[pnpgm] Game Update #23 - File #256 - Inspection begins...
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Wed Jul 22 08:42:57 CEST 2009
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
R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe
W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
Do John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma
R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys
Cover Story Info:
Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer
Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard
Fremea as Noble child [Disguised]
Kell aka Swan as Trader
Keiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant
Unali as Zhou's wife
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami
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 #23 in sequence (file #256)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Reading the message in sign language Z'leyra will pass the
message along as if speaking a quiet joke to any party member
near her. She will act unconcerned and glance around with a
smile on her face. Soon she will halfway close her eyes and
sway to the beat of some music and quietly tap her fingertips
against the palm of her other hand and occasionally both sets
of fingertips on the railing like she is lost in thinking about
some song's rythym.
[As many are prone to think those with drums might be shamans
she is setting up her explanation of her being a bard
(drummer/singer) by inclination if not need. A hobby as it were.]
If a fight breaks out she will draw her greatsword and fight
offensively if only facing one, defensively if facing more.
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
<Raban knows 'Tongue of the Wood' he does not know Elder so
cannot teach it. The question on that was whether she meant she
wanted Wood ;) <And the RP was also a request to her on why she
wants it, assuming she does want Wood
<And if she has a reason more than because she wants it, Raban
is quite likely to give her Wood. Its a hard request to turn
down for him. <And I really tried not to add so much innuendo...
really
<As too his learning languages, he already has Katai. Is there
any other 'local' languages available? Essentially anything that
could be spoken by people while we are on this mission is worth
learning. <Raban knows Donaran and Wood at native, Aratad,
Katai, and Marentia at good levels. All three Sidh are barely
usable.
<Raban would like Cernunnos since his goddess is from that court
Raban sighs, more complications and he will need to decide very
soon. Now he should try to find a captive wizard before breaking
the other ship, if it comes to that.
Maybe they have worked out a deal and there will be no need for
violence. But just in case, its best to stay down here where one
can act unseen. Still, if they come down here they could be upset
and that may cause trouble we do not need.
Raban grins idiotically in practice, a large horse handler a bit
addled in the head could be excused, maybe a little filth for
color?
GM: Ack. For languages you will need to look at the language file
it has been online for a couple months and answers your questions.
Once you do let me know what you want.
------------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar moves down near the horses and stands gaurd next to
Tef'wo. He will allow the sailors to inspect Tef'wo if they
are respectful, but if they in any way abuse the horse or try
to remove its magical collar, the fight will begin.
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Will: [Re: Actions]
OOC: Do I understand correctly that one sailor accompanied by
Kiet is going below to inspect and that all of the sailors from
the other ship our essentially standing down?
If so one fascination spell could take care of the problem.
OOC: I'm sure that if we were to tell Raban that there was a
virginal young maiden between the age of 16 and 19 1/2
imprisoned on the other ship he would have here rescued before
they step off the ship.
GM: Ack. Yes. Just 1 sailor for now.
------------------------
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
OOC Maybe, but better to not mess with him unless we must.
We want him to give an “all clean” report, imo.
[OOC - why do we need to rescue anyone they have captive? Just
a question. I guess we don't have time to discuss rescuing other
wizards when the WORLD is at stake, but hey, Kell usually a nice
guy. With that...]
Ha'Kell nods to Caladan. Thinking to himself, Why bother? We
are trying to stop the Vong not right every wrong we come
across... Still, if Ha'Kell was trapped over there in some
musty, dark cell he would want to be rescued as well.
Considering how much the Katai, and apparently the Choshai,
both hate magic, rescuing another wizard could prove useful...
or dangerous. The inspection may go well, but Captain Uli will
surely notice if their captive is missing. There could be only
one thing that happened to the captive, some magic from here.
Quickly grabbing Caladan before he leaves, Ha'Kell whispers,
"Why do we need to worry about anyone they have? This could
endanger our mission." Wishing he had more time to explain all
of his thoughts to Caladan and the group.
[More to come, but that depends on the response.]
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
I believe it's both sailors.
I suspect they might be able to detect a spell cast...so I will
use my usual natural charms and wit, that were so successful
with the dragons, to convince our fine sailor lads that we are
not worth bothering with.
