[pnpgm] Game Update #42 - File #407 - LAndfall in Jinquo
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Fri Oct 9 07:07:54 CEST 2009
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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R1.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
??.Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe
W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
...Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma
R1 John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma
R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys
Cover Story Info: [HD- House member, F-Foreigner, N-native non house]
Arawn aka Arawn as Teacher to daughter [F]
Ben'dar aka Bu Da as Horse expert [F]
Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer [N]
Chion aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee [HD]
Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard [F]
Fremea aka Lin Mong as Noble child [HD] [Disguised]
Kell aka Swan as Trader [F]
Kiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant [F]
Raban aka Toban Nu as Entertainer/Guard [F]
Strie'bog aka Sun Zhu as Entertainer [N]
Shu aka Shu as Niece [HD]
Unali aka Tun Au as Zhou's wife [HD]
Whitney aka Whitney as Herbalist/Tailor [F]
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Baron Noble [HD]
Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at cybermax.net
Game Update #42 in sequence (file #407)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
When Arawn and Will arrive back safely, Kell warmly welcomes
them and is happy they are safe. "Any fun on the trip?" he asks
with a smile.
-----------------------
His grey cloak with the brown edge blowing in the gentle....
GM: Ack. How much do you pay for this rented booth? :)
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
OOC: sorry, been getting my daughter in campus housing the
last couple days. heading back out tomorrow so she can abuse
my credit card at the bookstore. do what you need to with
whitney if I don't respond timely this week.
OOC: again, not sure why anyone would have Whitney's description
locally. Wasn't he "arrested" by villagers 1000 or more miles
north in a different country?
Whitney blinks at Zhou,smiles wryly, & shakes his head,"I'll be..
OOC: Hadn't really thought about it. Wouldn't have been
appropriate for an itinerant herb seller, nor would it have
survived the arrest. If absolutely necessary to keep up with
the party, a mule and small cart wouldn't be in appropriate, I
suppose, and might come in handy.
GM: Ack. No problem on any delays. As to description its a remote
chance yes. Very slim. But if Uli had gotten word back
on your description to others. Only need a quick ship or
horse to spread the news. Especially for a "crazy magic
user." But again slim chance. Will use real name then
for cover alias and add that to above header.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Kell mentions to Zhou and the group, "Kiet is very valuable...
...
Later that evening Kell talks with Kiet and Strie'bog and
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 4th, 1634TH]
When Arawn and Will arrive back safely, Kell warmly welcomes them
and is happy they are safe. "Any fun on the trip?" He asks with a
smile.
Later that evening around dinner, Zhou makes his mission team
suggestions to the party.
Kell mentions to Zhou and the group, "Kiet is very valuable in a
market, but doesn't it make far more sense to have your servant
with you? Unless you're sending him as a trusted servant to take
care of some official business in the market or to serve as your
eyes and ears."
Zhou nods, "I had considered that but no one will question it.
Our roles is only if we as a group are questioned. But we should
have equal numbers in case of problems. He can be on some duty
to get my underwear washed only from a clean well or something."
Later that evening Kell talks with Kiet and Strie'bog and Caladan.
He starts, "My suggestion is we rent a booth in the largest or most
varied market in the city, then sell from the booth. We'll obtain
better prices. Another option is sale through consignment, but that
usually gives less money and can be a bit, well, dicey. It does
give us a lot more time to investigate the city and see what we can
see."
"I say we find the best market, rent a booth, and setup our
wares. We may have to just find a mostly empty booth and rent it
from the owner since we're new here. Work side by side with the
owner. Then we may make a friend and contact as well." Pausing to
listen to input from the others, Kell adjusts his longer hair.
Sighing over it, wondering how do you handle his newly grown hair.
Caladan replies, "Well I've heard stories from the sailors.
