[pnpgm] Game Update #74b - File #612 - Party travels to Unmana area
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Feb 23 08:48:30 CET 2010
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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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,
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 #74b in sequence (file #512)
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Admin Notes: Part 2 of 2 parts.
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[Recap]
[See Last post]
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 26th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province, Shantou city]
[Time: 2:53am - Night 2 in Shantou]
After the illusion is finished, Unali confers with Z'leyra on
the possible time of death. The cause is clearly visible to
all though magic assassins can all be deceptive. One can
mislead by a simple physical death but the actual cause be
a magical one. But this one seems to be intent on the brain
so as no resurrection or regeneration is easy. Even if there
was a chance of resurrection and regeneration Shu's brain would
be hard for magic to regenerate. Skilled assassins know the
best way to kill a person, and keep them dead, is through
certain body areas. The skull, the eyes or nose to brain is
the best spots.
Unali and Z'leyra discuss the vitals of the body and soon
seem to concur the death was 30 minutes to 1 hour before
Fremea entered. Beyond a more defined time would be difficult.
Z'leyra finds it fascinating a non healer would know such
things but figures Duke Aren must've taught her a few things
in spy training back in Maren city.
Inside Zhou's room, Farseeker scolds Zhou for his harsh cold
nature and slams him up against the wall. When Farseeker is
done he begins to leave the room. Kell grabs his arm to stop
him and whispers. "Well said. I stand with you." Giving the big
man a nod.
Still angry Farseeker shrugs Kell off. "I am no leader. I
lead military men. Those who are trained to follow orders.
this group is too stubborn and independent to follow my lead.
This is better for more political oriented figures like Zhou and
Unali." He glances back at Zhou. "Even if they fail at the task.
Unali I'm sure will do a better job when things get down to it."
With that Farseeker leaves the area.
[Time: 2:57am - Night 2 in Shantou]
After the room is cleaned up by Fremea's transmutation and Fremea
heads downstairs, Unali approaches her. Unali asks about the
drunk that attacked her and tore her dress. "When and where
exactly was this? Could there be a connection to this horrible
murder?" She listens to Fremea and says "I should quickly look
into this."
Fremea is eager to give the directions. Unlike Unali she has not
grown up here but gives good directions based on landmarks. She
is eager to explain what happened so folks do not suspect her
of the event even after the Akasha spell was cast. Fremea
knows that trust is vital for a group like this. After seeing
Kell react to traitors she would not want to be in that situation.
Unali then immediately goes to her room and begins to pack.
She shuts the door and changes into her black combat outfit.
In case there is a fight she needs to be prepared. It only
takes moments to change as it seems she is skilled at these
quick changes. She exits back into the hall and finds Zhou
giving orders to Kiet about how best to carry a bag. Unali
separates Zhou and takes them a bit down the hall. She
asks Zhou to take her gear down to the wagon. She asks Zhou
which gate the party is going to leave from. Zhou states the
south west gate as the fence said. Unali then explains she
is going to investigate the drunk that attacked Fremea. Zhou
becomes concerned and worried. Both begin to whisper a bit
and argue. then Unali pulls rank and says she will leave alone.
Tssoe in the hallway that pass near only hear loud whispers but
do not understand the conversation. It is clear the two have
a bit of disagreement. Finally Unali heads to her room and
shuts the door once Zhou explains all his gear is out.
Farseeker passes Unali's door and notice Unali glance at him
and smile faintly. Farseeker's spine shivers a bit as for the
first time since knowing Unali he has seen a glint of fright in
her eyes. But it was only flickering and transient. Before
he realized what he saw it was gone and the door closed. At
the last instant Farseeker then notices a bit of annoyance on
her face as the door closes.
Farseeker rushes over to Zhou and asks. "What is wrong with
Unali?"
"She is going to see the drunk Fremea killed and see if it is
related. I also suspect she'll go visit her own city contacts
she knows personally about this whole affair. She will meet up
with us outside the city." Zhou sighs and then follows Raban
down the stairs as Raban carries his own gear downstairs.
