[pnpgm] Game update #134b - File #504 - Party back together
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Fri Nov 17 08:29:48 CET 2006
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://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at darktech.org
Game Update #134b in sequence (file #504)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin notes: None
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion will pipe in, "Well, I certainly would have killed
Ben'dar first." With a slight wink to nobody in general.
GM: Ack. :)
--------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra apologises "Sorry, we didn't know what means of
tracking the Claw our enemies had. We figured it was safer
to lead them to think Ben'dar had it while I held on to it.
I apologize for not letting you know."
After Z'leyra has more mana available for casting she will
do a number of spells including Enhancing the gem; Detection,
Soul Sight and Perception on the Claw (while holding her staff).
She will try using Tongues (at cost x5) to learn L'p'nth from
Jef and (if Chion is agreeable) Katai. She will cast Divination
before being teleported. Once back at the village she will seek
a quiet place to cast a number of other spells in the evenings.
(This list will be sent to Scott.)
She will ask Caladan about the possibility of using a forge.
If one is available she will ask to use it, if not she will
ask her Zen'da acquaintances to teach her Plains Survival.
As a master armorer she will evaluate the weapons and armor,
listing their values as she estimates them. If they need
sharpening she will sharpen and clean them.
GM: Ack. Spells are too late. Since I'm almost done with update
won't have time tonight. If got them earlier today might
have. But next time. As to forge none for hundreds of miles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[The winter breeze spirals through the village Caladan called
home for most of his young life. While the Ga'fel tribe
is spread out among many hundreds of miles around the plains
north of the Ser'manda, East of the River, West of the Bova
and south of the Fe'oros. As winter begins its hard grasp
on the plains the entire personality of the village and
plains itself seems to shift into a winter mode. Tipis are
hardened with more leathers and hides. Stacks of wood from
far off places (but mainly the river edge) are stored. Horses
are protected by the harsh climate by thick blankets and
hides. Clothing shifts from late summer and autumn hides to
thicker hunting hides and furs. Food is stored as best it
can for the winter as it has for thousands of years. Either
in a dry form above ground, eaten quickly if hunted or
stored underground in woven baskets, baked jars or food storage
pits.
Even the plains itself seems to have changed since first entered
a week or two ago. The season changes quickly this far north
of the Sea of Tears. Animals like bears, birds, deer and antelope
have migrated south in great numbers to the mountains to hibernate
or seek warmer places in valleys. The animals left on the plains
now are hardened horses, buffalo, northern deer and antelope and
packs of wolves for the most part. Stories of great blizzards
that create havoc hundreds of miles wide are known and somewhat
common on the plains. Though they tend to hit the Central Tribes
more than the Western and Eastern tribes. The western get the
protection of the forests and western get some minor protection
from the mountains around it.The routine of winter has been
around for thousands of years on the plains and continues as
the party mills about the village as honored guests.
As honored guests the party is not expected to help out with
normal routine chores. But many of the party help out anyways.
Balrog helps show warriors how to use the whip with the cattle
and horses. While Chion does his thing back and forth he also
helps a couple of the lodge elite warriors how to find traps
in the grass that other hunters may set if they are foolhardy
enough to be in their lands. While Balrog may not be a hunter
his skill in finding secret traps and rooms as a thief gives
him an edge on such methods.
Ben'dar helps Z'leyra and the villagers with the horses checking
out all 60 or so horses they acquired. All seem in good shape
but its clear the distinction between mountain horses and
the plains ones found in the Bova lands. The mountain ones
are smaller and made for the rough climbs of mountains and not
flat out running in the plains. The Zen'da clearly feel disdain
for the mountain L'p'nthian horses. But they could be made for
pack animals or something useful. Zen'da would never dare to
eat horses even in harsh times but its said the vile L'p'nth
would if they got hungry enough. Of all the horses only one
has a bad shoe set and has to be replaced. Z'leyra helps to
prevent infection that the horse could've started but in time
it should be quite good.
