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 #69 in sequence (file #359) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Kiet: [Re: Actions] It wasn't meant to be private...it was meant for everybody to hear, but maybe not be heard on the other side of the door! Kiet will join Bendar and hand him the spear. "Thank you, my barbarian friend. I felt I needed that outside to keep the flying creeps away, but in here it seems to be a hinderance." Kiet then grabs one of his ropes, and advances to find Fremea. Out loud, and in Katai "Little One, let us go by the fire, rest, and get warm."...repeat in Lemasan. GM: Ack. Just making sure it was private or public in terms of voice level. ---------------------------------- From Raban: [Re: Actions] [Raban follows the ladies inside, unconcerned until he hears mention of a Man, but still not too worried as He seems to have invited us in. Of course that does not mean you can trust your host, just that things will start out a bit more civilized.] [Smiling quite friendly, Raban thanks his host with a short bow.. Raban (in Xianese) "Thank you for your gracious invitation to enter your fine abode during this bout of foul weather." GM: Ack. No. UPS is fine in some areas but not needed here. I ran a BBS for over 20 years - computer was online 24/7/365. I rarely saw power outages and still do. Last week was maybe it for the last 5 years I recall. So not worth it. Our power company is pretty reliable for this area. Confused though I don't see Xianese on your sheet? :) ---------------------------------- From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] Upon seeing the bearded man and hearing his words, Ben'Dar cautiously enters the room, pike conspicuously at the ready. He eyes the soft- looking man only briefly, not bothering to hide the scorn in his eyes. His eyes stop at the other, seeing that he may be a worthy opponent. He moves over near Caladan. Hearing Raban's response to the foreign words, he mutters in Marentian, "Can you understand them, Raban? What do they want?" If hostilities break out, Ben'Dar will engage the armored man. GM: Ack. ---------------------------------- From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra smiles as she takes a couple steps and stops while listening to the man. With the butt of her staff on the floor she transfers the staff to her left hand (leaving it vertical) and waves hello (using sign language). Inclining her head briefly in a nod of greeting she says "Hello. I am Z'leyra and these are my friends." Indicating those behind her with her hand. "I hope that you will excuse our intrusion. Do you speak ?" The will first be Katai, after a seconds pause to see if they appear to understand she will continue on to repeat the phrases in each of the non-supernatural languages she knows if/when it appears that they don't. If they do not appear to understand any of the languages she speaks she will make sure she is in range and cast Bal Communicate EL0 (thru her staff) then repeat the phrases once again. If attacked she fights defensively with her staff. GM: Ack. ---------------------------------- From Raban: [Re: Reply to Ben'dar] Raban turns to Ben'Dar and replies in Marentian, "I am sorry, but no I did not understand them. I just thanked them for letting us enter in my native language. We may need to try anything we know." GM: Ack. ---------------------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] As Fremea enters the room, she will take in all her normal info (skill wise), making sure of any important info, along with the magic that is on the people. After the man speaks, she will cast communicate (EL2) to make sure she can understand him and talk to him. Otherwise, she will have her bow "handy", though not out. GM: Ack. ---------------------------------- From Chion: [Re: Actions] Chion will move up to the opposite side of the door from the Metal man and presume a similar pose as the metal man. GM: Ack. Not sure where this is since no specific coordinates so hope I move you ok. ---------------------------------- From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Before the door is opened Arawn moved away from the statue, a thoughtful look on his face. He took note of the markings he saw, including the new one, jotting them down on paper. Several thoughts crossed his mind but he accepted that he currently did not have the time to fully explore some of these ideas. "The markings... they change. I do not recognize it but there is one, a mark that in many variations has appeared in primordial writings. It denotes something akin to power or godhood and it shifted from unaligned to an ancient symbol of chaos. I don't know if it represents the statue, the sculptor, or something else. I wish I had more time to study it... ------------------------------------------------------------ When the door was opened Arawn was near the rear, his wrap damp and covering his ears. As the unusual words drifted through the air Arawn thought over the stories of the past and the mark on the statue. He thought it would be a gamble that could backfire if there were ancient hostilities but he proceeded to speak in the oldest language he knew, Sidh. "We come in peace but do not understand your language. Will you allow me to establish mystical translations between us? Please nod if you understand." If they don't seem to understand/react to this then he'll attempt to use Elven Communication to establish contact and try for the same message. GM: Ack. To clarify. Change is not like a morphing change as you watch the markings. Its like a picture you stare at and you see one thing but when you step back you notice its not a vase but two heads looking at each other. Perspectives seem to change and perceptions not the actual markings. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4. [Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands, 9 Miles up, Flying Island] [Time: 10:13am] [Before the door is opened by the metal man....] [Arawn finishes studying the statue and moves back with a thoughtful look on his face. Arawn wishes he has time to make notes of the markings on paper but before he could get the paper out the metal man moves to the door and opens it. Z'leyra moves forward and time seems to hasten the party onward. Arawn speaks quietly to the party members.] Arawn: "The markings... they change. I do not recognize it but there is one, a mark that in many variations has appeared in primordial writings. It denotes someting akin to power or godhood and it shifted from unaligned to an ancient symbol of chaos. I don't know if it represents the statue, the sculptor, or something else. I wish I had more time to study it..." [Z'leyra gets to the door but the man speaks and she tries to hear both Arawn and him. Something about chaos perks her attention to Arawn before she turns and enters the room.] --------------------------- [Time: 10:14am] [The Bearded Man speaks.] Man: "Tufa. Ma'llum kor'gah'a ue. Mno'uti ue vulo Ma'll torz'u?" [Raban moves toward the wooden door into the room. As he passes the metal man he turns and glances at it smiling a wistful smile. He looks closer into the hard cold black metal eyes of the metal man, nothing more than rounded metal shapes, and tries to gleam some idea of the being. But nothing is gained or lost in the exchange. Raban changes from his imposing height and bearing to ward off the metal man to a simpler demeanor upon entering the room's threshold A shift in body language that has treated him well over years. Never know when one needs to look threatening and the next woo the ladies. A broad smile beams from his face as he scans the room quickly and looks at the two men. Stepping into the room a few paces he bows as best his frame can do. Speaking in Xianese he speaks out loud.] Raban: "Thank you for your gracious invitation to enter your fine abode during this bout of foul weather." [Kiet sees Ben'dar about to move and grabs his arm. Ben'dar twirls around confused and cautious. Kiet hands him the spare spear. Ben'dar slightly frustrated for such timing takes it and places it as best he can with his other stuff. Kiet: "Thank you, my barbarian friend. I felt I needed that outside to keep the flying creeps away, but in here it seems to be a hindrance." [Ben'dar nods and turns toward the door.] [Ben'dar starts toward the room behind Raban. he hears the strange bearded man speak his foreign words. Stepping to the right to avoid the metal man he enters the room and looks around briefly. Only two against the party it should be quite an easy battle it if came to it. He is wary and cautious as normal. With pike in hand he steps near Raban and whispers. He speaks in Marentian.] Ben'dar: "Can you understand them, Raban? What do they want?" [Still smiling Raban turns to Ben'dar and replies in Marentian.] Ben'dar: "I am sorry, but no I did not understand them. I just thanked them for letting us enter in my native language. We may need to try anything we know." [Ben'dar nods and moves left behind Z'leyra. In passing he eyes the bearded man briefly but stops to the right of Caladan. He eyes intently the other figure thinking he'd be first target if battle came.] [Kiet enters the room and looks for Fremea and heads her way. He holds a small portion of rope at his hand on his belt. Caladan looks over to see Kiet enter and holding the rope. He sighs thinking that shows a clear sign of intent. "We are here to capture and tie you up" sort of message. Caladan sighs and looks back toward the fireplace. Kiet speaks to Fremea in Katai.] Kiet: "Little One, let us go by the fire, rest, and get warm." [Kiet then repeats the same thing in Lemasan.] [Z'leyra studies the room and the two men intently as the others join in behind and to her sides. She ignores their whispers and their comments. She smiles and shifts her staff to her left hand and with her right hand she uses sign language to say hello. She inclines her head in a greeting. She knows in her status in Marentian society one may not properly bow to a lesser person or be offended or mis-understood. One should always bow to a higher status person. But this person is hard to read. So in those cases protocol dictates to bow with the head. In Katai she speaks after her hands finish the sign language.] Z'leyra: "Hello. I am Z'leyra and these are my friends." [With her hand she waves to those on her right.] "I hope that you will excuse our intrusion. Do you speak Katai?" [She pauses to see their reaction then repeats the above in several more languages. Next Aratad. She pauses and thinks briefly on Climan. Could that reveal more than she wants? But she tries and sees no reaction. Next Donaran. She figures no