Concerned that Unali should not travel alone, Farseeker rushes
back to Unali's room and opens the door. But as he gets there
the room is empty. He notices there is a draft and it looks
like the balcony door was recently opened. He exits the
room outside onto the balcony and looks around. But Unali is
no where to be seen. He knows she is a skilled acrobat and
could have scaled down but figures she didn't want to be seen
leaving the tavern. Farseeker sighs and heads down stair
to join the others.
[Time: 3:30am - Night 2 in Shantou]
The wagon sits outside the other tavern as the other people
pack up. Back at the Blue Crystal Inn the frenzy and chaos of
the event didn't allow Arawn time to inspect the wagon. But
now he retrieves a lantern from the Inn's porch and inspects
the wagon inside and outside. Every inch is pierced with the
lantern's bright light even under the wagon itself.
Arawn sees to it that the four corners of the wagon are lit
up by lanterns. He ignores questions of why but some realize
night travel is bad without light. But that makes sense for
the first two up front. But why for the back? The two up
front hang below the buckseat at knee level to the driver.
These already installed lanterns have a special mirror and
cylinder in an effort to focus the light forward. The concave
mirror attempts to fashion it to some distance away but in fact
the light isn't that far beyond the lead horse.
The rear mounted lanterns are two small ones Arawn obtains
from the Inn without asking. No one notices it so for now
it seems good to do so. He hangs the two rear lanterns at a
higher level on each corner just below the roof of the cargo
rack. These shine down at about 45 degrees and outward.
Caladan asks the Alfar, "plan to let our enemy see us from
some distance away? Should we use flares? I could use some of
my skills to rig a nice fire?" But the Alfar ignores him for now
and rides around the wagon with a torch in hand. He is clearly
nervous and keeps his eyes to the darkness beyond the wagon.
[Time: 3:37am - Night 2 in Shantou]
Whitney becomes agitated at the lights over him. Though it
doesn't make him a good target he is determined to put them out.
When the wagon stops to ask a person directions Whitney quickly
stands on the seat and puts out the first lantern.
Kell quickly returns from his room with his few bags and stores
them onto the top of the wagon and his horse. He is happy to see
his room and other room's not tampered with. The locks and
gear seemed to be in the same condition they left it hours
earlier.
After packing his few things and he is ready to leave, Ha'Kell
puts on his armor and dons his helmet. He takes out his tulwar
and straps it across his back and carries his shield. With all
his gear loaded, he takes out a spear and holds it in his right
hand, his shield on his left arm after he mounts his horse. He
will ride at the rear of the group behind the wagon, and in his
armor with helmet and spear and shield looks much more like a
guard than a merchant.
Arawn on his horse notices this and rides nearby. "Leave them
on or you'll risk a silent death from what is out here." He
then glances to others. "I'll explain later, when we're out of
town."
Whitney glares at Arawn, "I'm risking that now. And you're not,
so out they go."
Arawn stares back at Whitney in mild annoyance. "Actually I
am, more so than you know. You have no idea what you risk. I do.
Mortal threat is not the issue here. If you wish to expose
yourself to it that is one thing but, please, do not put the
others at risk. If you are not comfortable with your position
then might I suggest moving yourself to a different position
until we leave the city. There is likely space in the carriage
or you may switch places with me," Arawn responds with a look
that conveys the seriousness of his words.
During all the back and forth between Whitney and Arawn a smile
creeps across the handsome half-elf's face. He fixes a steely
gaze on the both of them and remarks, "Does it matter? We don't
know why it happened to Shu. Maybe there is something with her
task that demanded this? Calm down both of you or we'll have it
worse. I don't care if they are lit or not." Calmly focused and
using his senses inherited from his elf father, Ha'Kell isn't
very worried about being caught off guard riding out of the city.
Unless of course the senses can't detect such attacks.
Farseeker guides his horse close to Whitney. "It is clear
Arawn feels light is critical. Maybe he is afraid of the dark?
