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 Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma -- 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 #44 in sequence (file #182) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] Ben'Dar doesn't have any response or actions other than the disappointed sigh not being able to bring Tef'wo. Being without Tef'wo is like not bring along any weapons. He feels naked when not on horseback. But there doesn't seem to be any help for it this time. GM: Ack. -------------------------------------- From Raban: [Re: Actions] [Raban sighs a bit to himself as he thinks over his options. He just promised his protection again and at a glance its obvious she will go, so how could he refuse. Now there will be issues with transportation, does a horse big enough for me to ride even exist? Reaching deep inside himself he feels for guidance, and finds he is needed on this mission. Well they better not need me to carry a castle back, that may be a bit much even for me. Sensing some far off laughter, Raban smiles, at least his Goddess is amused and that may be all that really matters. ] Grinning Raban says, "High Elder Ki'ama, it would seem my playing for you will be delayed a bit due to visiting the frozen north. A Bard does need to travel and learn of other places, as it inspires his stories and songs. Even with the right to the Lawful Lie, it is best to tell wondrous stories with some truth in them. I thank you for this chance to add to my stories further, though my visit here has already added years of material." GM: Ack. I see no restriction on Bless for yourself. However, on a Priestly stance would one serve their god/goddess by blessing themselves? Would that make them selfish or selfless? To serve others or serve yourself? Just one of those moral things for you to decide. :) -------------------------------------- From Chion: [Re: Actions] Chion stands and puts his hand on Red's (aka Sven) temple and wiggles it back and forth like a prayer pillar as he says "IiiiIIiii want the knife!" (that was a joke btw) Chion replies to the High Elder, "High Elder, what are the odds that after so long, given that the flying enchantments obviously still work, the defensive enchantments work as well?" Smiling, of course, knowing full well the High Elder has not ignored this in his own thinking, but bringing it up for the edification of the party who is about to visit the Castle. The smile is slightly smug, as he knows the High Elder has purposely ignored talking about this, but that it is an obvious good chance given what has happened (or not) to their previous scout. It also irks Chion to think that he said there are no level 3 (however that translates in his mind) teleporters. Obviously this is not the case. But he lets it slide, given the source, and considers it an attempt to "butter him up" for the trip rather than a blatant lie. GM: Ack. Like the Joke. :) -------------------------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] "It seems there are many things for all to learn still." Fremea unfurls her wings slightly and readjust herself in her seat. She wonders what info he has about her and if he might have anything useful about those she seeks, or at least a way to start finding them quickly. Hopefully after this is done, she can ask for a private audience to find out. "I also wonder though about those 'creatures.'" She looks very disgusted as she thinks about them. "Are they part of someones realm? Or rather, would they be missed if they were no longer inhabiting their lair?" ----------------------------------------- A flying castle? Why do dumb humans with no wings ever even try? They may as well drown themselves in the oceans, trying to breath underwater forever as if they can fly somewhere. It is no mystery to that she knows how flying works and has to keep a small laugh back, thinking about how others have attempted to do it. Of course, it would take great magics to bind the elementals into that long of service without turning on the summoners. And it would make a great place to live, away from all those that want to hurt her for being different. Maybe some of the humans aren't so dumb. And she wonders if there could be other great instruments for her purposes, hmmm ..... GM: Ack. -------------------------------------- From Arawn: [Re: Actions] As the High Elder finished his introductions Arawn replied graciously. "High Elder, it is a pleasure and honor to be your guest in a realm where magic is strong and where wisdom rules the land. When I return home it will be my pleasure to share with you the wonder of my homeland if you should ever journey there. For now I can only offer you a meager gift that is not even a pale shadow of what I have to offer you in the High Realms of the Sidh. your journey left little time for preparation and I hope that you will accept this gift as a token of respect and well-being on my behalf. " He nods to any servant that may have carried the Elf Bow as a gift for the High Elder. (Didn't have time to discuss the details on this but feel free to modify this however it would have best been presented after discussions with Kwat and Oby) ------------------------------------------------------------- Arawn sat quietly as he listened the tale spun by the Dark Lands leader. Although he was raised in a realm of great mystery and power he found many aspects of the Mortal Realm