[pnpgm] Game Update #43 - File #408 - Tiehul meets Zhou
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Oct 13 08:23:26 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
...Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma
R1 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: [HD- House member, F-Foreigner, N-native non house]
Arawn aka Arawn as Teacher to daughter [F]
Ben'dar aka Bu Da as Horse expert [F]
Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer [N]
Chion aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee [HD]
Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard [F]
Fremea aka Lin Mong as Noble child [HD] [Disguised]
Kell aka Swan as Trader [F]
Kiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant [F]
Raban aka Toban Nu as Entertainer/Guard [F]
Strie'bog aka Sun Zhu as Entertainer [N]
Shu aka Shu as Niece [HD]
Unali aka Tun Au as Zhou's wife [HD]
Whitney aka Whitney as Herbalist/Tailor [F]
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Baron Noble [HD]
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 cybermax.net
Game Update #43 in sequence (file #408)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
[None]
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 7th, 1634TH]
[Location: Jiuquo, Katai]
[Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperatures: 65-85]
[Time: 7:49am]
Hours before the Blue Moon lands in port the party prepares
their gear and horses. No one at this point decides to use
the secret hold of the ship. In return Captain Sung asks that
information be kept secret as well. "We all have our secrets."
he later says about it.
Chion walks through the decks with his 4.5 foot tall staff
covered in ornate runes. He has decided to keep it even after
the items are sent back to the Dark Lands. Even Z'leyra who
gave up her items is surprised by this. But Chion suggests that
it might be good for communications. If the High Elder can
read the environment and situation even in vague terms it might
be helpful. If not to report directly to him but to record
things in case disaster occurs and a second party can be formed
to save the world. Some realize this is a high risk for a simple
chain of command reporting situation but Chion isn't swayed.
Chion enters the horse hold from inside the hallway and
looks around. He has only had this foul duty 4 times in the
last few months. It is hard, smelly and foul work. But everyone
even Zhou had some time in here. He looks to the corner and
finds a collection of what he needs. Hanging on the wall are some
work gloves which he dons on his hands. Gripping the smelly
stained gloves he grabs the staff. He then picks up the
carpenter's tool to smooth out tar and picks up half-dry horse
manure. Chion sighs as he smears the manure onto the staff.
He prays silently that the force or intelligence inside isn't
offended enough to zap him dead right then and there. He hopes
the force or whatever is inside doesn't complain to its master
who Chion has figured must be the High Elder first and then
second him. Chion shakes his head slightly as he smears and
stains the staff all over covering the white-gray wood into
dark brown-black covering up the runes. Chion looks up to see
Tef'wo staring back silently and Chion smiles thanking the beast
for his contribution in even the more subtle ways.
After a few minutes the staff looks pretty covered and Chion
places the staff outside to dry and harden the mess. Chion knows
he'll have to clean it later and hopes the stains come out. He
suspects he'll have to repay the force inside somehow. Chion then
heads back downstairs and finds some burlap sack material and then
a spare shovel. Asking the Captain if he can use it and then
obtain another one later the Captain just shrugs.
Returning topside Chion finds some staring at the stained staff.
He ignores the glances and glares. Using some basic tools Chion
takes off the shovel head and then attempts to attach it to the
staff. It is slightly loose and Chion dares not screw or hammer
into the staff. That might just be taking it too far. Now the
stained staff looks like a stained shovel. He then wraps the
staff into the burlap material and later places it onto his
horse.
This is when the party figures out his plan. Who in their right
mind would get close to such a thing and touch it much less
smell it? Surely most guards would be too stupid or lazy. It
might just work. Of course a more in depth search by a trained
professional might be more difficult to avoid. But at least
the majority of searches would not give the staff a second thought.
In order to muffle the smell Chion uses his perfume to scent the
horse and himself. Some in the party has seen him use such
perfume for over a year.
-------------------
[Time: 12:20pm]
In the market, which the team later learns to be named Xing Lo
Market, the team gazes about intently. Caladan and Strie'bog
have been to Sivas and it only has little over 40,000 people
but this city has they say over 10,000 more. It looks more
cramped, crowded and smaller than Sivas though.
Kell finds a stall to rent for a copper coins. In this section
it is unclear who the "boss" of the market is. But the next
door neighbor rents the stall to Kell and Kiet. Kell and the
others setup the small group of items like the statue, fur and
other minor items. Behind the front area they place some weapons
and armor so they don't get grabbed.
Kell realizes that these items aren't much use haggling for, it
is the expensive stuff like the weapons, armor and gems that should
need the best haggling. So Caladan and Strie'bog take the stall
and continue to sell the stuff. Kell and Kiet head down the
rows of the market bumping into people at every turn and finds
a small jewelry alcove that leads to a actual jewelry shop.
