[pnpgm] Game Update #27 - File #198 - The old man of winter
pnpgm
pnpgm at comcast.net
Tue Nov 24 23:43:42 CET 2015
HT Aliaver/Player DS Character Name Type Status/N;;tes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R1.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar .. Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe
R3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma
W2R2.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma
R4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe
W2.Julian.Draven.........Zabyra............Dancer..Normal/Human....Hu
R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma
W3R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe
R3 Npc...............YY..Trihs.Der.........Warrior.Normal/Human....Ma
R3 Npc...............YY..Reddof Nonnac.....Warrior.Normal/Human....Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
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Game Update #27 sequence (file #198)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
The party will have a couple hours to buy food and goods.
Z'leyra will make sure that enough is bought to last the
party till we get to Zarun. Examining her store of waybread
she finds that her store of them is much smaller than she had
anticipated so goes shopping to make sure that food for the
party and grain for the horses is adequate.
She does not want to buy a wagon or to bother with fires on
the road at least till we get to Zarun.
GM: Ack. Based on our chat got the final figures.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet will first ask Trihs and Reddof if one of them will stay
with the horses. Kiet will see if he can find something
special in the caravans for them.
Kiet will go invite Kell to go around checking on what is
available. Kiet definitely wants to go ahead and buy some
fresh hay that he can wrap with his netting...he will carry
it in front of the pommel of his saddle.
OOC. That was a common method of carrying forage for a
horse. It needn't weigh much...it's not like carrying a
bale.
Kiet will definitely go ahead and purchase the picket stake
for his horse. It can join the javelins in their sheath.
And he already carries a mallet that can drive it in the
ground. Anybody that needs to borrow it is welcome. Kiet
will not purchase any travel rations.
GM: Ack. Yes. When I did some research earlier this year
I saw some site on US calvary. But I can't recall how
much material. I mean I imagine at most only 2 days
worth of hay per horse?
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet offers to buy enough picket stakes for the all the
horses in the party. He also purchases some thin leather
cords the party can use to tie the stakes onto their horses
while they travel. Kiet shows them how to tie both to the
horse pommel and suspend the stake. The long cord has a
loop in it at the bottom smaller than the diameter of the
stake. The short cord at top goes around the stake.
Nobody is going to want to be carrying around something like
that. Let the horse carry it.
GM: Ack. That gear is cheap. 12 BB for all the stakes. 8 BB
for the cord so only 2 CC. Deducted.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Healing spells]
Z'leyra would gladly study any healing spell. She will offer
to make and enchant an item in exchange. (When she has time.)
GM: Ack. Would have to remind me when and if next IBT
for the next legs of travel. If not the big IBT later.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Arawn will be glad to teach you once we can find the time. As
for an enchanted item, he wasn't looking for repayment but as
you offered he does have something in mind that he'd like your
input and possible assistance on (when Z'leyra finds the
time:).
GM: Ack. Can do it in mini IBT just let me know before Zara.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
If it's not too late, Arawn will take care of payment for
himself and his horses in regards to the road tax. Also, if
the weight of the food/grain/water carried by the party and
such will delay the party's arrival then Arawn is willing to
purchase a cart if this would speed things up. Sorry, don't
have books to reference at this time.
GM: Ack. Done on coin. As to weight no issue now that
3 Bandit Horses are being taken. So they can carry the
extra load. If no spare horses then maybe.
------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Eastern Thaliba - Plains]
[Decalis 2nd, 1634TH]
[Time: 11:25 am]
After Z'leyra pays for the road charges, Kell glares at the
guards as they pass. "This is no way to do business." He
grumbles under his breath. Then lower, "high way robbery
in civilized form!"
The group finds a patch of open field in the north west section
and tie up to the fence. Kell and Kiet head off to do some
shopping while the cousins watch the horses and personal gear.
Z'leyra and Unali take the 3 bandit horses and find some
merchant vendors on their own.
Pyan stares at all the various travelers going back and
forth. Sivas was like this but this is like a major hub of
trade routes in a area the size of a few miles instead of
a full city. The various nations represent him confuse
him and he watches with aloof steadfast eyes.
