
- Before departure, Grant contacted Ethan again via Icon and forewarned him that they were on their way. (GM's note - again this did not disrupt Ethan's adventure as this contact occurred between duels and before the White Samurai took the field)
- The Emperor's army rode swiftly, but the Emperor tired often. During rest periods, Grant noticed the Emperor using magic to maintain himself. They made camp at the end of Day 3, circumvented the township that Grant had bypassed earlier on Day 4 and positioned themselves to ride to the Temple in the early morning on Day 5.
So by this point in time, Grant has been out of contact with Ethan for a day…. and the Emperor's army rides in …..
Cue … mayhem ….
Will do the write up of Part 2 shortly.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
GM Commentary
Croaker wrote:
Thanks Croaker. I'm going to have to break the Session 8 writeup into two parts as there was a lot in it. In terms of where this game ends, I'm convinced that there needs to be a Session 9 to wrap up and talk about 'where next'. It's not over yet. It can't be over when there is an army of demons running around …..I've written up about a quarter of Session 8. It's going to take me a bit more time to write up.....
Saturday, 24 August 2013
GM Commentary
Finished Session 8 this evening which is likely to be the final session of this limited session game. I'll do the write up (hopefully) tomorrow. The 'Big Bad' was revealed and the Middle Kingdom came very close to being severed from the Grand Stair. There are still lots of plot threads that haven't been followed through, and we really haven't explored Eidolon or Umbra.... David and I will talk further in the next few days to decide whether continue with a 2nd story arc to keep exploring, or do something different.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Session 7 - Ethan Stands Alone
GM Observations/Summary
- The reality of Amber Diceless or LoG&S is that players end up GMing themselves from time to time. That's just the way the game works. Grant headed off on his own quest, and hence Ethan (my character) ended up having his own adventure. This is what happened in Grant's absence, however, I ended up asking David to share Grant's stats as I needed to know whether Ethan was Dominant Rank or 2nd Rank in some areas…….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Under the cover of darkness, Grant heads east with ten Shang loyalists, leaving Ethan behind at the temple to guard their exit. Ethan remains on watch with a single sentry while the other soldiers rest, but there is no sign that Grant is discovered. When dawn breaks, all is as it was.
- The first morning passes uneventfully. Ethan spends some time talking to his newfound comrades, learning more about the geography of the place and the recent historical events. He learns that General Xia is a relative newcomer. The Shang dynasty is in decline - the current Emperor Shang Zhou is old and some say he is mad. General Xia was one of the Emperor's greatest warlords, but turned against him. When Ethan asks further about this, it seems that the General was justifiably disloyal, but since his rebellion, more provinces have rallied against the 'mad Emperor'. The Shang loyalists have been allied with the Shang bloodline for generations - they are the most devout and would never betray the Emperor, no matter what his failings.
- Ethan tests his strength against one of the Shang loyalists and confirms that he is much stronger. He becomes concerned that the hardness of his Versais sabre may be inferior to that of the native swords. Each of the Shang loyalists carries an ancestral blade which appears to be of high quality. Ethan horrifies the Shang loyalists when he suggests 'looting' the corpses on the battlefield for a suitable weapon, and instead one of the men (Han Wu) offers him a blade should he need it. Ethan refuses.
The First Duel
- After a time, a group of Xia riders takes to the field and comes within bow-range to fire a few shots, and observe the Shang defences at closer range. The Shang return fire but it is difficult to hit a moving target. Ethan borrows a bow, and his first arrow fells a horse. The second arrow he fires takes a man's head clean off. At that point, the Xia withdraw and the Shang congratulate him. Ethan sends a few men into the battlefield to retrieve more arrows, and has two men climb onto the roof to collect the arrows embedded there.
- As the day wears on, Ethan becomes concerned that his marksmanship may have attracted the wrong type of attention. He sits down to meditate and ponder.
- The next day, a group of riders approach. They carry the red Xia banner and the leader of the group declares himself as Shu Lai and he declares a duel of honour against Zhao Wei, a warrior of Shang. Ethan is a little confused by this until he is advised by his comrades that Zhao Wei died in the last assault. Shu Lai has unknowingly challenged a dead man. Ethan seizes upon the opportunity, and overruling the protests of his allies, he is taken to the body and seizes the dead man's weapon and armour. With his face concealed by a war-mask, Ethan marches on to the battlefield as Zhao Wei, and confronts Shu Lai on foot. Ethan's skill with the blade and sheer strength results in a quick victory, and Shu Lai asks for death. Ignorant of the customs, Ethan refuses and instead orders Shu Lai back to his lines. Shu Lai stoically refuses to leave from the spot, and insists upon death. His companions lower their banner and Ethan realises that he has misjudged the situation. He kills the man, and the Xai return sadly to their lines. Ethan ponders what he has done.
- Hours later, another group from the Xia lines approach - a strange mix of three odd individuals who are not soldiers. They halt nearby the temple, and they proclaim their service to Zhao Wei, their new Lord. Ethan is astonished to find that he has just acquired Shu Lai's property, including these three retainers, plus a certain quantity of rice, one small fortress, and two wives. Ethan asks some of the Shang about this, and he learns that Shu Lai's vassals will be after revenge against Zhao Wei, but what was owned by him is now technically Ethan's. The three retainers and two wives are effectively owned property. Strangely enough, Shu Lai had a son, Shu Ba who will also be after vengeance and is not considered property.
Being Zhao Wei
- Ethan asks many questions about the culture and practices of the Middle Kingdom, and finds out a great deal more about the composition of the Xia army. The next morning, he rides out to meet the Xia army, and issues one formal challenge after another. Over the course of the next two hours, Ethan fights five duels and kills five men before General Xia himself intercedes and puts a stop to this practice. Archers are deployed to prevent Ethan from leaving and General Xia talks with him from a distance. The General realises that this is not Zhao Wei as he speaks with the wrong accent. He asks Ethan who he is, but Ethan declines to answer. At this point, General Xia withdraws and a white samurai, his face hidden by an elaborate war-mask, takes the field.
The Battle with the White Samurai
- Ethan realises that he has misjudged the situation yet again. He can tell that the White Samurai is no normal man just by his presence. His senses scream that this fight is not like the others and the danger is very real.
* Note - photo taken from the upcoming movie 47 Ronin…..
- The White Samurai does not identify himself. He says nothing as he takes the field. The two of them assess each other for some time, with the entire Xia army watching. Finally the White Samurai charges in and there is the clash of steel. Sparks fly. Ethan realises that his opponent is supernaturally strong, and unusually skilled. Ethan takes a cautious approach and deflects every blow that the White Samurai throws at him, gradually assessing what it will take to defeat him. He cannot see eyes behind the war-mask of his enemy but he can feel the black anger there nonetheless.
- Just as Ethan thinks he has the measure of the White Samurai, his enemy increases the fury of his blows, and lands a blow which tears through the armour on his upper left arm. The White Samurai backs off, leaving Ethan bleeding badly. GM's note - the White Samurai has the superior Warfare and a Hardened Blade (1pt weapon) The White Samurai follows up, cleaving at him again and again, and Ethan deflects each blow with only one arm. Then suddenly the Samurai pauses, and focusses. Ethan readies himself for another attack. Issuing a Word of Power, the White Samurai cleaves through Ethan's blade, leaving him only half a sword and wounding him again on the other arm (although this time it is only a shallow wound). GM's note - the White Samurai has the Cantrip Fatisco (Fracture) At the same moment that Ethan's blade is shattered, Ethan grabs the samurai's sword arm with his left hand and he uses his entire Strength to pull the samurai off his feet. GM's note - Ethan has ranked Strength, whereas the White Samurai only has Paragon level. It's a significant differential, much greater than the difference in Warfare. The White Samurai is ripped off his feet and slammed into the ground. Ethan breaks his arm and tears the White Samurai's blade from his grip. Before the Samurai can recover his senses, Ethan cleaves down and takes his opponent's arm off. The Samurai says but one word "Wait" and he begins reaching for something at his waist. Ethan beheads him before he can speak again.
