[pnpgm] Game Update #153 - File #1065 - The Doomed Village
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Mon Feb 28 20:55:09 CET 2011
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
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
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Game Update #153 in sequence (file #1065)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Riding together for a bit, the two Elder Mages of the group are
discussing the upcoming confrontation with the Vong. Implications
and ideas are bounced back and forth between them, sometimes in one
language and sometimes in other languages.
Kiet, swaying stiffly in the saddle, remarks, "We should consider..
-------
Ha'Kell ponders this for a moment. "If the military is in the...
GM: Ack. Two conversations I've not seen. Interesting. I had
to move them into different days since the talk was done
on separate days. But Kiet's comment on doors and locks...
hmm..gives me an evil thought! Thanks Dave!
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
When the discussion on using magic for the teleport comes up,
probably when camp has been made for the evening.
Unali "I do not oppose the idea of a teleport mission to get...
GM: Ack. Good post.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will who had been busy sketching the scenery, party members (he
particularly enjoyed sketching Unali throwing some of her larger
opponents) as well as the locations along the way when he
overhears Kiet and Kell's conversation interjects;
"I'm not sure if the teleport is all that dangerous since we...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[Er, sorry, but I forgot to add this bit O info. The Kiet/Kell
conversation was a combined post between Dave and I. He approved
it, it wasn't me putting words in Kiet's mouth. FYI]
Listening to Unali & Will, Ha'Kell is swayed. He had an opinion,
when doesn't he have an opinion, but it was open to change. "Good..
GM: Ack. I was wondering about that chat. I never got CCs from
either (naughty!). When one surprises the GM the GM tends
to add surprises back. :)
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Liberté, égalité, fraternité,
GM: Ack. Must admit my Latin helped there. The rest came from
google. Then I seem to recall some french book had it
maybe the musketeers?
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
OOC: On an unrelated note, a close friend of mine is often
spotted wearing a t-shirt with "Esclavage, inégalité, fratricide"
printed on it.
GM: Ack. Heh.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
LOL... thats good
--------
You'll have to ask Wout for a decent translation but the first is
a famous catch phrase from the French revolution (I believe)
roughly liberty equality brotherhood. and the second is the exact
opposite.
GM: Ack. Must admit google is nice for such translations.
From Mark: [Re: Revolts]
Here something comparable in terms of it being a widely recognized
phrase would be life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The
french phrase seemed to fit Wills revolutionary fervor better.
Power to the proletariat... Yea.
GM: Ack. Now all this talk of revolt makes a God nervous. Maybe
I should hire an enforcer maybe some dictator from libya...
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"Aside from the discussion regarding the Katai military,...
--------
"I am neutral on whether to teleport for our items. But if....
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Augado 8th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 2:14pm]
After the military bodies are found and buried the party
soon ride away and talk about this new situation.
Riding together for a bit, the two Elder Mages of the group are
discussing the upcoming confrontation with the Vong. Implications
and ideas are bounced back and forth between them, sometimes in one
language and sometimes in other languages.
Kiet, swaying stiffly in the saddle, remarks, "We should consider
making sure that whoever teleports, has enough mana left to
teleport us all out of there. The other thing to think of is to
simply unleash our most powerful magics all at once. That should
set off every detector in the land!"
Kell gives an appreciative look, "Ha! Very good point! Finding
and enlisting the military's help may be a good plan. Better to
do it not by a huge mana spike detectable all over the place.
Better to find them and ask them to help rather than try to talk
them into helping after they detect us and send several dozen men
to arrest us. With luck, it may even be the officer Unali and I
helped at the tavern on our way out of town."
Kiet's mount jumps a bit as a small snake slithers in front of
it, making the acrobat hang on for dear life. His skills prevent
him from falling easily, although getting his horse calmed takes
nearly a minute. Swatting his horse's neck, the acrobat swears at
it. "By Odin's Jewel! Filthy beast!" Kell hides his amused smile
behind a hand and doesn't say anything after the horse is calm
again, looking rather pointedly at the sky and making some off-
hand comment on the weather.
Kiet continues, "Maybe we can send them some message that there
are demons in the hills, and the proof is the massive magic use?"
"Oh very nice. Tricky. I like it!" The half-elf declares.
