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 R1 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 R? 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 #52 in sequence (file #223) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Chion: [Re: Sven's comments on the castle.] Chion will reply to Sven, smiling, "I do not think it would be in my best interest to have a base which can move just yet. Give me a few more years with my magical training an maybe. In any event, the last thing I want is to ruffle the feathers of a bunch of the mages here in the Lands. I haven't earned that status by honorable dual, after all. Most likely, we will have enough just to clear it out. And if we figure out who "summoned" it here, it might just land on their lap when we are done." Regarding preps - Chion will get all his gear he brought. He will say, "If you have cooler weather gear you might want to put it on. Of course, you might be wasting your time, as whomever made this place probably has balmy Climan beach ensorcellments installed. Take your time, we will leave when everyone is ready. Horses stay here. I for one am interested in seeing the place, and the world from up so high, if possible." He has an unusual excited grin on his face and a slightly coy gleam in his eye. He will move over to Z'Leyra and state, "One day, if the magics can be copied, perhaps we should make something similar which brings healing rains to the nations." He seems a little amused with himself for some reason, but does not seem to intend the statement as a joke. With that he preps the MRV and turns on the A/VF, checks his... oh wait... he isn't going through a Gate... nevermind. GM: Ack. When I run Fringeworthy its gates too. :) So its fun. ---------------------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea will look around at each person, seeming to evaluate where each person stands with going to a cloud without wings. Smiling inward to herself that Chion, Unali, Z'leyra (I know I miss spelled it), and Caladan don't seem to have any misgivings about going in the air so high up; as if they have faced things worse than falling miles to the ground. She takes a good look at her gear and leaves a couple of things, mostly just her sleeping stuff, as she has not seen any reason to pick up any other camping gear. She puts her bag on her body and readies herself, as if she has done this a million times before, and just nods a Chion her readiness. "Is this like the 200th time through ... um, oh yea." GM: Ack. :) ---------------------------------- From Ben'dar: [Re: Leaving Tef'wo] I guess Ben'Dar takes some rope and some other basic supplies (flint & tinder, couple of torches, etc) He's sad to leave Tef'wo behind, but figures a cloud is no place for a horse. GM: Ack. ---------------------------------- From Raban: [Re: Actions] [Re: Z'leyra learning languages herself.] [Re: Gear taking] [Re: healing] GM: Ack. I'll check on that and email you. ---------------------------------- From Unali: [Re: Language necklace] Unali to Z'leyra: "Your offer to teach Salaqi intrigues me. It is a tongue I do not know at all and would like to learn." She will use one of the empty Ma 1/2 slots to learn it if no other takers are interested. Else it can wait till after the castle. GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] While still within the domain of the High Elder- While examining Zhou and Kee Arawn's attention seems drawn to their clothing and he runs a gloved hand along Kee's shoulder. When he pulls his hand back it seems coated with a fine powder. "Do you have any idea what this is? It could well be the cause of your itching. You might wish to have someone examine it." -------------------------------------------------------------- In regards to Z'leyra's request to learn languages Arawn will offer to teach Helva unless Z'leyra is looking to trade Supernatural tongues (he won't bring it up unless she does). ------------------------------------------------------------- As the final giant falls to the ground Arawn rises to his feet and begins to alternate between studying them and watching the surrounding area for more danger. When it seems that no other dangers will spring on the party he begins to assist in searching through the remains. He feels bad that the giants chose the path that they did, following a racial hatred that has gone back eons, but also readily accepts the groups need to defend themselves. He whispers a prayer for their spirits in hopes that one day they may incarnate with more wisdom than they held in their prior lifetime. Once done he turns a more clinical eye toward their remains. Their is much that giants such as these have taken and he is aware that there is little time for burial, in fact he ponders the benefits of allowing them to give to the cycle by nourishing the creatures of the wood through their flesh. Accepting the constraints and benefits he opts for the latter, allowing them to rest upon the forest floor but marking the site with a small pile of rocks by their heads. He is still standing over them when Chion begins to take samples and, unlike the others, doesn't balk. He had been wondering whether to take the heads and create tathlums but, realizing that there was not enough time to do so, opted instead for several strands of their hair and some of their blood. As he works he smiles when he looks Chion's way. "Thank you, Chion, for trying." Forgot to add- If Arawn senses that Chion is still recovering from the poison he will offer to cast Energy (Priest) on him until he