- The entire battle has lasted only 15 minutes but it is the first real battle that Ethan has experienced and he is bleeding badly. GM's note - Ethan has ranked Strength and is dominant ranked Endurance - he does not feel light headed at this time but he is unused to being wounded and if he lingers he would be at a disadvantage. Ethan glares at the General and his army, and successfully intimidates them such that they do not fire GM's note - Ethan has Dominant rank in Psyche The General is strong willed enough to ask Ethan to identify himself, even though his voice has lost some of its command.
- Ethan asks who the White Samurai is, and the General tells him that the individual's background is a mystery to him, but that the samurai was the greatest warrior he had ever seen. He only joined the Xia cause little over a month ago. Ethan realises that the timing correlates to when he and Grant first opened the Red Door to the Middle Kingdom. Ethan bows respectfully to the General, and announces that he will retire from the field of battle but says that he would like to talk with the General on the next day. The General repeats his request for Ethan to identify himself, and Ethan says that he will share his name on the next day. He briefly looks over the White Samurai's body, and finds a strange black token at his waist, which he retrieves. He is allowed to return to the Shang temple.
Grant Returns
- The wound on Ethan's left upper arm is deep and there has been significant blood loss. Nevertheless, he remains in good spirits and he binds the wounds with simple cloth. He considers returning to Shadow Earth to receive proper medical treatment but decides to 'make do'. The Shang loyalists attempt to celebrate his victory, but Ethan does not want to join in. Instead he is somber and mulls over his victory on the steps of the temple.
- As the sun begins to set on the third day, this is the earlier time that Grant could return ….. (but that adventure has not yet been run)….
GM's note: If anyone wants an idea as to how strong the White Samurai was, here are his stats. He is a 7 point character. I invented this guy to fight Grant, not Ethan. I didn't expect Grant to 'slip away' to recover the Emperor, even though of course it makes perfect sense that he do so.
- The reality of Amber Diceless or LoG&S is that players end up GMing themselves from time to time. That's just the way the game works. Grant headed off on his own quest, and hence Ethan (my character) ended up having his own adventure. This is what happened in Grant's absence, however, I ended up asking David to share Grant's stats as I needed to know whether Ethan was Dominant Rank or 2nd Rank in some areas…….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Under the cover of darkness, Grant heads east with ten Shang loyalists, leaving Ethan behind at the temple to guard their exit. Ethan remains on watch with a single sentry while the other soldiers rest, but there is no sign that Grant is discovered. When dawn breaks, all is as it was.
- The first morning passes uneventfully. Ethan spends some time talking to his newfound comrades, learning more about the geography of the place and the recent historical events. He learns that General Xia is a relative newcomer. The Shang dynasty is in decline - the current Emperor Shang Zhou is old and some say he is mad. General Xia was one of the Emperor's greatest warlords, but turned against him. When Ethan asks further about this, it seems that the General was justifiably disloyal, but since his rebellion, more provinces have rallied against the 'mad Emperor'. The Shang loyalists have been allied with the Shang bloodline for generations - they are the most devout and would never betray the Emperor, no matter what his failings.
- Ethan tests his strength against one of the Shang loyalists and confirms that he is much stronger. He becomes concerned that the hardness of his Versais sabre may be inferior to that of the native swords. Each of the Shang loyalists carries an ancestral blade which appears to be of high quality. Ethan horrifies the Shang loyalists when he suggests 'looting' the corpses on the battlefield for a suitable weapon, and instead one of the men (Han Wu) offers him a blade should he need it. Ethan refuses.
The First Duel
- After a time, a group of Xia riders takes to the field and comes within bow-range to fire a few shots, and observe the Shang defences at closer range. The Shang return fire but it is difficult to hit a moving target. Ethan borrows a bow, and his first arrow fells a horse. The second arrow he fires takes a man's head clean off. At that point, the Xia withdraw and the Shang congratulate him. Ethan sends a few men into the battlefield to retrieve more arrows, and has two men climb onto the roof to collect the arrows embedded there.
- As the day wears on, Ethan becomes concerned that his marksmanship may have attracted the wrong type of attention. He sits down to meditate and ponder.
- The next day, a group of riders approach. They carry the red Xia banner and the leader of the group declares himself as Shu Lai and he declares a duel of honour against Zhao Wei, a warrior of Shang. Ethan is a little confused by this until he is advised by his comrades that Zhao Wei died in the last assault. Shu Lai has unknowingly challenged a dead man. Ethan seizes upon the opportunity, and overruling the protests of his allies, he is taken to the body and seizes the dead man's weapon and armour. With his face concealed by a war-mask, Ethan marches on to the battlefield as Zhao Wei, and confronts Shu Lai on foot. Ethan's skill with the blade and sheer strength results in a quick victory, and Shu Lai asks for death. Ignorant of the customs, Ethan refuses and instead orders Shu Lai back to his lines. Shu Lai stoically refuses to leave from the spot, and insists upon death. His companions lower their banner and Ethan realises that he has misjudged the situation. He kills the man, and the Xai return sadly to their lines. Ethan ponders what he has done.
- Hours later, another group from the Xia lines approach - a strange mix of three odd individuals who are not soldiers. They halt nearby the temple, and they proclaim their service to Zhao Wei, their new Lord. Ethan is astonished to find that he has just acquired Shu Lai's property, including these three retainers, plus a certain quantity of rice, one small fortress, and two wives. Ethan asks some of the Shang about this, and he learns that Shu Lai's vassals will be after revenge against Zhao Wei, but what was owned by him is now technically Ethan's. The three retainers and two wives are effectively owned property. Strangely enough, Shu Lai had a son, Shu Ba who will also be after vengeance and is not considered property.
Being Zhao Wei
- Ethan asks many questions about the culture and practices of the Middle Kingdom, and finds out a great deal more about the composition of the Xia army. The next morning, he rides out to meet the Xia army, and issues one formal challenge after another. Over the course of the next two hours, Ethan fights five duels and kills five men before General Xia himself intercedes and puts a stop to this practice. Archers are deployed to prevent Ethan from leaving and General Xia talks with him from a distance. The General realises that this is not Zhao Wei as he speaks with the wrong accent. He asks Ethan who he is, but Ethan declines to answer. At this point, General Xia withdraws and a white samurai, his face hidden by an elaborate war-mask, takes the field.
The Battle with the White Samurai
- Ethan realises that he has misjudged the situation yet again. He can tell that the White Samurai is no normal man just by his presence. His senses scream that this fight is not like the others and the danger is very real.
* Note - photo taken from the upcoming movie 47 Ronin…..
- The White Samurai does not identify himself. He says nothing as he takes the field. The two of them assess each other for some time, with the entire Xia army watching. Finally the White Samurai charges in and there is the clash of steel. Sparks fly. Ethan realises that his opponent is supernaturally strong, and unusually skilled. Ethan takes a cautious approach and deflects every blow that the White Samurai throws at him, gradually assessing what it will take to defeat him. He cannot see eyes behind the war-mask of his enemy but he can feel the black anger there nonetheless.
- Just as Ethan thinks he has the measure of the White Samurai, his enemy increases the fury of his blows, and lands a blow which tears through the armour on his upper left arm. The White Samurai backs off, leaving Ethan bleeding badly. GM's note - the White Samurai has the superior Warfare and a Hardened Blade (1pt weapon) The White Samurai follows up, cleaving at him again and again, and Ethan deflects each blow with only one arm. Then suddenly the Samurai pauses, and focusses. Ethan readies himself for another attack. Issuing a Word of Power, the White Samurai cleaves through Ethan's blade, leaving him only half a sword and wounding him again on the other arm (although this time it is only a shallow wound). GM's note - the White Samurai has the Cantrip Fatisco (Fracture) At the same moment that Ethan's blade is shattered, Ethan grabs the samurai's sword arm with his left hand and he uses his entire Strength to pull the samurai off his feet. GM's note - Ethan has ranked Strength, whereas the White Samurai only has Paragon level. It's a significant differential, much greater than the difference in Warfare. The White Samurai is ripped off his feet and slammed into the ground. Ethan breaks his arm and tears the White Samurai's blade from his grip. Before the Samurai can recover his senses, Ethan cleaves down and takes his opponent's arm off. The Samurai says but one word "Wait" and he begins reaching for something at his waist. Ethan beheads him before he can speak again.
