[pnpgm] Game Update #42b - File #169 - Party meets High Elder
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Fri May 2 08:37:13 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
?? Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
-- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe
-- 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 #42b in sequence (file #169)
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Admin notes: Part 2 of 2 for Game Update.
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[Recap]
[None - In Last part]
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[New Stuff]
[Marqi 29th, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
Location: High Elder's Domain, Dark Lands, North-East
corner of continent, center of Dark Lands.]
[Time: 12:09pm]
[The room the party is now in is called the Throne room though
the High Elder is not known to hold a court. It's mainly an
audience room for dealing with Domain issues and problems. The
room is 26 by 24 feet wide. Small compared to the large throne
room in Marentia where it can be 5 times larger. The party is a
big confused by the whole security procedure and searches. But
it must be a good way for them to learn of possible threats. In
a land of wizards with magic that could do wonders it's best to
know ahead of time. In a palace like King Maros's in Maren city
weapons are seized, little else is done in terms of security.
Even then some nobles are allowed weapons in court. Unali when
she spent time in the court, couple months ago, saw it as a
confusing sign of security. Even after King Maros was kidnapped
by Timon, Xian's brother, he took little attention to security
against magics and wizards. But here it is reversed. Little is
given to weapons but great amount of security is against magic
and wizards.]
[Arawn finds the whole security issue conflicting as in his
parent's court intents were known well in advance. Most gods
have some form of honor and if a challenge was to be made they
announced it. Gods do war against each other but they do have
rules. One would not try to lower themseelves to hire an assassin
to kill a god if that was even possible. Ben'dar finds the whole
security a waste of time as on the plains children carried
weapons. When adults met they met with arms intertwined so no
one could draw on each other. The custom of greeting prevents
accidents. Chion on the other hand is used to the security but
has noted a slight increase in it since the last time he has
come. Namely the citadel guard towers weren't manned by 3 as
now but by mostly 1 then. Of course it could just be the
wedding. Fremea finds the whole security procedures odd as well
in that a skilled person could probably bypass them. Why would
they risk asking an outsider to scan their own security if they
weren't confident in it? Of course there is the whole possible
test and trap theory but if they can sense magic on person's why
not on walls? They must trust her enough to risk the power of her
scans to not let them down. Raban found the whole body search
degrading. Sure he has had to walk into estates and searched
before. There are always naive and paranoid nobles out there.
But when the guard had to get a small stool to stand on that was
a bit much as the guard searched the top of Raban. Of all the
people Unali is one the most used to security. She has dealt
with it in Marentian as a short term spy to Katai just entering
a bath house where nobles may be. Z'leyra finds the whole
process a waste of time. Any skilled wizard could probably
bypass it all. But those scanners are quite unique and powerful
tools. Though anyone with skills in detection and permanent
magics could rig up a few but it would take time collecting
various gems and jewels and placing all the various conditions
onto the object. It must've taken a long time.]
[The room has enough cushioned satin seats to sit 12 but 10 now
sit in the room with Kwat standing in the rear. The "Throne" is
a large black stone that seems to reflect the torchlight in hues
of red, orange and yellows. The seat has large arm rests and
under the High Elder is a gray wrap from back to floor where red
silk cushions sit. The arm rests seem to twinkle with gems that
are inset into the tip of the arm rests. It seems all color of
jewels are represented on the arm rests that are likely for some
magical purpose. Light in the room is done by magical torches on
stands that give off no smoke or heat just magical light. The
carpet is a mild white color. As the party sit and wait for
others to take their seats the walls seem to shift. Two large
tapestries hang on each east and west wall. The first image was
the High Elder seemingly giving some speech to a large crowd on
the left. To the right was a image of some wizard battling a
large beast that stands probably 12 feet. Now the left shows a
female wizard gesturing and the still image shows a storm
approaching some castle. The right now shows a male wizard
using some form of magic to move stones and debris from what
looks like a disaster area to rescue people trapped under stones
and such. The party figures the magical tapestries to show
scenes of Katai history to those who come in and it must change
all the time. Probably how Katai life would be if the magic
was allowed there. The still images could also be just scenes
from past or hopeful Dark Lands events.]
