[pnpgm] Game update #45 - File #179 - The Tests continue...and slows..
pnpgm
pnpgm at softhome.net
Tue Oct 11 04:24:31 CEST 2005
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R3 Balrog................Balrog............Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R4 Tom Crockett..........Caladan...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
R1 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
W2 Sergi Sallent.........Jordi.............Wizard..Normal/Elf Ma
R4 Tim Falkenberg........Malradh ben Kasha.Merc....Normal/Human Ma
R3 Wayne Richardson/Uji..Thig..............Sidh MU.Normal/Faerry Ma
Do Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Artist..Normal/Human Ma
R3 Orion (Paul Broman)...Trembyl...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R3 Scott Adams...........Xian..............Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W2 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Ventrius/Pogo Thig's dogs, Firesnake of Caladan's,
Z'Leyra's Eagle, 2 Draft Horses, Wolf - Boyzdar
6 Captured Zen'da Horses
Game Web Site - For updates, files, links, etc.
<http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot/pbem/index.htm>http://users.cybermax.ne
t/~longshot/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at softhome.net
Game Update #45 in sequence (file #179]
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Admin notes: None.
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[Recap]
From jordi: [Re: Trade test]
Of course, mentally curse Cetric. Jordi doesn't know the
nature of the tests of the others, but he thinks Cetric is
a dishonorable man. And one can only expect the worst from
a dishonorable man, not an honest challenge.
However, Jordi tries to keep a calm appearance, and begins to
talk in a quiet, calm way to not frighten anybody.
"There is wisdom in your words, Enoz. And you have demostrated
your intelligence asking the most important question "why",
and courtesy in the way you have done it. I know my opinion
is not worth a lot in this lands, but I think you honour
your lineage, because you're wise and honorable. And that
are rare, in true, rare gifts in all lands; I have travelled
a little bit, and I can vouch for it."
Jordi stops for some seconds, to put his thougths in order.
"I will explain you the reasons of my behaviour later; I know
it's a little bit rude, or very rude, if you prefer, but I
give you my honour word that I don't want to harm you or
your people in any way. I arrived before sunset to Caladan's
village with Caladan, and Caladan introduced me to his tribe
as a friend; so, you have nothing to fear from me."
Jordi waits for a little bit until the people in the tipi
relaxes a little bit (if he detects fear or anguish, he will
keep talking in a quiet, relaxing way.)
Once they are calmed, Jordi will continue:
"So, please, can you please explain me what is your most
precious gift, and why?"
GM: Ack.
----------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Race actions]
Ben'Dar kicks Tef'wo hard in pursuit after Rider #1. His
smile is gone now; he is all grim business. He will charge
Tef'wo into Rider #1's horse and as Tef'wo shoulder-checks
the horse, Ben'Dar will use his horsemanship skill to launch
himself off his horse and tackle the rider on horse #1,
trying to take him off the horse and onto the ground.
(hopefully Ben'Dar won't kill himself in the process...)
Once on the ground, Ben'Dar will proceed to pay the man back
for his earlier attacks with the scimitar - attacking with
his dagger if the man still holds his sword. But If the man
loses his scimitar in the fall, he'll just attack with his
fists.
If he can disable the man or somehow get the necklace away
from him during the fight, he'll tuck the necklace safely
into his leather jerkin, and he whistles to Tef'wo. He'll
swing up onto Tef'wo's back when the horse reaches him and
thunder back toward the village, fending off the other riders
as best he can, using strength and horsemanship skill.
(Well, that's a plan anyway...we'll see how it goes.) Oh, If
some other rider gets the necklace away from Rider #1 first,
Ben'Dar will follow the same plan to try to get the necklace,
only he won't attack them, since they haven't attacked him.
He'll just try to wrestle the necklace away from them.
GM: Ack. Boy exciting :) This is one of those things I
mentioned where I don't kill players. Unless they do
stuff like this :) We shall see.
----------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion, smiling at Cetric, will state "I am not harmed by
this man. Not the first time when he tried to kill me in my
sleep, and certainly not when I face him in open combat. I am
learn-ed from this man. I wish to speak to him when he
awakes." Naturally, at this point he's looking for a place he
can cast a regen spell and/or perhaps a healing light (for
the damage). He'll be muttering about "those shield lessons
didn't do much good, now did they..." as he walks to
someplace more private.
GM:
From Unali: [Re: Kiss to Balrog]
Unali will walk towards Balrog and whisper "You're terrible.
Now go show this bastard what you can do."and give Balrog a
quick peck on the forehead.