- The entire battle has lasted only 15 minutes but it is the first real battle that Ethan has experienced and he is bleeding badly. GM's note - Ethan has ranked Strength and is dominant ranked Endurance - he does not feel light headed at this time but he is unused to being wounded and if he lingers he would be at a disadvantage. Ethan glares at the General and his army, and successfully intimidates them such that they do not fire GM's note - Ethan has Dominant rank in Psyche The General is strong willed enough to ask Ethan to identify himself, even though his voice has lost some of its command.
- Ethan asks who the White Samurai is, and the General tells him that the individual's background is a mystery to him, but that the samurai was the greatest warrior he had ever seen. He only joined the Xia cause little over a month ago. Ethan realises that the timing correlates to when he and Grant first opened the Red Door to the Middle Kingdom. Ethan bows respectfully to the General, and announces that he will retire from the field of battle but says that he would like to talk with the General on the next day. The General repeats his request for Ethan to identify himself, and Ethan says that he will share his name on the next day. He briefly looks over the White Samurai's body, and finds a strange black token at his waist, which he retrieves. He is allowed to return to the Shang temple.
Grant Returns
- The wound on Ethan's left upper arm is deep and there has been significant blood loss. Nevertheless, he remains in good spirits and he binds the wounds with simple cloth. He considers returning to Shadow Earth to receive proper medical treatment but decides to 'make do'. The Shang loyalists attempt to celebrate his victory, but Ethan does not want to join in. Instead he is somber and mulls over his victory on the steps of the temple.
- As the sun begins to set on the third day, this is the earlier time that Grant could return ….. (but that adventure has not yet been run)….
GM's note: If anyone wants an idea as to how strong the White Samurai was, here are his stats. He is a 7 point character. I invented this guy to fight Grant, not Ethan. I didn't expect Grant to 'slip away' to recover the Emperor, even though of course it makes perfect sense that he do so.
Friday, 16 August 2013
Session 6 - Finding Greywalker
GM Observations/Summary
- David was both frustrated and excited by this session. Finally a chance for some action and lots of hints/clues which he knew were Eidolon, but his character did not.
- For a game like this one, you can either give your PCs a mentor figure who can teach them the ropes, or they find out the hard way. This is the hard way ….. trying to find a Lord of Gossamer who is either dead, has moved on, or possibly doesn't want to be found ….
Realm 5 - The Bar (Brown Door)
- The session opens with Grant munching on what he assumes are buffalo wings in Ethan's favourite bar. Grant is pretty convinced that this "Greywalker" fellow is Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" books.
- They discuss returning to Tyndam but Grant convinces Ethan that they do not know enough about the shaping magic that was used to transform the landscape and that they themselves could be 'changed'.
- They also discuss what they would do if they encounter people in future. Ethan suggests that they carry chocolate in order to provide a pleasing tribute or bribe to whoever they meet. Grant agrees to this.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Shadow
- On their way back to the Tyndam Door, Grant finally convinces Ethan that they're not ready. Ethan is concerned that whatever is in Tyndam may be capable of opening the Door from the Tyndam-side and stepping onto the stair. He suggests that they 'trap' each of the nearby Doors with a thread of hair which would be displaced if opened. This would give them a simple way of knowing if there was anyone or anything else moving around on the Stair. Grant agrees and this is put into place.
- They decide to go through the Red Door. As he is about to open the door Grant senses that something has changed on the other side. Ethan can also feel it - it is as though they are about to walk in on a conversation. It feels awkward, but not dangerous. Grant opens the Door …. and sees that the field of yellow flowers which was there previously is gone. Instead there is desolation. There has been a great battle here, and the plains are littered with the fallen. They step through….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Grant and Ethan find that the Asian temple they have stepped out from is being defended by less than two hundred 'samurai' in black armour. These brown-faced men are weary, many are wounded. More than a kilometre away is a much larger army - thousands of men and horses dressed in red livery.
- The two are greeted immediately by the black samurai, who fall upon their knees in gratitude that 'The Lords have returned'. Grant assumes command and demands a report as to what has happened.
- The black samurai are all that remains of those loyal to the Emperor Shang Zhou, who upon hearing that the Lords had returned (GM's note - it had been almost a month of time since Grant and Ethan first appeared in this realm and were seen)had rallied the bulk of his army and attempted to hold the sacred temple. It comes out that the Emperor is old (92 years old), and his ancestors have had dealings with the Lords before. "Greywalker" is known to have healed his grandfather and restored his virility. The Emperor is seeking rejuvenation and restoration to his youthful prime and he believes the Lords can do this. (GM's note - at this point, David laughed and groaned. He could spot the Eidolon connection but struggled to think how Grant or Ethan could solve this problem)
- Meanwhile the Shang Dynasty is but a shadow of what it was, and a new warlord General Xia now controlled a significant portion of the so-called 'Middle Kingdom'. It was Xia's army that Grant and Ethan could see in the distance but they have not attacked in two days. They appear to be waiting for fatigue to set in before attacking again.
- By this time, Grant and Ethan have retreated to inside the temple and are confronted by many wounded soldiers. The soldiers' spirits have been significantly lifted by their arrival, but they are outnumbered, sore and hungry. Grant is determined to fix that.
- Grant and Ethan discover that they can talk in their native tongue when they wish to, but can speak in the local tongue when talking to the Shang loyalists. This enables them to have a private conversation about what to do next.
- Grant wants to restore the Emperor but believes that neither he nor Ethan have the powers that Greywalker possesses to be able to do so. Initially they discuss searching for a cure/elixir of youth from the many worlds that can be reached from the Stair, but Ethan expresses concern that whatever they find may not work in the Middle Kingdom. Instead, he suggests that they take the Emperor to the cure - to take him to another world. Grant likes this idea and prepares ten of the best to accompany him, under cover of darkness, into the mountains and to the Emperor's secret retreat. Ethan is to remain behind and provide food and medical supplies.
- While Grant learns more about the Middle Kingdom, Ethan returns to Shadow Earth….
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Making haste, Ethan goes down to the local supermarket and buys food. Lots of food - rice, meat, vegetables. Then he drives back to the house and unloads all of the provisions into the house. He then treks back across to the Middle Kingdom, and takes a dozen men with him back to Shadow Earth to help him to carry the provisions back to the Middle Kingdom. GM's note - by doing this, Ethan proves that he can lead others onto the Stair and across worlds, even mundane/non-magical people.
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- As darkness descends, Grant slips away and heads east into the mountains. He hopes that the enemy has not detected this…. he expects to be back in 4 days.
- In the meantime, Ethan and the rest of the army hold the temple and the Door. With full bellies, the Shang loyalists are feeling even more optimistic about the situation.
And that's where we left it…..
- David was both frustrated and excited by this session. Finally a chance for some action and lots of hints/clues which he knew were Eidolon, but his character did not.
- For a game like this one, you can either give your PCs a mentor figure who can teach them the ropes, or they find out the hard way. This is the hard way ….. trying to find a Lord of Gossamer who is either dead, has moved on, or possibly doesn't want to be found ….
Realm 5 - The Bar (Brown Door)
- The session opens with Grant munching on what he assumes are buffalo wings in Ethan's favourite bar. Grant is pretty convinced that this "Greywalker" fellow is Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings" books.
- They discuss returning to Tyndam but Grant convinces Ethan that they do not know enough about the shaping magic that was used to transform the landscape and that they themselves could be 'changed'.
- They also discuss what they would do if they encounter people in future. Ethan suggests that they carry chocolate in order to provide a pleasing tribute or bribe to whoever they meet. Grant agrees to this.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Shadow
- On their way back to the Tyndam Door, Grant finally convinces Ethan that they're not ready. Ethan is concerned that whatever is in Tyndam may be capable of opening the Door from the Tyndam-side and stepping onto the stair. He suggests that they 'trap' each of the nearby Doors with a thread of hair which would be displaced if opened. This would give them a simple way of knowing if there was anyone or anything else moving around on the Stair. Grant agrees and this is put into place.
