[pnpgm] Game Update #45 - File #185 - Party learns travel route
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Tue May 13 08:56:02 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
Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
-- 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 #45 in sequence (file #185)
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Admin notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
[Raban feels uncomfortable in the heavily shielded room once
he found he could not feel his goddesses presence. Being a
consummate actor, he lets nothing show.]
[Once out of the meeting, Raban will approach Zhou] Raban:
"Depending on how far we are traveling, I may need a horse or
other means to move faster or I will may delay everyone. I
have rarely given it much though since I stop often when I
travel so speed was not required."
<GM should ignore the duplicate email, I forgot to fix the
reply>
GM: Ack. Didn't get duplicate email actually.
----------------------
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea will take any extra time before they leave to find out
what she can on the creatures. She will take everything she has
with her (easy ;)).
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Marqi 30th, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
Location: High Elder's Domain, Dark Lands, North-East
corner of continent, center of Dark Lands.]
[Time: 12:25pm]
[The short audience with the High Elder seems to be coming to an
end. He perks up and gives a few final thoughts.]
Caladan: "I have one question, sir."
Elder: "Yes?"
Caladan: "A realm full of wizards who can wield great magics does
not have teleporters? Yet the reception area we came in is
designated for teleports? If you will excuse my boldness but
this doesn't make sense."
[A slight breath of air escapes Sven's mouth as he hears the words
of Caladan. A smirk crosses Chion's face as he almost hears the
challenge in Caladan's words. A bold move but for a dead man what
can he have to lose? He already died once. Ki'ama squirms
slightly but only Z'leyra and Fremea notice the slight movement.
He nods and gives a slight sigh.]
Elder: "Yes. We do have teleporters here. Not to the great skill
that Chion clearly has. A few miles at best they might go. Many
serve as official Domain messengers. But to be honest I could ask
them to explore the object. But their lower skill doesn't allow a
full party to join them without some effort of going back and
forth. Plus they are rather...oriented to their own agenda if
you understand. I rather keep this quiet for now. If others
knew of this object they'd seek it out and try to capture it for
their own use."
Caladan: "I see. So may I ask if Chion feels this is not a threat
to the domain and we do capture an empty castle. Who will
claim it, you?"
[Ki'ama's eyes twinkle from a slight rise in blood pressure as
anger seems to quickly fade faster than a dwarf drinks a mug
of ale. Then he calms down and smiles.]
Elder: "You ask the hard questions don't you? I have put some
thought into this. To be honest I do not know. If I decide
to claim it surely I'll have a fight on my hands. If I give
it to someone then the same thing. Could we use it as a base
for emergencies? Maybe. Move it out far to see and high
above so only Chion could get to it? I just don't know.
I only see the object as two things. One is as a weapon. A
base of operations one could set forces adrift across the
region and dominant. Who could challenge such a thing?
That is the way of might and conquest. I seek isolation here
and knowledge. It would offset the balance of power too
greatly and I can't nor won't allow it. The other is as
a defense against hostile forces from enemies we yet to
know here in the Dark Lands. A base to plan our own defense
of our homeland here we've made. I foresee a great shadow
crossing the continent in the near future. From what I've
learned and observed through my items out there the darkness
is building. If you and your friends survive this mission
I'll go into more details. If not it may all be for nothing."
[Caladan nods and seems satisfied at the answer given. Sven
and Kwat give a slight sigh of relief from the possible danger
Caladan may have caused. To those who know Caladan they
find the behavior ordinary. He doesn't like to be walked on
and shows confidence. If anything being the son of a Ga'sha
he has been trained in forms of slight diplomacy, even the
harsh barbaric version at the end of a weapon. To Arawn,
Fremea and Raban they find the questions a bit dangerous
since Kaylle warned of wizard challenges and how they get
upset at the drop of a hat.]
Elder: "If no one else has any more questions or wishes to ask me
something then this audience is over. I'm sorry to cut it short
but I have an appointment in an hour. Seems some apprentice
turned a dog into hunting and eating only snails by accident.
So the Count who owned the dog cursed the apprentice by making
him look like a snail. The Dog chases him all day. But that
snail is sure fast! So I must intervene and resolve this
accident argument. Sven will take you outside and then give
further instructions. If anyone wishes to hold a small private
audience alone with me I will grant a few minutes. But be
advised events beyond the current mission will not be discussed
at this time. It is a dangerous mission and we must first see
if all return to discuss the future. Thank you all for coming.
