HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma ?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma ?? Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma -- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe -- J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe R4 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog), Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem Public posts/actions to pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to longshot@darktech.org Game Update #42b in sequence (file #169) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: Part 2 of 2 for Game Update. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [None - In Last part] ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Marqi 30th, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4. Location: High Elder's Domain, Dark Lands, North-East corner of continent, center of Dark Lands.] [Time: 12:09pm] [The room the party is now in is called the Throne room though the High Elder is not known to hold a court. It's mainly an audience room for dealing with Domain issues and problems. The room is 26 by 24 feet wide. Small compared to the large throne room in Marentia where it can be 5 times larger. The party is a big confused by the whole security procedure and searches. But it must be a good way for them to learn of possible threats. In a land of wizards with magic that could do wonders it's best to know ahead of time. In a palace like King Maros's in Maren city weapons are seized, little else is done in terms of security. Even then some nobles are allowed weapons in court. Unali when she spent time in the court, couple months ago, saw it as a confusing sign of security. Even after King Maros was kidnapped by Timon, Xian's brother, he took little attention to security against magics and wizards. But here it is reversed. Little is given to weapons but great amount of security is against magic and wizards.] [Arawn finds the whole security issue conflicting as in his parent's court intents were known well in advance. Most gods have some form of honor and if a challenge was to be made they announced it. Gods do war against each other but they do have rules. One would not try to lower themseelves to hire an assassin to kill a god if that was even possible. Ben'dar finds the whole security a waste of time as on the plains children carried weapons. When adults met they met with arms intertwined so no one could draw on each other. The custom of greeting prevents accidents. Chion on the other hand is used to the security but has noted a slight increase in it since the last time he has come. Namely the citadel guard towers weren't manned by 3 as now but by mostly 1 then. Of course it could just be the wedding. Fremea finds the whole security procedures odd as well in that a skilled person could probably bypass them. Why would they risk asking an outsider to scan their own security if they weren't confident in it? Of course there is the whole possible test and trap theory but if they can sense magic on person's why not on walls? They must trust her enough to risk the power of her scans to not let them down. Raban found the whole body search degrading. Sure he has had to walk into estates and searched before. There are always naive and paranoid nobles out there. But when the guard had to get a small stool to stand on that was a bit much as the guard searched the top of Raban. Of all the people Unali is one the most used to security. She has dealt with it in Marentian as a short term spy to Katai just entering a bath house where nobles may be. Z'leyra finds the whole process a waste of time. Any skilled wizard could probably bypass it all. But those scanners are quite unique and powerful tools. Though anyone with skills in detection and permanent magics could rig up a few but it would take time collecting various gems and jewels and placing all the various conditions onto the object. It must've taken a long time.] [The room has enough cushioned satin seats to sit 12 but 10 now sit in the room with Kwat standing in the rear. The "Throne" is a large black stone that seems to reflect the torchlight in hues of red, orange and yellows. The seat has large arm rests and under the High Elder is a gray wrap from back to floor where red silk cushions sit. The arm rests seem to twinkle with gems that are inset into the tip of the arm rests. It seems all color of jewels are represented on the arm rests that are likely for some magical purpose. Light in the room is done by magical torches on stands that give off no smoke or heat just magical light. The carpet is a mild white color. As the party sit and wait for others to take their seats the walls seem to shift. Two large tapestries hang on each east and west wall. The first image was the High Elder seemingly giving some speech to a large crowd on the left. To the right was a image of some wizard battling a large beast that stands probably 12 feet. Now the left shows a female wizard gesturing and the still image shows a storm approaching