- They decide to go through the Red Door. As he is about to open the door Grant senses that something has changed on the other side. Ethan can also feel it - it is as though they are about to walk in on a conversation. It feels awkward, but not dangerous. Grant opens the Door …. and sees that the field of yellow flowers which was there previously is gone. Instead there is desolation. There has been a great battle here, and the plains are littered with the fallen. They step through….
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- Grant and Ethan find that the Asian temple they have stepped out from is being defended by less than two hundred 'samurai' in black armour. These brown-faced men are weary, many are wounded. More than a kilometre away is a much larger army - thousands of men and horses dressed in red livery.
- The two are greeted immediately by the black samurai, who fall upon their knees in gratitude that 'The Lords have returned'. Grant assumes command and demands a report as to what has happened.
- The black samurai are all that remains of those loyal to the Emperor Shang Zhou, who upon hearing that the Lords had returned (GM's note - it had been almost a month of time since Grant and Ethan first appeared in this realm and were seen)had rallied the bulk of his army and attempted to hold the sacred temple. It comes out that the Emperor is old (92 years old), and his ancestors have had dealings with the Lords before. "Greywalker" is known to have healed his grandfather and restored his virility. The Emperor is seeking rejuvenation and restoration to his youthful prime and he believes the Lords can do this. (GM's note - at this point, David laughed and groaned. He could spot the Eidolon connection but struggled to think how Grant or Ethan could solve this problem)
- Meanwhile the Shang Dynasty is but a shadow of what it was, and a new warlord General Xia now controlled a significant portion of the so-called 'Middle Kingdom'. It was Xia's army that Grant and Ethan could see in the distance but they have not attacked in two days. They appear to be waiting for fatigue to set in before attacking again.
- By this time, Grant and Ethan have retreated to inside the temple and are confronted by many wounded soldiers. The soldiers' spirits have been significantly lifted by their arrival, but they are outnumbered, sore and hungry. Grant is determined to fix that.
- Grant and Ethan discover that they can talk in their native tongue when they wish to, but can speak in the local tongue when talking to the Shang loyalists. This enables them to have a private conversation about what to do next.
- Grant wants to restore the Emperor but believes that neither he nor Ethan have the powers that Greywalker possesses to be able to do so. Initially they discuss searching for a cure/elixir of youth from the many worlds that can be reached from the Stair, but Ethan expresses concern that whatever they find may not work in the Middle Kingdom. Instead, he suggests that they take the Emperor to the cure - to take him to another world. Grant likes this idea and prepares ten of the best to accompany him, under cover of darkness, into the mountains and to the Emperor's secret retreat. Ethan is to remain behind and provide food and medical supplies.
- While Grant learns more about the Middle Kingdom, Ethan returns to Shadow Earth….
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Making haste, Ethan goes down to the local supermarket and buys food. Lots of food - rice, meat, vegetables. Then he drives back to the house and unloads all of the provisions into the house. He then treks back across to the Middle Kingdom, and takes a dozen men with him back to Shadow Earth to help him to carry the provisions back to the Middle Kingdom. GM's note - by doing this, Ethan proves that he can lead others onto the Stair and across worlds, even mundane/non-magical people.
Realm 1 - The Middle Kingdom
- As darkness descends, Grant slips away and heads east into the mountains. He hopes that the enemy has not detected this…. he expects to be back in 4 days.
- In the meantime, Ethan and the rest of the army hold the temple and the Door. With full bellies, the Shang loyalists are feeling even more optimistic about the situation.
And that's where we left it…..
Thursday, 15 August 2013
GM Commentary
Session 6 was run this evening - short and sweet but you can get a lot done in an hour. Grant and Ethan decided to tackle the Red Door....
Will type up tomorrow night. The plot thickens....
Found a better picture of the Dark Tower in Tyndam..... (first seen in Session 5)
Will type up tomorrow night. The plot thickens....
Found a better picture of the Dark Tower in Tyndam..... (first seen in Session 5)
Session 5 - We're Not Alone
GM Observations/Summary
- In a nutshell (without revealing spoilers), two observations for this session. For starters, dialogue takes a long time, particularly when PCs are trying to get information without giving much away.
- Secondly, the PCs will normally not know how powerful they are compared to the competition unless they want to test it. This results in situations where the PCs run away because they are uncertain of the outcome ….
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- The session begins with Grant deciding to read "The Lord of the Rings". GM's note - yes his reading speed is higher now, as is his capability to retain details He then visits the local library and borrows a number of Tolkien's other works (Unfinished Tales, The Silmarillion etc). Meanwhile Ethan decides to continue his research into metalworking and waits for Grant to give him a condensed version of what he has discovered. Grant also makes inquiries about Tyndam but there is no equivalent town in the United Kingdom, nor any literary reference that is able to find. GM's note - additional information to be added here after Session 6. It would be a spoiler to insert it now
- After more than 4 days of time, Ethan is bored and encourages Grant to hurry up. He has found a nearby smithy which normally produces horseshoes and he wants to try his hand at making some. Grant decides that it is time to visit Tyndam.
Realm 3 - Behind the Green Door (Tyndam)
- It has been almost a month since they were last in Tyndam. Grant returns fully armed and expecting trouble. Ethan is more casual about the adventure although he too is alert to the threat of danger. They decide to arrive in the early morning, about an hour after the sun has risen. Neither of them felt comfortable previously as night was approaching.
- The secret garden is as it was when they left it, and the occasional earthy mounds are still there. They wander for awhile, before Grant decides to find a shed and excavate one of the mounds with a shovel. However, they are distracted by movement within the house. Some of the curtains are open. They can see one of the chimneys gently pluming smoke. This gets their attention sufficiently that they decide to pay a house call.
- Grant and Ethan are greeted by a thin gentleman with a vague look who asks them to come in for tea. Grant is immediately on guard. The man moves jerkily, as though a marionette on strings. Introducing himself as Morant, he takes the two of them into a sitting room where they meet Boswell, a fatter gentleman with a round face but an equally glazed look. A conversation ensues….
- Neither Boswell nor Morant were expecting guests but seem vaguely pleased to have company. They offer tea. Inquiries as to where everybody is (or has gone) are politely deflected. It becomes clear that they have been here a relatively long time and it was just bad luck that they Grant and Ethan did not meet them on their previous visit. Grant says that he is looking to return a book. Boswell admits that they are minding the house for "Greywalker" and Grant confirms that this is the person that they are also looking for. Both Boswell and Morant seem interested in where Greywalker currently is, but they are unconvincing when saying that they are friends of Greywalker. At first Boswell and Morant seem to assume that Grant and Ethan are servants of Greywalker, but over time they figure out that Grant and Ethan do not know Greywalker, and are only seeking to meet him. Their answers inform Boswell and Morant that they have come to this realm under their own power and hence they become curious as to how they came to be here and how long they plan to stay.
- As time passes, Morant makes excuses and goes to make tea, then scones. Each time Ethan follows Morant and keeps him company (though it is not obvious to Grant during the conversation as to why - more on that later). This time they accept what is offered, however the milk does not appear to be cow's milk and the scones crumble as there was no binding agent (i.e.: no eggs). Boswell and Morant continue to make small talk and Grant continues to probe without making much headway. Boswell and Morant keep asking about where they come from, and it comes out that they know what the Stair is. Grant then opens up a little and it becomes clear that neither Boswell nor Morant know that there is a Door within the grounds of the house. Boswell and Morant are certain that no Door exists within the manor and thus assume that Grant and Ethan have come from the nearby town and that there must be a Door there. This is something that Grant plays upon, but the two strange gentlemen are not completely convinced.
- As the day wears on, Grant decides that they should search elsewhere for Greywalker and they make a polite exit, intending on pretending to return to town. However, Ethan warns Grant that they are being watched as they leave the house. They wait until they are more than a mile away before discussing what happened.
