[pnpgm] Game update #137a - File #520 - Visions and an End
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Tue Nov 28 06:54:26 CET 2006
s
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 #137a in sequence (file #520)
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Admin notes: Hope everyone had a good USA Thanksgiving Day!
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[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra sees that both Unali and Chion would like the Sapphire
Ring and offers "Both of you have something that I could further
ensorcel to boost attributes. While I cannot boost them as much
as this ring could boost dexterity, <but I can boost an attribute
more than the ring boosts agility> I can provide more boost in
total if split amongst three attributes. Perhaps the one that
doesn't take the ring could get these boosts."
"I offer to enhance the sapphire in the ring...I enjoy getting
enhancing fine things. If both of you choose to take my offer
I suggest that someone else in the party take and wear the ring.
I myself would refuse to take the ring as it would conflict
with an attribute boosting ring I have already made for myself."
<She holds up a hand with several rings on her fingers.>
"If I enhance the sapphire in the ring it would leave open the
possibility that I could add other enchantments to the sapphire
sometime in the future, if asked."
GM: Ack. Thanks.
------------------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Hearing the words that Unali says says the following, "Perhaps
we should discuss our desires for the ring amoungst ourselves
and not within the party. It is clear that the magic it holds
enhances both our fighting and survivability. There is no reason
that we should not be able to figure something out. To the party
I would only state that there should be no question that I have
first choice and would take the ring over the necklace if not
for something else of value being offered." And with that he
will motion for her to walk beside him over to a clear area
apart from the group where they may talk.
In the clearing (because hey, everyone will hear of it eventually
- a group of friends this size... no secrets here) Chion will
converses with Unali, "It is very powerful. It is a hard thing
not to get angry when one should. It is a burden not bearable
by all.
You and I share respect for this burden. Your ability not to
hate people different from you is in no question and I appreciate
that about you greatly.
Likewise I think that no one's courage is in question in this
group." Adding, "Interestingly enough the Ruby and the Sapphire
share qualities which make this all mute. Except for the
enhancement of physical attributes which it has we would
probably not even be discussing this. I already have an amulet
which enhanced my flexibility slightly. I would like to replace
it with an item like this which would make me keenly agile
rather than, as some in the party seem to see me, big and
bulky. I would offer you the amulet I have (+8 AGI and I think
it is imm lvl 3 to earth powers) as well as the ruby necklace
if you are so inclined to have it at all. I am not inclined to
draw lots for this item, but I awate your reply."
GM: Ack.
------------------------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar also thanks Gib'borah for the talismans of friendship.
He nods to Cetric's invitation and says, "Yes, I have never
had a vision quest, but I would like to try."
GM: Ack.
------------------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion listens to Unali speak:
"We agree we are both courageous, brave and mostly fearless.
I fear Z'Leyra will not be able to enhance the ruby further as
it has already been worked (sorry, I just had to go re-read
the spell, eh? She can enhance it but not enchant it per the
description of the spells). I doubt we will find an item of
its quality for some time. I desire the ring as rememberance
of the castle. It will always remind me of the choice I made,
whomever keeps it. I do desire to keep it for this added reason,
however.
As to the amulet, I do think that any other person in our group
could use its protections. Had Caladan had it he may not have
taken his trip to the other side.
As far as compassion and understanding are concerned I would
ask you not to comment upon what you do not know of me. Having
more than is due is also a failing."
.... and the conversation continues ....
If she asks him directly why he thinks he has "first dibs" Chion
will state, "I left a note to that effect. They knew it, now you
know it."
GM: Ack.
------------------------------------
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
Unali answers:
"So you try to woe me with an item just as powerful and
practical as the ring, and now you tell me it is not. What
kind of trickery is this. If your preference for the ring
lies purely in the memories, you could always admire the
ring as it shines from my fingers. I expect that we will
travel a lot more together, so you won't be often out of
sight of the ring and you will be constantly reminded of
the memories you are so fond of."
"I could claim a stake of everything if I believed that the
world is mine, but I do not expect that any of us would honor
such a claim. Ah well, probably a megalomaniac man would, but
even then I doubt we should honor such a claim. We are all
in this together and there are no special rights. We can
always ask the group how they feel, and let them decide."
[We could go on for a few more rounds, and I think it would
add little. In the end Unali will settle for the Ruby and see
if Z'leyra can enhance it. Any enchantments to increase
characteristics probably have to be added to the sheath, if
Z'leyra is indeed willing to do so.]
GM: Ack. It could go to a party vote. So take ruby and let
Chion have Ring. Gotcha.