Some of the horses are quite remarkable looking. Zen'da tend
to enjoy black or brown horses as it tends to blend in better
during the summer foliage of the plains. Many of the mountain
horses are tan though. One of the mountain horses is tan with
white blotches which the Zen'da feel to be an omen as to find
such an animal is said to have a good fertility season. The
children of most Zen'da are born in the winter months while
time is more hum drum. The other remarkable horse is pure
white with a tan mane. It is smaller and of a Riding quality
rather than war horse type. It was found in the fort and
was the personal horse of A'gar. Z'leyra finds this out
after talking to her. She is a sleek looking horse and probably
could earn a bit more money. To the Zen'da a white horse is
another omen that peace will be assured. But the Elders of
the tribe argue that both a fertility omen and a peace omen
that could only mean a child born soon this season must be the
one to bring that peace. That before that peace it could be
years of strife. Some elders argue its a bad omen. Course
those civilized members of the party just smile to these
superstitious beliefs.
During the six days Caladan seems to be quiet aside from the
first day the party is back. To those like Jordi, Z'leyra
and Xian who may be more empathic to visual cues its clear
that he is mulling over some big decisions. Its obvious
Gib'borah wants him to stay and rule the tribe on his death.
Its also clear Durge his brother does not like this idea.
Durge quietly avoids the party unless in some formal setting
with Gib'borah. Unlike the first hours and day here in the
village Cetric is more open and friendly to everyone. He
goes out of his way to help those with questions or see to
their needs. To the other Zen'da though this is suspicious.
But to the party its clear sign of remorse and hope to gain
trust.
Chion of course is mostly busy with resting in the camp, eating
or sleeping. He spends the days going back and forth to the
castle. Chion doesn't see it but one day three days into the
teleporting back and forth Caladan stops him.]
Caladan [quietly]: "Some of the Zen'da can't believe you
go over 400 miles back and forth in seconds. You must
understand they only believe in "spirit magic" from
spirit guides and such. Basic magic like ours may not
be easy to grasp. Even Cetric is amazed. Its best not
to talk about this magic to the elders especially. The
young folk may understand but the elders wouldn't. Its
best if your to be guest here to be as quiet as possible.
Not that you have been talking. But I just wanted to
give you a quick tip."
[The Zen'da still whisper around Chion but Caladan tries to
elaborate the items bought back are from the spirits. They
are rewarding us with great work far to the south. But
whispers continue. A unsteady balance still seems to
continue to the final day of teleport.]
[Farseeker helps demonstrate Marentian hand to hand tactics.
Some wrestling moves the Zen'da do not know about. As the
Zen'da tend to fight from Horseback wrestling is not a high
priority to them. They do appreciate him showing his
Throwing Axe skill. Though Farseeker can't do it well from
the horse standing still he is quite good.]
[Jordi remains quiet as he has for the last few weeks. He
remains silent and solemn by himself. He knows he couldn't
have helped in the fort attack as Chion could only carry
so many people. Jordi studies the Zen'da in their ways so
he could take back this knowledge to his people.]
[Kasha helps out with hauling wood and other materials.
In his spare time he shows the Zen'da use of the Mace and
Buckler. He shows them a few tricks he learned in Bhamotin,
Katai and Cerulean Empire. Some tricks they are not aware
of and are appreciative.]
[Thig is happy to be back with Pogo and Ventrius. This
is happy to see they were fed well. He tries to show
he is friendly by playing hide and seek with the kids of
the camp. The mothers are still leary of him but over the
few days seem to soften up to him as long as Thig doesn't
actually touch the kids. To some mothers Thig still looks
like a demon with those ears of his. The fathers are too
busy drinking or other duties to care.]
[Strie'bog is happy to return to Boyzdar. He is surprised to
learn Cetric fed and took the wolf in his own Tipi. But
that would fit in with his Shaman tonah. During the days
he uses his skills as carpenter to help the wood box when
it cracks and is almost destroyed. The Elders wanted it
rebuilt up from ground up but his skills help to repair
the box. He also shows his skills on making bows a different
way than the Zen'da are aware of. During his spare time
he writes, sings and plays music for the camp to entertain.