- During their discussion, Ethan is surprised to learn that Grant was not aware that there was another presence on the back of each of the gentlemen. He simply assumed that Grant was aware of it. GM's note - yes, Ethan has significantly higher Psyche than Grant. As GM, I had suspected this, but I asked David for some information on his character as Grant entered the house and then we compared notes when they left the house. I still don't know the absolute difference between the two, but I do now know that Ethan outranks Grant in this area. Ethan suggests that there is some sort of controlling creature that is puppeteering the two men. This makes Grant very uncomfortable as these creatures are clearly invisible to the naked eye. Ethan also says that there were many more of the same creatures on the upper floors of the house. He could feel them watching as they were leaving. GM's note - again, superior Psyche. Ethan also tells Grant that he sensed that Morant was trying to find excuses to get away from the two of them, and hence he stuck with him, even though it led to some awkward moments where Ethan was watching the puppet-man attempting to clumsily bake some scones. He doesn't know why Morant kept trying to slip away but it made him uncomfortable.
- As they continue to discuss what these creatures could be up to, there is a shift in the weather. Dark clouds are rolling in with unnatural speed. Lightning begins to flash in purple and yellow bolts. Grant and Ethan start heading back with due haste, avoiding any line of sight to the manor house and seeking to climb the wall to enter the secret garden by a different route. As they reach the grounds, they find the manor house completely transformed to a metallic structure of dark steel, illuminated by an eerie purple haze. Feeling a sense of dread, they pass one of the earthen mounds as it moves. Something is trying to claw its way out. They leap the fence and make their way to the Door even as the secret garden around them is being transformed to fit the new steel landscape. Grant wastes no time and opens the Door.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Shadow
- Returning to the Stair, Grant closes the door behind Ethan and finds that the Green Door is gone. It has been replaced by a metallic new Door with a strange purple glint to it. A bit shaken, Grant says that he is not going back in there. Ethan points out that this Purple Door is only across the corridor from their home realm and that they cannot ignore it.
- The session ends with the two of them deciding what to do next. Ethan suggests going to get a bite to eat from their favourite bar and talk it over.
I can't share much more than this without it being a spoiler for David. For folks following this, all will hopefully become a bit clearer after Session 6.
PS: still looking for a decent pic of a dark tower with a purple glow..... I'll add one when I find something suitable.
- In a nutshell (without revealing spoilers), two observations for this session. For starters, dialogue takes a long time, particularly when PCs are trying to get information without giving much away.
- Secondly, the PCs will normally not know how powerful they are compared to the competition unless they want to test it. This results in situations where the PCs run away because they are uncertain of the outcome ….
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- The session begins with Grant deciding to read "The Lord of the Rings". GM's note - yes his reading speed is higher now, as is his capability to retain details He then visits the local library and borrows a number of Tolkien's other works (Unfinished Tales, The Silmarillion etc). Meanwhile Ethan decides to continue his research into metalworking and waits for Grant to give him a condensed version of what he has discovered. Grant also makes inquiries about Tyndam but there is no equivalent town in the United Kingdom, nor any literary reference that is able to find. GM's note - additional information to be added here after Session 6. It would be a spoiler to insert it now
- After more than 4 days of time, Ethan is bored and encourages Grant to hurry up. He has found a nearby smithy which normally produces horseshoes and he wants to try his hand at making some. Grant decides that it is time to visit Tyndam.
Realm 3 - Behind the Green Door (Tyndam)
- It has been almost a month since they were last in Tyndam. Grant returns fully armed and expecting trouble. Ethan is more casual about the adventure although he too is alert to the threat of danger. They decide to arrive in the early morning, about an hour after the sun has risen. Neither of them felt comfortable previously as night was approaching.
- The secret garden is as it was when they left it, and the occasional earthy mounds are still there. They wander for awhile, before Grant decides to find a shed and excavate one of the mounds with a shovel. However, they are distracted by movement within the house. Some of the curtains are open. They can see one of the chimneys gently pluming smoke. This gets their attention sufficiently that they decide to pay a house call.
- Grant and Ethan are greeted by a thin gentleman with a vague look who asks them to come in for tea. Grant is immediately on guard. The man moves jerkily, as though a marionette on strings. Introducing himself as Morant, he takes the two of them into a sitting room where they meet Boswell, a fatter gentleman with a round face but an equally glazed look. A conversation ensues….
- Neither Boswell nor Morant were expecting guests but seem vaguely pleased to have company. They offer tea. Inquiries as to where everybody is (or has gone) are politely deflected. It becomes clear that they have been here a relatively long time and it was just bad luck that they Grant and Ethan did not meet them on their previous visit. Grant says that he is looking to return a book. Boswell admits that they are minding the house for "Greywalker" and Grant confirms that this is the person that they are also looking for. Both Boswell and Morant seem interested in where Greywalker currently is, but they are unconvincing when saying that they are friends of Greywalker. At first Boswell and Morant seem to assume that Grant and Ethan are servants of Greywalker, but over time they figure out that Grant and Ethan do not know Greywalker, and are only seeking to meet him. Their answers inform Boswell and Morant that they have come to this realm under their own power and hence they become curious as to how they came to be here and how long they plan to stay.
- As time passes, Morant makes excuses and goes to make tea, then scones. Each time Ethan follows Morant and keeps him company (though it is not obvious to Grant during the conversation as to why - more on that later). This time they accept what is offered, however the milk does not appear to be cow's milk and the scones crumble as there was no binding agent (i.e.: no eggs). Boswell and Morant continue to make small talk and Grant continues to probe without making much headway. Boswell and Morant keep asking about where they come from, and it comes out that they know what the Stair is. Grant then opens up a little and it becomes clear that neither Boswell nor Morant know that there is a Door within the grounds of the house. Boswell and Morant are certain that no Door exists within the manor and thus assume that Grant and Ethan have come from the nearby town and that there must be a Door there. This is something that Grant plays upon, but the two strange gentlemen are not completely convinced.
- As the day wears on, Grant decides that they should search elsewhere for Greywalker and they make a polite exit, intending on pretending to return to town. However, Ethan warns Grant that they are being watched as they leave the house. They wait until they are more than a mile away before discussing what happened.
- During their discussion, Ethan is surprised to learn that Grant was not aware that there was another presence on the back of each of the gentlemen. He simply assumed that Grant was aware of it. GM's note - yes, Ethan has significantly higher Psyche than Grant. As GM, I had suspected this, but I asked David for some information on his character as Grant entered the house and then we compared notes when they left the house. I still don't know the absolute difference between the two, but I do now know that Ethan outranks Grant in this area. Ethan suggests that there is some sort of controlling creature that is puppeteering the two men. This makes Grant very uncomfortable as these creatures are clearly invisible to the naked eye. Ethan also says that there were many more of the same creatures on the upper floors of the house. He could feel them watching as they were leaving. GM's note - again, superior Psyche. Ethan also tells Grant that he sensed that Morant was trying to find excuses to get away from the two of them, and hence he stuck with him, even though it led to some awkward moments where Ethan was watching the puppet-man attempting to clumsily bake some scones. He doesn't know why Morant kept trying to slip away but it made him uncomfortable.
- As they continue to discuss what these creatures could be up to, there is a shift in the weather. Dark clouds are rolling in with unnatural speed. Lightning begins to flash in purple and yellow bolts. Grant and Ethan start heading back with due haste, avoiding any line of sight to the manor house and seeking to climb the wall to enter the secret garden by a different route. As they reach the grounds, they find the manor house completely transformed to a metallic structure of dark steel, illuminated by an eerie purple haze. Feeling a sense of dread, they pass one of the earthen mounds as it moves. Something is trying to claw its way out. They leap the fence and make their way to the Door even as the secret garden around them is being transformed to fit the new steel landscape. Grant wastes no time and opens the Door.
Grand Stairway Section 0 - Proximate to Home Shadow
- Returning to the Stair, Grant closes the door behind Ethan and finds that the Green Door is gone. It has been replaced by a metallic new Door with a strange purple glint to it. A bit shaken, Grant says that he is not going back in there. Ethan points out that this Purple Door is only across the corridor from their home realm and that they cannot ignore it.
- The session ends with the two of them deciding what to do next. Ethan suggests going to get a bite to eat from their favourite bar and talk it over.
I can't share much more than this without it being a spoiler for David. For folks following this, all will hopefully become a bit clearer after Session 6.
PS: still looking for a decent pic of a dark tower with a purple glow..... I'll add one when I find something suitable.
