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 #39 in sequence (file #156] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: None ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra will help clean up the horses then put on some of her better shaman type clothing in preparation for entering the village. GM: Ack. From Ben'dar: [Re: In reply to various people] Regarding conversation with Strie'bog : Ben'Dar ponders the words of Strie'bog regarding his past and his home. He replies, "My heart is heavy to learn of your father's death and your mother's sickness. What cure can possibly heal a wounded heart of its grief? How can your mother defend your people from their enemies? Is she a mighty warrior or a leader of your people? " Regarding the religious conversation... "The People worship the spirits of nature. Animal spirits, the wind, the sun. I myself have great respect for the Spirits that shape the natural world around us. Though... I do not know much about them. I thought I met a nature Spirit once..." he begins, looking down at his horse, but then thinks better of it and says no more about it. In answer to Strie'bog's question of why Ben'Dar has travelled so far from his home, Ben'Dar stiffens and his eyes narrow - but only for an instant. Then he casts his gaze at the ground in front of his horse and his shoulders slump somewhat. In a low voice, he confides, "I was taken from my home against my will. The vile people of Clima captured me and killed many Zen'Dans at the same time. Members of this group rescued me and I have traveled with them since that time. Though some in our party would see it as harsh and barbaric...it is the way of my people to exact revenge upon those who have wronged us. Because of that, I will not feel worthy to return to my people until I have regained my honor and restored the honor of my people by killing and/or capturing many more Climans and restoring wealth and prestige to my people upon my return. I suppose you do not understand - but it is something I must do." In response to Caladan's rebuke: Ben'Dar is confused, and his eyes smoulder with anger. He waves Xian away as he tries to intervene. He says to Caladan's back, "I will not question your honor as you have questioned mine, my friend. But I will disagree with you." "The elder shaman sought to 'solve the problem' by placating a killer of his people. By bribing the giant with food, he surrendered the pride and honor of his people. This giant should have been, justly and rightly, hunted down and killed for its offenses against the Zen'Da, not given gifts to purchase its mercy." "I respect those who do not kill indiscriminately, because I am one of them. But an enemy that attacks us has sacrificed its right to live. Whether it dies directly in combat with us or is rendered unconscious and later killed by us; it matters little to me how it dies, as long as it receives a clean, honorable death at our hands. To not kill it would have been dishonorable, as it would have suffered in agony and probably eventually died from its injuries." "This beast attacked us with the intent to kill us all. We all attacked it in return with the intent to kill it. Were you trying to merely subdue it with your fire magic, my friend? Is that why this beast is burned nearly unrecognizable? No. You were trying to kill it outright just as we all were - more than the rest of us, judging by the massive burn damage done to it. I do not consider killing a vicious giant, which attacked me with the intent to kill me, a rash action. I consider it the optimal outcome of the combat and a just and fitting end for an evil creature who has committed such atrocities upon your people." Actions: Having had words with Caladan, Ben'Dar considers the issue to be done and forgotten. Later, Ben'Dar will clean himself up in preparation of entering Caladan's village, and make sure he's wearing all his beast body-part paraphanelia (hippogriff feathers, tooth/claw necklace, dragon armor, etc) Regarding the giant gauntlets, Ben'Dar helps to strap them to one of the draft horses if no one claims them. He has no interest in them, but figures they can be sold and the proceeds split as party loot at some point in the future. GM: Ack. Good on the animal spirit thing :) Hrm. Interesting. Got a idea from your comments to work on :) Ack on caladan's comments (see below). Gauntlets claimed by you since no one else wanted them. They can be sold later to help the ranch funds. :) --------------- From Strie'bog: [Re: Replies and actions] Strie'bog would not have hidden his converstation with Ben'dar, so any who wanted could freely listen. "Thank you friend, his death was hard on many." He pauses when Ben'dar asks about his mother, contemplating what he will say. "There is a cure, but I do not know what form it takes. The forestals foresaw my finding the cure." He looks up toward the sun, "My mother is powerful, and her arm is far reaching. She is the mistress of the forestals, and they were my teachers. She knows the name of every tree and plant within her boundaries, and oft