Thinking of all the ways the military can be alerted and hopefully
enlisted to attack the Vong. "Now to figure out how to make it
work."
Caladan who misses his firesnake desperately watches the small
snake on the ground slither away from Kiet's horse. Looking
up he laughs briefly. Looking at the acrobat, "You and those
snakes. You attract them huh?"
Kiet does recall the wedding snake and then the flying
castle that flying beast and wonders if he does attract such
things.
Farseeker listens to the two talk about getting help from
the Katai military. "You guys are getting as bad as Arawn.
I can see it now. You ride up to the small army and ask to
speak to the commander. 'Sir we need your help we are wizards
on a mission from the greatest wizard around. We are set to
kill a race of creatures that threaten the Empire even though
they agree with you in their hatred of magic users.' See my
point?" He grins then turns a bit more serious. "It would
take a long time to convince them even if it was done with
some clever cover story from our baron." He waves a hand
toward Zhou. "I think the risk is great but little benefit
for their help. They might even get in our way. Now if we
call them if we run into trouble...then maybe."
Unali ponders the discussion to consider the options but
remains quiet for now.
Arawn listens to the talk of the military being an ally.
"Aside from the discussion regarding the Katai military, there is
the possibility of prisoners and slaves, both human and Vong. If
they can be reached they may have information that could prove
valuable and some may be willing to fight for their freedom.
Rua made it clear that not all the Vong agreed with the Shapers
and Warriors, their aid, in particular, could be vital if we can
convince them that they might have a chance for a better life."
--------------------------------
[Augado 9th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[10:59am]
Talk of the upcoming Big Teleport prompts the group into a
semi heated debate on risk and destiny.
Kiet says, "I don't want anyone to get our stuff. The teleport
is too dangerous, the idea is to fight without them. The High Elder
was very clear on this over and over."
Patting his horse's neck the halfbreed responds, "I think I
agree with you. The teleport is too dangerous just to get some
gear. There are so many options here." Heaving a big sigh that
slumps his shoulders for a moment, "I'd like our better gear, but
we've come this far. Will that make a real difference? I don't
know. I don't think so. Better to save our all for whatever is
at the Rising Mount. With any available help for us."
At this the two stare off into the direction of the Mount,
thinking again on what might be there. Could it be another
deserted fairground? A complex of buildings? Perhaps a tunnel
leading to some underground base? A well hidden fortress? Maybe a
non-descript run-down looking farm? Or a mountain top castle?
The party is so blind going into this confrontation. Would two
hundred mercenary lancers be good, or better to have a hundred
swordsmen and a hundred bowmen?
Farseeker looks around and shrugs, "I just hope it isn't like
Cloud Base. Which ironically wasn't in the cloud but inside a
mountain. Weird huh? I can't stand being under tons of rock
when it can fall on your head any second."
"What about that gateway? The one we learned about from the
High Elder? Can we close that if we can't stop the World Brain?"
asks the half-elf of his friend.
"I dunno... doors can be opened and closed. I just hope there
is a lock!" finishes Kiet.
Strie'bog opens his mouth as if he wants to say something
but decides against it for some reason as his brow furrows in
deep thought.
Ha'Kell ponders this for a moment. "If the military is in the
area, we should find them before they have a reason to find us. I
want them on our side, or at least neutral. We can't run from the
military and stop the Vong at the same time. Well, probably we
can't, I've seen the fireballs of certain staff-wielding men..."
Grinning at Caladan.
"Whilst having our gear could help, I vote we do without. The
ability to leave quickly may be more important than having some more
gear." Kell concludes and adds his vote.
Unali speaks out, "I do not oppose the idea of a teleport
mission to get more gear. At least for some members of this group,
such an outfitting jump has always been in their mind. Sure, the
magic spike may alert Katai and Vong to our presence. Both will be
alerted in a day or two anyways."
"As for the Vong, I am not so sure they don't know we are coming.
When Nom died, they must have known someone was closing in. And
having - the cavalry - the Katai army charging towards here might
help with any clean up."
"On the other hand, I'm not going to push for such a jump either,
and if there are opposing voices, I suggest we take a vote."
"But with that vote, I think goes a discussion on magic
detection. How does it work, what do we know and can we benefit
from it."
