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 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 Do.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 R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe Do John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys Cover Story Info: Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard Fremea as Noble child [Disguised] Kell aka Swan as Trader Unali as Zhou's wife 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 #18 in sequence (file #209) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Kell: [Re: Actions] [Kell will not summon the Cloud Elemental since we can outrun them; rather not fight given the choice. But I would like to get Kiet back on board safely.] Quickly asking Arawn and Chion, "Can one of you teleport and bring Kiet back?" GM: Ack. Want Keit back on board and not divide up his stuff? :) j/k From Will: [Re: Actions] Will is impressed "GOOD distraction" GM: Ack. Wasn't sure what this is in reference to Chion's or Kiet's distraction? From Kiet: [Re: Actions] I hope the Captain performs a nice service for me... GM: Ack. If wishes were brass bits we'd be rich! From John Haight: [Re: Email problems] Sorry for the delay again. I thought I had cleared up the problem with my email but it appears otherwise as I have just looked at the archives and realized i've missed some emails. Until I get this resolved I have another email address that will hopefully prove less troublesome. Scott (and everyone else) could you switch my email address to sang_real@msn.com If there are any private emails I haven't replied to try sending them there and (fingers crossed) I'll finally receive them and not have the problems with messages from the last few weeks. I'll send out replies tomorrow. GM: Ack. Did you get the IBT result email I sent out a few weeks ago? I will add you to the mailing list at the new email. Done. Now subscribed. Should get posts. I approved the email below from you the other day. I also put the email address in the contact link on the game site. From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea seeing that something does not seem right where Kiet is, will have figured out he will not make it back to the ship, casts teleport (use the EL that will allow her to do it as fast as possible, as long as it reaches him) and then as they are flying up, she will recast the teleport to get them back to the ship (she should be able to still see it). GM: Ack. Using slightly modified actions per email. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] As it currently appears that the ship will be able to evade the dragons Arawn will refrain from further spell casting for now. If things change and the dragons somehow start closing the distance then he will resort to his previously listed actions. Aside from this, to help Fremea out he'll attempt to cast Invisibility on her to help protect her while she prepares a teleport to reach Kiet. If she declines or does something to indicate she doesn't want it he will not cast it on her. If she does want hopefully he can cast it before she teleports. GM: Ack. How will doing inviso help protect her? :) She's a flyer high up in the air. Unless dragons get a lucky jump (doubtful she will be well protected). But she didn't say yes or no so will assume none cast, especially since your on deck and she is in the crows nest. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 3rd, 1634TH] [Location: Eastern Ocean, Heading S/SE, 490 miles south of DL] [Weather: Patchy Clouds, Temperatures 70-80s as highs.] [Wind: Low speed] [Time: 1:44 pm] Kiet sighs at the failed attempt to sway the dragon. He had always heard dragons were supposed to be smart, even more so than humans. Yet this one didn't seem to be persuaded. Was it the offer made? Was it a insult to the dragon or could this dragon be below the norm for intelligence? As Kiet circles the dragon like a fly buzzing around a human head he glances up toward the north toward the other dragon. It seems to be moving erratically to go after something in the water. Then Kiet notices him open the large mouth and gulp water and something inside. It almost looks like mounds of meat? Almost dizzy by the very circling around the so called smart Dragon, Kiet looks down and raises a clenched fist. He gives a quick few words in Lemasan toward the dragon. The Dragon roars up and howls in anger and then takes a brief look to the north and then notices the other dragon. As the other dragon watches the north dragon Kiet turns and glances at the fleeing ship. Kiet realizes then with despair that the ship is moving away. Why doesn't the captain turn around for him? Then he realizes the captain likely will not risk the ship for one man. But Kiet has heard stories that the party isn't like that. No one is left behind. Kiet points himself toward the ship, knowing he'll not catch up but for hours when the talisman spell ends for