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 #44 in sequence (file #175] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: Hate email when they strip my pretty alignment of the updates. Ugh! For pretty viewing see the website. For ugly viewing see the email. Maybe one of these days I'll learn some key to push and keep the tabs in my e-mailer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Ben'dar: [Re: Race Tactics] (ooc: Pretty exciting race. It sounds like the horses are pretty evenly matched.) Ben'Dar won't try any dirty tricks. Though, if the scimitar warrior comes after him again, Ben'Dar will veer Tef'wo into him and punch him off his horse or whip him if an opportunity arises. (ooc: too bad Ben'Dar has no skill with the whip... guess I'll have to work on that!) Ben'Dar laughs as the wind whistles through his long black hair, flinging it out behind him wildly. Ben'Dar urges Tef'wo on and trusts in the horse's instinct as the race nears its most critical moment. (ooc: So...I guess no change in tactics really. :-) ) GM: Ack. Yep. No whip skill. Balrog knows how to use it. If you want he could teach it to you. As to the race I've come up with a house rule on how to handle it. If I did it long hand descriptions would take much time and space so rounded it down to a few lines this way. Same point gets across. I used a similar system for a Stormbringer game I ran once. ---------------------- From Jordi: [Re: Actions] Note: Jordi knew the poison had made its effect and is fully absorbed in his body; he expelled everything he had eaten & drunk in the village for a more emotional, visceral reaction than for a practical reason. Also, the warrior will explain it in the tribe, and the intelligent ones will guess the reason. Jordi decides that it's important not only to complete the test, but also to do it in an exemplar way. So, when the woman appears, he begins to talk before the warrior that is watching him can say a word: "Good night -Jordi dismounts- my name is Jordi. Excuse me for disturbing you in the middle of the night. (OOC: If I remember correctly, that was the time when Jordi left the village, and only 25 minutes have elapsed.) I'm an elf, and I live in a far place called the Wild Forest, in the west. (OOC: Jordi speaks a lot, just to calm the people in the tipi; someone who speaks a lot won't attack you). May I ask for your hospitality? I'm sorry, I'm not fully aware of your laws or traditions, and I don't know if it's the correct way of asking for it". (OOC: In fact, I imagine Ben'dar and Caladan have explained some things about their people, and I imagine that the correct way of asking for hospitality is one of them). After being granted hospitality, Jordi will sit with the members of the family -I guess they are family-, and will explain some stories of his people, the kind of stories that Ben'dar found more interesting when Jordi explained them. And, of course, speaking about Ben'dar and Caladan, and his brave deeds, is mandatory. As the leading member of the family is old (for human standards), Jordi will proceed with caution, slowly; he knows old people of all cultures value taking his time for thinking and for knowing the person with which they are speaking. Of course, Jordi uses his innate empathic ability to discover what the leader of the family (and the rest of the family) thinks/feel. He will only act when he feels they don't look him with hostility. Cetric said nothing about time, so he will use all the time he needs. (When Jordi feels the situation is favorable, he will begin with something like that): "I don't know a lot about your people or your way of life. For example, what is your most valuable possession? What do you value above the rest of your belongings?". After hearing the answer, Jordi will explain what the most valuable possessions of an elf are (usually), and will continue: "Is there any difference for your between possession and gift?" (OOC: Cetric asked to "obtain the most precious gift", not possession; perhaps a minor mistake, perhaps a trap; Jordi is very cautious with someone as Cetric...) If there is, Jordi will ask: "And what is then your most precious gift?" OOC: I will continue when I know what happens... Jordi is acting very slowly and very cautiously, because he thinks there is a hidden trap in the test... GM: Ack on the poison. i understand. Good dialogue. Enough to work with. Thanks. Good idea on the Empathic power. I'd have forgotten that. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [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 continue...] [Farseeker - Fighting/Duel/Strength Test] [Z'leyra breaks through the crowd with a large satchel she grabbed from her horse. She checks Farseeker over and finds hes seriously hurt. On his back just below the armpit area and spanning almost the full backside is the slice the scimitar did. its about half a inch deep so blood is all over his back and ground. First thing is to stop that. Then heal. Several of the party help Z'leyra move him off A'zort and onto the ground. Cetric watches with some interest as she works. Farseeker is down to only 14% health. Z'leyra pulls out herbs and bandages to set the wound and clot the bleeding. She decides the wound is severe. She grabs from her bag some materials including a white powdery substance. She asks for water in a mug or cup and she mixes the powder. She forces the mixture into Farseeker's mouth while he is unconscious. The liquid is drunk by pure reflex slowly. Then she waits. A minute passes and the back wound begins to close and heal. The 8 inch cut goes down to only a 2 inch cut and stops. The bleeding immediately stops. With the healing done she bandages the small cut which is only a few centimeters under the skin not a half inch now. She wraps the bandage around the chest and arm. The chain mail is inspected by others and its also pretty damaged about 1/3rd of its protection is gone. As she is finishing wrapping the last of the bandage Farseeker wakes up. Z'leya is leaning over his cheat and arms around his side to grab the bandage. Farseeker smiles.] Farseeker: "Not now. Theres a crowd. Maybe tonight. Your tipi?" Caladan: "You ok?" Farseeker: "Yep. Thanks to our healer. My head is a bit achy. What mountain fell on me?" [he looks over and sees the knocked out A'zort] Farseeker: "Oh yeah. Hes going to have a worse headache and a nasty goose egg." [Farseeker sits up and shakes his limbs and head. Z'leyra checks him over for other problems and gives a minor muscle massage on the back and shoulder to lessen the tension.] Farseeker: "Yes. Right there. Ahh...feels good. No no don't stop." [Z'leyra begins to place stuff back in her satchel.] Caladan: "He's ok." [He waves a hand at Farseker and stands for the crowd and Cetric. Farseeker stands.] Farseeker: "Your warriors are good. I underestimated them. They are trained good." Cetric: "You actually didn't fight A'zort." Caladan: "He still was the last to stand. He wins under your condition." Cetric: "Fine." [He storms off.] -------------------------------------- [Ben'dar - Riding Test] GM: Info - Rider #1 - Age 18, Scimitar/Sheath Rider #2 - Age 19, Weaponless/Talkative/Friendly with Ben'dar Rider #3 - Age 20, Knife in Boot [As the race continues several in the crowd begin to take bets or trades. Many of the Zen'da offer chores or eggs or chickens, etc. if this one or that one wins. Balrog argues with Farseeker over a bet as coin exchange hands. Kasha and Trembyl also murmur a quiet bet among themselves.] [121-130 seconds] Ben'dar jumps ahead in the leg again as the others fall behind. Rider 3 loses his grip on the guide strap when rider 2 tries to shove him off the horse and so falls into 4th place. [131-140 seconds] Suddenly Rider 1 breaks through and surges past Tef'wo. As the other 3 surround Ben'dar rider 3 takes 2nd place as rider 2 and Ben'dar collide with each other side by side. Rider 2 smiles at Ben'dar but in a friendly manner as the fun of the race continues. [141-150 seconds] Rider 1 continues in the lead with rider 3 and Ben'dar following. Rider 2's horse begins to slow to 4th as a muscle twitches in his rear left leg. [151-160 seconds] Rider 3 falls behind as rider 2 slows to a trot to give the horse time to fix the pain. This gives Ben'dar a chance to catch up to Rider 1 and take him by a few feet into first place. [161-170 seconds] Rider 1 catches up side by side with Ben'dar and tries to swing wildly his scimitar again but Tef'wo does a sudden body slam into the horse as Ben'dar pushes the rider to the left. The swing goes wild and the rider is shoved off the horse! Rider 1 impacts on the ground and rolls several feet as his scimitar goes flying. His horse slows down and stops. But in the confusion rider 3 takes 1st place with rider 2 right behind. [171-180 seconds] Rider 3 turns around to see what happened to Rider 1 and is kicked by Rider 2 which causes the horse to slow down and almost stop. Ben'dar takes lead spot when this occurs. Rider 1 rushes to his sword and re-mounts his horse. [181-190 seconds] Rider 1 maintains his speed but falls to 4th place almost 30 yards behind the others. Rider 2 slows down to 3rd place. Ben'dar and Rider 3 equal up. The rider smirks at Ben'dar and grabs his knife. He leans forward and swings at Tef'wo but misses. No. He was aiming for the guide strap not Tef'wo. [191-200 seconds] This startles Ben'dar and Rider 3 takes the chance and takes 1st place with a good guiding of the horse. Ben'dar in 2nd, rider 3 finally catches up and passes rider 2 who still seems to be hurting (horse). [201-210 seconds] Amazingly Rider 1 catches up to Ben'dar and tries to collide but Ben'dar avoids the horse blows. Rider 2 finally no longer in pain it seems surges forward into 1st place with rider 3 taking 4th place. [211-220 seconds] Rider 2's speed continues faster and he takes first place as he stands up giving a yelp of joy. Rider 1 and 3 equal up and block Tef'wo forcing Ben'dar into 4th place. [221-230 seconds] Rider 1 takes first place as his horse surges forward jumping over a small bush. Ben'dar slips behind into 2nd place quickly with rider 1 in 3rd and rider 3 in last place. [231-240 seconds] The riders are now so close the man, the goal, is