[pnpgm] Game Update #242 - File #1472 - Z'leyra's deah scene...
pnpgm
pnpgm at comcast.net
Fri Aug 10 07:01:27 CEST 2012
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
NPC...................Captain.Lin.......Warrior.Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar,
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #242 in sequence (file #1477)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin Notes: None.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will use her levitation spell to keep from splatting
into the floor. She will try to land near Raban and mentally
tell folks what she experienced. If she can she will recast
levitaion at max EL and then Cast Insubstantiability.
GM: Ack. Raban is in the air (see map) and if you missed it
your in a forcefield that makes you not even able to
move a finger. So your under the whim of the Brain.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will thinks "not dead yet... good sign"
Will thinks "Well shes a big girl... I hope she has a
plan." Will does remain open to suggestions if she decides
to send any.
Will original plan was to scout and then to try to communicate
if nothing else try the Smaug approach.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear
the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not
the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a
defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will
succumb in every battle"
? Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Special Edition
GM: Ack.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 2:59:10pm - Turn 5: Phase 1]
Z'leyra feels so hopeless being confined in the magnetic
field and she can only think to herself that this may be
the end. In seconds she could land on the ground like a sack
of flour. The field seems to accelerate and she is now 50
feet from the ground...40..30...20...100 and she impacts
onto the ground with enough force to knock a house off its
foundation. The last thing she can feel is the pain isn't
that bad at all. Then blackness....
[Time: 2:59:14pm - Turn 5: Phase 2]
Z'leyra wakes up from her mind playing tricks on her again.
The dream of her death is real but still fleeting. She still
has maybe 5 more seconds before she lives. Maybe she can
do something before then?
The poltergeist finds the target of his misbehavior leave
the cave suddenly. It chases after the female as the duty
to punish her is paramount. Whipping over the railing it dives
towards the falling female. It finds a large rock and using
its powers throws the rock from the wall toward the falling
female. It hits her in the right arm but does nothing.
The swarm of insects swarm around Z'leyra again all 15 biting
exposed flesh doing 1 point of more damage to her. Z'leyra can
feel the effects of being tapped out physically in just a few
seconds.
The Brain quickly determines the person inside him is some
magic person Nom Amor mentioned. The Intendant had mentioned
about 5 spells that could harm him. After months of secret
study of the humans, the Vong executor has determined what can
kill it. One of those spells is using a spell enter to go
through him. So the Brain determines in a 3rd of a second that
the human is a threat. It will soon be forced solid and then
he'll have to act. It can feel the electromagnetic field that
has to be the human. Though not there and there at the same
time the human gives off a distinct feel to the brain's senses.
Estimating the size of the human the Brain conveys a magnetic
field around the human to protect himself.
In the last half of the second the Brain determines the other
human is less a threat now. He could bash her brains in by
slamming her against the stairs. But a fall would just do as good.
The Brain releases the field in order to grab onto the other
human inside him. The other human is just standing there with
a stick in his hand and his threat assessment is low.
In the span of a second the mass of Will returns to himself
as the spell ends. He can feel gravity fall upon himself once
more inside the brain. Then Will can feel a tingle around
him that pulls hair up from his arms and head. Will wonders
then why he isn't smeared of brain goo and stuff? Then he
realizes he can't move his arms or anything.
Fremea can hear the panic inside Z'leyra and yells toward Raban
to try to stop her. But the giant is over 200 feet from the stairs
and even if he flies fast she realizes he can't catch up.
------------------
[Time: 2:59:14pm - 3:30:00pm]
In the next 45 seconds the following events take place.
Z'leyra can feel her life draining. Being a trained Healer
she can tell she is in critical shape. Less than 3% of her
life remains if that. She realizes if a rock gets lucky
and hits her head she will be dead. As the Brain releases
his field around her she can move again. Immediately she
halts her descent some 250 feet from the ground. She can
see hhe lava pooling at the center hole the party came from.
She can see the airfield below is devoid of lava but is still
rock hard. She decides to ascend back up to find the others.
She relays through her Sending she is good for now though
badly wounded by the insects. In fact she realizes if the
bugs bite again she will be dead. She brings up her hands
to try to bat them away but realizes the bugs are gone. The
bugs may be gone but the poltergeist is not. It hurls random
objects that it can find at Z'leyra 15 times in this 45 seconds
period. Rocks, pieces of stair cement and even a coufee found
from one of the dead Vong Fremea shot. Of the 15 objects 5
hit her. But the last 10 hits aren't the bad ones. The four
that hit her armor protects her. But the 5th one 15 seconds
after she is released a rock beams her squarely in the cheek.
Even though her magical heavy armored helm protects the bulk of
the blow she takes 2 points of damage from the impact. The
last instant she can recall before being knocked out is that
she has maybe 15 more seconds before her spell runs out and she
falls. Her body goes limp in mid-air invisible but being
levitated by the spell of her magic. the spell itself without
mental control halts and she is motionless.
Fremea flies as fast as she can toward the stairs. in that
span before Z'leyra is knocked out she reaches 350 feet
further east and now only about 30 feet to the stairs. But
she has no clear idea where the Shaman is. When contact is
lost she yells for Raban to speed up.
Raban flies eastward in a leisurely pace hoping the Vong
don't send more flyers. Then he can hear the faint voice
of a female. Then he discovers it was Fremea. Somewhere
behind and to the west Looking over his shoulder he can't
see her but figures she is invisible. Something about
Z'leyra falling. But the Bard looks around but can't see
the Shaman. Fremea yells basic information like how fast
she is falling and Raban uses this to plot a course. But
without exact info he knows he has no hope of finding her.
Raban reaches the stairs soon enough. Fremea is still
yelling about Z'leyra. But looking down he can't find her
at all in his vision. Then he soon realizes things are
moving from one place to another as if another quake.
Z'leyra tells Fremea Raban is above her maybe 100 feet. So
Raban dives downward to chase the objects. Maybe the
brain or some foul magic is afoot. Then Z'leyra is knocked
out and Fremea yells to speed up. Pausing briefly the Bard
loses sight of the random objects. But decides to pinpoint
the evil by casting a spell. The bard casts Detect Evil and
reaches out with the spell. After a few seconds of descending
he can find the glow of the poltergeist in his mind's eye.
This has to be where Z'leyra is. But she is about 100 feet
away below now. Can he get to her before she falls?
Inside the cave Will is suddenly grasped by the field. Suddenly
he feels his body being lifted up and out of the Brain. He then
realizes he is being pushed away from the Brain. He hopes he
isn't going to be bashed to the ceiling. But he feels that
might just knock him out. If he is going outside like Z'leyra
and he has no levitate spell going he'll die. A man weighed
down by armor will fall even faster. He even hopes he would
just be bashed into the ceiling. but his luck is gone and
he soon is shot out the cave entrance just like Z'leyra. The
Brain through his mental control takes the paralyzed man
over the railing and holds him down some 300 feet from the
ground. The brain quickly determines if he releases him just
a second to the ground he'll fall and impact in less than 3.4
seconds. But the Brain has a better idea. He lifts the human
upwards. Will dreads not knowing what is going on and has
no way to warn any of the others.
Back in the cave Kiet is oblivious to all around him. Holding
the Gnarish staff he tries to recall what Chion did in the past.
Chion said it was mental connection from distance. Something
about the Elder using a higher plane of existence to contact
him through that distance. Kiet has heard of the astral planes
but never seen them. Kiet shakes the staff and starts to mentally
relay the message through the staff. After a few seconds the
steaming Kiet growls. He then gives a very stern threat to the
staff verbally, "GET THEE HENSE!!! We have found your source
of problems. Now YOU do what we all know you can do and finish
this! We are done, here!"
Up above the brain cave some 80 feet or so on the stairs the
group forms around Lin. Lin then turns to Unali to explain.
