s 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 #68 in sequence (file #350) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Handing the towel back to the metal butler Z'leyra proceeds to the north door, halting briefly to visually examine to door and area for anything special (writings, traps, whatever) before pushing the door open with her staff. Once open she will look through then proceed (if not obviously unsafe). [Confident that no one in the party has better armor and having one of the higher MDVs she figures that she is one of the least likely to be damaged by whatever might be on the other side of the door.] GM: Ack. --------------------------- From Chion: [Re: Actions] Chion will look directly at the metal man try a mana reading to get a gauge of the strength of the spell used to create him. He is mostly wondering if it is close to his teleporting ability or higher. He will then see if he can look around the room without being too blinded to see what is what in the place. He expects the entire place to light up like a new year's celebration, so will keep his eyes shielded while he does it so as to not let in too much "light". GM: Ack. --------------------------- From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] "What a strange place. I will never understand wizards and their bizarre desires to create unnatural things with magic." Ben'Dar watches the metal man move away. "It appears to mean us no harm. Let us follow and see where it would lead." Ben'Dar sees the exhaustion in his friends, but he has no desire to stay in this place any longer than is absolutely necessary. GM: Ack. --------------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] After resting to regain herself and feeling much warmer, Fremea looks around the area more to determine any other magics that could here. She scans over her dagger, checking to see what crack has happened to it and how she might have to go about fixing it. She then looks through the rest of her stuff to make sure everything is ok. She will fish out a small bite of her food and eat something to help get her blood flowing again. After the 'butler' goes to the door, she will follow Z to it and proceed a few seconds after she does. GM: Ack. --------------------------- From Raban: [Re: Actions] [Raban does not seem too worried that the Metal Man would fight, he figures it would already have done so it that was its plan. Of course that could change, but until then, he may as well enjoy the break and maybe warm up some. Watching out for the Ladies, or just watching them, can be done in pleasant environments as well, so he will stay close to them.] GM: Ack. Punching a man wearing armor is one thing. The armor bounces against skin/bones and knocks breath out. But punching a pure metal door or metal chest only causes physics to work. With force comes force and that usually comes in the area of broken hands and such. :) Unless the metal man is hollow that could be easy to deal with but if he's solid then it could be a problem. --------------------------- From Arawn: [Re: Actions] OOC: Sorry for holding things up guys. I've slept about 9 hours over the last three days. Yaawwnn... I'd love to post some RP here but due to time (and a zombie brain) I'll save this for another post, maybe if the group gets a chance to rest. By the way, thanks to everyone for their input/feedback on the spell issues, especially with Shadow magic. I know it's going to take some getting used to and I look forward, as a player, toward understanding when and where I can use this magic. Arawn graciously accepted the towel offered by Caladan and began to dry himself. Quite a bit drier than the others thanks to the protective clothing he acquired before leaving the Citadel he finished quickly and spent the remaining time studying both the creature and surroundings. The construct, if that is what it was, was interesting, though he refrained from studying it mystically lest some sort of defensive reaction occured, whether from it or another source. He wondered as to what metal it was constructed from, whether it was truly made of bronze or of some other, possibly rare, material. It occured to him that it might be possible to deactivate such a thing, a switch or power source as it were. He looked to the eyes and wondered if they could be removed, a possible switch for the creature. Then again, it could very easily not be equipped with one, especially if it were truly alive. Something about held a repellent quality, as if it were made of cold iron, not a metal normally mixed into bronze, yet something inside of him relished the opportunity to test his will and toughen himself to the ancient fey weakness. While others fled from fire he sought it out, attempting to conquer his fear as well as body in an effort to master himself. After studying it for a bit he turned his attention to the statue, examing it top to bottom as best he could. He had worked with various metals over the years, some quite rare, and tried to identify the metal as well. He looked the statue over, studying it in detail, including the face, belt, stick, orb, and platform, looking for unusual markings that might be a clue of some sort or possibly a language unknown to those present. As he did so he wondered if he might recall further information that could identify the man or reveal more of this place. Finally he studied the wooden base, seeing if it was stationary or if was moveable, perhaps on a hidden rotating platform. When this was done he looked up the stairs as far as he could from the foyer floor and then the walls and doors for markings of interest. Assuming nothing unusual catches his interest he will then follow Z'leyra and Fremea from the room. GM: Ack. Dude. Your early not late by a day. So it helps. I did the post last night as an advisory in case power goes out and I couldn't work on update I'd at least get it prepared tonight (Wednesday). It was optional to post but I appreciate it. Just hope I have power tomorrow night (Thursday) to send out the final product! There will be time for RP stuff. I missed you over the weekend for our chat on the shadow stuff. We still probably need to talk about it. But I guess you were busy and that's fine. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4. [Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands, 9 Miles up, Flying Island] [Time: 10:13am] [Ben'dar looks around as he dries his boots. If only there were time to take them off and pour the water out. Maybe later. Of course that seems to give people like him a bad name. Taking boots off and wetting a foyer in a nice place like this. Ben'dar smirks at the thought as so called civilized businessmen did the same in HIS home. Irony and double standards are part of civilized lands than most barbarian lands. He shakes his head at the very nature of statues. Things of material wealth is another thing of civilization that few barbarians deal with. Sure Zen'da collect horses and family. but its not things. Things can be lost. To most nomadic style cultures things are a waste of time. Of course there goes that irony thing affecting him. In his own home sits a ceremonial pike from Ezam's castle. A thing, a trophy to show others. Maybe he is becoming too civilized. Ben'dar considers spending more time away from the ranch and his people this summer. If he can afford the time from his own business.] Ben'dar: "What a strange place. I will never understand wizards and their bizarre desires to create unnatural things with magic." [Ben'Dar watches the metal man move away.] "It appears to mean us no harm. Let us follow and see where it would lead." [Ben'dar quickly reviews the status of the party to his non-healer's eyes. It is clear exhaustion is starting to set into the party. Adrenaline is wearing off though Z'leyra still shows some slight signs. Some are starting to shake from the decrease in adrenaline or the wet cold. He seems to be the least bothered by this height and physical activity.] [Chion stands and dries his clothing off and studies the metal-man with inquisitive eyes. He watches as the party gather towels from the metal-man. To Chion it seems obvious the metal-man is not a true being in the sense of the word. No emotion seems to be shown on its face. It just seems to be here. Doing what is needed. Of course he has seen creations like this. Walking chairs, talking tables, talking doors, self aware candles, smart-mouthed treasure chests and talking busts of dead wizards. All toys to him and their masters. A tool rather than a companion or a resource. This being seems to be such the same thing. The statue on the other hand seems docile and unmoving. Chion concentrates on the being with interest assessing if he could teleport the being with a low or high spell. The problem is if the being is hollow it might be 300 pounds or less. If it is solid then it could be twice that as much as 800 or more. From simple view it is hard to determine. The floor seems to vibrate when it walks indicating weight. But so does Raban when walking on floor boards. To be safe Chion figures this being would take a high level spell to teleport. Chion figures half a ton. Anything less than half of his greatest skill (EL5) would be likely wasted and taking chances. But could Chion risk high mana use. Some will have to be saved for escape or return below. As Z'leyra advances to the door Chion looks away from the metal-man and uses a hand to shield his eyes and wipe his forehead. He scans the left and right hallways and north area. He looks carefully at the statue and the others as if assessing the tactical situation.] [Unali continues to study the area as well. She finds no arrow slits or dart slits making this area simply a bad place for enemy entry. That means to her the master of the home is either too confident or stupid. Since he might have the power to lift this place stupid is probably out. She figures the statue must have some defense to it. She may not be a sidh but that is clearly a easy guess. She is unsure of how but figures through magic. She keeps an eye on the stairs as that is the weak point to this area. Two hallways, four known doors and stairs to contend with. As she watches the area she smiles a bit thinking this place would be a great resource to Marentia. Duke Aren could use it himself or King Maros. But the balance of power would disrupt the region. Soon it would get out and war would ensue to capture or destroy this place. If Marentia can't have it then no one should she decides. Of course if one could keep it secret or hidden then maybe it could be used for the better of many. Unali looks at Fremea glancing at her dagger in curiousity nature. She wonders if the dagger is damaged and if Fremea could use a spare? But didn't thig mention the Sidh can only touch certain types? Does Fremea even have gloves? As she considers the situation she wonders if the statue could be a petrified person. Maybe a wizard who was bad enough to be caught? What better trophy would one have than to have a prisoner of stone to show your own power and scare others at the same time? Unali finds the tactic actually a good one. [Caladan dries off his pants and hands the towel back to the metal man. He leans on his damp staff as if bored by the whole thing. He glances around and wonders if the metal-man