He informs the party he will write up a great story of this
adventure to keep with the Zen'da and take with him.]
Farseeker: "When you get to the part when we go into L'p'nth
you may want to change our names. It would not be good
to find spies learning who raids their fort. Though
I suspect Chion may be on their list already. We don't
want further risks to everyone else."
[Trembyl spends time helping the various mothers do their
chores but tends to be shunned away. By the 3rd day he
is missing and its learned he went to visit the gal the
party met the day the graves were robbed where the claw
was taken. Rumors spread but he spends 2 days in Zaka's
village. Rumors are squashed when its learned he only
spent time talking to her about some private matters. One
warrior reports he spoke in a strange tongue during this.]
[Unali quietly walks through the village as they prepare
for winter. She studies the ways of the Zen'da and their
customs. She finds the male dominance over the females
still disturbing. But over the days she sees small flares
of that dominance shift back and forth. Clearly the
presence of Unali and Z'leyra may be changing things.
Some mothers even talk back to their husbands. Minor
victories indeed. Change will take time and may take
generations. unali recalls the raped girl the big
dumb warrior attacked. She is now far away in a new
village away from the Bova. But maybe she will be a
spark to flare change. But then again victims tend not to
lead such revolts. It could be she turns within herself
and never does anything. But something inside Unali gives
a hunch she won't.]
[Xian spends time with Cetric exchanging views on herbs and
forest plants. Xian also helps out with some of the
chores as best he can. But he is often seen on the edge
of camp looking at the strange pendant found on Ezam by
Chion. Xian reacted oddly to the necklace and to his credit
at this point no one has said anything on it yet. Maybe
he won't need to deal with the possible ramifications.]
[Z'leyra spends time checking out the horses. Helping anyone
that may be sick in the camp. One thing that Z'leyra finds
clear is the lack of medical herbs the place has. One big
flu or disease strain could wipe many out. But Cetric explains
far from forests those herbal hunts are done in the spring.
The only thing the camp seems to have is bandages but not
much else in medical needs.]
-------------------------------------------------------------
[Summary timeline - ]
[Day 60 - Octaqi 30 - 7am-2pm - Gather treasure in Castle.]
[Day 60 - Octaqi 30 - 2:15pm - Party teleports back to castle.]
[Day 61 - Day 65 - Chion teleports horses and final loot.]
[Day 65 - Novehas 4 - Current Day]
[Just 65 days have passed, quickly to some and too long for
others, since the party left the warm tavern in Sivas city.
Most of that time was involved with traveling here on the
horses through Cholchara and the plains.
Caladan had thought his home was in serious trouble. He
had gotten word from a merchant friend of the family
travelling on the plains. The information was outdated
slightly. But the party was surprised to find themselves
ambushed by a Shaman zealot set out for power or to help
his people. Then the gall of tests were thrown on them
by force or slight persuasion. Though clearly the party
did it for Caladan not Cetric. The party won their tests
though not the trust of Cetric.
It was explained that graves across the plains as far as
100 miles north of the village, 600 miles east of the
village and as far south as Ba'ru were robbed. Oddly none
were taken west of the village. There were reports of
attacks on the Bova border. There were reports of quakes
and crop failures. The party didn't know what was going
on at this point. It was clear something was up as the
tension in the village was high.
Then reports of recent robberies came in. Finally the
party tracked down one site with the recent robbers still
there. In order to elude chase the robbers sent warriors
to attack Zaka's village so the party helped them.
The robbers were chased for some time but only to have
the shaman shape change into a eagle and escape. At that
time Ben'dar found silver bars on the dead robber with the
shaman. Course money means nothing to the Zen'da. This
was another mystery but now may be understood that Ezam
may have paid off the Bova with the bars to use in the
L'p'nth territories. All these must have been put together
only days after the fort was taken.
