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 #42 in sequence (file #170] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: Yeah yeah. I know. Why am I late? Hurricane? Yes and No. In fact its multiple reasons. Hurricane excuse - Since Nasa had to close up some operations in Houston and I had worked as a programmer for NASA in the past they hired me to do some systems work for them in their satelite (not the birds but the satelite being like sister cities) offices here in town. So spent time there. Second I'm on vacation so did other stuff. Third my dog ate my homework! But hopefully things should be back on track. If your ever concerned about hurricanes just make a note where I am. I'm in Jacksonville, Florida. Find Florida. Find the extreme North East corner and that's me. Thus we rather get any direct hits from gulf or south florida storms. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Jordi: [Re: Actions] Jordi simply will take his equipment, his horse, and will take two of the horses the party captured from the outcasts some days ago. If some member of the tribe tries to avoid that he takes the horses, he will say in his best Zen'da: "Of course, sir! Once you have demostrated to be dishonourable and a poisoner, stealing is just a very minor adition to the list!" He bets he will be able to make a good deal with the two horses (well, he hopes to do it with one), and if necessary he has his personal belongings. Once out of the campament, Jordi will look for clear, Drinkable water (the river?) and then will put his fingers into his mouth, to expel everything he had eaten from the tribe; then, he will clean his mouth, and will continue to the test. He doesn't want to have anything to do with the tribe, or any of its members (except Caladan, of course); and that includes food and water. GM: Ack. Just a note though. There is no stream and the river the big river is at least 100 miles away. Theres the well in the village. But the poison is already done so its in the system and likely can't be expelled. But you'd guess it has done its purpose. from Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] As Cetric explains the various challenges, Ben'Dar remains unemotional and unmoved by it all. He studies the crowd, his gaze moving over the faces of the tribe, making note of those who appear to be in support of Cetric's antics and also those who appear not to be. He realizes that Cetric is trying to get under their skin, to provoke them to do something foolish to turn the whole tribe against them. Ben'Dar carefully avoids giving Cetric any satisfaction. He pretends indifference to the entire affair, nodding to those warriors with whom he joked and laughed last night, if any will meet his gaze. He seeks out the eyes of several of the fair maidens who he saw the previous evening and subtley winks at them. When Cetric speaks to him, Ben'Dar does not give any indication that he hears Cetric and even recognizes the man's presence. When he hears that he is to engage in a horse race against three other warriors, Ben'Dar's stoicism fades into a big smile that he cannot hide. He even chuckles out loud, though he will ignore Cetric entirely if he questions him about it. This was Ben'Dar's favorite game when he was growing up among the Fel'oros! He has practiced this type of challenge many, many times, though always in sport with his friends. (Of course that doesn't mean he's necessarily any good at it! I guess we'll see shortly...) Ben'Dar will, of course, ride Tef'wo. There is never any consideration of taking any other horse in his mind. He will carefully observe the other 3 warriors against whom he is going to race, sizing up their strengths and weaknesses as they get on their horses and as they move around on their mounts in preparation of the race. He carefully watches to see what weapons they have, if any. Ben'Dar strips down all his gear that will not be needed for this race, trying to lighten Tef'wo's load as much as possible. He will remove the huge horse's leather armor and the saddlebags. He'll also remove his own dragon armor, donning instead the lighter leather armor. He keeps his dagger in his boot and his trusty spear in the leather straps at Tef'wo's side. He also takes his whip, coiled and strapped securely to his saddle. He leaves behind his bow/arrows and his pike. In his days of sport racing among his own tribe, he never carried weapons. He assumes that this will be a clean race, but he is prepared in case it's not... He will chat in a friendly manner with the three whom he is going to race, continuing on the friendly banter from the night before as if nothing has changed between them. As indeed, it hasn't. Ben'Dar feels no ill-will to any but Cetric. He knows all the rest were simply following the orders of their shaman, who was the acting leader of the tribe at the time. Ben'Dar probably would have done the same were he a common warrior of the tribe in their place. GM: Ack. Thanks. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] 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 tests begin...] [Xian - Well Test] [As the well hatch is closed darkness envelops Xian. As a kid he was always scared of some bugs. Being chased by his brother Timon made him scared. But as he got a bit older that went away in degress. Topside, the crowd talks among themselves.] Cetric: "We actually use this test for young warriors who are afraid to get down and dirty while stalking prey. Many complain of snakes or bugs. As I recall you never went into the well right, Sundancer?" Caladan: "I did not. Theres better tests of bravery out there. Anyone can overcome fear of creatures. Its the actual fight in battle. The williness to approach a scary threat or enemy which is the true test of courage." [Cetric looks at the hourglass time piece obtained from some old trader long ago. It quickly runs out. Cetric motions for the hatch to be removed in what seems to be a minute maybe two. As the hatch is removed light fills the well. The warriors begin to haul the rope up but find its lose and comes up quickly. Caladan leans over and looks down.] Xian: "Oh sorry. Was having fun down here. I let go of the rope. Lower it back down." [The rope is and Xian ties himself back up after he stalls a few more seconds. Down below there are indeed two large water snakes swimming about and many creatures along the lower walls from halls and pits that lead deep underground. Xian is hauled up and out of the well. The bottom of his robes are wet but otherwise he seems unhurt.] Cetric: "Most wish out sooner than the time is up. Fine. We move on...." [Caladan looks to Xian.] Caladan [in low whisper only Xian can hear] "Magic?" Xian: "A simple spell to be there but not there." [He grins then turns serious] "We need to talk later..." [Caladan looks curious but moves to meet Cetric for the next test.] GM: Time - 5 minutes. -------------------------------------- [Thig - Tracking Test] [Thig grabs his horse and 2 warriors mount theirs.] Thig: "How long do I have?" [Caladan translates] Cetric: "For three animals? Two days. If you don't return with the third animal by the time the sun hits the ground tomorrow night you lose." [thig nods and grabs his gear. The warriors grab some small packs of food and water as well. Theres some discussion as to warriors and cetric. Complaints about being with the strange faerry.] GM: Will conclude this one later as it could be 2 days. -------------------------------------- [Jordi - Trading test] [Jordi grabs his horse and equipment. A warrior also mounts his horse to escort Jordi. It takes only 25 minutes of quick slow riding to find the lone yellow Tipi out on the plains. Its about 2 miles from the village itself. Around it are some crates and chicken pins it seems. The Tipi is large for maybe a half dozen people inside. The ride is quiet while the warrior doesn't speak to Jordi at all. In fact seems a bit comfortable with him. As they approach the warrior dismounts and heads for the tipi. He calls out and waits. A elderly female comes out the low opening flap. She stands and looks at the warriro then gasps at seeing Jordi but composes herself quickly. Then a elderly man maybe in his 60s comes out and looks at the two. The warrior steps back and let's Jordi speak.] GM: Actions? Dialogue? What to say? May want to consult last update for what your here for. -------------------------------------- [Trembyl - Throwing Test] [Sweat begins to mount on Trembyl's forehead. Not a good thrower at all. But he gets the hint that Caladan is tossing. But obviously caladan doesn't understand the full details of his abilities. Trembyl thinks. He knows many are watching. Too many folks. He turns to Caladan.] Trembyl: [In Marentian] "If I refuse?" Caladan: [In Marentian] "You heard the results of failure. Can you do