I wish all of you the best of luck in this mission."
[Ki'ama taps one gem and Raban feels the oppressed sense of
dread leave the room. Raban has only felt that way once when
he entered a temple and the priest had a holy of holy altar
setup for only his god and nothing else to taint it. Ki'ama
then taps another and Oby promptly opens the door with another
servant and they rush in and collect the plates and wine glasses.
The servant rushes out and Oby stands to the side as the
tapestries change to another set of scenes. The party wonders
if they'll have a scene on this magical illusionary tapestries.
But its doubtful they will, being a secret hidden mission. Like
the Climan mission secret heroes of a society that no one but
a few will ever know. At least to the Pavassa the party is well
known as heroes in the open. The party sits not knowing the
protocol of who should stand first or leave first. Ki'ama
continues to sit and that seems to indicate the party is allowed
to stand so Oby waves the party up. He escorts the party back
into the hall. Kwat and Sven are the last to leave. ]
Oby: "Any more business with High Elder Ki'ama?"
[He waits to see if anyone wishes a private audience. If so
he'll direct them outside while the party waits in the hall
alone. If not he'll move to the center of the going east.
He passes the time by talking about the manor and the High
Elder in almost fanatical tones.]
Oby: "Wasn't that exciting? A great honor indeed to even
be so close to him. How many can say that?" or "He spent
three years building this place. The architect was lured
here directly from Katai and paid well. Some places and
things even I have no idea about." or "Yes his statue was
given to him by the citizen great artist Ming Tao. For
leading the people from oppression in Katai to the land
of expression and magic." or "Did you know many foreign
people come here. They hear of our great deeds or the
power of the High Elder and seek his wisdom. Few ever
see him in person but many try. We used to be a quiet
rumor on the continent. But around a decade ago it seems
more and more people hear about us. Seems someone has left
our land and spread knowledge around on purpose or by
accident. So we relent and let some foreigners inside
to see what we have. At least it's not the magical
"ice city" they say is in the far north. Those legends
are clearly made by the tundra natives to scare outsiders."
[When all have met their obligation in their private audience
or are ready to move on Sven takes over.]
Sven: "Oby is the meeting room clear?"
Oby: "Yes. The next guests will go into the throne room assuming
the apprentice doesn't leave a slime trail." [He laughs.] "Go
ahead."
Sven: "All right. I need to go upstairs to get things ready.
Kwat needs to speak to Kiet. When that is done we'll go
upstairs. Your free to use the lounge here or go to the
kitchen there for some food."
[The stone faced Kwat grins and points the way. Kiet follows
behind and turns to wonder what the party will be doing. Kwat
leads him back through the center statue area and foyer
tot he stairs. Kwat and Kiet then climb in silence to the
third floor and past guards. Kiet tries to look around but
Kwat seems to walk fast on purpose and Kiet tries to keep
up moving past doors and halls fast. Finally after about
four doors Kwat opens a door to a small private office. Kwat
takes his place behind the desk and lets Kiet sit.]
Kwat: "I could use magic and prefer to use it for the truth.
But High Elder Ki'ama wishes you no harm. So I hope
all answers are truthful. We only have a few minutes before
Sven calls his meeting so let's get started."
[He begins to ask a series of questions about the day in
question where Kiet stumbled upon the warehouse and what
he saw. If he can describe anyone there and what they
were doing or saying. Their intentions and possible plans.
Kiet tries to answer as best he can but since it was a few
weeks ago and he only had a quick few seconds the details
are sketchy at best. Kwat takes intense notes in a parchment
and tries to follow-up with other questions. But before
it seems to start the meeting ends. Kwat a bit frustrated
with the lack of information decides to let Kiet leave.]
Kwat: "I would appreciate when you return to maybe submit to
a truth spell or memory spell at least. We don't know what
this group intended or intends to do. But the more time
we waste the longer the problem goes. Of course you
could decide to stay here with me instead of leaving with
the others and enjoy my skills at getting to the meat
of the problem?" [He smiles but Kiet feels a shiver run
up his spine. The cultured guy is not much more than a hired
thug it seems.] "Consider your options. Your free to go."
[Kiet quickly leaves and realizes he is in the hall alone and
looks around to his right and notices some rooms. Then
he looks to the left and a burly guard is standing there.