[As Sven Redhand sits down he taps Ben'dar on the shoulder and
whispers in Zen'dali.]
Sven: "Nice to see you again."
[Ben'dar is surprised he knows Zen'dali but likely didn't want to
reveal that in their earlier meeting or just wanted to play with
Kee translating the conversation.]
[The High Elder sits with his hands folded in a calm manner on
his lap. He waits for everyone to sit. From what the party saw
at the dance he stands over 6 foot tall and about 130 pounds or
so. He is one of the oldest humans in the land it seems looking
in his early 80s. He wears gray robes that are simple with little
flair. Sandals on his feet seem odd for such a powerful person
but he looks very humble with them on. It looks like a chain
hangs down his neck into his robes where a necklace or something
else may hang. His gray hair is smooth and well groomed. His
blue and slightly graying eyes seem to twinkle at delight in
seeing Chion and the others. He raises a hand and speaks.]
Elder: "Hello and welcome to my home."
[The party is surprised to find him speak that in Zen'dali. Then
the party is more shocked when he repeats the same in Marentian.]
Elder: "I have learned your common language of Marentian in order
to communicate."
[Sven grabs something from a pouch and holds it in his hands and
it looks like a talisman. Kwat comes forward and gives Kiet a
device that looks like the same. Kwat whispers to him to tap
the center twice in order to understand the High Elder. Kiet
fears nothing and taps the device so he can understand Marentian.
Kiet figures that is what Sven is also doing.]
Elder: "Now I assume everyone can understand me?"
[He waits for nods and no one doesn't seem not to understand him.
He nods then taps a gem on his arm rest and Oby enters the room
with a tray followed by a servant with another tray.]
Elder: "Please eat and drink something to break your fast. We
have much to discuss and I rather like alert people well
nourished."
[As the food of hot bread, cookies and some fruit is given with
small plates to those who wish it mugs of ale, tea, or wine is
offered. Once everyone is asked to get something if they wish
the 2 leave the room again.]
[The High Elder lifts his own crystal wine glass and drinks his
red wine then taps another jewel. Arawn and Fremea seem to feel
their hairs on the back of the necks rise as energy surges around
the room of some kind.]
Elder: "What we say here today will be kept in here from outside
eyes and will not be taken outside of this room." [He doesn't
seem to wait for anyone to argue his subtle threat but seems
confident that no one will share much outside the room.] "I am
very honored you all can attend this meeting in your busy life.
You may address me as Elder Ki'ama. We are informal today.
Sven knows why he is here and I believe some of you know him or
has seen him. I understand Ben'dar has talked to him briefly."
[Ki'ama turns to Kiet's direction and smiles.]
Elder: "Kiet you may wonder why you have been summoned here. I
have been quite happy with your skills as entertainer. Fear not.
Do you recall a incident about three weeks ago where you
stumbled upon a warehouse and found a group of men and women
there? You were escorted away by some men and you were able
to escape?" [Kiet nods faintly in the recalling of the event.]
"It seems you stumbled upon a secret cult that thanks to you
we've discovered and have been watching. My people discovered
them shadowing you and felt it strange so we investigated
further. It led back to the warehouse and we used magic to
reveal what all went down. The actual meeting we could not use
magic on as it was wiped clean by magic to prevent the viewing.
It seems they didn't want any witness to the incident and
finally decided when you got here to the citadel that you might
talk. The snake we figure was planted to kill you. Thanks to
Raban here that plan failed. Then this morning at the wedding
my guards report a man was nearly ready to kill you at a table
but they got to him first and escorted him away. We are in the
process of learning who his friends are and rounding them up for
questions. We don't mind groups assembling even in this village
but when they conspire to kill a visitor is when we deal with
it. I feel for the next few days you'll be safer with this
band of men and women. I hope this does not hinder your future
plans in the area. I do apologize for any trouble it may cause.
I learned that you were shipwrecked on our east coast and I feel
obliged to keep you safe while we deal with this problem. Of
course you could stay as a guest in our citadel but I feel you'll
be safer with these friends on their future plans."
[He waits for some form of reaction from Kiet and then drinks
more of his wine. He waits to see if Kiet wishes not to join
the party. He nods and then spreads his arms wide and palms
out in a sign of peace and welcome.