this?" [He approaches closer] "With your magic?" [In low whisper] Trembyl: "This is a skill test right not magic?" Caladan: "Yes. But if done in such a way Cetric won't know." Trembyl: "Use dishonorable tactics?" Caladan: "Normally I'd agree. But Cetric is desperate. He clearly is trying hard tests. Yes. This throwing test is done for warriors but with much more simpler methods. He choose three hard targets." Trembyl: "Impossible ones." Cetric: "What's the matter?" Caladan: "Nothing. He had a question. He wishes to do some prayers for accuracy before he throws each time." Cetric: "Whatever. Be on with it." [Trembyl murmurs a few words under his breath and concentrates. Trembyl throws at the first target which is a simple bullseye. The dagger goes flying right into the center portion. Not dead center but close enough. Trembyl relaxes as the second target with the bag is setup. This one is not skill. It should be easy enough to hit the bag. But the hard part- the cheating part - is there is only a 1 in 3 chance of hitting the portion with water and not the red juice. The test calls for the water to fall out. For this he decides he only needs to influence Cetric and not the others in the crowd. At least he hopes. He risks it. He grabs the dagger and flexes his arms in his robes which are long sleeved. He speaks a few words and twists his arms grabbing both fists. he throws the dagger and it hits the bottom right. Out pours... water! Trembyl quickly runs to the target and stands in front of the bag. He punctures holes in other parts of the leather bag and red liquid now pours out. He stands back and the dagger is in his hand. Cetric nods.] [Caladan approaches as the final part is setup. Caladan whispers in Marentian] Caladan: "How?" Trembyl: "Distraction. Divination. Illusion. Dagger was never thrown but in my sleeve. Illusionary dagger. I then put holes in the bag so all the liquid would fall before it could be inspected. Cetric wa apparently fooled by the illusion. I hope." Caladan: "It seems that way. But from the faces on the crowd they seem confused. I suspect not all was fooled?" [Finally the young male holding a fruit at his waist stands ready to be thrown at. This one would be hard for an illusion to fool Cetric and the boy while affecting the fruit as well. So he takes the chance to do it by skill. He decides a practice throw is in order. But if he misses...the young boy looks stern and not scared. But Trembyl begins to sweat again. His divination spell tells him hes going to miss and hit the boy. He gets more nervous. He motions for some water from a party member. Caladan comes over.] Caladan: "What's wrong?" Trembyl: "I can't. I'll miss. I've seen it." Caladan: "Fine." [Caladan turns to Cetric] Cetric: "What's the problem?" Caladan: "Its one thing to throw a weapon in combat to an enemy its another to throw at an inncoent child. Why not make things harder?" Cetric: "Yes?" Caladan: "Make the target not a child but someone hw knows. He trusts. Make it myself." [The crowd whispers adn murmurs among themselves] Cetric: "Interesting...." [He thinks] "Acceptable." ]Caladan takes the place of the child. Trembyl shakes his head but casts a quick spell. The future has changed. He nods and throws the dagger. It flies toward caladan and knicks the fruit. Both fall to the ground but Caladan isn't touched.] Cetric: "You were to puncture the fruit. It is cut however. So I'll accept it." [Trembyl and Caladan relax as they head toward the next test.] -------------------------------------- [Strie'bog - Pit Test] [As Strie'bog approaches the pit he sees its about 4 feet deep in most places and maybe an additional 1 or 2 feet deeper in the center. Its about 10 feet in diameter. From the looks of the items on the floor it looks to be some pit used for cooking or ceremoneial dances? Some feathers and debris of wood is seen in the dirt mainly. The dogs and wolf could easilly jump in and out if needed. Teh fire is a smaller depression about 2.5-3 feet round and doesn't take up the entire pit. So theres plenty of room to relax and walk around if needed. An hour in this pit.] Cetric: "Are you ready? Just one hour. Keep the fire going. if you wish sing and play your instruments to pass the time. After all this is a test of your entertainment skills." [The fire is low and there is wood, limbs and other large log pieces nearby to keep it stoked.] GM: I assume you enter the pit