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 #45 in sequence (file #179] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From jordi: [Re: Trade test] Of course, mentally curse Cetric. Jordi doesn't know the nature of the tests of the others, but he thinks Cetric is a dishonorable man. And one can only expect the worst from a dishonorable man, not an honest challenge. However, Jordi tries to keep a calm appearance, and begins to talk in a quiet, calm way to not frighten anybody. "There is wisdom in your words, Enoz. And you have demostrated your intelligence asking the most important question "why", and courtesy in the way you have done it. I know my opinion is not worth a lot in this lands, but I think you honour your lineage, because you're wise and honorable. And that are rare, in true, rare gifts in all lands; I have travelled a little bit, and I can vouch for it." Jordi stops for some seconds, to put his thougths in order. "I will explain you the reasons of my behaviour later; I know it's a little bit rude, or very rude, if you prefer, but I give you my honour word that I don't want to harm you or your people in any way. I arrived before sunset to Caladan's village with Caladan, and Caladan introduced me to his tribe as a friend; so, you have nothing to fear from me." Jordi waits for a little bit until the people in the tipi relaxes a little bit (if he detects fear or anguish, he will keep talking in a quiet, relaxing way.) Once they are calmed, Jordi will continue: "So, please, can you please explain me what is your most precious gift, and why?" GM: Ack. ---------------------- From Ben'dar: [Re: Race actions] Ben'Dar kicks Tef'wo hard in pursuit after Rider #1. His smile is gone now; he is all grim business. He will charge Tef'wo into Rider #1's horse and as Tef'wo shoulder-checks the horse, Ben'Dar will use his horsemanship skill to launch himself off his horse and tackle the rider on horse #1, trying to take him off the horse and onto the ground. (hopefully Ben'Dar won't kill himself in the process...) Once on the ground, Ben'Dar will proceed to pay the man back for his earlier attacks with the scimitar - attacking with his dagger if the man still holds his sword. But If the man loses his scimitar in the fall, he'll just attack with his fists. If he can disable the man or somehow get the necklace away from him during the fight, he'll tuck the necklace safely into his leather jerkin, and he whistles to Tef'wo. He'll swing up onto Tef'wo's back when the horse reaches him and thunder back toward the village, fending off the other riders as best he can, using strength and horsemanship skill. (Well, that's a plan anyway...we'll see how it goes.) Oh, If some other rider gets the necklace away from Rider #1 first, Ben'Dar will follow the same plan to try to get the necklace, only he won't attack them, since they haven't attacked him. He'll just try to wrestle the necklace away from them. GM: Ack. Boy exciting :) This is one of those things I mentioned where I don't kill players. Unless they do stuff like this :) We shall see. ---------------------- From Chion: [Re: Actions] Chion, smiling at Cetric, will state "I am not harmed by this man. Not the first time when he tried to kill me in my sleep, and certainly not when I face him in open combat. I am learn-ed from this man. I wish to speak to him when he awakes." Naturally, at this point he's looking for a place he can cast a regen spell and/or perhaps a healing light (for the damage). He'll be muttering about "those shield lessons didn't do much good, now did they..." as he walks to someplace more private. GM: From Unali: [Re: Kiss to Balrog] Unali will walk towards Balrog and whisper "You're terrible. Now go show this bastard what you can do."and give Balrog a quick peck on the forehead. GM: Ack. Will explain below. --------------------------- From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions] OOC: I've been sick, so I have not had a chance to post. So, I am going to go back to the story for a moment, and then give his actions once the smoke starts. The Story he tells at the start of the test: He will speak slowly to be better understood (though he will tell the story with appropriate drama). [Story deleted for space. Its a great story though and everyone should read it. Its on the list and website.] [Text deleted for space] After the smoke starts, and the wolf and dogs begin to growl, Strie'bog will start the Sonata Spell (effective EL 1) to calm the animals. He will keep casting it until the test ends. If he survives & completes the test, he will quickly get the animals out of the pit while trying to keep them calm. Afterwards, he will walk up to the Shaman: "In cowardice, you have betrayed your ancestors and people. Be prepared for your test." He will then walk away. GM: Excellent story. Will award skill rolls (D10) to 2 of the story skills (tongue and story). Ack. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [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...] [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 GM: For the record all this is dice work. I didn't play for #1 to get the necklace first. He just got there first. [241-250 seconds] Rider #1 gives a triumph cry as he rounds the corner around the man standing now without necklace. He smiles and stands in the saddle in glee. He then pumps the horse forward. In the process rider 1's horse is slowed down by the action. The other 3 catch up. Rider 2 takes second place behind 1 and tries to catch up. Next Ben'dar and rider 3. [251-260 seconds] Tef'wo takes a burst of speed and passes rider 2 and 3 heading for Rider 1. Rider 2 and 3 take 3rd/4th place. Rider 1 continues to slow as he tried to place the necklace in hand and guide the horse in another. [261-270 seconds] Then rider bolts forward taking a 10 foot lead Rider 3, #2 and ben'dar finally in last as 3 and 2 try to block Ben'dar's forward approach. [271-280 seconds] Ben'dar sees his chance. Ben'dar takes lead when 1 and 3 equal up. Three tries to grab the necklace and 2 drags in 4th place. [281-290 seconds] Rider 1 slips forward with Ben'dar only inches behind. Rider 2 and 3 lag into the rear. Ben'dar sees his chance and sides equal with Rider 1. He slams ben'dar forward left shoulder up against the right side of Rider 1's horse. Both horses cough as breath is knocked out and going at full speed. A 4 is rolled. Awesome roll for horsemanship. The maneuver works. Now for a tackle. Ben'dar takes a side tackle using one foot to propel himself off the horse as best he can. Both men go flying to the left 4 feet off the air and time seems to slow down. Ben'dar's arm has hold of the Rider's shoulder and right arm. As both bodies fall to the ground they separate. Each rolling in different directions. Ben'dar lands hard on his shoulder and arm. A crack is heard as he impacts on a hard rock and takes physical pain (4 points of damage from what will be a intense muscle blood bruise). Ben'dar rolls to view the man and takes in an instant's look. He sees the man is still wearing the necklace on his neck. Has no scimitar. it was left on his horse. Good. Ben'dar staggers to his feet. Unaware of the other 2 riders. Ben'dar lunges forward the 8 feet toward the man. the rider is on his knees and Ben'dar swings his fist but the blow of the fall was more stressful and the swing misses. Free attack gone. The man stands. Ben'dar swings again.and hits the man on the face. Ben'dar then realizes he has no official hand-to-hand training. But the impact squarely hits the jaw (though a bit sloppy) and the man goes flying backwards on to the ground. His eyes roll up and he falls unconscious. Ben'dar rips the necklace off the man's neck and whistles for Tef'wo. By now ben'dar sees the other 2 riders. Rider 3 has blocked 2 and is using his knife to threaten the rider. Ben'dar quickly mounts. He circles around and charges toward Rider 3. He pulls out his whip and cracks it. Wow even unskilled the whip hits the man's backside. This jerks him up. Rider 2 then slams the nnife out onto the ground. Then Ben'dar twirls around and heads for the village. GM: A little bit more than you called for but figuring your character personality I figured you'd have tried it. The entire above took 8 seconds. We'll resume the normal time increments for ease of timing. :) [291-300 seconds] Ben'dar smiles as he puts his whip back onto his belt as best he can in the distraction of the race. It almost slips and falls off but he grabs it. He looks back and sees Rider 1 still down. In the time it took to put the whip back in though all 3 equal up and its a true race