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......Ma..Human/Magician ..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 ..Kimis...........Warrior.NPC................Fe..Normal/Diumgi Companion ..Z'leyra.........Healer..Alex Koponen.......Fe..Human/Shaman/1st Mate ..Barbosa.........Warrior.Npc................Ma..Dwarf/Outcast ..Bes (2).........Warrior.npc................Mo..Bes.............. 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 #162 sequence (file #1189) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Dorhak: [Re: Actions] Giants! Why does it have to be giants? Dorhak hates giants … "I don’t like the idea of walking up to them just to say 'Hi!'. … GM: Ack. From Opus: [Re: Actions] Opus speaks up to the group: "Can we some how, if we are going to … GM: Ack. From Raddok: [Re: Actions] As Raddok listens to Fremea's report, he thinks to himself, “Well… [Thanks, Gerald! - I was feeling blank after the Christmas Holiday - lol] GM: Ack. Good stuff you guys. From Opus: [Re: Actions] Opus also says “I much rather kill them silently since all … “The other idea I have is to put them asleep and then silently … [ooc: new potion list Sir scott made is awesome.] GM: Ack. Thanks your first to even comment on the potions. From Dorhak: [Re: Actions] I know I don’t want to walk up to the giants and say 'boo!'. If a path can be found to enter the woods in a location the giants can’t see us, we at least have some cover and we have a chance to see if there is anything else in the area. Then head towards the giants to see if we can surprise them. BTW. Has Arawn told the rest of the party that their mana has been mildly restored? GM: Ack. From Raddok: [Re: Actions] After making his say, & Dorhak starts responding to Opus & his … GM: Ack. From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] "Long ago" says Z'leyra "I fought a giant. I was lucky to survive. … If it comes to a fight Z'leyra will use her bow at range then change weapons and empowering her boots and sheath and use her sword and shield defensively while taking the spot right in front of the foremost giant in order to allow others to flank it. GM: Ack. Hope I remember those battle sop. :) From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea gives as best as she can the description of the area around the giants. She doesn't know much about them, so hopefully someone else does. "I do... GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Arawn gave a nod when Fremea addressed her magic. "Fremea is correct," he said. "I saw the restoration in our … GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] [Ma 9th 9:12pm] Arawn had been studying the plain when Raddok's voice broke … "Normally, roughly 100 days will pass in the Middle World for every … [Ma 9th 9:21pm] After Unali's discovery of the coded text Arawn studied it for a … amulet and ring, hoping to find any markings that he could identify as a scholar. GM: Ack. Good out of box thinking on crystal use. Just simple plain role playing not many do anymore. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] OOC: I didn't see my first post pop up in my inbox and found it in junk so I'm sending this out again. I've added an additional post regarding the giants as well. [Dupe actions not shown here] Arawn had kept quiet for a bit, listening to the others … "Someone with the ability to move quickly away would be best as … GM: Ack. From Pyan: [Re: Map] The map wan't garbled this time! I wonder what changed? GM: Ack. I've always said the email version of maps mess up. Email programs add tabs, special characters and the like. That is impossible to plan for. So I say view maps on website if needed. Its odd but website adds nothing than text as is. :) If I had time and any artistic skill I'd do better maps. ;) From Pyan: [Re: Actions] Pyan takes time to study the corpses and his memories of the fight so he learns as much as possible about the creatures. GM: Ack. Hopefully won't see these things back home. :) ` From Pyan: [Re: Actions] Pyan stops a plant and gets very excited. He shouts out "A J?d? … GM: Ack. I am unsure what this is reference to? Some plant? Was it in a old update? I honestly can't remember. No point of reference like a quote, date/time like Arawn does. I'll put the full text below unedited but no clue what it is in reference to. ;< From Arawn: [Re: Actions] It was hard to escape Pyan's excitement when he discovered … OOC: Scott, does Arawn recognize the plant? And could we enhance the plant after we return to the Middle World or would the time/aging effect require us to to do it in the Lower World? GM: Ack. I have no idea what the plant is. :) I clearly forgot even Alex could not get the point of reference. So until I get more context I can't say. :) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 9th 9:12pm] Arawn had been studying the plain when Raddok's voice broke his attention. Sensing concern in the man's