Explore the Face of Mystara!

We're a few sessions into the new Dungeons & Dragons Basic game, and already we're managed to change a few of the club's perceptions about D&D, potentially changing several of our fundamental approaches to gaming across the board.  The schedule has changed, and now we're focused on a single, larger scale game than we have before.  Our battle games and roleplay games are folding into each other in very pleasant manner.

Some interesting new activities are going to be born of our infatuation with retro-gaming, and I know everyone here at the Wargate is pleased with most of the proposed changes to how we approach our narratives as well.  You can check out the current situation on Mystara by visiting the State of Play, to your right.  The log will soon be expanded with more detailed character information and some more interesting bits that will be necessary for our players to conquer Mystara.

Incidentally, none of this buzz about D&D has to do with the impending new edition - honestly our club couldn't be bothered to care less, I believe.  I spoke to our players about 5th Edition but received a lukewarm response, coupled with "what about all this other great stuff we have that we haven't used yet?" - so naturally we've focused on what we already had.  Just this, by my calculations, will keep us gaming well into our retirement homes.

So, lets talk about how we're going to handle certain aspects of this game.  The particulars:

1. Most Players start with two Player Characters.
• If you lose one PC, you may not make a new character to replace it.
• Lose both characters, and you may make a new one at an XP penalty.
2. If you are absent, your PC's are taken over by a member of the party that is present.
• Time no longer stops for any man.  Or Dwarf.  Or Cleric.
• You gain no XP from missed sessions.
• Your characters are in just as much peril as if you were here.
• A character that is killed while their player is not here will not be interred into the Death Roll.
3. The Player retains the total number of earned XP throughout the campaign.
• However, penalties can be levied against your total.
• Each time you generate a new character (because you have perished) a 10% penalty will apply.
4. New Players create 1 PC.
• New players use the lowest XP score among active players as their entry level XP.

We have elected to enact some new policies here, but rest assured it's truly in the group's interest.  Due to time constraints and the sheer scope of what we have planned, we can no longer allow characters to pop in and out of existence all willy-nilly.  For the sake of continuity, it's better to just get them planted.

Whether it's the nostalgic resonance on the part of these ancient game books or it's the sheer freedom we have with how we use them, it's safe to say there's quite a bit of interest in the old warhorse that is D&D.  We have some more cool surprises to drop here during the rest of the year, which has henceforth been declared D&D season.  Just rest assured, we're going to get a lot more use out of our miniature collection than was previously allowed in certain rulesets.

Clan Strife: Island of Lies Campaign Log

Island of Lies

Clan Strife Campaign 2014

Sea of Lord Sun, 1170-1199 (Isawa Calendar)

Yogo Satsu was a unique leader among the Scorpion Clan.  He chose life at sea instead of the shadowy intrigue of the mainland, and soon many bushi from several clans joined the crew of his ship, Tatsuharu.  Over the last half of the 12th century, he plied the Umi Yakamo (Sea of Lord Sun) traveling far and wide to bring much needed trade to the lands of the Scorpion.

Satsu had two sons - one by a Scorpion woman, one by a Lion.  His first son, Yogo Teratsu, grew up in the lands of the Scorpion in the house of his grandfather.  Teratsu's mother died when he was very young, and soon after he learned of her death, Satsu took another wife as he traveled through Lion lands.  Ikoma Jensei was Satsu's son, though he (like his unknown brother Teratsu) grew up in the house of his grandfather in Lion lands as his father traveled Rokugan and beyond.  The brothers lived their lives never knowing of the other.

Then came the Destroyer War.  Yogo Satsu built a warfleet of kobune to aid in the reconstuction of the Ruined Kingdoms and build stronger clan relations with the Mantis.  To this end, for the first time he gathered his two sons in one place and they swore fealty to him.  By this time, Jinsei and Teratsu were accomplished bushi with great honor, and had gathered many followers themselves.

As they sailed for the Ruined Kingdoms of the Ivory Coast, disaster struck.  The fleet was blown off course by a powerful storm from the Shadowlands, and was nearly destroyed before landing on a peculiar island somewhere in the Umi Yakomo.  It was large, fertile and seemed as if no man had ever set foot upon it.  They would soon find that their island was south of the Ruined Kingdoms, and Satsu set about creating the first Rokugani settlement upon the island.

Under Satsu's guidance, the fleet was repaired.  However, he wanted to keep a garrison at his new settlement, so could not set sail to the north to find the mainland with all of them.  To this end, he appointed Teratsu as overseer of his coastal camp.  Satsu intended to return to the mainland to consolidate sea routes to the island, and knew that time was of the essence.

On the eve of his voyage, he brought together his two sons to speak of life, and of death.  He bade them keep watch over the island, so increase their efforts so their settlement could grow to be useful to the Empress.  He also spoke of their inheritances, including his possession of a powerful nemuranai called the Golden Kabuto.  They spoke long into the night, eventually deciding what would happen next.  Jinsei would accompany their father north, and Teratsu would stay on the island to develop the settlement.

