Stephen Gilbert`s Narrative Wargames & Role Playing Games Website:
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A (Solo) Pulp Adventure Campaign:
A Quest To Find The Legendary Tomb Of Qui Chi Men.
For the last five years or so , I have had a keen interest in wanting to create an ongoing `living` miniatures campaign journal, covering the ongoing exploits of a small group of intrepid explorers, adventurers, and heroes; following their trials and tribulations as they journey deep into the unknown in search of... perhaps just a legend. Yet their goal will be to uncover the truth (if any exists) surrounding the semi mythical Qui Chi Men... the last God King of the Orient and his fabled lost tomb.
Perhaps the plot will one day grow beyond this tale into, as of yet, unknown exploits way beyond this introductory adventure. Who knows. Maybe one day we will find out!
While time may well be against me (with so many other facets of the hobby demanding my time), and I may well never find the hours to devote into completing this entire project.... I can at least provide a `taster` and make a decent start on the thing. At least I can say I made a good stab at it. Maybe someone else reading this will be inspired to carry on from where I leave off and breath some new life into the story. You have my full consent to add to the thing and make it your own.
My first mention of Qui Chi Men was briefly touched upon in an early chapter of the Carlotta Wynn story: yet the story was never properly fleshed out, and was left hanging and unfinished (during one of the many adventures of my fictional hero `Dr. Justin Fabian Johannes`). But I had to take time away from the project and from gaming in general as real life got in the way for a while, which meant that every time I let my mind wander to thoughts of finishing the tale... something would always crop up and I would have to push aside any creative ideas floating around in my mind at the time.
However, now that I finally have the time to enjoy myself with this mini solo campaign, I find that too much `real time` had passed for me simply to pick up the trail of Qui Chi Men from the point at which I left the Carlotta Wynn campaign; and that would be a stale starting point anyway, as the Carlotta`s story follows an entirely different story arc of its own in any case. No... if I am going to do this, I will do it from scratch, with a new exciting start.
I have no idea where the campaign will go, other than a vague notion that my main characters will (hopefully) pick up and follow the trail to the lost tomb. But other than that... I have no idea what will transpire along the way; and indeed, if they even get to the lost tomb, the ensuing `dungeon crawl`should be highly intriguing. But what happens from there on in, I guess only time will tell.
I simply adore playing games like this on my own... solitaire style: and this will be a chance for me to use my newly discovered Pulp Alley (and Event Card Deck) to play it all out. I am mightily impressed by this relatively new father and daughter joint created rules system, and am excited to give it all a thorough work out.
Sooooo, its time to pull out my `troops` and get things moving. My highly treasured Pulp figures have been taken out of their boxes and put back into my glass cabinets, and now stand proudly on the (newly Polished) main shelves. To these I have added quite a lot of my Victorian/Colonial minis, especially the less quirky Pax Limpopo stuff; as many of these fit nicely alongside the 20`s Pulp era collection. All my Star Wars minis have been dusted off and added to the mix, and my treasured collection of scale miniature cars and vehicular contraptions sit resplendent and shiny, waiting to rev their gas chugging engines and enter the imaginary fields of play.
Perhaps the plot will one day grow beyond this tale into, as of yet, unknown exploits way beyond this introductory adventure. Who knows. Maybe one day we will find out!
While time may well be against me (with so many other facets of the hobby demanding my time), and I may well never find the hours to devote into completing this entire project.... I can at least provide a `taster` and make a decent start on the thing. At least I can say I made a good stab at it. Maybe someone else reading this will be inspired to carry on from where I leave off and breath some new life into the story. You have my full consent to add to the thing and make it your own.
My first mention of Qui Chi Men was briefly touched upon in an early chapter of the Carlotta Wynn story: yet the story was never properly fleshed out, and was left hanging and unfinished (during one of the many adventures of my fictional hero `Dr. Justin Fabian Johannes`). But I had to take time away from the project and from gaming in general as real life got in the way for a while, which meant that every time I let my mind wander to thoughts of finishing the tale... something would always crop up and I would have to push aside any creative ideas floating around in my mind at the time.