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
GM Commentary
Session 5 was run this evening and I'll post up what happened tomorrow. The session was almost entirely run in Tyndam (Realm 3) - lots of dialogue and exploration, and a very hasty exit as Grant/Ethan witnessed some realm-shaping spellcraft as the manor house was reshaped/reforged. Even the Green Door on the Stair ended up getting a makeover ..... and some clues regarding the Tolkien connection have been revealed.
GM's note - it's kind of funny when PCs run away from stuff because they just don't know quite what it is.....
GM's note - it's kind of funny when PCs run away from stuff because they just don't know quite what it is.....
Sunday, 4 August 2013
GM Commentary
Some photos added to Session 1.
I definitely need to draw a map as to what relates to what. We already have multiple sections of the Grand Stair which are known to Grant/Ethan and some of the Doors they have found are most easily accessible via another Door. After 4 sessions this is becoming more complex and the GM needs to have a clear strategy for keeping track of such things.
I definitely need to draw a map as to what relates to what. We already have multiple sections of the Grand Stair which are known to Grant/Ethan and some of the Doors they have found are most easily accessible via another Door. After 4 sessions this is becoming more complex and the GM needs to have a clear strategy for keeping track of such things.
Session 4 - A Glimpse of Beyond
Ok, first up David and I had a conversation about how we wanted to wrap up the the current bird-people plot thread - i.e.: whether to compress it or not. As you may recall from my first post, David is the GM of Shadow Earth, and I'm the GM for everything outside of that. The problem was that David's plot line had a lot of loose ends which would see him tied up as GM for some time, and that's not the point of this limited sessions game. David did not expect me (playing Ethan) to open the Door and attempt to take the bird-people home. That's the problem with this sort of game - the PCs can literally walk off the map that the GM has prepared. So we decided to spend the first half of Session 4 wrapping up that plot line, before switching to my plot (which was hidden in the realms nearby to Shadow Earth).
GM Observations/Summary
- In Session 3 we gained an ally with knowledge of the Stair. This session was all about expanding the PC's knowledge base about what Lords of Gossamer can do, and tempting them with the possibilities.
- This is also the first session where I realised (as GM) that we need a mapping tool to keep track as to what realm is accessible from where, how is accessible and how long will it take to get there.
Grand Stairway Section 1
- Grant and Ethan decide to take Bella's family home, but when they return to the Grand Stair, the quickest way home is via Shadow Earth. Bella's father explains that there is another Door within Shadow Earth that can take them home.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Grant and Ethan return to Shadow Earth, but there is no trouble to be found. Instead a ginger cat awaits them with a white handkerchief in its mouth. The handkerchief carries a message that the other family have lost, will cease hostilities and are no longer bound by the terms of the 'competition' to remain in the realm. They too are returning home.
- As such, Bella's family take the two Lords of Gossamer to another Door, set within the local church grounds. This Door is part of a high wall around the graveyard. Stepping through the Door, the Lords find themselves in a totally new section of the Grand Stair.
Grand Stairway Section 3
- The new section of the Grand Stair that they come out onto is a landing on a wooden stairway. It is only a short walk to the realm that Bella's family comes from. Coincidence? Grant and Ethan think otherwise. The Door is a finely crafted work of brass, and quite unlikely any door that Grant and Ethan have seen so far. They sense that their home realm is a very long way away, but that they can find the way home if required.
Realm 11 - Xalya (Brass Door)
- Firstly Xalya is pronounced Zaelia. The Door opens out onto an arched courtyard and there are a number of robed figures waiting for Bella's family. The Door they have stepped through is one of three. One of the others was once another Door, but Ethan and Grant sense that it is no longer in use. The second Door is still active. The third (which they have stepped through) has a banner across it which seems to be wishing good luck. It is old, to the degree of almost falling apart.
- A number of discussions occur. None of the robed figures will admit to having names, but they use titles instead to protect their names. The 'cat family' returned first and then advised them that Bella's family would be returning soon. They are happy to see the two families, but also ashamed by what has happened. It comes out little by little that the people of this realm have met other Lords of Gossamer before - and there are four prominent statues of them to be found in the bazaar; but no one has seen a real Lord of Gossamer in over 8000 years. However, there is an artefact that was a gift from the Lords, which appears as an upturned chandelier (similar to that found on the Grand Stair) which apparently 'speaks for the Stair', giving them instructions as to what object 'the Stair' wants them to find, and how to perform a ritual to activate a Door (by putting a magical banner above a door), and actually creates the corresponding destination Door on a nearby landing (!) These scavenger hunts have been a friendly competition between the Xalyan families for thousands of years, but then two groups did not come back. Even though the artefact has continued sending instructions, normally once or twice a year, the natives have been too afraid to follow the instructions and have not done any more forays onto the Grand Stair.
- Grant and Ethan spend almost two weeks in Xalya where they are treated with a mix of reverence and awe. The natives have a ritualised code of conduct, where agreements are bound in magic and hence binding and enforceable. The culture is completely alien to anything that Grant and Ethan have seen before. Grant is fascinated by this and attempts to learn everything that he can about this civilisation. The natives have collected many objects from many worlds. Ethan instead seeks out places of beauty (great waterfalls, hanging gardens etc) and 'sees the sights'.
- The natives share their knowledge of the Lords of Gossamer by sharing the legends and stories have been handed down over the millennia. Grant and Ethan get a number of clues about what might be possible GM's note: there are hints of Eidolon, Umbra Mastery, Sorcery and Wrighting in the stories that are told. Of particular interest is that the natives understand sorcery and can make it work on many worlds, and that they have rituals to 'create Doors'. The idea that the Stair itself was giving direction to the natives seemed ridiculous, but neither Grant nor Ethan could rule out the possibility that it was true. The natives also said that there had been times where the Grand Stair had been 'dangerous' and they had been instructed 'by the stair' not to open any Doors, but that had not been for some time.
- The natives give Grant a magical staff (a copy of an ancient relic which the natives have made). When asked what Ethan would like, he at first declines, but then asks if they have a way of allowing Grant and Ethan to find one another, should they be separated across multiple worlds. The result is the natives craft two finely-wrought lockets, each an Icon, enabling Grant to contact Ethan and vice versa.
- Grant and Ethan talk further about experiments to try. Ethan wants to try some causality experiments - i.e.: by finding Shadow Earth 1955, and seeing if a change in that realm would be reflected in their home realm. Grant talks Ethan out of it, by saying that it would be difficult to prove. They talk about finding a realm with a concentration of Doors, some sort of Nexus. GM's note: Bruce hadn't read Kickstarter Post #37 about Nexopolis and David had - so he shut that down. Ethan mentioned that he wanted to find a weapon which was 'worthy of him', and speculated that if he tried such a journey it would likely lead him to a forge with the materials to craft it himself.
- Before departing through the old-bannered door, Ethan stepped out through the second Door onto the Grand Stair, revealing a totally new section of the Grand Stair. He was warned by the natives that it would take him weeks to return home that way but he still wanted to take a look. Again, he was able to sense his home realm, far far away.
- Finally Grant and Ethan departed, knowing that the old banner would be taken down as soon as they left.
Grand Stairway Section 3
- Back on the landing, Grant and Ethan paused to see what happened as a result of the sorcerous banner being removed on the Xalyan side. The Door vanished as if it had never existed. The portal was magically replaced by wood panelling.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Returning home late early in the morning, Ethan collected the mail and were surprised to find another letter from Antarctica. John (the owner of the house) was missing after a chasm opened up under his tractor. Presumed lost, the PCs had been notified as per his instructions. The date of the accident was 'coincidentally' the same day that Grant and Ethan had first opened the Door and stepped onto the Grand Stair.
- Recovering the journal that Ethan had found (way back in Session 1), they were both disappointed to find out that they were still unable to read it. GM's note - it was pointed out by David that Exegesis only works if a Lord of Gossamer has accessed the home of that language. This journal comes from a realm that Grant and Ethan have not been to yet, nor have they met a native speaker, therefore the text is unreadable. This could be a hole in rules, but we just went with it.
- They discussed what to do and decided that they would next explore the Grey Door that was close to Shadow Earth. However, Grant wanted to make another trip first. Ethan didn't mind as he said he had some 'homework' to do. So the two Lords split up.
- Grant stepped through the Door and back onto the Grand Stair.