Katai markets are known for...their control issues. Merchants
tend to favor the best spots. So vendors may have to buy in
or rent alley stalls while others have street booths. Then there
is the gang controlled small markets that take cuts from the items
sold. So I think maybe selling them without a booth might work
best. But I'm not a merchant so don't know such things. I
will follow your lead. I'm just telling what I've heard."
Kell continues, "Whilst here I'm planning to scout as well;
listening for rumors, tales of the outlandish, anything that may
connect to the Vong or our mission. This includes contacts into
the black markets here. They're here, I just don't know how
thriving they are."
Caladan nods, "the sailors mention the black market as well. It
is wide and in all the cities. Sometimes in plain sight in
the market streets other times in hidden back alley rooms. But
you ask the wrong question and you might end up dead. Just
depends on how you ask it I guess."
-------------
[Julis 5th, 1634TH]
Zhou approaches Whitney on his mission role.
Whitney blinks at Zhou, smiles wryly, and shakes his head, "I'll
be fine, Zhou. Pretending to be something you aren't is a sure
way to be caught. I'll be....me."
Zhou nods and looks at Whitney for several long moments. "That
is fine. I know we started off rough. But in the past few weeks
I've seen your value and your true self. This is not going to be
an easy mission we are on. You have decided to join us so I will
accept that as your word you won't leak our mission or flee. You
are free to do so but in the land of honor word is as valuable as
gold. IN the Lands it the same thing." He says it in a tone not
to be aggressive but as an almost apology while a cautionary
warning.
Zhou then raises a hand out to shake the herb collector. He
waits for Whitney to react but continues speaking after a few
seconds. "The High Elder will be grateful for any who serve in
this mission. Even strangers who fell into our hands mid-way
through it." He pauses briefly. "I think as my personal tailor
and herbalist will do nicely." He grins.
-------------
[Julis 6th, 1634TH]
Around dinner this night Zhou goes over the history of Katai
again so the party will be familiar with it. He goes over the
last 1,000 years in a short time not to bore some like Ben'dar
who seem to only perk up at the dynasty war parts.
Zhou ends the final meeting with some final comments. "We must
remember the caste system in Katai. It is a strict system of
control set by the high nobility. It keeps folks in line and
gives them purpose. I'm sure many don't like it and would prefer
to work out of their station but simply can not. Some in the
middle levels like merchants might be able to buy higher station
and get out of their caste work but the majority of the population,
the peasants do not. It is imperative we do act in public
according to our station. Arawn as teacher you will be over the
peasants but not much beyond that. Ben'dar, Farseeker, Caladan
will be just above the peasants but as foreigners and non military
you will be limited in your station. The local guards will be
higher and just about anyone else. If a guard issues a order
to you will need to do it. Kell, Kiet, Raban, Strie'bog
will be above our guards but about in the middle of society
More skilled than the average peasant. Healers are an elite
caste as there are the small town healers who are on the same
level of peasants but above them in some ways. In the city
the rich and middle classes use them. They have a higher station
than merchants for example so deferred with respect. So Z'leyra
will be just slightly below low level nobles."
.
"As Baron of House Dzhamou I of course will have station over
anyone but another noble. Though any low noble like a knight,
I will have some say. Respect and deference will also be given
to Shu, Unali and Fremea. But as females they will have to
all defer to me. Sadly, Katai is a male oriented country.
Children of noble station even have power over some low station
folks like merchants, guards and especially peasants. But do
not over stretch that." He raises his mug of ale frowning at
the sight of no crystal knowing crystal can break easy on a
ship. "A toast to our mission. May we seek the Vong out and
end their threat to this world. May we as a group survive
in a hostile land where just one of us could bring death to
us all if found out. May the gods help us as even they
have a stake on our mission."
-------------
[Julis 7th, 1634TH]
[Time: 7:49am]
The party prepares their gear, check inventory and load up
their horses.
[Time: 10:07am]
Nearing the port the party gather up on deck watching the
distant shoreline grow larger by the minute.