"As far as using magic goes, from what I have seen and heard,
it is active use that is detected by both sides. Items, if not
exposed, are not often detected by magic seekers. The Vong bugs do
not seem to react to them, even if exposed. Spells cast trigger
Katai magic seekers only in some cases. Certain spells escape
notice always, others are detected at long range. The Vong bugs
detect mana use, and can focus on that, especially if the effect
is prolonged. Might it be that they have problems focussing on
instant effects."
"In the end we are taking a risk. A huge risk. We are jumping
into a fight with creatures we know are dangerous, but besides
that we know hardly anything. How many are they, how ready to
fight, how prepared. We know some soft spots in their armor, but
not in their organization. We are just going in through the front
door. Not so much as a plan. if we do indeed proceed as we are, we
need every help we can muster. And those items might give the edge
we need. ... Or put up the flare the Vong need to crush us. ... We
just don't know."
Zhou nods, "I think the Katai detectors are overrated. I think
they are like common swords. Anyone can go into a shop to buy
one. But the good high quality ones are made by only certain
nations like Ba'ru or the Kameri from what I've read. So I
suspect the magic detectors that are really good are more rare
than common."
Caladan seems to brighten up, "we've seen detectors ourselves.
We have that ring somewhere that detects Fire. Then that
ring that detects Gold. I think the detectors are like that
simple items to Detect it. I think the more skilled pin-pointing
tricks are for the secret groups. A town hall may have a gem
to detect presence of magic but can't tell a guard which of
the 20 people standing there is it. But a secret cult member
who has a detector might be able to find the one wizard. Unali
brings up good points. The Vong use more beast oriented things
to sense the magic. Beasts tend to be limited in their senses.
That creature..that attacked Fremea at the High Elder's manor.
It sensed her and attacked. But it was acting on instinct and
direction sense rather than likely using better wisdom to wait
and kill her when in a better position. It is hard to tell
who has what in Katai for detectors. But we can't lump them
into one category. The military may have simple direction
pointers like dogs hunting birds. But they may not be able
to use them effectively to track if their prey eludes them
well enough."
Will who had been busy sketching the scenery, party members (he
particularly enjoyed sketching Unali throwing some of her larger
opponents) as well as the locations along the way when he overhears
Kiet and Kell's conversation interjects; "I'm not sure if the
teleport is all that dangerous since we have been Kati we have
seen Chion teleport out of the bar, those warning us against using
magic teleport away in the ally and the supposed miscreants
teleport out of the square to avoid there execution all with
seemingly little response. It may be that the Kati authorities
don't respond any longer since when they show up those they are
looking for are miles away. It may also be that as others have
suggested that the teleport being nearly instantaneous only show
up as a blip and is tough to locate."
"We also need to give some thought to the idea of using a
teleport for our exit. I seem to recall that back at the
fairgrounds that Chion had to leave one bounty hunter behind.
There are about 14 of us so unless we lose a few people between
now and then Chion probably won't be able to take all of us with
him. I'm not sure how Arawans spells work but for myself I could
only take about 10 people. Then there is the question of mana
use. I don't have much in the way of great magics available but
I do tend to run out of mana during combat. I also only have one
magic item but that one item would let me make about four major
teleports otherwise I probably wont be taking anyone with me."
Will with a shrug turns to Chion and says "If the vote is to pick
up the items and you need an extra pair of hands I'd be happy to
go along for the ride"
Chion crosses his arms and lifts his chin in a indignant type
stare. He huffs and looks amused rather than upset. He
explains he has plenty of magic reserve for 40 or 50 full
jumps if needed. But even his skill is limited on the amount
he can do. Even if he could do the party he still would be
limited on bringing the horses. So Chion does explain a escape
plan will have to be two fold for him or once with help from
others like Arawn and Will. Chion thinks to himself about the
time he teleported Ezam's entire treasure vault out. But
of course Will doesn't know this so he is working with
limited knowledge. Chion does comment that the horses could
be transmuted to save time but then using them in an escape
would be useless as well.
Listening to Unali and Will, Ha'Kell is swayed. He had an
opinion, when doesn't he have an opinion, but it was open to
change. "Good points on Chion's teleports not attracting
attention. I suppose going to get our gear is fine. I'll agree
with any decision that's made."