fascinating with its new experiences and adventures. His curiousity was piqued in regards to the flying castle and its possible connections to Lymria and he thought over what he remembered reading about it in his family's libraries. He would have a chance to investigate such things first hand, a rare opportunity for the gods and their children since the time of the Sundering and God Wars. When the High Elder was done speaking he spoke up. "High Elder, a question or two if I may. I have heard of Lymria, though the information was from a distant source. What I heard matches the information you have but for one item, there were three castles and all 3 fell from the sky. I'm not sure of the truth of the situation but if this is the case, is it possible that another such castle could exist or have been created since the fall? With this Elemental Staff one might be able to craft another floating realm. Do you know of the whereabouts of the Elemental Staff now? And, lastly, are the books mentioned, the journal found amidst the wreckage and Xa Mings writings, available for further study on the subject?" GM: Ack. -------------------------------------- From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra will have a quiet chat with Corona about the upcoming adventure...That higher than they have ever flown before a land and perhaps castle is held up by magic as it floats thru the sky. We have to investigate. Who knows what dangers there might? Z'leyra ponders the possibility that the party might want or need magical belts of flying or levitation. She considers her mana supply and how much time they have. GM: Ack. Remind me on the Corona thing later after meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [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: 12:08pm] [Earlier in introductions Fremea replies on the Dirasa.] Fremea: "It seems there are many things for all to learn still." [Fremea unfurls her wings slightly and readjust herself in her seat. She wonders what info he has about her and if he might have anything useful about those she seeks, or at least a way to start finding them quickly. Hopefully after this is done, she can ask for a private audience to find out. She hears the security chief rustle as she unfurls her wings. She looks back to see him put a hand to his belt likely to a dagger. She smiles slightly and realizes this could be seen as a possible attack move. She turns back to the Elder and continues.] Fremea: "I also wonder though about those 'creatures.'" [She looks very disgusted as she thinks about them.] "Are they part of someone's realm? Or rather, would they be missed if they were no longer inhabiting their lair?" [Ki'ama tilts his head to look at Kwat in the back for ideas. But Kwat gives none.] Elder: "I am sorry. I'm no animal expert in this area. Oby was debriefed on your attack and I was informed from it. I only understand from some others they are simple creatures of the wilderness found all over. Well whatever terrain they seem to like best. I have no idea if they are in a lair or just visiting the area. For that knowledge I'm sorry. Maybe someone in the village knows more in this area than I do." [After Arawn's introduction, Arawn reacts...] Arawn: "High Elder, it is a pleasure and honor to be your guest in a realm where magic is strong and where wisdom rules the land. When I return home it will be my pleasure to share with you the wonder of my homeland if you should ever journey there. For now I can only offer you a meager gift that is not even a pale shadow of what I have to offer you in the High Realms of the Sidh. your journey left little time for preparation and I hope that you will accept this gift as a token of respect and well-being on my behalf. " [Arawn turns to Kwat who nods. Kwat turns and walks to the door. He glances at Ki'ama who taps a jewel and nods. Kwat opens the door and someone on the other side gives him a pillow. Kwat waves his hand over it and turns around. He closes the door and Ki'ama reactivates the silence and anti-surveillance wards. Arawn, Z'leyra and Chion find it odd that he is carrying an empty red pillow. Arawn looks to Kwat who nods and turns to the High Elder. The Elder seems to blink a few times and concentrates. To the other party members an image of Arawn's Elven Bow appears. An illusion it seems?] Elder: "A bow? No. Not a simple bow. An Elven Bow. Indeed a very nice gift. I am honored to receive such a gift. I thank you Arawn. It looks to be of great craftsmanship." [Kwat turns and heads down the center aisle back to the rear wall. He simply tucks the pillow into a small cabinet. Arawn realizes it must be an illusion rather than the actual bow.] "The illusion of the bow was a good one. We allow no weapons in this room or the manor. Oby has taken the bow into custody and I will study it later. I hear those bows are more powerful than most human ones." [The Elder smiles and folds his hands and nods to Arawan in appreciation. Of course there are no weapons allowed here. So that had to be an illusion. Arawn then panics and tries to recall if he gave Oby regular or elven arrows or none at all?] [The Elder discusses magic and Katai with Unali in her introduction. Unali replies with a flowing calm voice.] Unali: "No offence meant, but from what I have seen in various courts now is that knowledge in itself can be a dangerous thing. Adding magic to a society with such intricate