Eventually it was learned the Bova were raiding villages
for people and horses. Something not too rare but not
too common as well. Eventually the party crossed the
Bova border risking war between the People. There they
attacked and took down the enemy threat. For the first
time the power of the Claw was seen as the shaman controlled
by the blue bugs the villager prisoners.
The blue bugs another key of the puzzle fell into place when
it was learned the bugs seemed to be a parasite that would
influence the person's mind. Though alone they were little
threat unless the person with a bug was influenced by another
person. But with the Claw the bugs could force that control
and influence. the party would see the potential of the
Claw to control a army of slaves. This must be why the Bova
raided villages for what could only be a army. This is why
they killed the old, weak and kids. It is later learned the
blue bugs live naturally deep underground. The quakes seem
to have bought them up to the surface. The mystery of the
quakes though seem to still be a mystery. Clearly the quakes
are natural. But maybe its just timing and Ezam's people
got lucky on finding the bugs and learn their use early?
Crop failures would later be learned to be a natural failure
due to the weather and nothing overtly by magic. But to
the Zen'da they put everything together into one pile of
threats.
As the Claw seemed to entice the young Ben'dar the party
decides to go to the fort and investigate. Discussion
is made that Woundenal warned the party about it. Clearly
the wisdom was true. Oddly enough no one placed the blue
bug he was studying at the time with the same bugs the
party had encountered. From the Giant Grog to the Ser'manda
controlled or influenced by the bugs. Maybe Woundenal had
figured out their meaning early as well?
Then the party entered the fort. Without knowing their
true intent the party slaughtered many guards, over 70.
But they had a rough time as it was. This part of the
journey might be a black mark in the spirits of the party.
But it would be later justified. To the top of the
mountain they found Ezam and in typical fashion the
leader would taunt and tempt. The party would laugh later
of the scene. Why must the bad guy always be so over
confident? Clearly Ezam had a plan and would've worked
if the party was just minutes earlier on the scene. If
the sun wasn't rising it could've been a far worse situation.
The party lucked up on the timing there. Ezam seemed to
have known about the Claw. Paers later translated will
show he had reports on the blue bugs as well. Pappers will
also show later he was behind the Bova plot. But its unclear
with the papers found if he was the end result of that
plot chain or someone higher up in the L'p'nth government
was in charge. The party may never find out.
So in the end the trouble ended up to be a plot to rule the
plains by the Bova. First was to obtain the claw to control
the newly discovered bugs. then to kidnap and control
thousands of Zen'da as shields or warriors for the Bova. This
cycle could've grown bigger and bigger if it had worked. If
it had worked the plains would've been overrun by their own
people for the Bova and through them the L'p'nth.
But the problem that still felt sour in the minds of the party
was the odd tidbits left out. The strange being/humanoid in
the grave with the staff and claw. The visions Strie'bog
saw by the gods. Ezam apparently from the papers found and
his own words implied a greater threat. A greater plan in
the works. But those tidbits may not be figured out for
months or years if then. Sometimes evil is just evil.
---------------------------------------------------------
GM: Part 1 I showed the final loot report. This is also
on the bottom link of the game website for reference.
If you want to claim something do so. Otherwise it
will be sold and put into party shares. That list
contains everything found from the Bova to the fort.
So the previous loot reports are null and void.
---------------------------------------------------------
[As the horses add up and add up Xian makes a count and
also views the resources of the tribe. He knows
Caladan's clan is the lead clan for the Ga'fel sub
tribe. But for them they have so little. They are
always giving out food and horses to other clans to
help them. With the recent crop failures their local
resources are low as it is. Xian is shamed to see
the party get a large feast on return (day 60). But
to refuse it would be dishonor. Xian gathers the party
up days later.]