Who knows...maybe the wizard on board isn't really a captive,
but is helping them detect magic...
GM: Ack. Just 1 sailor.
------------------------
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
<LOL yup Raban would need to rescue her ;) Sadly rescues are
much harder, when he tries to take others through walls they go
BONK. He never did figure out how to take others...
<Nothing like having personality flaws a GM can take advantage
of, it adds flavor to the story.
<Luckily for Raban, a good piece of that is his own ethics and
not enforced by his Goddess, though she does not mind it.
<So Raban could break it if he had too, though not without some
mental effects.
<He is already bending his rules around the group's Ladies. They
just do not match the usual Damsel in Distress description. He
will just have to adapt to more complicated women.
GM: Ack. Moi? Take advantage of a trait? Never!
------------------------
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
<Ha, Very nice! This is part of the potentially darker side of
Kell coming out, letting whoever it is rot because of the
mission. They're not in our group and doing something could
cost the mission, so.... But Kell can be convinced to act also.>
<More complicated women? There are less complicated women?
Where? :) ) >
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
As Z'leyra taps out beats with her fingertips while waiting for
the diplomacy and search to end, she thinks about the news that
the other ship has a captive wizard aboard. She wonders if it is
someone worthy of rescue or just some criminal who has magical
skills. She realizes that even bringing up the subject would
cause negative consequences, likely resulting in having to kill
all these sailors who are probably just doing their job. She
knows intellectually that many folks are captured, imprisoned
and sometimes even executed, often without sufficient proof of
their doing misdeeds. It happens everyday somewhere around the
world. But she realizes that it feels different when it is
someone close by and that your actions or lack of actions will
help determine their fate.
However, not only does she not want to kill an shipload of
innocent sailors, she does not want to free some criminal who
would use magic to cause others misery and pain.
She determines that if she knew the circumstances or mind of the
captured wizard she might be better able to decide on a rescue or
be comfortable with just leaving the wizard in durance vile. She
ponders some more on how one might learn such knowledge...
without alarming those on the other ship.
GM: Ack. If only players read the script! All answers are in there.
------------------------
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea quickly looks around and sees sailors at the ready on
both sides for some kind of fight, most of her traveling
companions are also very much ready for something to go down.
She hears a lot of different languages being used to assess who
can understand who. Still not super used to her close fitting
outfit she thinks about if she put her weapons away and
remembers that it was a easy thing for her to do, as she was
learning how to hide it all for the wagon trip anyway.
Making her way to where Zhou is having his meeting with the other
captain, she over hears (or really sees) the sign to Z about the
captive wizard. It is one thing to have a slave and forcing them
to do something, and for a wizard to just be a captive. She
really doesn't care about the wizard at all and spends only a
second thought to her group if they decide to do something about
it.
She stomps up the steps with a pouty face on and, in a ....
(ooc - basically she is making sure that most of the people will
actually ignore her, because she is such a brat. A tactic she
had practice in a few other places.)
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will is thinking to himself about the message being pass about
the captive wizard.
What if...
what if the bounty system of Katai has spread to other areas
with similar views on magic. Then perhaps those caught if they
prefer to live are enslaved and forced to hunt down and kill
other magic users, those of special abilities or of Fey heritage.
Will the group decide to rescue him if not then will he join the
bounty hunters. If so then it would be a mercy, if this mage is
not brave enough to due the honorable thing and chose death over
enslavement and worse the forced extermination of fellow magic
users, for someone (one small and stealthy perhaps) to quietly
slit his throat.
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Languages]
IDK if you got my last e-mail about languages. Chion will learn
whatever he can.
If Chion heard this exchange:
With arms folded across his chest Kiet continues. "I, ...
(this is just his opinion on Supernatural languages and has
nothing to do with reality, mind you)
GM: Ack. Yes got the info on chosen languages. Means more work
for me figuring out what is the priority and then by process
of elimination what you know and don't know. Basically instead
of a simple list I have to do work. More work for me...sigh.
