[pnpgm] Game Update #69 - File #359 - Communication Begins...
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Wed Aug 27 04:46:41 CEST 2008
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R1 Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
-- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe
Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R? J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R4 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog),
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 darktech.org
Game Update #69 in sequence (file #359)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
It wasn't meant to be private...it was meant for everybody to
hear, but maybe not be heard on the other side of the door!
Kiet will join Bendar and hand him the spear. "Thank you, my
barbarian friend. I felt I needed that outside to keep the
flying creeps away, but in here it seems to be a hinderance."
Kiet then grabs one of his ropes, and advances to find Fremea.
Out loud, and in Katai "Little One, let us go by the fire, rest,
and get warm."...repeat in Lemasan.
GM: Ack. Just making sure it was private or public in terms
of voice level.
----------------------------------
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
<Solid metal man size would weight a lot, even with lighter
metals, most likely 7.5 times a similar sized man, 2 to 20 times
is possible but unlikely. But worse even weapons would not fair
well if physics is used, especially if similar 'hardness'. And
yes fists can only do so much in real life. Though exceptions
exist if you can approach the speed of sound, then the air
cushion can do the damage and add protection at the same time.
That is how a bladed whip can cut plate armor for example.
There are other tricks like impulses that can increase damage at
lower risks, but all have their problems.... So judo is better
for hand to hand, smash it against ground not fists etc. But thats
martial arts, so poor Raban has a bit less for options? So maybe
he can just immobilize it in a strength contest? >
[Raban follows the ladies inside, unconcerned until he hears
mention of a Man, but still not too worried as He seems to have
invited us in. Of course that does not mean you can trust your
host, just that things will start out a bit more civilized.]
<Position near enough to protect the ladies if needed and watch
the potential enemies.>
[Smiling quite friendly, Raban thanks his host with a short bow..
Raban (in Xianese) "Thank you for your gracious invitation to
enter your fine abode during this bout of foul weather." <Should
be more 'pretty' but cant quite think of what to say. Language
choice was for most fluent, since at the moment no language that
works is known>
<You need a UPS with surge for phone or LAN. Then small power
outages are no problem.>
GM: Ack. No. UPS is fine in some areas but not needed here. I
ran a BBS for over 20 years - computer was online 24/7/365.
I rarely saw power outages and still do. Last week was maybe
it for the last 5 years I recall. So not worth it. Our
power company is pretty reliable for this area. Confused though
I don't see Xianese on your sheet? :)
----------------------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Upon seeing the bearded man and hearing his words, Ben'Dar
cautiously enters the room, pike conspicuously at the ready. He
eyes the soft- looking man only briefly, not bothering to hide
the scorn in his eyes. His eyes stop at the other, seeing that
he may be a worthy opponent. He moves over near Caladan. Hearing
Raban's response to the foreign words, he mutters in Marentian,
"Can you understand them, Raban? What do they want?"
If hostilities break out, Ben'Dar will engage the armored man.
GM: Ack.
----------------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra smiles as she takes a couple steps and stops while
listening to the man. With the butt of her staff on the floor
she transfers the staff to her left hand (leaving it vertical)
and waves hello (using sign language). Inclining her head briefly
in a nod of greeting she says "Hello. I am Z'leyra and these are
my friends." Indicating those behind her with her hand. "I hope
that you will excuse our intrusion. Do you speak <language in
use>?"
The <language in use> will first be Katai, after a seconds pause
to see if they appear to understand she will continue on to repeat
the phrases in each of the non-supernatural languages she knows
if/when it appears that they don't.
If they do not appear to understand any of the languages she
speaks she will make sure she is in range and cast Bal Communicate
EL0 (thru her staff) then repeat the phrases once again.
If attacked she fights defensively with her staff.
GM: Ack.
----------------------------------
From Raban: [Re: Reply to Ben'dar]
Raban turns to Ben'Dar and replies in Marentian, "I am sorry,
but no I did not understand them. I just thanked them for letting
us enter in my native language. We may need to try anything we
know."
GM: Ack.