------------------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion engages Unali, "You mistake what I said for what you
heard. And I would have better luck wooing a cow than you, if
I could not return to my homeland in an instant when the wooing
mood struck me. Anyway, my preference with the ring lies
primarily with the choice, not the memory. If I should forget
the choice I would do us all a dis-service. And, while I have
little doubt that you would wear a man's ring well (Chion
raises an eyebrow with the verbal tit-for-tat, finally entering
into her frayed conversation), if the choice to seize power
comes upon you I would hope that you would seek to a lesser one.
Failing that pick, I will graciously allow you the ring, and
then we can share in a choice chosen opposite each other. Am I
to presume the treasure is yours or mine?"
GM: Ack. So what ? Your going to share the ring now? OR
are you giving it to her?
------------------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Since Z'leyra wasn't the one who originally cut the ruby she
will be able to do little more than enhance it. Same goes for
the sapphire. She won't be able to cast further magics into
the ruby or sapphire.The items she did make she will be able
to further enchant. She also has several belts she made that
she can enchant further.
Z'leyra helps those that ask her with suggestions, advice and
with actions.
Z'leyra volunteers for the vision quest.
She also volunteers to go to the great northern forest to
help and heal if she can.
"Any further suggestions about the Claw?"
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
GM: Wow. Who'd think a simple ring would be such a hot item.
This is where the medium of email and such has a problem.
Dickering over the item takes a long time. In a table
game this discussion would be over in 10-15 minutes. Usually
as a GM I flip coins, have them arm wrestle, fight to the
death (well maybe not) for items. Usually when a hot item
like the Ring comes up I print out on slips of paper the
info and give each player a copy to turn over at the same
time and first come is first dibs. Z'leyra was kind enough
to help resolve the issue by her magic. The above was
done publicly. I believe several emails went back and
forth and I got a couple CCed to me on this matter.
The issue of First Dibs has come up. The Ring was Ezams.
When Chion teleported high above the mountain it fell to
earth. Since Chion did kill Ezam and found the ring
technically first I believe that's where he is coming from
rather than finding it in a room. There has been some
horse trading of ruby over the ring and amulets for the
ring. It is possible I could've missed an email or two
between Chion, Z'leyra and Unali. But I hope not. I
hope I got a full picture on the discussion. Let's remember
also that magic items can conflict and in some cases override
other items by their powers.
In reviewing the email/discussion I came across this in
email:
"..than the necklace after such enchantments are placed on
it, so be it. Then I will take the fire of the earth and
you can wear the freedom of the forest on your hand. And
keep your amulet to shield from falling rocks, as it would
do neither of us any good. Maybe there is another man here
that could use it...."
That is from Unali. Do I then take it that Unali has
officially given up claim to the ring and will take
the fire (ruby?) and Chion take the sapphire ring? Please
clarify if I mis-read this. If this is the case then the
conflict is over. If not we'll have to dicker some more. :)
GM: I'm glad you two were able to work this out with
civilized tones. I know the powerful item is a hot one.
As a player I might've said give it to Unali since Chion
had claimed the ruby and has his powerful staff. But
as a GM I can't be that biased or I feel I shouldn't.
So I don't want to make the decision for you guys. I
hope you understand this. Maybe when the next hot item
comes about around adventure 4 or 5 Unali will get the
benefit of the first choice there? :) I'm a strong
believer in balance in everything. If one item is powerful
there should be a drawback. If a person gets more and
more toys or skills or powers he should be balanced with
not the typical 8 hpv npc but a pc class character to
deal with him. In one way giving the ring would give
balance to Unali by looking at both characters objectively.
But like I said I won't make that choice. I'm glad you
two came to a decision or so it seems if I read the above
correctly :) (I hope).
GM: This would mean the items go to -
Magic Dagger - Ben'dar
Magic Ring - Chion
Ruby Necklace- Unali [Enhanced by Z'leyra]
If I'm reading the above wrong please let me know. I hope
no one is disappointed by the decision and it makes issues
later down as it could make conflict between characters. Not
everything is "known" in my universe. Even perception might
not find that a item is cursed always. A magic Ring owned
by a vampire? Would one really want it? Would it maybe
be a beacon to other vampire? A cursed item? I even thought
about doing a King Solomon thing and halving it to see who
wanted it more :) Oh well. I'll hush now :)
GM: All right with today's posts 11/27 this means Unali
has officially taken the Ruby in exchange for giving the
Ring to Chion. So the above doesn't need to be confirmed.
Glad it was resolved. I did the above yesterday before
today's emails flew in. Too lazy to edit :) With Chion's
post today it seems he'll "allow" the ring. Unsure if this
means he gives the ring or shares it? Chion?
-------------------------------------------------------------
GM: Last chance to claim treasure is Friday. After that things
will be sold in future-spec. I'll then have a party share
total to add to each sheet but it will be in Moneylender
houses in Marentia. The books and scrolls will likely be
shipped to Kaylle in Malnon to be studied and translated.