use trying Eagle and Horse. She then tries Kameri, Katai, Marentian, Salaqi, Vassa and finally Zen'dali. In all it takes almost two minutes for her to speak the various languages and give enough pause for a reaction.] [Chion walks forward toward the door but shifts right so not in the direct line of the door. Moving to the wall to the right of the door he stops and puts his back to it. He hears Z'leyra speak various languages and recognizes only a few.] [Unali enters the room and passes by Chion and nods to him. She goes behind the glass table and to the left of it. She eyes the doors to the north and scans the room for tactical details.] [Kiet tries to motion for Fremea to join him near the fire but as they move forward the non-bearded man puts his hand to his sword and glares at Kiet. The bearded man looks over with some disgust Kiet notices this obvious "do not move further" body language and halts. Best not to start battle before talk can be finished first. Kiet and Fremea settle down a few feet closer but it seems the no-crossing line is the north couch. When Kiet stops the non-bearded man rests his hand to his side from his sword.] [Arawn stands back and watches the others enter. The time that quickly passes is enough time to jot down the markings on paper and make notes. He is glad to hear Z'leyra stalling or making some odd conversation in multiple languages. He quickly puts the scribings away, hoping that the few seconds of writing is enough, Moving toward the door he realizes he is last to enter. He ensures his ears are covered and enters the room. In the last two minutes he hasn't heard the bearded man speak again. It seems the half dozen spoken languages so far hasn't been recognized at all. Taking a great risk of revealing himself as a Sidh he considers using the ancient language of Sidh. The language has been around well before mankind existed. Before humans even formed languages. Just maybe this believed-to-be ancient place might understand it. In a slow and purposeful tone he speaks the Sidh words upon entering the room.] Arawn: "We come in peace but do not understand your language. Will you allow me to establish mystical translations between us? Please nod if you understand." [The others stand silently and wait for some reaction. Suddenly the door behind the party closes and a clank as heard as it seems the metal man has moved slightly. As the door closes the metal man stares at Chion. But seems unconvinced or bothered. He stares for a few seconds and then seeing Chion not wanting to enter the room takes up position on the other side of the door and stands with arms to the sides. A couple seconds pass and then it turns the metal-head south to look at the main entrance door with that bored look it seems to give.] ------------------------------ [Time: 10:16am] [The bearded man stands tall and looks at each person quickly. He briefly covers Ben'dar and eyes the pike ready in a big threatening move. He eyes Caladan with vague disinterest. His eyes spend twice as long looking at Fremea and her wings. But its clear to those seeing that its not shock but more surprise. That tells something to the party that maybe he is used to flying creatures and figures Fremea to be just another one. Maybe this is the owner of the flying creatures outside indeed. He eyes Kiet only for a second and then turns to Raban. His eyes go up and down the tall man assessing the man for something. He glances over to Unali on his right and eyes Unali briefly then glances to the other man in some slight eye contact. The man then turns to look at Z'leyra and notices the staff, the bags, the drum, the sword, the helmet and tries to al take it in. To most Z'leyra has to be a warrior mage of some sort. Her staff is too ornate and the sword and armor too clear. But the drum is where most outsiders are confused. It could mean she is a entertainer or a shaman. Few outside barbarian lands actually see Shamans so most tend to believe the entertainer link. But most entertainers carry the drum in a bag not the hip. After 3 seconds Arawn enters and gives his quick speech. This draws the bearded man's attention to Arawn.] [The man shifts from one foot to the other. Upon hearing Arawn he looks to the other man slightly and then back to arawn. No sign of emotion is seen but it is clear he is deep in thought. Then he begins to speak.] Bearded-Man: "You are not the one I am expecting. Identify yourself now." [Z'leyra, Fremea and Arawn all understand him. Then they realize he is using the tongue of the sidh language. Fremea and Z'leyra were just about to cast spells to communicate but it seems some joint language might be used now.] [The other man speaks in the other language a few words and the bearded man nods and says something but it is not understood.] [Arawn is shocked by the sudden use of the supernatural language being used here. It is difficult to understand how this human, clearly not a sidh, should know such a language. The evidence doesn't make sense. Chaotic creatures, Chaotic statues and now sidh language? No. This should not be mixed here in this place at this time. What does that tell Arawn? It means this place and his idea of this place could be turned upside down. Who is this man using this language and with a Chaos statue in his foyer? The man should be killed for such disgrace of the ancient