social rules as Katai has might be a very dangerous thing if it is not properly balanced. Personally, I feel that it may take a while before magic is used in the open there, and that the current situation is not all bad. I share your desire for peace in the area and put that desire first and foremost. There seem to be more tribes in this area who frown upon the use of magic I gather from this Novasa guy. It is an interesting subject, this social antipathy to magic, which I hope to discuss more someday." [The Elder glances to Kwat who holds up 2 fingers at the mention of Novasa. Fremea is the only one who notices the odd exchange of information between the two. The Elder then turns back to Unali and nods.] Elder: "No offense taken madam. I do understand the Imperial leadership there controls information to a degree that is as dangerous as no information. Sometimes a open society such as Marentia isn't the best but the closed society of censorship like Katai may be more so. We strive for the middle ground. You know of Novasa I see? Fascinating. He does not normally talk to most outsiders here much less those here. He seems to have a strange power to look into the soul of a person and know who and what they are about. I do not begin to understand his ability in this area. But I do know he is one of the most capable wizards here. If he talks to you he must see something in you rather unique and special. You should feel honored." ----------------------- [Time: 12:14pm] [Ben'dar listens to the explanation of their mission and feels sad he will not be able to use Tef'wo in any final conflict with this so called flying castle. But at least he will be able to ride Tef'wo to that point. He finds it interesting that Ki'ama went out of his way to go to the stables to inspect Tef'wo. Even among many horses Tef'wo seems to stand out distinct. Either that or Ki'ama detected his presence through magic and that necklace? Ben'dar is also intrigued to know Sven will join the party and be their guide. He finds the warrior, some call a Viking, to be friendly and like himself.] [Raban sighs and considers his options at present. He squirms a bit learning there will be travel involved. He thinks to himself that all have horses but him and Fremea. Does this Kiet have a horse? Fremea doesn't need a horse per se. Raban is so huge that it must be a tough horse if he finds one. Maybe the High Elder has some opinion on this. He looks to Chion and finds him rather large as well and he seems to have his own horse. He wonders if he is going to be treated like the pack mule and be load bearer? Doubtful but in this society it could be that. He concentrates on thoughts of his goddess but something seems to interfere with those thoughts. He finds it rather disturbing. Could the High Elder be actually blocking normal and magical surveillance. Could he dare even block divine views from this room? Is the old man that paranoid or is he not wanting outsiders from low to high to listen on this discussion? Raban grins and replies when the room falls quiet.] Raban: "High Elder Ki'ama, it would seem my playing for you will be delayed a bit due to visiting the frozen north. A Bard does need to travel and learn of other places, as it inspires his stories and songs. Even with the right to the Lawful Lie, it is best to tell wondrous stories with some truth in them. I thank you for this chance to add to my stories further, though my visit here has already added years of material." [Ki'ama seems to squirm himself as he ponders his reply. He looks to his security chief and Sven then back to Raban. With a slight frown he replies.] Elder: "Yes. Well, on that matter we should keep such stories a bit limited. This whole business about flying things could even frighten some of our wizards. To others they would seek it as a power source. To others as a challenge to create their own. Maybe you could twist such a song or story so that the castle was not flying or in the sky? Maybe high in the mountains? That might work. Otherwise anything else you've seen here you are free to use as material. In fact I encourage such for culture exchange. Then when you return I'm sure I'll be pleased to hear more of your music." [Chion listens to the High Elder and wonders if this is just another one of his infamous tests. The timing seems awfully neat for the other events. Why not have others he has likely dealt with before deal with it? Could he be hiding this from the people. That is for certain. Knowledge is everything here but just not for everyone it seems.] Chion: "High Elder, what are the odds that after so long, given that the flying enchantments obviously still work, the defensive enchantments work as well?" [Smiling, of course, knowing full well the High Elder has not ignored this in his own thinking, but bringing it up for the edification of the party who is about to visit the Castle. The smile is slightly smug, as he knows the High Elder has purposely ignored talking about this, but that it is an obvious good chance given what has happened (or not) to their previous scout. It also irks Chion to think that he said there are no level 3 (however that translates in his mind) teleporters. Obviously this is not the case. But he lets it slide, given the source, and considers it an attempt to "butter him up" for the trip rather than a blatant lie. [The High Elder turns to Chion and nods with a twinkle in his eyes