These are the GM’s notes from the first game - these are being captured here to help me remember certain things and correct anything that may have happened during the game that should not, etc… This will serve to store important information that the characters may want to remember for future games…

The Bonding

The adventure began at the Oasis of Ver’Dun - one of the most propsperous and lush oases on Orb. A week of The Gathering had already transpired, and this was just the next portion of The Gathering.

The bonding ceremony was conducted via lottery, by the Elders. There were two chosen that did not step forward. This annoyed the Elders (the insolence of the youth), however, the Elders mentioned that they would be found and dealt with - they would take part in the Bonding Year one way or another.

The names of those selected for the Bonding Year are:

• Aquila (a Seraph of Clan …)
• Bingo Pajama (a Sol’ Kal of Clan K’toneh Tah)
• Gi’ Kal (a Sol’ Kal of Clan …)
• Kan’ Vi’ Don Lu (a Sol’ Kalof Clan Anch’udran)
• Mykal (a Kaa’ Jah Kushan of Clan Sarkil ‘Kai)

Once the drawing was complete, those that were present were led away to be bonded. They were taken to a Marker (a mute shaman) who tatooed each hero on the left side of the neck. The tattoo was created with molten gold and precious gems. The pain was exquisite, but not unbearable (curiously enough). The end result is a metalic tattoo that has glassy color (from the precious gems - rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc). The pattern is unique to the participants of the Bonding Year, but all participants bear the exact same tattoo). As other members were tattooed, they became “aware” of one another (they received the Common Bond Edge for free).

Kan’ Vi’ Don Lu and Mykal received the same tattoo once they were located and reprimanded. They also were able to “feel” the others.

Correction for consistency: The Marker is mute. In the game, Bingo made a comment and the Marker responded verbally - in actuality, he did not respond, but merely chuckled to himself…sorry for going out of character for a minute…

After the tattooing, the heroes participated in a “feast” - as Bingo pointed out more ceremony than feast, but it was to serve the purpose of allowing the heroes to learn to trust one another and serve one another. The ceremony (which we didn’t go into a lot of detail in the game) were mainly serving and feeding one another. There were also blessing bestowed by the elders. While the two that were missing were not able to participate in this, they had their own feast with the Elders where they were able to receive their blessings from the Elders and admonition as well.

The Quest

The Bonders were advised that they must travel to Mount Kel’ Sai, because the tribe Kon’ Te Kel’ has not been seen for several gatherings and no other tribe has information regarding this tribe. The Kon’ Te Kel’ are primarily Gru’Dwar and are responsible for most of the fine steel produced (including the firearms that have recently been invented). This concerns the Council greatly. The Bonders are to travel across Kim-Seth (the Dune Sea) to arrive at Kel’ Sai as quickly as possible.

While traveling, a great Keevah (sand storm) came up, forcing the three heroes to seek refuge in a cave. It immediately became apparent (at least to Bingo) that the cave wasn’t an ordinary cave - there were stairs leading down…

Bingo, ever curious, decided it was a good idea to investigate and the others agreed and followed.

The Ghost and his Message

At the bottom of the stairs, there was a door - as the heroes entered the room, the door closed and disappeared. The room was roughly square with a small dias in the center. On one wall was a large mosaic of what is assumed to be Orb. The landscape was slightly different than what is known, and their were indications of where rivers should be, but aren’t.

As the heroes were looking around the room, a ghostly apparition walked out of a wall, and onto the dias. He then turned and addressed the heroes:

Welcome heroes of Koreb. I have waited for this day a very long time. Your coming was foretold long ago.

Unfortunately, the time is close that Koreb will be bathed in fire and conflict. In preparation for that day, you have been prepared and now it is time for the refiners fire for the final preparations.

You have been called and prepared to unite all the people for the Battle of Ka’ Dhuum is approaching. All the people must be united under the banner of Tun’ Reahl if there is to be a glimmer of hope.

The true blood of Tun’ Reahl is found in the mountains of Tar’ Kahn. You will need to hurry, for if you don’t the lineage will be cut short and Koreb is lost. The sorcerer Azvantus is already marching on Tun’ Reahl and his army is vast and grows daily. He must not be allowed to destroy the line of Tun’ Reahl!

From this point forward, there is no coincidence for you - only consequences and trial. Good luck and shade to you!

Following the delivery of the message, the ghost disappeared. At that point, and upon further inspection of the mosaic, it became apparent that the mountains of Tar’ Kahn are very close to (if not the same mountains as) Kel’ Sai. There was also a large black “blob” with tentacles that seemed to be reaching out toward Tar’ Kahn/Kel’ Sai.

The Gauntlet

While Bingo and Aquila were investigating the room, Gi’Kal felt the urge to press forward - there was a door opposite where the first door was… The others didn’t notice he was gone until they heard the familiar click of a door shutting and disappearing. They then followed after Gi’Kal and found themselves in a room with four mummies.

The battle was intense with Aquila suffering two wounds. The only other injuries were suffered by the mummies.

The Treasure:

• The Torc of Ken Al’ Aziz (provides a two step increase to the wearer’s Spirit)
• Te’ Nacus - a finely crafted Scimitar

To Be Continued…

The Legends or Orb marks a change in my GMing style - to some degree or extent anyway.  In none of my other games that I GM’d have I had an overarching story idea that I wanted to tell.  With Orb, I have an idea of where things are going to go.  I’m not sure of all the minor sub-plots, but with this setting, there is an epic tale to be told.

I’m also trying to take a more collaborative approach to Orb.  I want to give the players as much free reign with their characters as possible.  Several years ago I was playing in a game where my brother was the DM.  He literally ran with just about everything we came up with.  If our characters told a story about a some legend - that legend took on a life as part of the adventure - it became relevant and real to ALL inhabitants of the world.  As a result of that I took a much greater interest in the world itself.  He did this, even for goofy things that we may have mentioned.  Fortunately, the world itself was a bit on the silly side, so it was easier.  I want to do this, but I will work to keep the feel of the world while incorporating as many of their ideas as possible.

With that being said, welcome to the world Orb.  I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I am enjoying creating the world.