"I can go also, if this is the decision. Squirt will respond
best to me. I don't want him biting you. Or you can put him to
sleep." Emotions pass on Kell's face talking about Squirt some
can tell.
"Is there someway we can find the military nearby? Find them
safely before we have a possible frontal assault on the Vong?
Maybe my new friend is there, or I can influence them to help us.
Then we can perform a proper scouting of Rising Mount, and form a
proper plan of action. Unali is so correct, we just don't know
what we're up against and we're rushing for the front door.
Whilst we can get lucky this way, I prefer a plan."
"We can decide on a regroup point before any major action. Then
Chion, Arawn, and Will can each take some people and animals with
them to the point. Or I can just ride my horse." Kell finishes
up and tightens up a fist eager for action.
Chion shrugs and explains that his plan was to teleport a
small jump away a few miles so not to bring the big blip
down to the party. Then he'd do the big jump across the
continent to the Dark Lands.
Farseeker shakes his head, "I'm still not so sure on this
buddying up with the military. Its dangerous. We could end
up wounded so much in a possible fight with them we can't
handle the Vong. The Vong notice this and take us and the
military out in our weakened state."
Arawn comments, "I am neutral on whether to teleport for our
items. But if the items are brought I have one that I can give to
you. It holds magical energy that you can access for your own
magics and may prove useful to you." He turns to Will and Kell
when he speaks.
Zhou listens to see if more will be discussed. But when the
topic of the Big Teleport seems to stop he finally comments on
the topic. "Okay. Let's take a vote then."
Initially Kiet decided not to do so but changed his vote to
yes and even wishes to join Chion if needed. Kiet believes
the risk is too great. Will has shown his vote to be neutral
but leans to yes. Then Arawn makes his opinion clear that
he is neutral to the decision. Unali said she is open to it
but remains mostly neutral.
Ben'dar only comments that without armor which he has none
now other than a simple leather piece he rather have his
nice dragon hide to help. So his vote becomes clear that
he wants the teleport.
Farseeker shrugs, "nothing there for me. So I'm neutral."
Z'leyra votes yes simply. But the party knows she has the most
to gain from her slew of magical items.
Strie'bog remains neutral.
Chion votes yes in that he also left a few items there in the
dark lands. While he can do without them he also seems to
have another reason unclear to the others.
Caladan considers the options and finally votes. "I'm neutral.
I see the risk and benefit. But I only have my firesnake there
that I miss. I can do without if need be."
For the time being Fremea and Raban remain silent on the vote.
Zhou tabulates the vote in his head and finally states. "It
seems one vote no from Kiet. Two abstain from commenting. For
those who are neutral or lean to maybe are six votes. Five
vote for a solid yes."
Farseeker mumbles under his breath, "your math sounds wrong."
Zhou continues, "I vote yes. I need to deliver our final report
to the High Elder in person. So I would like to go. But we
have no clear majority. But we also have no clear vote for
against. So I take it is a go?" He glances to Chion and
Unali. Unali did say she'd go with what was decided.
Chion claps his hands and rubs them and grins.
Zhou adds, "so it will be us three going back. We will do
it when we stop for lunch. Should stay for an hour then
return unless sooner. Then we can move out after you eat
and this will help to elude further tracking if that should
be a problem."
Kiet grumbles under his breath to himself. If the others
had voted or been just a couple more neutral votes the
decision might have gone to Unali. But now the major domo
has taken back some control as quest leader while Unali was
assigned more the Katai leader. Kiet shakes his head in
disgust and walks away.
------------------
[Time: 11:58am]
The sun shines bright this hour down on the party as if the
gods need a clear view of this strange assortment of people
and beings. The party stops and takes a break for lunch.
Strie'bog's horse has to be checked for a rock lodged in the
horseshoe and the horses are allowed to rest.
Chion gathers his Gnarnish staff from his horse. He wonders
what fool named it that but it was named after some long dead
wizard he figures. By now it has been cleaned of the dung
by the recent stream in the valley. It is clean and looks
powerful. Chion can feel slight warmth from it and wonders how
long it has been "active" in spying on the party. Chion simply
grins and waits for the other two.
Zhou gathers some papers into a small pack and some minor
other items into the bag. For days at night he has been making
some notes and long letters. The party guesses he is ready to
report most of what the party has found that the staff Chion
has can't report.