is maxed. GM: Ack. Language offer will be up to her. Good actions. If Chion wants it he'll let me know. ---------------------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea hears others talking about burying the giants for respect. She looks at the creatures, though never having seen a giant before, she scrunches her face in disgust at them and decides not to waste her magic on the creatures. There is something about them that is just evil and they should be burned to nothingness so they don't pollute the lands here. It seems there are many of these creatures that are not Sidh friendly and want to destroy her, yet Arawn still wants to protect them as if he has been given an odd god status. She hovers about the giants as Chion and Arawn take some parts from one and decides not to ask why. She just turns in the air and flies off to be in front, yet not too far away from the party, waiting for the others to catch up. ----------------------------------------------------------- Before going up to the castle, she will cast Luck on herself, just in case. GM: Ack. The spell will only last about 45 seconds so by time of the end of this update its over. One drawback of luck its time sensitive spell. :< ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Marqi 30th, 1633TH. 2nd Day of Adventure #4. Location: High Elder's Citadel [While examining Zhou and Kee Arawn's attention seems drawn to their clothing and he runs a gloved hand along Kee's shoulder. When he pulls his hand back it seems coated with a fine powder.] Arawn: "Do you have any idea what this is? It could well be the cause of your itching. You might wish to have someone examine it." [Zhou looks at the powder and wrinkles his nose. He shakes his head and pulls out his arm to catch some of the powder into a clump then they run off to the Citadel Healer they seem to trust.] ------------------------------ [Marqi 31st, 1633TH. 3rd Day of Adventure #4. Location: Balance domain, Dark Lands [Time: Evening at camp] [Chion finds Kiet's rope making skill fascinating. Kiet keeps busy working on his own man-made rope. Kiet knows that folks haven't been keen on knowing him or wanting to. Few did more than casual chit-chat in the first day of travel east. Then Chion breaks the ice and makes his comment about ropes and sailors. Kiet looks up at Chion and speaks.] Kiet: "...I am Kiet Sunan (Key-yet Soo-nahn). And who might you (Chion) be? The ropes? Ah, yes, the ropes. There are many uses for good rope. On board my ship (well, I obviously wasn't the owner) I learned many things to do with a rope. I am comforted by the presence of useful items." [You see a young man before you of something other than Katai... Lemasan...and of simple means. He is dressed in leather armor and cap, carries several fighting daggers, but also seems quite comfortable with the pack on his back. Kiet is small, only about 5'-6", but lithe and agile (he is, after all, an acrobat). Kiet has short, dark hair and a dark mahogany complexion (darker than most Katai). There is also something about him that seems a bit...well...wrong...but you can't quite put your finger on it.] GM: Above paragraph was Kiet's not mine. Chion [smiling] "You and Z'leyra should get along famously then." [ short pause,] "I don't have a lot of use for things typically. but some, like a good rope, come in handy at times. So, where are you from and where have you been?" Kiet: "As you probably already know, I am from Lemasa. I spent most of my youth with my family traveling the island and perfomoring. When I came of age, I entered the army, then transferred to the navy. I have been to Katai, some of the Formorian ports, up the coast of Chunrey. I hadn't thought there would be much travel north of that as it is mostly barbarian country and there is little to trade. Unfortunately... or fortunately...fate has yet to rule on that...my ship was blown far, far north and I was shipwrecked here at the Dark Lands." "These Dark Lands are fascinating, but dangerous. Much chaos, both in kingdoms and in how things happen. I have seen many wonders, already, however. I have seen vily, centaurs, horses, and even a dragon! We do need to be very careful in the non-town areas here. There are goblins, minotaur, giant spiders...and giants, as you have seen. Much danger." [Chion nods and fears little. Maybe its the bravery gained through training or other means but monsters are of little concern to him. He knows Strie'bog's father was from the Lemasan island those religious folks in the eastern parts. Chion recalls the island of Lemasa well. In his long years traveling to Clima on the ship he stopped at some of their ports. He smiles knowing that then it took 3 years to get from the Dark Lands to Clima by slow ship. Now Chion could teleport from Dark Lands to Clima in no more than 3 teleports, mere minutes.] [Chion's usual smile returns to his face as he continues.] Chion: "I spent most of > my youth with my father, until at around age 12, I was sent here after performing a spell without a teacher. Not a lot of choices when you are that young. When I became a man, I was sent to sail the southern route from Katai to Clima and eventually Marentia. I learned fast how to grapple with the foreign forces in these places. Mostly I kept my head down and eyes open. To be honest I don't really like this place much. I have traveled far and found a lot of things of interest. None that would make me settle for one spot though. I am sure by now you understand that my teleportation ability is perhaps the best in this world. The sad