Zabyra on the other hand smiles at the various people. They
are mostly adults. Very few children in the entire camp maybe
a few dozen at most. That means caravans of trade is mostly
here but not families or at least this time of year.
The cousins though seem unaffected by this all. In fact
it seems they have been this way before not even swayed
by the fear of road travel. They just stand and stretch
their legs while talking about the goblins attack.
Arawn stands watching the crowd as well. He considers
going around but there are some vendors nearby. He strolls
to check them out but it is clear he is thinking of something.
Why can humans fill in the gaps for what they do or do not
see. They hear noise in the forest and think a bear but
others think a monster. The human brain will never be fully
understood by the Alfar.
[Time: 12:03 pm]
Z'leyra and Unali find a vendor that seems to have cheaper
food than others. Z'leyra buys rations for the entire party
for the duration until Zara city. Using the 3 bandit horses
she buys 300 bags of grain. This will allow the 3 horses to
carry 10 bags per horse. The vendor is excited by this
and gives a slight discount but has to obtain 50 bags from
another vendor as he is cleaned out.
There is a wagon selling hay but because there isn't much
left this time of day the prices are way too expensive. But
Z'leyra buys a bit of hay for the bandit horses. It will be
a diet of grain for the week but it is better than grazing
the horses. The vendor throws in 2 wooden buckets so the
horses can feed from them and some eating bags to it around
their mouths if needed.
Z'leyra then gets a bag full of food rations enough for the
party. She does not want to get a wagon or firewood so it
will be cold nights for the first few nights.
Both return with horse laden horses to the group. Z'leyra
explains the rules to the horses about no grazing and heading
off the road. The horses are a bit confused and wonder if
the snow covers the road will they be able to determine the
limits. Z'leyra considers this and replies that the trees
will generally give a sense for the road. If in doubt she
or the others can give help on where the road is located.
At the same time as Z'leyra is buying food Kell and Kiet
explore the camp. Kiet is looking for covered wagons and
finally finds one without people in it. Kell watches as
the boot merchant is asked about the wagon. Soon the acrobat
enters and then 5 minutes or so later exits.
Kell shrugs as they walk away, "from what I saw not so
great boots. Mostly lower quality. Mostly for the
working man. I'm surprised he can make any money selling
only that style since he has expenses in travel."
Kiet finds a meat vendor selling spiced and salted
jerky style sticks. A small fire is cooking large chunks
of meat that look nice and tasty. Kiet buys some samples
of meat for later. High above Corona circles the camp watching
Kiet and Kell move about.
[Time: 12:42 pm]
The party moves toward the south leaving the horses with
Red Shirt. He considered looking for some shirt vendors
but the other four report mostly bland colors are sold not
his bright red that he likes. Corona sits on the fence
as sentry watching Red Shirt and the horses. Not wanting
to leave some stranger with personal gear on the horses.
Since it might be a week before can eat at a decent
place the group finds a open tavern. It is a basic corral
like area with tables and a wooden bar area. It seats maybe
30 at any one time. Behind the bar in the open is a cooking
pit that 3 cooks make the meals with makeshift table and
crates that serve as storage.
The party wonders how safe or well the food is being left
in the open. But the 'door' man who allocates tables for
folks to use explains food is obtained every morning and
stored in the salt and ice bunker in the north. So the
food is never kept more than a day. It does mean if there
are no vendors selling food the camp could shrivel up in
a day or two at most if there is a large storm. The party
figures the Thalibans would not care and even let folks
starve rather than let them in the city.
The party takes up 3 tables and eats a cooked normal meal.
Chicken, turkey, deer for Reddof and ham are served. There
are various assorted green vegetables. A vendor bring sin
bread from his stove nearby. The most numerous is drinks
and ale with many cheap versions around the camp letting
the open air tavern stock up. The least amount of food
are fruits this time of year.
[Time: 1:33 pm]
The party finishes their meal and brings some warm food
back to Red Shirt. He quickly eats as the party mounts up.