However, now that I finally have the time to enjoy myself with this mini solo campaign, I find that too much `real time` had passed for me simply to pick up the trail of Qui Chi Men from the point at which I left the Carlotta Wynn campaign; and that would be a stale starting point anyway, as the Carlotta`s story follows an entirely different story arc of its own in any case. No... if I am going to do this, I will do it from scratch, with a new exciting start.
I have no idea where the campaign will go, other than a vague notion that my main characters will (hopefully) pick up and follow the trail to the lost tomb. But other than that... I have no idea what will transpire along the way; and indeed, if they even get to the lost tomb, the ensuing `dungeon crawl`should be highly intriguing. But what happens from there on in, I guess only time will tell.
I simply adore playing games like this on my own... solitaire style: and this will be a chance for me to use my newly discovered Pulp Alley (and Event Card Deck) to play it all out. I am mightily impressed by this relatively new father and daughter joint created rules system, and am excited to give it all a thorough work out.
Sooooo, its time to pull out my `troops` and get things moving. My highly treasured Pulp figures have been taken out of their boxes and put back into my glass cabinets, and now stand proudly on the (newly Polished) main shelves. To these I have added quite a lot of my Victorian/Colonial minis, especially the less quirky Pax Limpopo stuff; as many of these fit nicely alongside the 20`s Pulp era collection. All my Star Wars minis have been dusted off and added to the mix, and my treasured collection of scale miniature cars and vehicular contraptions sit resplendent and shiny, waiting to rev their gas chugging engines and enter the imaginary fields of play.
The Journey Begins:
When Lady Jane Emileen returned home to Pax Angel City, having recently been rescued (by the brave and eminent explorer, Dr. Justin Fabian Johannes) from the clutches of the sinister Baron Luger Von Kiel. Her tales of the discovery of a temple complex deep in the Yangzi Jungle somewhere north of Wuhan... yet south of Xi`an, filled Sir Milo with wanderlust; and quickly he became fixated on the idea of returning to Shanghi discover this place for himself. The idea formulated in his mind (through long conversation with Lady Emileen) that this just possibly might be the fabled lost palace and tomb of the last Tian God King. Indeed, Lady Emileen had been exploring the area with the same notion when, unfortunately, she fell into the hands of Von Kiel... who was also hot on the same trail.
Sir Milo lost little time contacting Dr. Johannes with the duel purpose of questioning him on his own discoveries and to ask if he would care to accompany himself and Lady Emileen on a fresh quest of discovery? Sadly the Doctor was forced to decline, as he was currently involved with other pressing commitments; but he was able to help Sir Piecrust considerably, concerning the probable location of the ruins.
Dr. Johannes also warned that the evil adventurer and treasure hunter Baron Luger Von Kiel was very close to finding the entrance to the tomb, and would stop at nothing to ensure he was the first to discover (and plunder) the find.
With Lady Jane Emileen`s sketchy memory of the journey through the Yangzi Jungle (all her papers and maps were taken from her by Von Kiel) and with all the help Dr. Johannes was able to provide at the other end of the phone line: Sir Milo Piecrust speedily set about arranging a legal government sanctioned expedition.
He first turned to his old friend and former archaeological student Jonathan Miles Parker, a highly skilled, handsome, and somewhat flamboyant New Yorker. Sir Milo was sure that Jonathan`s brains and brawn would be invaluable to the expedition before the end was reached. When Jonathan`s old mentor rang him and explained everything to him... Jonathan was quick to accept to invitation to join Sir Milo and his ward, Lady Emileen, on their proposed adventure; and was, in fact on a plane to P.A. within a few hours of putting the phone down.
Sir Milo`s next choice of companion on the adventure was another old friend; the somewhat strange and eccentric recluse, Pew Bartholomew Milktoast. Professor Milktoast was a famous Entomologist (indeed his knowledge Lepidoptery had earned him his scholarship at Harvard, Cambridge Massachusetts). What Pew didn`t know about `staying alive` in the jungle probably wasn`t worth knowing. After some considerable persuasion on the phone to him at his family retreat in Boston, Sir Milo finally persuaded the shy and unassuming crackpot professor to join their private expedition. Mainly due to the fact that Baron Luger Von Kiel was lurking about the area. The Professor had an old score to settle with that evil man, and was eager for the chance, finally, to`set things right`.