------------------------
From Will: [Re: Languages]
Will like Chion is interested in any supper natural language
that is available to be learned. He would think as Chion does
that the desire to learn or the use of a deities language would
honer rather than offend. The fact that we are having this
discussion among the party members illustrates that there can
be a variety of opinions and the same I'm sure is possible among
the gods. Which may indicate that some caution is necessary.
And why speakers of Kototh are usually put to the sword.
This does raise an interesting point are there any languages
that Chion or anyone else considers to dangerous to learn either
because the god in question is to dangerous or just the
assumption of guilt by virtue of knowing the language is to
great?
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Kell: [Re: Languages]
Ha’Kell ponders this, thoroughly enjoying the discussion....
[***Quoted msg deleted for space***]
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Will: [Re: Languages/reply to Kell]
[***Quoted email deleted for space***]
This also raises a good point I don't know who or what speaks
Hecate or Kototh off the top of my head and I probably would not
want to carry on a conversation with whoever does, but even a
non magic user might want to know what is being said if they
heard it.
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Kiet: [Re: Languages]
Kiet replies "Most Gods are to be avoided, especially ....
[*** Quoted email deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Raban: [Re: Languages]
Raban grins, "Choose your Gods well or they may choose ....
[*** Quoted email deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Languages]
Z'leyra will thank Arawn and the others who allow her to learn
languages from them.
Adding her thoughts to the language discussion she says
"Languages serve a variety of purposes from the profane ...
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Fremea: [Re: Languages]
Fremea sits, listening to everyone talk about the languages
and Gods. Every time someone mentions how the Gods use people
she frowns a little bit more. Finally, tiring of the...
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Languages]
Chion is still smiling when he lets loose a long diatribe, ..
GM: Ack.
------------------------
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[OOC I’m assuming that the Hecate in our P&P universe is the
neutral version. Scott or anyone, is this true or is he/it the
bad Hecate?]
Frowning at Frema’s pain, Ha’Kell speaks again, “For ....
GM: Ack. Hecate - Neutral.
------------------------
From Will: [Re: Languages]
So with this device we can listen and learn a language with
out ever having to speak thus gaining the benefit of knowing
it with out having to grant more power to the force or deity
that created it?
I have always been a believer that being forewarned is forearmed
and that heaving knowlage especially if your opponent does not
expect you to know it is a significant advantage.
This as I said earlier would be an advantage even for a non
mage but If I remember correctly isn't a banishment spoken in
the toung of the supernatural force being banished more
effective?
GM: Ack. This device I believe you mean the necklace? If so it
is only a tongues spell. It doesn't poof any language in
the world to you. You still need a target to use it on.
------------------------
From Chion: [Re: Languages]
Chion replies, "Yes, certain spells in certain languages...
GM: ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Location: Blue Moon, Sailing to Katai]
[Time: Sometime during the voyage.....]
As the party talks over exchanging supernatural languages like
some item in a market, it becomes a bit heated.
With arms across his chest Kiet goes off on the folly of
exchanging sacred tongues. Chion smiles that annoying half
smirk of his that is so like him and speaks up. After a brief
laugh.
"To speak a language of a God is to praise it and give it
power." Chion begins with a steady but serious voice. "It does
not take away from the power of the deity. Which is why you can
get their attention by doing so. And why speakers of Kototh are
usually put to the sword. Its absurd to think that speaking a
language a God created would offend it. Otherwise that deity
would offend itself with every word it uttered."
Farseeker looks surprised and nods. "I may not be a wizard
or know the arcane things some of you know. But I agree with
Chion. But with that also goes the other part by using it to
abuse the language would offend in my belief. To use a tongue
a god knows to heal folks is to praise the god and its act
of healing upon those people. From what I understand the gods
benefit the magic by this honor. But if said wizard were to
make a healing talisman to sell in a market for nothing but for
profit or to sell to some assassin who gets hurt often likely
would offend a god. That intent to be is not what the god wishes
of things. But this is just my view."
Ha'Kell ponders this, thoroughly enjoying the discussion.
Wryly he muses, "Does anything out there really care that much if
we use their language?? How fragile their egos must be." Thinking
he and Chion may have more in common than he thought before. "And
does anyone know Hecate? I'd like to learn that," grinning broadly
as he asks.
