[pnpgm] Game Update #105 - File #825 - Debates nd Justice
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Thu Jul 22 05:19:11 CEST 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
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 #105 in sequence (file #825)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea just shrugs about the idea to get the detector.....
She will offer her regeneration spell up for the Baroness if that
will help, also she could use her Sonata to maybe find the sound
that would reduce and remove the growth coral.
During the trip, she will user her Herbalism and learn more Katai
as they go. (Also sending private email)
GM: Ack. If you make the Sonata a definite rather than a maybe
let me know. Thanks for the IBT info.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
<Skills- Improve horsemanship, make replacement arrows (since
his are larger than normal)
<Before leaving the grounds it would be a good idea to cast
healing. Since many are low on Mana, Raban may need to do it
himself.
Raban smiles as he thanks Chion, "I was arguing with myself ....
GM: Ack. Ok. Horsemanship and Bowyer will get half the normal
points since 2 skills per day. Is that healing upon
yourself or just a general offer? I assume a healing
for yourself.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[Hey everyone, thanks for thoughts/prayers/well-wishes. Life
has been both very good and kicking me hard and repeatedly in
the teeth. As of now (I thought last week, sigh) I am back,
which also means that Kell is back. Sorry for lack of response.
I've talked w/ some in email and will gladly tell anyone else
who asks about life.
I'm not adding to older posts although I had a few ideas as
reading. Just from here forward. On I go! :) ]
Bounty Hunter Horses - Kell thinks we take them with us and
then either release them after a few hours, or sell them in
the next town to the south.
Rua - Kell was open to whatever for the vong, but leaned
towards letting him live and trying to take him with us. Sadly
that choice was taken away from the group when his head
exploded.
Detector at the bridge - No need to go back there now, the
group should not be going north again. Although finding a real
one to study could be a big, big help. Kell will volunteer to
ride hard and fast with Ben'dar and one other to find the
detector and steal it, then meet the main group as they ride
south. Kell really likes this idea, having a detector would
help a lot. He'll argue, er, try to persuade people for this.
Overall Impressions/talking while riding out of the fairgrounds
- Ha'Kell is even more worred after hearing Rua explain how
much inflitration the Vong have on our world. The half-elf
was somewhat stunned listening to the Vong, explaining his
uncharacteristically quiet during the last half hour. Now he
is done digesting these and of course has some ideas.
He suggests trying to inform the High Elder of the status, so
he can begin searching the Dark Lands just in case. The same
with Marentia as this party knows many people in high places.
Then again, we can wait a bit longer until we know more. No
use crying "Wolf" unless we can say more.
Any possible assault on a large, fortified mountain may require
additional help for the group. Kell has a friend in Ba'Ru that
is excellent, but need a way to get him here. Again, this can
be a wait and see if we need more fighters. Possibly we must
hire some mercenaries, or inform the Katai to get official help.
Kell is very concerned that the Vong are so entrenched according
to Rua. He hopes it was a lie to distract us.
Possible idea to stop the invasion - close the gateway, whatever
it is and however possible. This seems the best, quickest way.
Without it, the invation cannot happen.
Speed- Since we have a great idea where the mountain is, and
magic has already been detected, can we teleport the group
closer to save time? Arwen Translocate several times to find a
good arrival spot, take Chion there, then Chion and Arawn can
move the group between Teleport and Translocate. Time seems
very critical to Kell now. He is obviously shaken at all of
Rua's information.
[Dang that was good role-playing, wasn't it? :) Ok, I may go
back and change it to Kell's words. sigh. trying to get caught
up.] [Yes, I should be back to full force for posting now. Poor
you all!]
GM: Ack. Welcome back. Horses - already decided by the leader
Unali to set free. Basically a dozen or so horses would be
great profit to sell. But with no saddle and gear their brands
would be visible. Any guard worth half a brass bit would
find that odd to sell. Most call that horse theft. Would
be hard to explain without proper papers. Then it might
draw great attention. So really the only choice was to set
them free. Rua - not sure what it is with the party and
prisoners but they just don't seem to last long. It is odd
the fates don't seem to like folks slipping words? I don't
know. Strange. Maybe one day that will change but its a
running gag of sorts for the fates so maybe it won't? They
do have a reputation to keep. Detector Just remember to
detect magic is as easy as making a metal rod and casting
a detection spell for magic and making it last. Most wizards
who know the enchantment arts can figure that out. Course
it could be more but that's the basic gist. To Clarify the
party has no clue where the mountain is, if that is where
the Vong are indeed. Shu only has a general view on her
map that is south west of the highway or west of Pamau
in those mountains. But that covers 1-200 square miles of
area and will need likely to be searched or pinpointed. Unless
one of my staff gave you a copy of the script for a bribe???
From Kell: [Re: Adventure Vote]
My vote is either -
- Mystery adventure. With the idea that some of the character's
backstories could be hinted at/loosley related to the mystery
adventure.
- Active Player's adventure. Any of them. I don't really care.
Now to contradict myself, here are some thoughts:
* Fremea is very intriguing to me, so that gets a bonus thumbs up.
* (Tobie, hope you and wife are well!)
* Arawn's sounds great, but definitely should wait in my opinion.
Let that upstart figure some more things out for himself! he he.
* Farseeker's is intruguing, as are most located in Marentia.
Things may be happening there *right now* in game time... and the
stone supply for building the mighty cities of Marentia will
surely be taking a hit. There is also one Sal that mayhaps was
trained by said Farseeker... and that Sal needs help. ;) Maybe
other evil- ness is afoot that needs a stout party to stop it!
* Kiet's = fun. This group in Lemasa would just be plain fun.
* Who is Xian??? I need to go read about him.