side by side. [301-310 seconds] Ben'dar surges forward with 2 and 3 following in that order. Rider 2 shakes his head. Maybe the blow wasn't that hard? [311-320 seconds] Suddenly Rider 2 surges forward. He looks at ben'dar and the necklace. With hesitation he grabs for it but Ben'dar moves Tef'wo away. Rider 3 takes up 3rd place. Rider 1 stands and checks himself over. He calls for his horse. [321-330 seconds] Rider 2 and 3 equal up blocking Ben'dar who takes last. But Rider 1 mounts his horse. But hes over a hundred feet behind by now. He's out of the race more likely. [331-340 seconds] Rider 2 and 3 equal up side by side hitting each other as they try to track closer to Ben'dar. But Ben'dar takes the chance and rounds 3. He takes the lead. [351-360 seconds] Dang. Again rider 2 and 3 equal up blocking Ben'dar in between causing Tef'wo to slow to 4th. The tactic is working for them. Rider 1 rides forward... GM: Any final actions? Last leg will be in the next update. Got about 2 minutes of race left. -------------------------------------- [Jordi - Trading test] [Jordi gives the dialogue above. Enoz listens and then looks around the tipi. Rohm leans over and whispers to Enoz in hushed tones. With the crackle of the fire pit its hard to hear but some words in Zen'da are heard like "Caladan" "stranger" "trust" "time". Jordi senses a sense of relief from Enoz as she talks. Enoz looks to Jolcz and to Jordi. Then nods.] Enoz: "Besides family and life? Right now my most precious gift is --" [He points to jolcz, he nods to her] "this." [Jolcz leans back and grabs a heavy sack. From it she pulls out something. In the light it gleams. Its a small wooden statue the size of a fist. It is that of a eagle. the eyes sparkle with ...ruby gems? Or maybe fake glass. hard to tell. The eagle is perched on some "rock" or tree. Its wings are half out and half spread. The small statue is very artistic and delicate. It stands a fist high and a fist wide. In some cultures it might not be worth much but Jordi can tell it must've took months to carve based on the way the wings are so delicate showing the fine curves and edges of veins. To a collector it might be priceless. To a common merchant maybe nothing. Jolcz holds it in her palms and out to show Jordi.] Enoz: "I am not a normal Zen'da. I'm a craftsman. I carve things from wood and stone. Why do you think I live away from the village?" [Rohm bows her head in what seems shame to Jordi] "We do wasteful things to them. This right now is my most precious art work. To you a world traveller it might be worthless. To me its priceless. Now. Again i ask. Why and who is this for?" GM: Actions? Comments? -------------------------------------- [Strie'bog - Pit Test] [As Strie'bog gives his story and circles the pit to view the audience he notices many are captivated by it. Many of the women just stand still listening to every word. Some even let a few tears fall silently. A few kids are stunned, scared and excited by the story. Mothers whisper to them to comfort them. The men even stop jeering and talking to listen. Before even a 3rd of the story is done all is silent but Strie'bog and the crackle of the fire. Even Cetric's smirk has fallen into a slight frown. Even at one point he looks down to the ground before quickly looking back up. Its clear Strie'bog has some effect on the audience. Even the party is captivated by the story. As the final minutes draw and the smoke takes effect on the canines Strie'bog backs up to the fire. He picks up a instrument and begins to play music. He doesn't sing but murmurs a few spell words and casts a spell. Suddenly the air around him is filled with more magical music. But those outside the pit only hear his instrument. The dogs stop growling and pant as they look at Strie'bog. Cetric glances at his hourglass. As the spell nears an end the dogs begin to growl again and approach. Strie'bog moves back to the heat of the fire which the canines don't like. This gives him time to cast the spell again successfully. The dogs stop again. Cetric and others are surprised by this. Then the hourglass stops and empties. Cetric motions for the others. A warrior tosses a bag high up and into the fire. Now a cloud of gray/white smoke engulfs the pit. As quickly as it begin the smoke calms the animals. Hesitant Strie'bog