thing is > that I know I have not reached my full potential yet. The power scares me some days. But then I have this,.." [Chion will hold up the large flawless emerald ring,] Chion: "..to remind me of how to make good decisions. We got it from a creature who offered to make me immortal. And more powerful. Zing should not have had to die by my hand. But to be honest, I am glad I could give him rest. The dangerous monsters in this land are not the ones who will kill you outright, but the ones who become your friends and then try to destroy you." [All throughout these words Chion has not smiled much, but once done, his usual smile returns.] Chion: "Can you teach me to make rope? I know a spell that could do it in an instant, but would prefer to learn your way." Arawn: "I believe it would be relatively easy to teach rope-making. I have only recently learned it for myself. There are simple tools to be made/carved. It's not like learning to be an armorer! I am certainly willing to do so should time prove to be available for us both. Why might you want to learn such a mundane skill, when you are skilled in, how shall we say, other ways?" "I also am not one for the Dark Lands. For one thing, they are rather stifling. While I am certain I would be able to gain a small measure of success there, I would always be having to watch myself and be on guard every second of every day. I have other plans than to sit around waiting here in the north... which is a darn site too cold for my tastes!" "I know not of this 'Marentia' you talk about, but Lemasa once did have a colony far to the west that eventually became independent... you have, perhaps, heard of Ma'Helas?" Chion [smiling] "Well, I have recently become aware that I might need a better understanding of ropes and knots and such." [Referring to the incident at his house that Kiet has no idea about.] "All my "other ways", as you put it, I learned because I was taught to accept what life had given me. I am a free man now. And will do as I chose. Even the mundane." [He will sit for a few seconds,] "Ma'Helas. I can't say as I know that one. Marentia is past the vast Cerulean Empire to the west. Through the inward sea known there as the Sea of Tears. Wait. Now I recall Ma'Helas, south of the Rogizini. But we did not sail there, as we went inland to the Sea of Tears. I saw it marked on a map once. But I have never been. Maybe after this adventure we could sail there. Or just go." [Chion laughs a little and gives Kiet a wink.] "I find it is nice to have a guide in foreign lands." [Arawn finds that last comment interesting. To think Chion would treat him as a guide. When in fact everyone on this world to him is his guide. He recalls the sayings of his druid teachers "we all learn from each other, take and give, to the point of equilibrium. This circle is ever lasting only torn apart by chaos and disorder."] GM: Above conversation was mostly in email. Permission given to post it. I hope I didn't lose part of it. One of Kiet's quoted emails had text from Chion I never got. One problem with emails and not listed posts. :< It happens. But I think the conversation is sequential and complete. --------------------------------------- [Later Kiet hears Raban speaking in Katai and Kiet knows he can talk Katai well. He approaches Raban and speaks in the Katai tongue.] Kiet: "Well, now that we can actually speak to each other, Oh Gigantic One, I would like to express to you my thanks for keeping me from being snake bitten, and also apologize to you for losing my temper with you before I understood what it was you were doing for me." "My name is Kiet Sunan. I think I heard your name was Ray-Ban, or Raw-Bin or some such? You are very much a stranger in these parts, along with most of our current companions. How was it you ended up here and joining forces with such a disparate group of adventurers, some of which seem to be, well, barbarians?" ------------------------------- [Ma 1st, 1633TH. 4th Day of Adventure #4. Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands [Time: After Giant combat] [Arawn looks over and studies the giants carefully while watching the nearby dark forest for signs of danger. But none ever comes. The giant combat brings back memories just months earlier he came to the middle world chased by a giant like these two. A reminder that he is home sick. He watches the others but they seem to care nothing about the bodies and more on treasure but the bodies show no signs of treasure. That is unless you consider animal hides, grass, clubs and bugs all over their bodies as loot.] [Arawn feels bad that the giants chose the path that they did, Following a racial hatred that has gone back eons, but also readily accepts the groups need to defend themselves. He whispers a prayer for their spirits in hopes that one day they may incarnate with more wisdom than they held in their prior lifetime. Once done he turns a more clinical eye toward their remains. Their is much that giants such as these have taken and he is aware that there is little time for burial, in fact he ponders the benefits of allowing them to give to the cycle by nourishing the creatures of the wood through their flesh. Accepting the constraints and benefits he opts for the latter, allowing them to rest upon the forest floor but marking the site with a small pile of rocks by their heads.] [Fremea hears others talking about burying the giants for respect. She looks at the creatures, though never having seen a giant before, she scrunches her face in disgust at them and decides not to