* Mixing is good. I like that. I've tried to do it in the
"other game" as well. Things have happened that players don't
know. He he. So do Fremea and Z'leyra together?
I am slightly opposed to an NPC adventure, unless it's like the
mystery adventure(PCs do the story driving to find/help npc,
etc). While I like Zhou as a character, I prefer the PC driven
stories as much as possible.
GM: Ack. Mystery is really the "other" adventure not related to
the other 19. I tend to agree on npc to pc. But with that
said npcs drive the story a different way. You do not need
to wait for responses as they can reply then and there and
make quick decisions. While they act like the word of god
and the Ref they can drive the story to where it should go
rather than the pc throwing a wrench into the Ref's story.
So in many cases a npc leader is better than pc at times.
Especially in PBEMs. Ok. Will mark you down as "any.". With
no specific requests. Who is Xian!? Only the supreme best
character to come about in the last 50 years of role playing!
He is so mighty he has thrown himself into battle and almost
died 4 times (thanks to Z'leyra he didn't). Geesh. Go
read the pc/npc bio file on the website. :) Xian = Me. I
figure if I can't have fun as a character I can at least
have some comic relief as a npc.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
OOC: Im not sure if I am following you. Are you saying that
you would ride north while the main group travels south and then
catch up after stealing the detector?
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet ponders this for only a short time. "Raban, I've been...
GM: Ack. Good dialogue.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Yes. 3 or 4 of us ride north to the bridge, find the detector,
steal, bring it back. Then we have one to study, use, and
hopefully counter. :)
GM: Ack. And hopefully living through it. :)
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban replies, "But Kiet, if you have captured them, then ....
<still a bit much for Raban?
GM: Ack. Good debate and role playing from the both of you. No.
Its not too much from Raban. Your not a slobbering idiot
you do have some brains or you'd never have made a Bard rank.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet smiles up at the big lug and pats him on the arm, "You...
GM: Ack. Good to see the different views.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea has been listening as they ride along to the exchange
between Kiet and Raban. Finally she leans out the window a to
make sure they both can hear her. "So, Raban, such compassion...
GM: Ack. Changed first line slightly for below.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Kell has been listening to this entire conversation as well,
intrigued as usual. The half-elf just loves a good, yet almost
useless, debate. After hearing Fremea he responds, "Justice...
GM: Ack. Good stuff..
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
"If you really feel that studying this object will help our...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will after listening to the conversation between Unali and Kell
adds: "As to the risks they already know we are here and have...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Considering both Unali's words and Will's words, Kell now feels
uncertain. "How about a vote? Either we all continue on and...
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban sighs, "Even in Katai there are those who will try to...
GM: Ack.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
<OOC - the matter was closed for Fremea when others said no the
first time. She just shrugged and figured they would find one
later, so she actually isn't even saying anything on the matter
anymore. Just figured that would clarify it for her.>
GM: Ack. Thanks.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
As interesting, fun, and useful as it may be, Kell will drop it.
Let's just continue South and keep on going. Try to delay as
little as possible.
GM: Ack. This is problem with PBems. When groups separate or
one member diverts from main group it can delay things
greatly like this possible side mission delayed things about
2 weeks. At times its hard to play with a full group
this large but there are valid times when some have to
split up for side missions. Its a hard thing to deal with
at times if not handled right.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Sun Tzu says:
" If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain...
OOC: Eventually I would like to determine if it was made by a
willing dupe or if the MU was enslaved. He seems to be taking
this anti magic thing very personally.
OOC: The bounty hunter said there were several dozen in his
group. He also said they detected both magic and magic users.
The wagon has not only been noted but moves slower than those
behind us.
We had already been using are available resources to avoid
detection and alert us to those looking for us.
We failed to detect them last time till after they had not only
detected us but sent out the posse.
There is a good likelihood that future detectors and bounty
hunter groups will be organized in the same way ie a few people
watching and detecting and a large posse that then track down
any wizards discovered.
So long as they do not use magic or other extraordinary means to
communicate we can probably stay ahead of the bounty hunters.
We have already been discovered it is tough to put the genni back
in the bottle. If we continue with the current approach we may
well have a dozen skirmishes to fight along the way to deal with
the Vong.
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra speaks up "I concur with Will. I think this patient's....
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra "Hmmm...no. I am not skilled enough with Astral....
Z'leyra will spend a bit of time tracking down and picking up
bits of bone and teeth from the Vong for later use in Dedication
spells when enchanting items to be used against the Vong.
GM: Ack. Likely not much time to collect. As Unali wanted
to leave right away so only had minutes. Plus if they
have such a high magic resistance you'd dedicate with
an item with a high resistance and that could backfire
big time. :<
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Ha'Kell speaks up on the issue, "Sending her to the High...
GM: Ack.
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
Unali: "Sound like a plan."
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will nods his head thinking about Kell's words: "I like the...
OOC:
There is also some risk with dividing up especially if the group
behind us manage to track us down. Dividing into two groups
implies that one is ahead and one behind that would make the one
behind more vulnerable to the bounty hunters following us. That
may be less likely if they do not have another portable magic
detector but it is also more likely the slower we move.
They may not be a cohesive unit but I am less sure of that since
they use an imperial provided magic detector there may be more
cooperation and direction from above than I at first thought.
I was also thinking that we should wait to get our magical gear
until we find the big Vong base. The advantage of doing it
earlier is that it allows more time to recoup the manna used as
for me at least the trip back will use quite a bit of what I have
available.
------
If we do split up Will suggests that someone establish a
telepathic Link between the two groups so that in the case of an
emergency there is a ready way to stay in contact.
GM: Ack. Sensible comments.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
"I do not propose killing each and every nest, only....
GM: Ack. Just remember how long this delay was on splitting
up when just the idea of dividing up was given. Think
of how things would be delayed in two groups. :)
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will:
"An active link yes... the first time I touch another ....
