[pnpgm] Game Update #67 - File #560 - Party meets Fence
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Jan 26 08:56:56 CET 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
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 #67 in sequence (file #560)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Tobie: [Re: Email issues]
Anyone else getting a bounce back from Scott's email address? I
just sent him an email and it bounced instantly.
Scott if you get this, is there another email I can send to?
---
Ok, nvm - for some reason it seems to be working again. No idea
what happened there.
GM: Ack. Sorry. No other email address for me. Used to have
the darktech for a decade or so but its closed now. I'll
comment more on this below.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet doesn't feel a great need to attend the meeting with the
contact, except that he feels some responsibility to keeping Zhou
safe. As long as there are other escorts, though, Kiet would be
happy to be left to his own devices.
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 24th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province, Shantou city]
That first night in Shantou the party rests well. The last
few stragglers in the tavern finally come up well after midnight.
The Blue Crystal Inn soon settles into a deep quiet as guests
sleep and the guards patrol. At the other inn it is a bit more
rowdy with some guests getting drunk and have some wild bed time
activities. At the other inn there is no guards so it is good
some watch, lock and in the case of Z'leyra bar the door.
The night goes for everyone uneventful. Those in the noble
Inn sleep very well in the soft beds with hand washed sheets.
Those in the other Inn sleep but wonder what all is in the
sheets or under the bed.
-------------------------
[Julis 25th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province, Shantou city]
Dawn comes all too quickly. For those sleeping after over
two weeks of sleeping on the hard ground, the dawn means
no more warm bed. Soon some get up and head downstairs
for breakfast.
At the other Inn, Kiet finds the horse has been delivered and
settled into the nearby stable. A man waits for the final
payment agreed on. To ensure its the right horse both Kiet
and Ben'dar inspect it.
Those at the other Inn decide to head to the Blue Crystal Inn
to meet the others for the day's plans and breakfast. Food
at the other inn could be less tolerable than a decent cook
under the eyes of a noble.
This morning the tavern is almost full. There must be around
50 other guests down here at tables and the bar. It is hard
to tell noble status other than how folks sit. Folks tend
to talk to or reply to one person and that usually is the leader.
Like that of Zhou's own group. But as to who might be a local
petty noble, knight or higher is unclear. Other than those
dressed in military uniforms most seem to be low nobles of
young to middle age. The highest ranking military insignia
seems to be Captain in the room.
Juices, tea, milk and coffee is all served. Some try the
various teas that Katai seems to specialize in. Several enjoy
the strong brews from the jungles in the south. Hams, sausage,
bacon, eggs, fruit and breads are all served among other like
meals of assorted forms from side dishes to soups.
Zhou speaks up. "I and Arawn will head to meet the contact.
Likely will not return till mid-afternoon. But for sure by
dinner time. Who will join us?"
Caladan chimes in, "I will."
Farseeker nods, "I'll join as escort. Going shopping with
the girls isn't my idea of fun." He glances at Kell and grins.
Zhou turns to Kiet. "I might decide to go shopping myself.
I might need someone to carry my goods." He sighs then smirks
a bit. "But I understand you have plans to buy some much needed
items so I'll release you for today. I'm sure my burly guards
can help me."
The party soon breaks up into three groups. Those going to
the markets, the contact and those staying at the Inns and
catching up on sleep or lounging around.
Those going to the markets walk as horses just have no room
in those areas. It is shoulder to shoulder in some places.
Kell, Kiet and Z'leyra head to the markets.
Kell finds that custom tailor shop and is glad to see it open.
He enters and gives details on Raban's size. But the tailor
laughs. "No one is that tall and big. Be gone! Good joke
you play." But Kell sticks around and takes some time to
convince the man it is no joke. Soon the tailor sighs. "For
such a custom order I should see this man in person. It only
improves the measurements. Send him here and I can do it.
But just large clothes could take a few days. We have bundles
of cloth but obviously nothing in that size exists likely in
all of Katai. For a few more coins I could get a team to
work on the sewing but it would depend on what he wants."
Kell agrees and then gets the hours. He then recalls that
Raban would be reluctant to leave Fremea. He asks the tailor
if for a few coins he would be willing to go to the Inn to
take those measurements.
"Blue Crystal Inn? Of course! Your friend must be a noble."