waste her magic on the creatures. There is something about them that is just evil and they should be burned to nothingness so they don't pollute the lands here. It seems there are many of these creatures that are not Sidh friendly and want to destroy her, yet Arawn still wants to protect them as if he has been given an odd god status. She hovers about the giants as Chion and Arawn take some parts from one and decides not to ask why. She just turns in the air and flies off to be in front, yet not too far away from the party, waiting for the others to catch up.] [Arawn is still standing over them when Chion begins to take samples and, unlike the others, doesn't balk. He had been wondering whether to take the heads and create totems but, realizing that there was not enough time to do so, opted instead for several strands of their hair and some of their blood. As he works he smiles when he looks Chion's way.] Arawn: "Thank you, Chion, for trying." [Chion nods but he wonders if Arawn feels he is doing it for the same purpose Arawn is or for something else. Likely the two men are collecting samples for diverse reasons.] [As Arawn makes his rock piles the others seem to stare but say little out loud. The party is starting to understand this priest druid stuff. The whole religious aspect of life. Ben'dar stares quietly and seems to understand the relationship between spirits and the living but feels it a waste on these creatures. Raban finds it almost noble to do such a thing as a monument and a prayer to creatures that would have tortured and likely eaten Arawn. If only humans were so understanding and merciful. Caladan dismounts from his horse and comes over to help Arawn.] Caladan: "These giants would surely have killed us all and eaten us if given the chance. Probably already killed many humans. Yet you still honor them? Confusing but the best shamans teach us spirits of all kind should be respected. Even if we despise the creatures. In our culture we have one day a year reserved for spirits of our ancestors and even for the enemy who fought against us." [He shakes his head as he hauls rocks from one place to another confused by the Druid.] ----------------------- [Time: Evening] [Chion replies to Sven's fateful warning....] [Chion listens and knows that Sven is a powerful warrior but doesn't know of his magical strength. Law wizards tend to be so high and decent with their magic. Chion smiles as he replies.] Chion: "I do not think it would be in my best interest to have a base which can move just yet. Give me a few more years with my magical training an maybe. In any event, the last thing I want is to ruffle the feathers of a bunch of the mages here in the Lands. I haven't earned that status by honorable dual, after all. Most likely, we will have enough just to clear it out. And if we figure out who "summoned" it here, it might just land on their lap when we are done." [Sven Redhand nods and seems satisfied by the answer. He walks back to camp to tell stories to Ben'dar about some Tower of Mab he has heard about.] [Unali approaches Z'leyra bout the language necklace.] Unali: "Your offer to teach Salaqi intrigues me. It is a tongue I do not know at all and would like to learn." ----------------------------- [Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4. Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands [Time: 9:15am] [Chion dismounts and gathers up all his gear he wishes to take. He knows this teleport will not be like any others. Going 2,000 miles over land is one thing. But going straight up is another. What are the dangers? Air pressure, breathing ability and winds? Going 9 miles is easy for him but going up is another thing. To kill the vampire he only jumped a couple miles up. Do birds even fly 9 miles up? Can anything live that high up? But he also knows that if there is magic enough to keep a castle aloft the area its on is likely to be some safe environment for someone. He hopes humans at least. As he packs up he speaks to the group.] Chion: "If you have cooler weather gear you might want to put it on. Of course, you might be wasting your time, as whomever made this place probably has balmy Climan beach ensorcellments installed. Take your time, we will leave when everyone is ready. Horses stay here. I for one am interested in seeing the place, and the world from up so high, if possible." [Raban, Kiet and Fremea notices the Climan reference but the party doesn't seem to react. Sven seem sot just ignore it. The trio has never been told the story of their Climan mission as its still classified. But the trio wonders if this party has been there now as a reference like that implies the party has been there.] [Chion has a unusual excited grin on his face slightly coy gleam in his eye. How often do humans go this high?? Are there mountains even this high to climb? Will this be some record setting event that few will ever even know about? Chion moves over to Z'leyra as she gathers up her massive amount of equipment.] Chion: "One day, if the magics can be copied, perhaps we should make something similar which brings healing rains to the nations." [Chion seems a little amused with himself for some reason, but does not seem to intend the statement as a joke.] [Z'leyra finds the comment fascinating. She saw how Bohusara used her magical area effect spell to heal many at one time. To think a flying "island" could do the same thing? It would be a great feat in mankind or even womankind.] [Fremea readies her own gear for travel but as she does she watches the others. It seems