[He looks at Arawn and folds his hands in a prayer sign and nods
to the Alfar.]
Elder: "Arawn I am pleased to have the honor of your presence here.
It is not everyday we get the son of gods here. Your wisdom and
grace gives my home the light it deserves in the wake of
darkness. I have never been to your realm of the Gods but hope
in death some day I will get there to learn their wisdom. There
are some that believe magic comes directly from the gods
channeled by them. This is why priests and druids like yourself
are so valuable in this realm. Man must have their proper say
and the gods should have their say as well. But then there are
others who believe magic comes from within." [he touches his
heart and then head.] "From the soul and mind of our body. That
all creatures have magic innately to us but not all know how to
touch it. This is why some are more gifted than others in magic,
while others never know of magic. Here in the Dark Lands we have
both beliefs and it seems most are leaning to the non-god view.
While you are here I wish to convey that this is only a belief
in some and in no way means to offend yourself. It is rare to
see an Elf know the Druidic arts. Usually that is a Human trait.
But it makes sense how your kind has such reverence for the
forest that your kind would do well as Druids. Why you are
here in our realm I have no idea and its not my business. But
I wish I could have a way for you to communicate with your
parents. Sadly, I have none that would not be dangerous.
You probably know better ways than I do in this area. Please
convey my peace to your parents."
[He waits a few moments for any reaction and if there are none he
moves on to Chion or if there are some he will deal with it. At
Chion he smiles and his cheeks bulge from the sly grin.]
Elder: "Chion! It is nice to see you again. Your skill in the
Teleport magic is legendary now. Very impressive. Soon you may
be sought out by the gods in this area for their own use good or
bad. It happens when a wizard gets powerful in one spell. It gets
to their attention. Some seek those out for their own will or to
destroy them fearing them. I hope my message got to you with
plenty of time to get here. I have been watching you. You have
grown so much in the last few years. From being self-centered
to helping. Just the attack on your friend Unali shows you
went to capture the killer to help your friend. This is what
I was hoping to see in you years ago. I am glad to see the
change. Correl has done a good job in teaching you since you
were just 13. I know he is very proud of you and so am I. But
I asked you here specifically for your rather unique talents. I
will explain more in a few minutes. I see from your bone thing
that you have learned to become a shaman. You are leaving the
path of wizard magic for the more down to earth magics?"
[After a brief pause for any reaction he moves onto the next
person sitting next to Arawn - Caladan.]
Elder: "Caladan, I believe your the first of such high tribal
status to visit here. There is another wizard who used to
have a Firesnake before it died. It is nice to see another
one. how are you feeling after your recent problem on the
plains?"
[Caladan looks to Arawn then back confused. Could He know of
his death on the plains or the trouble being with the Bova?]
Caladan: "I am honored to be here as well sir. As to how I am
doing it gets better each day."
Elder: "Quite. I knew your master Woundendal a long time ago.
He is a very impressive man who refused to join us here long
ago. Of course he did copy my idea of getting my land spring
year round with his valley magic. But he did ask first. Tell
him I said hello next time you see him and tell him he still
owes me that Tome he said he would find for me."
Caladan: "Yes I will. I didn't know you knew him."
[The High Elder nods then moves on to Z'leyra sitting on the far
right next to Chion. His smile seems to fade slightly.]
Elder: "Z'leyra our multi-faceted gem. We here in the Dark Lands
tend to believe that learning one path is the best way to gain
knowledge. While I admit I don't know your culture's beliefs
but why learn so many hats? A Wizard. An Enchanter. An Armorer.
A shaman. A Healer. A warrior. Doesn't all those skill areas
spread you thin in all the areas? It is a strange concept to
our way of life here. If it works for you though more power to
you. I understand you wish to open a school of healing. To help
society is a noble cause and I wish you all the luck in that
area. Just keep in mind that the best wizard-enchanter in the
east, Kum Xing, depended too much on his magic items. He had
ten magical rings, magic armor and weapons. He had amulets and
talismans. Yet he was killed in a simple duel by magic that
bypassed all those protection and defenses. His weakness was
his dependency and the one to duel him knew this. Keep this in
mind that the best magic is from the mind and heart to figure out
solutions to things rather than depend on things to fix problems.