and then do what? Take the wolf with you or leave it topside. Any more questions? Do you keep the fire stoked while you wait? Do you play anything or sing for the watching crowd? -------------------------------------- [Ben'dar - Riding Test] [As Cetric speaks Ben'dar eyes the crowd. Cetric explains the race and its conditions. But Ben'dar is clearly ignoring Cetric. he notices several warriros who are neutral, several who nod while Cetric speaks (his allies?) and several who grin in excitement. Cetric suddenly stops and approachs.] Cetric: "You should pay attention young man. You above all not only represent your friends here, yourself, but your tribe as well. Keep this in mind!" [He steps back and continues...] [Ben'dar spends a few minutes stripping his gear and somene on the party will watch it and the dragon armor to ensure no mishaps. The three warriors approach with their horses. They are not wearing armor but light leathers. Their horses have nothing but a strap to guide the horse, not even a saddle. They will ride without one for speed. All 3 are younger than Ben'dar. They appear to be 18, 19 and 20. One warrior has no weapons. One has a scimitar he keeps in a strap on the horse. The 3rd has a knife but not a true dagger. Maybe its used to obtain the necklace faster?] Caladan: "Why must this one carry a blade?" [He points to the one with scimitar] Cetric: "Their choice. They will obtain the win and the nccklace by any means." [One of the warriros the one without weapons is one that actually talked last night to Ben'dar and was friendly. The other 2 however did not but did listen to his tales.] GM: Before I continue. Ben'dar you ride with saddle or bareback? The course is straight out into the open plains about 2 miles out. -------------------------------------- [Farseeker - Fighting/Duel/Strength Test] [Farseeker goes to his horse and dons his good Chainmail. Cetric deliberately picked midday for this test when its the hottest. But Farseeker will continue. He drinks half a liter of water from his personal supply and then grabs his sheath and great sword. He intends to subdue. But subdue with a great sword is delicate work. No head shots can be done as the blade is too thick and can crush the skull. That he learned in the military. But if slapped hard enough with a great sword on certain spots on the back and neck it could disrupt the blood supply enough to take advantage of. The test will go on his training not to kill. But he knows the warriors will be out for his blood for their honor and for their reputation. He approaches the fighting area which is a square (not a circle) formed around the fighters and the crowd. A square about 30 feet on each side. A good fighting area. He knows he could take any 3 people easilly. But this third mountain of a man - A'zort was his name? He'll be a challenge. The mountain of a warrior is talking to 2 young females coying and laughing with them. Totally ignoring the fight. Overconfidence can be a problem for some but Farseeker feels not for him. Fine. He'll handle the first 2 then the mountain. As long as the Mountain doesn't enter the fight there shouldn't be a problem....The two warriors walk up. Each carry a scimitar and a wooden buckler. They'll have speed and agility in their favor but lighter weapons. Too bad for them they don't know Farseeker is also fast on his feet. Farseeker will wait for them to attack first...] Turn 1: Phase 1 [The 2 warriors charge and swing their scimitar's dividing up Farseker's sides at 90 degree angles so harder to hit both. The first warrior swings and totally misses. But the more experienced #1 warrior's blade slices the armor and blood comes out doing 3 points of damage. First blood. The crowd roars and Cetric smiles. The mountain warrior doesn't even glance.] Turn 1: Phase 2 [Farseeker quickly turns full circle and comes around to the left of the warrior on his right. The one that hit him previously. He swings his great sword with both hands in a side blow. The blade hits the buckler on his right arm. The blow smacks hard on the shield and shatters it into 4 pieces as it falls from his armor. The blow then strikes his arm and slams him backwards against the chest. The blow is so hard he goes flying backwards to the ground. His arm shows red marks from likely muscle or bone damage internally.] [The unhurt warrior charges to the rear of Farseeker and thrusts his scimitar. It