His grey cloak with the brown edge blowing in the gentle breeze,
Kell gazes out. He is lucky that his ears are only slightly more
pointed than a normal human's ears, not usually enough to draw any
attention. But for the mission it is better safe than sorry. Having
long hair is a bit odd for the trader, this being his first time.
He has to ask those with longer hair for help as he wants to look
his best. Smiling, handsome merchants do far better than grumpy,
frumpy merchants. He adjusts the cloak again, considering packing
it away and sticking with the regular clothes and his hat. Kell
leaves it on for now though, liking it's grey and brown.
As the party is loading gear and preparing, Ha'Kell offers his
pack horse to carry any other gear people need carried so their
horses aren't overburdened. "I usually use him to carry camping
and trade merchandise. I have very little to trade right now so
please feel free to load him with your items. I'll take good care
of it for you. While in the market I'll also ask around about the
wagon for Fremea and gear, and see if we can find one suitable for
a noble. Possibly another for the non-nobles among us, if we think
two wagons are necessary."
Zhou looks to Kell, "I suspect Tiehul will help in the wagon
area. But I doubt we'll need two unless we need to unburden
some horses."
[Time: 10:58am]
Captain Sung says the ship would've been in port earlier but
with the anchor at sea days ago when Arawn and Will up north
the schedule was delayed slightly.
As the shoreline grows the morning fog on the sea seems to
shrink and begin to evaporate. As the ship nears the land is
flat and devoid of trees like the great Choshai forests. But
here the plains only have light woods if that. Captain Sung
reports the city of Jinquo is between two rivers. Both
rivers are within 20 miles or so. One river goes north into
the hills and mountains. One according to the charts goes west
over the plains and into the hills. Captain Sung also reports
that Katai is highly modern in their roads. So many people
use them on average the road system is quite well maintained.
Jinquo has road west and north. Jinquo's sister city Li'jian
is only about 22 miles north up the coast from them. So both
cities trade and deal with each other on a daily basis.
As the Blue Moon moves further west the number of ships increase
by the minute. The talisman isn't active but even still the ship
has to move slow with light sails and forward observers to ensure
no problems. Fishing ships, merchant ships and many civilian
ships are seen of all shapes and sizes. All going north or
south along the coast but few deep ocean craft it seems going on
a deep ocean cruise.
Since the city of Dzhamou the party has gotten used to the
various ships of Katai. The junk style long boats the average
family or clan uses. The large box merchant rowing or sailing
ships. The flat sail craft used for pleasure. After a while
it becomes too much to count the varying styles and types of
craftsmanship. The junk style ships are the ones that seem to
be mostly on the rivers or shores. These long narrow boats
have many sails but low on space. Maybe carrying two dozen or
so people on board. Some small sleeker versions are used for
personal transportation as ferry or taxi style vehicles.
Captain Sung reports that Jinquo province is said to have 15
warships just for it. Many are likely on the river itself
but at least a 3rd have to be patrolling the shoreline. Indeed
as the ship moves and weaves between dozens that become hundreds
of ships in crowded waters a warship is finally seen.
It almost looks like a Choshai warship but with more lean looking
sails. Rowing slots also allow for rowing operations. Ben'dar
notices on this warship there are ship weapons like ballista and
arrow emplacements. Just a year or so ago he had tried to learn
more and more of such devices. This warship seems to be moving
around the crowded waters looking bored but vigilant for problems.
All about flags and shouts are occasionally seen as ships
communicate their intent to others. About one mile from shore
Captain Sung heads the ship to a area where there are some 40-50
other ships clumped and anchored. "We will need to get a pilot
to show us in. It may take awhile due to limited dock space."
As the Blue Moon anchors besides some merchant ships a small
rowed warship circles the area. Soon a small oared barge comes
near the Blue Moon. On the barge is a group of about 10 who
issue flag and verbal commands. Soon their captain boards the
Blue Moon. Sung and Zhou meets with the Pilot and negotiate
a dock assignment. After Zhou flashes his fake but highly
crafted Dzhaou documents and family crest ring the Pilot soon
becomes quite accommodating. He checks his scrolls for the day
and issues Captain Sung orders and an assignment.