like almost half the party is new to each other. Yet she notices many in the party seem like this is a simple walk in the park. She notices Arawn seems unsure of this situation yet being a demi god surely he has been in higher places at least in the upper world. Ben'dar seems more depressed at leaving Tef'wo behind than the trip up. Caladan gives hand gestures to the firesnake apparently willing to take it along. It like Fremea has wings so there is no threat to either of them falling. Chion seems excited at a new exploration of something very rare in this world. Kiet seems still nervous about the whole group. He gained Marentian recently but seems to feel an outsider. Of course Fremea was just that months earlier. They still don't seem to know her that well. But Chion and Arawn have taken a liking to her. In time she knows Kiet will do the same if he doesn't split paths after this mission. Fremea worries about Raban the most. If he falls he can't fly and would fall like a rock. Unali and Z'leyra seem confident in the trip and Chion's abilities. This gives some comfort to Fremea.] [Ben'dar gets some rope and other supplies off Tef'wo. He clearly feels sad leaving his companion behind. But if there were some accident Tef'wo would not survive a fall. Chion would only be able to emergency teleport a group around him. Tef'wo would be heavy and fall out of that group likely. Too dangerous. Tef'wo doesn't seem to understand the danger but accepts it.] [Ben'dar removes his cloak and stores it in his saddle bags. His fine clothing and fine boots won't be needed. Wouldn't do to get blood on them. He takes down his bag and stores 2 days worth of rations (just in case), waterskin, 2 torches, flint and steel, his rope and cord, bandages and a couple minor other items in the bag. He hefts the bag and finds it is light only about 5 pounds. Easy to toss in case of battle. He removes his leather armor and dons his Dragon hide armor. He straightens out his clothes, gloves and magical belt. He then re-dons his Wolf headdress and dragon fangs. Looking like a true barbarians in full combat mode. Kiet finds the outfit a bit unsettling but that's probably his purpose. He places his daggers in his belt, bow on back with quiver and spear in his side sheath as a spare. He then holds his mighty magical pike waiting to leave. In all he is carrying less than 40 pounds and it should be good for Chion to teleport since Ben'dar knows less gear is less strain.] [Caladan dismounts and gathers up his gear. He places his common warstaff back on his horse and picks his magical warstaff for his weapon of choice. He checks his leather and quilted armor while donning his metal helmet. Its clear he doesn't like to use a helmet much from the frown on his face. He places his composite bow and a quiver full of arrows on his back. Caladan seems to blend into the forest as he wears his brown gloves, brown cloak, black pants and leather jerkin and black boots. He checks his bracelet's position and Fremea has sensed it seems to be a mana storage item likely. In his backpack he places items including parchment, ink (likely to take notes if needed), candles and rope among minor other things. He carries a light load of around 30 pounds in total of gear. With his firesnake it adds about 2 more pounds.] [Corona is ready to go now. Z'leyra considers having him scout way up but she frankly isn't sure he can survive such heights much less possible dangers on his own.] [Raban dismounts off his horse and realizes he hasn't named his horse yet and wonders if he should. Ben'dar has named his Tef'wo and he seem to recall Z'leyra calling hers Gust and oddly even talking to it. Raban looks like a walking leather salesman. He wears his leather cloak with hood, boots, jerkin, pants, belt, and pouch all of leather. The cloak and hood makes him look like a large tree with a cloak. In his backpack he stores water skin, water, flints, candles, among a few minor items. He checks his leather armor, helmet and gauntlets. He places his larger than normal longbow and quiver on his back. He places his dagger in his belt. The party wonders how he can fight with just a dagger and a bow. Not a big heavy weapon user the party figures. The huge man of 400 odd pounds carries around 65 pounds of gear. which isn't a big deal for him.] [Kiet climbs off his Donkey and prepares his gear. The party finds that Donkeys can be moody and loud. Not good for stealth in a area. But other party members have had Donkeys before so the party seems used to it. He checks his leather armor and helmet and places his daggers in his belt. He wears normal clothing but realizes his good quality boots could get a bit messed up. He sighs as he has no replacements right now. He places his ropes, healing kit, knife, waterskin and some small amount of food in his back pack. He carries around 50 pounds of gear on person and back pack.] [Chion shifts gear around on his saddle to wear or use it. His chainmail bristles in the wind and the gleaming helmet shines gray. He twirls and then places his sai's in his belt, sheaths his sword, shoulders his battle axe, shoulders his repeating crossbow and quiver. He then holds his Gnarish staff in hand. The party hasn't seen him use the battle axe in combat and rarely the crossbow. He checks to see all his magical items and minor items are in his bag. He checks to see if he has his spare sai in the bag. His dusts off his sailor clothes, magical ring, amulet and magical belt. He then readjusts his cloak around his neck. It seems several in the party