"A Outcast contacted me. Some thing ...he used to make
contact with my mind. Said it to be done since no time
to speak. In that time he relayed these...mental images
of things and places. He said the Brain was far beyond
what the Shaper Mother was telling their leader. The
Shapers feared losing control. He gave me one big warning."
Kiet stands ready to kick the staff away in disgust. But as
he does his hands suddenly become very warm. Kell now besides
him turns to the crazed man for fleeing back here. Kell looks
over to the Brain and raises his shield what little that will
do against the power of the Brain. He worries if he set off
some ward that could fry him. It would be fitting end to be
friend by a person who does the same to others. Maybe only
Chion can use the stafF?
-----------------
[Time: 3:00:00pm - 3:01:00pm]
Z'leyra's unconscious body falls toward the ground as her
spell ends.
Fremea follows Raban and Raban dives down like a speeding
eagle on some helpless rabbit. Z'leyra is now only about 160
feet from the ground and Raban is about 100 feet above her.
Raban uses all his great powers to close the distance making
it 80 feet in a few seconds. But Z'leyra continues to fall
another 78 or so feet. Raban dives further again making it
another 80 feet now only 10 feet from her but she falls again.
Now she is only 10 feet from the ground about to splat. But
with Raban giving a yell to his goddess he gains a feat of
speed and makings the next 80 feet toward her. Just in time
to scoop her up in his arms just a few feet from the ground.
Rather he tries to scoop her up. Being invisible he only
flails about trying to grab her. In doing so he grabs one leg
and her waist holding her upside down. Reaching down he
pulls the Healer up into his arms and twists her around to
upright as he dives and gains new ground in the air.
Kiet tries to release the staff but realizes he can't! He
looks to Kell worried the staff is cursed. In seconds the
warmth through his hand seems to climb up his arm and into
his shoulders and then head. Then Kiet can hear a bit
of amused laughter. "You called oh nimble one?"
Kiet quickly conveys the situation. When he is done he
realizes the voice isn't the high elder. In fact it is
a voice he heard before but can't place it. Then the
voice says, "stand by."
Raban checks the pulse of Z'leyra and finds her alive
but knocked out. As he ascends he tells Fremea he has
her but she's knocked out. Raban begins the ascent back up
toward where the party should be located. To Fremea it seems
weird seeing Raban hug thin air like a invisible baby. But
then she realizes it must be Z'leyra.
For the next 30 seconds Raban flies up toward the party this
time a bit more slowly. During this time the poltergeist tries
to pelt Raban and Z'leyra with objects. The target is the
bad wizard who fouled up the spell but the large thing holding
her is just in the way. Of the various 10 items thrown at her
4 make contact with Z'leyra. All four are protected by her
armor however and she takes no damage.
Will continues through the cave entrance fast through the
field holding him tight. Then he is thrown over the railing
but doesn't fall. In fact he ascends up past the stairs
going to the ceiling. In the next 30 seconds he is slowly
lifted up and then level with the party about 80 feet above
the brain cave. Will is positioned over the railing and
moved toward the party. Being invisible though they can't
see him at all. Will wonders if this is how he'll die to
bowl down a group of allies with a 260 plus mass hitting them
from the blue. He might kill 3 or 4 before they could react
and kill him. But fortunately he stops about 10 feet from
Unali and Lin.
"You will surrender or leave me alone. This will be your
last warning." Will speaks out in a very stern voice. Then
the woodsman realizes he didn't say that! Yet his mouth
moves and words leave his lips. The Brian must be controlling
him from below!
Back in the cave Kiet finally feels the staff seem to ebb
from its heat and cool down. After a few seconds a red blur
seems to form about 10 feet away from Kiet in front of him
and Kell. Both stare at the form and wonder what is going on.
Normally teleport magics is a blue like color. The red form
seems to take about 3 seconds to form then a humanoid shape
becomes active. It grows a bit in width and height. Then
Kiet grumbles when he recognizes the form. The familiar
of the High Elder. The strange almost demon like creature
that never spoke but just stood in the corner while the party
was briefed. To some the creature gave the creeps. Kiet
just stares waiting for it to kill the Brain. But it
simply looks around the cave. The humanoid stands about 5
feet tall, has this red/brown fur that shows no body other
than some patches of skin on the arms. It seems to be
wearing no clothes or armor as in the citadel. Kiet and
Kell notices though this time it is wearing a bright yellow
necklace that seems to glow a bit from a central stone of
some sort. The creature raises it's right palm and reveals
a small object of some sort. It looks like a coin or maybe
a gem.
Suddenly the object seems to dissolve as if going invisible
or losing mass. A new form begins to make shape in the air
about 4 feet above the ground and 2 feet to the left of the
creature. This one a yellowish form into a new humanoid shape.
Kiet also seems to recognize the form when it forms, that of
Oby the aide to the High Elder. The illusion seems to speak
quickly, "Congratulations. The High Elder is involved in
a very important task. However we bring help." The small
mini illusionary hand of the aid points to the creature. "It
will generate the Thalos field around this area. It will
block the power of the Brain. You must find it's control
and then kill it. The Brain will not be able to react past
the field or communicate outside it." Oby raises another
hand and points upwards. "But this field will only last 30
minutes. Act quickly before the Brain does!" Then the
illusion fades from existence.
Kiet's face grows as red as the lava below. Kell reaches
over to stop the acrobat from exploding. Kiet throws the
staff down in disgust. So the High Elder is too busy to
come here. Maybe he can't without Chion to get him? Maybe
he can only transport the creature through the Astral Planes
here rather than his physical form.
Before Kiet can protest the creature taps the necklace.
A faint white glow shines and then seems to explode all
around the cave in seconds. This new field must be
the same magic the High Elder blocked teleports from
his teleport pad. The same magic that allowed him
to brief the party without the eyes and ears of the
gods. A very powerful field. That would mean the
Brain can not talk to other Vong or kill those outside
the field.
[Time: 3:01:30pm - 3:02:00pm]
Kiet realizes then if the Brain can't kill out the field
he could kill within the field. Kiet turns and pushes
Kell outside the cave toward the cave entrance. As both
men run toward the entrance, Kell can feel the field directly
ahead of him. Not sure if the field will fry his brain
he doesn't have time to act under Kiet's urging.
Suddenly a cloud of energy shoots out from the Brain toward
the fleeing humans. Just as the two cross the barrier at
the cave entrance the energy wave slams into the Thalos
field and splashes harmlessly away.
Up above Will is dropped like a rock onto the floor of
the stairs just as he was saying, "If you-." Will has to
use the side of the stairwell inner wall to prevent him
from falling down the steps. Will begins to give out various
curses of various lands he visited recently. He soon
realizes the Brain has lost connection and control over
him. What does a possessed guy do when realizes he
checks his body limbs and private area to ensure it wasn't
snapped off. Then he turns to the others when he finds
he has full control once again.
Farseeker with his raised great sword at the voice realizes
it was Will. "Will?"
That is the time when Raban, Z'leyra and Fremea end up at
the same level and land at the stairs with the group. Raban
tells the others, "Z'leyra is here." He then places her
gently on the ground.
Unali looks a bit relieved at that Z'leyra is here though
but is unsure if still alive.
A few moments later Kiet and Kell run up the stairs to join
the group. This finally gets everyone back in one place.
[Time: 3:02:00pm]
Lin seems to ignore the distraction of the others. He
continues his tale to the group. "The Brain needs to be
controlled. The Outcast advised me that it can communicate
to some creatures below and outside. Those below can increase
the volcanic activity and destroy this mountain. The thing
outside ..whatever creature it is...can use gravity..whatever
that is...to pull the moon itself down onto this world. It
will destroy this planet. It will destroy if it feels
threatened. The outcast was so scared of this he left
this world using the portal thing." He pauses for a few
seconds. "It gave me images of other worlds. One world
the Brain did this and it destroyed that world with over
3 billion people. I don't understand this...other worlds?
