[pnpgm] Game Update #162 - File #1157 - Steam Vent
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Fri Apr 29 08:35:47 CEST 2011
HT Aliaver/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
R1.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
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,
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 #162 in sequence (file #1157)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
Unali: "I Had considered blocking off the spring inlet, or...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Looking at everyone, then glancing at Arawn and Caladan, "I ...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
"Ha ha ha!" Kell laughs heartily at Will's joke.
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet hears the growl and looks over to the brusque barbarian.
Clearly he misunderstands Kiet so he speaks to him saying "I ..
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will with a wicked grin adds: "don't worry I'm sure Zhou...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will: "Crawling in a steam vent... sounds dangerous... I ...
Will will start to gather up his armor extra weapons and other
supplies such as rope which he will put in his backpack. He will
also take his ax and cut some small saplings into 14" to 18"
stakes and collect some apples including a few wormy ones for
protein.
OOC: I'm not really sure from the description of the vent that
I know where exactly it is how much climbing will be involved etc
but will try to gather whatever would be appropriate.
GM: Ack. Will get back on the description.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
When asked about any signs of mana fluctuations Arawn shook his
head side to side to indicate that he didn't notice any thing
unusual, doing the same when Farseeker asked the scouts if they
had seen signs of a watchman overlooking the southern side of the
mount.
Arawn is willing to go along with whatever Unali or the party
decides on, remaining silent when Kell mentions summoning a
storm in an effort to hear any feedback from the party.
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the group discusses the approach Arawn studied Rising Mount
and thought over the dilemma of prisoners and gateways. Sensing
the captain's distress Arawn glanced at him, eventually relaxing
somewhat in a spot near him.
"There's been a fair share of talk regarding how to get in but...
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Earlier before the Captain shows up...]
The group talks about teleport and the horses.
Will with a wicked grin adds: "don't worry I'm sure Zhou will
volunteer to stay behind so Tef'wo can have his spot"
"Ha ha ha!" Kell laughs heartily at Will's joke.
Zhou hears the two joke about his lack of status but he knows
the High Elder would not be keen for a horse been helped before
a valued friend. He knows he could probably take Will on a
somewhat equal fight and likely could taken on Kell with some
good blows. He will have to show them some manners eventually.
Though Zhou takes the joke, Ben'dar doesn't so well. To leave
his horse behind like that would be like a son left behind. It
would not do at all. He continues to growl and stare at Kiet
in how the best way to kill him quickly.
Kiet hears the growl and looks over to the brusque barbarian.
Clearly he misunderstands Kiet so he speaks to him saying "I was
only talking about 'my' horse. Tef'wo is clearly not just 'any'
horse...and I would no sooner abandon Tef'wo than I would you or
any of our team." He pauses and then continues. "Should we get
back alive, I will be able to show you how much I mean that."
Ben'dar continues to dream of how best to slice a acrobat. Then
he soon softens and smiles. How would such fools understand the
Zen'da ways. The acrobat doesn't even like horses which isn't even
normal. Then some like Kell would sell their horse with some cash
and their mother if the cash was right. Ben'dar smiles and softens
his mood but then nods simply.
Arawn returns to the business at hand. Before he even hears of
the steam vent when he meets with the Captain he considers the
entry points.
When asked about any signs of mana fluctuations Arawn shook his
head side to side to indicate that he didn't notice anything
unusual, doing the same when Farseeker asked the scouts if they bad
seen signs of a watchman overlooking the southern side of the mount.
Will start to gather up his armor extra weapons and other
supplies such as rope which he will put in his backpack. He will
also take his ax and cut some small saplings into 14" to 18" stakes
and collect some apples including a few wormy ones for protein.
Unali prepares herself for a fight. She dons her blue armor which
under the black clothing looks crisp and flashy. Even with her full
black mask the full metal on her head looks a bit out of place but
it's oo good protection. She'll have to fix that later on to m
it a black helmet. But for now she uses her black cape to wrap
the back of the helmet to hide it from view. It makes her look
with a headdress. It also makes her slight behind vision a bit
offset, but not so bad to harm her. She places her shield on
her back, sling and ammo at hip for extra help. She brings
some of her rope in case. She displays her ruby necklace for
a brief time. She will need that powerful item to gain advantage
in the fight to come. Later she hides the ruby while talking to
the Captain but knows at one point she will have to display it.
---------------------
[Time: 10:43am]
The Captain watches the party tense as they plan their actions
privately in their mind and also in public view. It soon becomes
clear he is aware that this group has some things to hide. Aside
from the strange use of foreign languages.
Finally Unali chimes in on her view of the overall entry point.