could be killed or destroyed by a fireball. Maybe not one but a few good ones could turn it into sludge. He only takes a brief glance at the statue. As he looks to the left a eyebrow shoots up and he stands a bit erect. He smiles faintly and leans into Kiet to whisper something that no one else hears.] [Raban can hear voices in his head as if Ben'dar is taunting him about the metal-man. Maybe not Ben'dar but someone else? Maybe Chion. Maybe his own imagination. Could Raban take the being? Probably. It all depends. Raban studies the movements of the butler and sees that there is little to rip apart. Joints, hands, neck, knees, elbows appear to be solid pieces. Not like put together statues of metal. It is as if the metal is one living piece of material like leather. It shifts and moves as the beast does ever changing when he needs it. That might suggest a being of living whatever. It would be difficult to rip this thing apart. Even the head seems one solid piece as if the being was shaped and molds from one solid metal slab rather than molded and welded together pieces. Raban figures it would be quite a sight to see both fight. But Raban knows its best not to tempt the being at this time. It seems harmless like Ben'dar says, for now.] [Fremea dries her dagger and then tosses the towel to Caladan to hand to the being for her. Caladan does so. She twists her dagger over in her hands and notices 3 very minute marks of cracks. She sighs and knows she might have one, maybe two more good hits out of it. Good hits being hard killing blows rather than knicks and simple swipes. She belts the dagger and studies the metal-man. She looks like Chion and Raban for weaknesses but each person for different things. Chion looks for creation and teleport value, Raban for combat and Fremea for killing weaknesses. There seems to be no killing spots like a good back place. It all seems the same. Aside from the head there is no distinct back or front chest/back area. It all looks the same. Even if a dagger could penetrate the metal if possible where are delicate organs or other such things? Fremea is quite a distance away but notices no switches, cables or knobs on it as well that might make it a mechanical being. Her revulsion seems to increase as her eyes study the being. Its like having to walk across a lake of normal human metals with no shoes on. Not a pretty thing to think about. She doesn't know Sidh as Arawn seems to but she has some instinct ancient revulsion to the metal. It doesn't seem to be some magical effect but more psychological. She finds no single weak point aide from maybe the head and hands. Those seem to be the least areas of metal. But even with no hands the being could still club a person with its huge arms. The size of a Tef'wo's legs. She re-studies the statue for other aspects and can't gleam more information from her own mana reading attempt. She is wary of the statue. She examines the stairs, walls, ceiling and such for other things but finds no trace of magic or security issues. Could it be possible to fool a Sidh's senses? Maybe that is a question for Arawn in one of her learning sessions.] [Arawn studies the metal-man with keen interest as well as the others. Like the others he studies the weaknesses and aspects of the being to see if he recalls any such thing in his past. As with Raban he isn't sure if the being is hollow or not. As with Chion he isn't sure how it was created. It could be through magic like Z'leyra suggests, natural being or through another spell not known or recalled at this time. As with Fremea, Arawn learns of little weak points, no switches, no knobs. He wonders if his magical sword will be of some use to use against it. He doesn't use mana reading so not to alert magic or the being itself. Though from the aura that seems to exit Fremea he figures Fremea has done so. He notes it for future training in the ways of discreet sensory study. But Arawn knows that Fremea is curious by nature. But curious can also kill a being quickly. In the brief seconds of study he finds nothing of great value of the being. No memory comes to mind. Being Elf in nature his parent's kingdom rarely dealt with metal as is. To this extreme such a being would never be caught in his parent's realm. Arawn sighs that there is still so much more to learn out there than his studies in his parent's great library and teachers have given him. He glances to the statue and studies the stone. It appears to be a simple stone mix that can be found anywhere. Nothing seems distinct about it or its design. No markings, writing or symbols on it or the dais. At least from the angles he sees. The stick has to be a wand of some sort a symbol of a wizard's power. That alone tells Arawn this man has to be a wizard. Not a shaman. Not a bard. Not a sidh magician. That rounds the study down a bit. How many non- wizards use wands? Its size is small and shows no markings or symbols on it. The stone ball in the other hand is a black ball that shows it is different from the other stone as if it denotes distinct item. Arawn is unsure what it could represent. It could be a fireball, a magical sphere of defense, a ball lightning spell or even a simple light ball to show one's path. The detail isn't that great to tell more. the man is clearly human and shows signs of weather on his face like a mature adult male in his 40s maybe 50s. Arawn has to study more humans to figure out how they age. The closest is maybe Duke Aren's age which Arawn only saw briefly. Arawn does note a symbol on the stone robe of the man. Something the others may have missed it seems. It is a tiny symbol of a rune not seen by Arawn. His cosmology skills