GM: Ack. Will explain below.
---------------------------
From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions]
OOC: I've been sick, so I have not had a chance to post.
So, I am going to go back to the story for a moment, and
then give his actions once the smoke starts.
The Story he tells at the start of the test: He will speak
slowly to be better understood (though he will tell the
story with appropriate drama).
[Story deleted for space. Its a great story though and
everyone should read it. Its on the list and website.]
<Strie'bog sings a song of life in Tounge of the Woods>
[Text deleted for space]
<Story Ends>
After the smoke starts, and the wolf and dogs begin to growl,
Strie'bog will start the Sonata Spell (effective EL 1) to
calm the animals. He will keep casting it until the test ends.
If he survives & completes the test, he will quickly get the
animals out of the pit while trying to keep them calm.
Afterwards, he will walk up to the Shaman: "In cowardice, you
have betrayed your ancestors and people. Be prepared for your
test." He will then walk away.
GM: Excellent story. Will award skill rolls (D10) to 2 of the
story skills (tongue and story). Ack.
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[New Stuff]
Octaqi 15, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains, 306 Miles
North of Asichi City, Heading East from River
[The tests continue...]
[Ben'dar - Riding Test]
GM: Info -
Rider #1 - Age 18, Scimitar/Sheath
Rider #2 - Age 19, Weaponless/Talkative/Friendly with Ben'dar
Rider #3 - Age 20, Knife in Boot
GM: For the record all this is dice work. I didn't play for
#1 to get the necklace first. He just got there first.
[241-250 seconds]
Rider #1 gives a triumph cry as he rounds the corner
around the man standing now without necklace. He
smiles and stands in the saddle in glee. He then
pumps the horse forward. In the process rider 1's
horse is slowed down by the action. The other 3
catch up. Rider 2 takes second place behind 1 and
tries to catch up. Next Ben'dar and rider 3.
[251-260 seconds]
Tef'wo takes a burst of speed and passes rider 2 and 3
heading for Rider 1. Rider 2 and 3 take 3rd/4th place.
Rider 1 continues to slow as he tried to place the
necklace in hand and guide the horse in another.
[261-270 seconds]
Then rider bolts forward taking a 10 foot lead Rider
3, #2 and ben'dar finally in last as 3 and 2 try to
block Ben'dar's forward approach.
[271-280 seconds]
Ben'dar sees his chance. Ben'dar takes lead when 1
and 3 equal up. Three tries to grab the necklace and
2 drags in 4th place.
[281-290 seconds]
Rider 1 slips forward with Ben'dar only inches behind.
Rider 2 and 3 lag into the rear. Ben'dar sees his
chance and sides equal with Rider 1. He slams ben'dar
forward left shoulder up against the right side of Rider
1's horse. Both horses cough as breath is knocked out
and going at full speed. A 4 is rolled. Awesome
roll for horsemanship. The maneuver works. Now for
a tackle. Ben'dar takes a side tackle using one foot
to propel himself off the horse as best he can. Both
men go flying to the left 4 feet off the air and time
seems to slow down. Ben'dar's arm has hold of the
Rider's shoulder and right arm. As both bodies fall
to the ground they separate. Each rolling in different
directions. Ben'dar lands hard on his shoulder and arm.
A crack is heard as he impacts on a hard rock and takes
physical pain (4 points of damage from what will be
a intense muscle blood bruise). Ben'dar rolls to view
the man and takes in an instant's look. He sees the
man is still wearing the necklace on his neck. Has
no scimitar. it was left on his horse. Good. Ben'dar
staggers to his feet. Unaware of the other 2 riders.
Ben'dar lunges forward the 8 feet toward the man. the
rider is on his knees and Ben'dar swings his fist but
the blow of the fall was more stressful and the swing
misses. Free attack gone. The man stands. Ben'dar
swings again.and hits the man on the face. Ben'dar
then realizes he has no official hand-to-hand training.
But the impact squarely hits the jaw (though a bit
sloppy) and the man goes flying backwards on to the
ground. His eyes roll up and he falls unconscious.
Ben'dar rips the necklace off the man's neck and whistles
for Tef'wo. By now ben'dar sees the other 2 riders.
Rider 3 has blocked 2 and is using his knife to threaten
the rider. Ben'dar quickly mounts. He circles around
and charges toward Rider 3. He pulls out his whip and
cracks it. Wow even unskilled the whip hits the man's
backside. This jerks him up. Rider 2 then slams the
nnife out onto the ground. Then Ben'dar twirls around
and heads for the village.