Kell decides to dress moderately nice. Wearing his hat and
waiting by Chion he is ready to go.
Chion decides to do a small jump about 8 miles south where
the party were at one point. With a few magical words the trio
disappear in a blue haze.
Teleporting south, Chion prepares the other two. His skill
no longer requires hands to be held as once was but they
can just stand nearby. He tells they will teleport to a point
in the Choshai jungle where the ship found a slightly open
area. He made that a landmark just for such a case. It
should be a bit over halfway there.
After some more magical words the trio land to different
temperatures, noises and weather. There is a slight drizzle
here near the edge of the jungle. Kell scans the jungle
tree line and can hear what sounds like a leopard or cat of
some kind roaring. He shifts his feet and urges Chion to move
along quickly. After another minute the trio are sweating from
the drizzle and heat.
Finally in a blue haze the trio lands in a darker room. They
have to adjust their eyes and they realize they are in the
Dark Lands teleport ring building. In front of them a guard
and Oby stand. Oby stands with hands behind his back. He
smiles and nods.
Kell raises an eyebrow in confusion how this man could be
here of all times. Zhou seems unfazed and steps forward.
"Is he here?" Zhou asks.
Oby bows slightly and shakes his head. "I'm afraid he was
called away. There was a dispute between a Law wizard and
and the Sorceress concerning a land tract deal for staff timber."
Kell glances to Chion but Chion remains expressionless. Zhou
follows Oby to the outside bright sun. The other two follow.
"I have some reports." Zhou hands the papers over to Oby Wan.
"Expected. The equipment is all here." Oby points to a section
on some nearby tables laden with bags, packs and other gear.
Zhou seems unfazed. Oby orders three men who seem to be
local workers to haul the material inside into the ring area.
"You expected us?" Zhou finally asks.
Oby nods. "More or less. Our...friend predicted it and saw
it. The High Elder had the gear sent here and the Ring blocked
from other teleports for hours."
Zhou nods and looks around the Citadel. Little has changed
in the few months since he left. The grass is greener from
the summer rains it seems. Zhou realizes the friend must be
the same female wizard who saw the future of Shu's death. He
doesn't pry further and knows Ki'ama wishes her privacy kept.
Kell looks around for Squirt but doesn't see him.
Oby glances to Zhou, "you have lost weight and grown a thick
beard. Is that...muscles on your arms as well?" The small
Manor Aide teases Zhou.
"Yes. When you eat dried meat and spoiled cheese for weeks
you lose weight. Listen..." He places a hand around Oby's
shoulder and pulls him to the side. Both men begin to whisper
and nod their heads.
Kell looks around further for Squire but doesn't find him.
He then realizes Chion is also missing. Kell wonders what
the two Dark Landers are talking about but doesn't try to
listen as the guards eye him.
Finally a small girl comes running up and hands Squirt to
the half-elf. Kell grins as Squirt jumps from her arms to
his. The well groomed beast squirms from arm to arm and
shoulder to shoulder. The red eye beast seems to glow when
he sees Kell. Kell pets the beast and the girl explains she
has been watching him for some time. Kell notices he is well
groomed and looks to be well fed. Maybe even gained a few
pounds. He wonders if he should pay the girl for her trouble
then wonders what trouble he has been.
"He has been a handful. He ...wrecked the healer's archive
library one day chasing a bird. Lucky for him the books were
not destroyed but several flasks and tubes. The Healer was not
happy that day. One day he escaped and found a party a street
over. They had a tent covering a feast. He climbed up top on
the tent and started shredding it. He enjoyed sliding up and
down the slopes until it finally collapsed on the party. We
had to keep him indoors for two weeks after that." She frowns.
"But overall he has been a good ..boy." The girl who must be
13 pets the beast.
For about 25 minutes Oby and Zhou speak privately and
finally stop. By now all but a bit of gear has been loaded
into the Teleport Ring room. A few weapons and pieces of
armor is loaded into crates and finally hauled in. Oby
offers a quick lunch to the others which has been already
prepared. it includes a nice ham and salads.
After 45 minutes Kell and Zhou finally start to finish their
own lunch and catch up on gossip. Zhou explains in brief
terms their past few months to Oby. Finally Chion arrives
back on the scene but it is unclear where he went. his
mood and expression remains the same as before.