some castle. The right now shows a male wizard using some form of magic to move stones and debris from what looks like a disaster area to rescue people trapped under stones and such. The party figures the magical tapestries to show scenes of Katai history to those who come in and it must change all the time. Probably how Katai life would be if the magic was allowed there. The still images could also be just scenes from past or hopeful Dark Lands events.] [As Sven Redhand sits down he taps Ben'dar on the shoulder and whispers in Zen'dali.] Sven: "Nice to see you again." [Ben'dar is surprised he knows Zen'dali but likely didn't want to reveal that in their earlier meeting or just wanted to play with Kee translating the conversation.] [The High Elder sits with his hands folded in a calm manner on his lap. He waits for everyone to sit. From what the party saw at the dance he stands over 6 foot tall and about 130 pounds or so. He is one of the oldest humans in the land it seems looking in his early 80s. He wears gray robes that are simple with little flair. Sandals on his feet seem odd for such a powerful person but he looks very humble with them on. It looks like a chain hangs down his neck into his robes where a necklace or something else may hang. His gray hair is smooth and well groomed. His blue and slightly graying eyes seem to twinkle at delight in seeing Chion and the others. He raises a hand and speaks.] Elder: "Hello and welcome to my home." [The party is surprised to find him speak that in Zen'dali. Then the party is more shocked when he repeats the same in Marentian.] Elder: "I have learned your common language of Marentian in order to communicate." [Sven grabs something from a pouch and holds it in his hands and it looks like a talisman. Kwat comes forward and gives Kiet a device that looks like the same. Kwat whispers to him to tap the center twice in order to understand the High Elder. Kiet fears nothing and taps the device so he can understand Marentian. Kiet figures that is what Sven is also doing.] Elder: "Now I assume everyone can understand me?" [He waits for nods and no one doesn't seem not to understand him. He nods then taps a gem on his arm rest and Oby enters the room with a tray followed by a servant with another tray.] Elder: "Please eat and drink something to break your fast. We have much to discuss and I rather like alert people well nourished." [As the food of hot bread, cookies and some fruit is given with small plates to those who wish it mugs of ale, tea, or wine is offered. Once everyone is asked to get something if they wish the 2 leave the room again.] [The High Elder lifts his own crystal wine glass and drinks his red wine then taps another jewel. Arawn and Fremea seem to feel their hairs on the back of the necks rise as energy surges around the room of some kind.] Elder: "What we say here today will be kept in here from outside eyes and will not be taken outside of this room." [He doesn't seem to wait for anyone to argue his subtle threat but seems confident that no one will share much outside the room.] "I am very honored you all can attend this meeting in your busy life. You may address me as Elder Ki'ama. We are informal today. Sven knows why he is here and I believe some of you know him or has seen him. I understand Ben'dar has talked to him briefly." [Ki'ama turns to Kiet's direction and smiles.] Elder: "Kiet you may wonder why you have been summoned here. I have been quite happy with your skills as entertainer. Fear not. Do you recall a incident about three weeks ago where you stumbled upon a warehouse and found a group of men and women there? You were escorted away by some men and you were able to escape?" [Kiet nods faintly in the recalling of the event.] "It seems you stumbled upon a secret cult that thanks to you we've discovered and have been watching. My people discovered them shadowing you and felt it strange so we investigated further. It led back to the warehouse and we used magic to reveal what all went down. The actual meeting we could not use magic on as it was wiped clean by magic to prevent the viewing. It seems they didn't want any witness to the incident and finally decided when you got here to the citadel that you might talk. The snake we figure was planted to kill you. Thanks to Raban here that plan failed. Then this morning at the wedding my guards report a man was nearly ready to kill you at a table but they got to him first and escorted him away. We are in the process of learning who his friends are and rounding them up for questions. We don't mind groups assembling even in this village but when they conspire to kill a visitor is when we deal with it. I feel for the next few days you'll be safer with this band of men and women. I hope this does not hinder your future plans in the area. I do apologize for any trouble it may cause. I learned that you were shipwrecked on our east coast and I feel obliged to keep you safe while we deal with this problem. Of course you could stay as a guest in our citadel but I feel you'll be