GM: A little bit more than you called for but figuring your
character personality I figured you'd have tried it.
The entire above took 8 seconds. We'll resume the
normal time increments for ease of timing. :)
[291-300 seconds]
Ben'dar smiles as he puts his whip back onto his belt
as best he can in the distraction of the race. It
almost slips and falls off but he grabs it. He
looks back and sees Rider 1 still down. In the
time it took to put the whip back in though all 3
equal up and its a true race side by side.
[301-310 seconds]
Ben'dar surges forward with 2 and 3 following in
that order. Rider 2 shakes his head. Maybe the
blow wasn't that hard?
[311-320 seconds]
Suddenly Rider 2 surges forward. He looks at
ben'dar and the necklace. With hesitation he
grabs for it but Ben'dar moves Tef'wo away. Rider
3 takes up 3rd place. Rider 1 stands and checks
himself over. He calls for his horse.
[321-330 seconds]
Rider 2 and 3 equal up blocking Ben'dar who takes
last. But Rider 1 mounts his horse. But hes over
a hundred feet behind by now. He's out of the
race more likely.
[331-340 seconds]
Rider 2 and 3 equal up side by side hitting each other
as they try to track closer to Ben'dar. But Ben'dar
takes the chance and rounds 3. He takes the lead.
[351-360 seconds]
Dang. Again rider 2 and 3 equal up blocking Ben'dar
in between causing Tef'wo to slow to 4th. The tactic
is working for them. Rider 1 rides forward...
GM: Any final actions? Last leg will be in the next update.
Got about 2 minutes of race left.
--------------------------------------
[Jordi - Trading test]
[Jordi gives the dialogue above. Enoz listens and then
looks around the tipi. Rohm leans over and whispers
to Enoz in hushed tones. With the crackle of the fire
pit its hard to hear but some words in Zen'da are heard
like "Caladan" "stranger" "trust" "time". Jordi
senses a sense of relief from Enoz as she talks. Enoz
looks to Jolcz and to Jordi. Then nods.]
Enoz: "Besides family and life? Right now my most precious
gift is --" [He points to jolcz, he nods to her] "this."
[Jolcz leans back and grabs a heavy sack. From it she pulls
out something. In the light it gleams. Its a small wooden
statue the size of a fist. It is that of a eagle. the eyes
sparkle with ...ruby gems? Or maybe fake glass. hard to tell.
The eagle is perched on some "rock" or tree. Its wings are
half out and half spread. The small statue is very artistic
and delicate. It stands a fist high and a fist wide. In
some cultures it might not be worth much but Jordi can tell
it must've took months to carve based on the way the wings
are so delicate showing the fine curves and edges of veins.
To a collector it might be priceless. To a common merchant
maybe nothing. Jolcz holds it in her palms and out to
show Jordi.]
Enoz: "I am not a normal Zen'da. I'm a craftsman. I carve
things from wood and stone. Why do you think I live away
from the village?" [Rohm bows her head in what seems shame
to Jordi] "We do wasteful things to them. This right
now is my most precious art work. To you a world traveller
it might be worthless. To me its priceless. Now. Again
i ask. Why and who is this for?"
GM: Actions? Comments?
--------------------------------------
[Strie'bog - Pit Test]
[As Strie'bog gives his story and circles the pit to
view the audience he notices many are captivated by
it. Many of the women just stand still listening to
every word. Some even let a few tears fall silently.
A few kids are stunned, scared and excited by the story.
Mothers whisper to them to comfort them. The men
even stop jeering and talking to listen. Before even
a 3rd of the story is done all is silent but Strie'bog
and the crackle of the fire. Even Cetric's smirk has
fallen into a slight frown. Even at one point he looks
down to the ground before quickly looking back up.
Its clear Strie'bog has some effect on the audience.
Even the party is captivated by the story. As the
final minutes draw and the smoke takes effect on the
canines Strie'bog backs up to the fire. He picks up
a instrument and begins to play music. He doesn't
sing but murmurs a few spell words and casts a spell.
Suddenly the air around him is filled with more magical
music. But those outside the pit only hear his instrument.
The dogs stop growling and pant as they look at Strie'bog.
Cetric glances at his hourglass. As the spell nears an
end the dogs begin to growl again and approach. Strie'bog
moves back to the heat of the fire which the canines don't
like. This gives him time to cast the spell again successfully.
The dogs stop again. Cetric and others are surprised by this.
Then the hourglass stops and empties. Cetric motions for
the others.