are for elder and Druidism not for other alignments. The rune does have one basic taint to it. A ancient arcane symbol noting the base godhood. Before there were alignments. Before there were distinctions. Before there were god wars. That clue tells him this statue must be from ancient and lost times. Reading the rune from a distance away it seems to converge into a new sub-type. He can't recall exactly what type but it seems to have distinct polygons. Where has he seen such a thing before? Arawn hears Fremea sigh at her dagger and becomes slightly distracted. Arawn looks at the walls, ceiling and floors but sees no writing or other runes. He looks at the stairs but at this distance only sees faint white steps going up. Arawn glances back at the wooden platform the statue is on but finds no other markers there from this angle. He hears some people speak and looks to see Z'leyra approaching the north door.] [Fremea checks her gear and finds the leather bag has kept them mostly dry but leather can only prevent so much dampness. She then recalls her arrows. It would be no good to have the fluffy piece wet. She dries them off with her shirt and finds them in better shape. She munches on a piece of ration pack and quickly eats it whole. Her rations are much smaller than those like Ben'dar's. She smiles at the thought she could live on a few crumbs and he would need a rabbit. Size does make some difference. She rests as she cleans off her arrows of dampness. She continues to scan the area for magic and hiding spots but finds none than the last time she checked. Might be able to hide behind the statue, a door or around the corner but that's about it. She notices Z'leyra near the door and quickly packs up. She stands and watches.] [Z'leyra hands over her towel to the butler without looking too much Her status seems to kick in and treats the being as a butler almost by instinct than on purpose. Then she recalls how her own servants have noticed such things and she smiles back at the butler to reassure it. The best masters always keep the low people in their minds, hearts and money rolls. She nears the door and studies it. The door is a nice wooden door with better wood than the main door. It seems to be treated for time and the elements. It is a simple wooden door of possible pine or spruce? The trim is stone with a thin layer of bronze typical of most fine homes. The lock looks typical quality but not overly intricate. She sees no writing, no runes or other symbols. She seems to stare at the door for half a minute as if confused by the idea of a door. The butler standing a couple feet away stares at her like it seems smarter. Z'leyra tries to push the door with her staff but it doesn't budge obviously opening southward toward her. A giggle is heard behind her but she ignores it whoever it was. The butler stomps closer and leans in. His eyes look at Z'leyra like "you open the door this way". It reaches for the knob and twists and pulls the door back. Z'leyra stands confident and is the first to look inside. She nods as if to mean she meant to do that. Of course she did. Best to not touch the knob for traps. But if she had to she would. She isn't skilled like a thief or have the find traps skill. She has to rely on only her basic senses for such detections. Maybe she should spend a few days with Balrog this summer.] [Fremea quickly rushes forward behind Z'leyra before anyone can step up front to follow Z'leyra inside the new room.] [Kiet looks to the north from his state of seemingly day-dreaming looking around. He has been quiet the last minute or so. He then seems to shake it off and looks at Z'leyra. He leans forward as if to speak closer to a person and whispers as loud as he can to be heard. But his words come out just as the door is opened by the butler. Due to the distance between each other his words are picked up by all but Fremea.] Kiet: "PZT! Z'leyra! There's someone on the other side of that door!" [Arawn perks up hearing Kiet's warning but then a memory flash comes to his mind of what symbol the rune might represent.] [Z'leyra and others hear his words Kiet couldn't have said them softer or not be heard. By the time she got the door opened it was almost too late to move closer. The party is unsure how Kiet knows such things. Could he have been here before? Suspicion rises in the party slightly.] GM: Kiet your email didn't say you like moved closer or tried to say it soft enough only (like cupped hands). So it was heard by others. Sorry. The room description is first seen by Z'leyra but I'll describe as if everyone enters the room and sees it. It is of course your option to enter the room. But if you don't then keep in mind you don't know what is inside since to enter you'd have to be seen in the doorway. To be seen would be known by those inside. :) [The room opens up to a size that looks to be 40 by 20 feet in rough square size. Immediately seen is a fireplace that is roaring in the far north wall. It is at least 8 feet wide made of brown stone bricks. The mantle is a light tan wood with a white thin cloth. There appears to be a vase on the left of some ornate value, a plant in a low stand on the right and a bust of some kind (human head) in the middle. Behind the fireplace are two cushioned silk chairs of rich value that could be seen in the King's palace. Cushions of red and ornately decorated arm rests carved of wood. Behind the two chairs is a long couch with high back to the south door. The couch is 8 feet long enough for a man to sleep on. The back is tan but as folks near the cushions are silk as well and well cushioned of a ping faded color. To the left and right of the couch