If he finds them useful he will keep if not he will likely
buy off with the library's funds or his own funds.
-------------------------------------------------------------
GM: Character sheet update -
Heard from Strie'bog on CPs so gotta work on it.
About 5% done with Z'leyra's.
Those are the only 2 that are left. Hope to be done
by Friday.
-------------------------------------------------------------
[Chion's changes are in muscle mass as well. He seems stronger.
He also seems more eloquent in speaking than he did when
he started with the party. He is fully healed by day 61.]
-------------------------------------------------------------
[As the last few days come about Cetric has offered the party
the honor of a Vision Ritual. Some take him up on his
offer.]
[Balrog is hesitant but after he sees others do it and come
out well he finally wishes to do one. For him though
its more a factor of wanting to the know the immediate
future and his place in it. unfournately no vision comes
to him through the smoke. Three hours later he exits
in a disappointed walk.]
Thig: "So?"
Balrog: "Nothing. Not even a different color. That's my
future. Nothing...." [He turns to wander off by himself.]
---------------
[Ben'dar accepts the vision quest. Cetric personally
prepares the smoke with another warrior in the lodge. The
sun is high in the sky about 3pm. The lodge is dark with
the blankets covering the open walls. Only light filtering
in through the roof hole is seen but it is diffused from
the smoke. the fire pit roars high and soon the smoke blocks
out much of the light. From the design of the wooden structure
the size of 3 peasant homes it seems designed to filter the
smoke in swirls around the pattern. A skill or technique the
civilized world don't seem to understand or know. Cetric
explains to everyone the ritual could take hours to see anything.
Its common to be 3 hours or as long as 8 hours. It all depends
on the person and his beliefs and how the spirits deal with
him or her. A little over an hour into the ritual Ben'dar's
muscle begin to cramp as he sits indian style on the lodge
floor staring at the pit. Anger, disappointment, confusion
and distractions come through his mind. He thinks about the
ranch, the claw, Tef'wo, his people, how stupid this ritual
really seems to be and nothing is happening and even a girl
he meet in the village. Cetric did explain it helps to
have a blank mind in the ritual but Ben'dar tries to concentrate
as best he can. Suddenly as he stares into the fire with
smoke filled tears the smoke seems to turn green and a strange
hue of brown. Ben'dar's interest picks up and he tries to
clear his mind. Another 10 or 15 minutes later suddenly the
smoke seems to clear and part. The light above seems to fade
and a picture forms. As if the camera of a movie turns and
twists the picture shows a wide open area which looks just
like the plains. The sun is seen but the image swiftly seems
to fly over what could be miles of terrain. then as quickly
a village is seen. the image seems to slow down as warriors
are mounting horses, preparing weapons and those already
mounted are moving into position. The Image seems to circle
the village from all sides. then it moves to the head of
the line of warriors and there on a brown horse sits Ben'dar
with dragon fangs and wolf skin. With one hand he raises
a spear and seems to speak loudly but there is no volume
in the image. The image then turns as if seeing where Ben'dar
is seeing. The image then shifts fast to that direction
and over more plains. There in the distance is a small band
of warriors. Numbers are hard to tell but it could be 50?
All the riders seem to be riding fast. The image closes into
the other side's leader apparently. First it shows the horse
a coal black horse with long mane. Ben'dar gasps when he
sees the necklace Tef'wo wears and this horse must be Tef'wo?
The image shifts to the rider who is wearing chain and carrying
a heavy sword in his sheath. But as the image rolls upward
to the face smoke swirls inward and the image quickly fades.
Ben'dar gasps for air as he seems to have forgotten to breathe.
He has never seen a vision quest before. What does this mean?
Cetric did say it could be fact or it could be symbolic?
The smoke fades from brown and green to white and gray. It
continues to boil upward as the light comes back into the
lodge. Ben'dar looks around and sees no one else here and
that means only he saw the vision. He stands and exits with
some hesitation. Could there be more visions? Somehow he
doubts it....]
Farseeker: "You ok? You look green. Did you see something?"
[Ben'dar looks at Farseeker and wonders if he should tell
him or not....]
------------------
[Caladan explains that he has had a couple of rituals
before and has not seen anything worth talking about.
Only a white albino eagle in the sky. He doesn't
join in the rituals this time.]
------------------
[Jordi, Kasha, Thig and Xian try to join in the rituals.
At 3, 4, 6 and 3 hours each they exit in disappointed
manners not seeing anything.]
------------------
[Trembyl does not join in. He explains to Cetric.]
Trembyl: "Being an illus-- I mean having the ability to
show...I mean I have a ..talent for not seeing visions.
For some reason the gods gave me the power to see
through visions. Even such as these. I doubt I
would see anything."