After some time Kell and Kiet examine the shop pretending to
look but soon realize the place must be a place for stolen
items as the prices are outrageous. The owner also looks a bit
rough and would rather steal your stuff then buy it. So Kell
and Kiet head continue down the market and find another shop
this one better looking.
Behind the desk is a old man in his 50s and a older lady
cleaning display cases. There is only a couple other customers
who are looking around the pieces. Most are rings and necklaces.
But there are other things like bracelets and earrings. Kell
finds the selection quite good and fair priced.
Kell picks up his bag he left near Kiet, to ensure he was not
there to steal or shoplift, then heads to the counter. Kell
introduces himself and then asks if the man buys items. He
does indeed so Kell pulls out the gems and jewelry from his
bag and displays them. As the jeweler inspects them Kell
realizes these items must be some mother's personal items
but how in the world could they locate the owner? Sure
the pirates stole them but now the party is benefiting from
them off of some peasant or middle class working family.
The Jeweler inspects each item with his eye piece in the light
of the nearby windows. He nods and comments or grunts briefly
on each item. After some time and haggling the items are sold
quickly. Kell then brings out the personal claimed items like
the emerald, sapphire and such to value them. The jeweler likes
the emerald and tries to buy it but Fremea has already claimed it.
Kell files the values into mental memory to tell the others.
Within a short time Kell and Kiet leaves the store with a small
bag of fresh Katai coins. Kell places the money into his belt
pouch and the two head back to the stall. As the two men walk
the market is only about two wagon widths apart but its wall to
wall with people. It takes maybe a full minute just to go 20
feet in some cases. While Kell towers over all the folks in
the market he has seen Kiet fits in better with their height.
This gives Kell a slight advantage to look over folks.
As Kell and Kiet pass a vender selling some meat the two men
smell it and their stomachs growl. As they near the stall the
two vendors, an old man and son it seems, look up and smile.
"Prime meat! This here is only 3 brass coins for this strip!"
He shows a bacon like strip of meat that is roasting over some
hot oiled vat. Almost looks like dried beef jerky. As Kell
looks closer he notices behind the men on the ground is a sliver
of gray. His keen half-elf eyes notice it almost looks like a
claw of an animal. Maybe a beaver or small bear cub? Kell then
wonders if this isn't some cattle meat but some road kill or
worse something like his own pet.
By now the two men are used to being bumped shoulder to shoulder
and the odors of the mass of people. When an old lady steps back
from a fruit seller she steps onto Kiet's foot and he moves
back. As he does this a man near him is forced into his path
and both Kiet and man touch chest to chest. The young man
carrying a sack of grain or something on his shoulder uses his
free hand to stop short and hits Kiet's right arm. As the
old lady moves on with her basket of fruit three boys run past
her and run into Kell. One boy slams into his chest and looks
up. When he notices Kell's face the young boy sees the tall
man and cringes in slight fear. He mutters an apology and turns
quickly to the right and around him.
At that instant Kiet reaches instinctively down and grabs the
sack bearer's hand. When he does he notices the man has a grip
of his belt pouch. Kiet shakes his head and reaches for his dagger.
"It was an accident sir. Sorry to hit you we are crowded today."
Kell looks over Kiet's shoulder and then realizes what may
have been attempted. He realizes Kiet caught him and there
was no loss. Then Kell realizes something and reaches down to
his own belt pouch. He sighs in relief when he finds it but
reaches in to find some lack of coins. He quickly turns around
and scans the crowd for the boys. To the left back down the
way they came two boys are moving through the crowd and then
they separate one going right and the other left between
the people moving fast away. He curses to himself as he should
have detected such an attempt. But in this large distracting
market it was more difficult it seems. Kell glances back at
Kiet and the sack bearer is trying to back away explaining
it wasn't as it seemed. Kell then looks back and sees only
one of the boys around the age of 12 or so. the other seems
gone but the other is about 30 feet away through a crowd of
at least 2 dozen men and women.
-----------------
Meanwhile back at the jail the Imperial Major eyes the pirates
up and down. He glances at the four who came with them waiting
for a reply. Finally Chion dismounts and lands with a dust
cloud onto the street. He wipes his face and speaks in no general
direction. "I am Captain Chu Mai, Sailor Trustee of Noble Lord
Zhou Wa. I bring captive pirates from the trade ship Blue Moon.