Each of us could carry our own torches if we need to. But
tactics wise an enemy would not target you first. IF I were
an enemy I'd hit Kiet and Z'leyra first. This would stop
the wagon and prevent movement. Then I'd take out likely Raban
and one of us guards. If they want to simply kill all they need
to do is fire flaming arrows at the wagon. To fire on a man
in the rear is tactically stupid. You might be the 4th or 5th
target. So don't worry about such things."
Nonetheless Whitney turns and douses the other lantern. Before
Arawn can protest, Zhou sticks his head out the window. "Boys!
We must go. You can argue later. I don't care if they are
lit or not. Driver get us going!"
Whitney turns and sits in his chair and attaches the rope that
is his seat belt around him. Arawn pulls back his horse and
grumbles that the party have no clue. Of course he hasn't
explained the threat yet.
Kiet looks over to Z'leyra, raises an eyebrow and says, "Will
you take care of that miscreant in the back? If I have to do it
he's not likely to survive." Kiet sighs and says, more to himself
than anyone in particular, "If we didn't all the help we could
get..." and then trails off.
Z'leyra shakes her head and rolls her eyes. she then continues
to glance about for shadows in the darkness.
Though Farseeker and Zhou got onto both men, Kiet glances
back and speaks up toward Whitney. "Either stay there with the
lanterns lit, or get off and walk. Your choice."
With the party fully packed and ready to travel the wagon
takes off down the dark streets. As the wagon passes closed
shops there is little traffic. By day the street they are
on could have 300 people on it and dozen or so wagons. But
now you'll be lucky to see one or two. Those out this late
are on a mission of their own. Some are out to drink and
party. Some to guard the city or shops. Some for more
criminal things from streetwalkers to thieves. For the few
shops open this hour it tends to be bakery or clothing shops.
The early bakery shops are ready for the morning rush in
a couple hours. There are many gambling shops, brothels and
taverns still open this hour and those streets tend to have
more traffic even at this hour.
As the wagon passes through the streets the party will often
see the guard or guards on patrol. The guards take note of
the party but the size of the party tends to make them pay
little more than cursory attention. The party is amazed to
see how well clean and bright the streets are. Like most modern
civilizations the city is lit by city lamps. In Marentia they
are simple poles with lanterns. But here the metal poles are
topped with a ornate lantern that could likely stand a strong
storm. Zhou would explain to Fremea in the wagon that the
lamps are lit by a virtual army of people at night. It keeps
unemployment down and gives some a job. Katai used to use
slaves or felons to do it but it helps the economy by using
normal people. The lamps are set about every 20 feet and line
both side of the street. They sit up about 9 feet off the ground
so they can't be touched or damaged by idiots. They are ornate
crafted lamps and use hard metal poles. Zhou even comments to
Fremea that in Katai they use gas pipe system to light up the
lamps automatically. A full street can light up instantly in
one fell twist of a valve. Of course in the dark lands Zhou
comments that they use magic for light.
[Time: 3:49am - Night 2 in Shantou]
At the south-west gate the wagon stops and Kiet places the brake.
The guards clearly bored look at the wagon with little interest.
Kiet knows he might look odd fully in armor in the middle of the
night. But when he glances around at the others like Raban and
Ben'dar he must not seem too out of place.
One of the guards approaches the wagon and glances around at
the others. He looks up at Z'leyra and Kiet. The guard glances
up at Kiet and stares a few seconds. He doesn't say anything but
Kiet feels like explaining in a low voice. "My master ordered me
into my armor as a precaution, as we are travelling at night. I
do have some responsibility for his safety, but I still don't see
the point of it. Nobles! You can't live without them and you
"can't kill them..." He flashes a big, cheesy grin and whispers,
"but you can spit in their tea!"
Z'leyra maintains a forward stare but can't help but a quick
smirk. The guard however who seems in charge simply shrugs.
"Who is your master?"