----------------------------------
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
As Fremea enters the room, she will take in all her normal info
(skill wise), making sure of any important info, along with the
magic that is on the people. After the man speaks, she will cast
communicate (EL2) to make sure she can understand him and talk to
him.
Otherwise, she will have her bow "handy", though not out.
GM: Ack.
----------------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Actions]
Chion will move up to the opposite side of the door from the
Metal man and presume a similar pose as the metal man.
GM: Ack. Not sure where this is since no specific coordinates
so hope I move you ok.
----------------------------------
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Before the door is opened Arawn moved away from the statue, a
thoughtful look on his face. He took note of the markings he saw,
including the new one, jotting them down on paper. Several
thoughts crossed his mind but he accepted that he currently did
not have the time to fully explore some of these ideas.
"The markings... they change. I do not recognize it but there is
one, a mark that in many variations has appeared in primordial
writings. It denotes something akin to power or godhood and it
shifted from unaligned to an ancient symbol of chaos. I don't
know if it represents the statue, the sculptor, or something
else. I wish I had more time to study it...
------------------------------------------------------------
When the door was opened Arawn was near the rear, his wrap damp
and covering his ears. As the unusual words drifted through the
air Arawn thought over the stories of the past and the mark on
the statue. He thought it would be a gamble that could backfire
if there were ancient hostilities but he proceeded to speak in
the oldest language he knew, Sidh.
"We come in peace but do not understand your language. Will you
allow me to establish mystical translations between us? Please
nod if you understand."
If they don't seem to understand/react to this then he'll attempt
to use Elven Communication to establish contact and try for the
same message.
GM: Ack. To clarify. Change is not like a morphing change as
you watch the markings. Its like a picture you stare at and
you see one thing but when you step back you notice its not
a vase but two heads looking at each other. Perspectives
seem to change and perceptions not the actual markings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4.
[Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands, 9 Miles up, Flying Island]
[Time: 10:13am]
[Before the door is opened by the metal man....]
[Arawn finishes studying the statue and moves back with a thoughtful
look on his face. Arawn wishes he has time to make notes of the
markings on paper but before he could get the paper out the metal
man moves to the door and opens it. Z'leyra moves forward and
time seems to hasten the party onward. Arawn speaks quietly to
the party members.]
Arawn: "The markings... they change. I do not recognize it but
there is one, a mark that in many variations has appeared in
primordial writings. It denotes someting akin to power or godhood
and it shifted from unaligned to an ancient symbol of chaos. I
don't know if it represents the statue, the sculptor, or
something else. I wish I had more time to study it..."
[Z'leyra gets to the door but the man speaks and she tries to hear
both Arawn and him. Something about chaos perks her attention to
Arawn before she turns and enters the room.]
---------------------------
[Time: 10:14am]
[The Bearded Man speaks.]
Man: "Tufa. Ma'llum kor'gah'a ue. Mno'uti ue vulo Ma'll torz'u?"
[Raban moves toward the wooden door into the room. As he passes the
metal man he turns and glances at it smiling a wistful smile. He
looks closer into the hard cold black metal eyes of the metal man,
nothing more than rounded metal shapes, and tries to gleam some
idea of the being. But nothing is gained or lost in the exchange.
Raban changes from his imposing height and bearing to ward off the
metal man to a simpler demeanor upon entering the room's threshold
A shift in body language that has treated him well over years.
Never know when one needs to look threatening and the next woo the
ladies. A broad smile beams from his face as he scans the room
quickly and looks at the two men. Stepping into the room a few
paces he bows as best his frame can do. Speaking in Xianese he
speaks out loud.]
Raban: "Thank you for your gracious invitation to enter your fine
abode during this bout of foul weather."
[Kiet sees Ben'dar about to move and grabs his arm. Ben'dar twirls
around confused and cautious. Kiet hands him the spare spear.
Ben'dar slightly frustrated for such timing takes it and places it
as best he can with his other stuff.
Kiet: "Thank you, my barbarian friend. I felt I needed that
outside to keep the flying creeps away, but in here it seems to
be a hindrance."
[Ben'dar nods and turns toward the door.]
[Ben'dar starts toward the room behind Raban. he hears the strange
bearded man speak his foreign words. Stepping to the right to
avoid the metal man he enters the room and looks around briefly.
