[pnpgm] Game update #16b - File #19 - Let the Adventure Begin!
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Wed Jan 16 05:55:21 CET 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
W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe
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 #16b in sequence (file #19)
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Admin notes: Let the Adventure Begin!
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[Recap] - None
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[New Stuff]
[Marqi 29, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
Location: Sivas, Marentia.]
[Spring in Marentia quickly comes to the city nested among the
low lands of the free trade city of Sivas. Winter has been mild
to Marentia with only heavy snows in the eastern mountains and
typical snow drifts in the western plains of Marentia. Maren has
seen snow a few times this winter while Sivas has only seen hard
freezes and the occasional lake effect snow from Lake Sivas.
Malnon has seen only low temperatures but suffered the least.
Cholchara on the other hand has seen many inches of snow this
winter making river traffic harder at certain spots. But as
temperatures slowly rise and spring begins to set in the cities
become busy again with normal activity. The nobility returns
to their spring and summer homes while farmers return to their
farms for spring harvest. On a regional level Marentia has only
had to deal with a few incidents including a nasty diplomatic
disaster when the rarely seen Teosian Diplomat visited but was
poisoned by bad food. Despite that a gem trade deal was brokered
by the King. As with most winter hard times pirate activity in
the Sea of Tears declined as naval patrols increased. Reports of
only a few dozen pirate attacks are heard over the winter. the
biggest issue for King Maros has been the L'p'nthian internal
problems that lead to their citizens and some military crossing
the north west borderlands coming as close as 300 miles to the
capital in some incidents. The surge of refugees causes villages
and mountain towns to move for safety and only to return as spring
comes about. Even the generals and admirals who feared a possible
war with Clima over the "summer incident" on Clima saw no war come
just their budgets increase for military buildup.
On the Zen'da Plains the winter was typical with hard freezing
temperatures and low food amounts. Three blizzards did occur
around Caladan's village. For one full day no one in his village
could do anything but stick around the lodge fires. But as
the spring comes new game from the western forests, southern
mountains and eastern hills enter back on the plains for new
migrations. Typically spring comes a few weeks later here than
in Marentia. For the Zen'da culture the winter saw no major
incidents aside from the occasional horse thief or villager
desperate enough for food to steal it. Only in the Western
Tribes of the plains did they see major border incidents with
the forest people. For Caladan's village they are buffered by
other tribes so saw no incidents but heard the occasional report
of L'p'nth border disputes and skirmishes where refugees tried
to settle on Zen'dan land. Usually dealt with by the Ser'manda
tribes. With spring however border disputes on the plains seems
to always pick up with poachers and bandits.
For the Vassa the winter has been typical as well. Winter saw
snow about 40% of the time on a average week. At one point
a northern blizzard forces residents into the Sacred Forest
which keeps a warmer climate than the outside. This overflow
of people was coordinated by Bohusara, Miklav, Mertz, Arawn,
Strie'bog and others. The Vassa are well aware of hard
winters so always do their hunting in preparation for food
storage in the fall. Most were able to live on these store
houses of food. But several villages underestimated or
found their food rotten. Arawn and others has to help them
during this time to survive. Spring up in this northern
area typically takes a month longer to come than in Marentia.
For the Vassa incidents are typical in winter more than in
summer times. As Humagi and other folks need food and wood
for fires they typically will poach from the forest region.
Vigilance and constant patrols are needed by the Protectors
of the forest. During the winter months hundreds of minor
incidents occur all along the thousand plus mile border of
the forest. Some as minor as taking of wood to as major as
raids on villages for food with deaths on both sides.
This is why most Vassa live deep inside the forest a good
40 or more miles away from the border. A special watch
is done at the eastern cabin the party had a combat at.
But no Humagi return that winter aside from a week after
the party left. Then the Shaman protected and took the
spirits of the dead. Villagers plan on rebuilding the
cabin as it is used for both a emergency shelter and as
a observation post for the plains but it won't be rebuilt
until spring is well underway.
Arawn of course returned to Sivas with the party to search
for materials to repair his items and for trade for other
items. Chion would then teleport back up to the Vassa forest
when Chion went to train with Cetric. In the forest he had
a few incidents but the most deadly was with a Daoine Sidhe
that almost killed him. Since Strie'bog and others heard
about this its well known to the party eventually. But
from the attack Arawn earned a Elven bow and magical sword.
