Character Name Type Player Sex Notes ..Arawn...........Druid...John.Haight........Ma..Alfar/Backup Navigator ..Dorhak..........Warrior.Kevin.Newark.......Ma..Captain/Leader/Dwarf ..Fremea..........Sidh....Tobie.Bonahoom.....Fe..Faerry/Archer/Magician ..Kiet............Acrobat.David.Sanders......Me..Human/Magician ..Mournath........Sailor..Gibert.Isla........Ma..Human/Navigator ..Pyandalgor......Hunter..Panthera...........Ma..Human/Hunter ..Raddok..........Miner...Bess.Hadley........Ma..Human/Miner ..Tsia.Phan.......Thief...Don.Ker............Fe..Human/Thief ..Unali...........Ninja...Wout.Broere........Fe..Human/Dagger Maiden ..Upus............Warrior.Gerald.Ford........Ma..Normal/Barbarian Warrior ..Z'leyra.........Healer..Alex Koponen.......Fe..Human/Shaman/1st Mate ..Barbosa.........Warrior.Npc................Ma..Dwarf/Outcast Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/ Public posts/actions to pnpgm@list.powersandperils.org (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@comcast.net Game Update #134 sequence (file #1022) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Raddok: [Re: Actions] Raddok was a bit embarrassed about forgetting his role as … [reminder: MEL7/EL3/MDV10; Protection vs Chaos; duration 8 turns (96 seconds); range 15’; roll mod. +5 to the enemy (Chaos), use 1x/day] up. GM: Ack. I figured you were helping to translate always. From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea has no idea what demons, at least for these dwarfs, … GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Arawn cocked a brow as he asked, "What questions?" OOC: Not sure how far we'll progress in the next update but before leaving to search for the king Arawn will offer his services as a Baru (Diviner/Seer priest) to Crix, Raddok and anyone else in the party. Beyond casting Divination or Knowledge Arawn can offer the following - - Questing Sight and/or Vision Trance to help find the king and see how much time we have before we're too late/things turn ugly. - Divine Vision regarding the tome (if Dorhak wants but can always wait until after the rescue mission) GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Arawn offered Crix a smile as the besamar stepped away to allow … "I'm in, of course. I too believe we were brought here for a reason … OOC: If Z'leyra agrees to loan the necklace to Fremea Arawn will translate her desire to use it to Opus and Kimis, hoping that the pair will be able to successfully learn Marentian (or whatever Fremea has in mind) GM: Ack. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] "I’m in. Like Dorhak says, we could use the good will but we … GM: Ack. From Dorhak: [Re: Actions] The Captain strokes his beard thoughtfully, considering the … GM: Ack,. From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra says "Of course we should help rescue their king! Fremea, … GM: Ack. From Raddok: [Re: Actions] After speaking with Kiet, Raddok decides to speak to the group … GM: Ack. Invisible? Maybe to SOME mental stuff like telepathy but as I recall not invisible to magic detection. But I'll have to re-read sheet. As to the other stuff I did ask in email if you asking as player or as Raddok. :) From Raddok: [RE: Actions[ After asking his questions (OOC - & hoping for answers or reassurance), Raddok helps Barbosa gather the equipment they will or might need to venture into the mines & unknown territory. He's relieved that he has brought along his mining gear, although he knew he might need it, using it to scale down the cliff in Vahear & enter the tunnels there, even before they got caught in a portal that brought them to this point. He gathers extra oil as requested, thinking Dorhak was wise to be prepared, and a larger party would probably use more lanterns & burn through their supplies even faster. GM: Ack. From Opus: [Re: Actions] Opus speaks to the crew in rough dwarven elder; “I can swim and climb and spent some time underground . I have …. GM: Ack. From Unali: [Re: Actions] Unali will be happy to join the group in the search for the King. "Let us get supplies and our equipment together and we can be off into the deep." When Crix returns, Unali will join Mournath and Pyan, as ordered by the captain to obtain food and other supplies. She will ask Crix where best to obtain the supplies they need from the Kril. GM: Ack. From Fremea: [Re:Actions] Fremea will accept the necklace, holding it out to the overly …. GM: Ack. From Raddok: [Re: Actions] Raddok follows Fremeaâ's instructions and explains the use of … (OOC: this is the original amount of rope - was some left behind on the cliff in Vahear, or was it rigged to fall & be retained for later use? - I don't remember) GM: Ack. Sadly it was left on cliff. I was noting that personally. No one went back for it. But you can get replacement by the stores here so we'll consider it still there. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] "We should speak with Crix to see what he can outfit us with … GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Arawn's brilliant blue-green eyes shone warmly with pleasure as … "Thank you. I'm sure your skills and Kimis's blade will prove … GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] "You're welcome to learn Dwarf Elder from me if you … OOC: I'm assuming that Z can communicate with Dorhak and Barbosa (to ask to learn from them) so is there someone else she wanted Arawn to ask permission from? GM: Ack Necklace can only be used twice a day. From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra takes Arawn up on his offer and casts Tongues on herself through her staff using EL0 at x5 cost while he rattles on in Dwarf Elder.. GM: Ack. Sweet. Guess forgot 2 things. All weapons of any kind including staff were collected at door. Mentioned a few updates ago. As well as I reiterated this when Kimis reached for a weapon that wasn't there in a update or two ago. This could be fun! From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra offers to cast Soul Sight on Raddok if he desires. explaining "If you wish, I can cast Soul Sight on you, with your permission, and may find out and tell you some about your gift." If he desires she will cast Orient Self EL0 then through her staff cast max EL Soul Sight and explain to Raddok what she sees. GM: Ack. Good plan if ...well..you'll see. From Raddok: [Re: Actions] Raddok is very pleased with Z'leyra's offer about Soul Sight & eagerly accepts the offer. If he has some kind of gift that could benefit the group, he wanted to help. The old mage/prophet who had originally told him about his gift had used a lot of words he didn't understand, and the old man, a gentle but strange soul, had been considered somewhat crazy around the local countryside. Raddok didn't believe the old man was actually crazy - he, or his mind, just seemed to live in a different world sometimes. Raddok trusted Z'leyra to explain her discoveries in a way he could understand - he hoped. GM: Ack. Hmm..we may need to do this ...later. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] Kiet offers up this, "If we can get out into the open, I also … GM: Ack. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 9th, 1636TH] [Time: 12:12 pm] Arawn offered Crix a smile as the besamar stepped away to allow the party to mull over his proposal. As the door closed he looked back to the group, giving Opus and Kimis a warm look before addressing the gathering. "I'm in, of course. I too believe we were brought here for a reason and they've been kind and are in need of help." Turning to look at Dorhak he added, "Try not to judge them too harshly for keeping this secret, Dorhak. If the Lemasans or other hostile kingdoms found out they're bereft of leadership this peaceful land might find itself under siege. And this fortress might still be a safe place for the tome. Remember, the king left its protective walls to delve into the caves. But when we save him you should speak to him about the security to see if his answers will meet your expectations. If not, then we can look elsewhere." Raddok was a bit embarrassed about forgetting his role as Marentian-Dwarf Elder translator but is quickly back into his role as he finds himself engrossed in the challenge of trying to translate the red barbarians rough-spoken Dwarf Elder so that the others will know the limitations these red-skinned humans have trying to make themselves understood, in a probably newly-learned tongue, among so many strangers. He translates as accurately as he can the strangers statements & any questions they ask. As he begins to understand the barbarians concern about what was going on, he found himself a bit more sympathetic, although he really did not understand what these strangers were doing here in the first place. He had begun to understand Tsia's joining them as she was escaping a bad situation she had found herself stuck in – probably – but she still seemed very dangerous to him, and now they had two more strangers perhaps joining them, and both appeared to be experienced fighters. This could be very good – or very bad if they turned out to be unreliable. He uncomfortably remembered when he was first trying to join this '˜crew,' and how pleased he was to become a member of the party, after