seen standing still. The necklace is clear and is around his neck. Ben'dar wonders how he can get it off without fully stopping. Ben'dar thought the man was going to hold the necklace out to be taken. Rider 2 lags behind into 4th place. But Rider 1 surges past everyone and takes 1st place. Then Rider 3 and finally ben'dar. Rider 1 has about 8 feet ahead of the others. The man nods seeing Rider 1 come forward and pulls off the necklace and holds it up. Rider 1 grabs it and rounds the man.... GM: the crowd roars in cheers. Now its a race back to the village. its one thing to get the necklace its another to keep it! The other 3 horses round the man and give chase after rider 1. Ben'dar any change of tactics now? -------------------------------------- [Z'leyra - Shaman Tests] GM: Z'leyra has completed part 1. Part 2 just ended. Cetric: "One final part. You are a shaman by your own words. But in these lands. in the great lands of the Zen'da, no female would be a shaman. Your people, whatever tribe they belong to must be weak to give women that position. Justify to me why you should be a shaman?" Z'leyra answers "People don't force the spirit's choice in whom to talk to. Spirits choose who they will talk with, who they will help. While a tribe may choose which gender to listen to and honor of those that talk with spirits, the tribe cannot force the spirit's choice as to who to talk with. The spirits, of course, will want to talk with those that the tribe will listen to and respect the wisdom of. If a particular tribe refuses to listen to one gender, then spirits are likely to choose a shaman of the other gender so that their words are honored, not ignored." "Some tribes balance the gender roles by having the men be warriors and allowing only women as shaman, other tribes allow any of either gender to be warrior or shaman, even being both. The Zen'da evidently prefer to have only males be the ones to deal with and speak for spirits in their tribe." "That is the choice of the Zen'da, but the choice of the Zen'da does not tell the spirits what to do, nor does it tell other tribes how to deal with the spirits. The tribe I was born into, the Kameri, have a warrior's lodge for men and a lodge for those that deal with the spirits. This other lodge allows only women. If you had been born into the Kameri you would have been a warrior, and honored as a warrior. You would not have been a shaman." [Upon mention of the Kameri several in the crowd whisper words like "Kameri" "Ancient Moon" among others. The Zen'da know the Kameri though not as good as the western tribes do. Cetric listens without emotion or expression. He ponders the answer when she finishes for about 2 minutes then speaks.] Cetric: "You passed the first part. I'm satisfied on the shaman answer you just gave. the Kameri are a good people. We even got a few of their blades...good blades in trade over the years with other tribes. But on the second part. As to who to heal. The man or the horse." [He walks to both] "The man led the horse. this would indicate it was his horse or a prized friend or more. Maybe you didn't notice that. You may not realize but we respect Life. The old man is near Death. Maybe only a few more moons..a couple seasons. I've seen his disease before. It doesn't take long to end life. It eats the brain. But the horse can be easily fixed with some good skill and spirit chanting. You should realize horses are highly prized here on the plains. Some warriors would rather die than let their life long friends..their horses fall into enemy hands or die. Just like civilized folks might do for their pets. While it may seem harsh to you. The man is beyond help. He knows this and so does his family. So the proper choice should've been the horse." [This causes some murmurs in the crowd and astonished looks among those in the party.] Caladan: "She said she would heal both and could do it. The test is unfair. A healer can't be asked to choose between two lives. Not-" Cetric: "A healer knows when to cut and when to save a limb. A healer knows dead tissue can't be touched while wounded tissue can. No. She has failed that part of the test. She-" Caladan: "It was a trick question you made up! If she choose the horse you'd have said the man. No one knew your answer but you." [He looks to the crowd] "Who here would heal the horse?" [Many in the crowd nod] "Who would heal the man?" [Many more, especially the females nod for the man] "You see? The people are with Z'leyra." Cetric: "My decision is --" [During this exchange Caladan's father watches closely. He then steps forward. The chief's motion quiets the crowd so they listen.] Gib'borah: "There is no right or wrong answer. You said that yourself Cetric. Your beliefs are not hers. What say you elders?" [Six of the nearby elders of the tribe close in ranks and whisper to themselves for a couple minutes. Then one turns and speaks.] Elder: "If she can heal both then she should do so. That is the true test. Not a choice of one. She passes the test." [Cetric turns to the elders. Then to Caladan. Then Gib'borah and then sneers at Caladan for interfering. Then