Kiet replies "Most Gods are to be avoided, especially their
attention! They are not always fair-minded. Many are childish,
evil, or just plain boorish."
"Why would a dwarf not just give you access to the Tongue of
Dvallin?" Kiet asks and then continues. "Because it is sacred.
It is important and has meaning and is VALUABLE! These languages
are not meant for casual use! In fact, use of the languages draws
power from some source...how do you know that Power isn't going to
some day wish to be paid back? And if someone is using that
language in a fashion the Gods doesn't like, he might also decide
to find out which of his (soon to be former) adherents blabbed."
"Perhaps after a few years of LOYAL apprenticeship I might
give a novice some inkling of a supernatural language...but
certainly not freely giving it away! They are meant for
disciplined use." Kiet finishes up his views.
Raban grins, "Choose your Gods well or they may choose you
whether you wish it or not! I welcomed mine into my heart, to
find she had always been there. So know that many Gods treat
people as toys to play with or as markers for scoring in a great
game. Not all are so callous about it nor unfair and aid their
people in exchange or otherwise reward them. I enjoy being watched
by my Goddess and know she treats me as I deserve. I know wrong
actions may be punished in some manner so it is my own choice
whether to do what I know is wrong. Is that so bad? Not everyone
wants to be judged, for good or ill, so they avoid the Gods or at
least think they do. But if your actions are important, then the
Gods will be involved somewhere. At the minimum your actions will
entertain them and they may give a little push at the right point
if its needed. Using a language of the Gods is quite likely to be
noticed if it is not used in the God's best interests. And I would
expect they will want payment in some manner, no matter how it was
used. But equally some expect it to be used, Sidh in casting Sidh
spells, Dvallin in making great works. Such use is proper and
rarely against the gods desires. Enemies of those gods can rarely
even use such language or spells because they are so fanatically
opposed. No, it will be humans who abuse such and they will be
watched in some manner because humans can change sides so easily.
So I will be watched by the Sidh to see if it was right to trust
me with the Sidh Tongue and Spells. I may even be watched by Sidh
Gods at times, but I am not concerned because I already know right
from wrong. But should I learn some language of Chaos or Kotothi,
would such be safe to use? Those I expect corrupt you from within,
more so if they are used. It could be handy to understand an
opponent who is speaking such languages but is the risk worth it?
And to use such a language implies you are also using their magic,
neither of which is good for your soul. So I would recommend
learning only languages you are allied with in some manner and
avoid the ones opposed to you. And always have a very good reason
for why you wished to learn any of those languages. I intend to
learn Elder and Neutral languages when I can because I am allied
to those and can use their magic. Sidh, Elder and Neutral are the
most compatible by nature anyway."
Adding her thoughts to the language discussion Z'leyra says
"Languages serve a variety of purposes from the profane to the
sacred. Most languages are simply a means to communicate and it is
both helpful and a sign of respect to know the language of those
you are trying communicate with. This applies to whoever you are
trying to communicate with, even or perhaps especially gods."
"Some folk use languages in a disrespectful manner, to cuss in
a language that they believe their listeners don't know, or simply
to say profane things regardless of who is listening. One can hear
much of this sort of verbage in any port town. Other, and I hope
that I am included in this category, use language as it is
intended, to communicate, preferably in a respectful manner.
Ideally I would like to be proficient in every language so that I
could communicate with whomever I encounter that has a mind capable
of thinking wise thoughts. Should I meet a god or greater servant
of some god I would like to be able to communicate with them in the
tongue they are most comfortable in talking with me. Finally, I
would like to be able to call on magical powers in the tongue the
magical powers are most responsive to."
"I know that some tongues are sacred and are not to be used
except under certain circumstances. These tongues are rarely taught
outside their particular groups except under very unusual
circumstances. These tongues are rarely mentioned and some of the
groups have a reputation for hunting down and hurting or killing
those known for using their sacred tongue outside the allowed
circumstances. I suspect that learning those tongues also usually
comes with instructions on the etiquette for when and when not to
use the tongue in question."