Arawn spent many nights and days with his fellow Sidh including
the True Sidh at the Faerry Hill who he considers to be
important as his father is their king. He felt a duty to
bridge that gap to meet with the True Sidhe to deal with personal
issues and learn from them as well. Arawn tried to investigate
the Gray Creatures but failed to learn vital information from
his magic at the cabin or lake Oca. He was simply just too
late to learn what he might have if he hadn't returned to
Marentia earlier. But in the time being he did increase in
more power as he trained with Bohusara, Miklav, Mertz, Strie'bog,
Thig and other Druids in magic and combat. When he does return
to Sivas he is found to be bigger with muscle and more confident
in his abilities. At first he seemed like a duck out of water
being in the Middle World but something has changed in him and
now he seems more confident as to some ultimate reason for being
here. He returns to Sivas not only with one but two Elven Bows
among his other equipment. During the time in Sivas he tries
to gain more items including shopping for magical items and
natural items. But as the party warns him not to wear his
face wrap that covers all but his eyes to onlookers he is stopped
by guards twice. One incident they thought him female as some
females from other cultures hide their face. In the other they
thought, and as most would, a thief or bandit with his face
wrapped in a rich district. Unali learns of this incident
from Aren's network of street contacts. The party continues
to warn Arawn that face wraps only make folks nervous and
bad conclusions will be made in most civilized areas other
than maybe the Rogizini Empire where Face wraps might be common.
Duke Aren Solest or just Aren to some in the party spent the
Fall and Winter catching many of the Climan spies that
Suresh helped to locate with the party's information when
they returned from Clima. Upwards of 3 dozen spies were
found and imprisoned with 5 dozen more supporters in their
network most of which were from Malnon and Sivas. As head
of Marentian's Intelligence Service his MIS agents took
down many of the nation's enemies. Later with the help
of Unali Aren was able to take down a major Climan network
not known by his MIS agents. Including a powerful merchant
who was helping the enemy with operational support. While
Aren was given the credit for the raids and captures he
never took it as he would only give credit to his MIS agents
and Unali. In the spring many MIS agents would be promoted
from street contacts to higher positions. The last time
the party saw Aren was recently at the tavern when he paid
for a round of drinks days ago after the network was taken down.
Balrog the Thief returned some 6 months ago with Kasha and
others. Once tempted to get gold he found himself now with
gold from the Ezam castle raid. Since he no longer had need
for that he got a simple job helping with horses and stables.
Occasionally visiting Ben'dar's ranch. As winter progressed
he found himself enthralled by a girl and now spends most
of the time with her. Last time most saw him was about a month
ago in Maren city when Unali spotted him in a market area.
Ben'dar has of course spent his winter on his Dragon Tooth
Steed ranch. During the short three months and three months
spent in the north the ranch has grown. Ben'dar hired more
staff to a total of 47 and almost tripled his horses to
a total of 47 now. While some ranches on the plains might
have a hundred horses Ben'dar finds his ranch growing well
in the first 6 months. Ben'dar spent most of his time on
the ranch or Maren city with some rare trip to Sivas for
a meeting at the tavern. He considers telling Z'leyra
of one incident on the streets of Maren where he chased
a Jinn that resembled the one that attacked Z'leyra months
ago in her hotel room. But the Jinn got away leaving Ben'dar
clueless as to why it was in the city. Aside from Ranch
business he has had a decent winter visiting folks like Xian
and Unali at their places.
Bohusara in the winter months has spent most of the time with
the Sacred Forest doing preparations for the Winter hardships.
Outside that she has spent time with her son catching up and
recalling the past. As spring approaches she will return to
her own cabin for homage to the forest. Arawn and Thig notice
a slight draining on Bohusara over the time they spend with
them that the party didn't with their short time. Miklav
reports that the death of Strie'bog's father was hard on her
and the forest and has left something out of her. It is
rumored that Strie'bog's quest is to find a cure for that hole.
Caladan since his Resurrection by Cetric has spent the winter
regaining his strength. While some of his past nature is
gone forever he has regained his full ability and confidence.
Chion, Cetric, Caladan and Gib'borah are happy to learn that
no villager suspects the resurrection. On one hand they
would see Caladan as one who battled death and lived others
would see him as a liability and disfavored by the spirits.
Caladan would help his father with tribal matters over
the winter and coming spring time. He would consider going
to see Woundenal his master in the mountains but decided
not to at this time.