Zhou glances out the curtained window. "I am." He holds the
curtain tight to his face. It would be bad to have a guard
look inside and find Shu's body. Even if bribes worked it
would be hard to explain.
"Travel at night is dangerous sir. You should wait till the
morning. Can you just wait a couple more hours?" The guard
asks Zhou.
"No. I wish to beat the morning traffic. My business is
done here and I have more business south." Zhou gives his
best sigh of disgust. "Rush those ahead so we can leave."
"With recent events we need to inspect wagons like this for
escaped felons." He strides forward but Arawn accidentally on
purpose moves his horse in front. The guard shrugs and then
round the horse and heads back to the wagon. But in that time
Zhou steps out of the wagon quickly shutting the door behind
and standing in front.
"Inspection? I don't have time for this." Zhou complains.
"Sorry but orders from high up." The guard reaches for the
door but is stopped.
"Surely we can come to an agreement." The guard lowers his
hand and Zhou hopes the information the fence said is true
about these people. "Time is money and I have plenty of
money but no time. How about I give some of my money and
you take it as your time and use it wisely in a tavern or
brothel?" Some moan silently in the group at such a weird
way to bribe openly.
"My friends are thirsty and would want to join me after our
shift."
Zhou reaches into his coin bag and grabs a few silver coins.
He begins to palm coins into the hand of the guard. The hand
doesn't lower so Zhou keeps palming coins. After three more
palmings occur the guard finally lowers his hand and quickly
pockets the coins. The guard smiles and does a quick look
at the cargo rack and then down below. "It looks like no
escaped felons could be there. You may move along."
At this area of the city the area is mostly slums. The
shops are ancient and decayed a bit. It is clear the lack
of services here are lacking. Some shops are boarded up
and there are signs of gang activity around. To have gone
this way is a bit dangerous but the sheet amount of guards
in the group makes any threat wary. At the gate there are
four guards standing outside and one sitting at a stool at
the gate post the size of a slightly large outhouse. The
gate itself is already open and is wide enough for two wagons
to pass through easy. At this hour there are actually a few
small farm wagons entering the city to prepare to sell their
foods in the markets. Those leaving the city are much less
though the occasional one seem to be messengers, cargo wagons
and personal wagons like farm wagons. Right now ahead of
the wagon is two cargo wagons and a large wagon carrying sacks
of something like food or flour. From the looks these people
can't afford the bribes so they are being searched and some
take their time with it.
Caladan quietly speaks to Zhou before he goes back into the
wagon. "Shouldn't we wait for Unali?"
"She said she'd join us outside the city. I suspect she knows
the lay of the land far better than we do. I have confidence
in her ability." He then turns and stares behind the wagon at
the darkness down the street in hopes his words come true.
Kiet pulls the wagon to the left and past the other wagons
all who glare at the group as they pass through the gate into
the open countryside. Tonight the temperatures are warm and
humid as usual. Above the stars are full and abuandant. There
are a few clouds but overall a clear sky. The road itself leads
south, south-west and the party hurries down the highway. To
the right or west is the moon about 30 degrees above the
horizon but it is a sliver and not much light shines around
the area. The wagon travels deep into the darkness with
the two forward lanterns lighting the way and the occasional
carried torch helping to guide.
[Time: 4:16am - Night 2 in Shantou]
By now Unali has been gone for over an hour alone somewhere in
the city she was born in. As tension finally ebbs knowing that
no other attack has hit the party including the rear attack on
Whitney folks start to relax a bit. Alert and a bit paranoid
Whitney is the first to hear the sound to the rear.
As Whitney concentrates on the sound he hears the gallop of
horse fast approach. Soon Farseeker hears the same and stops
his horse. "Horse approaching!" Farseeker warns the others.
As guards circle back to take position the horse behind them
on the road slows down. Unali yells out that it is her. On
the horse her black clothing makes it look like no one is riding
the horse. But as she closes in she is seen better. Finally
with the party she dismounts and places a few items onto her
saddle. Kiet had to team up the horses with the spare horse
Kiet bought. When the party rests Unali's horse can be resetup
to drive as well.