She considers the plan of the Captain given previously. While
it might be as dangerous as the spring the steam vent might be
easier to enter without magic. She considers the words of the
Captain and considers to possibly an enemy. Could the Captain
be a Vong agent? She glances at Arawn and Arawn but they don't
seem to detect magic or lack of mana presence like a Vong. If
he is a Vong ally then he could've been easier dealing with
the group rather than some lone person in the forest.
Even Squirt seems to tolerate the strange man and he has some
views of strangers. Then the evidence that he had the military
documents seem to convince her much more than anything.
Unali speaks up, "I Had considered blocking off the spring inlet,
or poisoning the water, to see if that would draw them out. But as
long as we have the advantage of stealth, we should use that. I
vote we enter the steam vent as soon as possible. Stay together as
a group for as long as we can. We have no idea what awaits us
inside.
Farseeker, Zhou, shall we wait for dusk or take the chance there
are no guards watching and go now? I have no clue how good their
night vision is if they have any.
Captain, I hope you will join us, so you can report back on what
is inside to your general."
Zhou nods, "I think to be quick. If we wait till night time it
would be 8 or so hours. In that time frame under the cloak of
darkness they could do their thing. I suspect once they do
decide to attack openly it won't help to attack. It might be
too late."
Farseeker strokes his chin and crosses to a couple of tress to
check the sky. "It is too bad the weather is ebbing." He glances
to Arawn and Caladana with a sly look. As he does he twitches
his right earlobe. "Maybe the two weather experts could check to
ensure the weather won't come around again?"
The hint is there but the gist is easy to figure out. Caladan
and Arawn can likely deal with storms. Though it would be brief.
"Looked like the storm was ending awhile ago. I doubt it will
help us out in the long run." Then he turns to Unali. His
reaction is evident. When he hears the masked one speaks he is
surprised to see it a female. While her curves aren't evident her
arms were crossed so it wasn't clear she was a female. The bias is
clear to who has seen it for the last few weeks. His surprise is
clear from his face and Unali ignores it. But she figures at one
point he will want to comment on it. "Of course we know these
summer storms can come and go fast. It would help us to not be
seen. But I'll be glad to join in. It is unclear how long it will
take us to get the other men here."
Kell also realizes the hint given by Farseeker and gives his
own subtle version of it.
Looking at everyone, then glancing at Arawn and Caladan, "I wish
there is some way we can have cover going for that cave. Another
thunderstorm might now would be handy." Changing from Katai to
Marentian, hoping the Captain doesn't understand since no one has
either tested him or asked him, Kell adds, "I too know Thunderhead.
If we want to risk the Vong sensing our, talents, used we can also
summon an Air Elemental to provide the storm. Arawn or I can do
that."
The Captain remains silent but even the word Vong is easy to
figure out in Marentian as it is universal.
Grinning to show his white teeth, "If we choose some kind of
storm distraction, at least only our clothes will get wet. But
seriously, stopping them seeing us is important. I just don't
know if the chance they'll detect the mana is worth the gain of
physical stealth." Kell adds in the final perspective of the
mana signatures.
Switching back to Katai, and not meaning to stop Farseeker or
Zhou from responding, "I say we go sooner. We can't wait for
night. Perhaps they're preparing something large and tonight will
be too late."
Zhou shrugs, "I don't think it takes all of you. But the experts
can see if things are bad or good. Maybe climb up a tree or find
the forest edge from distance from here." Zhou's own comments
to decide to do it rather than several members is valid. "But
it is good to have another person for protection."
Arawn, Kell and Caladan glance at each other to who could be
the most skilled weather mage. None have full details on each
of their powerful talents. But from what some knew Caladan is
skilled in a few magics rather than multiple ones. One being
fire, sleep and storm magics.
Will considers the plan, "Crawling in a steam vent... sounds
dangerous... I like it."
Farseeker raises a hand, "though we should act fast I think we
can wait a hour maybe 2 hours. If we wait till the sun moves
across the shadow of the south end it will be darker and at least
elude some approach. Though the actual approach by the white
plain-ash area will be hard to elude. Just something to
consider..especialy if the storms came around that time?"
As the group discusses the approach Arawn studied Rising Mount
from memory and thought over the dilemma of prisoners and gateways.
Sensing the captain's distress Arawn glanced at him, eventually
relaxing somewhat in a spot near him. "There's been a fair share
of talk regarding how to get in but I wonder if there is a plan to
get out? These beings have been capturing people, even enslaving
some of their own, for some purpose. I'm hoping that they're still
alive. Though, even if they are, it's going to be a challenge
rescuing all of them," He said softly, hoping to develop a rapport
with the man and hopefully discover the source of the Captain's
distress.
Some roll their eyes as the Druid talks over prisoners and the
secondary mission objectives. Vong should be first then the
prisoners. Even if there are a thousands inside the full
empire is millions. if it means losing a thousand for millions
then it is a risk to take.