he smiles back knowingly.] Elder: "Always the direct question. That is why you are here. Obviously the enchantments or rather the bound aerials that keep the castle afloat is still active. As to castle wards and magic I have no idea what is active or not. The book I have doesn't even go into those details. I doubt they would for secret sake. Why spread out al the defenses of a castle to anyone who might visit? I foresee six possible dangers in the mission. First and most obvious is the height issue. Hopefully that can be controlled and spells can be used to avoid that danger. Wind would be hard to deal with initially if going into or up to it. This is why teleportation may be the best thing. Creatures and natural defenses like the aerial elementals that are bound around the perimeter. While I suspect these creatures are dormant or in hibernation they could still be active or released upon entry. I just don't know. It could be magic holding and moving the castle around and the elementals long dead. Anyone know how long an aerial elemental lives? The castle could be so old it could be dangerous to explore. Then there is the magic of the castle. Lucky for your group you have sidh with you to sense magic. Lastly is the unknown things I or you can't predict. But I'm confident that each of you will survive this mission." [Chion listens and his smug smile continues. Chion can still sense the Elder is holding something back. Even if he does know of more dangers surely he would tell the party? But then again his tests would be ruined if all is known. To test champions he must set them adrift to their own fate. Chion knows this and likely most of the party realize this. Ticero died for the High Elder's test though and if the Elder knows about more dangers he died in vain. For that it makes Chion a bit irked. That he cares little for someone to not warn them. That book if only they could look at it and study. But the party likely doesn't even know the language much less the time to study it. Its likely safe and stored away in the tower. Also the fact that the sidh are here is part of his overall plan. Who here in the dark lands knows how to sense magic and its danger? Maybe one or two max? Could they be skilled enough for such a mission? Doubtful. Then there is the point of teleport. Trying to convince Chion that he is needed here for his special gift of teleportation. Surely there are more wizards who could easily go 9 miles? Would they or have they already? Is Ticero the first or last one to be there? But then again maybe the Elder sees need of his skill in teleport to be further in the future?] [Fremea listens to the wild story that seems to surprise the Humans. She studies the High Elder's face for any signs of non-verbal cues. She wishes she could study that stone faced security guy in the back. She laughs inwardly to herself at the folly of humans trying to control and bend nature to their will. The dumb humans seem to for centuries try to rule nature rather than work with it. They abuse nature for profit or for their dirty homes. Elves and Dwarves work with nature and revere it. Faerry also honor nature but use it for their purpose to almost the point of abuse but never hardly cross that line to abuse. These humans who have to depend on magic to fly, walk on water, breath underwater, walk through walls just will never understand the damage they may do to nature. This is why Elves and Faerry fear humans for they think they will ruin the middle world. Dwarves don't seem to care either way. Yet powerful mages can create flying castles. Things even the Elves and Faerry have dared never to try. Why would they? Deep down the non-humans fear the Humans will someday rule all the land and the non-humans will shrink to extinction. This is one reason the Faerry are slowly going into human society to try to stop this or to spy on these dumb but improving humans.] [Arawn finds the whole conversation of Lymria interesting. He tries to recall the studies in his own family library on the matter. He then replies back to the High Elder.] Arawn: "High Elder, a question or two if I may. I have heard of Lymria, though the information was from a distant source. What I heard matches the information you have but for one item, there were three castles and all 3 fell from the sky. I'm not sure of the truth of the situation but if this is the case, is it possible that another such castle could exist or have been created since the fall? With this Elemental Staff one might be able to craft another floating realm. Do you know of the whereabouts of the Elemental Staff now? And, lastly, are the books mentioned, the journal found amidst the wreckage and Xa Mings writings, available for further study on the subject?" Elder: "Another castle? I would suspect your information might be more reliable than mine. My book comes from handed down information through centuries of stories. It could be the lost castle is indeed Lymria or from another place." [He rubs his chin in thought as he wonders this.] "I do not know which is true but I suspect your information might be indeed the truth. If that is the case this makes the mission a bit more risky. Why are they here. Did they fight in the Lymrian Civil War? Many new questions. The Elemental Staff last I heard was taken by some group called the Red Anchor and divided up among the four corners of the world. One part I believe is in Lemasa. But