talks to them. Though mighty in battle, she is by nature no warrior. I have not been in the plains often, so I don't know if there is an equivalent in the lore of your people. She is neither queen or princess, but her words carry power within the Forest." From Ben'dar: - Regarding the religious conversation... "There are many spirits in the forest," Stire'bog replies. "As I said, we worship Cernunnos and his court. The spirits of nature are his children. Do not be hesitant Ben'dar. Spirits can take many forms, and many things can be great of spirit." Regarding Ben'dar's history: "I can hear the pain and loss. They took something from you, and you can not recover it without vengence. Have you heard of the Book of Dawan? As I mentioned, my father was a missionary. He found that the Vassa and the my mother respected life, and so taught them the ways of Dawan. He taught the me as well, though my heart belongs to Cernunnos. I do not remember the passage fully, but it says that though a man may steal your bread, he can not steal your dignity, only you can give that away. It is a different way than your people, but I do understand the need for vengence. I wanted it after the death of my father." He will listen to Caladan's admonishment of Ben'dar over the death of the giant, and Ben'dar's reply. He does not interfer with the proceedings, as he wants to learn about the Zen'dali. Actions: Strie'bog will clean up, and see to the horse and Bodyzar. He will put on fresh clothing as well. Finally, he will ask for the Blessing of Cernunnos (cast Bless twice, applying results to Empathy and Eloquence). GM: Ak. Spells casts successfully. Will make notes here. ------------------ From Jordi: [Re: Actions] OOC: Jordi will use Regeneration. He thinks it's important he learns a little bit more about it, because if one member of the party is massively injured, a good EL in Regeneration will help him/her more than an excellent Healing spell. Jordi thinks for a minute or two before answering to Caladan: "I think it's better that you introduce me to your people as an elf. If I disguise my ears, perhaps they can think I'm an strange human; but, if later they discover I'm an elf, you will have problems; I prefer to face a minor hostility, than to put you in jeopardy later. Also, we can't hide Thig; so, we don't gain a lot hiding my nature. The only one who can gain something is me, but at a high cost for yourself." Jordi prepares himself for entering the village; he cleans his clothes, armor, etc... takes a look at his horse, and takes a look at the captured horses. Jordi will place himself in the middle of the party, and will try hard not to do anything that can be considered agressive. "Perhaps, Caladan, you can enter your village first; in this way, your people won't be surprised by the appearance of a group of armed, unkown riders..." GM: Ack. Good stuff. ----------------------------------- From Chion: [Re: Actions] Chion reviews the comments of his fellows and decides he is not entirely worthy of a "honorable" entrance into town. Thus, he does not bother cleaning himself up, nor doing any of the other things people are doing. He figures it this way: the rest of the group is all nice and shining, so there is some need to balance that out with the reality that we are just a rag-tag band of adventurers. Plus, with him being dirty it might not be noticed quite as much that he is of slightly darker complexion than the rest of the folks here (they might think its dirt). He will keep a low profile while in town and simply observe the people and conversations as best he can. GM: Ack. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [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 [After the Earth Giant Combat...] [Caladan stops and listens to Ben'dar's reply in stern concentration. His face showing no emotion. Then when Ben'dar finishes a few seconds of tension continues. Then Caladan smirks. His grin becomes even wider and then he shows his teeth in a full grin. Ben'dar looks confused and so do others. Ben'dar continues to fume as his blood boils a bit from the words exchanged. Then Caladan with staff in hand walks toward Ben'dar. He switches hands with the staff. Then with the right hand he slaps the back of Ben'dar with it in a affectionate well done gesture.] Caladan: "You have spirit. That spirit will benefit you in days to come. Of all the people here I wanted to ensure you had the motivation and the desire to control your feelings. Of all the people in the party you will have the most to prove being one of the Zen'da already you will be viewed with great scrutiny. I have no dislike toward you or what you did. But there will be some who may and its good to know you can defend yourself. The shaman was a fool but his heart was in the right place. It wasn't a popular opinion but just directed in the wrong way. To go against the views of others, in this case the party or our people, is just as important a trait as those who simply just do without question. Well done." [Xian and Farseeker exchange looks of confusion. Farseeker whispers to Xian] Farseeker: "A test?" Xian: [in whisper] "Looks like it." --------------------- [Jordi approaches Balrog for healing. He casts a Regeneration spell on Balrog. A wave of energy moves from Jordi and into Balrog. But it only heals 2 points of the 7 back. He is still 5 under for the day. Jordi loses 2 Energy Level points and Balrog heals 2. Since its the same day as the 15th (morning of day 15) no natural healing occurs till the 16th.).] GM: It may take a few days to heal the energy points back. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [Around 4:35pm] [As the party quickly prepare to enter the village the distant view of the village shows some smoke rising in a lazy fashion to the sky. Every once in awhile a figure is seen in the distance but its too far to make out any great detail. Strie'bog whispers a blessing spell on himself and says a quiet prayer. Jordi speaks to Caladan...] Caladan: "Fine. I'll do that. As to entering the village first it might be best." [As the party finishes, all but Chion, the sun is to their backs low in the sky. Though the sun can't be seen through the overcast skies. A chilly wind still blows pretty hard. Caladan mounts and heads toward the village by himself. At the half way point a group of riders head toward him. They stop and they talk for what seems like forever but is only about 10 minutes. Caladan then turns and waves the party forward. The riders, 8 of them spread out and surround the party. All warriors with Scimitars or Lances and some shields and bows. While not in battle stance they eye the party carefully with caution. Caladan leads the party toward the village slowly. As they approach word spreads in the village of visitors. A crowd slowly forms to watch the visitors. The village is nothing like a typical civilized village with houses and shops. In fact its very primitive. The tribe has 20 Tipis set up around a 500 square feet area. In the center is a large campfire. Around the campfire are spits, pots and other things for cooking. Around the campfire are small stools for sitting or low benches. To the side of the large burning campfire is a large picnic style table for what must be community eating. It appears to sit 40-50 at any one time since the table is long but narrow. The Tipis are the classic style upside down triangular cones. Most are sun baked white, tan, brown or aged grays mostly in color. The material seems to be from hides, leathers and cloth all seemingly connected together. There is only one entrance, a large flap, in one side. At the top poles stick out where smoke exits from what must be inside smaller fire pits. Some of the Tipis are small for a small family while others are large as 25-30 feet in size at the base but it hard to tell size without entering. Another large structure maybe 20x10 feet is seen off to one side. The structure seems to be made of logs at the base and foundation and a combination of mud, tree limbs and birch (?) at the top. Again its hard to tell at this distance the materials but that seems to be the case. It seems to be a lodge log cabin house. But the 4 sides are open at this time and some sit in it. There seem to be large hide/cloth flaps which can be hanged for "walls". To another side seems to be two corrals where horses are held in one and other animals in another. Some animals are strung about here and there tied up alongside Tips like a dog, cat, small calf, pig or sheep. Many of the people are dressed in the same drag colors and leathers as the tipis. Many wear white, tans or brown tan top and bottoms. They wear sandals or no shoes. Some of the women may have more colorful jerkins with reds, yellows or even the rare blue. At least 70% of the people don't seem to be carrying weapons or anything at all. The warriors who do carry them at their sides or may have them within reach if needed. Only the escort into the village has horses. There are 3-4 other horses in the village with men going this way and that on various tasks.] Caladan: "At any one time we could have 150-200 in this particular village depending on time of the year. Soon as winter closes in more will come to stay till spring." [Many of the women seem to be wearing metallic or wooden jewelry around their necks, hair, wrists or hands. The men only seem to wear one style of necklace. The necklace seems to be a simple string with beads. Based on how they look the more beads seems to indicate they are higher in some form of warrior station. At this range its hard to study the beads any more at this time. As the party gets within 20 feet of the village first Tipi around 100 are already standing about. At least half are adults from age of 17-50 while the rest are spread out (children, teens and elderly). Seems at least 60% are males and rest are females. While many are normal size there are one or two who seem a bit under weight. Only one female seems to be overweight. So it seems the people aren't hungry but not overflowing in food.] [Its rather strange to see just this small group of structures in the plains where nothing can be seen