Xian: "Listen. Kasha estimated we could get as much as
200-250 gold per person from this loot. While the
Zen'da gain nothing. I know coin and some of the
material is worthless. But I would like to donate
food and some of the horses to them. They have
treated us well and we come in with all these horses
only to take them. We are not obligated but I wish
to ask what you think. If not I will donate my
full share to the tribe. they are preparing for a
winter while we return to the city. Food may be
a issue for them."
GM: Xian's proposal:
Give the tribe
Cow, Draft horse, Goat, Mules,
Give them at least all 4 Riding Horse IIs. Some of
the Riding Horse Is say 6 more?
Give all the beverages or drink while in camp.
Give 20 uniforms, 10 tunics, 10 boots, the fur cloak,
10 gloves for winter clothing. (or material for clothing)
Give all if not eat all of the food except
200 travel rations for the party.
Give 30 blankets.
Give 30 arrows. Give 5 Maces (to replace lost
material during battles).
GM: What do you say? Do you agree or disagree?
If disagree with the idea entirely or the items?
If item in what numbers? The horses might be
the only big issue. Please let me know. Course
if folks wanted to donate more let me know.
----------------------------------------------------
GM: At this point the adventure is 99% over. Just
some cleanup. Including character sheets. I will
work on that over the weekend and next week.
Will email everyone so we can spread C.P.s and
such. At this point there are 6 days the party
can do various things.
[Day 60 - Octaqi 30 - 7am-2pm - Gather treasure in Castle.]
[Day 60 - Octaqi 30 - 2:15pm - Party teleports back to castle.]
[Day 61 - Day 65 - Chion teleports horses and final loot.]
GM: Technically only a few hours of daylight on day 60.
The start of adventure #3 will be Day 66. I figure
this day to be the 'leave day'. So if you want to
do a few skills then let me know. Otherwise you might
be good to rest for Adventure #3. If you DO NOT wish
to be in Adventure #3 let me know. I have emailed jordi
to see if he will. I will be lowering the number of
folks for the next adventure (maybe by 3). To make
the party smaller. Treasure won't be as great till
likely Adventure #6 or higher. So this will be the
last big haul for awhile. I hope to have Adv#3 a lot
shorter. This one lasted 20 months. Maybe less for
the next adventure. It will center around another
character like this one did Caladan more or less.
It may interfere with some plans already desired but
they can be redone. If you've not figured out Adventure
rather than Free Form is quicker for PBEMs. if we did
it all free form it would go on and on and on. It looks
like between Adv #3 and #4 I may wait till spring (a
few months) before that adventure lasts. So there might
be time to do bigger plans then. I suspect in terms of
game time the next adventure might only be a couple weeks
aside from travel time.
I will announce the party separation and how the loot will
return home on monday's update. This should be enough
update for now.
----------------------------------------------------
GM: There is some issues with treasure.
Is there an issue with Jordi getting an equal share?
He did leave us when life got hectic. I've emailed
him and gotten no replies. But maybe he just got
busy. I don't know if I'll have him in Adv#3. He
was going to be a vital part in Adv#9 or 10.
So ok to give him a share or should it be a reduced
share? He did not fully play in the Bova Raid or
the Fort Raid.
Is there a problem with Caladan's share?
He stayed behind since Chion couldn't take Jordi
and Caladan with him. Plus he was weak and had
to rebuild strength. He did help in the Bova
raid but not Fort Raid.
Figured I'd ask to be fair all around. If there
IS an issue let me know please.
Actions? Comments?
Next update Monday....
In theory I would like to start Adventure #3 by 12/1.
This will give folks a Thanksgiving break and me
a couple weeks to finish character sheets. If
I need to delay things let me know. Hope you
guys liked Adventure #2. Adventure #1's website
will be removed on 12/1 or start of #3.
BTW along with horses the party still has their own personal
horses. (See Roster at top) ie R3= Riding III. Etc.
In doing actions for the 6 days keep in mind you never know
what will occur next. :) Mana can be figured out from
update #131a in the mana report. Many are weak like Chion
at the end and need to build up. But if you want ot do
just skills let me know and your done with for this adventure.
More information about the pnpgm
mailing list