Several sit and nod at the speech Z'leyra gives. Some squirm
and look uneasy. Zhou and Shu shift in their chair as if nervous
at the conversation. Some might suspect Shu with her old arcane
spell might have some tongue not discussed openly. Zhou might
also be privy to who has what languages in the Dark Lands more
than the common noble. Some wonder what all the high Elder himself
knows being so powerful.
Fremea sits, listening to everyone talk about the languages
and Gods. Every time someone mentions how the Gods use people she
frowns a little bit more. Finally, tiring of the conversation, she
interjects, "All this talk about how the Gods could 'Get you' if
you use the language wrong or in vain is just nonsense. They will
use you as they see fit. I am sure many of you have had your share
of stupid Gods and how they interrupt your life or didn't even let
your life begin, but decided for you how to live it. Well, I for
one am tired of them for now and just wish them to let m- ....
others live their lives how they see fit! Learn any language you
can and use it anyway you want! The Gods don't really care, except
what serves their interest the most!" She then flies off to sit
quietly watching a bird fly and swoop.
Frowning at Frema's pain, Ha'Kell speaks again, “For the most
part I agree with Fremea. Do what we will and what we can, don’t
worry about them. If they’re interested at all, usually they’re
not.” Kell stays to listen, and maybe add more, then when the
conversation dies down he wanders off to sit quietly beside Fremea.
Farseeker fakes a sniffle and looks after Fremea on the other
side of the ship. "The wee ones grow up so fast." Then gives
a wide grin. Who would have though just weeks ago she was this
timid person who feared the outside world and man. Now she
is in defiant of the very gods themselves. Farseeker turns back
and with a serious tone. "Yes. Gods to control us mere mortals.
But the humans in power do the majority of damage far more than
the gods do."
Chion is still smiling when he lets loose a long diatribe, "I
think you are quite right that the words have power. I think
however you are mistaken on whence the power flows from or towards
the source. A word created by a god, and owned by that god does not
leave them. It is by nature theirs. And empowers them by use. If no
one spoke their tongue, they would lose power. If everyone spoke
it, they would be the most powerful. Dwarves do not share their
language because they wish the attentions of Lord Dvallin to fall
only within their ranks. Whom else is deserving? Nobody. I would
note that nobody here expects any sacred language to be casually
used. For whether you are correct, or I am, regarding ebbs and
flows, we are all well aware there is a price to be paid for using
a Deity's language. What we are suggesting, is that in order to
benefit our party and make stronger our allies, we share knowledge
of, not use of, our languages. I learned a long long time ago
that knowledge is power. Knowledge in reserveis power in reserve.
I have no fear of knowing. Not like in trying to do. I would not
give a language to an apprentice until they understood the
ramifications of praising a deity with their every word. Or, if
you are correct, draining one. And while I do not think that you
are, this tool for learning languages allows one to learn a
hundred times easier than I learned my first Diefic language.
Without the praise or drain on the deity done by the spoken word,
you can come to understand much better than months of study and
practice aloud. By any measure, it is a far better thing to use
this device than to study such dangerous languages formally."
Chion continues, "Yes, certain spells in certain languages
are more powerful. One can theorize that that is because one
drains power from the deity or that one gets the aid of the deity
through praising it with its language. Whichever is true, the
deities do take notice on occasion. I can understand Fremea's
constienation at not seeming to be heard. It often takes an
awful lot to be heard. But they are listening. Or at least, can
hear when they want to."
Farseeker stands and spreads both arms staring at Chion.
"You are not Chion! A demon has taken you! Kill him!" He
steps forward a foot or two and then stops and grins. "This
is the most you've said in one hour than you have in two years.
You need healing from Z'leyra?" He slaps Chion's back in jest.
Who would've thought just a couple years ago they hated each
other.
At that instant a clap of thunder is heard in the distance
horizon to the east out into the deep ocean. Storm clouds look
faint in the distance miles away. Could it have been simple
daily storms that come and go on the ocean?
--------------------------------
[Ma 23rd, 1634TH]
[Winds: Average, Speed 7]
[Distance this day: 31]
[Weather: Overcast, Wind storm]
[Temperatures: 61-71]
[Magical talisman: Not active at this time]
[Time: 1:19pm]
Captain Uli issues his order to the sailor to go below.
Before Caladan can move on Kell grabs his arm and whispers
to the wizard. "Why do we need to worry about anyone they have?