I can only assume its still in pieces all over the land. It is a powerful item from what I've read. As to this journal? I don't recall it mentioning any such journal. There were several writings of people who survived the holocaust events and wrote about the Lymrian Civil War. But I don't recall the journal you mention." [Z'leyra hears the info on the Elemental Staff and glances at Chion who seems stone faced. Most of the party aside from Fremea, Kiet, Raban and Arawn indeed know the status of the Staff. Their time in Clima saw the end of the staff when Trembyl turned it over to Lady Varo. Those in the party ponder if they should tell Arawn here or outside away from the Elder or not at all. Chion knows that time the Elder wasn't spying on the group so he has no knowledge, he believes, of that Climan period for the party.] [Arawn listens to the Elder's reply but still detects something not being discussed here. If only he could question the Elder like a common street thug. In this place and time it would be difficult to do so. Maybe in their mission they will uncover the whole truth.] [Kiet considers the upcoming interrogation from Kwat. He tries to recall the customs and laws here. He also tries to recall the faces and descriptions of the people in the warehouse. Will Kwat use magic like truth spells or mind reading spells to draw the information out?] [Kiet is in shock! The High Elder wants him to travel to this very likely dangerous place miles high in the sky and do it with strangers to watch my back? Kiet says nothing...as he knows he cannot change the direction of these things...and already said he would do as the High Elder has asked.] [Kiet smiles to himself knowing that he might be able to handle this high flying action.] [Arawn listens to the group discuss the future mission they seem to have been drawn here by fate or by design. He wishes he could recall all the details on Lymria and that strange world of unique magics that would make this place look like modern Katai. A land where wizards could literally rise and lower mountains as if they were playing music. Could some ancient survivor of Lymria have survive or one of their great forces of nature? Unlikely but the world never knows in this strange middle plane. He wishes he could just pop back home to check his library. But if he could he'd likely not return here. Sometimes fate seems to tempt him and then pop the bubble away.] [Ben'dar slaps a hand on his knee eager to go traveling and spend time with Sven and Tef'wo. Eager for battle once again after months of tame ranch business.] [Caladan remains quiet during the talk. He ponders the sky thing and wonders if its some sky spirit his people seem to worship so much. Caladan has some nagging belief in those spirits but he is also educated and a wizard. As such he wonders if this is to become belief in a sky spirit or some powerful wizard. A taste of his own faith it seems.] [Chion wonders if the high Elder will be sending other spies to track the party and finds that to be very high chance. But he wonders to which domain he'll be going to. Will they be friendly or enemy land? If he finds the flying castle to be a threat will he destroy the item or learn from it. Ki'ama put the right in his hands. Would he make the right choice? Would Chion even attempt to use the flying castle as some new home for himself? Would the Elder allow it? Would such a balance of power shift in the area be allowed by other forces?] [Fremea wonders about flying that high if she can breath and handle the high winds. She has flown a few times in intense winds but that was what a few miles per hour of wind strength? Up that high it can be much higher.] [Kiet plans his words for the future interrogation as he considers the cult or whatever they are. Will they be after him during this mission? Probably not. But he will have to watch his back.] [Raban wonders how long he may have to walk for this trip. He looks to Sven for some sign that its a long or short trip but no sign is given.] [Unali knows that a flying castle in the hands of Ki'ama or the Katai nobles would surely bend the balance of power in the wrong direction. That could lead to civil war and break up of the domains. But then she considers the height. She has been on tall mountains before but there is that slight fear of heights. Surely she can't see the ground from that high up right?] Elder: "Are there any further questions or do you need anything in particular for the trip? If you need equipment or supplies you can see Zhou and he will handle all that. I believe Sven will want to leave immediately." Sven: "I will need to fetch some things and then we can all meet in the meeting room where I can show maps where we are going to. Say within 10-15 minutes after this meeting is ended? That should give time for Kwat to talk to Kiet as well." Actions? Comments? Next update...Monday... GM: Above stuff on Kiet with ... was from him. With slight edits and deletes not to reveal possible secrets it was sent to me not the list. Unali's stuff was missing for awhile and finally posted above. Not Wout's fault. GM: Short Update. Monday I'll go into details on the trip including trip route and such. At this point if you have questions or need supplies let me know. We will likely move on the trip next Friday if all goes well. :) Run out of time for this update so its mostly replies to replies. Not much new. Sorry. :<