It makes no sense to me. But if the Vong wish to do this
they will do it. Once the moon is dragged to a certain
point even the gods can't stop it." He then tries to
consider the images. "The leader has a device that can
control the Brain. The shapers called it a safeguard. The
Brain will be helpless at that point."
Caladan leaning on his staff as usual asks, "so where is this
leader at?"
Lin shrugs, "he didn't give that info but I suspect it is
in one of the other caves."
Farseeker frowns, "convenient that is."
Lin then realizes the voice of Will was not his own. He turns
to Will finding the man to be controlled. "It can hear us! Kill
him before he tells the Brain!"
Kell listens to Lin and suddenly realizes he has lost control
over the elemental. He was so distracted by the creature
below and now this. He can hear the elemental above and noise
of rocks being crushed.
[Time: 3:02:30pm - Current]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday....
GM: A fun update but I forgot Kell's lapse of control. I only
noticed it on the timeline for the spells that ended. A full
minute has passed. Kell if you wish to dispel him you can
do so now. I'll consider that a good action since I goofed
and forgot that. I would reedit the update but a lot has
happened so hard to redo it without some effort. I ran
out of time last time for Monday. But since the list came
back online Monday with my Friday update showing up Monday
I figure the delay would be good in case new actions were done.
Now that the party is together we can skip the phasal stuff
and going with a faster pace.
The following spells ended:
2:59:48 will invisibility
3:00:54 Z'leyra inviso ends
3:01:12 Kell elemental powers
I made some quick changes from invisible to visible for
Will. But I may have mentioned Z'leyra in the text
as being invisible in some form. If so sorry. Too
lazy and tired to edit the text and find it again.
If you have questions for Lin ask them. But he may not
know much. The clock has started. Right now Arawn will
have to do the healing?
Brain cave removed since not needed. If need to know
the field the creature placed on it covers the full
entrance and all the walls.
Mana report updated with 2 spells, new wounds. Note
if healing is done see the healings report.
GM: Chion - Still knocked out and damaged
Arawn - If you wish to Heal Z'leyra you can or just wake
her up with a Restore? (think that's the spell) spell.
Maybe restoration? Then Z'leyra can heal others and
Chion?
Kell - Sorry lost control. My fault. I'll give you a bonus
since it was my mistake if need to dispel him or just
wait and Z'leyra can do it if you wish as she is more
powerful I think in dispel? Switch emails yet? My
bad was not including your name in the spell chart.
So you weren't aware of when spells might end. My fault.
Kiet - If you wish to pickup the Staff again let me know.
I figure your character personality would be so disgruntled
you'd shuck it. But at least you got half your wish. :)
Unali - If you wish to move the party alone you can normally
I'll assume this for the next cave unless you have other
plans. Will assume at least the healing is done first. Unless
due to time you wish to go right away.
Z'leyra - Darn so close! Dang the math! I had at first thought
Raban couldn't catch up. But at flying 8 pmr. :< Oh
well a GM can plan a better death next time. Better luck
(for me not for you) next time huh? :) But you are close
to death. In fact I've not rolled the attacks by the
poltergeist yet for the time of talking. I'll do that
next update. Ran out of time. But you are at negative
hit points now. (15+15 from bugs and a few from the
objects).
Will - Your insub ended almost right away and you were
captured. Sorry wasn't much you could do. Since the
Brain couldn't penetrate Z'leyra's shield you were
easy to control. But you were released quickly.
The insub attack was planned long ago so he was aware of
such possible attacks.
Kiet/Kell - Either can inform the group what happened below.
GM: Spells active
Will - Armor Transmutation, Mind Shield
Raban - Bless (OCV)
Farseeker - Bless (OCV)
Arawn - Bless (OCV)
Unali - Mind Shield, Sending
Fremea - Mind Shield, Sending
Z'leyra - Mind Shield, Sending
* = Soon to end (next update?]. I may NOT post this
info unless I remember to do so. :)
GM: Maps
----------------------------
Mount Side View -
Scale - 1 Column = 15 feet
1 Row = 50 feet North=wall facing screen
[Looking from one wall to the other wall. Toward North
wall with back to south wall. Looking east/west.]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I### Fake Vong ceiling ###IA
I# #IB
I# #IC
I# #ID
I# #IE
I# #IFCave
Cave 1-> `# #`G<-#4
I# #IH
Cave 2-> `# Party Location -> #`I<-#5
I# #IJ
Cave 3-> `# Cave #6 World Brian ----> #`K<-#6
I# #IL
I# #IM
I# @ <-Portal (Kotohi) #IN
Mount I#T T#IO
Ground --?I#]A_A_A_A_A_A_A_A____......._______V__V__V__V__V[#IP
I Y<X \ IQ
I Z Lava (. points) IR
I = Rock wall, #=Vong ladder structure
` = Entrance to cave [open mostly]
_ = Rock floor (Row P) ground floor
A = Vong Bowl Home (10' high)
V = Vong flyer
T = Vong Tower (30' high)
],[=Base of Vong tower (wooden)
X = Rabbit Hole opening 30' wide below cavern to tunnels
Y = Tunnel of Treasure/Sentry cave (under ground floor)
Z = Pit/Lake caves below elevation of Treasure cave tunnel
1-6= Side caves on east/west walls
Party is located Row I50. To be more precise 20 feet below the level
of the Cave #5 Entrance. About 80 feet above Brain cave
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
NPC...................Captain.Lin.......Warrior.Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar,
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #242 in sequence (file #1477)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin Notes: None.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will use her levitation spell to keep from splatting
into the floor. She will try to land near Raban and mentally
tell folks what she experienced. If she can she will recast
levitaion at max EL and then Cast Insubstantiability.
GM: Ack. Raban is in the air (see map) and if you missed it
your in a forcefield that makes you not even able to
move a finger. So your under the whim of the Brain.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will thinks "not dead yet... good sign"
Will thinks "Well shes a big girl... I hope she has a
plan." Will does remain open to suggestions if she decides
to send any.
Will original plan was to scout and then to try to communicate
if nothing else try the Smaug approach.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear
the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not
the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a
defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will
succumb in every battle"
? Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Special Edition
GM: Ack.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 2:59:10pm - Turn 5: Phase 1]
Z'leyra feels so hopeless being confined in the magnetic
field and she can only think to herself that this may be
the end. In seconds she could land on the ground like a sack
of flour. The field seems to accelerate and she is now 50
feet from the ground...40..30...20...100 and she impacts
onto the ground with enough force to knock a house off its
foundation. The last thing she can feel is the paint isn't
that bad at all. Then blackness....
[Time: 2:59:14pm - Turn 5: Phase 2]
Z'leyra wakes up from her mind playing tricks on her again.
The dream of her death is real but still fleeting. She still
has maybe 5 more seconds before she lives. Maybe she can
do something before then?
The poltergeist finds the target of his misbehavior leave
the cave suddenly. It chases after the female as the duty
to punish her is paramount. Whipping over the railing it dives
towards the falling female. It finds a large rock and using
its powers throws the rock from the wall toward the falling
female. It hits her in the right arm but does nothing.
The swarm of insects swarm around Z'leyra again all 15 biting
exposed flesh doing 1 point of more damage to her. Z'leyra can
feel the effects of being tapped out physically in just a few
seconds.
The Brain quickly determines the person inside him is some
magic person Nom Amor mentioned. The Intendant had mentioned
about 5 spells that could harm him. After months of secret
study of the humans, the Vong executor has determined what can
kill it. One of those spells is using a spell enter to and
through him. So the Brain determines in a 3rd of a second that
the human is a threat. It will soon be forced solid and then
he'll have to act. It can feel the electromagnetic field that
has to be the human. Though not there and there at the same
time the human gives off a distinct feel to the brain's senses.
Estimating the size of the human the Brain conveys a magnetic
field around the human to protect himself.