are two chairs of the same in front of the couch. Immediately upon entering the room another couch is seen to the right. It is identical to the one in the center of the room. This one seems a bit longer at 10 feet. To the left of the south door is a glass table. ON top is a candle and plant centerpiece of green plant of some sort. The glass table can be seen through and the two chairs at the table are exactly like the others silk and well made. In the north-east corner of the room is a wooden cabinet. On top is a silver tray with bottles of wine it seems. Those who notice the cabinet figure it to contain more drinking bottles and maybe food. There are two doors on the north wall on the left and right sides of the fireplace that look like the south doors. The room is well lit by the roaring fire which seems to belch smoke up into the wall but not into the room. There are also hanging candle chandeliers at every 10 feet from the west wall to the east wall (4 in total) and in the middle of the room (at 10 feet roughly center line). Each has a dozen small candles all slit and seems to be in good shape. Lastly the room is covered in a fine and fluffy brown carpet. It almost looks like any standard main reception room for a home for a noble.] [But furniture indeed is not the only thing found in the room. Standing between the couch and fireplace is a man with back toward Z'leyra as she enters. He stands and turns to face those who enter. He looks young maybe in his mid 20s. He stands tall at 6 foot 7 and weighs about 250 pounds. Some of that may be muscles and some body frame or fat. But its hard to tell from his clothing. He just looks as big as Chion. Sheathed on his right hip is a sword. He is wearing red robes with a brown rope tied at his waist like that of a monk or priest. It hides anything under his robes that might be seen. His neck seems bare though of any necklaces. He has a thick bushy black beard and black hair. His eyes gleam green with a curious nature. He watches each person enter the room and stares at each for a few seconds then smiles faintly. When Z'leyra first enters the man is kneeling at the fire as if stoking it with a stick. He lays the stick on the stone floor right next to the fireplace strip and stands at hearing the door open. The man leans against the mantle for a second as if to gain his balance and then turns to face the others. With a raises hand thsse who spot it notice soft looking hands. A scar is seen on his neck on the left side that is faint but seems distinct if looked directly at.] [But Kiet was wrong. There is a man here but there is also another man. Upon hearing the door he stands from his chair left of the couch (DD18). This one looks to be also in his middle 20s and slightly older than the other one. He stands only 6 foot 3 and weighs 195-200 pounds one might guess. As he stands Z'leyra hears the clink of armor under his clothing. At his hip he positions a sword maybe a short sword? In a small dagger sheath sits a dagger on his left hip. His hair is black and has no facial hair. His black eyes shine with almost contempt or annoyance. He stands and crosses his arms briefly and flexes his fingers in what look to be toughened hands. He wears simple leather jerkin and pants with a tan vest on his abdomen. his belt is leather with simple craftsmanship. He stares at each person up and down.] [Both men look the same in appearance aside from one having a thick beard. As looks go they are equal. Z'leyra notes that Chion, Ben'dar and definitely Raban are at least twice or three times better looking. But with such status of noble or richness one doesn't care about looks.] [Z'leyra enters the room with confidence since no trap or spell is cast at her to kill her. So far so good. She enters the room as if she belongs there. Behind her Fremea follows with Caladan third.] [To the side Unali sees Z'leyra enter and hears of a person in the room. She stalls a few seconds and waves the others to enter clearly wanting to be last. As others enter she constantly looks over her shoulder toward the east hall and the stairs.] [The Bearded Man speaks.] Man: "Tufa. Ma'llum kor'gah'a ue. Mno'uti ue vulo Ma'll torz'u?" [The metal man continues to face south standing with arms down staring at roughly Kiet's position as if bored.] [Time: 10:14am] Actions/ Comments? Next Update...Monday... GM: I assume the three above enter the room. I know Kiet and Unali will argue who goes last. But who wants to enter the room or stay outside? Raban, Ben'dar, Kiet and Chion can be seen by the bearded man due to the position of the doorway. The other man might see Arawn but Unali is probably the only one not to be seen by anyone. If you enter the room let me know a coordinate or otherwise I'll put in randomly. Those in the outer foyer heard the man speak but no one in the party knows the language at all. GM: I've had 12 power blips to knock computer off and lose one paragraph of text. So better end this update here. Plus I said they'd be slow moving from now on. :) This is my 5th time trying to spell check it between power blips. Now you know why I wanted to try it last night but didn't complete it till tonight. :) Hope all looks ok. I might've missed something. Legend - North /|\ 1 Row = 2 feet 1 Column = 2 feet ° = Solid wall or earthen rock / or \ = Door ,, = Stone Steps I = Stone wall ----------------------------------------------------------------- [1st Floor] [Ceiling here is about 10 feet high.] 1 2 3 4 5 12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 Fireplace I _/\______________/\__ Z I I \~~~~/ I aa I Room A I 1 @I I 2 * * @I cc I I * * I I ### C Z I gg I I ### F I hh I I * [=====]I