The voyage north was a fateful one.  A storm once again brewed on the sea, and with it came bune filled with oni.  Jinsei was separated from his father during the tumult as the bune began to drift apart in the storm.  When he hacked the last of the monstrous oni from his deck, Jinsei learned they had lost half the fleet.  He continued north, and found the mainland of the Ivory Coast.  Though he tried, he could not find Satsu.  He completed his father's business, as discussed, and then returned to the island.

Teratsu was enraged when he learned of what he considered to be gross negligence in the case of his father's death.  With this news came Jinsei's assertion of Lion dominance on the island, which pushed Teratsu over the edge.  He declared that the island was the domain of the Scorpion Clan and it's allies exclusively.  Jinsei was rebuffed, and gathered his men and moved to the north shore of the island.  There, he established a settlement and began to reach out to the mainland.

Hanakawa is the Lion alliance settlement on the island.  The Phoenix, Crane and Dragon all have representatives here.  Jinsei is focusing on bringing military might to the island in an effort to crush out his older brother, and soon the brothers (along with their allies) will come to blows over control of the island.  In Hanakawa, a large naval port is being built with the intention of controlling the sea south of the Ruined Kingdoms.

The original settlement is much quieter and more peaceful.  Now called Satsu-ji, the settlement is growing in stature and power.  Shrines to the Fortunes, Kami and all manner of spirits dot the idyllic landscape.  The Crab, Unicorn and Mantis all have representatives here as well.  Teratsu has built a mighty fortress, and has many disciples of the spirits in his settlement.  Some few of those shugenja are beginning to suspect there may be more to the island than they suspect.

Every day, knowledge of the existence of the island spreads across Rokugan by agents of both sides.  Spring Dragon Island, as it is now called, will be the focal point of an internecine conflict between the clans.  Even now, the enmity between the half-brothers grows to a point of murderous rage.  The singing of blades draws near...

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Campaign Rules

The campaign will be decided by each Clan's Honor score at the end of the campaign, which is calculated from participating in battles.  The highest Clan Honor will be the overall victor of the campaign.  The highest alliance Honor (sum of Honor scores in each alliance) will determine which alliance holds sway on the Island of Lies!

In addition, experience will be gained as in the Ronin rulebook.  No additional special rules are required this game, as this is the first campaign we've used this system with.  We're going to put it through it's paces!

Team games are encouraged where multiple clans take part.  For each of these, count the rival buntai as separate engagements on the battle record.  However, your fates are bound to one another, so the loss is counted toward both clans!

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Campaign Updates

1. (4/27/14) - Hostilities between the Scorpion and the Phoenix finally come to blows in a slaughter near one of the shrines along the southern shore, which ran slick with Phoenix blood.  Thereafter, the Unicorn and Lion fell upon one another, resulting in a bloody stalemate after a day of carnage.
2. (5/25/14) - Yogo Teratsu's forces attack Ikoma Jensei's in force.  After a bitter fight in the woods near the Shrine of the Mended Knee, the Scorpions were driven back to Satsu-ji.

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The campaign is a draw!  Neither alliance managed to get the better of the other in the long term.  However, Ikoma Jensei secured much honor in the name of his Clan...and Dirty Greg is easily this year's Warden of the Empire with 8 points!  Congratulations to Greg, who will be reaping the benefits of those honor points with some nifty perks here at the Wargate.

All is quiet on the Island of Lies, thanks to Ikoma Jensei's vigilance.  When next we return to Rokugan, we'll have a longer and more in-depth, multi-level campaign for you.  We will continue to develop the Clan Strife blog and add new units for our games.  This weekend will see the en-action of a new schedule for us, which will put several layers on each campaign going forward.  Ronin:  Clan Strife and Legend of the Five Rings are foremost in these designs and will be with us for the next several years.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the samurai flavor:  Skim, Captain Video, Dirty Greg, Jerry Wargate and Joe Kool.  You guys were great, and until next campaign the Lion will have it's share!

Legend of the Five Rings: The Long Road Campaign Log

Today's campaign log comes directly from Dungeon Lord Skim, who has crafted a Legend of the Five Rings adventure to fill some down time and dovetail with Clan Strife.  Big thanks to Skim for taking the helm of the table for a few weeks, and for the awesome tale of mystical samurai!

Akodo Lands, 1200 I.C.

The snow has melted and the roads have become clear enough for safe travel. Winter Courts all across the Empire have come to a close. Court attendees and their retinues have made their journeys home or to where their next political battles will take place. Imperial Messengers across the Empire are beginning their springtime duties traveling throughout the lands of Rokugan delivering important messages to the lords and champions of clans great and small. Samurai all over the Empire are busily attending the needs of their lords.

Three weeks after spring began various lords in the Empire of Rokugan received letters from Emerald Magistrate Ikoma Hajime requesting their assistance. The lords were asked to dispatch a worthy samurai of their choice to the military barracks in the Village of the Reinstated Hero. The village is located in lands owned by the Lion Clan and known to contain a famous shrine to Duty, which honors long-ago hero Ikoma Teidei. The message gave no indications as to why the samurai were requested and only asked that the samurai report in on the 25th Day of the Dragon.