With a grim face Unali looks around and fines everyone safe
and a bit more relaxed. "My suspicions have been confirmed. Shu
has been killed by a local contract killer on a contract. I found
out that the contract has been set up in the last few days by
someone from out of town, but could not find out the identity
of the client this quickly. Hopefully my contacts will find
this out and we might know in a few days. Still, it is
significant, as it means our enemies know we are coming and
have at least guessed which route we travel. Our disguise is
for the local people only now, not for those we are up against.
They must have known about Shu and her powers, as the attack was
directed specifically against her. It had nothing to do with her
casting magic, as all known magic hunters were out in the cemetery
out of town tonight. Her distraction worked well clearly."
She turns to Zhou: "Shu should have told me that she expected
her own death, and otherwise YOU should have told me. We would
not have let our guard down so much and let her alone in that
room if I had known. If had had any idea I would have arranged
for more guards and tighter security."
Zhou spreads his hands out. "I am sorry for that. I should have
but I kept a promise from her."
Unali opens the wagon door and suddenly sees the lifeless body
of Shu and frowns then glares back at Zhou. "For now, I propose
we look over the unmana area to the south. It is the old and
disused carnival grounds for the city. They should be empty,
but not this empty."
Zhou looks at the party. "I know I need to explain. But I
would prefer it some distance away from the city. Once the
sun rises I will explain it all. If Arawn is afraid of the
dark the sun will prevent all concern."
Caladan asks Unali, "a contract? Local thugs know how to
use magic like that? Or did Z'leyra use her spell right and
see what should've been seen? It didn't seem like a typical
assassin. Your contacts must be quite good to know that info
right away. I'm impressed."
[Time: 6:38am - Night 2 in Shantou]
Little over two hours later and almost 6 miles from Shantou
the sky begins to turn orange and red. The wagon is stopped
and Kiet locks the breakes. Unali tells the party they are
about 11 miles from the river and the carnival grounds should
be another 3 or so miles after that. Based on the slow rate
of wagon travel the party should arrive at the carnival grounds
by 2pm or a bit later. As the party stretch it becomes clear
they want an explanation.
Unali turns to Zhou. "Why did she expect dying and when did
she first mention it. In the city or before?"
Zhou glances toward the wagon and thinks of Shu. He then
walks a few feet toward the rising sun and stares. "Shu was
assigned this mission out of need. Her skill was paramount to
our mission. Without it we could have spent weeks or months
looking for the Vong. With just two attempts we have round
it down to a region. A third time would have pinpointed it
down exactly to a few miles. Though reluctant Shu wanted to
go to help out of duty to the Lands and the High Elder. But
before she left she sought out Ki'ama's personal diviner. The
old woman is quite skilled and has a device to help out. She is a
loner and rarely sees anyone at all. But at the request of the
High Elder she deemed Shu an audience. The old woman told that
she would help the us out greatly and there would be much danger.
But when asked Shu was told she would not return to the Dark
Lands. The woman then confirmed she would likely die in Katai.
Still out of duty and honor Shu felt the mission too critical.
She would not tell me until half way down the ocean and it was
too late to turn back. She swore me to the secret and forbid
me to tell anyone else. She wanted to tell me so she would get
her wishes known. She would want a simply burial. She would
want not to be mothered or protected all the time. She knew
that protection would distract from the mission. She did not
want to endanger the mission by such distractions."
Raban clenches his fists in slight anger.
Farseeker asks, "distraction? We would've protected her and
prevented her death."
Arawn also prompts Zhou. "You said that you would explain
everything after we left the city."
Becoming serious again and with a very steely gaze he
confronts Zhou, "Now is the time to tell us everything you know.
Why was she expecting this? Why did it not surprise you? Why did
you not tell us? It is important to us all, even those who, what
was it you said, choose to go shopping? Enlighten us as to the
errors of our ways, " using a mocking voice "oh brave one."