such a rough beginning – they could have killed him or tossed him overboard, but had given him a second chance, finding he had, maybe like Tsia, just gotten himself into a situation he had not been fully informed about, and potentially on the wrong side. He had truly tried since then to become considered a reliable member of the crew, and even maybe considered a friend with these folks he had known only for a couple of months – wow, was it only that long? He was a bit uncomfortable with this reflection, but when Dorhak mentioned the threat of demons, Raddok suddenly felt relieved that these new folks could most certainly hold their own in a fight, as he could. Then he remembered, and clasped his right hand to his left wrist, feeling for the bracelet he had almost forgotten he was wearing. Raddok quietly asks Kiet, “Remember I won this bracelet from that pirate hoard? Wasn't it protection against Chaos? I remember that, but need a reminder on how effective it might be if we run into demons.” And he pulls back his sleeve slightly, exposing the silver, gold-chipped bracelet woven with runes for Kiet to examine again, but trying not to be obvious about it to the group. “I think I can only depend on it once a day if I remember right. How strong a shield is it, compared to – uh, my own shield? And does it help anyone other than me?” “Also, I supposedly am resistant to mind control spells, especially telepathic spells, if that makes any difference. I can't verify it – I was just once told so by a strange prophet-like mage. Will that help at all, Kiet?” Raddok speaks up for the group. “Sorry, I'm willing to join you all if you decide to help out, but I have some questions that only a magic-user can answer before I know if I have anything to offer that can help us, other than my strength (he places his hand lightly upon his mace) & my knowledge of caves, tunnels, and mines.” Raddok also realized that these newcomers knew nothing about them either, and they all needed to know more about each other, especially if a dangerous fight was coming up. Arawn cocked a brow as he asked, "What questions?" Looking at Raddok. Fremea has no idea what demons, at least for these dwarfs, are. Hopefully her magics can help against them and she will have her weapons back, well her bow at least. She already made it clear that she would help, though it seems some of her own group are asleep. "Dorhak, since this is your kin or at least side kin, I will trust your judgment on what to do. My abilities are ready as always to help." Then the large, red eyed human looks at her, at her own level none the less. What the hell is this? She starts speaking to her in a weird tongue. Fremea just stares, not sure what was just said, though it seems the woman didn't want anyone to hear it. Then she speaks in that tongue that the dwarfs keep using, again so annoying. Maybe she should start saying everything in Sidh or even a completely different language, just to make everyone get annoyed. Fremea just shakes her head and shrugs. Then finally Raddok translates it and now Fremea is even more confused. Using Marentian, "Watch you? What? I don't know who or even what you are. Stop staring at me and we don't have a problem." She waits for Raddok to translate. Looking over a Z, "Can I use that necklace to learn her language real quick, this is going to be annoying otherwise." Kimis scowls then licks her lips and then begins to whisper in a 3rd language that Raddok doesn't know. That of the Faerry tongue. But it is a broken and strained use of the language. “You...your...people helped to ...what is word...to grow...to live...” Arawn then with his keen ears and ability to eavesdrop and his empathic ways figures out what she is saying. He speaks in Marentian low. “Raise.” Kimis continues, “I live with you til I was of age...then joined the others.” She nods to Opus, “Back where I belonged. Are you here to take me back or punish me again?” Fremea softens a bit. So the Faerry must've had a enclave in the mountains – probably high up and isolated away from human eyes – who raised this girl. Maybe she was abandoned as a kid or thrown out. Maybe the Faerry were mean or hostile or just typical Fae to this strange human. That must be why she is so nervous around Fremea? Crix peeks in but Kimis growls and Crix closes the door. She does have good dominance which makes some laugh. Kimis smiles and her orange eyes sparkle, “if you here not for me then we get along fine!” When Raddok and Z'leyra replied to Dorhak's concerns regarding demons in the depths Arawn couldn't help but smile, the dwarf seeming to have