[pnpgm] Game Update #114 - File #885 - Escapes & Bruises
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Tue Aug 31 09:19:21 CEST 2010
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
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,
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]
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.furvert.net/longshotgm/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshotgm at netzero.com
Game Update #114 in sequence (file #885)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Well, little Kiet is anxious to go shopping. He has a short
list of items for his own use. He figures since this is a
trading town, maybe some things might be more available than in
other towns in Katai. Kiet is seen privately taking to Kell
about the prospects and possibilities.
If there is time, Kiet wants to seek out a large, flawless pearl
(for the Master to give his wife), some Aramanth seeds, small
chunks of rowan wood...maybe sticks about 1' long or so...and
haunt the jewel shops for some Smarag...for the daughter of the
Master, of course... whe likes pretty rocks....yeah...that's the
story and I'm sticking to it.
Kiet would also like to buy some new clothes. Summer weight....
and breathable....sheesh!
----
I was reading the update this morning and I realized how much I
was enjoying it. I thought I'd say 'Good Job!' to Scott. A fun
'episode'.
GM: Ack. Really? I actually thought it was lacking and rushed.
Just think if I had the time to do what all I wanted with the
update. To me it was a low rating update but I'm flattered you
enjoyed it. Thanks for the words. It means a lot. Makes me
want to continue. Now the bribe checks will be sent in the mail.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[I agree with Dave. Great Post Scott! Thanks for it!] ---
----
Kell has been very quit on using any Katai-hating skills, in
other words the banned magic. After hearing this he finally
speaks his mind. "We've been warned over and over to not ....
-------------
[On the pills for the baroness.]
Ha'Kell isn't a healer, he knows this well. But now is the
time for something. When next the Baronness is awake, he
talks with her. "Lady, there is something we can try.....
-----------------
[Augado 2nd, 1634TH]
In the Market Kell looks for interesting items with Kiet. He's
interested in many of the same things as the acrobat. The two
share much in common, even though Kiet is a foot shorter and
much, much more agile than the half-elf. He makes sure to buy
at least 5 extra vials, and more cooking spices and salt since
he dumped his out. Kell happily teaches Kiet as much as
possible, and tries to increase his skills as a merchant too.
He looks for armor for his arms. Leather or steel bracers,
whatever is available.
Ha'Kell examines the wine market, and local spears. He still
has a few items to sell, items he's carried halfway around the
world at this point. If a great sale can be made, he'll take
the most profit possible.
[Given the chance, Ha'Kell wants to visit the black markets...
not sure if that can happen now or not. Will wait and see.]
----
In the tavern, Kell hides his smile at the news of the escaped
wizard. This makes him happy and he'll tell the party all about
it when everyone is together. He's tempted to pick the pockets
of the slumped guard, but it's been years since he's actually
stolen...
A bar fight, amazing! It has been months since Ha'Kell has been
in a good bar fight. With his newly learned hand to hand, he
doesn't need to draw his daggers. This is gonna be fun, even if
Zhou won't appreciate it. [I have two main pictures. Either -
Kell and Kiet each grabbing extra beers from the guys standing
to fight, and sitting under some tables enjoying the free beer...
Or - wading through the mess to get to Chion and Strie'Bog. I
suppose the second is better. ] He downs his beer as it begins
and says to Kiet, "Let's get them and get out of here." He....
GM: Ack. Flattery will get you everywhere but not Kell. :) A
bar fight is a old rpg trick. Nothing new. A bit boring
most times. But in this case it adds a couple minor aspects
to Chion's possible past. :)
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
OOC: Scott, in regards to your mention of Mana Shield, I am
aware. Thanks:) It's why I asked the question a while back about
whether it could be detected, if only for a moment. Without
having to cover a number of related thoughts on the topic Arawn
mainly casts it when casting spells with a prolonged duration, to
minimize the chance of detection over the seconds or minutes a
spell might last (better a ' blip' than a steady signal in his
eyes), or at least hamper detection attempts to pinpoint things
if an initial 'blip' appears to alert someone.
-----------------------------------------------
After listening to Caladan and Kell's issues with the continued
use of magic Arawn replies,
"Whether or not I agree with all the issues brought up....