penetrates and tears the armor up to shreds as it cuts Farseeker's back. Blood gushes out in great amounts as Farseeker gives a jolt of pain but not a cry. He grits his teeth.] Turn 1: Phase 3 [Farseeker in a bit of rage turns and thrusts his great sword under the arms of the warrior adn comes up on the man's abdomen. The sword penetrates upwards of 2 inches inside doing 9 points of damage. The man falls off the blade and onto the ground. Shocked Farseeker didn't mean to kill him. The crowd gets quiet and Cetric looks non-emotional.] [Behind him the other warrior gets to his feet. By now the mountain warrior has seen this and stops talking to the females and eyes Farseeker.] Turn 1: Phase 4 [Farseeker turns to face the other warrior and tries to charge but his weakened blood loss slows him down. He tries a subdual slam in the right place on teh shoulders and hits witht he side of the blade. The blow knocks the warrior back down and unconscious.] Caladan: "Wait! We must attent to the warrior." [Several warriors drag both warriors out of the square. Farseeker is doing very poorly. The down hurt warrior is near death if not already. The other warrior is fine just knocked out. The mountain warrior begins walking forward and shoos several people sitting on a large log away. He picks up the log which is 4 feet log in both hands and smiles at Farseeker.] Cetric: "No one touches Farseeker to heal him." GM: Will continue this one next update. Anyone wish to do anything here? Farseeker is at 20% of his hit points it looks and mountain warrior is at 100%. Farseekr has half his armor left. The mountain warrior with log stands a good foot over Farseeker and everyone else for that matter. -------------------------------------- [Unali - Dagger Duel] [Unali grabs her daggers from her gear. She then swings them in her fingers to get the familiar touch. The female warrior who is trying to gain some respect in the tribe comes up with her own dagger in hand. Her other hand is free and to her side. She is obviously nervous. To calm down her Caladan who is translating for Unali asks the girl her name.] Girl: "Hullah." [Caladan gives the name to Unali. Unali nods. She is torn between two things. One she feels for the female fighting in a man's world. She wishes to honor both the girl so she can get respect but that would mean she would have win and Unali likely dead. Not a good thing. But maybe first blood is good enough? But then this test is for both so Unali need so win. A conflict for sure. If only it could be a draw. Cetric comes forward and places a cloth blindfold around Unali's eyes as planned.] Cetric: "Good luck." [He says to both in a mild sarcastic tone.] [Fighting in the dark is nothing new to Unali. In Katai is common for some warriors to fight in total darkness. There was even the infamous Shin Mi who fought with a tulwar who was blind and could fight just as good as many. Course many say its a myth but who knows.] turn 1: Phase 1 [Hullah approaches. The Crowd murmurs. They know keeping quiet would give Unali some sound advantage. Unali slows her breathing and concetrates. Trying to block out everything but Hullah. Hullah steps to the left of Unali and tries to flank her. But at the last instant Hullah gives a grunt as she tries a strong arm strike. Unali hears this and tries to duck but is too slow. Hullash slices her upper left shoulder doing 4 points of damage. Blood has been drawn. Unali pulls off her blindfold and examines the wound. A light cut but nothing serious. In fact she could've done worse? Maybe Hullah sees how unfair it would be to do a harder blow. But now both are on level ground except for experience.] turn 1: Phase 2 [Unali swings her right dagger at Hullah and hits. The dagger hits her head to subdue and knocks her silly. With a 60% chance to knock out she remains standing.] [Hullah tries a stab but misses.] turn 1: Phase 3 [Unali hits again Hullah and this time the girl is slammed to the ground and knocked out.] [The combat lasts only 9 seconds. The crowd is shocked. Cetric nods and moves away. Unali looks sad at the girl who likely hasn't gain much respect from this fight.] -------------------------------------- [Kasha - Wrangler Test] [Kasha gets some rope from his horse in hand and drops the rest of his heavy gear.] Caladan: "Ever wrangle before?" Kasha: "Laso I've tried as a youngster but not in many years. It'll be sheer luck. If I can't