HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R3 Balrog................Balrog............Warrior.Normal/Human Ma ?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma R4 Tom Crockett..........Caladan...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma R1 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma W3 Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma W2 Sergi Sallent.........Jordi.............Wizard..Normal/Elf Ma R4 Tim Falkenberg........Malradh ben Kasha.Merc....Normal/Human Ma R3 Wayne Richardson/Uji..Thig..............Sidh MU.Normal/Faerry Ma Do Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Artist..Normal/Human Ma R3 Orion (Paul Broman)...Trembyl...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma W3 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe R3 Scott Adams...........Xian..............Wizard..Normal/Human Ma W2 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe Animals: Ventrius/Pogo Thig's dogs, Firesnake of Caladan's, Z'Leyra's Eagle, 2 Draft Horses, Wolf - Boyzdar 6 Captured Zen'da Horses Game Web Site - For updates, files, links, etc. http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot/pbem/index.htm Public posts/actions to pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@softhome.net Game Update #36 in sequence (file #142] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: None ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] Ben'Dar is outraged when he hears Caladan tell of how the giant used to hunt down Zen'Dan warriors to eat them. When Caladan mentions that the elderly shaman was laughed at for striking a deal with the evil giant, Ben'Dar raises his eyebrows and thinks, "Yes, I would have laughed at the old fool also...especially after the beast had killed so many of the People..." Thig says "He's actually still alive and breathing. Just unconscious. What shall we do?" Ben'Dar shakes his head in disbelief that the giant is still alive. "Only one thing to do. Finish that foul beast that has caused so much harm to so many." Ben'Dar hefts his pike onto one shoulder and, turning on his heel, he strides quickly over to the giant. Stepping up onto its chest with one foot, he raises the pike above his head with both hands. Plunging it down with all his strength, he stabs the beast through the heart. Question about the giant gauntlets: Are these like arm guards or bracers or are they like big metal gloves? If the former, could they be modified (by a skilled armorer perhaps) to be worn on the legs like greaves since they're too big for human arms? On gathering up gear in the chasm: Ben'Dar has 40 feet of rope in a saddle bag. He pulls out the rope and helps haul up gear out of the hole. GM: Ack. You kill the Giant. Gauntlets are studded leather with no metal. They are magical. Likely to increase some damage done by arms. They go from the wrist down to just above the Giant's elbow. On a human that's about 1.5 hand lengths. Since Giant is in proportion 3x human size this would be 4.5. For a six foot tall person its 4 from the ankle to the thigh. (At least for me :)). So there would be some overage on either end. I suppose it could be done as such but would look awkard. Also cutting the item could ruin the magical (and thus value if sold later) of the gauntlets. As to width. As I figure it would be one width over for legs so could be very loose fitting. I know not specific numbers I just cheated and used hand lengths and circles (thumb to middle finger to measure width). This help somewhat? --------------------------- From Jordi: [Re: Actions] "No! Wait!" -Jordi says when he sees Ben'dar raise his pike. However, Jordi, being distrated taking care of the wounded, isn't quick enough. Ben'dar's pike is deep into the Giant body when he speaks. "Well, a pity. Perhaps he could have given us some interesting news before we kill it; if he has his lair too far away from here, and he visits regularly this area, he was perhaps a good source of news. Of course, no interaction with humans, so we can't ask a lot of details, but he could have some info about far lands..." It seems clear that Jordi doesn't mind that the giant is dead... in fact, he semms to consider that the dead of the giant is the normal outcome of the encounter. Jordi will heal Balrog and Trembyl, if they agree. He will cast a purification for regeneration (Maximum EL), and then will cast Regeneration spells for both of them, (with Sidh Tongue 80). And he will give (with Thig's permission) some food to Thig's dogs; they are very brave, and they deserve a premium. After that, he will help to recover what can be recovered from the chasm. He has a 30' rope, and some stakes to secure the rope, if needed. "Caladan, are we near your lands? It's an odd time to make some questions (OOC: It can be assumed that Jordi asks these questions the next