Chion reaches into his pocket and places something into
a bag on the table which has a few of his items. He then
grabs a bit of food.
Almost an hour later, the trio regroups back inside and
prepares to teleport back. Chion reshifts some of the
material into clumps to make teleport easier. Any loose
items are secured into other bags or crates. Kell knows
the man could teleport three or four elephants easy so this
small loot shouldn't be a big deal. At least that is what
Chion seems to boast about.
"That should be everything. Arawn's armor will be safe here."
Oby speaks to the group. Arawn would love to take his armor
but the weight and effort would be difficult until he can
train in it and wear it for some time to get used to.
/Chion explains he may return later to pick it up.
"Elder Ki'ama wishes good luck. He regrets not being here
to see you off." A twinkle comes to his eye. "He even
thought of helping out. But he hasn't left the Lands for ...
some time. It would create...issues here." Oby bows and
backs away.
Zhou nods and is surprised the man didn't have some prepared
flowery speech for the final battle.
Chion claps his hands and casts the spell. This time
the group and gear land back in the jungle. Kell doesn't
hear the big cat but notices some recent tracks. He squints
at the dark jungle and becomes a bit nervous. Chion seconds
later sends the party back to the camp bypassing the first
jump point. Landing some 30 feet from the group the teleport
ends with nothing but a brief exhale from Chion.
Immediately the Firesnake flies toward Caladan and both
show elation in meeting again. Caladan knows the snake can
take care of himself. But has made comment that the ferret
might not so.
The rest of the group gathers around and gets their various
items for their personal use and horses.
Z'leyra frowns missing Corona. But she knows the bird might
be safer back at the Dark Lands. She recalls how the gargoyles
killed FisherKing at Cloud Base on Clima in a needless death.
It was sheer luck they captured him and ate him. But Corona
seems smarter, faster and able to defend himself a bit. But
with Vong bugs and Flyers that edge might be lost.
After another 25 minutes the group mounts back up and
heads out in case the camp has been triggered on some magic
seeking map. Kiet glances over his shoulder behind him ever
vigilant and grumbling. It seemed to work but at what cost?
--------------------------------
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
For days the group has been riding fast to the suspected Vong
base. But today the party knows they have to rise slow and
be wary of traps. This should in theory be the day or
maybe tomorrow. If the estimate was good they might only be
a few miles away. Waking up with not 2 but 4 sentries this
morning was rough as the group has to find cover in the trees
in hopes not to be attacked. It was cold since no fire could
be burnt last night due to risk of exposure.
As the day progresses it becomes clear it will be cloudy
and little sun. Some might even call that a omen of things
to come but Katai weather is fickle this time of year. The
thick cloud cover makes temperatures rather cool in the
lows 60s and no higher than low 80s all day. Most of the day
it is in the low 70s in fact. It might even be a mild cold
front from the taller mountains to the south.
Even before sunrise camp is started to break up. At 6am
the party leaves after a quick breakfast. It is good to
eat and Oby supplies fresh meat for such a thing. The
ham, eggs and veggies were a nice fresh treat. A full meal
might help those who have seen some lack of sleep due to
nerves and watch schedules. But today all seem to wake
up with full energy if not full enthuasiasm.
[Time: 7:12pm]
Fremea dives fast down to the party and reports there is
a village a mile to the west. From this angle high on
a slop the group doesn't find it. But Fremea reports the
village looks wrecked. The group decides to investigate
and stomachs twist in dread.
It takes about 15 minutes to travel in that direction past
some light woods and down a slope. The village from the
top of the slope looks like a small town or outpost. As
the group gets closer Fremea reports she spots no one moving
and in fact she spots bodies. The dread grows stronger as
the party gets closer.
The village hamlets are all burnt to the ground and ashes.
A few bits of metal from maybe pots or stoves only remain.
In fact the 20 or so structures are all destroyed. It
is a clear sign of fire and there is no direct evidence of
Vong here. But the party spreads out to investigate.
It is estimated the town might hold 75-100 people. It
might be a mining outpost for supplies. It is laid in a
very small valley between three wide passes that might
serve as travel routes south, west and east. The north
is blocked by a mountain that looks about 6,000 feet or so.