safer with these friends on their future plans." [He waits for some form of reaction from Kiet and then drinks more of his wine. He waits to see if Kiet wishes not to join the party. He nods and then spreads his arms wide and palms out in a sign of peace and welcome. [He looks at Arawn and folds his hands in a prayer sign and nods to the Alfar.] Elder: "Arawn I am pleased to have the honor of your presence here. It is not everyday we get the son of gods here. Your wisdom and grace gives my home the light it deserves in the wake of darkness. I have never been to your realm of the Gods but hope in death some day I will get there to learn their wisdom. There are some that believe magic comes directly from the gods channeled by them. This is why priests and druids like yourself are so valuable in this realm. Man must have their proper say and the gods should have their say as well. But then there are others who believe magic comes from within." [he touches his heart and then head.] "From the soul and mind of our body. That all creatures have magic innately to us but not all know how to touch it. This is why some are more gifted than others in magic, while others never know of magic. Here in the Dark Lands we have both beliefs and it seems most are leaning to the non-god view. While you are here I wish to convey that this is only a belief in some and in no way means to offend yourself. It is rare to see an Elf know the Druidic arts. Usually that is a Human trait. But it makes sense how your kind has such reverence for the forest that your kind would do well as Druids. Why you are here in our realm I have no idea and its not my business. But I wish I could have a way for you to communicate with your parents. Sadly, I have none that would not be dangerous. You probably know better ways than I do in this area. Please convey my peace to your parents." [He waits a few moments for any reaction and if there are none he moves on to Chion or if there are some he will deal with it. At Chion he smiles and his cheeks bulge from the sly grin.] Elder: "Chion! It is nice to see you again. Your skill in the Teleport magic is legendary now. Very impressive. Soon you may be sought out by the gods in this area for their own use good or bad. It happens when a wizard gets powerful in one spell. It gets to their attention. Some seek those out for their own will or to destroy them fearing them. I hope my message got to you with plenty of time to get here. I have been watching you. You have grown so much in the last few years. From being self-centered to helping. Just the attack on your friend Unali shows you went to capture the killer to help your friend. This is what I was hoping to see in you years ago. I am glad to see the change. Correl has done a good job in teaching you since you were just 13. I know he is very proud of you and so am I. But I asked you here specifically for your rather unique talents. I will explain more in a few minutes. I see from your bone thing that you have learned to become a shaman. You are leaving the path of wizard magic for the more down to earth magics?" [After a brief pause for any reaction he moves onto the next person sitting next to Arawn - Caladan.] Elder: "Caladan, I believe your the first of such high tribal status to visit here. There is another wizard who used to have a Firesnake before it died. It is nice to see another one. how are you feeling after your recent problem on the plains?" [Caladan looks to Arawn then back confused. Could He know of his death on the plains or the trouble being with the Bova?] Caladan: "I am honored to be here as well sir. As to how I am doing it gets better each day." Elder: "Quite. I knew your master Woundendal a long time ago. He is a very impressive man who refused to join us here long ago. Of course he did copy my idea of getting my land spring year round with his valley magic. But he did ask first. Tell him I said hello next time you see him and tell him he still owes me that Tome he said he would find for me." Caladan: "Yes I will. I didn't know you knew him." [The High Elder nods then moves on to Z'leyra sitting on the far right next to Chion. His smile seems to fade slightly.] Elder: "Z'leyra our multi-faceted gem. We here in the Dark Lands tend to believe that learning one path is the best way to gain knowledge. While I admit I don't know your culture's beliefs but why learn so many hats? A Wizard. An Enchanter. An Armorer. A shaman. A Healer. A warrior. Doesn't all those skill areas spread you thin in all the areas? It is a strange concept to our way of life here. If it works for you though more power to you. I understand you wish to open a school of healing. To help society is a noble cause and I wish you all the luck in that area. Just keep in mind that the best wizard-enchanter in the east, Kum Xing, depended too much on his magic items. He had ten magical rings, magic armor and weapons. He had amulets and talismans. Yet he was killed in a simple duel by magic that bypassed all those protection and defenses. His weakness