Kell's opinion of the baron is slipping faster than it did on
the sea voyage from the Dark Lands, where he showed his bravery,
and his patience for secrets is even less.
"I explained that. She said the diviner saw alternative paths.
If she did live one of you would die in her place. She believed
strong in fate and destiny. The old woman detected destiny in
most of the party here. Shu could not live emotionally knowing
that she would live if one had to die in her place. I pleaded
with her for days to seek our help but she refused. She actually
thought she would die in battle. I suspect she did not know she
would die in a simple inn. If she had I believe she might have
tried harder to live. She wrote a few things of her views in
her journal. She wished for me to return it to her master.
If you must read it to verify my story you can. Though to
do such thing is a violation of privacy. I personally will not
do it. If you do not believe me then read her private thoughts
and seek wisdom from a tormented girl. It doesn't contain
any details on her ritual just her last inner thoughts."
Farseeker nods and frowns. "It almost sounds like Jordi acted
once. Destiny and fate can control our lives or we can control
our own." He turns to Arawn. "Now to that explanation you were
going to tell us?"
Arawn scans the distance and the plains are wide and shows no
sign of people or mysterious creatures. "Sorry about the mystery
earlier but considering all the attention we had already garnered
I did not wish to risk ourselves further by speaking of less than
mundane things while in the city. I recognized what it was that
killed Shu. It's a creature from the realm of Shadow, a shadow
warrior. A rare few have the ability to call them forth into this
world and from what I can tell the one that we witnessed had to
have been called by a very powerful summoner. Either a true master
of such magics or a very experienced and talented Shadow Weaver
was responsible as it was different than those that are normally
summoned."
"That's why I spoke with Zhou about having the rear lanterns
placed. These beings can travel invisibly and silently through
the shadows and I did not want to risk one striking at us,
unlikely as it might be. They can easily slip up on one and
strike a death blow without anyone else knowing until it is too
late, especially this one. In addition I wanted to minimize risk
of a shadow-spy slipping in amidst our camp."
Farseeker asks, "a shadow weaver? They in some cult?"
Caladan looks around while he asks. "I've heard of such things.
Woundenal told me a few stories. In fact wasn't there a shadow
master up in the dark lands? I've heard some of the wizards
can attach a shadow to a person and use shadows in amazing ways."
Zhou nods. "Novasa is the only one in the lands to use such
magic. but he never does in public. He is a very private
person and a bit hated by many."
After hearing Arawn's explanation Kell opines, "So the Night
Demons may correctly named and possibly be aligned with a whole
branch of the forbidden in Katai?" In a very sarcastic tone,
"This is just great. And if they are aligned with the Vong, oh
so much the better." Pondering the possibilities that the Vong
are using them in addition to one or more royal houses. This
doesn't make him happy.
Zhou finally states. "Shu wished to be buried near the water.
So I believe once we cross the river we should bury her there.
If we must we can always return for the body to take home."
[Julis 26th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai, Shantou Province, South of Shantou]
[Time: 11:48am]
The party gets to the river and a large wooden bridge is at the
highway point crossing over. There is a road station that
collects a small fee for upkeep of the highway and bridge.
Zhou pays the few coins of toll and the party soon crosses over.
For hours the party passed farmlands and the outer city margins
that seemed to never end. For a great distance the farmlands seem
to stretch from horizon to horizon. Along the river there are
many river homes, business and docks. This time of day the river
is extremely busy with boats of all sizes from rowboats to
full barges with cargo. Wagons and hundreds of people mill
about the river areas and the small villages that line the
river east and west.
Zhou is disappointed at the crowded area. He had hoped to
find a quiet place along the river. It takes a good 20 minutes
to find a secluded wooded around a bit off the river shore So
the burial spot doesn't get flooded a place is selected and
marked in case there is need of return. Once the party finds
the place isn't full of people the party begins to dig a
grave for Shu. In this area the village has thinned out and
the nearest place is a small garbage dump half a mile away.