[He didn't want to explain being an Illusionist as that
was one trick he used during his Dagger Test. While
Cetric wouldn't get upset it would be best not to explain
how Trembyl passed the test...]
------------------
GM: Chion and Unali didn't say if they were going to do the
ritual.
------------------
[Strie'bog does take in the Ritual and enters the lodge.
After 2.5 hours he exits with a even greener face.]
GM: His vision is emailed per his request.
------------------
[Farseeker removes his weapons and heavy armor. He feels
naked doing so as he enters the Lodge. Three warriors
are there stacking new firewood. He becomes sad when
he thinks the firewood wasted in this ritual could be used
this winter. But he assumes they have a good supply likely
from the north woods. He rather not refuse their hospitality
so he sits down indian style and waits for them to leave.
Two hours into the ritual he begins to tire and gets sleepy
from the hypnotic fire. But another 5 minutes later the
smoke seems to turn into a static blue as if charged with
lightning. Farseeker wakes up fully and clears his mind.
The smoke seems to build and build up faster than it can
seem natural. It clouds everything the lodge and soon only
gray and white is seen in a dense fog. Farseeker begins
to cough but then finds the fog clear. Farseeker finds
himself walking on a rough terrain that could be hills or
mountains? Maybe plains? It looks near sunset. He is
carrying a bloody great sword and sees his armor damaged
and blood stained. He turns and around him are numerous
bodies. Maybe 30-40. Also among the bodies seem to be
black rods or staffs or pieces of wood. its hard to tell.
Among the bodies are also dead black snakes? He looks around
and for yards and yards in the twilight sees no one else
alive but him. He looks for friends but sees just bodies
in various shapes. No one seems familiar. He begins to
turn as if in a panic and checks the bodies each one. After
the 9th body he comes up across a shaven man with no face
or head hair. He seems red faced with tattoos all over his
body and arms. He backs away and checks bodies. This
seems to go on and on..until the smoke boils back over and
the fog creeps back in. Farseeker sits and stares. He begins
to breathe and try to understand the vision. The fog clears
just to the fire pit. Another 45 minutes when no other
vision comes he exits the lodge dazed and confused.]
Xian: "See anything?"
Farseeker: "Just a battle site. With bodies."
Xian: "Not much of a vision. Do you recognize the site?"
Farseeker: "No. So it could be in the future? I don't know.
It could be just symbolic in nature. Who knows. too bad
we can't ask the gods about these visions but that might
be asking for double jeopardy."
------------------
[Z'leyra wishes to enter into a vision quest. Unlike the
others it seems the spirits come to the lodge quickly
with the great incense burning. It only takes 35 minutes
before the smoke clears to a crystal clear view. From
white smoke to coal black the image looks as if its night.
It takes about 2 minutes before it seems like the image
is moving and shifting. When Z'leyra's eyes adjust she
sees what could look like walls of buildings moving
back at a walking or running pace. Then the image
rounds a corner and a street at night is seen. A
veiled figure in black comes into the scene around
the corner as if walking through the vision. Only
the dim lights of closed windows of a house nearby
shines on the street. What could be a shop is seen
to the right but dark. The veiled man who is very
tall turns and for the first time the image shows his
face but it is covered in a cowl. Only blue eyes
or rather the flicker of a set of blue eyes is seen.
Nothing else is seen by the image. The veiled man
turns and a man appears walking toward him. the
man is short and seems to be dressed in fine silks and
carrying a short sword in a sheath. The man stops
uncertain of the figure and looks around then approaches.
The man speaks Donaran which Z'leyra seems to know.
"Is it done?". The man speaks in a tongue Z'leyra does
not but it looks like he nods. The shorter man then
with a slight hand gives the veiled figure a coin bag.
The veiled figure simply pockets it in his dark robe
without counting it. The Veiled man speaks more words.
The short man replies "Ticasi? Why?". More words are
spoken. "No. We will get back to you on her.". Then
down the street shuffling feet is heard as a drunk is
heard singing some slurred song in Donaran. The image
turns back to the other side of the street to find the
veiled man gone and the short man walking away as the
darkness overcomes the vision again. Z'leyra wakes
up fast from her trance and tries to understand the
vision before her...]
-------------------------------------------------------
GM: Sorry for this hodgepodge update. I did the bulk
last night and some tonight. So with the slew of
posts today I had to add and change things. But
was too lazy to edit some sections. :)
This is enough for part 1 which tackles alot of the
past. Part 2 will deal with the future...
GM: I posted teh visions above since no one requested them
in private. Course I forgot to ask. But let's assume
I did :). If you share them with the party you can
otherwise they can remain in character to you only.
Actions? Comments?
Stay tuned for Part 2 coming up...
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