was his dependency and the one to duel him knew this. Keep this in mind that the best magic is from the mind and heart to figure out solutions to things rather than depend on things to fix problems. Wisdom will beat any magic any day. Grow in that area and your soul will welcome it. I spent time talking to Corona and he is a quite intelligent bird. He speaks highly of yourself. I sense though he is seeking knowledge from something but maybe one day he will find what he is looking for." [He waits for a possible reply and then moves on after any reply and reaction. Z'leyra finds the comments slightly insulting and condescending but many have told her the same thing in the past. Clearly the Elder has been studying her for some reason. She waits for a pause then as directed now that she has been spoken to she speaks up. She stands and gives a deep bow toward the old wizard, holding it for several seconds.] Z'leyra: "I am honored to be in your presence Oh Learned Master of Magical Arts. I bring with me my best wishes and the hope that you might better deal with a magical item that caused some trouble far to the west in the lands of the Zen'da. This magical item, a Claw, has defenses that have kept me from unraveling its secrets and has proven dangerous in its ability to possess those who touch it. It was used to evil purpose by a wizard who used it to control animals, many animals. Fortunately the wizard shall trouble the lands no more. I hope that you could be a safer guardian of the Claw than I or may even have the ability to destroy the item safely. If you choose to do so I will have the item fetched when you wish." Elder: "Yes. The Claw. Oby told me you turned it over to him. I will study it while I have some free time." [Z'leyra notices a slight twinkle in his eyes like he knows more than he is letting on. Z'leyra sits and notices Ben'dar looking at her. He is surprised to see her turn over the Claw to the High Elder.] [The High Elder moves back to the left and behind Arawn to Fremea.] Elder: "Fremea it is an honor to have a Faerry here. I had Oby search the records. I think we have had only three other Faerry to get this far east. Quite rare for your kind. It is fascinating to watch you in action. I am sad to hear of your attack by the creature last night. If I knew it was going to happen I'd have never asked Zhou to ask you for the favor. For that I am sorry. How you got out of the mess was quite fascinating as well. Your spirit must be strong to sustain such a major wound. You must have the touch of the divine on you." [He waits for any possible reaction and Fremea listens to the words. She wonders if he is telling the truth but he seems sincere. Chion did mention the High Elder does tests occasionally on his apprentices and masters. Entropy is a way of life to keep chaos and order in check, it seems. Of course the Fae know it well. Being mischievous they like to throw a hammer into human affairs and watch the humans scramble. His eyes then dart to Unali.] Elder: "Unali of Katai. Our native sees how the naughty northern folks are doing. I hope you spread that we aren't blood thirsty fools who wish to eat children at the drop of a hat. I hope you tell your family down in Katai that we seek only knowledge and magic is a tool to that end. In some ways we live side by side with people who in other lands would kill each other by a mere glance. Law would shatter Chaos and vice versa. Here we learn harmony in order for Knowledge to be gained. Yet in a civilized culture as Katai they can't seem to live in harmony. Katai people live with crime, caste issues and political trials that rip our homeland to shreds. I hope our way of life can one day help all Katai to live in peace. But that will never happen until they support magic. Maybe you will be the first emissary to spread our word and our work to the homeland. I am quite pleased to see you survive your attack back in the bar as well." [He sips his wine and waits for any reply before moving on to Raban. Unali is confused as to how he knows of the attack details. Did someone tell him?] Elder: "Raban my tall gentle giant. I have enjoyed your pipe playing greatly. It is nice to see a different southern twist to the instrument. I hear from many of the females they also caught your eye. I am glad you decided to join this group. Your skills will be greatly appreciated. I know how to sing and play some musical instruments as well but not as well as you do. Maybe I will listen to more of it soon." [He nods and then waits for any reply before moving on to Ben'dar.] Elder: "Ben'dar the fierce horse rider. I spent time last night looking over Tef'wo is it? He is a very nice horse. One of the best in these parts for sure. You should be proud of him. I did try to examine the necklace on him as it intrigued me but he refused. I sense its something special though. You are a strange warrior in that you seek battle at the drop of a hat. Yet we see your gentle side in opening up the ranch to help horses. You have learned a well balance between life of