Grand Stairway Section 4
- Leaving Ethan behind, Grant started looking for a high-tech reality where he could buy armoured cloth. Grant was thinking 'cyberpunk' (which did exist in 1985) and it took him over an hour walking the Stair to find a suitable door. The Doors become more metallic in this section.
Realm 12 - City Seven (Grey Steel Door)
- Stepping out of a service door, Grant found himself on the roof top of a multi-storey building, looking down at a myriad of flying cars and neon lights below.
- He took a few minutes to take it all in, before tapping into his Wayfinding ability to find a suitable shop. GM's note - we re-read the rules a number of times regarding Wayfinding and decided that it must work within a realm, otherwise its usability was significantly diminished. He managed to find a clothing store with fashionable gear made from ballistic cloth, but he was unable to purchase the items because he lacked any suitable currency. The gold coins he had brought were unusable.
- Hence Grant found a moneychanger but the Asian-lady sitting in the armoured booth was unable to take his gold coins as he lacked a 'card' that she could deposit funds onto. GM's note - remember this is 1985 so Grant isn't used to the idea of electronic money to this extreme. Frustrated, Grant wondered what to do, but trouble found him first. Three thugs attempted to ambush him and take his gold, but they ended up being robbed themselves. The asian-lady in the booth was quite surprised to seem him return with a number of 'cards' that he was able to load funds onto.
- Grant procured a number of shirts made of ballistic cloth and an armoured jacket. On his return to the Grand Stair he found himself being followed by a strange black/silver orb (a robot of some kind) but he was able to lose it on the underground trains before returning back to the Door.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Back on Shadow Earth, Ethan had been busy at the local library and had a large number of books on chemistry and metalworking. He seemed surprised that Grant had been gone so long (almost ten hours) but was not upset. Grant explained where he had been, and Ethan suggested that they delay their next adventure until the morning, given that all nearby realms seemed to be on the same night/day routine.
- The next day, they set off for the Grey Door. Grant was dressed in his armoured jacket and a ballistic cloth shirt, carrying a backpack and his 'staff of power'. In contrast, Ethan had remained in loose fitting clothes that he had picked up from Versais, but had added a woollen jumper given that the corridor behind the Grey Door was almost certainly underground.
Realm 2 - Behind the Grey Door
- Reopening the door and finding the tunnel still thick with dust, Grant led the way with a filtered torch. They found a chamber with old scrolls of parchment in it and decided that the area was an archive of some kind. They did find an area which was torch-lit (at the base of a circular stairway) but decided to head upstairs rather than find the person who lit the torch.
- Above ground, they found themselves in a medieval city made of white stone, and built into a white cliff-face. The people seemed happy and content, and the two Lords were able to wander without being challenged.
- They spent almost two hours looking around the city, listening, without a clue as to where they were. Beyond the high white walls there were fields and farmyards as far as the eye could see, and beyond that, mountains.
- At last, Grant decided to find a moneychanger. He found Babel, a ruddy-faced man who was only too glad to change the local currency (silver coins) for the gold that Grant and Ethan carried. They asked a few leading questions and found out that the white city around them was …. Minas Tirith. GM's note: Now this is where player knowledge and character knowledge must be separated. David and Bruce have read the Tolkien's book "The Lord of the Rings" and seen the movies. Grant read the book as a child and couldn't remember the significance. Ethan hadn't read the book at all. However, Grant had picked up a copy of "The Lord of the Rings" in Tyndam (Realm 3) and only then did it dawn on him that there was a connection across the different worlds.
- When Grant explained what he knew of "The Lord of the Rings", Ethan seemed vaguely amused that the book might have been written with knowledge of the actual world and events. But Grant was suddenly very concerned, and encouraged them to depart at once.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Back on Shadow Earth, Grant picked up the copy of the book that he had acquired in Tyndam (Realm 3) which had been left behind at the manor house, and they went back to the bookstore to buy all of the Tolkien works and compare those works against the Tyndam copy. The manuscript was identical (although the Tyndam copy was an earlier edition). Upon inspection of the coins, Ethan found that they had been minted in the Fourth Age between the years 31 and 38, and King Elessar was depicted on the coins. That again lent weight to the idea that the Tolkien books were either written with real knowledge of real events, or at least inspired by them. Grant and Ethan spent some time reading through the novels, and their speculation was that the Frodo/Bilbo character was potentially an 'everyman' character, whereas the Gandalf character could either be a Lord of Gossamer, or a cover for one. Grant seemed more convinced than Ethan. Ethan pointed out that they still had no idea whether this Minas Tirith had been through the same events from the books.
- At the conclusion of this discussion, Grant became determined to find out what the significance of the manor house at Tyndam was, and why a copy of the book would have been left there. In hindsight, all of the other books in that library were dated from the 1800s but The Lord of the Rings was first published in 1954.
And that's where we left it. There is a puzzle to be solved - Grant and Ethan have just found some more of the pieces.
EDIT: picture of Xalya added
GM Observations/Summary
- In Session 3 we gained an ally with knowledge of the Stair. This session was all about expanding the PC's knowledge base about what Lords of Gossamer can do, and tempting them with the possibilities.
- This is also the first session where I realised (as GM) that we need a mapping tool to keep track as to what realm is accessible from where, how is accessible and how long will it take to get there.
Grand Stairway Section 1
- Grant and Ethan decide to take Bella's family home, but when they return to the Grand Stair, the quickest way home is via Shadow Earth. Bella's father explains that there is another Door within Shadow Earth that can take them home.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Grant and Ethan return to Shadow Earth, but there is no trouble to be found. Instead a ginger cat awaits them with a white handkerchief in its mouth. The handkerchief carries a message that the other family have lost, will cease hostilities and are no longer bound by the terms of the 'competition' to remain in the realm. They too are returning home.
- As such, Bella's family take the two Lords of Gossamer to another Door, set within the local church grounds. This Door is part of a high wall around the graveyard. Stepping through the Door, the Lords find themselves in a totally new section of the Grand Stair.
Grand Stairway Section 3
- The new section of the Grand Stair that they come out onto is a landing on a wooden stairway. It is only a short walk to the realm that Bella's family comes from. Coincidence? Grant and Ethan think otherwise. The Door is a finely crafted work of brass, and quite unlikely any door that Grant and Ethan have seen so far. They sense that their home realm is a very long way away, but that they can find the way home if required.
Realm 11 - Xalya (Brass Door)
- Firstly Xalya is pronounced Zaelia. The Door opens out onto an arched courtyard and there are a number of robed figures waiting for Bella's family. The Door they have stepped through is one of three. One of the others was once another Door, but Ethan and Grant sense that it is no longer in use. The second Door is still active. The third (which they have stepped through) has a banner across it which seems to be wishing good luck. It is old, to the degree of almost falling apart.
- A number of discussions occur. None of the robed figures will admit to having names, but they use titles instead to protect their names. The 'cat family' returned first and then advised them that Bella's family would be returning soon. They are happy to see the two families, but also ashamed by what has happened. It comes out little by little that the people of this realm have met other Lords of Gossamer before - and there are four prominent statues of them to be found in the bazaar; but no one has seen a real Lord of Gossamer in over 8000 years. However, there is an artefact that was a gift from the Lords, which appears as an upturned chandelier (similar to that found on the Grand Stair) which apparently 'speaks for the Stair', giving them instructions as to what object 'the Stair' wants them to find, and how to perform a ritual to activate a Door (by putting a magical banner above a door), and actually creates the corresponding destination Door on a nearby landing (!) These scavenger hunts have been a friendly competition between the Xalyan families for thousands of years, but then two groups did not come back. Even though the artefact has continued sending instructions, normally once or twice a year, the natives have been too afraid to follow the instructions and have not done any more forays onto the Grand Stair.
- Grant and Ethan spend almost two weeks in Xalya where they are treated with a mix of reverence and awe. The natives have a ritualised code of conduct, where agreements are bound in magic and hence binding and enforceable. The culture is completely alien to anything that Grant and Ethan have seen before. Grant is fascinated by this and attempts to learn everything that he can about this civilisation. The natives have collected many objects from many worlds. Ethan instead seeks out places of beauty (great waterfalls, hanging gardens etc) and 'sees the sights'.