Cetric would spend the winter busy coordinating food storage
for the hard winter and tribal matters. When Chion would
return to train with him Cetric got clear agitation from
many in the tribe and many outside the tribe. Elders, Warriors
and other Shamans saw Chion as a outsider and should not be
trained. But in the end Cetric felt guilty for capturing
the party and so felt obligated to train Chion. But as the
months drew on he saw a perverse fun in training Chion up
against the others. Maybe it was just human nature to buck
the system or something else?
Chion would return from the Vassa over a thousand miles as
if going across the street. Once the party was back home
he would soon leave to the plains and train as a Shaman under
Cetric. The bulk of his training was spent in the basic
apprenticeship rites and rituals. He would then learn a few
spells to help out in the future. On his Tonah search he
would find one or rather it would find him. Upon returning
to Marentia he looks the same but a few bigger muscles adding
to his large mass. The only obvious change seems to be
bones hanging from a leather string on his belt. From the
size of the bones they look to be giant bones. Chion says
they are Ogre bones and it is used as his shamanic focus like
Z'leyra uses her drum. Z'leyra is surprised to learn bones
could be used as such but it seems it can be. Of course to
others who would know they were a focus for shamanic energy
like her drum?
After his injury in Climan Cholan's hands would never seem
to heal or be healed. Seeing he best healers in the land
including Z'leyra but no one can help. The fire damage
seems to have done more mental than physical damage. Cholan
has learned to live with the injury and use it to his advantage.
Since then he has been a sailor on Damon's ship and helped with
the tavern. Rumors are that the tavern owner may retire
and Cholan may buy the Green Eye from him. The party was
surprised to find him married to Kes the barmaid who he seemed
to like for some time.
Damon since he got the Climan captured ship from king Maros
as his gift has used it ever since. Damon is slowly trying
to establish a few merchant deals including owner a warehouse
in Cholchara and Sivas. At times the loads may not earn
much profit but runs to places like Bhamotin and Malnon seem
to give good profits for his ship and crew. He has said
he misses adventuring but can't leave his crew just yet.
Durge, Caladan's brother, has been upset with Chion for
learning with Cetric. Its no secret Durge does not like the
outsider in his village and goes out of his way to show
his displeasure. At one point he tried to frame Chion for
some minor incident with a horse theft but Gib'borah proved
it was a false accusation but rumors fly that Durge may be
behind it to get Chion thrown out. After a month of his
antics Durge left the village on "tribal business" to other
villages but likely just wanted to get out of the area.
Upon getting back to Marentia Farseeker was recruited by the
King and General for Sivas to help in the L'p'nth problems.
He was sent to the eastern mountains near Sivas to deal first
with bandits and then later to a fortress north east of Maren
in the hills to deal with the L'p'nth border crossings. As
always he dealt with the situation with strong military might
and leadership. Only one time did he become severely wounded
in a battle but otherwise came out of the winter with little
incident. He sends words that he will be caught up with the
border situation for another month likely if the party decides
to head to Katai they can leave without him.
Gib'borah has been happy with his son's return and resurrection.
He has been busy with normal winter duties but in the spring
sets up another meeting with Ba'ru and Cholcharan merchants for
permission to sell on the river along with other Ga'sha.
Unlike Durge Caladan's other brother Gidwani is neutral to
Chion's presence on the plains. Gidwani tends to be more
loose and free with his actions spending most of the times
with village women and increasing his warrior social status.
On returning to Maretian Jordi helped with some minor diplomatic
incidents but has set sail back to the Wild Forest to meet
with Neva. The last the party heard was a report of his ship
seen in the Sea of Tears but that's about it. By now he should
have gotten to the forest if all went well.
Kasha gave a crash course in moneylender skills and how best
to invest in things when the first part of the party returned
home. As a result some invested their money while others
converted. Later Kasha would return to his homeland of
Bhamotin to his family last the party heard.
Kaylle would continue to work in the Malnon City Library. The
only respite from being kicked out of the library by the humans
is his gift to be there by the King on return from Clima.
But in the few cold months he has been promoted to night scholar
an important task as archivist never been served by non-humans.
In the few months he has tried to study the treasure and learn
clues of Ezam, the L'p'nth and follow-up on clues and information
on the Gray Creatures and other recent threats to the party.
After Lake Oca's attack Strie'bog would remain a bit quiet and
subdued. He would attend festivals and other activities at
the Sacred Forest but would eventually return to the cabin
and settle there for some time in seclusion. Bohusara would
become concerned but realizes that he has things on his mind.
Suresh would retire from spying for Marentia after coming home
from Clima. But once more he would resurface during the
Climan spy ring takedown. Unali would hear that he would
be recruited again by Aren for a short one day's "work". After
that he went back underground with his wife.