This could endanger our mission." Wishing he had more time to
explain all of his thoughts to Caladan and the group.
Caladan glances over Kell's right shoulder at the lone sailor
now on the gangplank and whispers back. "Why not?" He whispers
back and smiles. "You captured by Katai should we rescue you?"
With that simple statement he pulls away and moves off to inform
others as best he can. Kell realizes the logic is there. There
is a danger one or more could be captured by Katai forces. If
he uses the same reasoning would he be rescued or left behind?
As the inspector sailor takes the stairs down, Kiet glances
over one last time at the party. He notices Ben'dar slip close
to the edge and leap down to the hold ramp below just out of
sight of those on deck. As Kiet takes the stairs slowly he
yells out in Marentian. "Ben'dar...please stay on deck. I don't
believe anything of ours belowdecks is in danger."
Z'leyra turns to sign her warning to Fremea who nods slightly.
Fremea pouts and stomps over toward Zhou and Uli. Using her
best Katai accent, though tinged with not having really been
growing up in Katai, so she does have the full accent that a real
Katai person would, she blurts out, "Father! Why are we not going
to our home? What is this ugly ship sitting in the water for? Make
the captain move it again!" This is almost at a yell, though not
quite, as if she was trained in court to make her point be heard,
yet not appear to be yelling at someone. Then she stands with her
arms crossed and a very kidish looking arrogance on her face that
she should be paid attention to.
Zhou gives a clear show of frustration and exhales heavy
outwards. He turns with Captain Uli at the interruption by
Fremea. Zhou glares at her not as party member but as father
might at daughter. "Sorry...dear this man here has a right
to inspect our ship. Lucky for us he has made it a quick
search."
Fremea recalls that little girl on the Donaran market who
would not be given a snack. The way she curled her lip in
sadness. Who would have though her attention and concern of
children would be in use years later on. She gives that same
lip curl of half anger-sadness and does another human trait she
saw some boy do stomps her foot down.
Zhou raises a hand toward her. "Captain Uli this is my
daughter. She-"
Uli glances at Fremea briefly then over at the others.
"Where did the other one go? Get him back up here! All
should be on deck during the inspection but the one going
below!"
Uli moves forward toward the hold area. Zhou rushes after
him but Fremea catches his arm and whispers about the captive
on the enemy ship. Zhou raises an arm and glances at the ship
and nods. He moves on chasing Uli.
By now Arawn comes up the stairs to join the others. Kiet
didn't have time to warn him about the captive yet. But as
Uli moves toward Kell to figure out where Ben'dar went, Z'leyra
whispers a warning to Arawn. By now all on deck are aware
of the captive on the enemy ship.
The sailor on the gangplank moves toward the ramp and
heads down it to chase after Ben'dar. When he rounds the
corner and almost runs right into the form of Raban he becomes
startled and raises his sword. Raban comes out of the shadows
and grins broadly. He smiles of horses, waste and hay. In the
few seconds he had he smeared some grease, hay, horse hair and
even brushed the broom up against his pant leg enough to show
some filth. He holds the broom now and grins. He steps
out of the shadow and that's when Uli reaches the edge. Both
Uli and the sailor stare at the giant. Zhou gets to the lip
of the hold upper area and stares down the 7 feet or so down
toward Raban. Zhou leans toward Uli and catches on to Raban's
plan it seems. "He is a little slow. A great brute for the
hard work. But slow...here..let me ..." He claps his hands.
"Come up here. Leave stick there. Yes ..yes..that's it.
Come top side...this way..."
Raban sighs inwardly. His cover blown now he can't help
the captive. If only Ben'dar had remained top side. Raban
drops the broom and lumbers up the ramp to the top deck. He
goes to join the others near the port side of the ship. The
sailor lets the giant pass and moves through the horses and
finds Ben'dar. "You there. Move out!" Ben'dar grunts not
knowing what is said. Then from top side Ben'dar hears. "Ben'dar
come top side. We don't want more coming below. The horses
will be safe."