---------------------------------------------------------
Arawn listens as Kell speaks with the baroness, adding,
"The pills were found among the strange creatures and we....
-------------------------------------------------------------
If Zhou is willing to cover costs for new healing supplies Arawn
will purchase some for the party. Also, are there any unusual or
useful herbs beyond simple/standard healing herbs?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Scott, was there any time to speak/reply to the wizard before he
teleported away? Arawn would likely have said/asked something if
there was time. Otherwise he'll pick up the object, examine it,
then carefully stow it away, preferably where it will prove
challenging to detect with a magic sensor.
GM: Ack. Blip or a rare Hurricane spell can be detected. When
the Katai have been doing this tracking stuff for centuries
they have tweaked their skills. So blips are far more
common to track than the rare hurricane spell. Just
something to consider. Mana Shield is mainly for mental
connection to the mind not really to block spell or
magic/mana detection. I did explain that in the answer
to the initial question. Thanks for posting a day early.
It REALLY helped. For Monday not so much but for Thursday
it means a great deal more. Early posts up that update
since I am very limited on time that night to work and
a night early would help to get some of it done. But
again I know how schedules go. But it was appreciated to
have the post a day early. :)
From Kiet: [Re: Trade]
<<Scott....has Kiet ever been to Teos in his trading travel
days?>>
GM: Ack. Quick scan of sheet shows no Teos in it. So guess not.
But frankly you can say yes or not. Not a big deal. You
might have seen Teos ships in Lemasa though for sure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Julis 29th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ Around 60 odd miles south of Shantou city]
[Time: 10:29pm]
Caladan makes his warning of magic in Katai. A warning that
has been talked about for the last 3 months but some seem to
need more prodding.
Kell has been very quiet on using any Katai-hating skills, in
other words the banned magic. After hearing this he finally
speaks his mind. "We've been warned over and over to not use our
skills, except in dire need. I agree with Caladan. We need to
not use any unless absolutely necessary! We're carrying too
much. Whilst I have materials I plan to use, I've not begun
any work. Not until after we leave this land."
"I for one do not want to be captured. Captured for just
existing! Please everyone, from now on, no more unless it is
truly life and death."
Zhou nods his head in agreement. "It may be frankly too late.
We could be watched right now. All they need is enough men to
take us out. If there are just 3 or 4 people like Shu in
this land who can track on a wide area using the map spell
ritual thing then we have been tracked since entering Katai.
Each spell be it a minor one could be a cookie crumb for them
to track us."
Arawn listens to Zhou, Caladan and Kell. He has also heard
Kiet talk openly about this topic. Do they just not know what
he does or can they not see common sense? Could it be Arawn
who is blinded by the backing of the gods. For some time he
has been in lands where magic is common like Marentia and the
Dark Lands. Even the Zen'da plains have common shamanic
magics and the Vassa have their druid traditions. But this is
a strange odd land. A land where the common street beggar is
allowed to kill a magic user and get away with murder if he
or she can do so. A odd land where the double standard is
thick as smoke in the mines of Kril Schrandor. Where the
government openly warrants the death or at best the intense
torture of wizards. Yet the same land secretly hires thugs
and secret societies to hunt these people down with little or
no oversight or questions. Arawn is amazed how humans work.
They blind themselves to the truth yet hide behind some
lofty goals of keeping the peace. Even Arawn can see that
this is really one big cover up. What better way to keep
peace in a Empire than to invent some enemy even if that
enemy betrayed the nation many centuries ago. Arawn looks
grim at these thoughts and nods.
Arawn then replies to the group. "Whether or not I agree with
all the issues brought up regarding this topic I will abide by
your wishes and concerns."
"You must understand Arawn. If it were just one or two men
on some fanatical witch hunt then magic would be no big deal.