In the last half of the second the Brain determines the other
human is less a threat now. He could bash her brains in by
slamming her against the stairs. But a fall would just do as good.
The Brain releases the field in order to grab onto the other
human among him. The other human is just standing there with
a stick in his hand and his threat assessment is low.
In the span of a second the mass of Will returns to himself
as the spell ends. He can feel gravity fall upon himself once
more inside the brain. Then Will can feel a tingle around
him that pulls hair up from his arms and head. Will wonders
then why he isn't smeared of brain goo and stuff? Then he
realizes he can't move his arms or anything.
Fremea can hear the panic inside Z'leyra and yells toward Raban
to try to stop her. But the giant is over 200 feet from the stairs
and even if he flies fast she realizes he can't catch up.
------------------
[Time: 2:59:14pm - 3:30:00pm]
In the next 45 seconds the following events take place.
Z'leyra can feel her life draining. Being a trained Healer
she can tell she is in critical shape. Less than 3% of her
life remains if that. She realizes if a rock gets lucky
and hits her head she will be dead. As the Brain releases
his field around her she can move again. Immediately she
halts her descent some 250 feet from the ground. She can
see he lava pooling at the center hole the party came from.
She can see the airfield below is devoid of lava but is still
rock hard. She decides to ascend back up to find the others.
She relays through her Sending she is good for now though
badly wounded by the insects. In fact she realizes if the
bugs bite again she will be dead. She brings up her hands
to try to bat them away but realizes the bugs are gone. The
bugs may be gone but the poltergeist is not. It hurls random
objects that it can find at Z'leyra 15 times in this 45 seconds
period. Rocks, pieces of stair cement and even a coufee found
from one of the dead Vong Fremea shot. Of the 15 objects 5
hit her. But the last 10 hits aren't the bad ones. The four
that hit her armor protects her. But the 5th one 15 seconds
after she is released a rock beams her squarely in the cheek.
Even though her magical heavy armored helm protects the bulk of
the blow she takes 2 points of damage from the impact. The
last instant she can recall before being knocked out is that
she has maybe 15 more seconds before her spell runs out and she
falls. Her body goes limp in mid-air invisible but being
levitated by the spell of her magic. the spell itself without
mental control halts and she is motionless.
Fremea flies as fast as she can toward the stairs. in that
span before Z'leyra is knocked out she reaches 350 feet
further east and now only about 30 feet to the stairs. But
she has no clear idea where the Shaman is. When contact is
lost she yells for Raban to speed up.
Raban flies eastward in a leisurely pace hoping the Vong
don't send more flyers. Then he can hear the faint voice
of a female. Then he discovers it was Fremea. Somewhere
behind and to the west Looking over his shoulder he can't
see her but figures she is invisible. Something about
Z'leyra falling. But the Bard looks around but can't see
the Shaman. Fremea yells basic information like how fast
she is falling and Raban uses this to plot a course. But
without exact info he knows he has no hope of finding her.
Raban reaches the stairs soon enough. Fremea is still
yelling about Z'leyra. But looking down he can't find her
at all in his vision. Then he soon realizes things are
moving from one place to another as if another quake.
Z'leyra tells Fremea Raban is above her maybe 100 feet. So
Raban dives downward to chase the objects. Maybe the
brain or some foul magic is afoot. Then Z'leyra is knocked
out and Fremea yells to speed up. Pausing briefly the Bard
loses sight of the random objects. But decides to pinpoint
the evil by casting a spell. The bard casts Detect Evil and
reaches out with the spell. After a few seconds of descending
he can find the glow of the poltergeist in his mind's eye.
This has to be where Z'leyra is. But she is about 100 feet
away below now. Can he get to her before she falls?
Inside the cave Will is suddenly grasped by the field. Suddenly
he feels his body being lifted up and out of he Brain. He then
realizes he is being pushed away from the Brain. He hopes he
isn't going to be bashed to the ceiling. But he feels that
might just knock him out. If he is going outside like Z'leyra
and he has no levitate spell going he'll die. A man weighed
down by armor will fall even faster. He even hopes he would
just be bashed into the ceiling. but his luck is gone and
he soon is hot out the cave entrance just like Z'leyra. The
Brain through his mental control takes the paralyzed man
over the railing and holds him down some 300 feet from the
ground. The brain quickly determines if he releases him just
a second to the ground he'll fall and impact in less than 3.4
seconds. But the Brain has a better idea. He lifts the human
upwards. Will dreads not knowing what is going on and has
no way to warn any of the others.
Back in the cave Kiet is oblivious to all around him. Holding
the Gnarish staff he tries to recall what Chion did in the past.
Chion said it was mental connection from distance. Something
about the Elder using a higher plane of existence to contact
him through that distance. Kiet has heard of the astral planes
but never seen them. Kiet shakes the staff and starts to mentally
relay the message through the staff. After a few seconds the
steaming Kiet growls. He then gives a very stern threat to the
staff verbally, "GET THEE HENSE!!! We have found your source
of problems. Now YOU do what we all know you can do and finish
this! We are done, here!"
Up above the brain cave some 80 feet or so on the stairs the
group forms around Lin. Lin then turns to Unali to explain.
"A Outcast contacted me. Some thing ...he used to make
contact with my mind. Said it to be done since no time
to speak. In that time he relayed these...mental images
of things and places. He said the Brain was far beyond
what the Shaper Mother was telling their leader. The
Shapers feared losing control. He gave me one big warning."
Kiet stands ready to kick the staff away in disgust. But as
he does his hands suddenly become very warm. Kell now besides
him turns to the crazed man for fleeing back here. Kell looks
over to the Brain and raises his shield what little that will
do against the power of the Brain. He worries if he set off
some ward that could fry him. It would be fitting end to be
friend by a person who does the same to others. Maybe only
Chion can use the stafF?
-----------------
[Time: 3:00:00pm - 3:01:00pm]
Z'leyra's unconscious body falls toward the ground as her
spell ends.
Fremea follows Raban and Raban dives down like a speeding
eagle on some helpless rabbit. Z'leyra is now only about 160
feet from the ground and Raban is about 100 feet above her.
Raban uses all his great powers to close the distance making
it 80 feet in a few seconds. But Z'leyra continues to fall
another 78 or so feet. Raban dives further again making it
another 80 feet now only 10 feet from her but she falls again.
Now she is only 10 feet from the ground about to splat. But
with Raban giving a yell to his goddess he gains a feat of
speed and makings the next 80 feet toward her. Just in time
to scoop her up in his arms just a few feet from the ground.
Rather he tries to scoop her up. Being invisible he only
flails about trying to grab her. In doing so he grabs one leg
and her waist holding her upside down. Reaching down he
pulls the Healer up into his arms and twists her around to
upright as he dives and gains new ground in the air.
Kiet tries to release the staff but realizes he can't! He
looks to Kell worried the staff is cursed. In seconds the
warmth through his hand seems to climb up his arm and into
his shoulders and then head. Then Kiet can hear a bit
of amused laughter. "You called oh nimble one?"
Kiet quickly conveys the situation. When he is done he
realizes the voice isn't the high elder. In fact it is
a voice he heard before but can't place it. Then the
voice says, "stand by."
Raban checks the pulse of Z'leyra and finds her alive
but knocked out. As he ascends he tells Fremea he has
her but she's knocked out. Raban begins the ascent back up
toward where the party should be located. To Fremea it seems
weird seeing Raban hug thin air like a invisible baby. But
then she realizes it must be Z'leyra.
For the next 30 seconds Raban flies up toward the party this
time a bit more slowly. During this time the poltergeist tries
to pelt Raban and Z'leyra with objects. The target is the
bad wizard who fouled up the spell but the large thing holding
her is just in the way. Of the various 10 items thrown at her
4 make contact with Z'leyra. All four are protected by her
armor however and she takes no damage.