The Captain nods, "that is something we may need to consider.
But we do have our priorities. Empire first then the people
who might be there. I suspect they might have a way in from
the top. If we can figure out from inside how to explore the
top it might figure out a way out. If the best we could figure
out that cave with ropes if folks can climb from it."
"So this vent can you describe what you have seen of it." Zhou
asks the Captain and allows the others who may need to do magic
to slip away. He isn't sure how long time is needed. But it has
to be enough for folks to prepare their gear as well.
The captain begins to explain the details. "I've seen it from
afar for some time. But I've only seen a bit of the underground
area. The south wall as you know is about 1,000 feet wide or so.
The vent is more on the east right side almost to the center of
the wall. Most of the wall itself is sheer cliff with a few
pieces of jagged edges. But most of the wall is weathered from
rain and wind."
"It seems the steam creates a bit of plant growth at the lip
of the vent itself. So this is why it is a bit hard to see
unless you are up close. The bush is maybe a knee height or
ankle height for some of them. There may be some minor evidence
of animals like insects or small rodent in the vent but this
is just my guess."
"The bushes tend to be on the west side of the lip area. The
lip area is a shoulder of rock about 2-3 feet tall. This seems
to separate the base of the cliff from the others. The base
itself is mostly pebbles or minor rocks. But it seems the
steam vent may have been erosion or recent activity by the
volcano. The lip itself is on the ride and south side around
the steam vent. The left is empty except for minor pebbles."
"The vent is a shute that is about 5 by 5 feet wide in area.
It drops down to a shaft is about 4.5 feet from the surface.
At that point the sloop goes down about this much." He waves
a hand showing about 45 degrees maybe 40 degrees. "It seems
to go forward into the cave wall about 10 feet as if a small
shelf but is hidden from the surface at that point. I couldn't
explore after that point."
"The steam itself escapes from the inside and takes time to
get to the surface. It isn't scalding and barely anything
to worry about. But there isn't evidence it could be worse.
We'll just have to be careful. I suspect the steam itself
is maybe to a volcano or lava tube somewhere. I hope it
leads to a place for us. But I don't thinks rodents would
be in the area if they didn't have places to explore and
live inside."
The Captain glances at the others to judge some things. "I
suspect most won't have a problem." He brushes his chin and
glances away after looking at Raban. "You might have a
tough fit." He finally grins and looks up. "But I would not
want to go first in case of such a situation."
As some ask questions, Caladan edges near to Z'leyra and
speaks softly to some who might hear but out of the Captain's
range. "Maybe you should do a quick scout of the mountain.
In eagle form but with a cape on your back? They might
ignore a eagle but one with a cape they might not. This
would help us to figure out if there are sentries out there
on top or the cave and such. Before we move on or get the
storms going on." He glances over to judge her reaction.
[Time: 10:59am]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday...I hope...
GM: I appreciate all the comments and words. It was a stressful
time and unexpected. What like thing would be expected?
But you know me I use the game as a stress valve. From 9/11,
my dad's birth and other stuff I've tried to deal with the
life events and it helps. I'm determined to get this
adventure down for sure. Since we are so close. Thanks
guys. I'm glad you are appreciated for future delays.
I almost had this out Monday but things got in the way.
I'll try to do normal updates as can. It is a small
update for now but good to get things going again.
GM: If you need to make plans or the distraction on the storm
or get gets let me know. I'll not work down the steam
vent for a week or so will have time to get things
going on.
GM: Generic map of area in rough form.
/I\ = North
1 Row = Half a mile [around 2640 feet]
1 Column = Almost 1/10th mile [Around 410 feet each column]
4 Miles by 4 miles
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I A
I %%%%%%%%%%%%% % %%%% 7 I B
I6 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%% %%%%% 4 I C
I %%%%%%%%%%%%% X %%%%%%%%%%% I D
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% i E
I5 %%%%%%%%%%P%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I F
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I G
I 3 2 1 I H
----------------------------------------------------
X = Rising Mount [D24] - 1,000 feet high, 1,000 feet wide
1 = Mountain [H37] - 10,000 feet high
2 = Mountain [H22] - 8,700 feet high
3 = Mountain [H9 ] - 5,600 feet high
4 = Mountain [C42] - 8,000 feet high
5 = Mountain [F1 ] - 6,900 feet high
6 = Mountain [C1 ] - 6,400 feet high
7 = Mountain [b32] - 8,450 feet high
% = Forested area major tree area
P = Party place [F18] Forest ground
Party is now about 2,000 odd feet to the Rising
Mount inside the forest. Can move deeper if needed.
Party is about 500 feet from edge of clearing at this
point.
All heights are estimates.
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