He waves and Kiet sighs and they both go downstairs to the
first floor again. The guard turns Kiet over to Oby and
they enter the lounge where Ben'dar is talking to Sven about
some great battle in a area called Lake Oca (missing the
details of the grey creatures). Unali and Chion are playing
a old game of cards they've not played in many years since
it is a Katai style game.]
[Time: 12:40pm]
Sven: "Good your ready. Let's head back up to the meeting room."
Oby: "Will you be needing food?"
Sven: "We won't be that long. Thanks."
Oby: "I serve to please."
[Sven leads the party to the second floor and past a large room
to a smaller room, the second door they come to. He opens
it to a meeting room clearly. The room is 20 feet by 20 feet.
A large oak table takes the bulk of the room. Seats are here
for 24 people looks like. In the north-east area of the
room is a small bar for drinks that Ben'dar eyes well.
Along the east walls are magical board slate things that seem
to hold maps and used for writing. Z'leyra has seen only
one such thing like it before in Ticasi's schools. They can
write on it and magically clear the slate. South wall has
a small cabinet probably for meeting supplies. Lighting is
done through lantern candles in the ceiling. The floor is
a soft green carpet. In the center of the magical slate-board
is a map of the Dark Lands.]
Sven: "Please be seated. I'll get to it."
[He walks to the map and points to the various domains and
gives brief ideas of what domains are oriented to what
like Law and Chaos. The party soon realizes that Chaos
seems to have a large show surrounding the place. Fremea
and Arawn are sad to see only one Elder domain but likely
a human wizard owns that land. He points to a symbol on
the map and explains its the high Elder's estate where the
party is at now. It is pretty much dead center of the Dark
Lands territory. He then moves up to the top right and points
out this is Novasa's estate. He then moves to the left of that
and a spot on the map (red on the web image) and explains
this is his second home.]
Sven: "Due to my contacts and relationships with the Ipanza.
High Elder Ki'ama allows me to hold a small cottage here
while I visit the tundra areas. My estate is here."
[Sven points to the white area of the map south of Ki'ama's
estate (see below). He then points to the top right and
explains this is the ocean.]
Sven: "As best we can figure the object came from here. It
then went west for some distance over the tundra and then
turned south through here...here...here and then here.
The last we know it remains high overhead here." [He
points to a spot to the east of the Elder's estate.]
Sven: "So this is where we are heading." [He moves his hand
from Ki'ama's estate to the east (blue line on map). "I
estimate its 40-45 miles at most. Not that far."
Caladan: "So why don't we just teleport there?"
Sven: "He wishes me to show you the land and show that we
are content and not evil monsters. Consider it a good
will type trip even though it'll be short. Plus we don't
know what we are up against. It could've moved and we
don't know if magic will be used in exploring. May need
all the strength chion could muster for it. Hate to get
there and not be able to return to the land due to no
magical strength left."
[The party studies the map for a bit and the path of the party
and the object.]
Sven: "Let's see Kiet you have a donkey I believe. So that
will determine our speed. We can get 18-20 miles a day
as a group it seems. So if we leave at 3 this afternoon
then it would take us..." [He tries to concentrate and
does the mental work in his head seemingly straining.]
"It'll take us 2.5 days. We travel today till sunset and
then 2 more days. Evening on the second day we'll get
there maybe sooner if we travel well. Zhou is already
packing a draft horse of foods and drinks to give us
something nice to enjoy. If you need supplies or anything
else see him. Any questions?"
[If no one has questions Sven will lead the party outside
and downstairs to the bottom level.]
Sven: "We leave at 3 that gives us roughly two hours if you
need to gather up supplies do so. Sorry we can't stay
longer but we don't know how long we have with this object."
[Those who turned over weapons gather them from guards
and are allowed to leave the manor hourse. As the party
gather outside the field to the west where the wedding
was held seems to have cleared up greatly. Tables and
chairs are virtually gone and only a few handful of
people continue to mingle about. Zhou finds the party
and clasps his hands.]
Zhou: "So I understand you may need some supplies? Anything
anyone needs in particular?"
[Raban considers the trip and realizes the party will be
going east not to the cold tundra. That's good for some
consideration. He approaches Zhou.]
Raban: "Depending on how far we are traveling, I may need a
horse or other means to move faster or I may delay everyone.
I have rarely given it much though since I stop often when
I travel so speed was not required."