But we have a full empire of them from the low city patrol
to the highest nobles in leadership here." Zhou looks up to the
night sky for a brief time as if in memory. "We have lost
many of our apprentices and even experienced wizards here
over the many years. Why the High Elder allows them to go
here for some foolish errand or whim of their master I do
not know or understand. If I were in power I would not
allow it. Our resources are too thin as it is. The masters,
mostly the Chaos ones, train them well to avoid detection and
how to survive their tasks. But they do not. Frankly we know
Tiehul's friend was behind some of that. But it can't explain
it all for those who never meet Tiehul. The detectors are
hit and miss. But using magic just increases our chances of
detection by bigger magics like Shu's mysterious one. If her
and her master had knowledge of it then that knoweldge has to
be here. It doesn't take a Ticasi scholar to realize if
you detect a spike here...spike there...spike there and then
follow it on a map that they are on the highway and seem to be
going east. You simply can then predict the next spike of magic
if that is how the ritual works. Your mists are long spells
not just quick 2-3 second pulses. I don't know how effective
those shield things you use are but even that is magic. We
can easily assume the Katai can look for common spells. These
might include Invisibility, Healing and such of that style. That
common apprentices use. But then again not many would use
your mist or things like Kiet's spell when he yells at the
sky like a weirdo like he did on the ship in that crow's nest
thing waving the flag. I suspect those would be near impossible
to track but I just don't know. There are seven million people
here. If we do the math let's say 1% are anti-magic. That's
what? Around 70,000 people? There are 20 cities. Let's
assume half are in cities and half outside. That is around
1,500 in a city. Which I doubt there is really that many
around so they must be in the wile like that group who watched
the bridge and detected us. Just something to think about."
For the first time some in the party detect slight dissent in
Zhou about the High Elder. Even his most loyal servant has
doubts? Maybe Zhou is human after all.
[Time: 10:45pm]
After the pills are rediscovered he group considers their
options. The group speaks for some time but the baroness
is still hard at sleep. Some consider doing the pill thing
right away and others consider doing it the next day. It
is casually decided to wait till she wakes.
*************
[Julis 30th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Around 60 odd miles south of Shantou city]
[Time: 7:15am]
The party wakes up this morning and packs up for another
hard trip on the highway not knowing what comes next. The
carnival grounds are 4 days in the past and Crossroads is
just 2 or 3 days at most from now.
The baroness wakes up to have breakfast with the others.
It is decided to build up her strength for possible healing
by giving her food strong for the body like ham and eggs. She
sits quietly by the morning camp and watches the others. She
hasn't been too conversant with the party lately. She has
been studying them and figuring out if she can trust the
party or not. In fact only a day ago she started to be awake
more than 3 hours at time. For the first two days she
was too out of it for any talking or other options.
Ha'Kell isn't a healer, he knows this well. But now is the time
for something. "Lady, there is something we can try. There are
hints these pills may help. But they may also hurt. We don't
know either way. We do know those who captured you meant you
harm, and we want to help you. I can give you a pill and see
what happens, but it is up to you. My suggestion is to try one,
even with the risk. Do you want to try one?"
Arawn listens as Kell speaks with the baroness, adding, "The
pills were found among the strange creatures and we were able to
discover from one of their victims that they somehow are used to
influence and control these 'growths', perhaps in conjunction
with vibrations or energy. I wish we knew more but this is the
only lead we have but will stand by your side and assist however
we can."
The House Jian baroness May Win looks to the group carefully.
She studies the features of Arawn and Kell. One wears a hat
and the other has long hair. Why wont' they show their ears
like the rest of the group? She hasn't gotten to know the
party due to time and travel. The closest she seems to have
gotten is with Z'leyra for some reason.
May lowers her head in shame and thinks for a few moments.
"Those creatures...were vile.. I have never been so ill
treated before by anyone." She looks up and then to the
few around her. "These pills...they must be cursed pills
full of magic."
A collective mental sigh occurs as those around her fear
this would happen. If she refuses they may have to force
it on her to save her life. How long can the coral be
in her body without some maintenance or support? It has
been 4 days now and she is only stable but not improving.
Caladan kneels beside her. "We destroyed those creatures
since they were evil. We were lucky to be led there to the
grounds on business. We could not leave you and the others
behind. They seem to be just creatures with manufactured
pills. Pills made from ingredients found in nature. We
believe they are not magical and would not dare to use them
on you if they were."