Soon the Blue Moon is on their way yet again. This time sent
to a more quiet noble dock space. The ship moves past 1 dock
with at least 4 other warships in berth. A clear military district
with a barracks on the shore rather than warehouses. With
directions the Pilot gave for the Class A port of Jinquo the
Blue Moon passes three series of business docks full of merchant
ships in the numbers of 3 dozen to 6 dozen to one side of the
dock alone. Warehouses line those shores. Then the ship passes
a fishing district with at least 30 fishing boats docked up some
carrying off catches from the early morning. Other fishing
ships loading up private tours or supplies.
Finally after about 2 miles the Blue Moon rounds a bend and
finds the noble docks. These are in the south east section of
the city. In these quieter docks only about 12 ships of medium
to large ships are here. Clearly private vessels not like the
merchant class of the Blue Moon. On at least 4 of the yachts
people are seen moving about. But the others are empty. On
the shore are some small buildings that may be warehouses but
doesn't look like it. From the docks the dockmaster waves flags
for a berth assignment and the ship slowly makes its slot next
to a yacht half the size of the Blue Moon. For these docks only
two rows are here of two separate docks but ships line both sides
of the docks with plenty of room.
Soon a guard and two men approach as the sailors throw ropes to
other Blue Moon sailors on the docks to tie the ship up. One
of the men is the dockmaster and the other an aide. It seems the
Katai guard dressed in Imperial uniform looks bored but stands
quiet nearby. Captain Sung negotiates the fees and then introduces
Zhou to the dockmaster. The aide takes all personal information
and writes it down. Zhou again shows his documents and the
dockmaster who has clearly seen many nobles doesn't go as crazy
as the Pilot did. Zhou pays the rental fee for the docking berth
for today. After some time the dockmaster and other two men leave
to head back to their small building.
[Time: 11:46am]
Finally docked in the second Katai city of Jinquo the party
are eager to get to shore. After almost 3 months of travel the
party is eager to stretch their legs. Slowly one by one the
horses are led by each owner off the ship and onto the docks
and lead to shore. The aide mentions there is a small stable
for such things if the horses need temporary storage. But
Zhou mentioned that may not be needed now.
As Chion leads his horse he blows out a breath. "Jinquo, alas
we meet again."
Several glance to Chion. Caladan raises an eyebrow. "I
know you've been to Katai but to this city? That will be
useful for our tasks."
Fremea in her nice dress stomps down the docks without a horse.
She knows she could ride with her bodyguard Raban but the horse
looks like it could break just with him on it alone. So Zhou
suggests she ride with her mother. Fremea mounts with Unali
and Unali has to shift some gear around but both fit fine.
Soon the three prisoners are bought up and into the daylight.
As they squint and look around their faces become pale not from
days in the brig but from knowing their fate. With bound hands
they are all tied up together as one and then a single guide
rope is tied to Tef'wo. When the guard that came to the ship
sees this he heads into the building and gets the dockmaster.
Soon a private discussion is held inside the building with
Captain Sung and Baron Zhou. Eventually they exit and Zhou
looks happy. "They will not cause a problem for us." He
reports to the party.
Once all the ship is empty, Captain Sung and the First Mate
look at Zhou. "We will stay here until you need us to leave."
He glances at the party and briefly more at Kiet. "We will hold
the crew off shore leave as you need it. But let me know
something so we can give them hope."
Zhou nods, "right. We will send word back. I'm sure we will
see each other again. But just in case. On behalf of my boss,
the party and myself thank you for a fine trip and crew. " He
shakes Captain's Sung's hand then frowns when he realizes this
might not be normal for a Baron. He glances around but no one
seems to be looking.