Wisdom will beat any magic any day. Grow in that area and your
soul will welcome it. I spent time talking to Corona and he is
a quite intelligent bird. He speaks highly of yourself. I
sense though he is seeking knowledge from something but maybe
one day he will find what he is looking for."
[He waits for a possible reply and then moves on after any reply
and reaction. Z'leyra finds the comments slightly insulting and
condescending but many have told her the same thing in the past.
Clearly the Elder has been studying her for some reason. She
waits for a pause then as directed now that she has been
spoken to she speaks up. She stands and gives a deep bow toward
the old wizard, holding it for several seconds.]
Z'leyra: "I am honored to be in your presence Oh Learned Master
of Magical Arts. I bring with me my best wishes and the hope
that you might better deal with a magical item that caused
some trouble far to the west in the lands of the Zen'da. This
magical item, a Claw, has defenses that have kept me from
unraveling its secrets and has proven dangerous in its ability
to possess those who touch it. It was used to evil purpose by a
wizard who used it to control animals, many animals. Fortunately
the wizard shall trouble the lands no more. I hope that you
could be a safer guardian of the Claw than I or may even have
the ability to destroy the item safely. If you choose to do so
I will have the item fetched when you wish."
Elder: "Yes. The Claw. Oby told me you turned it over to him.
I will study it while I have some free time."
[Z'leyra notices a slight twinkle in his eyes like he knows
more than he is letting on. Z'leyra sits and notices Ben'dar
looking at her. He is surprised to see her turn over the
Claw to the High Elder.]
[The High Elder moves back to the left and behind Arawn to Fremea.]
Elder: "Fremea it is an honor to have a Faerry here. I had Oby
search the records. I think we have had only three other Faerry
to get this far east. Quite rare for your kind. It is
fascinating to watch you in action. I am sad to hear of your
attack by the creature last night. If I knew it was going to
happen I'd have never asked Zhou to ask you for the favor. For
that I am sorry. How you got out of the mess was quite
fascinating as well. Your spirit must be strong to sustain such
a major wound. You must have the touch of the divine on you."
[He waits for any possible reaction and Fremea listens to the words.
She wonders if he is telling the truth but he seems sincere.
Chion did mention the High Elder does tests occasionally on his
apprentices and masters. Entropy is a way of life to keep chaos
and order in check, it seems. Of course the Fae know it well.
Being mischievous they like to throw a hammer into human affairs
and watch the humans scramble. His eyes then dart to Unali.]
Elder: "Unali of Katai. Our native sees how the naughty northern
folks are doing. I hope you spread that we aren't blood thirsty
fools who wish to eat children at the drop of a hat. I hope you
tell your family down in Katai that we seek only knowledge and
magic is a tool to that end. In some ways we live side by side
with people who in other lands would kill each other by a mere
glance. Law would shatter Chaos and vice versa. Here we learn
harmony in order for Knowledge to be gained. Yet in a civilized
culture as Katai they can't seem to live in harmony. Katai
people live with crime, caste issues and political trials that
rip our homeland to shreds. I hope our way of life can one day
help all Katai to live in peace. But that will never happen
until they support magic. Maybe you will be the first emissary
to spread our word and our work to the homeland. I am quite
pleased to see you survive your attack back in the bar as well."
[He sips his wine and waits for any reply before moving on to
Raban. Unali is confused as to how he knows of the attack details.
Did someone tell him?]
Elder: "Raban my tall gentle giant. I have enjoyed your pipe
playing greatly. It is nice to see a different southern twist
to the instrument. I hear from many of the females they also
caught your eye. I am glad you decided to join this group.
Your skills will be greatly appreciated. I know how to sing
and play some musical instruments as well but not as well as
you do. Maybe I will listen to more of it soon."
[He nods and then waits for any reply before moving on to Ben'dar.]
Elder: "Ben'dar the fierce horse rider. I spent time last night
looking over Tef'wo is it? He is a very nice horse. One of the
best in these parts for sure. You should be proud of him. I
did try to examine the necklace on him as it intrigued me but
he refused. I sense its something special though. You are a
strange warrior in that you seek battle at the drop of a hat.