Caladan tells the truth more or less. Arawn and others
sensed no magic from the pills. They are made from things
found in nature though granted from the Vong world.
"The others? They are safe?" May asks.
"The family was saved except for the mother and one servant.
We saved the children from a fate that could've been worse
than yours. " Caladan explains the results of the fight.
"I will want to help them if I can someday. If I do this
what are the risks?" May Win asks.
"Frankly we just don't know. The healers can only do so
much with their skills and herbs. This pill could even
destroy it or control its growth. You could of course
be harmed or even die from it. But we will do all we can
in our power to stop that." Caladan places his hand on hers
and then smiles. For some reason this brings a faint smile
to her face.
"I will need to think about it some time. I will let you
know soon. Is that all right?" May Win asks. Caladan nods
and the others move away from her to consider her options.
[Time: 12:13pm]
For the last three hours May Win has slept in the wagon while
Z'leyra and Arawn try to study the pills. Minute flakes are
taken for study and the pills are examined with every sense
both has from smell to even subtle taste from a flake to
understand what it is made from. There simply isn't gear
enough to dissect the pills enough to know what they are made
from. There is still some belief of a minor sulfur style
ingredient and a spice like taste that must be related to
sale or like it. But after that there is only a dead end to
the investigation without casting dangerous magics that the
gods likely wouldn't know how to answer or care to.
Now at lunch May Win is finally roused up to sip water
and eat a couple of ration bars and a meat pepper meat stick
from a nearby village. "I will take one of the pills." May
Win finally voices her answer.
Zhou nods but adds in, "we should do it tonight at camp.
We will need to monitor the results for a long time. If
we did it now while on the road it could be harder to deal
with."
May Win nods and agrees to this plan.
*************
[Augado 2nd, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Crossroads town]
[Time: 3:22pm]
Before the party separated and went on their little errands
some prepared for their duties and tasks. Kiet is especially
happy to go shopping. not that this is a good market town
he believes but to be away from Zhou and those duties. A little
noble goes a long way. Kiet glances to Zhou for a supposed
Katai noble he doesn't fit much of the bill. Most Katai are
short but Zhou is 6 foot 4 and 190 pounds. But when he is
dressed in his full silk tunics and darker clothes and boots
he does seem to shrink a bit. Course there are fat nobles here
so the typical 5 foot black haired thin Katai is just a stereotype.
Kiet talks privately with Kell for a few moments.
Kiet plans to hunt for some natural magical items but knows
this in itself is risky and dangerous. This empire would not
would not allow such things inherently magical to sit on some
shop shelf. There are bound to be guards and groups that
get rid of such threats and suppress the shops. Of course
there is always pure random luck when some poor merchant
doesn't know what he truly has.
[Time: 7:49pm]
For the last three hours Zhou's small group has been looking
around the town to make their noble cover story have some merit.
The noble and his wife do some window shop. They even buy
a nice diamond bracelet for Tun Au's arm. They plan to pick it
up tomorrow afternoon. But Zhou really knows he'll be long
gone by then. The merchant will shape it up to a noble
wasting time as it happens often. But now if folks ask about
them there will be a trail of some activity.
There have been two taverns visited by the group one a large
bar with a singer and drummer. One a small place with exotic
dances using veils and paint to paint their nude bodies as they
danced. In both places rumors are too hard to find and little
is gained. Though Farseeker does learn that some herbalist
has made this edible paint that sells quite big locally. It
is used for romantic nights in bedrooms. Farseeker keeps this
in mind and is eager to tell Ben'dar.
Now the third tavern is visited and finally some gamblers are
working with Zhou. Sailors, merchants, peasants, drunks and
even guards are all great sources of info in a town. But the
one group most overlook is gamblers. Gamblers have keen eyes like
Bards and know how to find niches to fill and who to work their
games on and where to avoid.
"...So you say Count Dirce of Pamau has recently lost a wagon
full of coins?" Zhou asks the second gambler to his right who
seems to be particularly poor in cards.