Only two against the party it should be quite an easy battle it if
came to it. He is wary and cautious as normal. With pike in hand
he steps near Raban and whispers. He speaks in Marentian.]
Ben'dar: "Can you understand them, Raban? What do they want?"
[Still smiling Raban turns to Ben'dar and replies in Marentian.]
Ben'dar: "I am sorry, but no I did not understand them. I just
thanked them for letting us enter in my native language. We may
need to try anything we know."
[Ben'dar nods and moves left behind Z'leyra. In passing he eyes
the bearded man briefly but stops to the right of Caladan. He eyes
intently the other figure thinking he'd be first target if battle
came.]
[Kiet enters the room and looks for Fremea and heads her way. He
holds a small portion of rope at his hand on his belt. Caladan
looks over to see Kiet enter and holding the rope. He sighs
thinking that shows a clear sign of intent. "We are here to
capture and tie you up" sort of message. Caladan sighs and looks
back toward the fireplace. Kiet speaks to Fremea in Katai.]
Kiet: "Little One, let us go by the fire, rest, and get warm."
[Kiet then repeats the same thing in Lemasan.]
[Z'leyra studies the room and the two men intently as the others
join in behind and to her sides. She ignores their whispers and
their comments. She smiles and shifts her staff to her left hand
and with her right hand she uses sign language to say hello. She
inclines her head in a greeting. She knows in her status in
Marentian society one may not properly bow to a lesser person or
be offended or mis-understood. One should always bow to a higher
status person. But this person is hard to read. So in those cases
protocol dictates to bow with the head. In Katai she speaks after
her hands finish the sign language.]
Z'leyra: "Hello. I am Z'leyra and these are my friends." [With her
hand she waves to those on her right.] "I hope that you will
excuse our intrusion. Do you speak Katai?"
[She pauses to see their reaction then repeats the above in several
more languages. Next Aratad. She pauses and thinks briefly on
Climan. Could that reveal more than she wants? But she tries and
sees no reaction. Next Donaran. She figures no use trying Eagle
and Horse. She then tries Kameri, Katai, Marentian, Salaqi, Vassa
and finally Zen'dali. In all it takes almost two minutes for her to
speak the various languages and give enough pause for a reaction.]
[Chion walks forward toward the door but shifts right so not in
the direct line of the door. Moving to the wall to the right
of the door he stops and puts his back to it. He hears Z'leyra
speak various languages and recognizes only a few.]
[Unali enters the room and passes by Chion and nods to him. She
goes behind the glass table and to the left of it. She eyes the
doors to the north and scans the room for tactical details.]
[Kiet tries to motion for Fremea to join him near the fire but as
they move forward the non-bearded man puts his hand to his sword
and glares at Kiet. The bearded man looks over with some disgust
Kiet notices this obvious "do not move further" body language
and halts. Best not to start battle before talk can be finished
first. Kiet and Fremea settle down a few feet closer but it seems
the no-crossing line is the north couch. When Kiet stops the
non-bearded man rests his hand to his side from his sword.]
[Arawn stands back and watches the others enter. The time that
quickly passes is enough time to jot down the markings on paper
and make notes. He is glad to hear Z'leyra stalling or making
some odd conversation in multiple languages. He quickly puts the
scribings away, hoping that the few seconds of writing is enough,
Moving toward the door he realizes he is last to enter. He
ensures his ears are covered and enters the room. In the last two
minutes he hasn't heard the bearded man speak again. It seems
the half dozen spoken languages so far hasn't been recognized at
all. Taking a great risk of revealing himself as a Sidh he
considers using the ancient language of Sidh. The language
has been around well before mankind existed. Before humans even
formed languages. Just maybe this believed-to-be ancient place
might understand it. In a slow and purposeful tone he speaks the
Sidh words upon entering the room.]
Arawn: "We come in peace but do not understand your language. Will
you allow me to establish mystical translations between us? Please
nod if you understand."