His eyes brighten and gleam. Kell realizes what that gleam
is as he has used it himself. Greed drives even the stubborn
merchants. "I will go in a few hours and find him. I'm sure
he can't be hard to find."
The group finds another mixed shop market and streets of
shops. Z'leyra finds a few more healing and herbalist shops
that seem to have the same items she found the day before. Most
such items are standard prices and can't be haggled for. When
you sell things for brass bits the thought of price hikes is
unheard of.
In this area Z'leyra and the others also find at least 5 jewelry
shops. All seem to have a guard, old or young couple who own
the store eager to help. Most of the shops have good selections
from middle class to upper class price levels. It is clear no
peasant could afford these shops.
There are hundreds of medium sized, thousands of small size and
dozens of large size pieces in the shops. What is found in
most common shops is found here. There are the usual diamonds,
jades, pearls, rubies, sapphires and the like. Everything from
pinky rings, earrings up to full noble wedding head pieces. But
as the group scans the items they find many quality pieces from
as little as a few silver to as much as 3 figures of gold. But
alas there is no large, flawless items at least from the glances
in the display cases. It takes a trained jeweler to notice
some are slightly cloudy. As expected and warned such items
that would allow magic on them is not to be found here. Maybe
in the black markets.
A couple hours later a weapon shop is found. Everything from
simple pocket knives to lances is found here. Even a couple
of Arbalests. It is clear while the vast population of Katai
do not use weapons the arms business is going well. If not
for the military, criminals but for self defense. Next door
the merchant has a partner setup in a armor shop. Most are
shelves of leathers but there are armors of all types all the
way up to a couple suits of plate. Most seem of decent quality.
In the shield section Kiet finds a banded shop among a few
that seems to fit him the best. he and Kell haggle for the
final price. After some time the merchant agrees to 26 copper
instead of the 32 copper he was asking for. Feeling out haggled
the merchant agrees so not to lose more coins. The shield is
in good shape and appears to be decent manufacture.
It soon nears noon and the heat bears down. The trio decides to
visit a tavern for lunch. After a good lunch and some cool
drinks the trio sets out again.
Kell decides to look for the warehouse company that has the
symbol on Arawn's parchment. Every so often he would ask
merchants or vendors about the symbol. He would get basic
suggestions on where to look but no specifics. It seems logos
in this area aren't taken into account more than company names.
the trio enters a less crowded warehouse district where such
shipping companies are setup. This area of town is bustling with
more wagon and horse traffic than in the markets. After the 6th
person asked a merchant who owns a message courier service does
recognize the symbol based on Kell's description. Kell is given
directions.
After some extensive walking the trio finds a medium sized
warehouse. The trio circles the two story building and finds
the logo. It quickly becomes clear it looks like the symbol.
A shop next door seems to be their office. But when the group
asks a single man simply tells the warehouse has been sold to
a new owner. The old owners are moved out as of a few days
ago. The man who the trio realizes is a guard for the place
and another small warehouse orders the trio to leave or he'll
summon the city guards. From the windows it is clear the
warehouse seems empty from the few clouded windows seen into.
Under the eyes of the guard the trio soon has little choice
but to leave. They make a note of where the place is just
in case. Soon the trio returns to the market area and
decides to do a bit of more shop looking.
Going down a different street the group comes across a
lumber company that takes up a large area of the street.
The sign out front reads "Shu Li Lumber." Kell decides to
scan the place and finds it mostly a typical lumber yard
cutting and preparing wood for resale. Wagons come and go
with full and empty loads. Next to the shop is a shop that
seems to sell some of the wood in more specialized forms for
furniture or item manufacture. The wood makes the shop smell
sweet. Kell and Z'leyra explore the shop to find many types
of wood from simple everyday woods to more exotic mixed types
like ebony, ancient red wood used in expensive furniture to
some strange woods made from jungle trees to the south. The
clerk says the woods breath and make the room cool in summer
and warm in winter. The jungle trees are common but the wood
sells for most nobles in town.
Kell especially eyes the black ebony wood. Some length of the
wood seems to sell for 15 copper a piece. A bit expensive but
it must be imported. The clerk notices Kell and says most
nobles buy the ebony wood for wood paneling or cabinets.