"Yep. A guy I know won a stack full of gold and silver from
him a few weeks back. Seems he had to go to his cousin Baron
Ka and get some relief money for his expenses. He was sorely
upset but it was a fair game. " He places down his cards
and folds. "At least that's what my friend says."
This is how much of the conversation goes on for the duration.
Mostly politics and who did what to whom. Why Lady Mia was
suddenly sent to a private monastery for oddly 9 months while
her butler was kicked out of the province after a severe mugging.
How the navy was suddenly building up barge patrols in the
nearby river due to increase in pirates. Various rumors not
of great use.
Meanwhile a mile away in the nearby side street Arawn and
Will watch the wizard teleport away. Arawn frankly did not
have time to say or react. One moment it was an attempted
street mugging the next a object was thrown at him.
Arawn grabs the coin sized object and walks a bit down the
alley to ensure no one is here. He peers around crates and
at the roofs but sees no one. So the party has been watched.
But for how long? Was it after the wizard was given his
chance to escape or before? A faint smile comes to Arawn's
face. Not everyone is so anti-magic it seems. There are
those groups who must work as an underground support system
or as a means to escape. Arawn finds no one and can't react
to no one at this time. He considers the words. One use
only. Use it wisely. So if the party wishes to contact
this group then they can do it only once? He is glad though
the wizard escaped that they saw on the road. To think that
person was a leader of the resistance is hopeful.
Beaming at the thought Arawn exits the alley where Will
is watching the street. Such use of magic may have alerted
folks already. But no one but that messenger is spotted.
Arawn glances down at the object and senses the object.
He quickly discovers it has a light aura but a bit stronger
than most coins touched by beings with mana signatures. On
one side of the bronze colored coin is a large bird with
claws extended. On the other side is runes of some unknown
style that must be ritualistic. A dangerous object likely
to be holding onto. So is the object a summoner or a caller
or a teleport to the group? Arawn can't tell but it must
contact them in some way. But how long doss it take to get
a reply?
Confused Will glances at the object and then steps into the
dim night light of the street. Both men turn and head
back to the tavern without speaking for some time. They
glance over their shoulders to ensure they are not followed.
Upon arriving at the tavern the two enter to find Zhou
playing with three gamblers. Farseeker is standing at the
bar watching a open doorway strung vertically with colorful
beads that must lead to the back areas. The two nod at
Farseeker and move to the table.
"Ahh. Teacher Arawn. I trust your shopping went well?"
Zhou asks without looking away from his cards. Zhou is
an awful player and has many tells. But this last hand
he actually won a couple silver coins. But this time
he folds and the third gambler gets the pool.
At that point Unali returns from the back area. Her
face is neutral and a bit relaxed. Her dress is still
in good style meaning she hasn't killed any bad guys upstairs
at least that's good. She stands near Zhou and pretends to
feign boredom.
"I think that's my cue. Nice game gentlemen. " He takes
the few coins he won and places them in his coin bag. As
he rises to leave one gambler raises a hand.
"In two days a big game will be held by a Jian merchant
in the Green Globe tavern. I hear it'll be a blast. " He
leans over to speak more quietly. "The tavern owner has
some of the best drugs around."
"Sounds interesting. But I'm afraid I'll be gone by
then. Good day." Zhou waves for Farseker to follow and
the others walk behind him.
The group heads toward the wagon campsite eager to hear
the results of shopping and Unali's time upstairs. The
group tightens up with Zhou in the center and the guards
around him.
Zhou takes Unali's arm. "A nice evening for a walk isn't it?
Though if you prefer we could get a ride? At least it was
a good evening. I'm sure Kiet and the others can't be doing
so bad and likely not in trouble with Chion to help them."
***********
[Time: 5:48pm]
Hours earlier at the wagon camp Raban ends the music
teaching with Fremea for now. For awhile the giant and
his toy girl at least it seemed that way based on the size
differences drew a crowd mostly of women and children to
listen and gawk. Raban enjoyed the audience but Fremea
found it a bit daunting.
Z'leyra begins to prepare a dinner but is now unsure how
long it will be before the others return. It could be hours
from now.
By now the stableboys have left and the horses have been
well fed and groomed. Most are simply resting now in the
warm evening breeze.