Zhou looks at the team heading the prisoners. "The guard tells
me the nearest jail is only four blocks from here." He then
gives some directions. "If there is some...problem then you will
need to find me. You know where we are heading to the Brass Mug
tavern on the north side of town. Good luck. For those going
to the market." He turns to Kell. "I'm told the best market to
sell goods for good prices is about 10 blocks away." He then
gives directions. "We have the furthest to go virtually to cross
the entire city to get to our destination. Good luck to each
of you and act as I've tried to outline on the ship. Don't
do anything to bring attention to yourself."
As the teams head to the dirt road, Zhou does final saddle
checks and lets the others leave. He then mounts up and
leads the "noble" group away from the docks.
[Time: 12:14am]
Leaving the noble docks is like leaving a quiet wooden area
into the hustle and bustle of a forest village. In the noble
area there are maybe 50 people total. But within seconds of
rounding a street the number of people picks up exponentially
as each street goes on.
Ben'dar, Chion, Will and Z'leyra have to ride slow to give the
walking prisoners time to move. As the pirates are dragged
they know their fates are sealed and do not make a noise even
being ungagged. As the small team moves down the street a wide
channel is formed as citizens give them distance. Many stares
are done not at the four foreigners but the men tied up behind
Tef'wo. Chion being the more native to the land leads the
small team. He leads the group for some time down many
cobblestone streets past large noble houses of two stories
and many shops. The area is clean and not as crowded for
a land like Katai one might suspect. After about 20 minutes
and asking for more directions the small group rounds a corner
and spots a small white building that probably is the jail.
Arriving up front the sign clearly notes it as a jail. It
is two stories and about 50 feet wide. Not as fancy in building
style as others but more military oriented stark and spartan.
As the team dismounts three guards and one a man with more stripes
on his arm showing higher rank walks out. The Imperial Army
guards look the party over with swords in sheaths.
The Katai Major walks up to Chion who to him looks to be
a native. He glances to the others though as he speaks. "I am
Major Xu Lai what have you bought us?" He walks toward the
prisoners to look them over waiting for a reply.
Meanwhile using the directions given Caladan, Kell, Kiet and
Strie'bog go to find the markets. As they move about the
streets become more and more crowded. As the horses move through
the streets they see that Zhou's warning was correct. That only
about 10% of the population might afford a horse. When only
about 20% of the population are educated and skilled the lower
classes can't afford such luxuries. The foreigners bring the
eyes of the native population upon them.
Finally after some time the trade group rounds a corner and
spots the market. For some time they could smell the market
of roasted meat, fish and trash. The sounds of the market could
also be seen for some distance. As they round the corner a wide
boulevard at least 50 feet wide appears to be a main thoroughfare.
From dozens on the city streets suddenly there are hundreds
shoulder to shoulder bustling about the marketplace. The stalls
and booths stretch on for a mile at least down the boulevard.
Strie'bog looks to the others and comments that the crowd is
too thick for horses. He suggests he stay with the horses and
guard them as the other three head in with the treasure.
Meanwhile the group going to the Brass Mug continues moving
on through the side streets. With Zhou in the lead he reminds
the others, "ignore those you pass. This is in standing with
being a noble. The guards can look at them but we nobles should
not at very long lengths."
As the group tromp through the streets on the horses they pass
small groups of 3-4 into dozens. The buildings are not that of
Marentian architecture. Unali is the only one used to the sites
though the Dark Lands uses some similar designs so Zhou is also
used to it. But here the buildings are typically one or two stories
of stone or brick. Few actual wooden buildings are spotted unless
they are smaller outhouses or shed style buildings. The big
difference in the roof which just about every building has some
form of overhang jutting out over the sides as much as 2 feet
but on average a foot. Some wonder if its good for rains or just
the style the Katai people like. At each corner many roofs can
have ornate decorations or juts that are squares, points or
rolled up juts like circles. Most roofs appear to be wood. The
roofs are also tall structures that have tower like formations.
One central layer with the four corners jutting out. A layer
above it maybe half that size then it repeats and so on. So
it builds upwards like a pyramid or triangle. It is estimated
most can't be livable areas but there are implications that some
might contain a small window.