Will continues through the cave entrance fast through the
field holding him tight. Then he is thrown over the railing
but doesn't fall. In fact he ascends up past the stairs
going to the ceiling. In the next 30 seconds he is slowly
lifted up and then level with the party about 80 feet above
the brain cave. Will is positioned over the railing and
moved toward the party. Being invisible though they can't
see him at all. Will wonders if this is how he'll die to
bowl down a group of allies with a 260 plus mass hitting them
from the blue. He might kill 3 or 4 before they could react
and kill him. But fortunately he stops about 10 feet from
Unali and Lin.
"You will surrender or leave me alone. This will be your
last warning." Will speaks out in a very stern voice. Then
the woodsman realizes he didn't say that! Yet his mouth
moves and words leave his lips. The Brian must be controlling
him from below!
Back in the cave Kiet finally feels the staff seem to ebb
from its heat and cool down. After a few seconds a red blur
seems to form about 10 feet away from Kiet in front of him
and Kell. Both stare at the form and wonder what is going on.
Normally teleport magics is a blue like color. The red form
seems to take about 3 seconds to form then a humanoid shape
becomes active. It grows a bit in width and height. Then
Kiet grumbles when he recognizes the form. The familiar
of the High Elder. The strange almost demon like creature
that never spoke but just stood in the corner while the party
was briefed. To some the creature gave the creeps. Kiet
just stares waiting for it to kill the Brain. But it
simply looks around the cave. The humanoid stands about 5
feet tall, has this red/brown fur that shows no body other
than some patches of skin on the arms. It seems to be
wearing no clothes or armor as in the citadel. Kiet and
Kell notices though this time it is wearing a bright yellow
necklace that seems to glow a bit from a central stone of
some sort. The creature raises it's right palm and reveals
a small object of some sort. It looks like a coin or maybe
a gem.
Suddenly the object seems to dissolve as if going invisible
or losing mass. A new form begins to make shape in the air
about 4 feet above the ground and 2 feet to the left of the
creature. This one a yellowish form into a new humanoid shape.
Kiet also seems to recognize the form when it forms, that of
Oby the aide to the High Elder. The illusion seems to speak
quickly, "Congratulations. The High Elder is involved in
a very important task. However we bring help." The small
mini illusionary hand of the aid points to the creature. "It
will generate the Thalos field around this area. It will
block the power of the Brain. You must find it's control
and then kill it. The Brain will not be able to react past
the field or communicate outside it." Oby raises another
hand and points upwards. "But this field will only last 30
minutes. Act quickly before the Brain does!" Then the
illusion fades from existence.
Kiet's face grows as red as the lava below. Kell reaches
over to stop the acrobat from exploding. Kiet throws the
staff down in disgust. So the High Elder is too busy to
come here. Maybe he can't without Chion to get him? Maybe
he can only transport the creature through the Astral Planes
here rather than his physical form.
Before Kiet can protest the creature taps the necklace.
A faint white glow shines and then seems to explode all
around the cave in seconds. This new field must be
the same magic the High Elder blocked teleports from
his teleport pad. The same magic that allowed him
to brief the party without the eyes and ears of the
gods. A very powerful field. That would mean the
Brain can not talk to other Vong or kill those outside
the field.
[Time: 3:01:30pm - 3:02:00pm]
Kiet realizes then if the Brain can't kill out the field
he could kill within the field. Kiet turns and pushes
Kell outside the cave toward the cave entrance. As both
men run toward the entrance, Kell can feel the field directly
ahead of him. Not sure if the field will fry his brain
he doesn't have time to act under Kiet's urging.
Suddenly a cloud of energy shoots out from the Brain toward
the fleeing humans. Just as the two cross the barrier at
the cave entrance the energy wave slams into the Thalos
field and splashes harmlessly away.
Up above Will is dropped like a rock onto the floor of
the stairs just as he was saying, "If you-." Will has to
use the side of the stairwell inner wall to prevent him
from falling down the steps. Will begins to give out various
curses of various lands he visited recently. He soon
realizes the Brain has lost connection and control over
him. What does a possessed guy does when realizes he
checks his body limbs and private area to ensure it wasn't
snapped off. Then he turns to the others when he finds
he has full control once again.
Farseeker with his raised great sword at the voice realizes
it was Will. "Will?"
That is the time when Raban, Z'leyra and Fremea end up at
the same level and land at the stairs with the group. Raban
tells the others, "Z'leyra is here." He then places her
gently on the ground.
Unali looks a bit relieved at that Z'leyra is here though
but is unsure if still alive.
A few moments later Kiet and Kell run up the stairs to join
the group. This finally gets everyone back in one place.
[Time: 3:02:00pm]
Lin seems to ignore the distraction of the others. He
continues his tale to the group. "The Brain needs to be
controlled. The Outcast advised me that it can communicate
to some creatures below and outside. Those below can increase
the volcanic activity and destroy this mountain. The thing
outside ..whatever creature it is...can use gravity..whatever
that is...to pull the moon itself down onto this world. It
will destroy this planet. It will destroy if it feels
threatened. The outcast was so scared of this he left
this world using the portal thing." He pauses for a few
seconds. "It gave me images of other worlds. One world
the Brain did this and it destroyed that world with over
3 billion people. I don't understand this...other worlds?
It makes no sense to me. But if the Vong wish to do this
they will do it. Once the moon is dragged to a certain
point even the gods can't stop it." He then tries to
consider the images. "The leader has a device that can
control the Brain. The shapers called it a safeguard. The
Brain will be helpless at that point."
Caladan leaning on his staff as usual asks, "so where is this
leader at?"
Lin shrugs, "he didn't give that info but I suspect it is
in one of the other caves."
Farseeker frowns, "convenient that is."
Lin then realizes the voice of Will was not his own. He turns
to Will finding the man to be controlled. "It can hear us! Kill
him before he tells the Brain!"
Kell listens to Lin and suddenly realizes he has lost control
over the elemental. He was so distracted by the creature
below and now this. He can hear the elemental above and noise
of rocks being crushed.
[Time: 3:02:30pm - Current]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday....
GM: A fun update but I forgot Kell's lapse of control. I only
noticed it on the timeline for the spells that ended. A full
minute has passed. Kell if you wish to dispel him you can
do so now. I'll consider that a good action since I goofed
and forgot that. I would reedit the update but a lot has
happened so hard to redo it without some effort. I ran
out of time last time for Monday. But since the list came
back online Monday with my Friday update showing up Monday
I figure the delay would be good in case new actions were done.
Now that the party is together we can skip the phasal stuff
and going with a faster pace.
The following spells ended:
2:59:48 will invisibility
3:00:54 Z'leyra inviso ends
3:01:12 Kell elemental powers
I made some quick changes from invisible to visible for
Will. But I may have mentioned Z'leyra in the text
as being invisible in some form. If so sorry. Too
lazy and tired to edit the text and find it again.
If you have questions for Lin ask them. But he may not
know much. The clock has started. Right now Arawn will
have to do the healing?
Brain cave removed since not needed. If need to know
the field the creature placed on it covers the full
entrance and all the walls.
Mana report updated with 2 spells, new wounds. Note
if healing is done see the healings report.
GM: Chion - Still knocked out and damaged
Arawn - If you wish to Heal Z'leyra you can or just wake
her up with a Restore? (think that's the spell) spell.
Maybe restoration? Then Z'leyra can heal others and
Chion?
Kell - Sorry lost control. My fault. I'll give you a bonus
since it was my mistake if need to dispel him or just
wait and Z'leyra can do it if you wish as she is more
powerful I think in dispel? Switch emails yet? My
bad was not including your name in the spell chart.
So you weren't aware of when spells might end. My fault.
Kiet - If you wish to pickup the Staff again let me know.
I figure your character personality would be so disgruntled
you'd shuck it. But at least you got half your wish. :)
Unali - If you wish to move the party alone you can normally
I'll assume this for the next cave unless you have other
plans. Will assume at least the healing is done first. Unless
due to time you wish to go right away.