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Healing- If anyone is looking for healing after we leave the
fair- ground Arawn is willing to cast Healing Mist as an area
effect towards healing. This can be on any of the following days.
Just let me know if you're interested so I can alert Scott.
------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment pickup and movement-
"Ha'Kell's plans for two groups has merit and I also agree....
--------------------------------------------------------------
Arawn listened as some discussed issues of morality, a very
quiet smile on his face at Raban's thoughtful words. When Arawn
finally spoke he made sure to do so in a neutral tone to allow
others to know that he was neither targetting anyone with his
response nor attempting an arguement or debate, simply a sharing
of his thoughts.
"Katai's fear of magic goes back to the Black Heresy, when....
GM: Ack. Yep. Will do natural healing if folks don't dictate
their magical healing needs. Or who they wish to heal from.
BTW your JH user via the email is a bit confusing. Thought
it was Raban. We have John S, John Haight and John Hooten
so 2 JHs so this could be confusing to a lazy person like me. :)
But I'll deal with it. Just have to reply to the right person.
Maybe sign your email with Arawn? Too many johns. :)
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"Do you think it wise to keep the two groups separated by ...
GM: ACk.
From Fremea :[Re: Actions]
Fremea pokes her head out again, "I can always use my spy...
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"That's not a bad idea," Arawn replied. "Aside from....
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Kells says, "That is a great idea. Fremea is the best scout...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
WIll nods and says: "Fremea would be an excellent scout all...
GM: Ack.
From Mark: [Re: Time delay]
Yes, we are good. :)
On a more serious note, it is my understanding there is no mission
to the bridge. Kell brought it up, there was the discussion,
then it was dropped. But going forward I saw a consensus on
using the 2 group method for scouting at other bridges. Just
how I read it.
I say the talking can occur anywhere. Before leaving, as leaving,
as riding south. It's just talk, and we know that is cheap. :)
GM: Ack. Actually the talk began at the guard shack outside. I
kept it there since no one said to talk on the way. Plus
talking about magic as Katai walk and ride by you on the
road might be dangerous don't you think? The only person
to suggest otherwise was Fremea in one of his posts about
riding and talking but since scene was in one place I
slightly edited it. Would've been dangerous talking about
those things other than Raban's thread on the road.
From John Ho.: [Re: Talk delay]
For what it's worth I was imagining that this conversation was
taking place as we were preparing to and then heading
out/travelling as there's plenty of time to talk before we'd hit
a location where we'd need a decision to be made.
GM: Ack. No one actually said it was a highway talk thing.
So I put it where the scene started with the thread. But
see above. It would be dangerous. Would add a whole new
world of risk and fun. I kind of wished now I had done it
on the road and been overheard. :)
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 26th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ 20 Miles south of Shantou City ]
[ Old Shantou Carnival Grounds ]
[Time: 3:40 pm]
Minutes before the party leaves the carnival grounds the group
continues to discuss the bridge idea. Most of the talk takes
place near the house and later at the guard house while it is
searched.
Fremea just shrugs about the idea to get the detector. Either
way it is not that important right now, however she will keep her
senses out for another one.
Raban listens to the others argue over an item that must
be commonly made. As Raban places the bag of Vong pills in
his own saddle bags he looks over at Chion. Raban smiles as he
thanks Chion, "I was arguing with myself on whether I would need
to prevent a 'murder' when you took care of it first."
Raban continues seriously, "Killing in self defense is allowed
but killing a helpless person is wrong! We did not know enough
about his situation to judge his fate properly. Here, most his
actions were not crimes, so how could we impose Laws he knows
nothing about! If we started killing people because they follow
different Laws we will never stop doing so, so we need to look to
our own souls and kill only when it is needed."
Raban frowns sadly, "I do not want to tell a story about the
Great Heroes who saved the World only to become a Worse threat to
it. Save the World because it needs saving, not so you can Rule it
or Plunder it yourselves! DO not become a Monster as bad or worse
than that you face, it is far too easy to do so!"
Chion now sitting on his own horse twirls his sai in his
right hand as he waits to leave. He listens to Raban give
his heartfelt comments. Chion glances over and stops his
twirling and opens his mouth as if he wishes to say something
but then closes it. Raban knows very little about Chion in fact
most do in the group who have known him longer. From what
most can tell his moral view is one of self interest but for
the benefit of the group. But at the same token Chion is
also a very quiet person and so he may have his own personal
moral views hidden. Chion finally shrugs and nods quietly at
the giant and sheathes his sai into his small scabbard.
Kiet ponders this for only a short time. "Raban, I've been to
Katai already. This is where I learned magic. What they did to
my master was simply criminal. Harming a person simply for using
magic? Threatening to kill or imprison us? It'd be almost funny
except that it's tragic. Funny that they waste mundane forces to
seek to capture magicians?"
"Where we go we normally would follow their laws...but here,
their laws outlaw us simply for existing!"
"I'm not saying you are wrong, just that different people
think differently on the topic. If someone tries to harm me or
those I am sworn to protect, I will not limit myself to simply
convincing them to stop...I may simply chose to 'force' them to
stop because I know that dead, they will most certainly stop.
Like we did with these Vong. I see no particular difference
between the Vong and those Katai that would hunt us down."
Kiet finally adds, "I don't seek to kill, but won't hesitate
to do so should it be necessary."
As the group hears Kiet a quiet calmness comes to the area.
it is interesting to some to hear of Kiet's possible past and
some details of it. It leads to an explanation to his methods
and personality.