There are maybe 3 dozen remains around the small town.
IT is remains as the bodies clearly have been eaten and
ravaged by local animals. Body parts and mainly half
eaten abdomens remain. It is clear they have been dead
for maybe a week or longer.
Fremea curses the Vong when she notices a group of bodies
that are obviously children. The cause of death is not clear
on the bodies but piece, slashing and cutting marks seem to
be the main causes if that. Necks are so splayed out there
is no way to tell where the fatal blows were taken.
Strie'bog who is already green colored becomes even more
green at the ghastly sight of bodies and blood around the
small town. In silence the party moves around to investigate
further.
Most of the bodies are beyond help and they could be buried
but it would take time and would require a mass grave at this
point.
"No sign of Vong presence here." Caladan finally breaks the
grim silence.
A few minutes later Zhou yells to the party to come. The
party finds a burnt out home that might have held a family of
three. The wood is burnt but there is a clump of burnt branches
from a fallen nearby tree. Most of the branches are gone but
the bark of the tree has split and crumbled into large pieces
into a random assorted pile. Zhou moves the wood and points
to a body of a human male maybe in his 20s from his left side
of the face. His right has been shredded by animals and the
tree. Most of him is smelling and flies still eat away at
his remains. But Zhou points to a area and the party sighs
when they see a amphistaff a clear weapon of the Vong.
Moving further Raban helps to lift the tree. his anger at the
slaughter gives him bigger strength and it seems like he could
lift a mountain. He drags the tree away and it uncovers a
new sight. underneath is a dead Vong warrior. The Vong crab
armor and leather has been ripped. The armor seems to have decayed
slightly. The Vong warrior though shows little decay maybe
their body is stronger and takes longer to decay? Bits of flesh
do seem eaten by bugs. An ironic sight to some to be eaten
by bugs when they use bugs. But what surprises the group is that
a dead dog lies near the Vong. The dog's remains are decomposed
badly as well. But it is quickly determined from the angles
and body positions the dog must've lunged at the Vong's neck
which is torn. The neck is ripped open and exposed. Black
blood has long dried up near the wound and the dog's mouth
also shows the dried black blood of the Vong.
The amphistaff must've killed the man but the dog must've
killed the Vong in defense of his master before he was killed.
A coufee bone dagger is found a few seconds later with red
blood and it is guessed the dog was killed by it.
"Brave dog." Farseeker says quietly.
"but why did the Vong leave the body?" Caladan asks.
"Maybe they couldn't get him out of the tree. No that
makes no sense. Maybe they don't care to hide the Vong
anymore or they ....were scared off?" Zhou trails off his
words in thought.
Chion finds a spot where the grass is mangled and deep
holes in the ground are found. He comments this same
impression was made by the Vong Flyer. The ground under
those sucker things in front and back must've sucked some
of the ground away. So evidence of Vong Flyers also seems
to indicate they were here.
"They must have attacked long ago. It seems mostly women
and children remain. The men must've been taken away. But
we just don't know numbers. The Vong are clearly on their
offensive now. I just wonder how many other villages are
like this around here." Zhou crosses his arms to the cold
of the death and the weather.
Unali pulls out a map she marked with mine markers. There
is a mine 8 miles west, 7 miles south and 12 miles east. This
town must've indeed served as a crossroads for supplies and
now it is destroyed.
"Was the military here?" Farseeker asks but after some
investigation it is unclear. Signs of mules, donkey and
light horses but no heavy war mounts are spotted. In fact
the village had little in the way of arms aside from simple
farming tools. They were virtually defenseless.
For a day or two now the military have not been seen. There
is no clear guess as to where they may be in the maze of
mountains and valleys.
Strie'bog turns to Unali and asks about the bodies. Do they
need a mass grave or should the group move on? Unali scans
the distant north and figures they might be two or three hours
to the Vong Base if things are working in their favor.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Kell do you bring back Squirt?
GM: I assume now all gear on character sheets are back in
your person. Arawn's Armor and Corona likely the only
things left behind (maybe squirt). So from now on assume
all is back with you.
GM: I did the teleport as best I could figure from the votes.
Since only 1 was no I figured most were ok with it. I
hope I did ok if not blame the dwarves for urging me on.
GM: Whew. A big update. Good point to stop for now.
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