[The others stand silently and wait for some reaction. Suddenly the
door behind the party closes and a clank as heard as it seems the
metal man has moved slightly. As the door closes the metal man
stares at Chion. But seems unconvinced or bothered. He stares for
a few seconds and then seeing Chion not wanting to enter the room
takes up position on the other side of the door and stands with
arms to the sides. A couple seconds pass and then it turns the
metal-head south to look at the main entrance door with that bored
look it seems to give.]
------------------------------
[Time: 10:16am]
[The bearded man stands tall and looks at each person quickly. He
briefly covers Ben'dar and eyes the pike ready in a big threatening
move. He eyes Caladan with vague disinterest. His eyes spend twice
as long looking at Fremea and her wings. But its clear to those
seeing that its not shock but more surprise. That tells something
to the party that maybe he is used to flying creatures and figures
Fremea to be just another one. Maybe this is the owner of the
flying creatures outside indeed. He eyes Kiet only for a second
and then turns to Raban. His eyes go up and down the tall man
assessing the man for something. He glances over to Unali on his
right and eyes Unali briefly then glances to the other man in some
slight eye contact. The man then turns to look at Z'leyra and
notices the staff, the bags, the drum, the sword, the helmet and
tries to al take it in. To most Z'leyra has to be a warrior mage
of some sort. Her staff is too ornate and the sword and armor too
clear. But the drum is where most outsiders are confused. It
could mean she is a entertainer or a shaman. Few outside barbarian
lands actually see Shamans so most tend to believe the entertainer
link. But most entertainers carry the drum in a bag not the hip.
After 3 seconds Arawn enters and gives his quick speech. This
draws the bearded man's attention to Arawn.]
[The man shifts from one foot to the other. Upon hearing Arawn
he looks to the other man slightly and then back to arawn. No
sign of emotion is seen but it is clear he is deep in thought.
Then he begins to speak.]
Bearded-Man: "You are not the one I am expecting. Identify yourself
now."
[Z'leyra, Fremea and Arawn all understand him. Then they realize
he is using the tongue of the sidh language. Fremea and Z'leyra
were just about to cast spells to communicate but it seems some
joint language might be used now.]
[The other man speaks in the other language a few words and the
bearded man nods and says something but it is not understood.]
[Arawn is shocked by the sudden use of the supernatural language
being used here. It is difficult to understand how this human,
clearly not a sidh, should know such a language. The evidence
doesn't make sense. Chaotic creatures, Chaotic statues and now
sidh language? No. This should not be mixed here in this place
at this time. What does that tell Arawn? It means this place and
his idea of this place could be turned upside down. Who is this man
using this language and with a Chaos statue in his foyer? The man
should be killed for such disgrace of the ancient tongue. But then
he realizes it is ancient. Used before human kind had formed
language families of their own. Maybe this person has learned it
from that time? This puts the whole idea of alignment conflicts
up in the air.]
[Ben'dar hears a new version of language and looks to Arawn but sees
no emotion. He glances to the right and see Fremea slightly
surprised by it. Ben'dar is smart enough to know that both are
Sidh. Maybe he is now talking in a sidh tongue. For once he
wishes he knew more languages. He doesn't understand any of it.
He turns around and continues to study the Other Man ignoring the
bearded man. He wonders what armor the man has under his tight
clothing. He then smirks knowing it can't be tougher than his.]
[Caladan leans on his staff and watches the various languages spoken
but doesn't understand much of them. He is tempted to ask some
questions like "Sir, is that your pets outside? Someone left their
cages open." But thinks better of it. He watches the fireplace and
finds the fire rather comfortable to him.]
[From the closed door, Chion can hear muffled talking from inside.
This time the bearded man must be speaking again. It seems it is
not gibberish this time. He can hear something like "You are..
am...now." Chion looks to the right to the metal-man and it
seems unfazed by the new event.]
[Fremea finishes studying the room and the two men and finds that
understanding the man is a bit of a shock. Did the man cast some
communicate spell or is he using a language? If spell she noticed
no aura of anything come from the man. That could mean that the
man could block magic detection or it is a language indeed. Her
attention is drawn away from the fire onto the man who is now
speaking. She wonders if she should speak or let Z'leyra and
Arawn speak as spokesman.]