Outside the shop Kiet stands and waits. The smell of the
wood inside makes his nose itch. he wonders if he is allergic
to something inside. He stares at those who pass by. Mostly
merchants or wagons going back and forth. It is now mid afternoon
and the temperatures is only rising.
-------------------
After breakfast Caladan, Zhou, Farseeker and Arawn mount up
on horses and head to where the contact is supposed to be.
It takes some time but the group finally arrives. Entering
the shop a burly man is at a desk with his boot up and he is
lounged in the wooden chair relaxing. He is reading a book
but when he puts it down Arawn notices it is pictures likely
some dirty book or something. The man dressed in simple style
Katai street clothes puts his book down and grunts. "Yes?"
"We are here to --" Zhou starts.
"He'll be here soon. Sit." The man interrupts Zhou and
points to 6 simple wooden chairs along the wall. He then
gets to his picture book and continues to scan the images of
fighting and sex. He grunts and groans every so often but
it is clear the man has no regard for the status of the group.
This seems to confirm the contact isn't so clean and legit.
The man must be used to even nobles visiting here to fence
things or buy things.
The group settles down and waits. A bit over an hour later
a man finally approaches the shop. He is typical Katai build
around 5 foot 10 and average Katai appearance. AS he enters
he wears a hat a bit like Kell's. he removes the hat to reveal
a scar on his temple that is small. He is dressed in simple
riding country clothes for a dusty trail ride. He dusts himself
off and then eyes the group.
Zhou stands forcing the others to stand. "I am --"
"Baron Zhou Wa of the east. Yes. I recognize you from
the description as well as the others. I've heard from
Tiehul to expect you. Please come into my office."
The man in his early 30s walks past and into a back office.
Farseeker tense from being recognized decides to stay in the
small lobby and watch outside and the horses. The other 3
enter the office and take seats.
The man closes the door and sits behind the desk. He eyes
the trio. Outside Farseeker eyes the man who must be a bodyguard
as clearly he isn't a secretary.
"I am Saleem Mu business man. So what can I do for you?"
The man places his hat on the desk and sits back.
Arawn pulls out the copy of the company logo. He asks if
he recognizes it.
"I know many companies in town. Part of my business to
know such things. It looks to be the Yank brothers. But
I heard just yesterday they were bought out by a person
in another city. They were paid well and sold quickly.
They have two warehouses in town I believe. They mostly
ship large wagon loads in caravans of 3-4 wagons at least.
A lot of big items like furniture or such loads." Saleem
replies and returns the parchment.
Arawn asks about missing people especially of high rank.
"People go missing daily. It is common place. Fools who
refuse to pay their debts all the way up to nobles who join
lovers while evading their spouse. Did you have any particular
person in mind?" Arawn shakes his head. Arawn asks about
the baroness. "All have heard stories of it. I personally
didn't pay attention to them. I am much too busy to care
about such things. Some of my friends do tell me she was
in town for business but not sure what business."
Arawn asks about odd items or weapons sold. The fence
tenses up slightly. After a few quiet seconds. "You ask
strange questions friend. If it weren't for Tiehul vouching
for you, I might get concerned. I did a month ago come across
a circle weapon that is worn on the arms and has sharp edges
that seem to spin. I'm told a barbarian jungle tribe south
uses them. Last week I also was sold a staff rod thing that
had a strange serpent head." He growls slightly. "But the
cursed item shriveled up. If I find that man again..." He
growls again. "I had to trash it as it didn't seem good.
It broke apart from decay."
Arawn brings up the belief of some house or merchant who maybe
linked to a shipping company in odd ways. He mentions Nom and
amor.
"Many merchants are connected to such companies. That is
where they get their wealth. I've not heard of such a person
named such though. There is rumor that some noble in Pamau
is buying a slew of shipping companies. I only heard of such
as it helps create quick money. But it turns out they seem
to be selective in their buying. I can't recall the name of
the noble but he is in Pamau. Of course such things do occur
daily. The luxury wagon business down the street is sold and
paid for by new investors every few years. It is just the
way of things in business."
Arawn asks about the Rising Mount reference or any odd
mountain references.
Saleem shakes his head. "Do I look like a mountain climber?"
Arawn asks about merchant houses tied to the Vassa.