[Zhou smiles and nods.]
Zhou: "Arrangements for you have been made. Last night when
we learned you had no horse and your...body frame we made
some arrangements. It will--
[As the party stands outside the manor house looking around
and considering their trip a noise is heard at the main doors.
The party turns to see Zing gesturing and yelling at a guard
and Oby at the main door. The party is standing about 15
feet away on the path.]
Zing: "--should be able to see him as well!"
Oby: "You have no appointment and have no Master to represent
you. You have yet to complete your magical trials to
gain full wizard status. When you complete those come back."
[Oby storms inside and Zing approaches but a guard holds him
back. Zing turns to the party and then looks away. He
sees Chion and his face becomes red. His fists clench in
rage as he stares at the party and Zhou.]
[Zing marches over to Chion and comes within a foot of his
face snorting and breathing. Zing looks up at Chion who
towers over him by 15 inches and has about 50 pounds on
the smaller younger man. His fists clench and teeth
rattle as he spits out his words. Chion stands still and
shows a slight smirk of contentment.]
Zing: "You had to return. Now you steal my standing in his
eyes." [He nods his head toward the Elder's manor.] "Whatever
your here for should be mine!" [His face turns red with
hate.] "You ruined my life and now you will pay." [He steps
back a foot.] "I claim right of Keute!"
[Zhou sighs hearing the words. But the party doesn't seem
to understand the last word. Zhou tries to explain it
as he translates.]
Zhou: "Keute is the right of magical duel. Zing challenges
Chion for his status here and magical prowess."
Caladan: "Why does he hate Chion so much?"
Zhou: "It started when they were both kids. Zing broke a
cardinal rule for apprentices. Never harm a living thing
in your studies and practices. Even the Chaos wizards
adhere to this rule. This prevents things from animal death
to large scale forest fires to erupt. It is a rule all
must understand and abide by. Zing killed a small bird
in an attempt to improve one of his spells. He tried to
cover it up but felt betrayed by Chion. Chion was obligated
to tell Correl of the incident. Zing's master then separated
himself from the apprentice. A huge disgrace here. Zing
then moved on to live up north in the woods. Alone and
without a master to try to learn scraps from books and
watching or spying on other wizards. his story is widely
known here."
Caladan: "Why then was he invited to the wedding?"
Zhou: "He wasn't by Correl but by the Sorceress as one
of her guests. Since she felt Correl knew the lad he
might want to see him get married. In the last year
he lost his cabin to a fire from a spell backfire. A
horse to a accident in the woods. Just last month he
was denied apprenticeship to Wang Xu. I think when
Chion got here that turned him over the edge."
[Back near Chion and Zing, Zing smirks and looks to the
party for some response.]
Zing: "Your friends can't help you now. Don't be a coward
duel for your life and for your station."
[Zhou leans to the party and explains.]
Zhou: "A duel here can be between apprentice and apprentice
or master and master. The same level of experience must
abide but never far between. A mage can never duel an
apprentice because experience level is too far apart.
Technically Zing in the last census was raised above
Apprentice to Magician rank. But he hasn't gone through
the magical trials to earn the rank officially. By the
custom he is allowed to duel Chion. The fight is
always to the death. This is why duels are not taken
lightly here. The winner of the duel gains the wealth
of the victim. This includes land and any other wealth
they may have."
[Chion twists and glances at the party to see their reaction
and wonders if this custom should even be discussed with
outsiders. This is a custom the Katai Wizards have done
for a long time. As he twists Zing continues.]
Zing: "Run away. Coward!"
[Chion turns back and faces Zing. Zhou explains the last
bit of protocol on the custom.]
Zhou: "The challenger gets the right to name the time and
places a limit on the challenge. But he only gets
one spell to deny. Chion in this case can deny the
challenge but would be a bad thing for his standing in
the Dark Lands. He'd be tainted. He could go through
with the challenge and if so he has the right to use
magic from afar or magic in close quarters. Some prefer
to duel using magic in range like weapons. Others like
to stand a few dozen paces away and cast magic at each
other. Both start at the same time. Chion has the
right also to declare his Referee to judge the contest
but Zing can object only on the grounds he thinks it
will not be impartial. That probably excludes Correl.
The High Elder is ultimate judge but Chion has the
right to pick his own referee."
Zing: "We do this now!"
[Zhou stands up and approaches the two.]