combat and peace. I hope that life continues as too much combat can harden a person's heart. Before that happens you should return home before your soul is lost." [He waits for any possible reaction before he continues.] [The High Elder places the wine on his arm rest and folds his hands. He looks a bit more serious as his face eye wrinkles twinkle in the light. His eyes dart back and forth from person to person as if planning his next statement.] Elder: "I had hoped to meet the other members of this group like Farseeker, Xian and Strie'bog. But it seems they could not or would not come. Sad. You may ask how I know so much about each of you. It is no secret that I am one for isolation in this region. Keeping our privacy and our niche of civil government alive is top in my plans. It is also no secret that some in our midst like the Sorceress seek us to go out and conquer lands like Katai and the Zen'da plains to name a few. The group that wishes us to use our magic as power and as a weapon wish for us to spread out and grow. All the land here is owned or used by someone and so the argument is that new land is needed for our people who are up and coming. I know that eventually I may not be able to stop this movement. One day I may die or lose control and then the region will see magic used in war on a scale not heard of since the gods were here. I have no doubt the Ipanza to the north would be first then the south and west tribes. Then parts of the Zen'da plains. Eventually some would have to deal with Katai. Because of this I have tried to keep tabs on the world outside. I have many objects around the continent with a single person or group like yourself. From these I can learn and gather information to see what we might be up against as an argument against the ones who wish to rule. I also seek out great people for future possible use to help the Dark Lands and other people as a whole. Your group is one such group I've been watching. When Chion returned the Egg Drop to me he obtained the Gnarish Staff." [Everyone glances at Chion and Chion looks down at the staff. Unease seeps into Chion's spine as he feels slightly betrayed by this turn of events.] Elder: "You may have noticed Chion the staff seems to change in texture and temperature. That is the being inside that I use to communicate with by the astral planes. It gives me details of what it sees. Details may be missing and vague but I get a good sense of what is going on. Please," [he raises a hand] "I mean not to spy on each of you but I need to keep tabs on strong people. The future always looks bleak and the world needs strong heroes. If not for the people here but for your own nations. Through these objects I also hear of great evil." [Chion looks at the staff. So all this time that is why the staff seems to warm and heat up. That must be when the lifeforce or being inside the staff is lurking and watching. Chion doesn't know how to react to this bit of mild betrayal but if he over reacts his standing here will be greatly affected. Chion listens to the High Elder and he does sound sincere in his words. He does sound quite concerned about the people here and outside. Why not spy on the outside while he learns of them? After all the gods spy on this world all the time. Unali spies for Duke Aren. Xian spies on street gangsters. Everyone is out for information. information is power.] Elder: "Chion if you wish to give back the staff I will accept it and give you a item that will not be the same. I will not spy on your group if you wish to. In fact I can give you a way to invoke a spell on the staff to prevent spying if you wish your privacy. I am sorry to betray your trust in this matter but since you were in a far off land I could not resist taking the opportunity to gain information on your friends, on yourself and on Marentia which I hold of great value. Marentia will be a true ally in the name of peace and good. I wished I had learned more on Clima though. I also learned that the Vassa protectors will be difficult for the wizard's to conquer and that knowledge may save the Dark Lands from civil war. The information on the beings in that forest will help to show there are powerful people out there and that our magic may not work against them. I would never give information on how to conquer those beings away even if I knew that. The information I obtain is general and I only know their power is great. Now for the reason I've called you here.." Actions? Comments? Next update...Monday... GM: I was hoping to have the actual info on why you were asked for the audience in this very update. But as its 2am and I've worked on what you have already read in the last week (since offline) I ran out of room and time. :< So I will work on the big part I couldn't include here for Monday's update. At this point its over 1500 lines for the updates a bit lengthy so you guys need a break anyway. :) GM: Map of the Manor has been posted on website. GM: Some will get emails from Language trades and a few other behind scenes things later this weekend.