HT Aliaver/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R1.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma ??.Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma --.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma R1.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe R1 John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma NPC...................Captain.Lin.......Warrior.Normal/Human..Ma Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/ Public posts/actions to pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@comcast.net Game Update #225 in sequence (file #1404) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [None] -------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Augado 10th, 1634TH] [Location: Middle Katai Plains] [ Mountains west of Pamau] [Time: 2:28:52 pm - 2:30:52 pm] Unali turns to face the group and explains in as much detail as she can of the cave she came from. She watches Will ramble southward to collect something in the distance but not sure why. She explains it is 300 feet above the ground where they are standing. It is the first cave that she found and likely not the last. She only got to this one cave at this point. This is the first cave. Since the stairs themselves are set 10 feet from the wall itself you are unsure how the connection is made. But at the top of the stairs on the slab turning east to the east wall one can quickly tell it's just an extension from the slab to the cave itself. The Vong "cement" material that is the entire structure extends to the right from the slab. A path 10 feet wide extends to the face of the cave. It is pretty much a level walkway 10 feet wide but with no railing so would be easy to fall the 300 feet to the ground. This cave is 300 feet above the flyer field or in geologic terms 500 feet above the forest ground below outside. The entrance to the cave is 15' wide and 10' high. This means the slab is centered in the entrance. One notices two Vong Warriors on each side of the entrance holding, taller than it seems, average Amphistaves. They also seem a bit tougher looking. But their backs are to the entrance facing east. One can tell the cave ceiling is 35' high in some places but mostly 20' in other places. . Some 30 feet away from the guards are two human Brigaders in colorful uniforms that must denote them of some rank. They have swords in sheathes and are facing east, south-east. To the north (Left) and Right (South) are two Vong warriors for a total of 4 (2 on each side) about 15 feet from the brigadiers. It is unclear if the brigaders are being protected or what else is in the cave is being protected by the humans. About 90 feet from the entrance is a series of wooden barrels of some sort. Maybe about 16 or so total. In front of the barrels is a Human prisoner. It is clear they are a prisoner as they are in rags and no obvious good clothing, weapons or such. In front of the human male prisoner is a Shaper. She is wearing one of those snake hoods and the snakes look awfully active. She is barking something to the prisoner in front of her. She is facing east and the prisoner at the barrels. On the far east wall (K33) is another Shaper. This one in a very bright white robe with purple trim. She is also wearing a snake hood. She is facing west toward the entrance and seems a bit either bored or something. The room is lit by various torches on the walls about every 15 feet. But the most obvious things in the room are 2 objects that aren't normal looking. On the south east corner is a flat object centered (around L29). It is 30 feet wide and 30' high. It is circular and from what one has seen on Clima it must be a Portal. When Lady Varo opened a portal to meet the party (giving ZL Corona and warning Ben'dar about Tef'wo for example) the portal one saw was pure white but only about 10' high and 10' wide. This one is 3x larger. But this one is a bit transparent. There is a fine mist like fog above about half the bottom that you can see. Think of hot desert mirage on hot sand looking like a wet area. On the top half it looks like a pink area with twinges of blue. It doesn't take the smarts of an Alfar or wisdom of a High Elder to know this HAS to be how the Vong enter and exit this world. Could one be seeing the very world of theirs? The other object in front of the portal is also a bit obvious. It is a meaty looking blob of pink/gray mass. At Lake Oca the group encountered a small object but this is huge compared to it. The mass looks definitely like a brain with four lobes instead of 2 for humans. This has to be the famed World Brain. If this is the central nexus to other smaller Brains and such this could be the key. It is 25' tall the top of its lobes and 20' wide. Along the perimeter about 4-8 feet up off the ground are a set of