The only irksome set back to their plans was the insistence by the British Embassy in Shanghai, that the expedition should be accompanied by a unit of Territorial Infantry... part of the 2nd Gloucestershire Shanghai Defense Force.
This military presence (under the command of Captain Endeavour Bluregard) would ensure the expedition remained free from harmful interference from the Tian River Gangs, and Nippon Yakuza Opium Pirates, plus any indigenous others who might molest the party on their dangerous journey up the treacherous Yangtze. No amount of arguing with the Embassy would deter them from their decision, and in the end Sir Milo had no other choice but to accept the Military presence being `offered` to him.
Lady Jane Emileen: the ward of the renowned archaeologist,
adventurer and Big Game Hunter, Sir Milo Piecrust
adventurer and Big Game Hunter, Sir Milo Piecrust
exert from the personal Diary pages of Lady Jane Emileen:
... everyone all met for the first time, to began our journey, at the agreed rendezvous point down by the Me`Ping harbour front; where our tramp steamer (Little Hellcat) was roped tightly alongside the wharf. The little island dock wallipers were already hard at work carrying our baggage aboard the boat and stowing it away in every nook and cranny that could be found.
But I was first struck, not by the industrious nature of the workers, but by the seemingly poor condition of our vessel. She sat low in the water, all creaking metal, wood and rust... like... like an ugly duckling. Yes, that was it. She looked like some grotesque unnatural creature bobbing there in the water.
She was stripped totally of her hull paint, and exuded an unsavory aura of blue, rusty matt dullness. I was told by the captain, when I later inquired about the poor condition of the Little Hellcat, that she had in fact just undergone a full refit, which included a complete stripping down of her coat; and she was simply waiting to be restored to her former glory... as soon as we reached our first port of call (a small navel shipyard situated at the port of Me`Peu).
Little Hellcat... she looked more like a sad, dejected little pussy cat. But I would reserve proper judgement until she had a chance to prove herself in open waters. For the short journey from the island of Me`Ping to Me`Peu was a day and a half`s stretch across the open sea and some pretty bumpy, choppy ocean.
... everyone all met for the first time, to began our journey, at the agreed rendezvous point down by the Me`Ping harbour front; where our tramp steamer (Little Hellcat) was roped tightly alongside the wharf. The little island dock wallipers were already hard at work carrying our baggage aboard the boat and stowing it away in every nook and cranny that could be found.
But I was first struck, not by the industrious nature of the workers, but by the seemingly poor condition of our vessel. She sat low in the water, all creaking metal, wood and rust... like... like an ugly duckling. Yes, that was it. She looked like some grotesque unnatural creature bobbing there in the water.
She was stripped totally of her hull paint, and exuded an unsavory aura of blue, rusty matt dullness. I was told by the captain, when I later inquired about the poor condition of the Little Hellcat, that she had in fact just undergone a full refit, which included a complete stripping down of her coat; and she was simply waiting to be restored to her former glory... as soon as we reached our first port of call (a small navel shipyard situated at the port of Me`Peu).
Little Hellcat... she looked more like a sad, dejected little pussy cat. But I would reserve proper judgement until she had a chance to prove herself in open waters. For the short journey from the island of Me`Ping to Me`Peu was a day and a half`s stretch across the open sea and some pretty bumpy, choppy ocean.
The loading of the baggage proceeded fairly slowly, despite the speed with which the workers laboured to and from the boat. But I suspect this was due largely to the cargo of Printers Ink being stowed away below in the hold. A truck bearing the name "Los Angeles Times" sat near to the loading ramps, and workers moved like ants to unload the heavy crates and carry them deftly aboard the Little Hellcat. It seemed strange to me to see an American Newspaper wagon so far away from home. I suppose it never occurred to me to wonder before, where the ink for so much printing was originally made. Doubtless, the plants from which the ink was extracted was harvested from the myriad of heavily forested islands, then manufactured (also locally), and shipped to the main office (via Me`Peu merchant shipping) back in Los Angeles for proper consumer distribution.