Ben'dar finishes tending to Tef'wo and sits down and
watches the crowd go and come about the wagon. He finds
this place so open yet so crowded. The party could've
dealt with minor crime outside. Why camp here in this
busy public place? He grumbles a bit as he considers
the obvious lack of defense situation.
Suddenly Caladan rounds the other side of the wagon. He
glances about then glances to the woods and nearby areas.
He then enters the wagon and looks inside. He quickly
ducks below and then under the wagon. He slowly turns
to the group. "Whitney. He's gone! He took all his
stuff. His bag and full gear. I don't think he'll be
coming back."
***********
[Time: 7:10pm]
In a tavern after a few hours of shopping the group of Kiet,
Kell, Strie'bog and Chion find a nice evening with cool but
not cold drinks.
Suddenly the calm is broken when some crazed lady yells at
Chion. What was it? Killing her father? Chion? Can't
be but a mistake. Then again the man has been a quiet and
aloof one. He is one of the ones rarely to speak and keeps
to himself. What do the new guys like Kiet and Kell really
know of his past?
Kell gulps down his ale, after all it would be a waste of
money, then stands. He speaks to Kiet who is also starting
to rise and tries to tell him something over the din of noise
now erupting. "Let's get them and get out of here." He then
wades into the fight going for the table. Thinking, "Low profile,
that doesn't suit me, ever. Zhou has the wrong people for low
profile..."
From the right of Kiet he glances to a table where a young
couple are sitting holding hands. The man is now holding a
ring of some sort out to her. The acrobat hears the female
say something like yes and then bam the ring is knocked out
his hand by a man thrown against their table. Kiet shakes
his head at the thought of a place like this to propose.
To the left of Kell he glances to one table and notices
a smallish dirty looking man reach over the table he is
at and grab two beers. the men drinking them have gotten
up to tackle a sailor nearby. The dirty man gulps down their
beers and smiles. Burping he tosses the mugs aside to show
the fight knocked them out. Burping again he wipes his chin
satisfied that bar fights are always good for free drinks.
Strie'bog stands up from the table and backs away. He is
not a coward but frankly is not used to a bar fight. he
has heard some talked about by Damon and Chion but this
is new to him. He stares at the bodies entwined and
fists, chairs, mugs and even forks flying back and forth.
What madness is this? It was just one guy bumped into another
and now all heck breaks loose. Dazed by this madness he
doesn't see a blob of yellow cheese slam into his face
from somewhere to his right.
Chion being a few tall person almost as tall as Raban and
over 240 pounds looks confused by this sudden verbal assault.
he looks up just in time to see the men bump into each other.
Being a sailor and a partaker of many a bar fight he knows
how this will go. It doesn't take much for most tavern folks
to fight. It is a strange thing. Men and heck even women
get into a tight place where drinks are served and if a fork
is dropped wrong a fight ensues. A Ticasi scholar could
study the oddness for years to wonder the reason. It isn't
so much the fight and outcome as the fun of it for some reason.
As the female glances around to see her ally be pushed by
a wharf worker she reaches up to help but doesn't see the
large Chion back up and roll under the table. It is a
funny sight to see this large man roll under a table and
pull the table cloth back down. Strie'bog is amazed to
see this action like a elephant rolling up and hiding
inside a small tree.
By now the fight is in full blow. Kiet tries to wade
past two merchants who are arguing over the best ring
dealer in the town. Suddenly one throws a punch but the
Acrobat is nimble and ducks in time to see the man hit
his table partner. Kell dodges and weaves around others
as well as two dozen men seem to entangle in one place
at one time. While his thoughts go to pickpocketing the
guard he suddenly feels hands on his back and is pushed
forward. Glancing over his shoulder he spies a young
boy of about 18 reaching for his pockets. Kell raises
a hand to block and pushes back. The boy comes away
empty handed and steals nothing. Kell shakes his head
in disgust and raises a finger to warn the boy and places
one hand on his belt where his weapons are. Most bar
fights escalate to maybe clubs of mugs and chairs. But
one standard rule is no blades. Once you use blades it
is personal and out of control. The boy backs away only
to trip over one fallen man and stumble into the table of
two older men trying to finish their rice bowl. The rice
sprays everywhere and sprinkles down like a rain.