Caladan packs his war staff on his horse and mounts up. He
turns to Kiet. "Each nation has their own laws and culture
issues. Marentia is prone to not be kind to Chaos oriented
folks. Clima doesn't like so much men taking power. Thaliba
doesn't like strangers. Porta doesn't like authority. Some
other lands don't like pirates. When you travel you do have
to respect those laws and views or suffer. I can feel for your
pain and understand it. But I suspect the Katai by the vast
majority are duped into their beliefs while the Vong are fanatics
by their leadership's views. So to compare one to the other
might not be valid as much." He speaks calmly and tries to
convey no offense.
Raban replies, "But Kiet, if you have captured them, then
killing them is wrong as you are acting just like they are. You
are killing them because they are different, because they do not
like you, or whatever. it becomes the same thing! All you do is
prove they were right to fear you. Revenge begets revenge until
there is nothing else. You must break the cycle by being better
than they are, be smarter and do what is right instead."
"I am not saying what they do is right, but it is their laws and
until they are shown better ways they cannot change it. They do
not even know they are using the same magic they have outlawed to
hunt the magic. But somewhere they know this is true and those are
the ones who need to be dealt with if you want to change things.
But until then every mage that fights back feeds the fear and is
used to prove to the masses how evil they are. It only takes a
few people with the skills to manipulate crowds to fan such fear
to the frenzy they need to maintain power. Those same people will
also manufacture the evidence they need if you do not supply it
for them. This fight with the Vong will become demons summoned by
evil mages and defeated by noble Katai forces. If the family does
not act correctly, they will become casualties instead of rescued
victims simply to make the story better. That is what we are
working against here. Every town will have some 'Eyes' and a
'Voice' whose job is to spot decent and to fix it with whatever
means is needed. Mages are the scapegoats kindly supplied by your
masters that give Katai a reason to obey their leaders. If someone
speaks out they are possessed by some mage's demon or otherwise
corrupted and the people believe them because they have heard of
real mages or seen them or know someone who did. If mages did not
visit, the boogeyman stories would loose force and become just
stories to frighten children. Then maybe the people would see
things are not right and someday have a chance to overthrow their
oppressors."
"Yeah, I know that sounds silly coming from me. But cities where
we come from do have such people too. Criminal Lords or Bad Nobles,
both rule by keeping the people from turning on them. They mislead
and pass the blame on others. Travelers are often the scapegoats
used, they are often punished for others crimes. It is easier to
believe a stranger committed the crimes than someone they know.
Even when they know the truth they can fool themselves for a
little while that way. But those that live that way can be
defeated in the same manner. Use another 'Voice' to spread the
truth until the people think they thought of it or spotted the
lies themselves..."
Caladan nods in agreement but that is not so surprising as most
know him to be a wizard of Law. Chion grunts but it is not
clear if he agrees or not.
Zhou looks outside the wagon window and stares at Raban. "Very
insightful my tall friend. You have taken a great understanding
of this land."
Kiet smiles up at the big lug and pats him on the arm, "You
have a big heart my friend, much larger in proportion to normal
men than is even your frame. But remember, they are your enemies...
and not all enemies will sit down and play nice. Some must simply
be removed. And we don't have, currently, the means by which to
take care of prisoners. Unless someone wants to drop them into
oblivion..."
Fremea has been listening as they wait to leave, to the exchange
between Kiet and Raban. Finally she leans out the window a to make
sure they both can hear her. "So, Raban, such compassion for those
that had not yet harmed you, yet were wanting to. I do understand
your thinking and I only made the suggestion because almost nothing
works better to get even enemies on your side than to get them
thinking the other guy did it. I do believe that the Katai boy
would not have been any threat to us really, even if we let him
go at the fair grounds, it was more to get the Katai to be even
angrier at the Vong. Maybe it wouldn't have worked anyway. As for
revenge circles, what if someone did a powerful thing to you that
was wrong? Would those people deserve your compassion? What if
they killed or took away your most important loved ones? Do they
not deserve justice, but is that not revenge too? I only ask these
things because there is no black or white to any situation."
Fremea pauses for a couple of seconds,
"I do agree that most of these people in Katai do not deserve
to die, they just don't know any other way at this time. Yet if
they were to attack, I would not hesitate to put them down. I do
apologize if I seem harsh."
Kell has been listening to this entire conversation as well,
intrigued as usual. The half-elf just loves a good, yet almost
useless, debate. After hearing Fremea he responds, "Justice and
revenge? Those are rarely the same, but often cousins. Can they
be the same? Good question. I can't say. For myself, I would
not give those people compassion. Taking away loved ones,
important people, killing them, deserves either justice or revenge
or both. When, not if, I find the people responsible for wiping
out my caravan and killing my brother and friends, they will
pay."
Flashing his assassin's grin he continues, "They will pay dearly.
And I will enjoy giving this payment to them. Besides, people
that would do these things often do many others like them. It is
not just a one time act, but a pattern. One that must be stopped,
just as the revenge pattern could be stopped, as Raban says."
"Whilst I agree also with Fremea that most Katai do no deserve
to die, I am with her that I will not hesitate to do what is
necessary to stop the Vong. If that means, well, use your
imagination..." Turning directly to Fremea, "If you ever need
help, count on me Fremea. I will help you, no asking necessary.
... Now I have to speak with Unali."
Farseeker sits back in his saddle as the guard house is finally
finished and door reclosed." I hear Katai has this thing called
Ying and Yan or maybe it is Yin and Yon or yum and Yon. It
is something like that. But basically one can't exist without
the other. Evil can't exist without good and vice versa. Light
without darkness They believe this relationship is a guide to
their fate and life." He waves a hand casually. "Something like
that nonsense."
Approaching Unali he begins, "Unali, I know most want to keep us
together in one group. But I want to take two or three more and
ride north to try and steal that detector. Having one of them to
study could be extremely useful. The three or four of us can ride
hard, find and steal it, then meet with the group in a day or so
time. Riding we can make better time than the wagon. Who should
go? Either myself or Arawn or Fremea, for our sensing abilities.