on the second try I'll just tackle the animal if I have to." [Kasha mounts his horse and prepares the rope into a wide laso.] Cetric: "You'll have thirty seconds to wrangle the animal and return it to its pin." [Teh corral has about 10 horses in it right now. Another obstacle to worry about. There are sides so that's good the animal can't escape. The pin where the cattle is placed is next to the horse corral. The small calf is let loose in the corral and begins to pick at the ground with its nose. Kasha enters the corral.] [Kasha jumps the horse forward and the calf begins to run away. Kasha tries to swing the laso around and get a good shot while avoiding other horses. He throws the rope and misses. (21% chance). 10 Seconds pass. He brings the rope back up and chases the calf again. Five seconds later he throws the rope and captures the calf. He jumps off the horse with the rest of the rope and quickly ties the rope around the calf's twitching legs. 18 seconds have passed. Now to get it to the pin in 12 seconds and the pin is only 9 feet away. Kasha lifts the calf up. His strength holds. He eyes the pin and begins to walk but the 90 pounds is a bit heavy and slows him down. He stumbles forward and gets to the gate with the pin. 3 seconds left. Mentally he is also counting. He has trouble opening the gate so risks a move he rather not. He dives shoulder first over the low gate which is only about 3 feet tall and he uses the lower struts to lift himself up. He tumbles over the gate with the full weight of teh animal and lands with a loud thud causing dust and sand going everywhere. The animal falls to this side but the crushing weight takes his breath out. Cetric looks to the glass where a few grains of sand still is falling. he frowns and walks away.] [Party members go to help and find him unhurt except some bruises and his wind gone. And now a dirty shirt and pants.] GM: Very close. Based on the rolls and the timing. If he had failed the second time he'd likely have failed. But rolled a 11. -------------------------------------- [Balrog - Horse Drag Test] GM: Unali as per last update do you allow a good luck kiss for Balrog? -------------------------------------- [Z'leyra - 3 part test] GM: I'm doing the test with Z'leyra/Alex in ICQ in real time. Finsihed part 1. When done with the other 2 will report the results in the next update likely. -------------------------------------- [Chion - Unknown test?] GM: When its down to Z'leyra and Chion. Z'leyra is given her tests. Then its left for Chion and Caladan. While Cetric mulls over Chion's test a warrior storms out of the crowd. [He is very young maybe 17 or 18. He looks straight at Chion.] Warrior: "You! I was told strangers where here. I travelled here to find out this morning. You! You dishonor me!" [He pulls out a dagger and charges. Caladan stops in front of him.] Caladan: "Explain your actions!" Warrior: "This...person..was on the plains a moon ago or so. He attacked me in the open and knocked me down and then fled. He was traveling through this tribe's land and heading north east." [Caladan looks back at Chion] Caladan: "Are you sure its him?" Warrior: "Yes!" Caladan: "Chion? You were in the plains recently?" Cetric: "If this Chion has attacked you then you claim right of vengeance. Do you wish to challenge?" Warrior: "Yes!" Cetric: "It is settled. A fight for honor and to the death I assume." Warrior: "YES!" [He wipes drool from his mouth as he grins at Chion.] Cetric: "No spirit words. No help from others. No help from the spirits in any way." Caladan: "He means no magic at all Chion. You'll have to fight with your weapons, skill and mind." GM: Chion are you prepared? The warrior handed a Scimitar and shield while he puts the dagger in his belt. Chion do you accept the challenge? Actions? Comments? Next update Monday.... Player Test Balrog Ben'dar About to start, Awaiting answer. Thig About to start, long test Jordi Has started, waiting on actions Strie'bog Has started, awaiting on actions Xian Test Completed, Successfully Trembyl Test Completed, Successfully Farseeker Has started, awaiting for any possible actions? Unali Test Completed, Successfully Kasha Test Completed, Successfully Balrog Waiting on answer from Unali Z'leyra Has started, waiting to finish/In progress Caladan Not given one yet Chion A challenge is given 9 Tests in progress or about to start. 4 tests completed. Actions or comments?