watches the canines who just pant but don't seem to be affected. He sighs and stops playing.] [Strie'bog climbs out followed by the canines.] Caladan: "Good work." Strie'bog: "In cowardice, you have betrayed your ancestors and people. Be prepared for your test." He will then walk away. [Cetric eyes Strie'bog. With only Caladan and Strie'bog within earshot. He looks down at the ground and then back up at Strie'bog. He begins to say something. But stops. As Strie'bog leaves the area words finally come to him.] Cetric: "..sorry..." [in a low whisper.] [This startles Caladan who looks at Cetric but Cetric quickly turns and rushes away.] GM: You obviously affected Cetric and the crowd to a good point based on skill rolls and the story. Good role playing. Experience awarded. Test complete. I was thinking of other solutions but you came up with one even i wasn't thinking of :) -------------------------------------- [Chion - Duel Challenge] From Chion: Chion, smiling at Cetric, will state "I am not harmed by this man. Not the first time when he tried to kill me in my sleep, and certainly not when I face him in open combat. I am learn-ed from this man. I wish to speak to him when he awakes." Naturally, at this point he's looking for a place he can cast a regen spell and/or perhaps a healing light (for the damage). He'll be muttering about "those shield lessons didn't do much good, now did they..." as he walks to someplace more private. GM: Ack. Which do you cast? Regeneration and/or Healing and at what ELs if any (have to look at the sheet). Z'leyra can treat you as well if needed. Cetric: "I will tell him." -------------------------------------- [Balrog - Horse Drag Test] GM: Caladan translated for Balrog who doesn't know Zen'dali. Balrog: "So let me get this straight. You tie my hands up. On a rope trailing behind a horse out that a-way. About half a mile? Seems simple enough." Caladan: "Its not. You may not be walking but be drag all the way. Can you handle that? Theres nothing wrong in saying no. This test is actually a form of common punishment." Cetric: "To some. to others its a test of strength and determination! The Great Lodge Chief Kyran asked to do this to prove himself and at a middle-age!" Caladan: "Yes. He came back with multiple cuts. Bruises. ..and three broken fingers." Balrog: "Oh. So let me understand this. I must be attached to the rope? Any other restrictions?" Cetric: "Hrm...no." Balrog: "Fine. I accept." [Cetric smiles and a warrior inspects Balrog for weapons. He finds none. But the warrior reveals in a sleeve a leather wrist/arm band on his right arm near his wrist.] Warrior: "What's this?" Balrog: "Family heirloom." [Warrior looks at Cetric and Cetric shrugs. The warrior finishes and finds nothing of any gear on Balrog. Other than the leather band. Finally Balrog asks Unali for a good luck kiss. She approaches and agrees to it. But as she pulls away from a peck on the cheek, Balrog shocks here. He grabs her with both arms and bends her and kisses her full on the lips. Unali struggles but finds one of Balrog's arm on her back as the audience laughs. Balrog turns Unali back to the crowd a bit flushed. He leans over and smiles.] Balrog: "Thanks. It'll help." [Balrog turns after he shuffles his arms and faces the warrior. The warrior then ties both hands up and ties it to a saddle on a horse. Balrog is then lead to the edge of the village. Out on the plains another person is standing maybe a bit over half a mile away.] Cetric: "That's your point. Get there and back." [The warrior slaps the horse on the behind and the horse trots off with Balrog following behind in a fast jog. The horse after half the journey begins to slow down to allow Balrog to even walk it. This isn't bad Balrog thinks. Maybe it'll be easy. Meanwhile all the time he is testing the strength of the rope around his hands and studying the knot. As the horse gets close to the other person the person grabs the horse and turns it around. It looks like the horse has been trained to go from point A to Point B. Half the test over Balrog relaxes. The person smacks the horse again and it trots off again. This time back toward the village. As the horse gets about 20 feet away from the other person, Balrog hears running footsteps. He turns to see the other person, a young warrior, running