Fremea should stay with the group for somewhat obvious reasons,
Arawn could be more difficult to hide, so that leaves me. Then
Will for fighting and smarts. You would be great with your skills.
Then Chion as he looks native, and if we need a quick escape Chion
gives that. What do you say?" He says all this loud enough for
anyone nearby to hear, it's not a secret at all. "If anyone else
has other thoughts and ideas for this I am open to hearing them."
Raban listens to the back and forth of the discussion on justice
and Katai. When it begins to ebb Raban sighs, "Even in Katai there
are those who will try to ignore and pretend not to see. Then there
are those who for greed, malice or fame will go out of their way
to do what they think is needed. Put a reward on someone's head and
many will seek it. Put a reward for something unseen and someone
will find it, even if it does not exist."
"Even the slimmest evidence is enough to send many after the
rewards but there will also be those who hunt for other reasons.
Those will torture the innocent to find the guilty, or create
them, as it is often the same thing. The Fame seekers are the
worst, they want more than capturing mages, they want adulation
for doing so and thus want the most fantastic stories. They will
not want any witness who would say otherwise..."
"If they do bad things even for a good cause they deserve their
fates. If they choose to attack then they bear that risk too.
Those that act are not as innocent as those who do not, they have
chosen their paths and must face the consequences. But if we
capture, torture and execute them, how did we differ from them?
We may try to stand on the moral ground that we are trying to
save them, but it becomes slippery with their blood. Punish the
guilty, kill the enemy, but try to let the other idiots survive
to learn from it. I have lost to those who do not care about any
life other than their own. I have killed those before and
accomplished nothing doing so."
Raban finally adds, "It is the ones who give them orders, who
hire them who are truly at fault, should I hunt them in turn? You
would be amazed at the damage you do to innocents when you try to
do that. Still it may be worth it to fix things."
Arawn listened as some discussed issues of morality, a very
quiet smile on his face at Raban's thoughtful words. When Arawn
finally spoke he made sure to do so in a neutral tone to allow
others to know that he was neither targeting anyone with his
response nor attempting an argument or debate, simply a sharing
of his thoughts. "Katai's fear of magic goes back to the Black
Heresy, when dark mages, who later founded L'p'nth, caused great
suffering and chaos across the land. So great it left its imprint
on the peoples of this nation ever since," he said, recalling what
he had read in the history books while at sea.
"There are a lot of similarities between Katai and the Vong
world. Both were threatened and suffered at the hands of others,
creating a fear and resentment that has led to hatred and the
suffering of countless others over time. They started out just as
any of us, like anyone else in the world, innocents that suffered.
Unfortunately because they never rose past the fear and pain they
got caught up in destroying their monsters, never realizing that
in the process they succeeded only in replacing them."
"However, I can understand defending oneself. Self-preservation,
is not a bad thing but I think Raban has a point. Killing when
there are other options could justify the fears of the people. Or
create true hatred from something less- the naive apathetic or
superstitious, rising to anger and hate from pain at the loss of
a loved one. A hate that could lead to the harm of another innocent
victim. Our actions can have a far-reaching impact. Just as
violence and hate can beget something unpleasant so too can mercy
and compassion plant a seed, as with the groundskeeper and his
family. His eyes have been further opened and he and his family
could be the start of support for change. If, however, they were
to see our actions as cruel or harsh, even if not directed at
them but toward others, that support could change to fear,
reinforcing the old prejudices and beliefs. Perhaps even such as
the bounty hunters may one day change their views, if they ever
reflect on the fact that their lives were spared by those they
feared and sought to capture. It is compassion and mercy that sets
us apart from those who bring suffering upon others." He grew
quiet for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face before
continuing.
"I think, if one wrongs us it would be ideal to forgive them,
for our own sake as well as theirs and for that of helping to
shape a better world, though it can be understandably hard.
When I see an atrocity I often think to myself- 'What motivated
them to do what they did?'- Was it out of cruelty or anger?
desperation? justice? or from pain and a desire to avenge? And if
I were in their shoes would I have done the same as them?"
"I also ask myself, if I did strike out at them when they were
helpless or when a more humane option was available, would their
friends and family be justified in killing me? In my lack of mercy
have I caused suffering to an innocent connected to them just as
might have been done to me?- perhaps a kind-hearted friend, a
brother, a mother, perhaps even a small and innocent child that
called them father or mother- maybe planting the seeds to turn a
hurt child into a monster someday, intent on revenge or just cruel
from their sudden loss and lack of a loving parent, that brings
pain to others and continues the cycle of suffering in this
world, actions that lead to these problems in the first place. The
patterns of violence need to stop but I believe it will not happen
by repeating them. If people continue to justify violence,
suffering and hate by actions taken, if the pattern is continued,
and if this is the kind of world that people want to live in I
can't imagine it would be a world worth fighting for or living
in."
Farseeker giggles slightly during Arawn's discussion. Then
a serious look comes to his face. "So we don't know your rites.
How do you wish to be buried? If you go to try to make peace
with the Vong they'll kill you and be a great distraction for
us but we should know how you wish to be buried."
Unali listens to the two ongoing discussions on justice and
the bridge side trip. She spoke on it just a few minutes earlier
but decides to speak again on it. "If you really feel that
studying this object will help our quest, I will not bar you. I
would indeed like to see that a group of at least three or four
people sticks together, as there is strength in numbers. But I do
ask that you think this over and weigh the benefits and the risks.
Stealing the detector will probably bring a group on our trail to
steal it back and get the reward for the magic users that they
just missed today. I am sure we do not want extra attention at
this moment. And with all those sensitive to magic on the alert
to see if we encounter more of these items, it might be just a
few days, or less, before we encounter the next one, without any
need to go back."