Life as a Faerry in Marentia is one of seclusion. Aside from
Kaylle and Jordi, Thig only dealt with humans. But when
he got to the forest and the Faerry Hill he was happy to
be among his own kind. That led him to get close to Vul'heim
the Queen and both would lead to his decision to stay there
for the winter and for time being. He vows to return to
the party to help out but feels bad for abandoning them.
Trembyl returns to Bhaomtin to visit family and deal with some
other personal issues. He would team up with Kasha to solve
a murder mystery in one village but that's the last the party
hears from Trembyl.
Unali would spend her down time at Aren's estate and would later
help to take down one of the largest Climan spy networks
in recent times. Her investigation would lead to the capture
of a powerful merchant, Climan priestess and many assassins.
Only bad thing out of it was papers sent to Clima for their
findings (spy findings) was not found on the courier's body.
Aren suspects they may be stolen or on the market. His MIS
agents will have to search for them and hope they don't get
sold to a Climan.
Xian's mind was made up to investigate the chain he found
from Ezam's death. Ezam had the chain on him and Xian believes
it could be his brothers who died on Clima. Confused by
this he sought out to learn more. Not needing much money
he would help rescue a orphanage from being shut down by
donating most of his money to it. The party has not heard
from him in quite some time.
Z'leyra spent a great deal of time on her Manor to build and
make new magical items with her workshop. She would allow
Fremea to stay there and would secure the place with more
staff and magic. As always she would come back stronger in
magical power.
Fremea the newest stranger to the party came home from the
Vassa forest with the party. Little is known about her other
than she spent her time at Z'leyra's manor and exploring the
city in disguise. Maybe in the coming weeks the party can
get better to know her.
Currently as temperatures rise in Marentia the party finds
themselves in the frequent meeting at the Green Eye Tavern.
In order to keep in touch and protect each other the party
has decided a meeting often is needed. The Green Eye Tavern
is owned by a 73 year old man who made a warehouse into a tavern
with drinking room and rooms. The Tavern is a rare 3 story
building in the southern district of the city in the market
area. First floor has the large seating area with large fireplace
with enough seats for 50 people. On the other side of the first
floor is the bar and kitchen area with office and store room
in the back area. In the back stairs lead to the second floor
where are 20 small rooms and the third floor where there are
10 larger private rooms. The tavern itself has 3 barmaids
including Kes. In the back a single cook and the barkeep/owner
serves the bar itself. Due to money issues no bouncer is hired
this winter but Cholan helps to serve in that function.
It is a bit past 8am and the temperature outside is only in
the 40s but it is a overcast day. The party consisting of
Arawn, Ben'dar, Chion, Fremea, Unali and Z'leyra are sitting
at their usual table. Soon after Kaylle joins the group
but no one else seems to arrive. All look the same aside
from bulking of new muscle and physical training. Arawn with
his face wrap still on, seems to be dressing in better clothes
than he did in the forest. But all in all everyone is the
same as 3 months ago. While Cholan knows he's part of the
group he sits at the bar where he can talk to Kes and watch
the door for trouble makers. Today the fireplace is lit but
the tavern is virtually empty only one family of 4 is eating
a breakfast and several tables of singles are used for a total
of about 8 other people in the tavern. This hour tends to
be slow for the tavern but with the farmers gone from the city
that also decreases business.
To the side of the bar is a small stage area where entertainers
might be. Today a large man standing 8 foot and about
400 pounds (somewhat out of place it seems for the small stage)
is playing a pipe in quiet subdued tones for the light morning
crowd. Z'leyra recognizes him from another tavern and smiles
to him at least once.
When Kaylle arrives he gives a brief report to the party
on the things found in Ezam's castle and cabin in the plains.
He informs that most of the L'p'nth stuff has been translated
but the journals and letters do not reveal much useful
information to the party. Most would be typical for a tortress
with a mad ruler. A timeline of when the castle was taken
by Ezam was formed and given over to Aren but that's about it.
He did find some history on Ezam. Seems he was likely Count
Ezam Trevis of Marentia some 112 years ago. During a battle
with L'p'nth his small army was destroyed and him captured.
He would be killed but Kaylle feels turned at that point to
a vampire. The trail ends there but that's the only Ezam
found on the city books in Malnon's library and Maren's
records. That search alone took 2 months to locate. The
battle occurred some 43 years ago so might have been a very
new vampire new to his powers until the party encountered him.