tentacles that stretch outwards 15 feet from the brain itself. These tentacles look like octopus ones with suckers and in some cases some have pincers and some claw like grips. They are spread around it seems the entire body of the Brain surrounding it so there could be a hundred of so such tentacles. To the north of the Brain a human female prisoner in tattered clothing stands motionless just staring at the World Brain doing nothing. Unali then finishes up by explaining she had a odd mental contact with the Brain. She assume it was the Brain but it was like when Thig contacted others in the group or Will sending messages to other comrades. It was a odd sensation but she didn't feel like dealing with it. She tells the group in front of her that she fled the area immediately. While Unali is explaining the description of the Portal cave the others listen intently. As the group listens Kell and Chion finish cleaning the wounds completely of Caladan and Farseeker. In fact the time allows other wounds from others in the small group to be checked out. Several times during the story Chion looks up and watches Unali's eyes for some reason. The large man seems a bit wary especially at the end of her tale. Chion strokes his chin in concentration over the details. Kiet stands and listens as well while Unali speaks. He is amazed how the leader would venture on her own while they fought here the Vong. Sure, Chion might have been with her at times. It only makes sense now. But she could've been killed. Kiet turns at times to watch Unali while watching the stairs for new threats. Kell also listens with much dread on the news. Especially on the last section of facts. It makes sense though if the World Brain could communicate with smaller Brains like that of Lake Oca then touching a human mind shouldn't be difficult. But is it just touching or can it do more? Kell recalls talking to Farseeker about Thig making mush of a person's mind with his spells. The Half-Elf stands and crosses his arm while Squirt sleeps a few quick winks on Caladan's hip. During the report from Unali, Will continues his slow stride toward the missing bow in the south. Course with his new transmuted armor slow is about as fast s he can go without overly tiring. Will can hear maybe the first 20-25 seconds of Unali's speech. But then goes out of ear shot and welcomes the calm lack of noise. It takes about 40 seconds to get to his bow. He picks it up and also notices a few other odd items tat must've fallen from his equipment. He picks up 3 arrows, a spare dagger he didn't notice was missing and a couple of coins that must've fallen out of his bag. He decides to kick the dead Vong hard just for spite and wish him the best vacation in whatever hell they have. After about 30 seconds walking around the crash site he heads back. Another 45 or so seconds and he finally gets back to the group. Will can hear the ending part about the strange mental contact made by the brain. He wonders if he should have stayed to listen to all the details. How hard can a Brain be up against a axe? Will checks his bow to ensure it can still hurt the foul creatures and finds it in good shape. The bow string was made well for high tension. Back on the western side of the field, Ben'dar turns around and looks around. He is still disgusted by the rape of the girl. What else have these demons done to the towns folks before they tossed them into that pit below? Clearly as slaves some are better than others. Children probably just tortured for the god's pleasure and tossed away like trash. Maybe the old folks even got a break with fast deaths? But the young ones that could be used or in this case experimented on must have their share of torment. It takes him a few seconds to calm down and then realizes to the north of him he sees a shape not hard to miss - that of Raban coming south. He smiles at the giant though at this distance he can't see it probably. He hopes the giant made brain soup for a few no good Vong. Raban clamps onto Lin's shoulder and pushes him southward. He isn't sure where he should go now. Maybe upstairs or to the homes in the south. He only recalls doing half of them. Then he notices a sole figure in the distance and based on his clothing and claw necklace it must be Ben'dar. Ben'dar waves and Raban realizes Z'leyra must be nearby. Raban decides to head that direction. Arawn tags along and when he hears Fremea's voice he perks up happy that she is safe. He recalls the thrall to the south and wishes he could've found an outcast. He finds them to be the key to any Vong rebellion. As he walks he hears Fremea say the wounded on the east needs help. She explains that the group took out about 50 or so Vong. "This guy took out probably 30 on his own!" Captain Lin shoves a elbow into Raban's side. Raban smiles