- The natives share their knowledge of the Lords of Gossamer by sharing the legends and stories have been handed down over the millennia. Grant and Ethan get a number of clues about what might be possible GM's note: there are hints of Eidolon, Umbra Mastery, Sorcery and Wrighting in the stories that are told. Of particular interest is that the natives understand sorcery and can make it work on many worlds, and that they have rituals to 'create Doors'. The idea that the Stair itself was giving direction to the natives seemed ridiculous, but neither Grant nor Ethan could rule out the possibility that it was true. The natives also said that there had been times where the Grand Stair had been 'dangerous' and they had been instructed 'by the stair' not to open any Doors, but that had not been for some time.
- The natives give Grant a magical staff (a copy of an ancient relic which the natives have made). When asked what Ethan would like, he at first declines, but then asks if they have a way of allowing Grant and Ethan to find one another, should they be separated across multiple worlds. The result is the natives craft two finely-wrought lockets, each an Icon, enabling Grant to contact Ethan and vice versa.
- Grant and Ethan talk further about experiments to try. Ethan wants to try some causality experiments - i.e.: by finding Shadow Earth 1955, and seeing if a change in that realm would be reflected in their home realm. Grant talks Ethan out of it, by saying that it would be difficult to prove. They talk about finding a realm with a concentration of Doors, some sort of Nexus. GM's note: Bruce hadn't read Kickstarter Post #37 about Nexopolis and David had - so he shut that down. Ethan mentioned that he wanted to find a weapon which was 'worthy of him', and speculated that if he tried such a journey it would likely lead him to a forge with the materials to craft it himself.
- Before departing through the old-bannered door, Ethan stepped out through the second Door onto the Grand Stair, revealing a totally new section of the Grand Stair. He was warned by the natives that it would take him weeks to return home that way but he still wanted to take a look. Again, he was able to sense his home realm, far far away.
- Finally Grant and Ethan departed, knowing that the old banner would be taken down as soon as they left.
Grand Stairway Section 3
- Back on the landing, Grant and Ethan paused to see what happened as a result of the sorcerous banner being removed on the Xalyan side. The Door vanished as if it had never existed. The portal was magically replaced by wood panelling.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Returning home late early in the morning, Ethan collected the mail and were surprised to find another letter from Antarctica. John (the owner of the house) was missing after a chasm opened up under his tractor. Presumed lost, the PCs had been notified as per his instructions. The date of the accident was 'coincidentally' the same day that Grant and Ethan had first opened the Door and stepped onto the Grand Stair.
- Recovering the journal that Ethan had found (way back in Session 1), they were both disappointed to find out that they were still unable to read it. GM's note - it was pointed out by David that Exegesis only works if a Lord of Gossamer has accessed the home of that language. This journal comes from a realm that Grant and Ethan have not been to yet, nor have they met a native speaker, therefore the text is unreadable. This could be a hole in rules, but we just went with it.
- They discussed what to do and decided that they would next explore the Grey Door that was close to Shadow Earth. However, Grant wanted to make another trip first. Ethan didn't mind as he said he had some 'homework' to do. So the two Lords split up.
- Grant stepped through the Door and back onto the Grand Stair.
Grand Stairway Section 4
- Leaving Ethan behind, Grant started looking for a high-tech reality where he could buy armoured cloth. Grant was thinking 'cyberpunk' (which did exist in 1985) and it took him over an hour walking the Stair to find a suitable door. The Doors become more metallic in this section.
Realm 12 - City Seven (Grey Steel Door)
- Stepping out of a service door, Grant found himself on the roof top of a multi-storey building, looking down at a myriad of flying cars and neon lights below.
- He took a few minutes to take it all in, before tapping into his Wayfinding ability to find a suitable shop. GM's note - we re-read the rules a number of times regarding Wayfinding and decided that it must work within a realm, otherwise its usability was significantly diminished. He managed to find a clothing store with fashionable gear made from ballistic cloth, but he was unable to purchase the items because he lacked any suitable currency. The gold coins he had brought were unusable.
- Hence Grant found a moneychanger but the Asian-lady sitting in the armoured booth was unable to take his gold coins as he lacked a 'card' that she could deposit funds onto. GM's note - remember this is 1985 so Grant isn't used to the idea of electronic money to this extreme. Frustrated, Grant wondered what to do, but trouble found him first. Three thugs attempted to ambush him and take his gold, but they ended up being robbed themselves. The asian-lady in the booth was quite surprised to seem him return with a number of 'cards' that he was able to load funds onto.
- Grant procured a number of shirts made of ballistic cloth and an armoured jacket. On his return to the Grand Stair he found himself being followed by a strange black/silver orb (a robot of some kind) but he was able to lose it on the underground trains before returning back to the Door.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Back on Shadow Earth, Ethan had been busy at the local library and had a large number of books on chemistry and metalworking. He seemed surprised that Grant had been gone so long (almost ten hours) but was not upset. Grant explained where he had been, and Ethan suggested that they delay their next adventure until the morning, given that all nearby realms seemed to be on the same night/day routine.
- The next day, they set off for the Grey Door. Grant was dressed in his armoured jacket and a ballistic cloth shirt, carrying a backpack and his 'staff of power'. In contrast, Ethan had remained in loose fitting clothes that he had picked up from Versais, but had added a woollen jumper given that the corridor behind the Grey Door was almost certainly underground.
Realm 2 - Behind the Grey Door
- Reopening the door and finding the tunnel still thick with dust, Grant led the way with a filtered torch. They found a chamber with old scrolls of parchment in it and decided that the area was an archive of some kind. They did find an area which was torch-lit (at the base of a circular stairway) but decided to head upstairs rather than find the person who lit the torch.
- Above ground, they found themselves in a medieval city made of white stone, and built into a white cliff-face. The people seemed happy and content, and the two Lords were able to wander without being challenged.
- They spent almost two hours looking around the city, listening, without a clue as to where they were. Beyond the high white walls there were fields and farmyards as far as the eye could see, and beyond that, mountains.
- At last, Grant decided to find a moneychanger. He found Babel, a ruddy-faced man who was only too glad to change the local currency (silver coins) for the gold that Grant and Ethan carried. They asked a few leading questions and found out that the white city around them was …. Minas Tirith. GM's note: Now this is where player knowledge and character knowledge must be separated. David and Bruce have read the Tolkien's book "The Lord of the Rings" and seen the movies. Grant read the book as a child and couldn't remember the significance. Ethan hadn't read the book at all. However, Grant had picked up a copy of "The Lord of the Rings" in Tyndam (Realm 3) and only then did it dawn on him that there was a connection across the different worlds.
- When Grant explained what he knew of "The Lord of the Rings", Ethan seemed vaguely amused that the book might have been written with knowledge of the actual world and events. But Grant was suddenly very concerned, and encouraged them to depart at once.
Realm 0 - Shadow Earth 1985 (Brown Door)
- Back on Shadow Earth, Grant picked up the copy of the book that he had acquired in Tyndam (Realm 3) which had been left behind at the manor house, and they went back to the bookstore to buy all of the Tolkien works and compare those works against the Tyndam copy. The manuscript was identical (although the Tyndam copy was an earlier edition). Upon inspection of the coins, Ethan found that they had been minted in the Fourth Age between the years 31 and 38, and King Elessar was depicted on the coins. That again lent weight to the idea that the Tolkien books were either written with real knowledge of real events, or at least inspired by them. Grant and Ethan spent some time reading through the novels, and their speculation was that the Frodo/Bilbo character was potentially an 'everyman' character, whereas the Gandalf character could either be a Lord of Gossamer, or a cover for one. Grant seemed more convinced than Ethan. Ethan pointed out that they still had no idea whether this Minas Tirith had been through the same events from the books.
- At the conclusion of this discussion, Grant became determined to find out what the significance of the manor house at Tyndam was, and why a copy of the book would have been left there. In hindsight, all of the other books in that library were dated from the 1800s but The Lord of the Rings was first published in 1954.
And that's where we left it. There is a puzzle to be solved - Grant and Ethan have just found some more of the pieces.
EDIT: picture of Xalya added
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)