[Time: 1:48 pm]
The party heads toward the north gate which is just
epen area for the fence. The party notices a man at
a table writing and a scrolled up map. Arawn and Z'leyra
scan the map after asking. The map is very rough but
seems to indicate the party will only have 2 days of
road travel before they enter Zarun forest. So the
next 2 days will be the most dangerous. This map is a bit
more updated than the Marentian one and Z'leyra realizes
the road in the tribal area is not as long as estimated.
So the issue of off road is less a problem. She sighs
but the food is paid for already.
The man takes names and places of origin from each person.
"This is in case we find bodies. Nothing more. The Tilani
tend never to leave bodies but just in case." He also jots
down brief descriptions of each person.
[Time: 1:59 pm]
The party leaves the camp and starts the third leg of
travel toward Zara city.
[Time: 5:42 pm]
Almost 10 miles north of the camp the party has passed
several groups. From small 1 or 2 man travelers to a full
caravan of 4 wagons. For the large groups it takes a bit
of coordination to not have folks step off the road. It
is a dancing set of wagons and horses trying to get past
each other.
But now it is nearing dark when six riders approach from
the north. They are all in their mid 20s or so with hardened
faces. They carry swords and wearing heavy leather armor
and clothing. One in the lead with green eyes has a large
scar on his left cheek. As they approach they look wary
and all 6 riders place hands on swords which cause the party
to become aware.
The road here is 30 feet wide and so the party moves to
the right and the riders to the left with about 20 feet
between. They all look at each other and move slowly
past. They seem to assess the party and the scared man
simply nods, "just needing to pass and make camp."
But the party can gleam details of blood on swords and
leathers. Torn clothing as if from a battle and one
rider seems to have more bags than the others. These
men must be either hunters or bandits. But it is clear
they do not want a fight in this area and not up against
this larger group.
The riders pass and then gallop faster and faster away
south. Corona flies south a bit to ensure they don't
back track. But they would only take the road. They
do not seem to return. Though it can be guessed they
camp within a few miles at least since it is getting dark.
Kell looks back, "guess those raiders didn't want to
fight. Finally some bandits with half a brain! Course
makes you wonder who they did attack recently."
[Time: 6:12 pm]
A half hour later or about 2 miles north of the raider
crossing the party makes camp. The road stakes are driven
into the ground. The horses are reminded not to leave the
road which the party will block with tents. Since there
is no campfire it will be total darkness. Tents are
placed on the road and the party scans the area. Corona
reports there is another road camp about 3 miles north with
2 wagons and others. To the south looks like the bandits
are maybe 3 miles on the road but no tents.
The horses are fed and party eats the night's store of
cold meats and rations.
[Time: 7:48 pm]
The darkness envelops the camp. But high above between
the trees on each side are a scattering of stars. There
is no moon so is pitch black otherwise.
---------
[Northern Thaliba - Forest]
[Decalis 3rd, 1634TH]
[Time: 5:50 am]
Twilight shines and the party stirs. It is best to
pack up before travelers pass due to limited road
width.
A quick set of rations are eaten and horses fed.
The party is happy nothing happened last night. The
day starts out bleak as overcast lasts all day with
little sun. The temperature ranges from 26 to 57
degrees at noon.
[Time: 11:52 am]
It starts to snow causing the party to panic a bit as they
don't want to miss the road. Corona flies high above and
ahead to try to at least get a idea for the road. But to
be safe the party rides side by side in two columns on
the center of the road.
[Time: 1:30 pm]
Finally it stops to snow leaving about 2 inches on the
ground. It is rough riding but it seems like no one
leaves the road.
[Time: 3:27 pm]
Party has passed many folks for the last 5 or so hours.
But up the road a single man is walking toward them. As
he gets closer it looks like a man in his 60s with gray
beard He is wearing a dark black coat and brown tunic
and warm pants. He is wearing a small floppy hat that
farmers tend to wear.
Kell reminds the group is time again to dismount and
let the horses rest 10 minutes.
At about 50 feet away the party notices he is walking
with a wooden walking stick. He has a small backpack
on his back. It seems the old man is humming a song of
some sort.
At 10 feet he nods and waves. "A good day to travel!"