Most roads in Jinquo are cobble, dirt or stone paved though
by far cobble is the most common form. It is clear the rich
empire spent and spends many coins on their roads likely to
keep the workforce happy with jobs so they don't loiter about
thinking of revolution. Every so often there are also signs
of modern sewer systems underground with drainage pipes and
street drains setup. There are also at least one or two large
water collection towers on each block to collect water and then
distribute it through a underground and above ground network
of aqueduct and pipe systems. Unali comments that most of the
cities are like this though the richer neighborhoods have better
services.
As the party moves east and north through the streets the
rich district bleeds into a business district of shops and
manufacturing centers. Large warehouses, storehouses, factory
buildings for textiles and dozens of other industries all around.
Here the people mill about in busy errands and seem to ignore
the party all together compared to the previous rich district.
It is clear the people here are the lower and middle classes.
Soon the party passes a small cemetery and residential district
full of blocks and blocks of homes. This seems to go on for
a couple miles it seems. The homes here are all middle class
it seems of 1-3 bedroom single story structures. The lots are
typical for most cities with front and small backyards.
By now the team has been going for a half hour or so and only
a handful of horses or wagons are seen. By far most seem to
walk or run through the streets. the team examines the people
and their clothing. As Zhou had explained it seems the entire
nation must have black hair or for elderly white hair. Most
are indeed short and slim builds. The vast majority of people
seen have no form of weapons. The few guards seen seem to be
the only ones with polearms and swords. Most people wear tattered
or thick browns, tans and black clothing made of cloth or leather.
Many have on hats but not like the party but large hats that
have wide brims that cover the shoulders not just the ears.
Clearly they are made for field work in the sun it seems.
Of the team Raban is the one that draws the most attention from
those on the street. For Fremea who isn't on his horse this is
actually a good thing. Attention away from her means less chance
of spotting problems. But the big problem is obvious and it sits
on a horse that staggers under Raban's bulk. Sitting on top of the
horse the top of Raban's head is a good 14-15 feet off the ground
making those standing 4-5 feet on the street seem to think
a monster is riding toward them. When they notice it to be a man
they clearly give wide berth to Raban's horse. Raban smiles and
tries to seem cordial but clearly most cower at his presence.
The few men that seem to not cower stare relentlessly at him to
size him up. After that these same men seem to scowl at the
stupid barbarian among the well dressed others. They then
usually shrug thinking him a slave and move on. Conversations
and transactions stop completely as Raban and his friends pass
by. Women rush children away.
Unali sits on her horse as Fremea sits behind looking around.
She has been to the city only a couple times. But it hasn't
changed at all. Just as busy and smelly as always. She doesn't
say much as she is clearly in deep thought of being home.
While the others stare at the sights and people, Arawn studies
the area for possible magic detectors. He believed he saw one near
the docks above a wooden gate. A small gem like thing inset into
the roof of the gate. But it didn't seem to react or glow. If
it was real or not isn't know. He studies the buildings and
intersections for more but either they are well hidden or just
missing he can't tell. He wonders if this could be easier than
the high Elder implied.
Fremea sits on the horse riding and also stares at the people.
She notices how women seem to walk behind the men at least 4-5
paces. She notices how the women seem to carry just about
everything while men saunter around with nothing in their arms.
In the industrial center she clearly spots street children who
seem to be beggars or worse. In the residential area the
children seem happy but she wonders why they aren't in some form
of school. She tries to concentrate and not flex her back which
would flex her wings. She has been training this way for the
last few weeks but it is still not natural for a faerry not to
use her wings. While uncomfortable it takes concentration to
maintain it and in this warm temperature it is annoying.