tongue. But then he realizes it is ancient. Used before human kind had formed language families of their own. Maybe this person has learned it from that time? This puts the whole idea of alignment conflicts up in the air.] [Ben'dar hears a new version of language and looks to Arawn but sees no emotion. He glances to the right and see Fremea slightly surprised by it. Ben'dar is smart enough to know that both are Sidh. Maybe he is now talking in a sidh tongue. For once he wishes he knew more languages. He doesn't understand any of it. He turns around and continues to study the Other Man ignoring the bearded man. He wonders what armor the man has under his tight clothing. He then smirks knowing it can't be tougher than his.] [Caladan leans on his staff and watches the various languages spoken but doesn't understand much of them. He is tempted to ask some questions like "Sir, is that your pets outside? Someone left their cages open." But thinks better of it. He watches the fireplace and finds the fire rather comfortable to him.] [From the closed door, Chion can hear muffled talking from inside. This time the bearded man must be speaking again. It seems it is not gibberish this time. He can hear something like "You are.. am...now." Chion looks to the right to the metal-man and it seems unfazed by the new event.] [Fremea finishes studying the room and the two men and finds that understanding the man is a bit of a shock. Did the man cast some communicate spell or is he using a language? If spell she noticed no aura of anything come from the man. That could mean that the man could block magic detection or it is a language indeed. Her attention is drawn away from the fire onto the man who is now speaking. She wonders if she should speak or let Z'leyra and Arawn speak as spokesman.] [Raban's smile fades slightly when the man replies directly back to Arawn. Does that mean he can understand Arawn now? For some reason Raban's ears only makes out "You...I am..." There must be some language that shares common words but the rest of the message is gibberish.] [Unali studies the orange-sunset-color-red walls for any signs of tactical information like arrow slits or such but finds none of that obvious defensive measures. She finds this room to be a bad tactical situation. Three entry doors allow fast escape but if the party is trapped it is like shooting ducks in a water cage. She knows that first hand since a mean cousin used to do that very thing for laughs. She glances over and unlike the others notices that Chion is not here. He never entered the room and finds it a bit odd and becomes concerned. Then she remembers he was interested in the butler. Maybe he is still outside watching it. But being alone is not a good thing to be out in the foyer. She realizes that no one else seems to have noticed his disappearance.] [Kiet fingers the rope near his hands and finds the whole situation confusing. He has entertained at estates owned by nobles before. But hosts don't walk around their castles or estates armed. Not unless there is a siege outside or threats or expecting unknown guests. Maybe this man is expecting some person and is armed for that fact. But who is he expecting and why?] [Z'leyra understands the words spoken by the bearded man and sighs. She didn't try a supernatural language since it could give away more than she wanted to. Arawn walks in and uses it right away and gets a response. What does that mean? She wonders why her host doesn't direct them to seats or offers the fireplace. Could this man be a lowly guard of this place or the master?] Actions/ Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: Sorry for delay. After seeing Middleman at 12 last night my brain decided to go on vacation. So I couldn't complete it with some manner of making sense. Also it seems my proof-reader is sick so hope it is not huge mistakes. :) GM: Some emails to people coming soon. GM: The man seems to speak Tongue of the Sidh. For those who know basic Elf or Faerry sidh might have a slight chance of understanding. It will require concentration and skill checks. I figure the Tongue generates the sub languages as a family tree of languages. So being related there should be common words but not 100% link to total understanding. So for Z'leyra, Fremea and Arawn it is total understanding. For those who know Elf / Faerry it might be hit and miss. For neither then no understanding at all. GM: Chion hope your map position as your last email indicates. If not give me a coordinate. GM: Will still do a Friday update if there is enough posts. At this point it will probably be alot of talking between the three and the man. So this means few if any actions for those who don't understand. So I won't expect much from you guys. If Alex and John wish to decide who wishes to do the main speaking decide in email. Otherwise both of you guys (and Fremea) can talk all you want. For those with little possible actions in this situation you don't have to post if you don't want to, just to let me know your standing around. :) I'm trying to fill up the updates with some filler-introspections but at this point it'll be small updates per se. :) 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/ I _/\______________/\__ Z I I \~~~~/ I aa I Room A I 1 @I I 2 * * @I cc I I * * I I ### CB Z N K I gg I I U### I hh I I * [=====]I