and shrugs. The small man spins a web. But maybe it was just 20 or so. Who knows. About 10 seconds after Fremea is heard both Arawn and Fremea become visible. This allows Arawn to talk to the winged Fae. He points out the Portal in the sky. That is some form of Kotothi influence. He asks her if she could fly around and above the portal to get a better feel or look? That stops Fremea in mid-flight almost making her fall but like a cat she lands on her feet. She glances up and then realizes that is what she felt earlier. But she still can't pinpoint it? If its there she can't see it. Maybe her senses aren't as strong as Arawn's. She considers the request for a few seconds while the group walks. Inside the home Z'leyra finally gets the nude teen to calm down and wipes her tears. She quickly uses a cloth to wipe blood and other things from her body. She begins to search her bag for a spare clothing. But the girl rolls over and finds a rag of a short dress. She wears it and stands. Looking around she waits but shakes in shock watching nothing. Z'leyra doesn't see any under clothing and figures that is all she was given by the Vong. From the looks of her body she will be fine physically aside from cuts and bruises. But mentally she may never be the same. Z'leyra stands after storing her gear and gives a arm squeeze to the girl. A hug would not do at this case. She has seen too many rapes to try that. Being a healer is also being a person who can understand the human mind. Z'leyra leads the girls outside and wonders how the group will be able to protect the girl? Maybe she should be left in a home? But then what if the party have to flee? Going to find Zhou might take too long. Z'leyra sees Ben'dar and walks toward him. It doesn't take long for Raban to get to the mid rows (E). Arawn tells the others that he found a Brigader and captured him. He wishes to go fetch him. Raban seeing Z'leyra and Ben'dar coming decides that is fine. The giant isn't sure who is leader in this sub group - probably Arawn with his status - but if Arawn defers to him then maybe he should at least act the part. Arawn runs to the home where the thrall is (E11). He opens the door and is suddenly hit by a stench. Arawn holds his Elven blade but bats his nose. He notices the man is there still standing tied up. But then the Alfar walks in and notices the puddle at the man's feet. It seems the man has relived himself. But the stench is more than that as Alfar can notice the man's eyes seem blank. Arawn orders him to step back. But the man refuses to do so. Arawn knows he should have control for days. Arawn checks the man's eyes and notice the pupils are shot and looks damaged. Arawn asks the man his name. The man seems to gurgle and spittle falls form his lips. Then Arawn realizes the man has to be brain dead. Arawn realizes the intense smell must have been relief from the other end. Finding the human now useless Arawn actually feels sorry for him. Maybe he was just lured here for some promise of coin and power. Even Human traitors can do more damage than the Vong in usurping the Empire with mercs and greedy men. Arawn then turns to leave but feels some sadness. Turning back he draws his blade and gently slices over the throat of the man for a quick death. It shouldn't take but a couple of seconds. The man wouldn't feel pain regardless. Sure he could've found the spirit of the man but would his mind in the after life also be affected? Arawn gives a quick prayer the dead man and leaves. In the distance he notices Ben'dar and Z'leyra. Z'leyra, the girl and Ben'dar move toward Raban. The girl seems to glance briefly at times at Ben'dar and wonders who or what he is. But the man did kill the foul being so can't be all that bad. It takes about 30 seconds for them to get to the group. The girl gives her name as Su Wi. She asks about her brother and parent's. But Z'leyra explains some did get help to escape. Maybe they are among them. It is better to have hope to help the girl continue. Arawn walks back in time to notice the girl standing timidly by. She is staring at the giant. His handsome features which have made him quite popular in taverns and female noble bedrooms seem to attract her. The Giant ignores it as he has seen that look before. He can't help his looks and realizes the girl must have been through bad times so using his charms on her is not right. Arawn nods to Z'leyra and Ben'dar. He explains the thrall he captured was wounded beyond hope. He considers telling them that the World Brain must've sensed his capture and destroyed his mind. Then he quickly turns to the girl and wonders if she has seen the Brain. He asks very quickly. "No. I don't know what you ask. I was below and then taken here. One of the creature's brains? Gross!" The teen shudders at the thought. Arawn