Z'leyra - Darn so close! Dang the math! I had at first thought
Raban couldn't catch up. But at flying 8 pmr. :< Oh
well a GM can plan a better death next time. Better luck
(for me not for you) next time huh? :) But you are close
to death. In fact I've not rolled the attacks by the
poltergeist yet for the time of talking. I'll do that
next update. Ran out of time. But you are at negative
hit points now. (15+15 from bugs and a few from the
objects).
Will - Your insub ended almost right away and you were
captured. Sorry wasn't much you could do. Since the
Brain couldn't penetrate Z'leyra's shield you were
easy to control. But you were released quickly.
The insub attack was planned long ago so he was aware of
such possible attacks.
Kiet/Kell - Either can inform the group what happened below.
GM: Spells active
Will - Armor Transmutation, Mind Shield
Raban - Bless (OCV)
Farseeker - Bless (OCV)
Arawn - Bless (OCV)
Unali - Mind Shield, Sending
Fremea - Mind Shield, Sending
Z'leyra - Mind Shield, Sending
* = Soon to end (next update?]. I may NOT post this
info unless I remember to do so. :)
GM: Maps
----------------------------
Mount Side View -
Scale - 1 Column = 15 feet
1 Row = 50 feet North=wall facing screen
[Looking from one wall to the other wall. Toward North
wall with back to south wall. Looking east/west.]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I### Fake Vong ceiling ###IA
I# #IB
I# #IC
I# #ID
I# #IE
I# #IFCave
Cave 1-> `# #`G<-#4
I# #IH
Cave 2-> `# Party Location -> #`I<-#5
I# #IJ
Cave 3-> `# Cave #6 World Brian ----> #`K<-#6
I# #IL
I# #IM
I# @ <-Portal (Kotohi) #IN
Mount I#T T#IO
Ground --?I#]A_A_A_A_A_A_A_A____......._______V__V__V__V__V[#IP
I Y<X \ IQ
I Z Lava (. points) IR
I = Rock wall, #=Vong ladder structure
` = Entrance to cave [open mostly]
_ = Rock floor (Row P) ground floor
A = Vong Bowl Home (10' high)
V = Vong flyer
T = Vong Tower (30' high)
],[=Base of Vong tower (wooden)
X = Rabbit Hole opening 30' wide below cavern to tunnels
Y = Tunnel of Treasure/Sentry cave (under ground floor)
Z = Pit/Lake caves below elevation of Treasure cave tunnel
1-6= Side caves on east/west walls
Party is located Row I50. To be more precise 20 feet below the level
of the Cave #5 Entrance. About 80 feet above Brain cave
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
NPC...................Captain.Lin.......Warrior.Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar,
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #242 in sequence (file #1477)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin Notes: None.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will use her levitation spell to keep from splatting
into the floor. She will try to land near Raban and mentally
tell folks what she experienced. If she can she will recast
levitaion at max EL and then Cast Insubstantiability.
GM: Ack. Raban is in the air (see map) and if you missed it
your in a forcefield that makes you not even able to
move a finger. So your under the whim of the Brain.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will thinks "not dead yet... good sign"
Will thinks "Well shes a big girl... I hope she has a
plan." Will does remain open to suggestions if she decides
to send any.
Will original plan was to scout and then to try to communicate
if nothing else try the Smaug approach.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear
the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not
the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a
defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will
succumb in every battle"
? Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Special Edition
GM: Ack.
--------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 2:59:10pm - Turn 5: Phase 1]
Z'leyra feels so hopeless being confined in the magnetic
field and she can only think to herself that this may be
the end. In seconds she could land on the ground like a sack
of flour. The field seems to accelerate and she is now 50
feet from the ground...40..30...20...100 and she impacts
onto the ground with enough force to knock a house off its
foundation. The last thing she can feel is the paint isn't
that bad at all. Then blackness....
[Time: 2:59:14pm - Turn 5: Phase 2]
Z'leyra wakes up from her mind playing tricks on her again.
The dream of her death is real but still fleeting. She still
has maybe 5 more seconds before she lives. Maybe she can
do something before then?
The poltergeist finds the target of his misbehavior leave
the cave suddenly. It chases after the female as the duty
to punish her is paramount. Whipping over the railing it dives
towards the falling female. It finds a large rock and using
its powers throws the rock from the wall toward the falling
female. It hits her in the right arm but does nothing.
The swarm of insects swarm around Z'leyra again all 15 biting
exposed flesh doing 1 point of more damage to her. Z'leyra can
feel the effects of being tapped out physically in just a few
seconds.
The Brain quickly determines the person inside him is some
magic person Nom Amor mentioned. The Intendant had mentioned
about 5 spells that could harm him. After months of secret
study of the humans, the Vong executor has determined what can
kill it. One of those spells is using a spell enter to and
through him. So the Brain determines in a 3rd of a second that
the human is a threat. It will soon be forced solid and then
he'll have to act. It can feel the electromagnetic field that
has to be the human. Though not there and there at the same
time the human gives off a distinct feel to the brain's senses.
Estimating the size of the human the Brain conveys a magnetic
field around the human to protect himself.
In the last half of the second the Brain determines the other
human is less a threat now. He could bash her brains in by
slamming her against the stairs. But a fall would just do as good.
The Brain releases the field in order to grab onto the other
human among him. The other human is just standing there with
a stick in his hand and his threat assessment is low.
In the span of a second the mass of Will returns to himself
as the spell ends. He can feel gravity fall upon himself once
more inside the brain. Then Will can feel a tingle around
him that pulls hair up from his arms and head. Will wonders
then why he isn't smeared of brain goo and stuff? Then he
realizes he can't move his arms or anything.
Fremea can hear the panic inside Z'leyra and yells toward Raban
to try to stop her. But the giant is over 200 feet from the stairs
and even if he flies fast she realizes he can't catch up.
------------------
[Time: 2:59:14pm - 3:30:00pm]
In the next 45 seconds the following events take place.
Z'leyra can feel her life draining. Being a trained Healer
she can tell she is in critical shape. Less than 3% of her
life remains if that. She realizes if a rock gets lucky
and hits her head she will be dead. As the Brain releases
his field around her she can move again. Immediately she
halts her descent some 250 feet from the ground. She can
see he lava pooling at the center hole the party came from.
She can see the airfield below is devoid of lava but is still
rock hard. She decides to ascend back up to find the others.
She relays through her Sending she is good for now though
badly wounded by the insects. In fact she realizes if the
bugs bite again she will be dead. She brings up her hands
to try to bat them away but realizes the bugs are gone. The
bugs may be gone but the poltergeist is not. It hurls random
objects that it can find at Z'leyra 15 times in this 45 seconds
period. Rocks, pieces of stair cement and even a coufee found
from one of the dead Vong Fremea shot. Of the 15 objects 5
hit her. But the last 10 hits aren't the bad ones. The four
that hit her armor protects her. But the 5th one 15 seconds
after she is released a rock beams her squarely in the cheek.
Even though her magical heavy armored helm protects the bulk of
the blow she takes 2 points of damage from the impact. The
last instant she can recall before being knocked out is that
she has maybe 15 more seconds before her spell runs out and she
falls. Her body goes limp in mid-air invisible but being
levitated by the spell of her magic. the spell itself without
mental control halts and she is motionless.
Fremea flies as fast as she can toward the stairs. in that
span before Z'leyra is knocked out she reaches 350 feet
further east and now only about 30 feet to the stairs. But
she has no clear idea where the Shaman is. When contact is
lost she yells for Raban to speed up.
Raban flies eastward in a leisurely pace hoping the Vong
don't send more flyers. Then he can hear the faint voice
of a female. Then he discovers it was Fremea. Somewhere
behind and to the west Looking over his shoulder he can't
see her but figures she is invisible. Something about
Z'leyra falling. But the Bard looks around but can't see
the Shaman. Fremea yells basic information like how fast
she is falling and Raban uses this to plot a course. But
without exact info he knows he has no hope of finding her.