But this area seems free of traffic and the river isn't as
busy here as near the bridge.
Arawn is wrapped up nicely in blankets and placed gently
into the hole. The party gathers around and speaks a few kind
words. Arawn, Raban and Strie'bog all give blessings and prayers
for Shu's journey to the next life.
After a quick lunch the party heads back onto the main highway
and continues south.
[Time: 2:17pm]
[Location: 20 miles south of Shantou City]
At this point the wagon slows down to a slow speed as they
find their way along the highway south. Unali uses landmarks
though in this area one farm looks like al the others. Few
trees and natural formations give clues to landmarks. The
plains are just too wide and open. After some trial and error
and directions from three local farmers the carnival grounds
are located. All afternoon the highway has been busy with
traffic of single people on foot to dozens at a time in caravans.
The party stops on the west side of the road and looks down t
wide dirt path that is clearly not part of the well maintained
highway. The dirt road goes almost due west for 2-3 miles.
By now the sun is to the east and over the back shoulders of
the party. There are clouds but they are fast moving making
it a bright and hot afternoon.
Unali scans the west area with her spyglass. She spots several
structures. One looks to be a tall barn like thing. There
are several low squat buildings around that structure. But
at this distance some two miles out the detail is vague. There
appears to be no movement or sign of life at this distance.
Farseeker dismounts. "Now what? It is open out here. If
we go down the road we'll likely be spotted. We can't simply
stay out here all afternoon till night as folks passing by will
alert guards to check us out for trouble and rumors. Should
we leave the wagon or take it with us?"
Zhou nods, "I say we all go as a group. I could pretend to
need the grounds for some great event. Say a House celebration
or wedding. Joust and Champion fights and the like. It could
give us some cover if there are folks there. We could check
it out at the very least."
As folks begin to discuss their options, Ben'dar notices Arawn
is slightly staring at him longer than usual.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Website updates [all in links section]
- Advetime.txt - Adventure Timeline - updated events
- People.txt - Added and updated some people from adventure
- Updinfo.txt - Minor notes on important events in updates
- Wagon.txt - Updated file in many areas
- Contact.txt - Added a lot of info
For the Wagon file I have updated the file for some skills
folks posted after the last mini-IBT. Once the travel time
to Pamau is determined you can add or update to the skills.
If none are updated will use old info. Updated treasure
info (horses sold, expenses paid out for taverns, food, etc.).
For a basic idea of the full update to this file see the
very bottom section.
For the character contacts I have all emails for everyone
in this email. These are public as the posts are public and
ergo the email address is there. When get time verify the
spelling and ensure no errors but no rush. This is good in
case you need to CC folks and not sure on their email address.
Now it is in one easy to find link. Also 2 players (you know
who you are) are on ICQ. If you want your ICQ# published
to this file let me know.
GM: Ok. A big update. Lot of stuff happened. I was hoping to
do a bit more stuff in Shantou like with Chion or Ben'dar
and others but they suddenly became quiet. Oh well. Still
was fun. now we move into the next phase of the adventure.
GM: Journey to Pamau will take a few days.
20 miles - Shantou to Carnival grounds
130 miles - Carnival to Pang Fort
60 miles - Pang fort to Pamau
Roughly 200 miles total trip. At 30 miles going over the road
(road helps with speed). It will take 7 days travel time.
(I added 10 miles for rain delays and for easy math :)).
Julis 26 - 32 - Travel to Pamau
Julis 32/33 - Arrive in Pamau
Exit entry time I will have to figure out depending on
weather and encounters that might occur. I've not rolled
those up yet. So for purposes of the mini-IBT you can
consider it 7 days of it. Let me know what you want to
do during that period so I can put it in the wagon file.
Fort pang is a small fort/village at the crossroads point
that goes south to Pamau and further east to the coast.
There are 3-4 other villages along the way for supplies.
GM: Let me know about the carnival stuff. Unali will have the
ultimate decision but I'm sure she'll take input from others.
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