forgotten that the alfar was a capable druid. "I do not know which forces you fear exactly but for there are many dangers that lie underground. But I am trained in the rites of the priesthood, a druid. My abilities should hopefully prove sufficient," Arawn informed the dwarf. Kimis spins to Raddok on hearing the slightly better translation than she knows of Dwarf Elder, then to Arawn, “we two both do well under earth! In fact its a great place to snuggle.” Opus blushes but being red its impossible to tell. "I’m in. Like Dorhak says, we could use the good will but we still have to watch out for a knife in our backs." Kiet warns the group. To the red skinned ones, Kiet says in Dwarf Elder, "We have magic to help us and you communicate. That will help much." "We will need to deal with light, food and water issues. We might also want to bring along a few mining tools, especially a pickaxe and shovel. Gods! So many ways this can go wrong, but I don’t see any options." "I think we need to do some shopping." Kiet wishes he had brought that gargoyle sword with him...Dorhak’s warnings about demons has him worried. "What other common dangers might we encounter?" Barbosa shrugs, “cave ins, lack of air, getting lost or unable to escape tricky areas once you try to worm into a area.” Kimis frowns and moves to sit by Opus, she whispers in Diumgi, “they use magic. Should we go? Maybe they be bad people.” The Captain strokes his beard thoughtfully, considering the words. "Alright. You! Raddok! You and Barbosa gather tools and lanterns, along with oil. That should work best. At least one pickaxe and one shovel. Get some line as well (OOC if someone else doesn’t already have some).” He looks over to the faerry, beckons her to come closer, and asks "Fremea? While we are gathering supplies, would you please sneak around and see if you can find another way out? Especially one that doesn’t require magic? If we could teleport out, then an enemy could probably teleport in, and I expect they are protected against that. But don’t steal! I don’t wish to annoy these people." "Let's get these three (Tsia Phan, Upus and Kimis) on board with languages soonest. Then we make them part of the crew." "Packs for everyone that doesn’t have them. Bring plenty of water skins. Torches wouldn’t hurt either. And food. Unali, take Mournath and Pyandalgor and get food, water and packs. Kiet, go with them. Arawn an Z’leyra! You do what you need to to prepare magic to help protect us from supernatural threats. I’m not fearful of corporeal threats, but those aren’t the only ones down here." "if anybody has ideas or questions, speak freely." he grins a bit, disgusting as it is, and finishes with "I get some perverse pleasure that they are asking a real dwarf to solve their problems, eh Barbosa?" Barbosa shrugs, “yes or that we are just the catapult fodder.” Z'leyra says, "Of course we should help rescue their king! Fremea, here is the necklace. Arawn, could you ask if they would permit me to use a Tongues spell to learn Dwarf Elder? After that I will start working on an enchantment to protect against chaos creatures." After speaking with Kiet, Raddok decides to speak to the group as a whole, repeating what he'd told Kiet, and asking if his bracelet would be a protection against demons, and if so, protection for only him or for those nearby also. He also tells of his Mental Invulnerability, of being told he had it by an old mage/prophet/mystic, and of being told by an elf he knew that he was magically 'invisible' - but that he personally does not know how his gift works, or how it does – or if, sometimes, since he has had no reason (that he knows of) to have possibly used it for any reason. Opus speaks to the crew in rough dwarven elder. “I can swim and climb and spent some time underground. I have some spikes, 100 feet of rope and a grappling hook. That may help.” He continues to say...”I ain't never met no demon and I would assume they are angry so it may best to avoid such a dangerous and vile things.” Kimis nods, “he good with upper strength...and lower.” She giggles. Unali will be happy to join the group in the search for the King. "Let us get supplies and our equipment together and we can be off into the deep." Fremea will accept the necklace, holding it out to the overly large woman first, "Raddok, tell this one that this will allow her to understand us better. And make sure she understands how to operate it." Fremea will make sure this odd woman gets to understand Marentian. Now seated back with Opus, Kimis stares at the necklace, “what you think?” When the dwarf tells her to scout around and look for