voice the Alfar turned to regard him with soft expression. "Normally, roughly 100 days will pass in the Middle World for every day spent here. Time will pass for all but the aging only affects mortals. The dwarves, bes, faerie and those like me are not affected by the passage as we are native. But this land is a dangerous place for humans. So, 8 hours would be approximately 1 month for you. If you're worried about aging, that is something we might be able to slow down or reverse. But for anything else, like how long your love will be waiting, that is something too dangerous to risk working around. Playing with time can run terrible risks. I'm sorry," he said, giving Raddok a sympathetic look. "But we'll try to get you back to her as soon as we can." ------------------ [Ma 9th 9:21pm] After Unali's discovery of the coded text Arawn studied it for a bit in hopes of beginning to decrypt it or find a hidden cipher. He then looked at the triangular crystal, wondering if it was part of the magic of the book and cube. He peered through it as he looked at the coded material revealed by the box. He then placed it on the page in a manner similar to what Unali had done before placing it on top and then under the box as it did its work, playing with it for a time in hopes of finding some combination that worked. But nothing happens and nothing is revealed by looking through the crystal. Later, after the party was fully settled into camp, he pulled out the letters that had been written in Marentian and the book. He then began to read them, committing anything noteworthy to memory. He then finished by the studying the amulet and ring, hoping to find any markings that he could identify as a scholar. The letter is as before seems to be a letter of connection maybe a love letter. It is dated a bit over a year earlier. It talks about why he, assuming the man at the silo, left and why he will not come back. From the tons of writing and power of the ink – anger and surprise can show more ink and letters of flair on the parchment – that the female was worried and concerned for his well being. The letter addressed to and signature are all blotted out by ink and what seems to be berry juice. If the man had wanted to keep a memento of his past life and keep things secret he'd certainly have hidden that info. But Arawn notices a clue. She speaks of a bistro and gives its name. She seems to write about a birthday party there he had setup. Granted Arawn is not a tour guide but he has been through most of Sivas. He doesn't recognize the name. As to the ring and brooch both are non magical from the witches. The ring has a gold band with a small snake stone inset worth maybe 4 SC. The silver brooch is worth maybe 3 SC and is simple design of a female face. If the witch had any human emotions maybe it was a mother? Pyan stops a plant and gets very excited. He shouts out "A J?d? d? paud?" in his native tongue. He recognizes the legendary plant from his peoples mythology. He because explains it great spiritual significances and magical powers. He harvests the plant with the proper rituals to ensure it keeps it's mystic properties. thou he doesn't have the skill needed to prepare it for use. he asked Arawn and Z'leyra if they have the skills and will enthusiastically tell them in great detail about it if they don't seem to have heard about it even if they try to avoid his advice about the alleged magical plant. He will insist that is truly if a J?d? d? paud? no matter how mush anyone tries to convince him he has mis identified the plant or it's magic powers. It was hard to escape Pyan's excitement when he discovered the legendary plant, Arawn immediately taking notice and joining the hunter by his find. The druid listened as Pyan presented the plant and described its magical and spiritual traits, the alfar studying the plant in case it proved to be something familiar. When Pyan asked Z'leyra or himself if they could perform the rites to awaken the spirit of the plant, enhancing it and bringing forth its power, he said, "Possibly, if we already know the rite. Each plant has its own ritual to awaken it and learning the one needed to coax this one out might take time. But if not now I'd be happy to do what I can to learn it for you." -------------------- [Ma 10th, 1636TH] [Time: 5:55 pm MW time] Fremea explains what she found in the forest by the mountain. Giants! Why does it have to be giants? Dorhak hates giants with a passion. The only redeeming value to them is they make Dorhak seem handsome by comparison. "I don’t like the idea of walking up to them just to say 'Hi!'