Raban reaches the stairs soon enough. Fremea is still
yelling about Z'leyra. But looking down he can't find her
at all in his vision. Then he soon realizes things are
moving from one place to another as if another quake.
Z'leyra tells Fremea Raban is above her maybe 100 feet. So
Raban dives downward to chase the objects. Maybe the
brain or some foul magic is afoot. Then Z'leyra is knocked
out and Fremea yells to speed up. Pausing briefly the Bard
loses sight of the random objects. But decides to pinpoint
the evil by casting a spell. The bard casts Detect Evil and
reaches out with the spell. After a few seconds of descending
he can find the glow of the poltergeist in his mind's eye.
This has to be where Z'leyra is. But she is about 100 feet
away below now. Can he get to her before she falls?
Inside the cave Will is suddenly grasped by the field. Suddenly
he feels his body being lifted up and out of he Brain. He then
realizes he is being pushed away from the Brain. He hopes he
isn't going to be bashed to the ceiling. But he feels that
might just knock him out. If he is going outside like Z'leyra
and he has no levitate spell going he'll die. A man weighed
down by armor will fall even faster. He even hopes he would
just be bashed into the ceiling. but his luck is gone and
he soon is hot out the cave entrance just like Z'leyra. The
Brain through his mental control takes the paralyzed man
over the railing and holds him down some 300 feet from the
ground. The brain quickly determines if he releases him just
a second to the ground he'll fall and impact in less than 3.4
seconds. But the Brain has a better idea. He lifts the human
upwards. Will dreads not knowing what is going on and has
no way to warn any of the others.
Back in the cave Kiet is oblivious to all around him. Holding
the Gnarish staff he tries to recall what Chion did in the past.
Chion said it was mental connection from distance. Something
about the Elder using a higher plane of existence to contact
him through that distance. Kiet has heard of the astral planes
but never seen them. Kiet shakes the staff and starts to mentally
relay the message through the staff. After a few seconds the
steaming Kiet growls. He then gives a very stern threat to the
staff verbally, "GET THEE HENSE!!! We have found your source
of problems. Now YOU do what we all know you can do and finish
this! We are done, here!"
Up above the brain cave some 80 feet or so on the stairs the
group forms around Lin. Lin then turns to Unali to explain.
"A Outcast contacted me. Some thing ...he used to make
contact with my mind. Said it to be done since no time
to speak. In that time he relayed these...mental images
of things and places. He said the Brain was far beyond
what the Shaper Mother was telling their leader. The
Shapers feared losing control. He gave me one big warning."
Kiet stands ready to kick the staff away in disgust. But as
he does his hands suddenly become very warm. Kell now besides
him turns to the crazed man for fleeing back here. Kell looks
over to the Brain and raises his shield what little that will
do against the power of the Brain. He worries if he set off
some ward that could fry him. It would be fitting end to be
friend by a person who does the same to others. Maybe only
Chion can use the stafF?
-----------------
[Time: 3:00:00pm - 3:01:00pm]
Z'leyra's unconscious body falls toward the ground as her
spell ends.
Fremea follows Raban and Raban dives down like a speeding
eagle on some helpless rabbit. Z'leyra is now only about 160
feet from the ground and Raban is about 100 feet above her.
Raban uses all his great powers to close the distance making
it 80 feet in a few seconds. But Z'leyra continues to fall
another 78 or so feet. Raban dives further again making it
another 80 feet now only 10 feet from her but she falls again.
Now she is only 10 feet from the ground about to splat. But
with Raban giving a yell to his goddess he gains a feat of
speed and makings the next 80 feet toward her. Just in time
to scoop her up in his arms just a few feet from the ground.
Rather he tries to scoop her up. Being invisible he only
flails about trying to grab her. In doing so he grabs one leg
and her waist holding her upside down. Reaching down he
pulls the Healer up into his arms and twists her around to
upright as he dives and gains new ground in the air.
Kiet tries to release the staff but realizes he can't! He
looks to Kell worried the staff is cursed. In seconds the
warmth through his hand seems to climb up his arm and into
his shoulders and then head. Then Kiet can hear a bit
of amused laughter. "You called oh nimble one?"
Kiet quickly conveys the situation. When he is done he
realizes the voice isn't the high elder. In fact it is
a voice he heard before but can't place it. Then the
voice says, "stand by."
Raban checks the pulse of Z'leyra and finds her alive
but knocked out. As he ascends he tells Fremea he has
her but she's knocked out. Raban begins the ascent back up
toward where the party should be located. To Fremea it seems
weird seeing Raban hug thin air like a invisible baby. But
then she realizes it must be Z'leyra.
For the next 30 seconds Raban flies up toward the party this
time a bit more slowly. During this time the poltergeist tries
to pelt Raban and Z'leyra with objects. The target is the
bad wizard who fouled up the spell but the large thing holding
her is just in the way. Of the various 10 items thrown at her
4 make contact with Z'leyra. All four are protected by her
armor however and she takes no damage.
Will continues through the cave entrance fast through the
field holding him tight. Then he is thrown over the railing
but doesn't fall. In fact he ascends up past the stairs
going to the ceiling. In the next 30 seconds he is slowly
lifted up and then level with the party about 80 feet above
the brain cave. Will is positioned over the railing and
moved toward the party. Being invisible though they can't
see him at all. Will wonders if this is how he'll die to
bowl down a group of allies with a 260 plus mass hitting them
from the blue. He might kill 3 or 4 before they could react
and kill him. But fortunately he stops about 10 feet from
Unali and Lin.
"You will surrender or leave me alone. This will be your
last warning." Will speaks out in a very stern voice. Then
the woodsman realizes he didn't say that! Yet his mouth
moves and words leave his lips. The Brian must be controlling
him from below!
Back in the cave Kiet finally feels the staff seem to ebb
from its heat and cool down. After a few seconds a red blur
seems to form about 10 feet away from Kiet in front of him
and Kell. Both stare at the form and wonder what is going on.
Normally teleport magics is a blue like color. The red form
seems to take about 3 seconds to form then a humanoid shape
becomes active. It grows a bit in width and height. Then
Kiet grumbles when he recognizes the form. The familiar
of the High Elder. The strange almost demon like creature
that never spoke but just stood in the corner while the party
was briefed. To some the creature gave the creeps. Kiet
just stares waiting for it to kill the Brain. But it
simply looks around the cave. The humanoid stands about 5
feet tall, has this red/brown fur that shows no body other
than some patches of skin on the arms. It seems to be
wearing no clothes or armor as in the citadel. Kiet and
Kell notices though this time it is wearing a bright yellow
necklace that seems to glow a bit from a central stone of
some sort. The creature raises it's right palm and reveals
a small object of some sort. It looks like a coin or maybe
a gem.
Suddenly the object seems to dissolve as if going invisible
or losing mass. A new form begins to make shape in the air
about 4 feet above the ground and 2 feet to the left of the
creature. This one a yellowish form into a new humanoid shape.
Kiet also seems to recognize the form when it forms, that of
Oby the aide to the High Elder. The illusion seems to speak
quickly, "Congratulations. The High Elder is involved in
a very important task. However we bring help." The small
mini illusionary hand of the aid points to the creature. "It
will generate the Thalos field around this area. It will
block the power of the Brain. You must find it's control
and then kill it. The Brain will not be able to react past
the field or communicate outside it." Oby raises another
hand and points upwards. "But this field will only last 30
minutes. Act quickly before the Brain does!" Then the
illusion fades from existence.
Kiet's face grows as red as the lava below. Kell reaches
over to stop the acrobat from exploding. Kiet throws the
staff down in disgust. So the High Elder is too busy to
come here. Maybe he can't without Chion to get him? Maybe
he can only transport the creature through the Astral Planes
here rather than his physical form.