Happy Kell turns around just in time to find one
female waiter runinng his way to avoid the fight. She
is tripped and her metal platter goes flying straight
for Kell's face. Smack! Kell is thrust backwards and
finds his eyes shine with fireworks. He mumbles a few
words of Elf curses and the platter clangs to the floor
as the female crawls away.
By now the female who threatened Chion turns around to
find him missing. But she notices the table wobbling. She
kicks it and topples it. The dishes and candle goes tumbling
to the ground and the table reveals no one. Chion is
gone and there doesn't seem to be a trap door.
Strie'bog glances down and then around. no one to be seen.
Chion could be a few feet away or half a continent away now.
He sees Kiet make his way to the table and the acrobat stares
down in confusion to where Chion is. Strie'bog makes a sign
with his hand raising a finger and twirls it in a circle with
the finger pointing up. Kiet gets the hint that Chion must've
teleported away and the rope maker backs away.
Kell recovers from his fast food serve and finds it more
bruising than broken nose. Strie'bog points to the door and
Kell realizes Chion is missing. Kell decides the guards could
be coming any minute now so makes for the door. Strie'bog
quickly goes to the side of the room and makes his own way.
As Kiet backs away one of the female's allies grabs him.
"You know the guy?! Where did he go."
Kiet plays dumb and shakes his head. The back of his
head becomes wet with sloshed thrown beer. Great that'll
be sticky tonight. As the large man holds Kiet by the
collar he reaches down with his right hand and grabs a
slink of rope from his belt. Never know when a lasso of a
chicken is needed for the master's snack. He drops the rope
to the floor and tries to back away. He grunts when the
man fails to step inside the open lasso. His neck becomes
tight from the choke hold and doesn't have the strength to
break free. He tries to break the hold and considers going
for his dagger but the man would snap his neck. He considers
his options. He saw Raban do this once or twice. He moves
closer and butts the man in the head. Owww! Raban didn't
say it hurt that bad! The man breaks the hold and staggers
back right into the lasso! Kiet yanks and closes the lasso
around his foot. While strength to strength Kiet would have
no good odds there is the laws of motion. The man is moving
back and forth from the head butt. This brings his body
of mass and stance wild. the pulled rope yanks the mans
leg out from under him. The man falls back into his two
buddies behind him. Kiet releases the rope knowing he
won't get it back but better that than his life. He heads
for the door with the others.
Racing out of the tavern the trio get into the dark street
just in time to hear glass break at the bar from something.
The trio look around for Chion but doesn't see him. They
quickly move down the street. Walking slowly they notice
a patrol of 5 guards run toward the tavern passing them by.
Kell panics and realizes his hat was off as he was punched
when due to it falling. But now it was off as he checked
his head. But it was too dark and they couldn't see him
clearly with his long hair.
Turning two streets they suddenly see Chion leaning against
one store front wiping his nails as if dirty from a day's
work. He is quiet as they join him and they all walk quietly
back to the wagon camp. Chion doesn't explain the encounter
other than she just being a "crazed woman."
Kiet and Kell look at each other and can't help but grin.
Some fun in town is always good. To think just hours before
they were doing well shopping....
***********
[Time: 4:08pm]
Hours before the tavern bar fight the group spend a great
deal of time in the markets. As they walk toward the good
markets Kiet and Kell speak to each other.
"Awesome! Now I won't have to wait on Zhou. Hey, Kell...how
about you teach me more about weapon trading or any other kind
you know. Sadly, the one I know isn't of much use unless you
want to get high." Kiet then adds. "I'll tell you what...I put
up the cash and you teach me the trades. The best part is you
get to keep all of the profits...no risk to you. If we lose on
the trade, it's my problem. How can you pass up a deal like
that?" Says Kiet with a BIG grin on his face.