behind and passing Balrog. Then the warrior in one smooth action leaps onto the back of the horse and with a kick of his feet gets the horse to a full run. Balrog sighs. He should've known better. As Balrog runs for his life the horse gets faster and faster. Then 8 seconds later Balrog falls over a rock or something and goes flat onto the ground sliding behind the horse. A big trail of dust and sand follows Balrog as he closes his eyes and tries to hang on for sheer life. The pain in his wrists and arms are intense. But Balrog was prepared. with his other hand he reaches into the now-non-empty leather wrist band. Now with one of Unali's daggers he "borrowed" from her when he kissed her. Unali soon realizes that one of her daggers is gone but only with a slight check of her clothing and nothing to give it away. with the dagger now in one hand he begins to slice the rope to free one hand. As he begins to take sand and dust into his nostrils he drops the dagger and it goes flying behind him but covered by the dust cloud. With the one hand free he begins to pull himself toward the horse. This causes tension and the rope to tighten on the saddle. As Balrog inches closer and closer to the horse the warrior notices this and begins to zip and zag to throw Balrog off. Soon now 2 feet...then 20 inches...then he is just behind the fast moving legs of the horse. He could be stomped but he risks it. He tries to reach with one hand the rope that is between the saddle and legs. He grabs it and pulls hard. By now the shifting weight of Balrog causes the horse to slow down just a bit. Balrog tries to raise a arm upwards...then all of a sudden he rams right into a leg of the horse as momentum pushes his body forward. He's stopped?] [In the clenched eyes Balrog shakes his head and coughs out the dirt ands dust. He hears footsteps running toward. He finally opens his eyes and finds the horse has stopped and he has reached the village. A lot sooner than he thought. Caladan and Xian reach him and bend over to inspect him.] Caladan: "What in the blazes were you trying to do?" [Xian gives him water with a canteen to drink. Balrog is helped to sit up and drinks in gulps.] Balrog: "..I s...saw...growing up...someone tr..try it. .. He ..got amazingly...up ..on the horse. ...It was..foolish." [Cough] "I guess i failed in th...that trick. " GM: Very bad skill/attribute rolls. A dangerous stunt. Ride was over before i could do more. Based on the math. Balrog [leaning to Caladan and whispering] "Gather the rope up please. No one see it." [Caladan nods and does this while others look at Balrog. Xian inspects him and finds bruises, blood bruises, cuts but nothing is broken. Balrog's tunic though is almost to shreds.] Cetric: "I've never seen one try to touch the horse. An interesting tactic. A wild one. Your spirit guide must be a wolf? Never mind. The test is complete." [He nodes and walks away. As the audience follows Balrog is helped to his feet.] Xian: "Stupid stunt. Stupid test. Could've killed yourself. No reason for it." Balrog: "Did I pass?" [A bit shakilly as he gets to his feet 5 minutes later.] Caladan: "Yep. I think few more minutes you could've done that stunt. I've heard of some trying it before in our past. It takes great upper body strength." Balrog: "Oh. now you tell me...I don't have much." [Both men smile and walk off as Caladan holds the cut rope to hide that. Balrog leans over to Unali.] Balrog: "Sorry about that. i was hoping to cut the rope to get a better hold. I had to get your dagger as they inspected me. No offense intended. I knew you had one and my ...training kicked in. But hey I enjoyed it!" [He winks at the thought of the kiss and his thief training.] -------------------------------------- [Thig - Tracking Test] GM: Coming next update. 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] Strie'bog Test Completed, Successfully Balrog Test Completed, Successfully Ben'dar Nearing completion Jordi Has started, waiting on actions Thig About to start, long test Caladan Not given one yet Tests - Completed - 9 In progress - 2 Waiting - 2 Actions or comments? Ok. Schedule of Events - Friday will finish Ben'dar's race. Jordi we'll continue your test. Then I'll work on Thig's and possibly Caladan's to end the tests. Then might get in some clean up notes and background.