Before Kiet can protest the creature taps the necklace.
A faint white glow shines and then seems to explode all
around the cave in seconds. This new field must be
the same magic the High Elder blocked teleports from
his teleport pad. The same magic that allowed him
to brief the party without the eyes and ears of the
gods. A very powerful field. That would mean the
Brain can not talk to other Vong or kill those outside
the field.
[Time: 3:01:30pm - 3:02:00pm]
Kiet realizes then if the Brain can't kill out the field
he could kill within the field. Kiet turns and pushes
Kell outside the cave toward the cave entrance. As both
men run toward the entrance, Kell can feel the field directly
ahead of him. Not sure if the field will fry his brain
he doesn't have time to act under Kiet's urging.
Suddenly a cloud of energy shoots out from the Brain toward
the fleeing humans. Just as the two cross the barrier at
the cave entrance the energy wave slams into the Thalos
field and splashes harmlessly away.
Up above Will is dropped like a rock onto the floor of
the stairs just as he was saying, "If you-." Will has to
use the side of the stairwell inner wall to prevent him
from falling down the steps. Will begins to give out various
curses of various lands he visited recently. He soon
realizes the Brain has lost connection and control over
him. What does a possessed guy does when realizes he
checks his body limbs and private area to ensure it wasn't
snapped off. Then he turns to the others when he finds
he has full control once again.
Farseeker with his raised great sword at the voice realizes
it was Will. "Will?"
That is the time when Raban, Z'leyra and Fremea end up at
the same level and land at the stairs with the group. Raban
tells the others, "Z'leyra is here." He then places her
gently on the ground.
Unali looks a bit relieved at that Z'leyra is here though
but is unsure if still alive.
A few moments later Kiet and Kell run up the stairs to join
the group. This finally gets everyone back in one place.
[Time: 3:02:00pm]
Lin seems to ignore the distraction of the others. He
continues his tale to the group. "The Brain needs to be
controlled. The Outcast advised me that it can communicate
to some creatures below and outside. Those below can increase
the volcanic activity and destroy this mountain. The thing
outside ..whatever creature it is...can use gravity..whatever
that is...to pull the moon itself down onto this world. It
will destroy this planet. It will destroy if it feels
threatened. The outcast was so scared of this he left
this world using the portal thing." He pauses for a few
seconds. "It gave me images of other worlds. One world
the Brain did this and it destroyed that world with over
3 billion people. I don't understand this...other worlds?
It makes no sense to me. But if the Vong wish to do this
they will do it. Once the moon is dragged to a certain
point even the gods can't stop it." He then tries to
consider the images. "The leader has a device that can
control the Brain. The shapers called it a safeguard. The
Brain will be helpless at that point."
Caladan leaning on his staff as usual asks, "so where is this
leader at?"
Lin shrugs, "he didn't give that info but I suspect it is
in one of the other caves."
Farseeker frowns, "convenient that is."
Lin then realizes the voice of Will was not his own. He turns
to Will finding the man to be controlled. "It can hear us! Kill
him before he tells the Brain!"
Kell listens to Lin and suddenly realizes he has lost control
over the elemental. He was so distracted by the creature
below and now this. He can hear the elemental above and noise
of rocks being crushed.
[Time: 3:02:30pm - Current]
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday....
GM: A fun update but I forgot Kell's lapse of control. I only
noticed it on the timeline for the spells that ended. A full
minute has passed. Kell if you wish to dispel him you can
do so now. I'll consider that a good action since I goofed
and forgot that. I would reedit the update but a lot has
happened so hard to redo it without some effort. I ran
out of time last time for Monday. But since the list came
back online Monday with my Friday update showing up Monday
I figure the delay would be good in case new actions were done.
Now that the party is together we can skip the phasal stuff
and going with a faster pace.
The following spells ended:
2:59:48 will invisibility
3:00:54 Z'leyra inviso ends
3:01:12 Kell elemental powers
I made some quick changes from invisible to visible for
Will. But I may have mentioned Z'leyra in the text
as being invisible in some form. If so sorry. Too
lazy and tired to edit the text and find it again.
If you have questions for Lin ask them. But he may not
know much. The clock has started. Right now Arawn will
have to do the healing?
Brain cave removed since not needed. If need to know
the field the creature placed on it covers the full
entrance and all the walls.
Mana report updated with 2 spells, new wounds. Note
if healing is done see the healings report.
GM: Chion - Still knocked out and damaged
Arawn - If you wish to Heal Z'leyra you can or just wake
her up with a Restore? (think that's the spell) spell.
Maybe restoration? Then Z'leyra can heal others and
Chion?
Kell - Sorry lost control. My fault. I'll give you a bonus
since it was my mistake if need to dispel him or just
wait and Z'leyra can do it if you wish as she is more
powerful I think in dispel? Switch emails yet? My
bad was not including your name in the spell chart.
So you weren't aware of when spells might end. My fault.
Kiet - If you wish to pickup the Staff again let me know.
I figure your character personality would be so disgruntled
you'd shuck it. But at least you got half your wish. :)
Unali - If you wish to move the party alone you can normally
I'll assume this for the next cave unless you have other
plans. Will assume at least the healing is done first. Unless
due to time you wish to go right away.
Z'leyra - Darn so close! Dang the math! I had at first thought
Raban couldn't catch up. But at flying 8 pmr. :< Oh
well a GM can plan a better death next time. Better luck
(for me not for you) next time huh? :) But you are close
to death. In fact I've not rolled the attacks by the
poltergeist yet for the time of talking. I'll do that
next update. Ran out of time. But you are at negative
hit points now. (15+15 from bugs and a few from the
objects).
Will - Your insub ended almost right away and you were
captured. Sorry wasn't much you could do. Since the
Brain couldn't penetrate Z'leyra's shield you were
easy to control. But you were released quickly.
The insub attack was planned long ago so he was aware of
such possible attacks.
Kiet/Kell - Either can inform the group what happened below.
GM: Spells active
Will - Armor Transmutation, Mind Shield
Raban - Bless (OCV)
Farseeker - Bless (OCV)
Arawn - Bless (OCV)
Unali - Mind Shield, Sending
Fremea - Mind Shield, Sending
Z'leyra - Mind Shield, Sending
* = Soon to end (next update?]. I may NOT post this
info unless I remember to do so. :)
GM: Maps
----------------------------
Mount Side View -
Scale - 1 Column = 15 feet
1 Row = 50 feet North=wall facing screen
[Looking from one wall to the other wall. Toward North
wall with back to south wall. Looking east/west.]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I### Fake Vong ceiling ###IA
I# #IB
I# #IC
I# #ID
I# #IE
I# #IFCave
Cave 1-> `# #`G<-#4
I# #IH
Cave 2-> `# Party Location -> #`I<-#5
I# #IJ
Cave 3-> `# Cave #6 World Brian ----> #`K<-#6
I# #IL
I# #IM
I# @ <-Portal (Kotohi) #IN
Mount I#T T#IO
Ground --?I#]A_A_A_A_A_A_A_A____......._______V__V__V__V__V[#IP
I Y<X \ IQ
I Z Lava (. points) IR
I = Rock wall, #=Vong ladder structure
` = Entrance to cave [open mostly]
_ = Rock floor (Row P) ground floor
A = Vong Bowl Home (10' high)
V = Vong flyer
T = Vong Tower (30' high)
],[=Base of Vong tower (wooden)
X = Rabbit Hole opening 30' wide below cavern to tunnels
Y = Tunnel of Treasure/Sentry cave (under ground floor)
Z = Pit/Lake caves below elevation of Treasure cave tunnel
1-6= Side caves on east/west walls
Party is located Row I50. To be more precise 20 feet below the level
of the Cave #5 Entrance. About 80 feet above Brain cave
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