Aren has few agents in L'p'nth but his agents learn what we
did on when the castle was taken and it was done it seems
without knowledge of the rulers in L'p'nth city. So in effect
we may have rid L'p'nth and Marentia of a problem. His
scrolls do seem to indicate a plan roughly formed. As suspected
Ezam was working with Bova forces on the plains to capture the
Blue Bugs. Bugs that could twist minds and they would become
thralls. Memories bring back to those who went to Woundneal's
cabin where he had such a Blue Bug in a jar and likely was
studying them. But no one followed up on that then. Ezam
would then form a army of captured Zen'da and then sweep
across the desert forming even larger forces. With a army
of thousands he would then use them to do other things. Kaylle
suspects take over L'p'nth but Aren thinks Marentia. There
is argument by generals on the view as well. Luckily the
bug problem has been taken care of as well as the Bova.
There is one bit of information that Kaylle adds. Seems
Ezam had a backer of a very powerful nature. But none of
the information returned to him leads to the identity. So
if Ezam had no backer from L'p'nth who was it?
As to the Gray creatures no research on animal and creature
history books seem to come close to them aside from salamanders
who can be gray in some island near Lemasa. Aside from that
they could be anything. No known record of them is found
in public information. The orb captured and returned died
by shriveling up entirely if it was alive. It just became
a mush ball and study could not be done on it. the Staff
also seemed to die without food or water though it was
given water by putting it in a water source. It is unsure
if these items require special mixtures of food and water.
Kaylle does report that a fellow scholar recalls a bit of
information on the strange crab like armor. Seems he recalls
a Katai journal mentioned a body found well decayed in the
mountains had armor like a dead crab on it. The creature
was just bones however so unsure if it was gray or not. The
book was read on his travels to Katai and the scholar can't
recall the title but only the piece of information.
Kaylle is sad to mention that he could not learn more information
for the party in the few months he has. he does lean in
close and whispers though. He believes the Royal Scholar
Archivist may be hiding something. When the Gray creatures
where inquired about the scholar put it in no good terms that
the subject is not known and should move on to other scholarly
pursuits. Since the scholar has the protection of the King
little can be done on that ground.
As Kaylle ends his report and more tea is served a man
stands at the bar and asks the barkeep something.]
Man: "I'm looking for Chy on..err Chee on..."
Cholan: "Chion?"
Man: "Yes that's it I think."
Barkeep: "Over there with them. The one with the staff
at his side and the constant odd smirk on his face."
[The Man points to Chion.]
Cholan: "The one that looks like a bear, yes."
Barkeep: "He shouldn't bite go ahead. They might cast
magic on you or dice you with daggers or make your
brain mush but they don't bite."
Cholan: "Stop teasing! Its fine go on."
[The Man takes a drink of some sort and gulps and approaches
the party's table.]
[At the moment the tavern front door comes open and a group
of dirty and smelly beggars enters. All 5 of them start
looking around. The barkeep and Cholan approach to throw
them out.]
[As the man approaches Chion the party quiets down and
stares at this man in normal clothing and a leather bag
on his hip stuffed with scrolls. Looks to be a messenger
of some sort since most have that typical bag of scrolls.]
Man: "Are you Chion Blades of Katai? I have something for you."
[With his right hand he grabs a scroll from his bag and the
left he holds it out palm up but fist closed. Most have
seen that gesture as a "pay first then get message" stance.]
[At the door the beggars demand they were paid to come here
and paint and will get paid. Cholan and the barkeep tell
them they are mistaken and try to kick the 5 beggars out.]
[As Chion turns around something swooshes by and down at the
table and suddenly Unali is hit in the neck with a dart.
She reacts by standing up instantly grabbing one dagger
and the other hand to her neck and finds the dart lodged
in her neck. As the party's minds start to grasp what
is going on Fremea sees the dart come down. She looks up
to see a person on the second floor inside balcony moving
down the hall toward the back of the building.]
[As the beggars are kicked out a man who is well dressed storms
past Cholan and looks straight at the tall man playing the
pipe. He raises a fist and yells.]
Man: "You! How dare you see my wife!" [and charges toward the
man at full run.]
[Suddenly Unali's legs buckle and she falls to her knees
dropping her dagger...]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...1/21..Monday for our normal scheduled updates...
GM: How's that for a start? :) It is a good start for now.
I still have to finish Arawn's character and work on
game details I've been delayed on.
GM: I assume normal gear of basic weapons and armor is
on you but stuff you might take on long trips are
elsewhere like hotel or manor or such.
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