for miles and miles. As the party enter the best face is put forward.... Balrog still with a wounded broken rib rides softly on his horse wearing leather armor, daggers in belt, short sword in sheath, whip and sling on belt. He seems to grimace in pain as he moves into the village and glad he can sit down and rest his rib. Otherwise he seems disinterested in the people of the village. Caladan leading forward with firesnake in his lap smiles and waves to various people he must know. He removes his helmet and packs it during cleanup explaining "The Zen'da do not really like helmets". He carries warstaff in hand, bow/quiver on his back, wears his leather armor under his robes. With his brown cloak and gloves he looks like a mix of a noble rider, cowboy and misfit at times. Ben'dar wears his dragon armor but it seems to be a bit scratchy as he enters the village. Maybe its some subconscious thing since no one in the village seems to be wearing anything more heavy than leathers. Or maybe the wind is just making it itchy? He holds his spear in hands but in his lap, Bow on back and pike slung on his horse. He eyes the various people and suddenly feels a bit homesick... Farseeker tall in the saddle rides forward in perfect military parade style. He is wearing his shiny chainmail, great sword on his belt and has his other various heavy weapons on his horse. He looks around the village more so than at the people as if to assess the village for defensive positions.... Jordi rides forward with a few butterflies in his stomach as the culture shock might hurt a bit for both sides. He wears his elven scale mail, sword, longbow on back and his boots are especially comfy today. He wills his hands not to move to his ears but to keep them in the open. He keeps a emotionless face so not to show fear or hate or even love. A true diplomatic face.... Xian in his leather armor, leather helmet, shield, daggers, arbalest on back and staff in hand looks nervous as well but more in visiting new places. He closes his robes as if to hide something but finds its more to keep warm. He spots a young woman in the crowd who seems rather pretty and smiles at her... Chion carries himself as normal riding with Sais in belt, sword in sheath, wearing his chainmail and helmet. He carries his staff in one hand and with his cloak seems like he'll fly off the saddle anytime the way the wind blows the cloak.... Trembyl in his leather armor, daggers on belt, scimitar in sheath, arbalest on back wears his robes to stay warm. Strie'bog not nervous so much as he has been around Zen'da before. He smiles at the various kids and adults. He has his longbow on back, qulted/leather armor and various musical instruments on the horse or himself. He thinks this could make a new good song..... Kasha doesn't look like what he really is, a merc. At least not the typical ones most see. He has daggers on his belt, quilted/ring armor, sling on belt and mace in his hand. The cloak and boots seem to separate him from other Mercs. As he enters he thinks maybe its time he settles down and starts a family...then he shakes that thought out quickly... Thig is not nervous, he rarely is. His ego and sense of being overconfident shows otherwise. He wears his tiny leather armor, buckler on arm, daggers in belt, staff in hand, crossbow on back, short sword in sheath, sling on belt all seem to overweigh him down but he stands tall. He also closes his robes tight from those looking too much inside. As he enters he wonders what these people eat so he can feed his dogs. He hopes they have something decent... Unali rides simple with only leather armor, daggers in belt and sling on her belt. Her amulet catches the eyes of some children in the crowd. She looks like a taller figure in her black clothing, cowl, gloves and boots. She actually scares a few of the younger kids by her sight as if she is a imposing figure but the adults are not affected at all. Her fur hat flaps in the wind as she eyes the crowd ever watchful. She realizes this must be the furthest north she has ever been?.... Z'leyra wears her dragon helm, leather armor, daggers on belt, buckler on arm, sling on belt, staff in hand, longbow on back with quiver. Her drum is lying to the side in the open for all to see. She looks around the crowd for what must be the shaman of the village....where is he?... GM: At this point everything said from a village person will be said in the Zen'dali tongue. Party interactions can be in marentian or whatnot. But from now on to talk to them it should be in Zen'dali. As a record of who knows Zen'dali and who doesn't Balrog, Thig, Trembyl, Unali - Knows not even Zen'dali cusswords Chion, Strie'bog, Xian, Kasha know it in mild forms Jordi, Caladan, Ben'dar, Farseeker - Know it fluent to native If something is not understood it will be translated if the situation allows it. Otherwise if there is a problem with the language I'll mention it. -------------------- [Caladan stops the party at the campfire as the crowd of the village now surrounds the party. He looks around as if looking for some particular