at Z'leyra.] Cetric: "You will never be my equal. But as the elder says the true test is in your skills.." [he waves a hand at the horse and man standing.] GM: This is done after Farseeker's test. -------------------------------------- [Jordi - Trading test] [Jordi eyes the two over. The elderly gentleman must be in his mid-60s and seems in good shape. The female is a bit portly in some regards but short in here 50s. Upon asking for hospitality the two look over at the warrior standing by a bit cautiously. The warrior nods only as if its ok. The female still looks a bit confused but the man smiles.] Man: "Yes. Please enter.. Guests are always welcome in peace." [The female enters the Tipi first. Followed by Jordi the man and the warrior. As jordi enters he sees first time the inside of a Zen'da tipi. From the outside it seems so small but its quite large inside. On the Ground is a cloth. Jordi notices this and cleans his feet at the flap before entering so not to track dirt. This gives him a chance to look it over. In the center a small fire pit in the ground is lit with a small fire just enough to keep the tipi warm as the night cools down. Above the top opening is a foot or two wide for the smoke. Hanging from the poles on a string is a candle open lantern with 2 candles to lit up the Tipi. Around the fire are various bits of clothing, tools for typical daily life (utensils, pans, blade, etc.), bags of stuff which Jordi can't tell what's inside and blankets and a few pillows. the pillows look to be no more than sacks with probably some animal feathers sewn inside. Inside the other people is a single female in her late teens or maybe 20-21. Its hard for Jordi to tell human age at times. Then again she could be as young as 16? ] Man: "Sit. I am Enoz this is my wife Rohm. This is my grand-daughter Jolcz. The others that live with us are on a hunting trip. How man I help you?" [Jordi spends some time explaining he is an Elf. Who is is and about Ben'dar/Caladan. On mention of Caladan they smile.] Rohm: "Yes. Caladan a good boy. He used to play with Jolcz in fact as kids." [Jordi continues and studies the three....no the four Zen'da. The warrior is also studied. But he remains unemotional during it sitting with arms crossed on his chest staring at Jordi. A good 15 minutes pass before Jordi finally gets to the jist of the matter. By now Jordi is using his empathic power to study the three. From the two elderly Jordi learns they are confused, happy, surprised as the talk progresses in that order. From Jolcz is only confusion at this weird matter. From the warrior is the hardest to read. To Jordi this is confusing. Then again warriors tend to be the hardest to read. They tend to be scared or show bravado. Most warriors learn to hide emotions to show weakness. Maybe this is the case with the warrior. Jordi then asks about possessions and value.] Enoz: "Life is valuable. Young man. Beyond what the spirits give us nothing else matters does it? But while we live and toll on this plane we must work. We gain items and family. Our value and wealth increases. We have no value for coins as those to the south do. We only value what we need at any one time." Jordi: "Is there any difference for you between possession and gift?" Enoz: "I don't understand the question. A possession is a thing you keep. A gift is a thing you give to someone." Jordi: "And what is then your most precious gift?" [At this Jordi picks up a frightened scene from all 3. Maybe this strange person is here to do them harm or take them? Rohm touches the hand of Enoz and she turns to the side to grab a bag and places it in her lap. Maybe there is a weapon inside?] Enoz: 'Why do you ask young man?" [Jordi glances with his side vision at the Warrior now finally showing a smile and a sign of smugness. Jordi knows the test is on.] GM: Reactions? -------------------------------------- [Strie'bog - Pit Test] [By the time of this test the sun is low on the horizon and so the pit is full of shadows that shift as the sun sinks in the west. An hour only in the pit how easy? Is this some test of entertainment. Maybe this is where the tribe gathers for ritual dances? Strie'bog makes his way into the pit with Boyzdar. Since Thig has left for his quest earlier he asked for Strie'bog to watch them. So Ventrius & Pogo jump into the pit with the Strie'bog. Strie'bog stokes the fire. He gathers his instruments as the canines sit around the warm fire. Strie'bog gives a short story to the audience at the top of the pit. He notices that Zen'da now surround the pit. Strie'bog isn't sure that's a good thing or bad thing. But none seem to be purely warriors and no obvious show of weapons. He looks for fruit to be thrown at him and nothing there too. :) Strie'bog gathers up a instrument and begins to play it as he walks around the fire. As he is singing and playing the time passes. Its about 45 minutes since he has entered. This is much easier than he thought. The audience seems to like it as well with the females and children smiling. The stern warriors show little emotion. Strie'bog notices a odd smell and looks