morning), but I need to know some things. First, not being a human, how must I behave when we meet your people? I don't like to cause any nuisance. May I speak freely your tongue? May I use my magical abilities?" After listening Caladan explanations, Jordi tries to speak with Ben'dar when nobody else can hear them: "Ben'dar, when we were in Marentia, I bought a present for Caladan family; will I break any law, tradition or custom if I give it to Caladan's family? Because your ways are very different from the ways of the rest of humans I know, and I don't want to cause any problem." OOC: Sorry for not writting this before, but this week I had some problems -well, lots of problems :-( - now they are solved, but I didn't have a lot of time. I am happy to know Scott is okey, and I hope the rest of the US players are also okey; when I saw the images of the French Quarter, I was apalled. One reporter said that Algieres quarter was devasted, destroyed entirely... I hope help reach the area quickly; but I fear Scott is right, and a lot of people will be found dead. Good luck; I hope the Big Easy and the rest of the affected areas recover soon. GM: Z'leyra healed Trembyl as he needed the best care. But Balrog you can surely get the experience. Do you want to use Regeneration? That will drain you of energy points. Rather not use Healing or even your Healing Amulet? As to Thig's dogs he'll allow it. Bit surprised as no one has tried to get close to them. So he likes the offer. See below for the answers. --------------------------- From Ben'dar: [Re: reply to Jordi] Ben'Dar replies to Jordi, "Gifts from strangers can sometimes be looked upon with some suspicion among the People. There may be even more suspicion because you're an Elf. My people have a perception of Elves and Faeries as somewhat mischievious and even malicious. I myself had that misconception when I first joined the party, though I soon learned better. I'm sure your gift will be well received though, seeing that you are good friends with Caladan. I'm sure you will give no offense with your gift. What is it?" During the next time of quiet riding in the coming days, Ben'Dar pulls his horse up alongside Strie'bog. Matching Strie'bog's horse's pace, the two ride side by side for some time. Ben'Dar seems to be silently making a decision about something. After a long silence, Ben'Dar finally turns and hesitantly says, "I have given thought to the blessing you gave during the fight with the giant. I can sense that there is wisdom and goodness in you Strei'bog. But I know very little about you and about your background. I know even less about "Cernunnos" (he stumbles over the unfamiliar word). But I would like to learn more. Would you tell me more of yourself, your home, and about this "Cernunnos"? GM: Ack. Good interaction. --------------------------- From Jordi: [Re: In reply to Ben'dar] Jordi listens with interest Ben'dar explanations. "Well, I don't know (and I didn't know when I bought my present) a lot about your people, but I have noted that human cultures have a strong liking for good alcoholic beverages, so I spent 1 GC in good wine (OOC: I don't know if it's good wine of fine wine, I don't remember), because I tought it will be something valued in these lands." Jordi blinks. "And, if they don't apreciate it, well, I'm sure we will!" GM: Ack. :) --------------------------- From Strie'bog: [Re: Comments] "I have travelled in your lands Ben'dar, but they are still a mystery to me. Mayhaps we can learn from each other. I come from the forests in land of the Vassa. The Vassa are a peaceful people, and aided in teaching me, but I was not born of their people. As I said, they are a peaceful people, who respect the cycles of life, but they know how to fight. They are surrounded by many who would take their fertile lands, and so they have learned to defend themselves, sometimes by means your people would call dishonest. Honor among the Vassa is not like the honor among the Zen'da. It is not battle prowess that is sought, but a well lived life. Yet, as I said, I was not of their people, though I learned their love of life, and was loved by them. I was raised in the forests, not in the villages, for it is there that my mother can be found. As for my father, he was from Dawan. He came as a missionary, but discovered that the Vassa already had a love for Manu and Omael, for life. They also respected the spirits of the forest, who call Cernunnos father. Some of the Vassa devote their life to the forest, to Cernunnos, while others are devoted to the teachings of Omael and Manu. My father and mother grew to understand each other, and the different aspects of Cernunnos, Manu and Omael. Yes, both of my parents were holy people, dedicated to the gods and community. My path was similiar, and though I hold the Dawan teachings as sacred, it is to Cernunnos