"Vassa who are they? I've not heard of them. Is that a
merchant company?" Arawn sighs as he clearly has no idea
of such links to the Vassa and houses here.
Arawn asks about odd or interesting rumors.
Saleem looks frustrated and sighs. "Do I look like a old
woman gossip? Time is money. I don't have time to sit around
and gossip. So no."
Arawn asks of spiritual or odd bodies of water or land like
lake Oca. Saleem's eyes simply glaze over and the trio figures
he doesn't understand or know.
Arawn then asks of the Vong.
"Vong? Of course! The Vong family owns that nice Tavern
on Way Lin street."
At that Caladan giggles slightly. It is clear the fence has
not heard of the creatures.
Arawn asks about Tiehul and any news.
"He did send word that his friend was able to cover things up
nicely, whatever that means. He doesn't report anything else
and no trouble came of the situation, whatever that is. He just
warned me you might show up."
Arawn asks about the man's services and if the party needs to
sell things.
"My job is reselling things. I'm sure Tiehul has explained
it. I tend to work around things like silly taxes and the
restrictive laws. I buy, resell and get paid. Some buy
from me or sell to me. But I mostly sell. I've done this
long enough it comes to me now. I no longer need to go out
to obtain items. Did you have something in mind?"
Arawn asks of books on legends or stories.
Saleem glances around the spartan office. He shrugs. "the
library must be out back. I don't have books here." Being
sarcastic he grins. "Go find a library for such things. I
don't have time to read myself."
Arawn asks of trustworthy contacts in the south. This
gets another giggle from Caladan and a slight smirk from Zhou.
It is like asking a thief of good and honest trustworthy
thieves.
"I could look into it but depends on where south you go.
The south is a big place. I have a few."
Arawn asks of good safe routes or havens south and any rumors
related to south.
"The highway is safe even from most bandits. As to the south
and more gossip..." He trails off as he makes his point of it
boring him.
Arawn asks about maps of Katai and the mountains.
"A map shop can be found four blocks west. It has many
maps for sell. I have none here."
Arawn ask of emergency exits from the city.
"The south west gate near the Aimee Bakery is the best gate.
Few guards are skilled there and many can be bribed."
Arawn sits and listens to the fence and tries to figure out
to trust the man or not. But his empathic skills are unclear
on this. The man is clearly a thief at best possibly a killer
at worse. He would obviously sell anything for a good coin.
So trust would be hard to judge from this short conversation.
But as Tiehul seems to vouch for the man that is the only
good connection the group has with him.
The conversation takes some time maybe an hour or two. It
is hard to tell. Finally Arawn asks of local magic detection
sensors and how best to avoid them.
When Arawn finishes his question the man suddenly leaps to
his feet startling the trio. "Your wizards!? Tiehul did
not tell me this." He rushes to a side window and looks out.
"You put me in danger by coming here?!" He scans the outside
and then rushes to the door. He exits the office and rushes to
the front and looks for several long seconds to the street.
he then storms back in. "You will need to leave now. I don't
want to be caught."
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: I know at least 3-4 of you already know this. But if not
I have sad news to report. Richard Snider the creator of
our great game we play has died this last November. We
just learned about it on the main P&P Mailing List. If you
don't get the list sign up. The Gods of Chaos sent their
Cancer demons to finally take him from us. I would have
said something Friday as I just learned of it then moments
before posting the last update but ran out of time. It
is a sad day for our hobby. I dedicate this update, this
adventure and this pbem to his memory. One of the posts
on the list/archives has a site for signing a memory if
you wish to do so.
GM: Email issues do occur. My guess is that the ISP does some
random maintenance. These things I can't control. I've
heard some email hasn't gotten to me recently but that
person also had a bad spelling of the address. So who knows.
I check my spam filter every night. So if anything goes there
I see it. I do get many emails a day so it would only be
a worry if I got none. Best thing I can say is just try again
in a few hours or post to the list. I try to Ack all emails
I get in some form. Of course if bounces do happen let me
know what the bounce message says. That helps to track it.
GM: Friday I will continue this day's activities. Then Monday
may depending on responses go ahead and move the time to
that night. It all depends on how things go. I hope I
have no covered all shopping requests and contact questions.
Remind me if I forgot something. But I have marked off all
the notes I have on the subject.
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