. Most giants aren’t too bright, but they are damn strong. Getting whacked by a big branch, though, isn’t my idea of fun. Hmmm." "if they are close to the cave, we can’t leave them behind us. If we had to leave the cave quickly we might get caught between two forces and massacred. So, is there some way to work around them and try to catch them off guard, Fremea?" "Either way, to me it’s giants first, cave second. Let’s try not to get killed." Fremea explains she did get much of a good recon due to time. Plus they might've detected her and they still have element of surprise. Opus speaks up to the group. "Can we some how, if we are going to deal with those giants use ropes to make trip like wires between those trees? Then we can draw them out get them running to the ropes and oops fall down. "Or could we all take ropes and run circles around them to trap them up and make them fall?" "We do know where they are and they don't know where we are we some how make the job of dispatching them easier. "Before we get close I assume we could then shoot ranged weapons or magic to dispatch them Once there down?" "Also does anyone have magic that we could trip them up or slow them down?” "I'd rather not be near any of those to fight them one on one! One swipe and boom worm food!” As Opus speaks some glance to Kiet. As Raddok listens to Fremea's report, he thinks to himself, “Well, isn't this just hunky-dory! What else could we expect? A clear path for a change?” He wants to lose his temper, sulk, or smash something. But he gets control of himself over the next couple minutes. A giant would be a bit above his mace's range, unless the things had wonky ankles, so a temper tantrum seemed out of order at this point. This thought makes him smile, a bit wryly, & he almost laughs, but catches his breath when Opus begins talking. That red-skinned man was really thinking! “Hey now, Opus,” Raddok speaks up, “that idea about tripwires sounds pretty good – getting them off their feet puts a lot more target within range of weapons like my mace. I think we have enough ropes for a couple good tripwires, maybe even criss-cross a couple for extra strength. Just tie them in the shadows among the trees just inside the trees, so the '˜things' won't spot them easily. How high are a giant's ankles? Would three feet above ground be enough, or is five feet better?" He looks around with excitement to the group. “We just have to be careful to have them come after whichever of us is bait on a planned path, and the rest of us be ready. Would it be better if I was bait, since all I can do is threaten them with shouts, and the archers can be ready from the trees – or would arrows provoke them better?” He look around the group for more ideas or encouragement. Barbosa looks away grinning. Humans who volunteer as bait such silly beings. Opus also says “I much rather kill them silently since all that tripping may make a lot of noise. Thus attracting more attention and that leader lady thing may be mad we are killing her giants if this still her domain ?” “The other idea I have is to put them asleep and then silently kill them. I don't have any poisons (Which I may find immoral and never use. or magic or potions of slumber. Maybe Some one In the group might have such magic or potions?” “Are we sure we can't avoid them. That last fight hurt. Thanks to all the kindness and healing. I thought I was bad ass flinging arrows around. This adventuring thing in the underworld is not like I grew up hunting. I am brave and so is this group but giants are tall and strong and we don't belong here.” “I am willing to do what is needed and spent My whole life follow orders. I am just thinking out loud. that last fight woke me up to the real world of magic and myth.” Barbosa shrugs, “that flying lady said this was the Pale of something... a more ruthless or evil place something. WE left her forest and crossed that plain. So likely she has no influence here.” After making his say, & Dorhak starts responding to Opus & his comments,  Raddok happens to look down at his ring.  “Excuse me,” he asks the group, but looks at the various mages clearly. “Do you think my ring's are recharged yet?  Is the magic renewing yet?” "Long ago," says Z'leyra, "I fought a giant. I was lucky to survive. They can kill with just one hit. If possible I suggest we avoid combat. If we are forced to fight we should concentrate on one at a time, taking it out before dealing with the next." Fremea gives as best as she can the description of the area around the giants. She doesn't know much about them, so hopefully someone else does. "I do sense that I can cast a little bit again, so I can possibly go invis and do some special tactics with my bow to hamper one of them from the air." Arawn gave a nod when Fremea addressed her magic. "Fremea is correct," he said. "I saw the restoration in our auras earlier. We should all be capable of casting magic again." "As to your ring," he continued, turning toward Raddok. "I'll take a look but its magic should be replenished as well." Arawn had kept quiet for a bit, listening to the others discuss strategies for dealing with the forest giants. He couldn't help but wonder if the giants were in kotothi territory or had crept into elder lands. If it was