As the team enters another district that seems to be a market
area full of shops the crowds build back up as in the industrial
centers. Shops of just about every shape, size and goods are
here. Most shops are 1-3 stories where it seems the family must
live above their shops. Typical shops abound but unlike Sivas
some shops are here rather than in Sivas. Tattoo shops for
example was noticed by Will in his travel. The shops soon
empty out into a large square marketplace full of stalls and
vendors selling open air goods like meats, foods, drinks and
everything from apples to zuchi trees spouted to rid the
homes of bad spirits.
Soon the team pass through the markets and enter a less crowded
area of homes and shops. Asking directions they finally get
to the brass mug down a quiet street with only a dozen or so
people on it. The Tavern itself is a two story structure with
a overhang at least 2.5 feet out. The roof seems to be decorated
in the style of birds with small figures on each corner. Above
the main door is a wooden sign with a mug and the Katai words
for Brass Mug.
Zhou looks around and sees a small stable along the right side
of the tavern. Clearly for night customers. "Whitney, see if
you can stable the horses then join us." Zhou states and then
tosses a few silver coins to him. "If you think it would not
be wise to leave the gear on the horses you can stay and I'll
send someone out." The team dismounts and a boy runs out of
the stable and takes the horses. The boy assures the team the
horses will be safe and the stable has a locked door.
Zhou enters the bar after Farseeker checks it for danger as
a guard would have done. Entering the tavern the team seems
the place is dim even with light from the three forward windows.
In the place are about 8 customers at the various tables with
3 being alone drinking. The team looks around and sees nothing
special about the design. In the back is a door to a possible
office or storeroom. Nearby on the rear wall is a set of stairs
up to the second floor. To the right is the bar and one barkeep
who is cleaning the bar with a rag. To the immediate left sitting
alone leaning against the forward wall in a chair is a heavy
muscled man that has to be the bouncer. He has a dagger on his
belt but its clear he may not need it. He scowls at the party
and examines each person with scrutiny.
"May I help you?" The barkeep places his cloth on his shoulder
and walks over to the side of the bar nearest the team.
"Looking for the owner. Is he in?" Zhou asks.
"May I ask who is looking for him?" The Barkeep squints to eye
the team but mostly keeps his eyes on Raban and the other guards.
"We come from a long way. Is he here?" Zhou asks.
The Barkeep stares for a few moments at Zhou and then briefly
at the customers and the bouncer. Arawn, Farseeker and Raban
can detect that meaning. Watch these guys is the implication.
The team wonders if this place is more a front than a legal tavern.
"No. He's not here. But I'll send for him. But I'll need
a name." The barkeep insists.
"Baron Zhou Wa of Dzhamou. Tell Mr Tiehul 'My Elder brings
good wishes and misses the days of Farfella Falls.'" Zhou then
turns and walks to a table. "We'll wait for him."
"He motions for the team to sit down and then urges them to
order food or drink. Raban pulls out his chair but the tiny
chair is made for smaller behinds. He places two chairs together
and then sits down waiting.
The barkeep heads through a back door near the bar itself and
likely into the stable. Whitney is just now walking the horses
into stalls and notices the barkeep. Whitney figures him to
be such from his apron and rag. The man whispers to the boy
and the boy goes running out. Whitney frowns and the barkeep
returns inside.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Website update - People and Adventure Timeline updated.
GM: For purposes of mechanics consider all to have the knowledge
of Katai's history in the history section. Enough to at
least recall it in some detail. The stuff on the houses
aren't known or public information.
GM: For my memory so I don't have to keep checking:
Unali, Arawn, Raban, Shu, Fremea,Whitney,Farseeker,Zhou-Tavern
Ben'dar, Chion, Will, Z'leyra, Pirates - Jail
Caladan, Kell, Kiet and Strie'bog - markets
GM: As we move on now that the party is divided it will be hard
to deal in all parts. To coordinate the time and scenes
effectively. Until the party is back all together. So
some groups may be delayed in some updates while others
are covered action wise. This is a problem of PBEMs but
in terms of speeding things up in other ways it helps.
No update monday as I went out of town to Savannah tuesday
for a day trip. So had to go to bed early.
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