As I stood and watched the loading taking place, I noticed a carriage pull up alongside the boat and two well dressed people... a couple obviously... alighted and prepared to board the Little Hellcat. I was somewhat surprised, because the woman was no other than Lady Amelia Maxine Fairchild, wife of Lord Arthur Winston Fairchild (of Fairchilds` Merchant Banking Inc); she was a somewhat notorious figure in... `certain` circles.... back home in PA, while Arthur was a sweetheart, if a little dull company at social functions. They both boarded the Little Hellcat and vanished from my view. I mused to myself that at least I would have some interesting company for the first leg of our journey.
The first of our company to arrive was my dear Uncle Milo and his strange looking friend, Professor Milktoast. They were deep in conversation and hardly seemed to notice the hustle and bustle taking place around them at all. Dear Uncle Milo; it was good to see him looking so animated and happy. I also noticed he was carrying his hunting rifles over his shoulder and this caused me to smile even more. Dear old Uncle Milo. I wondered if he would miss up on the opportunity to `bag` a few prizes for his large wall collection back home. Hehe, of course not!
Following behind the the pair was a handsome looking man. Judging by his face he looked to be in his late twenties; solid looking, with barely concealed muscles bristling tightly under his well fitting loose shirt. I remembered the photo I had seen in Uncle`s study of our other companion, and quickly surmised this tall stranger must be none other that Jonathan Miles Parker. I was immediately impressed by his physical presence and the confidence which positively oozed from him as he marched (I fancy, a head taller than anyone else) erectly through the crowd.
As I stood and watched the loading taking place, I noticed a carriage pull up alongside the boat and two well dressed people... a couple obviously... alighted and prepared to board the Little Hellcat. I was somewhat surprised, because the woman was no other than Lady Amelia Maxine Fairchild, wife of Lord Arthur Winston Fairchild (of Fairchilds` Merchant Banking Inc); she was a somewhat notorious figure in... `certain` circles.... back home in PA, while Arthur was a sweetheart, if a little dull company at social functions. They both boarded the Little Hellcat and vanished from my view. I mused to myself that at least I would have some interesting company for the first leg of our journey.
The first of our company to arrive was my dear Uncle Milo and his strange looking friend, Professor Milktoast. They were deep in conversation and hardly seemed to notice the hustle and bustle taking place around them at all. Dear Uncle Milo; it was good to see him looking so animated and happy. I also noticed he was carrying his hunting rifles over his shoulder and this caused me to smile even more. Dear old Uncle Milo. I wondered if he would miss up on the opportunity to `bag` a few prizes for his large wall collection back home. Hehe, of course not!
Following behind the the pair was a handsome looking man. Judging by his face he looked to be in his late twenties; solid looking, with barely concealed muscles bristling tightly under his well fitting loose shirt. I remembered the photo I had seen in Uncle`s study of our other companion, and quickly surmised this tall stranger must be none other that Jonathan Miles Parker. I was immediately impressed by his physical presence and the confidence which positively oozed from him as he marched (I fancy, a head taller than anyone else) erectly through the crowd.
(left to right) Professor Pew Bartholomew Milktoast, Jonathan Miles Parker, Sir Milo Piecrust, & Lady Jane Emileen
Mr Woo bids a fond farewell to his daughter, Hu`San Yan.
(above) a quiet, shy, unassuming Belgian gentleman I was later to discover was called Hercule Poirot. He was a passenger aboard the Little Hellcat, and a wonderfully charming dinner companion.
Captain Thomas Malone overseeing safe storage of the cargo aboard his vessel.
Los Angeles Times...The press that never sleeps!
Beggar and his bowl
Much more to come... maybe one day. But on hold for the time being due to other projects coming first... another bonus of hobby-ing for fun, there are nooooooo deadlines yeeeey :)
May 18th 2015
The Tale Continues:
Picked up once again, and fleshed out... in an ongoing saga to be told over many, many months (and years) to come. Please be prepared to be delighted and thrilled by the archive restored* Penny Dreadful tales, The Chi Chi Men Expedition, and "The Adventures of the League".
*discovered resting for nearly a century, at the bottom of some long forgotten packing crates, on old reels of decaying cellulose tape, alongside a series of aging and yellowing private journals; and previously thought to have been lost to the relentless ravages of time. This new material speaks to us from the past, revealing events, thought to have been forgotten for all eternity.
The Ripper is Back!
Please, check back here regularly, to see the tale continue.
Meanwhile.....