the former then the group would have to move very carefully from here on out. "Someone with the ability to move quickly away would be best as bait. Of course, that person could just lure them away. Forest giants aren't known for their intelligence. Either way, I would like to take a closer look at the bodies they were feasting on." The King speaks up, “we can't leave them alive.” He pauses for about 30 seconds. “If the other Bes come here. The ones I came with and told the guard at the cave to get here plus those who scouted in the forest we did not find. They will be in danger from these giants.” [Time: 6:07 pm MW time] Dorhak decides no real plans can't be made till see the area and the giants. Too bad Fremea didn't have time to scout around better. But she is a good in recon – not that he'd admit it. She needs discipline first. The silo shows that. Dorhak waves the party fonward but at a slow and silent approach. [Time: 6:42 pm MW time] As the party gets further deep into the forest the presence of a new tension is felt. Not for the upcoming possible battle. But the forest feels different from the Elder one they were in. A feeling of being watched, a sense of dread and gloom is all about in this place. To the Sidh they can sense this place is full of dread and a taint of evil. If evil is a real word or just a sense of mind. As the forest gets more in depth the gloom of the old forest is back. Visibility is at best 40-50 feet if in a clear area. To the sidh it may be a hundred feet but that is blocked due to obstacles like the trees and bushes. The temperature seems to lower 10-15 degrees to high 60s. It is not enough for breath to cause a fog on exhale. But maybe later in the night it may be. The party avoids hallows and holes as the ground is uneven in places as the ground rises and rises. Maybe 200-300 feet if judged. But it is not a tricky terrain at this point. Fremea lands and waves a hand for silence. She indicates they are close. Another hundred or so feet she stops the party. She had been flying above the canopy of trees to use the eagle rock and mountain ahead as a bearing. Now the main face of the mountain is up ahead. Tree density here is maybe 1 every 8-10 feet in every direction and bushes about 1 in every 6-7 feet in every direction. The party gets closer and peers around trees, over bushes, through bushes or in the open as best they can with cover. Up ahead the trees are clear in a clearing and more 'light' of the twilight above shines in. It is maybe 60-65 and maybe 80-85 long. Indeed the party sees two giants. Some wonder if they are forest, hill or mountain giants? But these are boar-tusk with some fur and definitely heavy muscled bodies. One is 16 foot but the other is sitting down. Maybe it is 14-16 feet? In the center of the clearing is a pile of bones that seem to be more than one type. Those like Arawn or the healers can figure out there must be 3-6 possible full sets of bones. Either they are human, dwarf, elf or some forest creature is unclear. The one sitting grabs a skull as he tosses a leg bone on the pile. He takes a massive log and smashes the skull and digs out the what looks to be decaying brain out. The other is on the left side and has formed a pile of large trees on the side. In fact on closer view the clearing seems almost surrounded by fallen trees. These things are probably stupid but it almost seems intelligent to stack large trees on the sides and front as a rampart. Clearly they aren't that clever. Maybe they saw others do this? Maybe saw the beavers do dams? But it makes sense for defense to create the odd creature coning in the area. Raddok however isn't looking at the area but the mountain. He squints and tries to pierce the darkness. He asks briefly if he could borrow Unali's spyglass after she scans the area. To the far side is the mountain that raises almost 50 degrees or more. He can judge they are using the mountain as a wall for defense. He scans for a cave but the walls seem to be solid possible granite or the like. A red clay color may indicate a form of sandstone? Where is the cave? Pyan tests the wind direction which is now coming from the right or east. So far this is good. But if it shifts from south to north the party will be detected. He spots the large tree rampart walls that are as tall as 6-8 feet high. Then he notices something. He directs Raddoks glass to the area. Raddok glances and sees only trees that are leaning against the mountain or in front of it. So what. Then he notices the ground. These trees aren't lying on their side but are up right. But they are not attached to the ground. The trees seem to be uprooted and …piled tightly together. Fremea did not see these ramparts or missed them the first time. She only saw one giant lifting a tree or moving it. So did not make the connection. But now this gives them a good chance to reach over and pound any attackers. Raddok then squints and tries to