nods and deduces that maybe the Brigader was taken to see the World Brain and touched. Maybe that touch gave the Brain the ability to monitor the human. If the girl is safe at this point maybe there is some requirement the brain must see the person first? These assumptions seem to make sense based on nature and what others animals or creatures can do. Ben'dar tells the others the rows he explored. Raban then says, "then this area is fully explored. Fremea tells us Farseeker and Caladan are wounded. Maybe we should gather as one again and decide on a new course?" The others seem to agree. Thought it is good to divide up and handle both sides of the cavern. Maybe the group can divide up again and come back. Raban leads the group eastward. ------------- [Time: 2:30:52 pm - 2:31:00 pm] Unali then adds to her report, "The pull from the brain extends some 90-100 feet, so once we go up the stairs, we should be prepared to fight but also resist the pull of the mental powers. Does anyone have a block against mental attacks?" "If there is something to block such attacks, I might venture upstairs again to check if this works. I have resisted the pull once, maybe I have better luck then others. But it seems foolish to send in a group of fighters that is just turned against us by the brain. What are your plans." Chion points behind Unali at the group coming east. Looks like the party will team up again. ----------------- [Time: 2:31:52 pm - 2:31:40 pm] It takes 40 seconds for the group led by Raban plus one stranger to get to the east side of the field. Now after 5 or so minutes the group is finally back together. Unali wonders if she should explain the whole thing again. Actions? Comments? Next Update....Monday... GM: Wanted to do 2 minutes based on Unali's speech. But turns out 2 min and 48 seconds of time based on on mechanics to get everyone together. Now all are back in one group. I figure this was done there was no indication the group in the west would remain there. For the next update let's plan on 3 minutes. If Unali goes over the details again that'll take almost a bit over 2 minutes. Maybe 30 seconds to heal if needed and 30 seconds to start plans. Depending on your posted text though it may much longer. Yes. I determine the length based on the text. So you can't give a 300 word speech in 3 seconds. :) So post what you need and I'll adapt. Unali is still the leader so she can override any plans or actions. If she wants to divide up to take both sides of the cavern then she can. I've removed some maps and added the Brain map. This map is based on Unali's sketch on the sand. It should be accurate aside from possible positions of people. I've added the Brain cave location to the side view map so can see where it is on a side view. If questions let me know and can answer if vital over the weekend if not Monday. Someone needs to decide who will do the healing. Z'leyra can heal single spells wise but Arawn may want to do spells to cast fully. Keep in mind the mana report for the number of healings done already. You will need to let me know if you do NOT want to be healed. I updated the mana report for the healing section only. I listed some who have been healed already and show their possible death chance. For exammple Lin has a high chance but would want healing since he doesn't understand the risk. You can use these factors in the chart to decide on actions. If Light wounded may not need to be healed. But it is your choice. If you need more info like char sheets or how much hits you've lost let me know. The description on the world brain cave was given to Unali at first. So it was done in her POV so a lot of "yous" and such were changed to more generic terms. Hope it makes sense. GM: Ground level cleared. Stats are roughly as follows: * 30 Vong Flyers, 3 still missing, 6 left ground and 3 were destroyed by the Living Earth. * Vong Warriors - 24 in West and 42 in east * Brigaders - 21 in West and 6 in East * Enthralled human * 1 Prisoner freed GM: Spells active Z'leyra - Orient Self, Invisibility Will - Armor Transmutation Inviso ends 32:16, OS ends 2:38 something. * = Soon to end (next update?]. I may NOT post this info unless I remember to do so. :) ---------------------------- Mount Side View - Scale - 1 Column = 15 feet 1 Row = 50 feet North=wall facing screen [Looking from one wall to the other wall. Toward North wall with back to south wall. Looking east/west.] 1 2 3 4 5 12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 ____________________________________________________ I### Fake Vong ceiling ###IA I# #IB I# #IC I# #ID I# #IE I# #IFCave Cave 1-> `# #`G<-#4 I# #IH Cave 2-> `# #`I<-#5 I# #IJ Cave 3-> `# World Brain--> #`K<-#6 I# #IL I# #IM I# @ <-Portal #IN Mount I#T T#IO Ground --?I#]A_A_A_A_A_A_A_A__________________V__V__V__V__V[#IP I Y