Kell replies back, "Kiet, I will be happy to teach you. All I
know, and more! I can help teach you about spears and some armor,
I'm skilled in both. Like you I'm learning more specialties. I
want to learn more about silk, Katai silk is wonderful. Great
profit taken home to Ba'Ru."
"Now we need to find more smaraug, and pearls. And Jade too.
Are you a tanner by chance?"
"No," Kiet shakes his head, "sorry. Not a tanner. Jeweler.
Herbalist. Most of my skills were learned as I grew up, like
climbing, teamster and smuggler while others were better learned
as part of my hidden craft...as we don't use that dirty word
here." Kiet smiles at that, although a bit forced.
"I'd like to check out the jewel trade from Teos. That sounds
fascinating. I'd like to see what kind of rare offerings they
have. Most of the traders I know of would kill for part of that
trade." Kiet pauses to consider Kell's words. "Jade?" Kiet
looks puzzled. "Why jade?"
the group walk into the noisy markets. They need Chion to
be the Katai patron else the group would be tricked or
cheated badly being foreigners.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: A big update but I wanted to do more in the market
scene. I'll do that next update guys. The results
of the shopping and such. So for now its a good enough
end for this update. For the baroness thing I need to
know what you wish to do like in terms of spells or
music playing or such skills. I'll finish that scene
with those details. I know its hard to tell what to
do without knowing the results. But you can do a generic
what if-then if you need to. I will work on this scene
likely Wednesday night since it might be big and alot
of number crunching. So try to get those things in by
then if at all possible.
GM: Labor day is coming up next week so means folks might be
out of town. I may do a very light update then. I'll
be off Sunday but working Monday so can do a light update
but don't expect much from you guys if you have vacation
plans. So don't worry.
GM: The mana and stat reports will be updated likely next
update. This assumes mana may be used for Julis 30th
the night the baroness will be treated. If you need
the updated figures for spell checks let me know
GM: Groups -
Ben'dar/Caladan - Horse maintenance
Fremea, Raban, Whitney, Z'leyra - Wagon
Farseeker, Unali, Zhou, Arawn, Will - Tavern
Kell, Kiet, Strie'bog, Chion - Market
GM: IBT notes [12 days]
Player Notes
Ben'dar 12 Days Plains survival
Caladan 5 days Sign language, 7 days Stealth
Chion * No IBT actions submitted
Farseeker 12 days Katai language
Kell Unarmed Combat finish, Marital Arts learn
Kiet 12 days Teamster skill
Raban 12 days horsemanship & Fletcher arrows both
Strie'bog 6 Days hand-to-hand, 6 days Bowyer
Unali 12 days Two-weapon fighting
Whitney * No IBT actions submitted
Will 12 Days First Aid learning
Z'leyra 6 days Tailor skill, Teach first aid
Fremea 12 days Herbalist and private skill
Arawn * No IBT actions submitted
Deadline: September 1st ***
GM: Current day - Julis 29th Stats - Event: Patrol scene
Player Health Energy Mana Notes
Caladan 100% 100% 100% ----
Strie'bog 100% 100% 100% Minor wound left
Z'leyra 100% 100% 100% ----
Chion 100% 100% 100% ----
Raban 100% 100% 100% ----
Whitney 100% 100% 100% ----
Ben'dar 100% 100% -- ----
Farseeker 100% 100% -- ----
Unali 100% 100% -- ----
Kiet 100% 100% 92% Still mana to recover
Kell 100% 100% 97% Energy level didn't recover
Fremea 100% 100% 62% ----
Will 100% 100% 57% Need to recover energy
Arawn 100% 90% 90%
Health - % of Max (if 100 hpv, at 50 hits would be 50%)
Energy - % of Max (if 100 enl, at 50 enl would be 50%)
Mana - % of Max (based on daily energy level casting limit)
GM: Reminder of trip time
Julis 30 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Julis 31 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Augado 1 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Augado 2 - 7am-3pm - 20 miles Arrive at Crossroads
Augado 2 - Day/Night - Likely stay in town overnight
Augado 3 - All day - 20 miles Travel to Pamau
Augado 4 - All day - 20 miles Travel to Pamau
Augado 5 - 7am-3pm - 20 miles Arrive at Pamau
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