"If you still feel the benefits are greater than the risk, why
ride there? Ask Chion if he will bring a group to the bridge and
back here in his usual manner. A bit more mana use in these
grounds is not going to set any more alarms off than have already
been triggered. No sense in wasting hours of travel time, just
because we should not use magic to draw attention."
"If we have drawn attention, we should get away from here as
soon as possible, and try to get rid of any clues of where we
went. So get a team together if you want and go. We will get the
wagon moving. A quick action and you might just catch us before
we have left these grounds."
Will after listening to the conversation between Unali and Kell
adds: "As to the risks they already know we are here and have sent
a dozen bounty hunters who (presumably when they don't return)
they have lost. I'm not sure how we could increase the risk much
more. As to the benefit maybe we will know what to look for the
next time after all they detected us rather than us detecting
them. Unless we do something different I don't know why we would
get a different result."
Considering both Unali's words and Will's words, Kell now feels
uncertain. "How about a vote? Either we all continue on and try
to find another detector in the future, or several of us head
north to steal the one at the bridge? What does everyone want to
do? I will abide by the group's decision." With this Ha'Kell
waits to hear from more people.
Will speaks up. "If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself,
you are certain to be in peril. If you know the enemy and know
yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. It
is foolishness to ignore an advantage that presents itself but I
will go along with the group to maintain unity. I vow though that
if I survive the coming battle I will return and if I can't steal
it I will see it destroyed. Since stealth has failed and we are
not taking any new countermeasures it does strengthen Z'leyra's
argument that we should pick up magical weapons and armor. "
Will pauses and considers the words Unali has made. He turns to
her inside the wagon. "Unali the wagon has been marked... we can
afford neither the slowness of its pace nor its obvious
appearance. If we are to believe the bounty hunter there are
another 3 or 4 dozen more that may be pursuing already. Since we
are not going to counter the detectors I say we take the baroness
back to the dark land for the High Elder to attend. At the same
time we can pick up any weapons or armor. Then ride with all
haste to stay ahead of not only those who pursue us now but any
other wasp nests we stir up along the way."
Farseeker grunts. "We have thousands that way. Thousands
that way. Thousands that way. That's likely just in a 100
mile radius." He waves his right hand in general directions
around the plains. "Bigger distances there are millions. We
can't avoid being stealth for long its just a matter of time.
One thing I've learned in my military life is sometimes the
best show is a full show. Hide in plain sight. If these
bounty hunters pursue in open daylight in a city they'll have
to contend with their own restrictions of secrecy. If we sulk
around that gives them an even better edge to capture or fight
us. We use their own restrictive movements and them being
secret societies against them."
Caladan shrugs and looks a bit bored from the talk. "We must
also remember if you find this item doesn't mean it will be the
same item as the next dozen items we might encounter. Each might
be a different function and design. The one at the bridge could
be a simple Detection of Magic item any apprentice who learns basic
wizardry skills can do. The next might be more complex with more
powers. So even if you get this item and study it to counter
it doesn't mean you can counter them all. Frankly the High
Elder mentioned it is a difficult to near impossible task. Such
things are as diverse as the number of people in this land.
As to taking the noble back to the High Elder we must heed
his words. A great use of a single powerful magic spell is
far easier to detect then simple ones. Chion could get there
in 1 or 2 jumps and get back. But in doing so it gives a trace
to him by those who might be seeking him. While there was
danger in taking the hunters away I have a feeling it wasn't
that far and harder to detect." Chion just nods silently in
agreement of it being closer. "Plus if you grab all the items
now you increase the total magical target for this group.
If you do that you will have to suffer the consequences that
may result. Personally I find it far more challenging to work
without the toys and such than to go get them in times of
need. High Elder Ki'ama was right. Too many magic users
depend on their aids and not their brains."
Zhou from the wagon window nods and grins slightly. "True.
Plus we are on this task as a noble group. Once we get rid
of the wagon we ditch that cover story and another will have to
be quickly figured out. A noble riding on horses is fine in
their own lands. But one like me hundreds or thousands of
miles from his province would not do just on a horse. Yes it
is much slower but I believe our best bet is to keep the cover
story until we are away from Pamau. Entering the city without
the fringes of nobility will raise even more attention."
Z'leyra speaks up "I concur with Will. I think this patient's
best chance may be with the High Elder...and may grant him
knowledge about the Vong as well. Further, Will's point other
points are correct and a strong reason for us to get all our
magical gear back and then move swiftly to prevent the outbreak
of Vong on this planet. I would prefer to outpace the Katai bounty
hunters and other forces rather than have to kill them. This would
be easier with our magical gear. Hmmm....I wonder if my Astral
Paths spell could help..." After a bit of a pause. "Hmmm...no. I
am not skilled enough with Astral Paths to take us all, let alone
our horses."
Ha'Kell speaks up on the issue, "Sending her to the High Elder
could be the best way to save her, and help defeat the Vong. I
could try Earth Strength, as that has powerful healing as well.
Whilst it may work, I guess it is high risk to her."
"But getting all the magic gear back I disagree with. Not yet.
A little planning and conniving and we can pass the detectors next
time. As the different groups don't communicate, those down the
road do not know about us, so we're safe. We can split into two
groups. One, with no magic, no innate magic, go first. They then
watch as the main group passes, and watch for those following us.
Finding the bounty hunters before they find us, we set up our own
ambush." Grinning a not-so-nice grin at this thought, capturing
those trying to capture us, a reverse ambush. This makes Kell
happy."
"No need to throw out the baby with the bathwater. We made it
through most of the empire without being detected so far. One
detection on a major bridge is to be expected. Next time we use
the plan and get them before they get us."