The man has a bit of a back slump as if bad back and a
ligth limp on his left leg. His green eyes shine brightly
as he approaches. "I head this way to Malnon every
5 years. Got family there. It isn't usually this
cold but I started out later this year due to..."
Kell rushes over after giving his horse rope to Kiet.
"You okay old timer?"
The man bats at Kell's hands. "I'm fine...Keep looking
into that material."
Arawn and Fremea notices his aura change. To Arawn he
sees it more defined. It was a golden blue tan aura showing
a bit of age and excitement. But now it seems to show
orange and brown. Concerned Arawn reaches for his sword
by instinct but remains in place.
Kell looks confused by the comment and backs away.
The old man looks down at Fremea, "Some are not happy by
the relic being around. Some are watching you with your
kids and believe you are on the good path."
The old man moves toward Unali and whispers in her ears.
Unali looks a bit surprised and nods.
Confused the party begins to fan out not knowing who
or what this man is.
The old man looks at the dancer Zabyra. "Short term
goals are fulfilling but the road twists and turns.
One must set the path to the destination. It is the
journey not the destination that matters."
Z'leyra blinks as she just heard Rogizini but the others
seem to hear the words in Marentian? Zabyra is also
happy to hear her native tongue.
The old man walks to Pyan and stares at him for a few
seconds. "Hunters need to be quiet but a man in the
woods needs to make noises to scare bears."
Pyan looks to Kiet and is confused. Why his this man
using his native tongue?
The old man turns and faces Arawn, "Destiny is the river
that flows. But rivers can be distorted by the movement
of the earth. Going upstream can be risky but in the end
the end is always near. The White Dove is alert but the
Raven is watching."
Before the Alfar can speak the old man turns to Kiet.
He smiles, "The Air is always around you but watch your
feet for snakes abound."
The old man turns to Corona who is sitting on one of the
grain bags being carried by the taken bandit horses. "That
one does not belong here." He scowls and then turns away.
The man turns to Red Shirt, "is stealing from a merchant
worth feeding the poor? When the merchant has the power
to feed the entire poor family?"
Then the old man turns to Z'leyra and lifts his stick
as if to berate. "You must choose. Lack of Faith in no
service is just as bad as no faith. An octopus can handle
many things by his arms. But if he depends on his sight
and not his mental ability then he will die quickly. Which
court of gods do you serve as primary?"
Why would this man be asking her alignment to the gods?
The old man stands and stares waiting for his answer. "Well
I don't have all night."
Actions? Comments?
Next Update.....Monday...
GM: A good place to stop. With Thanksgiving coming up there
is a slight chance for a Friday update. But
don't be surprised if it doesn't come out. I may be
too busy with family stuff to deal with it. But
next week I'll do 2. Though I still need time to
work on my Amazon orders any day. Xmas gifts and
new set of books for myself next year.
Happy Thanksgiving to those in USA!
If no one takes sword (Zabyra/Pyan or others) by
time get into Zara it will be sold.
If all goes well might be in Zara by Xmas or even Ticasi
by then.
GM: Treasure
Goblin - Not sold yet
Goblin King Magical Sword - 1 [Who Wants?]
Fighting Daggers - 8
Clubs - 7
Swords - 29
Bandit - Not sold yet
3 Riding Horse IIIs
Kept for Group
2 2 Man Tents & Gear
1 Gold Ring estimated value 2 gold?
Cooking/Bedding Materials (Blankets, etc)
32 Travel Rations
GM: Third Leg of Travel Thaliba City to Zara City
* Completed Journey
Location/Terrain Miles Day
* Thaliban Camp - Dec 2
* Leave Thaliban Camp - Dec 2 2pm
Forest (N/NW) 60 Dec 2 2pm - Dec 4 ~11am
Border into Zarun - Dec 4 ~11 am
Forest (N/NW) 40 Dec 4 ~11 am - Dec 5
Forest (West) 80 Dec 5 - Dec 7 ~3am
Plains (West) 40 Dec 7 ~3 pm - Dec 8
Enter Zara City - Dec 8 or Dec 9
Notice there are no towns/villages/inns between camp
and of Forest. The last 40 miles there might be
a small place.
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