at the fire. The smoke seems to be heavy. The log he just placed on it is cracked in two and engulfed in flames. He continues to sing and dance. Another 5 minutes pass. As Strie'bog leans to get some water from his cantine he notices the smell again and eyes the smoke. This time he notices its greenish color. That's odd. Green smoke? Then he hears growling. He looks at his wolf and notices the Wolf is now on all fours and growling. but not at anything in particular. He is growling at Strie'bog. Then he turns and notices the other 2 dogs are doing the same thing. Strie'bog puts down the cantine and looks down at his gear. Then Pogo steps forward 3 steps toward Strie'bog and barks. This isn't good. What is happening. Then Trembyl yells down.] Trembyl: "Its that smoke. They seem to have turned the dogs into wild creatures. You --" [Cetric has a warrior stop him from speaking. Best not to give the testee any clues? Cetric looks at Strie'bog. So this was true test? And only a few minutes to go.] GM: Actions? :) -------------------------------------- [Chion - Duel Challenge] [As the warrior grabs his weapon. Chion steps forward and speaks.] GM: From Chion himself.. Chion: "I was not upon the plains alone at all on any day that I am aware of. However, due to my abilities, I cannot rule out the possibility that this has occurred as he has stated. Rest assured, if I knocked you to the ground as you claim, you deserved it. If, on the off chance, however, it was not me I shall attempt to spare your life. If I did it once, I must have had a reason. Be it known that he is free to kill me if he can. I fear no man nor beast in combat. What are my options?" He'll pause, to see if he can wear his armor, or take a shield, or both. He'll add, "Cetric, I'll be ready for your test afterwards." then grins. If allowed to wear armor, he'll don his chain and get a shield. If not, dual sai it is. Either way, he is not overly concerned. For the most part he's just going to slap the guy in the head once/twice with a sai and try to KO him. GM: Shield is fine. Zen'da use shields. They rarely use armor. but Cetric doesn't care. A challenge like this has no limits. Chion slowly dons his Chainmail. He knows doing it slowly psyches the young warrior. Showing confidence or disdain. Chion asks to borrow a buckler and is given one. A small wooden one. He left his metal shield at home. He turns and nods at the warrior he is ready to begin. Turn 1: Phase 1 [Chion waves his buckler around in a circle. Best to give the young man a first move. Plus it allows Chion to read him better in his first combat attack.] [The young man takes no time and charges. He swings his scimitar. Turn 1: Phase 2 [Wow. The roll is -1. He uses the scimitar in a under cut and gets under the arm. The blade penetrates the armor tearing a hole and impaling Chion in the chest for 19 points of damage! The young man smiles in triumph. But chion is just shocked.] [Chion looks down at the damage. His armor is also damaged. Not good. This young man got a lucky shot. He swings his sai straight for the head to knock the person out. He impacts squarely and hits the temple. The blow does what it was intended and the man goes flying to the ground knocked out.] Gm: 8 point 80% chance there. :) [Chion walks to the person and thinks he should do more than this. But Caladan speaks up.] Caladan: "He's rash. He'll learn. He got a lucky strike. Its your choice. If you kill him no one will say a word. But again its your choice." Chion: "OH. Now I remember you!" And then look and smile at Cetric. :) [From Chion.] Cetric: "Mercy. A trait warriors are said not to have. But Mercy allows a fight another day. Loran has lost. You won. But in the process you are hurt. A lesson for next time. A test you have completed. One of mercy and a typical Zen'da challenge. I'm satisfied." GM: Was going to do a real complicated test involving this indian legend i knew. A tree. Fruit. Blah Blah Blah. But it got so convuluted and complicated and time consuming to do I figured this worked as well :). -------------------------------------- [Thig - Tracking Test] GM: Will do likely next week. Its the longest test so needs to be done potentionally last. -------------------------------------- [Balrog - Horse Drag Test] GM: Unali as per last update do you allow a good luck kiss for Balrog? Actions? Comments? Next update Monday... Player Test Xian Test Completed, Successfully Trembyl Test Completed, Successfully Farseeker Test Completed, Successfully Unali Test Completed, Successfully Kasha Test Completed, Successfully Chion Test Completed, Successfully Z'leyra Test Completed, Successfully [with deliberation] Ben'dar Halfway over... Balrog About to start, waiting on Unali's answer Thig About to start, long test Jordi Has started, waiting on actions Strie'bog Has started, waiting on actions Balrog Waiting on answer from Unali Caladan Not given one yet Tests - Completed - 7 In progress - 3 Waiting - 4 Half tests are completed. Actions or comments? Consider this the Friday update for this week. So this gives you till Monday [5 days] to work up answers or comments.