"Now when we find the major Vong base, then we get our gear."
Unali speaks up, "Sounds like a plan."
Will nods his head thinking about Kell's words: "I like the
idea of turning the tables on them but that would mean a lot of
time & energy spent destroying these nests of vermin along the
way and may slow us down it dealing with the greater threat.
Also as much as I despise and pity these bounty hunters I would
rather plunge a dagger in the imperial heart of these anti magic
secret societies. Will seems quite worked up about this. I still
say lose the wagon lose the wench move fast strike hard"
"I," Kell begins, "do not propose killing each and every nest,
only watching for those that will stop us. Like at the bridge.
Mostly we're fine, but at bottlenecks a little planning goes a
long way. The split is only for a short time, say two or three
hours. We send two or three people ahead, then the main group
crosses and the scouts watch for possible hunters. If they see
hunters or activity then we act, if not we keep moving fast. I
agree with you, we should drive a dagger into the heart of this
anti-magic nonsense, but we don't have the means or time." as Kell
scowls.
"A telepathic link would set off the alarms, so no. The scouts
are completely magic free, so they make it through the bottleneck.
Whilst the rest of us in the wagon group cross with all the
danger. Our groups should be apart for only hours at most, and
only at select points."
"An active link yes... the first time I touch another mind I
have to be next to them the next time they can be miles away.
That way if the we cross and the scouts have disappeared we can
track them down." Will shakes his head "I still think we should
get rid of the wagon though"
Fremea pokes her head out again, "I can always use my spy glass
from here to see the others, as long as you are in my view. It
would be easy for me to be up high and invisible."
"That's not a bad idea," Arawn replied. "Aside from appearances
at major checkpoints you could easily move between groups while
keeping high enough to seem as no more than a bird from those far
below.
Kell says, "That is a great idea. Fremea is the best scout
possible! I don't think we'll be apart long, two hours at most.
Just enough for the scouts to pass, then for the wagon group to
pass. Then we rejoin each other. We should stay together in
cities as well. The scouting is only for bridges and other
chokepoints on our path, not the entire trip."
Will nods and says, "Fremea would be an excellent scout all she
needs to do is stay high enough to keep both groups in sight that
way if either grope needs assistance she can relay the
information... I still wish others would learn the sending spell
once it has been cast the first time it becomes a very good way to
communicate in fact if Fremeas was using the spell she would be
able to relay constantly what the scouting group were doing while
remaining high above the scene and out of danger."
Arawn comments on the plan. "Ha'Kell's plans for two groups has
merit and I also agree that we should hold on gathering our
magical items for the time being. As for plans to head into the
mountains, perhaps we might not want be overly hasty in deciding
to pass Pamau. We need as much intelligence as possible before
rushing into the mountains. It's an entire range, Shu's map only a
rough guide. It may end up taking more time scouring the peaks for
the Vong base then it would if we had a clearer set of clues
gathered from the Vong's human contacts. We might also gain
knowledge of numbers, defenses, other gates or bases, human
agents, and such that might help us succeed with this mission.
And if outside help is desired they'll likely need this
information. Such information is also more likely to be
extracted from human agents than the pain-loving Vong warriors."
"Do you think it wise to keep the two groups separated by so
long a gap of time? If one ends up in trouble it might prove
difficult in assessing their situation and coming to their aid,
especially if we don't maintain some kind of a link, though I
agree it would only serve to set off the sensors. In the
countryside the first group could use the spyglass to keep an eye
on the second group, if they have cover and aren't too far away.
The magically oriented group could use magic to do the same from
a distance, keeping an eye out for the first group. Just an idea
but what to do in a city or town? It might prove more challenging
to keep tabs on each other between the crowds and buildings if too
far apart." Arawn finishes up his comments on the plan.
Farseeker shakes his head in disgust. "Divide and conquer
is as old as this empire. The Vong will win if they divide
us. The Katai will win if they do the same. Together we
stand, divided we fall. There was this one noble that visited
our fort one year...named Perrol or something that after his
body did some strange shakes said we are a stronger force as
a group rather than individuals."
Farseeker grunts at the plan. "We are forgetting that Z'leyra
can change into a eagle. The same bird she left at home due
to Ki'ama's warning. I believe he summed it up to invisibility
is the most common spell most magic users pick. Katai would
be dumb not to use the majority of their detectors for this magic.
If you go flying around invisible then they can be scanning the
skies. This is why Corona was left behind among other reasons.
If you go flying about they could target you and use some
magic missile to take you out before you saw it coming. Then
we'd have a dead Faerry on the ground someplace and we'd not
know cause we can't see her. Plus the fact that she is a noble's
daughter at checkpoints she would be expected or spot highway
patrols. The story going around...and rumors do spread fast
even in a large empire like this...especially about nobles, that
a noble is going around with a family. If we ditch the wagon
or Fremea how can that be explained? You are also forgetting
the fact that the average person on the road could be using
a detector. We were each society has their region. The bridge
folks seem to be that area and likely not too far south from
that area. Further down other regions exist. We have heard
roads are the region for some groups. If a fisherman for
pity's sake caught us at the bridge what will a unsuspecting
gray haired farmer with a ox collar brace that warns him we
are magic as he walks by? There is paranoia and there is being
safe. It is still good to have a sensing person like Kell out
front with Ben'dar fine. He might be able to sense the obvious
things and react. But even those things won't catch it all if
a group is clever. We simply can't plan for it all. I think
you guys are way over analyzing these things."
Caladan crosses his arms across his chest. "Kell brings up
the idea of Vong infiltration. A good point. We will need
to head to Pamau to investigate further. Some suggest to send
the baroness to the High Elder. I believe this to be a bad
ideas. If we can talk to her we might be able to learn more info.