..... some time in the early 20`s century, at a secret location somewhere in Londeus:
Part 2
Penny Dreadful Tales:
"Please, do come in, Miss Poppins" a rather neat, pretty little woman with an ageless face, rose from her chair and welcomed her guest, with impeccable politeness and courtesy.
"It`s Ms Poppins, actually." The new arrival informed, with equally polite, yet rather prickly lack of friendliness in her tone. Her eyes were narrow, unwavering pinpricks of intensity as she stared at the small woman who looked back at her from across a tidy writing desk, near the unlit fireplace.
With barely more than an imperceptible tightening of her shoulders, Miss Murray gestured for her guest to take a seat. "As you wish."
Ms Poppins smiled slightly, remained standing, and continued to survey the Mistress of Fothrington Hall from across the vast divide of the intervening desk. Ms Poppins was not an unhandsome woman herself. Perhaps, in her mid thirties; her stoic face could most certainly sink many a ship, should her disposition incline itself to that feminine pursuit. Her clothing was gentile, yet held a timeless quality to it. Certainly not a woman to follow current fashion... might have been another, kinder way of putting it. Though there was, indeed, nothing kindly about this urban, Amazonian fightress.
The two women remained standing.
"Well, then." Miss Murray intoned... and the mutual truce was silently declared. Neither woman was ever going to like the other very much, but business was business. The guns were put away, and a more balanced accommodation for communication was reached. All this with barely a word spoken. Both of these indomitable woman had taken the measure of each other with begrudging inclination to professional respect.
"It`s Ms Poppins, actually." The new arrival informed, with equally polite, yet rather prickly lack of friendliness in her tone. Her eyes were narrow, unwavering pinpricks of intensity as she stared at the small woman who looked back at her from across a tidy writing desk, near the unlit fireplace.
With barely more than an imperceptible tightening of her shoulders, Miss Murray gestured for her guest to take a seat. "As you wish."
Ms Poppins smiled slightly, remained standing, and continued to survey the Mistress of Fothrington Hall from across the vast divide of the intervening desk. Ms Poppins was not an unhandsome woman herself. Perhaps, in her mid thirties; her stoic face could most certainly sink many a ship, should her disposition incline itself to that feminine pursuit. Her clothing was gentile, yet held a timeless quality to it. Certainly not a woman to follow current fashion... might have been another, kinder way of putting it. Though there was, indeed, nothing kindly about this urban, Amazonian fightress.
The two women remained standing.
"Well, then." Miss Murray intoned... and the mutual truce was silently declared. Neither woman was ever going to like the other very much, but business was business. The guns were put away, and a more balanced accommodation for communication was reached. All this with barely a word spoken. Both of these indomitable woman had taken the measure of each other with begrudging inclination to professional respect.
.... yet each of the other knew. They would henceforth become staunch, loyal allies.
"Why have you asked to see me Miss Murray. Is it about the Ripper? Surely he has not returned... he`s be an old man, surely? "
Miss Murray raised her hand a moment: "Actually, you may called me.... `M`.
Ms Poppins snuffed peevishly, then continued with her salvo.
"This kind of thing is not really my... forte. As I`m sure you are aware, I am currently engaged in the tutelage and correction of a pair of very wayward twin sisters up in Perthshire. Without my guidance.... well, there is simply no knowing what mischief this twain may get themselves into."
Miss Murray held up her hand, gently to placate and to avert Ms Poppins from her pre-emptive barrage.
"I can assure you, I have not called you here to deal with such matters."
Miss Murray considered for a moment before volunteering:
"Besides, such matters are already being looked into by another field team... no, I have another task for you. One which, rest assured, will require your most accomplished and, dare I say it.... your most devoted attentions."
Miss Murray leaned forward and leant lightly on the desk.... emphasising her words as she spoke. "Actually, I need you to exorcise the Devil."
"I can assure you, I have not called you here to deal with such matters."
Miss Murray considered for a moment before volunteering:
"Besides, such matters are already being looked into by another field team... no, I have another task for you. One which, rest assured, will require your most accomplished and, dare I say it.... your most devoted attentions."
Miss Murray leaned forward and leant lightly on the desk.... emphasising her words as she spoke. "Actually, I need you to exorcise the Devil."
Stay tuned to discover more.........