Zhou: "You know the rules. No one can duel inside the
citadel. You can duel outside."
[Zing turns to Zhou.]
Zing: "If the coward accepts I choose this fight for now
and he can't use his most precious spell of teleportation."
[Zhou turns to Chion.]
Zhou: "Do you accept? If so who is your Referee? Magic
in close quarters or distance?"
[Zhou speaks as if this is a everyday incident.]
[Arawn watches the unfolding scene and considers this to be
tame compared to duels in his land. Gods duel and
whole nations suffer. Here only one simple mortal may die.
But at least the humans don't make a mess of the land.]
[Ben'dar grins seeing that Chion could probably easily take
Zing in both areas of combat and magic. He knows this
should be a fun fight.
[Caladan shakes his head. A duel here might last for 2-3
seconds or 2-3 minutes. One person picks the first bad
spell or one fails and its all over. It seems to come
down to that vital first spell. Of course one could choose
a defensive spell in which case the second spell will be
the most vital. There seems to be some form of art to this
practice of dueling.]
[Chion glances down to his ring on the hand holding the staff
in his hands. He knows a duel is pure magic. he won't be
allowed to use the staff or weapons or any other magical
aid. But the ring gives him the courage even in the face
of death. Chion knows that Zing will only continue his
threats if Chion backs down. What would his friends think
of him dueling? What if he didn't? Would this act
help or hinder his status?]
[Fremea frowns at the thought of Chion having to duel another
person. She recalls when as a slave she was forced to
fight some man in a closed off area. It was either her
or him that would come out alive. As her slave masters
watched she was forced to kill the man with her own hands.
his blood that day didn't seem to wash off for a long time.
All because he owed them some gambling money and he had
a family. Worse yet he had two children. But it was
kill or be killed that day. Now to see this situation
again brings back memories.]
[Kiet finds the notion of a duel a bit fascinating. Since
his time in the Dark Lands he hasn't seen one yet. He
knows they are somewhat rare especially from masters.
Most apprentices tend to kill themselves off quickly
here leaving the best for the masters to deal with.
Then he recalls that if Chion dies this whole mission
dies and he'll have to stay here with Kwat for one of his
question and answer friendly sessions.]
[Raban finds the prospect of a duel rather repulsive. If
this society is so civilized and cultured they resort to
such barbaric acts. To show who is the better man?
Idiocy. Man should get along and treat each other with
respect.]
[Unali gives a slight smile knowing that Chion in a duel
of combat could easily squish Zing. But she doesn't
know what Zing is capable of. She figures Zing must have
some spell he knows well or defenses Chion doesn't. Zing
is either over confident or suicidal.]
[Z'leyra glances around to see if Corona is nearby as she
listens to the duel talk. She notices high on the
third floor Ki'ama is glancing down from a window in
the center of the manor house. She wonders if this was
planned or by accident? Like the attack on Fremea?
But why would Ki'ama try to kill Chion if he is the only
one to teleport the party?]
Actions? Comments?
Next update...Friday...
GM: Map of Trip on the game site. Its the last link of the
page and you can see the route. Also points of note on
the map.
* Red Dot top left is Sven's second home. Since he is
friends to the Ipansa the owner of the land allows him
to live there to visit him.
* White "castle" top right in the shadow domain is that
of Noavasa's estate.
* Yellow "castle" in center of map is the Elder's Citadel.
* Law Castle - castle symbol left of the word "law" on
the map is Sven's primary estate location.
* Cyan/Blue line is the path of party's travel.
* White dot at end of line is roughly the destination.
* Yellow line is the path the castle is believed to have
taken shown by Sven.
Hope this helps. If you can't view the map or understand
it let me know.
GM: Estimated travel schedule:
Today 3pm - 6pm - Travel east then camp for night [Leg 1]
7am - 6pm - Travel [Leg 2]
6am - 6pm - Travel and arrive [Leg 3]
Leg 1 - Estimated - 5 miles
Leg 2 - Estimated - 19 miles
Leg 3 - Estimated - 18-20 miles
Only a rough estimate. Might get to location before
sunset on second day depending on speed and such.
GM: You guys can plan for a trip of 2 days. This will be
Marqi 31 and Ma 1st. You can plan some general actions
and if you want to practice skills you can do so. May
wish to hold on spells. Never know what the future
stores. But if you want to cast some then that's
up to you. But you never know. :)
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