If nothing can be done for her then yes send her. But I believe
the risk is too great to jump up once and get her there and
back up to get the gear. The Vong didn't target her for just
the fun of it. I suspect there is a reason. If the High
Elder learned of that we might not know till too late. I also
suspect that the Katai have been infiltrated. I do believe
humans have willingly been duped into helping them. I also
believe many have been tricked into helping them. Why else
would Shu be killed? We forget that she was killed not
for some gang mark but likely for some reason. The shadow
people may just have been the tools behind that murder. But
behind them is likely a reason. How did they find she was
here? We could have been compromised but if we flee now and
divide we just encourage them. A strong force bound together
will only show our resolve."
The party has been arguing for a good deal of time now outside
the guard shack. Caladan glances back to the houses which loook
to be quiet. "The idea of leaving the Vong in the open is a good
idea. The Katai folks need to be wary of them. To be on the
look out for them. The warning has to go out."
Farseeker nods in agreement. "Ha'kell also mentions we might
need reinforcements. There are issues with that plan. Who can
we trust? If the Katai decide to work with us and we end the
Vong threat. Can we trust them to not turn on us when we are
weak and like the past may be out of magical energy? We'll be
exhausted and weak easy targets. We win but lose. The Vong
are likely to have some human prisoners. So if we rescue them
will the Katai see them unfit to live? What about the threat
to keep our magic use private from our new found allies? I
think unless we know we are up against a bigger threat we do
not get allies. In the past we have been outnumbered 10 to 1
and still won. The Vong are far tougher yes but I think we
can do it if we do it wisely."
Zhou shakes his head. "I'd prefer to not get the gear you need
from the Dark Lands." He frowns a bit. "Why do they call it
the Dark Lands down here? It is a dark land but to us it is
a land of ..." He shakes his head putting the thought away.
"No. We need to get them later. The wagon is full up now
with the smuggled magic items we have. We simply won't have
the room for more stuff. More stuff increases our risk as well."
Zhou continues, "we should try to treat the baroness first
and if we fail then send her up to the wizards. But I have
a feeling they will be as lost to a solution as we are. The
high Elder has read about this before. Slaves controlled by
these coral things. Many were used for labor or human shields
in battle. In the material he has read though no solution was
found. Most of the Zen'da shamans simply killed the slaves
as hopeless to cure."
Zhou finally adds, "I also disagree with splitting up. We
should have sensing people like Arawn or Kell out front to
sense for detectors. But even that is a risk as they might
be detected in the process. Splitting up leaves us more
vulnerable. Plus it would not fit the cover story. A noble
group roams together."
Farseeker chimes in again, "getting rid of the wagon is also
bad for our gear. We simply need it to haul things. Armor
and weapons alone weigh the horses down. Sure we could buy
mules or such but we'd just be as slow as the wagon would. The
wagon allows us cover for some like Fremea and as a smuggling
method."
Zhou hits the side of the door. "Can we go now?" He yells
up to Kiet in frustration.
[Time: 4:08 pm]
The wagon and party enter onto the highway turning south. This
time of day there are hundreds on the road. At any one point
in the lull points there might be a half dozen at any one time
within sight of the wagon. Later Zhou admits to those in the
wagon that the father suspected the party of being magic users.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Reminder - For further details see the IBT article I
wrote awhile back on the game site. It should be in
the links section. If not I can put it up. Basically
if you do 2 or more skills in one day during travel you get
less points. So 1 skill is 2 (trained) or 1 (self use).
If 2 then 1 and 0.5. Then it goes down further. So keep
this in mind while you do your IBT actions.
GM: Got some emails on the spell/skill experience report. Thanks.
I know some mistakes were made. I have email from Wout and
John S on this and will get to john's email eventually.
May take some time to process the mistakes. I won't penalize
any mana but technically would've prevented later spell
castings that day. Stay tuned.
GM: this was a big update. Took awhile to process all the emails.
Over 30 posts and many emails since last update. We basically
had 3 conversations. Raban's justice and moral thread.
The bridge thread and the other stuff. I had to insert the
text in the right sections. I just hope the above is
coherent and all linked up. There are new stuff among
the old repeated comments. If I have some text in the
wrong section sorry. with the conversations at the guard
shack this backed up the timeline another 28 minutes of
talking. So party left a bit later than had posted
last time. But time is now current.
GM: Reminder of trip time
Julis 26 - 4pm to 8pm - c.10 miles then camp
Julis 27 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Julis 28 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Julis 29 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
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
GM: Enough for now. I was going to move the party to the first
random encounter on the road. But with this large update
(about twice as normal) figure this is a big read for
now. It basically handles all the talk into one update.
So at this point the bridge mission is a no go. Ditching
the wagon and doing 2 groups is on the plate but since only
about 3 of the 15 (maybe 4) comments on this it is not
a consensus. So we'll continue as is for now. Unless
overwritten by Unali's leadership decision. So moving
forward this will be Friday's update (7/23). For monday
I will do another update. This update will have the first
random road encounter to deal with. Tuesday and Wednesday
next week I have a mini holiday at a free hotel on the beach.
So I likely will not be around to handle emails those days.
So there is a slight chance of no update for that Friday (7/30).
Depends on how the random encounter and such is reacted to.
Also depends on if another big conversation side tracks
things. I appreciated the posts though. 32 posts might
be a record from update to update. Nice job. There isn't
much for you to react to here unless want to reply. I
can move those to the road just be careful what you say
in front of strangers. So any replies will be done 'on road'.
At this point we are 75% done with this adventure. For
those who haven't done IBT stuff you still have maybe 3-4
weeks to do so. I got some from Fremea, Raban and Unali
looks like so far. Still have some private emails to process.
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