After boarding by the Katai ship Kupang inspection team under the
Captain Pheng Mew we were attacked by pirates. We managed to
capture three, and many others were slain. I am here to report
the incident and turn over these prisoners. May the Emperor have
mercy on their souls and see them swiftly to their eternal rest."
Ben'dar, Will and Z'leyra glance at Chion wondering when this
Katai inspection came about. There was Uli's Choshai inspection
and the pilot but no real Katai one. But the Major wouldn't know
that so its a good bluff.
The Major glances back at Chion and nods. "I don't know this
Lord you speak of." He then glances back at the pirates and
mutters. "But that isn't too surprising." He raises his voice
back up. "Pirates eh?" He glances at the first one and then
moves to the middle one. He reaches out to raise his shirt and
then looks at his chest. He then raises one sleeve and finally
the other one seeing the tattoo of the men. "Ahh....I see.
I know this tat. " He steps back and glares at the pirate.
"We don't appreciate pirate scum here. That sort of thing
is best for lower Katai not up here."
The middle pirate glares back and rolls his eyes and then
spits onto the cheek of the Major. Will and the others tense.
But the Major remains calm as he wipes his face and then steps
forward. He smiles at the pirate. Then almost with super
speed he back hands the pirate in the face and causes his
lip to bleed slightly. "Do it again." He whispers to the
man who staggers a foot back from the blow.
The Major then turns and ignores the pirate. He faces
Chion and looks him up. "Fighting pirates is dangerous work."
He glances at Z'leyra briefly then eyes Will, Ben'dar and
Chion longer. With his eyes he assesses the men for their
fighting ability. He eyes Ben'dar and frowns.
"Foreigners fend off a pirate attack. Bold. Then again I've
heard some 90 year old lady can stop a mugger with a purse."
He sighs and heads toward the jail's door. "I suppose you'll
want some reward or bounty. We'll have to check that out and
see what the scum is worth." He glances to his guards. "Bring
them in and place them in the cells." He then raises a hand
to the party. "Follow me we have some papers to fill out.
the military is renowned for their paperwork." As he gets to the
door he adds one more thing. "I assume your bounty credentials
are all in order."
The Major then walks into the jail as the other guards go to
collect the pirates. Will glances to Chion not expecting
this bit of bounty permits or whatever it is. The Major enters
the building and walks through a inner door into an office.
The guards outside gesture for the team to enter in not so
rough methods but one of get-on-with-it. Knowing that a stable
and barracks is just beside the jail it could be dangerous to
flee try to bluff their way out. Chion is the first to enter
the building after a brief shrug. In for a pound as they say.
Entering the jail there is a few chairs and at least three
desks in the main room. Two are occupied with guards doing
scrolls and other paperwork. They ignore the party. The guards
force the pirates through another inner door on the left wall
to what must be the cells.
The major exits the room he entered carrying a bag. He waves
the party up the nearby narrow stairs up to the second floor.
As the last of the pirate walks toward the door to the cells he
yells. "They lie! They attacked us! They....oaf!" A muffled
grunt is heard but not seen as the party climb the stairs.
The Major leads the team to a small meeting area with a large
table and a few chairs. The room could be a interrogation, meeting
or even a eating area but its not clear. The Major sits on one
side while the party take up their places on the other side.
"Your horses will be fine." He begins as he opens the bags and
pulls out a slew of scrolls and papers. "They will watch them
downstairs from the window." He begins to shuffle some papers
and reads some. "You'll need to answer some questions." He
goes through one stack quickly and then separates the stack into
three piles.
After a few silent moments he finally looks up and sits back.
"I'll send someone to fill out the paperwork. Mainly get your
names and a brief take on the situation. Shouldn't take long."
he grabs the first two stacks and places them into his bag again
with some other papers. He then closes the bag and reaches for
the last pile. "These are the wanted documents on what the
area pirates are and what gangs they belong to. Yazho pirates
look to be your bunch. Actually only a light gang. They have
reported only two ships. One at sea and one somewhere on the
river near here. You probably took out the ocean one. I find
it interesting you could take them out. Other than him..." he
points to Chion, "you are obviously not from around here."
After a long pause he glances at each in the team. "This
lord you serve must have quite the effective protection. Ah
well." He looks to the closed door behind the team then back
at the group. "I recognize one of them. Seems the quiet one
who didn't speak or spit at me. The vermin is a long time
felon. Just a few months ago he was reported to have kidnapped
two noble girls around 15 or so and take them to their ship.
After the crew had their enjoyment he burnt one alive and threw
the other overboard after slitting here throat. We found both
bodies later. They will all likely hang in the morning. The
others I'll have to go get another look to check. But he alone
should be worth some silver." He stands and slings his bag on
his shoulder. Then he rounds the table heading to the door.