concentrate. The trees are piled up about 6 trees each but for what? Use as missile weapons? To bash as clubs? As Firewood? But there is no sign of a fire here. He scans the perimeter around the trees and notices a darker area in various places. Then it hits him the trees are covering up a hole or a cave. That would make sense why they are here not elsewhere. You don't think that could be THE cave? To protect it from what Other giants? It does seem to have a large opening about 14-15 feet tall. Unali grabs the spyglass back and scans for defenses. It looks like they do not have any form of clothing other than animal hides for the cold? This a large tree about 6-7 feet long and as large as a elephant leg by the one lying down. Stripped of branches and leaves it is a good club. She scans the ground and finds a pile of boulders near the bones as large as a human head. Near that is a tree about 5 feet long and as thick as a large human leg for a club. Raddok moves to Dorhak and points to the possible cave. Even if they got close entering would be hard fast moving those trees. Dorhak points to Arawn where he is looking. Arawn reaches out which his senses and sees normal auras but indeed on a closer examination of the tree cave-door, he can get faint glimpses of purple and red aura piece through. It is subtle and faint but that may indicate either their lair or the cave. But if this is where Fremea saw the Eagle Rock then it could be both. Forest giants usually make hallows or holes their caves not mountains. Maybe these giants found this or stole it from mountain giants? That might explain the ramparts if it was already here. But clearly the giants have to be dealt with to get inside the cave. GM: Actions? Comments? Next update....Fri/Sat GM: Started this last week. But ran out of time. Plus was busy with year end stuff. Plus I got to binge watch Mndalorians. ;) I hope to be back on some regular schedule. Off tue/wed so updates on mon/tue/wed and maybe fri/sat or such. We shall try. At 10 pages this is a big update so we'll get it out. I hope everyone had a good holiday and new years? Not heard much comments on the potion project but oh well. Hope to have another project out this year. Below map is simple but does to cover ground terrain. Assume 1 tree and 1-2 bushes (average 3-7 feet high) per hex on map. GM: Map - /I\ = North top of screen. 1 Hex = 10 feet, 1 Column = 5 feet. 1 Row = 5 feet 1 2 3 4 5 6 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567 / \_@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@????@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@__/ A \__/ \__/= \__/ \__TTTT__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_B / \__/ \=_2 \__/ \__/ \__/= \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ C \__/ \__/= \__/ \__/ \__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_D / \__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ 1\__/= \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ E \__/ \__/= \__/ \__/% \__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_F / \__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ \__/= \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ G \__/ \__/=========-----========_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_H / \__/ \=_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ I \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_J / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ K \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_L / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ M \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_N / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ O \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_P / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ Q \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_R / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ S \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_T / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ U \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_V / \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ W \__/ \__/ F\__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_X / \__/ \__/KOMP_/DRA_UT ZGS_/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ Y 1 2 3 4 5 6 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567 Legend @@ - Mountain rock walls/side (Row A) = - Tree rampart, wall – Horizontal trees stacked. 4-5 ft wide, 6-7 ft tall. - - Tree blockade/gate? Single tree 4 feet tall ~25 feet wide ? - Possible cave? T - Trees in front of cave % - Bones, Boulder/rocks [F13] 1 - Giant #1 [E27] – Sitting, eating, facing south 2 - Giant #2 [C13] – Standing, facing West A - Arawn [A21] D – Kiet [K14] D - Dorhak [Y20] P – Pyan [Y17] Z - Z'leyra [Y27] R – Raddok [Y21] U - Unali [Y24] T – Tsia [Y25] O - Opus [Y15] M – Kimis [Y16] G - King [Y28] S – Bes [Y29] F - Fremea [X12] – In tree 12 feet up