that I hold devotion. It is to the honor and glory of Cernunnos that I sing." "As for Cernunnos, he is best described as the Lord of Nautre, the Undying One. He is the Lord of Life, its patron and protector. In this way, he and Omael are brothers. Cernunnos's court of spirits seek to protect life, and are enemies of Kototh, his servants and children. This at least is a start. Among the Vassa, I am a teacher and holder of history. Unlike others, we do not bind our histories into books to be forgotten, but like your people, keep it alive through song, dance and story." "I feel that there may be another question you may want to ask. If I am a teacher of my people, why have I travelled? I am looking for a cure; a cure to heal a wounded heart. My father died protecting my mother. His death was a blow to my mother, and she is now weakened. As I mentioned, enemies surround the Vassa, and her wound leaves them vunerable. So, I have been sent to find a cure." "Why have you travelled so far from your home?" GM: Ack. Excellent. Do you say this loud enough so others can hear and understand? --------------------------- From Unali: [Re: Actions] If she can have someone help (levitate) her get up and down the chasm to her tent, she will gladly take the help. Otherwise she will take a rope and climb down to retrieve her tent and belongings. GM: Ack. Not a problem on either. Figured this was sufficient for public. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] Octaqi 14, in the 163rd Year [TH] Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains, 306 Miles North of Asichi City, Heading East from River [It takes some time to clean up the mess in the chasm. The problem is not finding items but the possible rock and dirt slides that could bury a person and other items. So Thig helps out along with rope and some good team work from everyone. About 80% of the big items are carried up and out within about 20 minutes. But its too dark to find some of the smaller items. So in the morning when first light comes the rest are picked clean and found. Luckily nothing (from rolls) is broken or beyond cleaning by a good cloth and water. Even the tent is in good shape and the fabric didn't get cut. In the morning it takes about 15 minutes to finish cleaning and finding the items while the party packs up for travel again.] [Ben'dar quickly finishes off the giant.] [Balrog just grins in that with his pains hes glad to see the beast dead. Farseeker only sighs in disgust at the waste of a creature. Jordi tries to stop Ben'dar but is too late. First regretful then not so much afterwards. Kasha frowns and was hoping to use his Mace on the beast at least once. Thig shows no emotion at all. Xian turns away at the final cut and walks away. Caladan stands and stares at Ben'dar and the Giant. It seems he wishes to form words to speak...then does...] Caladan: "You must understand. Many Shamans on the plains are more noble...hrm..more attuned to nature than the typical warrior. A warrior like yourself is trained to fight and kill to survive. There are some war oriented shamans here and there but most look to uphold all life. While this creature raided our people for many decades the shaman sought to solve the problem. He had visions that this Giant was doing things not of his own free will. Some argued it was their nature to kill and fight. Just like the warriors. But the gods who created the Giants had them serve their own purposes. We may never know those reasons. Another shaman argued with the other shaman to save him (he points to the Giant). The elder shaman could not answer questions of the vision that it was occurring now or it was before or after the vision. The young shaman started to get upset but the elder shaman was too much respected by the leaders and he won out barely. Yes. Many do and did laugh at him. But I've found over the years many shamans are wise beyond their years. For myself and some here we don't try to kill outright. I joined this party long ago because of that. We will fight to save ourselves in self defense. Yes. But to kill out right is not in our nature." [At this Xian turns and just nods in agreement] "If we kill like that it makes us as mean and evil as this beast was. A path we should not take. Going on rash actions can cause future problems." [With that he turns and walks away. But seeing confusion in Ben'dar's face, Xian walks over to Ben'dar.] Xian: "It is late and he is tired. He may not think too clearly at this hour and may be harsh. He has not lost respect for you. As to the Giant maybe killing him was the most effective thing. Maybe he'd bleed to death during the night. If he was to lay here a day surely some animal would've finished him off. So you killed him with mercy and that's what Caladan sees. He only wanted to explain another point of view. You understand? As to his