"I'll send that guard up to take your statements. " He reaches
the door and opens it. "Just wait a bit. Be ready with the
bounty hunter permits." He steps through the threshold. "Of
course that is if your here for the bounty. I will return shortly."
He then exits and closes the door.
-----------------
At the Brass Mug tavern the group heads to their table and sits
down. The Barkeep rushes over to help with Zhou's chair and dusts
it off with his rag. He asks if anyone would like anything to
drink and takes orders. Farseeker orders a small beer and Shu
orders a glass of wine. The barkeep returns with the drinks and
a tray full of food items. He places down a bowl of fruit, cheese
and warm fresh bread. Lastly he places a bowl of shelled hardened
peanuts and nuts on the table. "Tiehul will be here soon. I've
sent word for him to rush here." Zhou thanks the barkeep and then
eats a orange.
Fremea is the last to sit as she stares at the place looking
bored. Raban stands behind her and she glares at the other
customers. When some look over she brushes her hair slightly
back and glances over her shoulder as if to imply Raban is
with her. Finally she sits and Raban attempts to sit in the
tiny chair but finally has to get a foot stool from the bar
to sit on. It looks awkward but he can't fit well in the tiny
bar chairs. The stool allows him to actually remain at almost
the same height as the others at the table only about a foot
or so shorter than the chairs. Zhou picked the table near the
window but Fremea chooses the far right side and sits in the
shadow of the wall. Fremea looks around the place and sees the
two main doors to the stable and main door. She notices what
must be a office or storage door and the stairs up. Besides the
stairs is a tiny hallway leading to the rear of the tavern and
likely a rear door. She notices the top of the stairs is well
lit and the hallway must be for customers not just staff. Most
taverns that don't want customers upstairs have dark stairs to
avoid the temptation. She is slightly at unease with the door
to her back and left but with Raban nearby she has no fear.
She scans the tavern itself with her eyes and senses. Even though
the tavern is in a upper middle class district the place looks
a bit dingy. The bar is worn and scarred from constant foot
traffic and drinks ontop of the surface. The floors are dusty
and likely dirty but not ugly. There are no curtains here showing
the place has no woman's touch. Behind the drink bar is a large
customary mirror with stacks of bottles and drinks. Along the
walls are several small pictures of various Katai looking places
and people. A large fireplace is in the right center next to the
stairs and likely warms both floors somehow during winter. It
is not lit now as it is too hot. On the opposite wall of the
bar are the tables and some other windows that are open to let the
air in and circulate.
Fremea then watches the people as she grabs a few peanuts.
She notices the half dozen or so are sitting, eating or drinking
quietly. They clearly are ignoring the party. But as she
discreetly watches them she notices three return occasional glances.
One seems to be a middle aged man drinking an ale and eating what
might be a meat pie. He stares repeatedly at Raban, Unali and
Shu often. Fremea suspects the young man who looks like a sailor
from his clothes and rough looking hands is just curious, especially
of the women. The other two though look different. One sits alone
in the far left corner sipping a ale. He pretends to watch the
windows to the street but is seen watching the party. The other
is sitting with another person at a table in the left wall. Both
men are picking at bread and drinking beer. But as Fremea watches
they only nimble at the items. AS if to prolong the items. As
she watches the one facing the party she watches his eyes and
notices he glances at the doors and the bouncer occasionally.
Fremea guesses these two men and the other one in the corner
must be locals or allies of the bouncer.
As the barkeep comes to refill drinks small talk is done like
how the city looks and the new places they've seen.
"We don't get this far south often. I hear this area has a
problem with..." Shu asks the barkeep as he returns to the table
and then lowers her voice a bit, "Heretics?"
The barkeep holding his jug of beer places his towel on his arm
and nods. "Yes. The vermin hide and come out every so often.
But never fear they are no threat to us here." He smiles and
rushes back to the bar.
Zhou and Shu glance at each other. As Fremea begins to relax
she becomes quite pleased with the nuts. Especially the peanuts.
Something she hasn't had before. They are quite addicting. The
only reason she eats them like the others she figures is the
barkeep had no time to sabotage the food.
Some 15-20 minutes later two horses rush to the front and
stop with a cloud of dust. Two men and a boy dismount. The
boy takes the ropes of the horses and leads them out of view of
the window. The men approach the tavern door and rush in.