There have been rumors that suggest an unnamed Emerald Magistrate in the Lion territories is working closely with the Jade Champion, Asako Heishi, who resides in Pale Oak Castle in the Phoenix Lands. As to what exactly they are trying to accomplish and why they would be joining forces, one can only guess. Though, for an alliance such as this, it must be of the utmost importance.

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The Companions

• Bayushi Kamazaki, Bushi
• Ide Itsuo, Courtier
• Yoritomo Emika, Bushi
• Daidoji Daisuke, Bushi
• Akodo Yumiro, Shugenja

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Campaign Log  
Total Time: 11.5 hrs  (5.25.14)

1. The Long Road (5.11.14 to 5.25.14) Total Time: 11.5 hrs - The samurai attempt to traverse a long a treacherous road and deliver an important message to a Lion lord far away.  In addition, they must protect the Lady Asako Ryoko, a young shugenja.
• The summoned samurai all meet in the barracks in the Village of the Reinstated Hero located in the Lion lands. They are introduced to Emerald Magistrate Ikoma Hajime, Asako Kato Acolyte of Air, and Asako Ryoko Apprentice Inquisitor. After introductions, Ikoma Hajime informs the assembled samurai that they are appointed as Yoriki that now work for him. He gives them their first duty as Yoriki, to travel with Asako Ryoko to Pale Oak Castle in the Phoenix lands as her protectors.  (3 hrs)
• Tonbo Ukiya becomes a concern for the party as it is noticed that he staring intently at Asako Ryoko. On the road to Oiku Village, the party meets with Hitomi Fuguki a Kikage Zumi initiate from the Dragon Clan. In Oiku Village, Kakita Umasu is met and joins the group on their travel north. That night Tonbo Ukiya makes an appeal for Ryoko's hand in marriage. The group intervenes and Ukiya leaves very angry. A merchant named Toru is questioned about staring in the direction of the group. He denies doing any wrong doing.  At the Bridge of Lion's Might a strange fog rolls in and Ryoko and Akodo Yumiro fall unconscious. It is surmised the party is being attacked. Tonbo Ukiya tries to separate Ryoko from the group by flying above them to grab her. He is ultimately killed for his insolence.  After the fog clears, screams are heard as the merchant known as Toru appears. He is covered in blood and seems to be swelled in size. A battle ensues with Toru dying quickly to three katana strikes from the party.  Hitomi Fuguki seems maddened by all the drama. The party keeps him calm and the next morning he seems back to normal. He and Kakita Umasu depart the group. At a shrine to Bishamon the Fortune of Strength, Bayushi Kamazaki and Doji Fusashi have words.  (5 hrs)
• A bad storm rolls in and the party gets invited to use a merchants wagon which they gladly accept. The party travels to Nanashi Mura (No Name Village). They spend the night and travel on.  After many days travel the party encounters a man sitting on a stool in the middle of the road. He asks for “donations.” Battle ensues. All but one bandit is cut down and killed. Unfortunately, Akodo Yumiro takes a grievous wound while bravely fighting and perishes during the battle. The group travels on to Pale Oak Castle where they are given rest and told to await their lord.  (3.5 hrs)

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The funeral had entered it's second week of mourning as Akodo Setsumi sat in front of the family altar praying silently. Her prayers came to her haltingly as her concentration was broken over and over again by the recurring pain of the loss of her husband. They had been fortunate that they had so easily come to love each other. Not many marriages in the empire could be said to be as joyful and as happy as her and Akodo Yumiro's marriage.

It pained her even more that she had chosen to leave on the following morning and not stay to pay proper respects. It was a decision that didn't come easy but she felt it was the right one. Rumors of Yumiro's death stated that one of the bandits had escaped with his life during the battle due to his cowardice. Not much was known about the bandit, though the vague description given by the honorable group of samurai that traveled with him was more than enough for Setsumi to make her decision.

Before her marriage she had been Hiruma Setsumi and learned the ways of the Hiruma Bushi as a samurai-ko. She spent some time along the Kaiu Wall and used her skills many times to help her fellow comrades. When the marriage proposal was accepted she had been very apprehensive about the match. She had always assumed she would stay in the Crab lands protecting the empire from the constant threat of Shadowlands invasions. Instead she was to travel to the Lion lands to marry, have children and manage a household. Her apprehensions were short lived though. Akodo Yumiro was an honorable samurai that seemed to understand what she was giving up, and she had soon come to love him.

Now her future was uncertain. Her new life and her beloved husband were taken from her. All she could think of now was avenging his untimely death. She had spoken with her lord Akodo Hirotsugu about her unconventional plans. At first he seemed wary and she feared that he would not give his permission. Ultimately though, he gave her leave to go. Now all that was left was to finish her prayers and hope her husbands spirit would understand why she had to leave.
The next morning before the sunrise, Akodo Setsumi donned her armor along with her dead husbands daisho and walked out of the house possibly for the last time.