Ben'dar grunts and notices the sailor seems to ignore Tef'wo
and ushers Ben'dar up the ramp. Ben'dar realizes he could
force Uli to send more below. More means more chances to find
things. It clearly seems like Zhou got Uli to agree only on
one inspector which is probably rare.
Captain Uli stands tall. "Line up. I wish to look at
everyone."
Zhou glances at the others. He notices Shu and Will are
still missing. As Captain Uli begins a head count of his own
of party and sailors, Zhou tries to distract him. "So have you
ever found any wizards and captured them?"
Captain Uli ignores him and continues counting.
That's when Shu climbs the stairs and joins the others.
She brings the attention of some of the sailors on the other
ship and they shift feet. She isn't amazing but she can be
pretty at times. Their eyes draw away from Fremea, Ben'dar and
Raban toward her.
Meanwhile when the sailor discovers Raban, the inspector
and Kiet stop to plan their move. Kiet gives a sigh of relief
as if glad to be out of his master's sight. "Sir, my Master is a
hard man at times and is currently in a hurry to continue on his
way. I am asking that you please make your search quickly and
efficiently. My master gives me certain discretion over matters
such as these and I believe I can offer you 2 Silver coins upon the
completion of your search if you can finish in a timely manner...at
my discretion, of course."
The sailor looks around to figure out which way to go first.
"Yeah well. Its a big ship. If he had wanted it fast why did he
convince my captain to only send one of us down? Usually we
doe this in pairs of 2 or more groups. One man doing a ship this
big could take time."
Kiet nods, "Yes, it's a large ship, but that IS your job
here, and 2 Silver coins is about a months wages."
The sailor looks back at the stairs and then down the west
hallway to see if anyone is around. "Youse wouldn't be trying to
bribe me would ya?" The sailor squints at the dim light toward
the acrobat. The sailor turns left and starts to head to the
first two rooms on the forward section of he hold deck. He opens
the doors and enters. Kiet feigns innocence for a short while then
the sailor continues as he glances behind crates and peers in some
of them briefly. "This is hard work and my friends up there may
need drinks to cool them down while waiting for me to do this
long search."
Kiet quickly thinks and curses. Ben'dar and the sailors just
finished the last of the ale reserves last night. Was supposed to
pick up more in the next village. "I might be willing to go to
3 silver coins if you are especially efficient..."
As the inspect finishes the first room the sailor looks at
Kiet then nods. Kiet smiles faintlsy and says, "I will wait here
while you conduct your search."
The sailor shakes his head and pulls Kiet along. "Oh no you
don't. I'm not getting in trouble if you're not with me. I may
need you to explain a few things."
Below one deck down Chion exits his cabin and heads toward
the hold deck. As the last two sailors join him up the ladders
the inspector gets to the next room. Chion quietly heads up the
stairs top side having been warned by one of the Blue Moon's
sailors.
Soon as Chion gets to join the others Caladan deftly signs
him about the captive prisoner.
Captain Uli notices Chion join the others. He turns to
Zhou. "I will inspect them personally. Have them line up.
I will do only a cursory examination. It will not be a body
search unless I need to do one. But I only see 13 passengers
here and the full crew on deck. With that one below with
my sailor that means one is missing."
Zhou turns to look at the others. "Ahh...The captain must
have been....mistaken...." Zhou glances tot he others for
suggestions. Where is Will? Zhou clearly tries to figure out
something to say.
[Time: 1:21pm]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Robert/Strie'bog - your personal mindspring email is bouncing
emails and looks like the list cut it off. May want to
check on that.
GM: I find the discussion languages time consuming for me but
fun to read. Interesting views. A new perspective not
seen in my games. I typed up a quick personal view in
the rules/comments file on the website. View at leisure.
GM: Placement:
* Deck 1: Ben'dar, Caladan, Farseeker, Kell, Strie'bog,
Unali, Zhou, Z'leyra, Fremea, Arawn, Shu, Chion,
, Raban, All sailors/BM Crew
* Deck 2: Kiet, Sailor/Inspector
* Deck 3: Will [Cabin?],
GM: Small update per se. But it moves things along. Now its
up to what is going on behind the scenes. :) I should have
the IBT post next week if things go well. Wanted to get
this out. Consider this the Friday update. This will give
you guys 6 days to react.
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