A warrior tosses a bag high up and into the fire. Now
a cloud of gray/white smoke engulfs the pit. As quickly
as it begin the smoke calms the animals. Hesitant
Strie'bog watches the canines who just pant but don't
seem to be affected. He sighs and stops playing.]
[Strie'bog climbs out followed by the canines.]
Caladan: "Good work."
Strie'bog: "In cowardice, you have betrayed your
ancestors and people. Be prepared for your test."
He will then walk away.
[Cetric eyes Strie'bog. With only Caladan and Strie'bog
within earshot. He looks down at the ground and then
back up at Strie'bog. He begins to say something.
But stops. As Strie'bog leaves the area words finally
come to him.]
Cetric: "..sorry..." [in a low whisper.]
[This startles Caladan who looks at Cetric but Cetric
quickly turns and rushes away.]
GM: You obviously affected Cetric and the crowd to a good
point based on skill rolls and the story. Good role
playing. Experience awarded. Test complete. I was
thinking of other solutions but you came up with one
even i wasn't thinking of :)
--------------------------------------
[Chion - Duel Challenge]
From Chion:
Chion, smiling at Cetric, will state "I am not harmed by
this man. Not the first time when he tried to kill me in
my sleep, and certainly not when I face him in open combat.
I am learn-ed from this man. I wish to speak to him when he
awakes." Naturally, at this point he's looking for a place
he can cast a regen spell and/or perhaps a healing light
(for the damage). He'll be muttering about "those shield
lessons didn't do much good, now did they..." as he walks
to someplace more private.
GM: Ack. Which do you cast? Regeneration and/or Healing and
at what ELs if any (have to look at the sheet). Z'leyra
can treat you as well if needed.
Cetric: "I will tell him."
--------------------------------------
[Balrog - Horse Drag Test]
GM: Caladan translated for Balrog who doesn't know Zen'dali.
Balrog: "So let me get this straight. You tie my hands up.
On a rope trailing behind a horse out that a-way. About
half a mile? Seems simple enough."
Caladan: "Its not. You may not be walking but be drag
all the way. Can you handle that? Theres nothing
wrong in saying no. This test is actually a form of
common punishment."
Cetric: "To some. to others its a test of strength and
determination! The Great Lodge Chief Kyran asked to
do this to prove himself and at a middle-age!"
Caladan: "Yes. He came back with multiple cuts. Bruises.
..and three broken fingers."
Balrog: "Oh. So let me understand this. I must be attached
to the rope? Any other restrictions?"
Cetric: "Hrm...no."
Balrog: "Fine. I accept."
[Cetric smiles and a warrior inspects Balrog for weapons.
He finds none. But the warrior reveals in a sleeve a
leather wrist/arm band on his right arm near his wrist.]
Warrior: "What's this?"
Balrog: "Family heirloom."
[Warrior looks at Cetric and Cetric shrugs. The warrior
finishes and finds nothing of any gear on Balrog. Other
than the leather band. Finally Balrog asks Unali for
a good luck kiss. She approaches and agrees to it. But
as she pulls away from a peck on the cheek, Balrog shocks
here. He grabs her with both arms and bends her and kisses
her full on the lips. Unali struggles but finds one of
Balrog's arm on her back as the audience laughs. Balrog
turns Unali back to the crowd a bit flushed. He leans
over and smiles.]
Balrog: "Thanks. It'll help."
[Balrog turns after he shuffles his arms and faces the
warrior. The warrior then ties both hands up and ties
it to a saddle on a horse. Balrog is then lead to the
edge of the village. Out on the plains another person
is standing maybe a bit over half a mile away.]
Cetric: "That's your point. Get there and back."
[The warrior slaps the horse on the behind and the horse
trots off with Balrog following behind in a fast jog.
The horse after half the journey begins to slow down to
allow Balrog to even walk it. This isn't bad Balrog
thinks. Maybe it'll be easy. Meanwhile all the time he
is testing the strength of the rope around his hands and
studying the knot. As the horse gets close to the other
person the person grabs the horse and turns it around. It
looks like the horse has been trained to go from point A
to Point B. Half the test over Balrog relaxes. The person
smacks the horse again and it trots off again. This time
back toward the village. As the horse gets about 20 feet
away from the other person, Balrog hears running footsteps.
He turns to see the other person, a young warrior, running
behind and passing Balrog. Then the warrior in one smooth
action leaps onto the back of the horse and with a kick of
his feet gets the horse to a full run. Balrog sighs. He
should've known better. As Balrog runs for his life the
horse gets faster and faster. Then 8 seconds later Balrog
falls over a rock or something and goes flat onto the ground
sliding behind the horse.