anything strange, she just looks at him for a few. She decides that it would not be worth the turmoil her pranks could create at this time, but later for sure. She just nods at him. Then she uses her sight to see if there are magic detection devices that she can sense, or other "things" that would seem out of place in a dwarf place, though she may not know they are at first. She will use invis if it seems safe to, otherwise, she will just get on her clothes that can help her blend in better (disguise) and she what she can find out. For the Sidh both sense magic on this floor greatly that seems to be more dampening magic to prevent magic than anything. Lightly on the floor from the entrance to here in this area. But in this area there is clearly more powerful cloaked magic that may be the same. The second door which probably is a private exit for the king has magic on the lock and door that probably protests it. The throne itself has gray aura of protective or blocking magic. More likely a purified area for anti magic use. Aside from that the Sidh can sense nothing else. Raddok follows Fremea's instructions and explains the use of the language necklace to Kimis. “This will teach you our group's common language so that you can talk with us much more easily. Please give it back to Fremea (he gestures to the fairy & repeats her name) when it has finished its magic. She will be sure to give it to Opus as soon as it can again be used." Raddok turns to Opus, speaking to both of the strangers in Dwarf Elder. "My name is Raddok, and I am a miner among other things. Your equipment will be useful for us. We thank you.” He reports to the group, "I have my grappling hook, spikes & hammer, 50' of climbers rope & 100' of rope.” He repeats Opus's statement of the gear he has to share, so that all will know. Arawn speaks up, "We should speak with Crix to see what he can outfit us with before spreading out and spending our coin. I'm sure that the besamer should see fit to equip us considering the importance of the mission." Arawn's brilliant blue-green eyes shone warmly with pleasure as Opus offered his skills and gear to the group for the mission. "Thank you. I'm sure your skills and Kimis's blade will prove useful down below," he informed the red-skinned humanoids, speaking in Dwarf Elder. "My name is Arawn, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you." Kimis glances at Arawn, “we hear of ...folks like you..the ears..never saw one till now.” Then she turns to Opus and speaks in Diumgi looking at the necklace, “these people insane? Learn their language just like that? Insane or they must be drunk!” "You're welcome to learn Dwarf Elder from me if you wish," Arawn offered the shamaness. "Otherwise I'll be happy to ask on your behalf." [Time: 12:35 pm] Crix peeks in and glances at Kimis who has back turned to him. He moves to head of the room and stands facing the party as they move to sit. “We decide?” Dorhak nods and affirmative. Crix smiles, “thank you for helping to locate King Strata. Some more info since helping. As I said the tunnel was blocked off up until roughly 3 months ago. This is about the time the cave on this Vahear was found. I'm unsure its a lucky thing or a omen. Largen found old archives that said it was last used some 415 years ago. It was a now depleted nickel mine. We used it for about 80 or so years and it ran out of nickle. We closed it off. He figured as our normal routine we shut it down since no longer used. Then 3 months ago it seemed to open due to a cave in and we found it again. This particular mine is about 150 feet from a nearby small coal mine that we still use today. So King Strata sent folks to investigate and found the old tunnel in good shape. Aside from the cave in that was at entrance it was in good shape. As two went further in – the cave is said to be some 300 feet deep – the two never came back. The other 2 got scared and alerted everyone. After 3 groups we learned that once folks go past a certain point around 210-220 feet they just go poof and don't come back. King Strata geared up with various items of magic to help and lead 6 warriors. They all never came back. If you are willing to enter this zone we will furnish gear for you at no cost for supplies. We are not...equipped to detect magic of this nature.” “But even though we have so little info we need to discuss this tome. If you do not come back the Tome could lie in enemy hands. I'm willing to show you Dorhak, Arawn and maybe 1 or 2 with approval the vault. If you feel it is worthy of its ability to protect the Tome I only ask it remain here while you are away. You