likes cloaks. Makes them look sophisticated and blows well in exciting combats. Lastly he ensures his shamanic bones are in place on his belt. In all he carries almost 90 pounds of gear, chainmail taking a large part of it.] [Fremea flies up and down onto the ground and gathers up her gear. She is not fearful of the future as she unlike the others has wings. Gives her a slight advantage in height situations. Of course at that height there could be winds so fierce she might not be able to flap. But she doesn't expect that to happen. She packs some of her spare clothing into a bag for the horse. She won't need it where she is going and it will lessen her load by 5 pounds or so. Her clothing isn't anything special but her small cloak with hood seems to act more like a cape when she flies. She places her waterskin on her belt. She places other gear in her sacks including cord, food, and other minor items. She puts the sack on a hook on her belt. She checks her elven leather and leather helm, dons her bow and quiver on her back and belts her daggers. All in all she carries near 30 pounds of gear.] [Unali dismounts from her horse and gathers up her gear. She is dressed in her black boots, gloves, belt and gauntlets making her disappear it seems in darkness. She grabs her fur hat just in case its cold and wears her fur pants and tunic to keep warm. She seems to be the only one that might be warm it seems. She leaves her tent and camping gear. She ensures her ruby necklace is in place. Raban and Kiet have noticed the ruby necklace at times finding it a richly prize for such a woman. In the good sense that it makes her very classy. Raban has seen so called upper class females wear the same thing and look slutty for power but Unali seems to wear it with distinction that shows she is confident in herself. In her travel bag she places some food, rope, waterskin and flints just in case. She changes from her leather armor to her heavy chainmail. She leaves her leather armor and helmet and metal shield on horse. Now with better armor of chain she dons her full helmet. She places her elven bow and arrows on her back. Places her spare sling n the bag and belts her magical sling and projectile bag. She sheaths her magical scimitar and her assortment of daggers. In all she carries a bit over 80 pounds of gear with the chainmail taking the bulk of that weight. Now to the party she looks like a true deadly warrior than a courtly follower of the King.] [Z'leyra climbs off her horse and prepares her gear. She wears her chainmail, dragon helm, sheaths her great sword, belts her daggers and sling. She then holds her staff ready for her main weapon. She ensures her warehouse of magical items and natural magical materials are in her magical Healer's satchel. She ensures she has all her healing materials in the satchel as well. Wouldn't be good to go away and have healing stuff. She leaves her camping gear and non-combat gear on her horse. She wears her fur coat in case it will be good as well as her mittens she can store in a bag. She ensures her magical boots and other clothing gear is ready. She places her waterskin, rope, food and goblets (needed for healing) into her back pack. In all she carries about 70 pounds of gear. She leaves her camping and other non-combat gear on her horse.] [Arawn dismounts and gets his cold weather gear from his bags. He planned for this trip and might be the only one really warm on this trip if its intensely cold. After he dons his cold clothing he checks his belt, gloves and face wrap. He leaves several spare sets of clothing in his bag. He stuffs ink and writing materials in his bag. Leaving some of his books he bags all of his magical items and materials. He ensures he has a couple healing kit and some food in the bag. He finally packs some minor items like flints and other stuff into his bag and then closes it up. He adjusts his elven scale mail and checks his sheathed elven magical sword. He places a second sword in a sheath on his belt now wearing two. He places his bow, quiver and buckler on his back. In all he carries around 40 pounds of gear. most of it light due to the special elven alloys of his weapons and armor.] -*-------------------------------* [Time: 9:29am] [Almost 15 minutes later and the party seems ready. Sven stands by the wayside and watches the party prepare. He notes little fear and in some cases overconfidence. When the party gathers he approaches.] Sven: "This by no means is a easy trip. I know you all know the consequences of the teleport failing. Some of you can easily escape the fall while others can't. I hope the gods see to your trip and your success. Remember this talisman scans the location using some odd meta-plane magics on the sort like the Gnarish staff does. To this world I'm told there are many planes among us we never see. Such a place is how this item communicates. I don't start to understand it but I trust Ki'ama with his skills. Now this can locate its central point up there." [He points skyward.] "But its not precise magic. The demon or whatever relays the information has to estimate and so you could be plus or minus as much as 50 feet. I shall be over there." [He points to the north a bit toward a more open clearing.] "Its not far from here and I'll rest the horses and unburden some of their loads to give them a rest if needed if your gone more than half the day. If you do not come back within two days I will return to the Citadel to report the situation. We'll try to figure out some rescue plan of sorts but I fear we'll be