A big trail of dust and sand follows Balrog as he closes his
eyes and tries to hang on for sheer life. The pain in his
wrists and arms are intense. But Balrog was prepared.
with his other hand he reaches into the now-non-empty leather
wrist band. Now with one of Unali's daggers he "borrowed" from
her when he kissed her. Unali soon realizes that one of her
daggers is gone but only with a slight check of her clothing
and nothing to give it away.
with the dagger now in one hand he begins to slice the rope
to free one hand. As he begins to take sand and dust into
his nostrils he drops the dagger and it goes flying behind
him but covered by the dust cloud. With the one hand free
he begins to pull himself toward the horse. This causes
tension and the rope to tighten on the saddle. As Balrog
inches closer and closer to the horse the warrior notices
this and begins to zip and zag to throw Balrog off. Soon
now 2 feet...then 20 inches...then he is just behind the
fast moving legs of the horse. He could be stomped but
he risks it. He tries to reach with one hand the rope
that is between the saddle and legs. He grabs it and
pulls hard. By now the shifting weight of Balrog causes
the horse to slow down just a bit. Balrog tries to raise
a arm upwards...then all of a sudden he rams right into
a leg of the horse as momentum pushes his body forward.
He's stopped?]
[In the clenched eyes Balrog shakes his head and coughs out
the dirt ands dust. He hears footsteps running toward. He
finally opens his eyes and finds the horse has stopped and
he has reached the village. A lot sooner than he thought.
Caladan and Xian reach him and bend over to inspect him.]
Caladan: "What in the blazes were you trying to do?"
[Xian gives him water with a canteen to drink. Balrog is helped
to sit up and drinks in gulps.]
Balrog: "..I s...saw...growing up...someone tr..try it. ..
He ..got amazingly...up ..on the horse. ...It was..foolish."
[Cough] "I guess i failed in th...that trick. "
GM: Very bad skill/attribute rolls. A dangerous stunt.
Ride was over before i could do more. Based on the math.
Balrog [leaning to Caladan and whispering] "Gather the rope
up please. No one see it." [Caladan nods and does this while
others look at Balrog. Xian inspects him and finds bruises,
blood bruises, cuts but nothing is broken. Balrog's tunic
though is almost to shreds.]
Cetric: "I've never seen one try to touch the horse.
An interesting tactic. A wild one. Your spirit guide must
be a wolf? Never mind. The test is complete."
[He nodes and walks away. As the audience follows Balrog is
helped to his feet.]
Xian: "Stupid stunt. Stupid test. Could've killed yourself.
No reason for it."
Balrog: "Did I pass?" [A bit shakilly as he gets to his feet
5 minutes later.]
Caladan: "Yep. I think few more minutes you could've done
that stunt. I've heard of some trying it before in our
past. It takes great upper body strength."
Balrog: "Oh. now you tell me...I don't have much."
[Both men smile and walk off as Caladan holds the cut rope
to hide that. Balrog leans over to Unali.]
Balrog: "Sorry about that. i was hoping to cut the rope to
get a better hold. I had to get your dagger as they
inspected me. No offense intended. I knew you had one
and my ...training kicked in. But hey I enjoyed it!"
[He winks at the thought of the kiss and his thief training.]
--------------------------------------
[Thig - Tracking Test]
GM: Coming next update.
Actions? Comments?
Next update Monday...
Player Test
Xian Test Completed, Successfully
Trembyl Test Completed, Successfully
Farseeker Test Completed, Successfully
Unali Test Completed, Successfully
Kasha Test Completed, Successfully
Chion Test Completed, Successfully
Z'leyra Test Completed, Successfully [with deliberation]
Strie'bog Test Completed, Successfully
Balrog Test Completed, Successfully
Ben'dar Nearing completion
Jordi Has started, waiting on actions
Thig About to start, long test
Caladan Not given one yet
Tests -
Completed - 9
In progress - 2
Waiting - 2
Actions or comments?
Ok. Schedule of Events -
Friday will finish Ben'dar's race. Jordi we'll continue your
test. Then I'll work on Thig's and possibly Caladan's to
end the tests. Then might get in some clean up notes and
background.
Oh. End of the week will remove some of the pictures of Giant and Tipis ont he
game website. Won't really need them anymore. Last chance to see them.
Bottom of the Game website.
Longshot - ZC of AdventureNet International Echomail Network
Fringe BBS - EWOG II - 904-733-1721
Telegard / Allfix Beta Site
Website: http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot
ICQ: 24436933
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