person. But out steps from the crowd a elderly man in his 70s it looks like. To the party seeing old people some in this crowd as old as their 90s it seems is unusual. In most civilized areas old age is less common due to the so called advanced living of society. These people may be barbarians to many cultures but they sure live longer on average. The elderly man comes forward and speaks to Caladan.] Man: "Welcome back Sundancer. It has been a long time coming." Caladan: "Where is father and the others?" Man: "Should be back in a few hours. They have gone to a nearby clan to sell a few horses." Caladan: "Father would do this?" Man: "Yes. He--" [Then another male steps out. This one is much younger in his 30s it seems. He is holding a simple long staff of wood. It doesn't appear ornate. He wears tan leather jerkin and pants. He stands almost 5 feet tall and looks around 180 pounds or so. He wears two necklaces. One of many beads of various colors. The other a necklace of tubes that seem to be on each side of the string. The small white tubes are cute with a fine knife and appear to be a decoration than some other purpose. The tubes are about the length of a finger and there are about 12 on each side of the string all horizontal. On a few of the tubes are small feathers. In his black hair a headband with 3 feathers stick out. On his right side at his hip sits a small drum like that of Z'leyra. This must be the village shaman.] Shaman: "Who are these people Caladan?" [For some reason he uses the name and not the nick name or honor-name of sundancer.] Caladan: "These are honored friends and guests of mine and should be given all the hospitality our people are known for." [Caladan dismounts then points to the Shaman. He turns to the party and speaks both in Zen'dali and Marentian] Caladan: "This is Cetric N'Wadh the shaman here. He has been a great asset to the village." [he then walks over to each person and introduces them to the village in a loud voice.] Caladan: "This is Balrog. A warrior that moves like the wind without making a sound and can be in the place of a enemy before he knows it." [Course he doesn't explain that translates to he is a good thief and can rob you blind.] Caladan: "This is a brother. Ben'dar is of the Fel'oros tribe. He is a great horseman and warrior in battle. His horse honors the plains by its mere presence. In his days with us he has helped to battle horse eaters, dragons and giants." [Zen'da would likely not know the word hippogriff per se so he uses horse eaters as the common slang for them main enemy of the horses. He points to the necklaces Ben'dar to wears. When he mentions the battles the crowd whispers greatly to themselves.] Caladan: "This is Chion Blades. He is a skilled warrior who has helped in many battles. He is also a craftsman of weapons and armor." [It was clear Caladan didn't want to mention much about him like his other skills at this point. Knowledge is power. In fact Chion is surprised he knows the blades name but he must've heard it in passing sometime in the past. Caladan also doesn't mention he is a magic user but that logic was explained previously.] Caladan: "This is farseeker the best warrior in all of Marentia. He can use these heavy swords as easy as you can lift a rope." [At the exaggeration many of the male warriors smile and laugh or murmur among themselves. Its clear though from some looks many warriors believe the words spoken by Caladan] Caladan: "And this one is Jordi. Many of you may not know what he is. But he is an Elf." [He pauses for the crowd to discuss it in whispers] "His people live far to the west. The Ho'ga'sha has dealt with his people over the years." [To this others murmur among themselves hearing the great chief spoken of.] "There is nothing to be afraid of him. His bravery and courage is beyond most other men. His people work with nature and the spirits. They are great guardians of the forest and masters of the bow." [Caladan doesn't mention him being a diplomat but that might make a bad first impression for a warrior tribe who prefers battle over peace.] Caladan: "Malradh ben Kasha is a great warrior with his mace. While a great rider of horses he also has travelled wide and far as our people do at times. During this travel he has learned seven languages and many warrior skills for battle." [The party finds the language comment odd but I guess it comes down to the various sub dialects of the Zen'da?] [Caladan sighs and looks at Thig. This should be tough.] Caladan: "This is Thig. He is known as a Faerry. His people are also far to the west with the Elves of the forest. These are his two dogs. Thig is a warrior who can get into places most can't. He is a great scout and tracker. He is small only because his people are small. Again there is nothing to be afraid of here." [He pauses then looks straight at Thig and nods. Thig grabs hold of his robes.] "His people have a special ability..." [He nods and Thig drops his robes. He then unfurls his wings at the shock and surprise of the people who seem to step back a full step.] "He can