limited while it's that high up. I wish I could go with you but someone has to watch the horses in this dangerous domain. Plus someone has to be aware of failure. Remember two days max and I leave. I doubt you'll find anything up there and you'll probably return before I get to the clearing if your not falling on top of me." [He grins.] "Flying lands of castle. Sure. I trust Ki'ama but some things are just unbelievable." [Arawn finds it fascinating such a warrior and powerful wizard he suspects isn't going. He wonders if the horses will be safe guarded by just one man. But of course he took down a giant almost with 2 blows of his axe.] [Ben'dar looks over to Tef'wo who nods as if knowing the future or at least pick up on Ben'dar's nerves. To be on foot is harder for him than horseback where its like second nature.] [Caladan smiles at Sven's comments. Since they went to Clima it seems nothing is impossible. Flying ships using elementals of a special nature that seems to defy the properties of mass itself. If ships could fly, at least 3, why couldn't a castle and some parcel of land? It would take great magic of course. Likely magic long lost to the human race. Maybe from the time of the gods themselves. Seconds before Sven asked if Caladan wouldn't mind a divination on himself. That way the party could be assured of success of their future. Caladan agrees and Sven casts the quick spell. Sven smiles and informs that the immediate future is bright but cloudy. He shows no immediate threat of falling or teleporting into a rock or anything but finds the clouds in his vision to be mis-leading. Its hard to say what will happen. But isn't that how it always seems to be with such spells? The gods seem to have fun at folks with divination.] [Chion begins his concentration of the "mental" image of this place. He was given a basic description of what Ki'ama had learned by Oby Won. With a quick lesson on boring math. Talking about distance measurements of miles. While the term isn't new to Chion he knows that each kingdom seems to have their own rules of measurement. A foot might be a king's foot or a king's more private body parts. A yard could be a arm length or a leg length. It all changes it seems. He hopes based on the math and the mental image his teleport is true tot he spot he intends. If not it could be quite devastating. He knows that based on Caladan's spell the party will likely teleport ok. But he just wonders if in the end its not a second or third telelport after falling miles from the sky? he informs folks that he can teleport all within range of him. Some might want to hold on especially those who can't fly or teleport or have magic to save themselves. That way if there is a fall risk he can teleport folks back if within about 30 feet of him.] [Fremea finds the prospect of a castle interesting. She knows that the Faerry are the sidh masters of the sky. Their special flying ability allows them to literally fly over humans in society. If the Faerry could obtain such magic of flying castles Faerry might not need human society or land again. If only Fremea knew of Varange's attempt to steal one of the flying ships on clima?] [Kiet readies himself for this teleport. he tries to recall if he has ever been teleported before? he has heard stories of teleports misfiring and folks ending up leg in the ground with no clothes. But you know how rumors are. Too bad his ropes won't be long enough for a climb from the sky.] [Raban prepares himself by praying to his goddess and hopes that his recent blessings to some of the party are still working as they should.] [Unali draws her magical dagger that Z'leyra made and gave to her long ago. She waits for any sensation of danger of a possible bad teleport but finds nothing. At least no danger for the next 3 minutes. She places the dagger back into place to hold onto her other gear.] [Z'leyra shifts her gear from place to place as he wonders who might be needing her healing today. She recalls the Climan mission where some died and many were hurt. She also recalls the long mission drained even her somewhat unlimited mana stores. She wonders if the others won't all run out of magical strength before the day's end.] [Chion does a cursory look at the others and estimates their weight and gear weight for his spell mechanics. To some a teleport is as simple as casting words but when you do such a large group like this you have to shift words and tones in such a way as to get it all to work. A skill that even Chion is learning. He knows he could teleport about 320-340 pounds per level of power. So he estimates if he can teleport everyone.] GM: Weights and such - :) Body Weight Gear Weight Ben'dar - 188 37 Caladan - 220 8 32 Corona - 10 - Raban - 403 64 Kiet 148 52 Chion 243 87 Fremea 52 30 Unali 126 82 Z'leyra 140 71 Arawn 139 41 c. 1650 486 [Chion sees Raban is larger than him and smiles. He knows Farseeker used to laugh at Chion's size especially riding the poor horse. Now Raban takes that place. He knows that Farseeker hasn't even met Raban or Kiet yet and wonders how he'll like them. He figures the party members weigh about 1,600 pounds and the gear around 500 pounds for a total of 2,100 pounds. Just over a ton just like when he teleported the large treasure loot awhile back. Not impossible but he plans his spell phrases accordingly. In terms of the spell mechanics he knows Raban would take the place of 2 people alone. Technically he could do 1.5 tons of weight but he'd rather not push it yet.] [Those who will depend on an emergency teleport gathers