should also take all gear in case you end up at another place like Vahear or such far off. We can only guess this may be the case. If our old magic had this tunnel to some other Tome cave or such then the cross over must be fast before it may close. But if he and the others are in some trapped cave we have no idea if they have enough food or air. So we only ask that you leave as soon as you can maybe a hour or two at most.” Barbosa asks, “are there demons below?” Crix shakes his head, “the 200 or so feet to this mysterious threshold is clear of any life bigger than insects. There is no danger. If our magic created this threshold or maybe the elves who helped us way back...then there has to be a way back. But I fear the King and others may not have solved that. What do you say? Any questions?” Z'leyra takes Dorhak on his offer and reaches for her staff but forgets its been taken away as she speaks the words of her tongues spell. Crix frowns at hearing Z'leyra, he looks to Arawn, “she doing magic? That could be a bad thing...” Fremea and Arawn stand as they both realize the warning they begin to warn the healer but its too late the spell is complete. Z'leyra speaks dwarf...or would have if it didn't fail abysmally. Fremea and Arawn away for the bad news. But nothing happens. Rather something did happen. Arawn detected it very faintly. It encircled most of the room which basically covered those sitting next to each person. Some strange black aura but it faded as it came instantly. That's when in the pit of his stomach he feel it. He has no magical strength – no mana at all. Fremea feels it as well. Arawn glances at the room and looks at each person's aura. Yes indeed. It seems from each and every magic casting person in room all mana is gone. Arawn glances at Kiets rings and Raddok's rings. Seems the magical items are still working just personal mana. Crix looks at Arawn, “what happened? Will we expect something bad?” Arawn realizes that if Crix needs immediate departure that could be a issue with no mana. At least till next day. Arawn also feels deep in his gut that time is critical here. Delays could be very bad. Z'leyra figures her spell failed. It can happen. But she turns to Raddok and offers to him. "If you wish, I can cast Soul Sight on you, with your permission, and may find out and tell you some about your gift." Arawn shakes his head at Z'leyra as if saying nope you can't and sits down. Kiet offers up this, "If we can get out into the open, I also offer a knowledge spell to see if the gods of the air can help with your question." Barbosa asks Crix, “how long has the king actually been missing?” Crix turns to the dwarf, “It has been 25 days now. Its been a quiet secret with me and two others. Folks starting to ask questions. Especially since we have a festival soon and he is normally expected to oversee it. IF he doesn't then we'll have to explain things and start a ascension process.” When Crix returns, Unali will join Mournath and Pyan, as ordered by the captain to obtain food and other supplies. She will ask Crix where best to obtain the supplies they need from the Kril. Crix nods, “I have most stuff you may have need in a room here on this level. In case you said yes.” He smiles. “So Dorhak do I show you the vault or will you leave to the mien now? If to the vault who will you take if any? Rather not everyone go for security reasons.” [Time: 12:36 pm] GM: Actions? Comments? Next Update – Wed. ?? GM: Whew lots of posts. Finally done. But had some fun to dust off the Abysmal failure chart. It could've gone far worse. Next update we can move on to get supplies and move to mine tunnel (but not to venture in). If you guys have any last minute requests or comments let me know. The issue of 0 mana for all could be a problem for the party but if you delay it 12 hours let me know. But details are above for situation. Crix already planned ahead and has gear ready. Oh actually I guess if you take his offer to see vault first that will be next update 1 or 2 hours of game time? I will assume again all gear is taken unless you leave stuff behind. As to my week. Tuesday got docs for mom. So I may have time to do a quick update Wednesday. Fri/Sat I suspect will be too busy for update work. So if no update by Wed. then it'll be a week later. Necklace – Did Opus want to use the necklace? I started this update many days ago so forgot core idea. But for Opus to learn Marentian. Gerald I think they explained the purpose of it but unsure if willing to use it. Let me know. GM: Supplies – mainly note for myself * Food/Water * Lantern/Oil * 100' rope * climbing gear