fly like the great birds." [At this thig takes to the air and circles the crowd. But three warriors raise Bows and ready them. Caladan sees this and yells] "Stop! He means no one here harm. If you hurt him you hurt nature as his people live only in constant touch with nature. Would you kill the sacred eagle cause they fly?" [The warriors look at Caladan then at Thig. They lower their weapons. The Shaman while during this keeps quiet and eyes Caladan. Caladan waves for Thig to land.] Caladan: "This joyous person is Strie'bog of the Vassa. He knows many stories and songs of our people. Maybe he'll honor us by singing and giving some stories at the feast. He is a fine player of music but can also use his bow with the forces of fire at his beck and call. This is his wolf friend. A friend who has chosen to protect him." [Caladan nods at Strie'bog. Again he doesn't mention he is a user of magic but can "call" on forces of nature which for now is a better explanation.] Caladan: "Trembyl! He is a person who deals with the elements and works with the spirits for the good of the earth. He is also a fine warrior who can wrestle the best in our land." Caladan: "This is Unali. Her lands are far to the south. She is an expert warrior with the daggers and can use both at one time while some men can only use one! Even without the dagger she uses her warrior skills in battle to kill and subdue with fast work." Caladan: "Xian. A long time friend. A kind spirit who is skilled in the healing arts." [Xian just smirks. He knows he can't say much about Xian being a great warrior as that's not really true.] Caladan: "This is Z'leyra. She is a shaman, healer, teacher, craftsman and warrior. Her healing skills are renown in our lands. Her friend there has joined her when her last Eagle was killed in battle. She seems to have a constant eagle spirit protecting her as her spirit guide." [Caladan turns and stands while the people whisper and talk among themselves. Then he walks to the shaman.] Caladan: "Cetric, please accept these guests as my personal friends and gusts." [Cetric looks to the elders, the warriors and the people then to the party as if looking for something to say or not to say. Then he faces Caladan.] Cetric: "Welcome! All...the process of learning of each other will be well rewarded in the end. We shall hold a feast to honor the guests!" [With that many women depart the crowd and head to the various tipis to gather food and materials. The crowd also slowly disperss to only maybe 20 or so that hang around and eye the party or whisper among themselves.] [Caladan approaches the Elder and Cetric.] Caladan: [Whispers] "I was told there was trouble here? Is there?" [Both look at each other then back.] Cetric: "There is no trouble that we can't handle ourselves." [he emphasizes the word we] "You expect to return after four years and save us? I think not." Elder: "Your father will explain when he returns. For now we'll hold the feast then your father will explain later tonight." [his eyes shift from Caladan to Cetric in a unspoken way.] Caladan: "Fine." [The shaman turns away and walks back to his tipi with the elder going in another direction.] [Caladan stands in the center of the party and speaks in low tones.] Caladan: "I hope we have not wasted a month and a half for nothing. The tribe looks normal to me. This trouble I do not see. But maybe we'll learn more as the evening grows." Balrog: "Will your father know?" Caladan: "I don't know. I'm sure he will. Go ahead and dismount. We'll sit at the table and wait for the feast. This ritual of a feast is one where they rather feed guests even when food is running low to honor them. During the feast the shaman will make a toast with a ritual speech to the spirits. We should all drink at the same time the shaman drinks. That is one custom that must be followed. In fact its a test of trust. Those who hold back are seen as unworthy or hiding something." [Several young teens gather the horses and take them to the corral. Caladan explains nothing will be taken as to steal is a heavy crime and would be more dishonorable than many other things. As the night grows torches are lit around the camp near the Tipis and other spots. The food a half hour later starts to be piled on the table. Many vegetables, meats, fruits and breads. Even some soup type bowls are served in the center.] Actions? Comments? Next update Monday... GM: In doing book keeping - Jordi you have now +1 EL Foyson Theft from the casting of these spells each day. GM: If you wish to do anything during the feast let me know. Next update will continue the feast and other things. At that point the horses will be awarded, trade goods can be exchanged. Jordi's wine, etc. Battle stories will be told and other stuff. Let me know.... BTW, as a GEE Whiz thing. Website has a image of what the village of tipis might look like :) Bottom of the page. Horse report updated with days 44-45 spells. If you wish to get a updated character sheet let me know. No CPs will be spent until end of the adventure though so as to keep book keeping easy :)