story it is interesting and makes one wonder about the unusual shaman and who he was. Must've been a great man." [At that Kasha dances around and jumps back as he slaps his legs. Looks like he kills a few insects.] Xian: "Step in ants?" Kasha: "Dunno. These bugs came off the giant's hair near his ear and just started swarming. They flew off though. Guess the giant had fleas or something?" [He waves a torch near the ground to inspect the dead bug he killed] "Now that I've not seen before. Unusual color." [At that Pogo comes sniffing over and eats the bug.] [Ben'dar hops off the Giant and inspects the gauntlets.] ------------------------------------------------------------- Octaqi 15, in the 163rd Year [TH] Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains, 306 Miles North of Asichi City, Heading East from River [The next day turns to be a very cloudy day from 80-90% of the sky full of dark or gray clouds. A pretty miserable day indeed. The temperature only rises up to about the mid 60s. Around 11:30am a large hail storm suddenly begins to hit the party. Fro those who have shields they use them to block from falling medium sized hail stones. For those who do not they have to dismount and try to take cover between horses or use a bag over their head. The hail storm only lasts about 3 minutes. The horses have minor bruises and scratches but everyone else is in good shape. Then around 4:30pm a drizzle rain drops lasting about 2 minutes which makes the party cold and a bit exhausted from riding.] [During the travel Caladan hears and answer's Jordi's questions.] Jordi."...near your lands?..." Caladan: "We should get there by nightfall if not sooner." Jordi: "....May I speak freely your tongue? May I use my magical abilities?" Caladan: "Well. I don't know. Your the first Elf I know of who has visited our area. In fact Thig will be the first Faerry as well. I just don't know how they'll react to you or him. This is all new to me as well. I suspect if you just cover your ears they'll treat you as any other human. As to magic. Just don't flaunt it. The shaman is the one who uses magic. Even then its not magic per se but spiritual rites and methods. Use of too much "magic" could lower his station and he might be fearful of that status loss. To be honest we don't have many outsiders who know magic. In fact when I was around I don't recall any. So again we'll just have to learn this as we go." Xian: "But you used magic surely?" Caladan: "Yes. But I ...only used it when needed. My fire magic came in handy at times and then i used it in such a way not to be obvious about it. there are ways..." [It seems Caladan looks to the sky to think of a way to explain it.] "...Some of the more less influenced people could be swayed by magic. This is how the shamans get their true power in the tribes. So magic to a shaman is power so think of it in that way. As to using our tongue that would show respect that you learned it. Outsiders get respect by doing so. Traders for example who do not know the tongue usually are avoided. With the friend who comes to our area every so often, the same one who gave me the warning note, knows our tongue and is highly respected as a friend." [The party continues onward. It seems obvious by now that to many Caladan hasn't discussed everything he could have or wanted to. Maybe in time...] [After the afternoon drizzle the party ontinues onward a bit tired and hopeful of seeing people soon. Finally about an hour of riding something in the distance about 1-2 miles is seen. Its hard to tell distance based on the long open plains and the overcast skies. But it looks to be a puff of smoke. Ten minutes later more of riding something else is seen. Caladan smiles and nods. He stops.] Caladan: "My village. We best dismount and clean ourselves to prepare to enter. Might want to dust off and dust off the horses. A good show is a good impression to my people." [With this he dismounts and adjusts his gear and cleans himself off of dust and checks his horse over.] Xian: "Will they see us? It must only be a mile or so from the village?" Caladan: "More than likely but that's to be expected." Actions? Comments? Next update Friday... Ok. I was going to do a bit more but figured I'm too tired right now and brain isn't working. I need to work on a few minor bookkeeping details. Then work on some more research on the actual adventure. But hopefully on friday the party can move into the village. If you have any last minute actions or questions let's hear it now. Updates may be slower as the adventure begins. As I stated earlier it won't be as long as the last one. In a table session it would only last one weekend. In a pbem who knows :) Its taken us 6 months to do the 45 days pre-travel stuff so maybe we can finish by next summer at most or as early as spring :) Well gotta work on some details.