[Raban's smile fades slightly when the man replies directly back
to Arawn. Does that mean he can understand Arawn now? For
some reason Raban's ears only makes out "You...I am..." There
must be some language that shares common words but the rest of
the message is gibberish.]
[Unali studies the orange-sunset-color-red walls for any signs of
tactical information like arrow slits or such but finds none of
that obvious defensive measures. She finds this room to be a bad
tactical situation. Three entry doors allow fast escape but if
the party is trapped it is like shooting ducks in a water cage.
She knows that first hand since a mean cousin used to do that very
thing for laughs. She glances over and unlike the others notices
that Chion is not here. He never entered the room and finds it a
bit odd and becomes concerned. Then she remembers he was interested
in the butler. Maybe he is still outside watching it. But being
alone is not a good thing to be out in the foyer. She realizes
that no one else seems to have noticed his disappearance.]
[Kiet fingers the rope near his hands and finds the whole situation
confusing. He has entertained at estates owned by nobles before.
But hosts don't walk around their castles or estates armed. Not
unless there is a siege outside or threats or expecting unknown
guests. Maybe this man is expecting some person and is armed
for that fact. But who is he expecting and why?]
[Z'leyra understands the words spoken by the bearded man and sighs.
She didn't try a supernatural language since it could give away
more than she wanted to. Arawn walks in and uses it right away
and gets a response. What does that mean? She wonders why her
host doesn't direct them to seats or offers the fireplace. Could
this man be a lowly guard of this place or the master?]
Actions/ Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Sorry for delay. After seeing Middleman at 12 last night my
brain decided to go on vacation. So I couldn't complete it
with some manner of making sense. Also it seems my proof-reader
is sick so hope it is not huge mistakes. :)
GM: Some emails to people coming soon.
GM: The man seems to speak Tongue of the Sidh. For those who know
basic Elf or Faerry sidh might have a slight chance of
understanding. It will require concentration and skill checks.
I figure the Tongue generates the sub languages as a family tree
of languages. So being related there should be common words but
not 100% link to total understanding. So for Z'leyra, Fremea
and Arawn it is total understanding. For those who know Elf /
Faerry it might be hit and miss. For neither then no
understanding at all.
GM: Chion hope your map position as your last email indicates. If
not give me a coordinate.
GM: Will still do a Friday update if there is enough posts. At this
point it will probably be alot of talking between the three and
the man. So this means few if any actions for those who don't
understand. So I won't expect much from you guys. If Alex and
John wish to decide who wishes to do the main speaking decide in
email. Otherwise both of you guys (and Fremea) can talk all you
want. For those with little possible actions in this situation
you don't have to post if you don't want to, just to let me
know your standing around. :) I'm trying to fill up the
updates with some filler-introspections but at this point
it'll be small updates per se. :)
Legend - North /|\
1 Row = 2 feet
1 Column = 2 feet
° = Solid wall or earthen rock
/ or \ = Door
,, = Stone Steps
I = Stone wall
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[1st Floor]
[Ceiling here is about 10 feet high.]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
Fireplace
\I/
I _/\______________/\__ Z
I I \~~~~/ I aa
I Room A I 1 @I <Cabinet bb
$ -->I 2 * * @I cc
I I * * I <Chairs dd
I I [====] I ee
I I * R F I ff
I Table -->I ### CB Z N K I gg
I I U### I hh
I I * [=====]I <Couch ii
I I_________/\_________I I jj
I I M H / I I I kk
I I \_____I I I ll
I I $$ I I mm
I \ ___/\I $$ I I nn
I / I I oo
I I [[[..I pp
I________I_____________/\_____________________[[[..I qq
Main Door
R - Arawn [ff22] B - Ben'dar [gg21]
C - Caladan [gg20] H - Chion [kk25]
F - Fremea [ff30] K - Kiet [gg28]
N - Raban [gg26] U - Unali [hh15]
Z - Z'leyra [gg24]
M - Metal-Man [kk22] [Last known position]
$$ - Statue [mm28-29/nn28-29]
1 - Bearded Man [bb23] 2 - Other Man [cc19]
GM: All Doors currently closed in the room.
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