The first man stands 5 foot 12 or so and wears brown leather
boots, cloth brown pants, a nice snakeskin belt, white tunic and
black half leather vest. He wears a ring on his right hand and
a sword dangles on his right hip. The other man wears black
work boots, cloth pants and tan tunic with simple belt. He
doesn't appear to be armed but Unali, Fremea and Farseeker can
easily detect a bulge in his tunic on his back where likely
a knife or dagger is. Unali also suspects based on how the
left boot is worn he likely has another dagger there.
The man with the sword goes over to the bar and leans over to
whisper to the barkeep. They whisper for a few seconds and
the man stands tall and turns. He brushes his hair slightly and
waves a hand over a shirt wrinkle. He smiles and walks briskly
to the table.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was away on another matter. "
He reaches out a hand to Zhou. "I am Tiehul Sal owner of this
humble tavern."
Zhou continues to sit and nods at the man. "I am Bar Zhou Wa."
He points to Unali. "This is my wife Tun Au." He waves a hand at
Fremea. "My daughter Lin Mong." Then he waves a hand at Shu. "My
fine niece Shu." then he nods at Arawn. "Lin's teacher." Arawn
notices he doesn't name him which appears to be his choice.
When Arawn notice he doesn't introduce Whitney, Farseeker or
Raban he raises a eyebrow slightly. To not even note them as
bodyguards or servants could be offensive to them. But in this
case Zhou seems to be acting as noble and above such introductions.
The implication is there and Tiehul doesn't seem to even notice
them though he does a longer glance at Raban.
Tiehul reaches out to grab Unali's hand and bends down to
kiss it then backs away. "Lovely to meet you. " He then bows
at Zhou and continues to stand. "My right hand man Tung Lee."
He points to the other man that came in. Tiehul glances to
the other customers.
Zhou puts down his half eaten orange. "I'm here -"
Tiehul raises a hand. "Pardon sir." He then looks to the
other tables. "Sorry folks we are closed. Finish your drinks
and if you need to take your food we can arrange that. Thank
you." He then looks down to Zhou. "Just a moment, please."
Zhou crosses his arm clearly looking displeased. But soon
a few minutes later folks begin to leave. When three remain
at tables, Fremea's suspicion comes true.
"Jing see to the horses. You two patrol please." The
three men stand and head to the stable door and leave the
tavern. "You can go for now." He tells the barkeep who leaves
a few seconds later.
Now only the team, Tiehul and Tung are left in the tavern. Unless
there are others upstairs. Tiehul takes a seat while Tung
stands behind the bar pretending to be busy.
"I got your message. Farfella? He calls in that big chip
after all these years?" He shakes his head. Tiehul looks
in his mid-40s but his eyes look much older. He suddenly
stands and begins to pace the floor back and forth. With
a finger to his lips he begins to think. "Why do you folks
come down here? First you bring these kids who are sent by
their masters on some fool errand to prove themselves. It
is like they think I'm a babysitter." He then eyes each person
briefly again. "Now the land up north brings me ...not one but
five of you!" He stops and stares at Zhou. "Do you or he think
this is a party? Some place to go on vacation? This is a
dangerous nation."
"We are here on an important mission." Zhou replies.
Tiehul holds up another hand. "I don't want to know the details.
What can I do for you?"
"We have some questions and need information." Zhou spreads
his hands and smiles.
"Fine." Tiehul sits back down.
"First do you have...a safe house or place one might do things?"
Zhou squints as he asks the question.
"There are places yes. Why?" Tiehul prompts.
"We need to perform a task that needs to avoid being seen.
The privacy of a house would do just fine." Zhou picks up the
orange again and fingers the skin.
Tiehul shakes his head. "I gather your meaning...Zhou if
that is your name." He leans back in his chair and folds his
arms. "You can do it here. For such ...tasks....we use distractions.
We have the ability to cause other ...tasks in other parts of
the city. While they look there they don't see it here. It
works especially how we can set it up."
The group suspects Zhou is talking about Shu's Vong-detection-
through-lack-of-mana spell. Shu did explain it would be
needed to be cast in the city briefly but the ritual is
long enough to cloud the spell in some ways.
Zhou leans forward. "Now as to what we need..."
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: For my memory so I don't have to keep checking:
Unali, Arawn, Raban, Shu, Fremea,Whitney,Farseeker,Zhou-Tavern
Ben'dar, Chion, Will, Z'leyra, Pirates - Jail
Caladan, Kell, Kiet and Strie'bog - markets
GM: As you can see I've given folks chance to react and do things.
Keep in mind some time sequences are more than others. Those
in the market might be hours as the time spans. But those
at the jail or Tavern might be minutes. So it will take
coordination to match timelines at the end of the day. Final
destination will likely be the tavern. You can fill in the gaps
with RP.
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