Yet we see your gentle side in opening up the ranch to help
horses. You have learned a well balance between life of combat
and peace. I hope that life continues as too much combat can
harden a person's heart. Before that happens you should return
home before your soul is lost."
[He waits for any possible reaction before he continues.]
[The High Elder places the wine on his arm rest and folds his
hands. He looks a bit more serious as his face eye wrinkles
twinkle in the light. His eyes dart back and forth from person
to person as if planning his next statement.]
Elder: "I had hoped to meet the other members of this group like
Farseeker, Xian and Strie'bog. But it seems they could not or
would not come. Sad. You may ask how I know so much about each
of you. It is no secret that I am one for isolation in this
region. Keeping our privacy and our niche of civil government
alive is top in my plans. It is also no secret that some in
our midst like the Sorceress seek us to go out and conquer lands
like Katai and the Zen'da plains to name a few. The group that
wishes us to use our magic as power and as a weapon wish for us
to spread out and grow. All the land here is owned or used by
someone and so the argument is that new land is needed for our
people who are up and coming. I know that eventually I may not
be able to stop this movement. One day I may die or lose control
and then the region will see magic used in war on a scale not
heard of since the gods were here. I have no doubt the Ipanza
to the north would be first then the south and west tribes.
Then parts of the Zen'da plains. Eventually some would have
to deal with Katai. Because of this I have tried to keep
tabs on the world outside. I have many objects around the
continent with a single person or group like yourself. From
these I can learn and gather information to see what we might
be up against as an argument against the ones who wish to rule.
I also seek out great people for future possible use to help the
Dark Lands and other people as a whole. Your group is one such
group I've been watching. When Chion returned the Egg Drop to
me he obtained the Gnarish Staff."
[Everyone glances at Chion and Chion looks down at the staff.
Unease seeps into Chion's spine as he feels slightly betrayed
by this turn of events.]
Elder: "You may have noticed Chion the staff seems to change in
texture and temperature. That is the being inside that I use to
communicate with by the astral planes. It gives me details of
what it sees. Details may be missing and vague but I get a good
sense of what is going on. Please," [he raises a hand] "I mean
not to spy on each of you but I need to keep tabs on strong
people. The future always looks bleak and the world needs
strong heroes. If not for the people here but for your own
nations. Through these objects I also hear of great evil."
[Chion looks at the staff. So all this time that is why the staff
seems to warm and heat up. That must be when the lifeforce or
being inside the staff is lurking and watching. Chion doesn't
know how to react to this bit of mild betrayal but if he over
reacts his standing here will be greatly affected. Chion listens
to the High Elder and he does sound sincere in his words. He does
sound quite concerned about the people here and outside. Why not
spy on the outside while he learns of them? After all the gods
spy on this world all the time. Unali spies for Duke Aren. Xian
spies on street gangsters. Everyone is out for information.
information is power.]
Elder: "Chion if you wish to give back the staff I will accept it
and give you a item that will not be the same. I will not spy
on your group if you wish to. In fact I can give you a way to
invoke a spell on the staff to prevent spying if you wish your
privacy. I am sorry to betray your trust in this matter but
since you were in a far off land I could not resist taking the
opportunity to gain information on your friends, on yourself
and on Marentia which I hold of great value. Marentia will be
a true ally in the name of peace and good. I wished I had
learned more on Clima though. I also learned that the Vassa
protectors will be difficult for the wizard's to conquer and
that knowledge may save the Dark Lands from civil war. The
information on the beings in that forest will help to show
there are powerful people out there and that our magic may
not work against them. I would never give information on how
to conquer those beings away even if I knew that. The
information I obtain is general and I only know their power is
great. Now for the reason I've called you here.."
Actions? Comments?
Next update...Monday...
GM: I was hoping to have the actual info on why you were
asked for the audience in this very update. But as its
2am and I've worked on what you have already read
in the last week (since offline) I ran out of room
and time. :< So I will work on the big part I couldn't
include here for Monday's update. At this point its
over 1500 lines for the updates a bit lengthy so you
guys need a break anyway. :)
GM: Map of the Manor has been posted on website.
GM: Some will get emails from Language trades and a few
other behind scenes things later this weekend.
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