around Chion as he begins the spell words. Sven steps back and salutes the party. Within about 10 seconds a blue hue forms around the party and the ground gives way under the party...] [Chion teleports the group in one mass of people. With a gush of breath the party re-materializes. Instantly you feel wind and coldness. Also you feel no ground under you. The party falls. Chion begins to count knowing that if no ground is found within 5 seconds he'll have to teleport the party back down. Within 2 seconds the party impacts on the ground after falling 41 feet up in the air. Chion rolls gracefully onto the ground. Fremea simply hovers and lowers herself to the ground. Even the large giant Raban seems to fall with ease onto the ground. After a 41 foot fall all are amazed to find no injuries from the fall. But now that the party is aware they find themselves thick in cloud fog. Visibility is maybe 2 or 3 foot at max. The winds are intense.] [All muffle grunts or groans that all are okay after the party checks on each other. The party finds the ground is rather moist and squishy but solid enough. It seems dirty with little if any grass. Solid ground 9 miles up? Amazing. But this could still be just a energy barrier where cloud walkers live or something magical like that? While on the ground the temperature is about 62 but up here it seems to drop 30 or 40 degrees. For this height its a wonder its not solid ice but again there must be some magic that keeps it warmer. But the winds are gusting at at moderate knots for those used to sea winds. Not enough to knock folks over but Fremea has some trouble keeping steady in the winds. As the party attempts to get their bearings they notice the sun is to the back. Caladan had suggested teleporting facing west so the sun doesn't blind folks. Facing west though the cloud-fog is dark gray, hot white and some drifts of black from the climate this high. To the sun-shy its bright since it seems the sun is amplified by the very clouds themselves as if a blanket of light. The air is moist and cool. As the party starts to gather up bags and ensuring nothing is lost they stand and gather their breath and bearings. So far n one is dead that's a good sign.] [As the party looks around as much as the thick clouds seem to allow they seem to be in a wide clearing. No castle here, nope. Two minutes pass as folks pick up dropped items. Ready to move on suddenly Fremea sniffs the air. Her nose curls up and she senses something. Arawn's ears also picks up a flap flap noise. Arawn calls for Fremea but she grunts to the left of him. Then why is the flap noise coming from up and to the right? Unali draws her magical dagger and stands still. Suddenly she gets a sensation to duck. She quickly falls and rolls to the ground as a dark form flies right where she was just standing. The form flies through so fast its hard to tell.] [At the same time another form seems to fly past Caladan who swipes it cautiously with his staff and knicks it finding it solid. The form shifts and turns toward Caladan who sees the form merge from the fog at him. Caladan instantly sees what it is and jumps to the right as the form flies past him.] Caladan: "Gargoyles!" [Caladan recalls the form easy as he saw and fought many in the Climan secret base and in Sivas when Varange was kidnapped.] [When the party hears it they hear several flaps all around them unsure on the amount of gargoyles.] Actions? Comments? Next update...Friday... GM: Ma 2 Language necklace slot open still. It's the same day as the castle teleport. If it won't interfere with castle events then it can be used. There is an open offer in the recap section. GM: I did the equipment comments above for 2 reasons. One to let folks know what they look like and warning/using and for a calculation of weights for the teleport. GM: We've had more private to public conversations in this game this year than we've had in 9 years. So here is some suggestions. I will always assume a conversation is public 9overheard) and thus postable to the list if sent in email AND not said it should be private. So if you don't want folks to hear it just simply say 'private' or something like that. It won't be posted at all. If you think it will be public its ok to post to the list as well. Same thing for emailed actions that folks tend to do rather than going to the list. I assume it'll be public unless stated otherwise. Reason I do the [recap] section at top of the update is 1) to remind myself of actions and for organization 2) GM comments said to those actions when applicable if I don't get to them right away after I see them. Stuff in email I keep notes at the bottom of the update in invisible font :) GM: Whew long post. Sorry didn't expect it this long but emails came in all weekend to add text. :) Next few updates shouldn't be this big. BTW if folks have big vacations spending the gas money on july 4 let me know. For that update day I can do a light or no update at all. GM: Final note. Remember the air up here isn't great though magic may prevent full oxygen loss as you might expect even magic can't prevent some loss. So its not great. This means party members might get more exhausted faster so actions will be critical and probably fast kills. Basic stuff like walking and such should be fine but overally active stuff like acrobatic leaps or show off combative skills might tire you out sooner. As some might reall in Clima Farseeker got to 96% of exhaustion by the end of teh day. That'd have put him down and out for awhile. :) Also upon teleport ears do pop.