the day. Maybe someone on the ship will think of something. As those on board realize the danger is pretty much over with the dragons trailing over a thousand feet behind the ship, bows and weapons are put away. Will glances to the north and sees the dragon eating food that Chion found in the barrel, no or did he create the food? Will then glances at the other dragon lured away by the acrobat. Impressed he says, "GOOD distraction." Kell turns to Arawn and glances over at Chion a good 30 feet to the rear. He raises his voice to be heard over the wind and distance. "Can one of you teleport and bring Kiet back?" Up in the crows nest Fremea lowers her magical spyglass. She sighs at the face of Kiet who looked desperate and upset. But more fear now that he might not return to the ship. If his spells fail or falter he'll surely be eaten. While Kiet did save the entire ship from disaster by his talk which turned out to be more distraction, Fremea forms a plan. Her wings are fast and she knows she can even out fly the ship if need be. In past days she had put that to the test. She puts away her spyglass and leaps to the air as she hears Kell below saying something. Arawn looks up as Fremea quickly within three seconds is left behind as well by the fast moving ship. Kiet angles his flight to a 45 degree angle toward and up. It takes him about 15 or so seconds and then he levels off at about 250 feet above the water. That should give him enough time, he hopes, to cast another spell before he becomes a dragon snack. Fremea doesn't realize Chion cast another speed boost to the ship but flies just a bit, 1-3 feet, faster than the ship can move. But if there is a gust of wind even she might not be able to catch up. Fremea flies toward the dragon and sees the nearest dragon turn to give chase after Kiet. The other one in the north seems to be moving back and forth after objects on the water. Fremea didn't see what Chion did in the back so it almost looks as if dead fish or animals are on the water to her. As Fremea flies away Caladan turns to the captain. "Aren't you going to turn around?" Captain shakes his head and answers, "No. He knew the risks. I can't afford to lose the ship." He looks grim faced knowing that he could lose one of his passengers. But to keep over 20 others and his ship safe is a fair exchange. It takes a full 30 seconds before Fremea and Kiet begin to near each other. Fremea knows if she grabs Kiet her speed and his might cause both to lose height. It could cause them both to tumble to the ocean below. A dead impact could cause some damage as well going as fast as both are. As Fremea nears she grins at Kiet and then passes Kiet. Kiet does a double take and looks over his shoulder. Then Fremea does a mid air turn so graceful for a Faerry but for Kiet could cause balance issues. She seems to increase her speed and gain the lost distance. Flying along side Kiet she nods toward the ship and says, "Luckily for you, your Faerry was not delayed due to weather." Fremea glances south at the merchant ship and sees it isn't turning. That means she will have to teleport the both to the ship. She could fly and there is a chance she could catch up but with the drag of Kiet it would be difficult. She explains her plan and then closes in toward Kiet. Reaching out with both hands she speaks the words. While most magic users can't do spells and move Faerry have some unique properties that allow them to hover or fly but their body actually doesn't move. Things may move past them or around them but it does allow unique casting situations. In the blink of an eye Fremea and Kiet appear at the front of the ship. Fremea then realizes this part of the plan she forgot to plan out. As the ship moves under them the force of the sudden appearance bolts them backward. Both Faerry and Kiet fly back due to the jolt of being grounded. Fremea goes backward and up and splats right into the rigging and one of the sails. Kiet tumbles backward as the ship moves from under him. As his Flight spell moves a bit slower than the ship below him he suddenly finds his footing unbalanced. Kiet is lucky to avoid lockers, the sails and rigging but falls behind now passing over midship and going backwards. As those around leap toward him his flight spell suddenly stops. Having been in the air about 2 and a half feet the spell doesn't lift him anymore and he skids to the deck going face forward to the rear of the ship. As his legs spread out toward the sky he uses his acrobatic skills to twist his body passing one provision locker and a possible shoulder wound. But as the energy of his fall ends he lands onto his left side and tumbles toward the navigation wheel where the First Mate is steering. As flesh and clothing slide against wood and railing Kiet finds himself stopping with a loud thud of his left shoulder onto the navigation station. An inch closer and his head might have been crushed. Lucky, or maybe not so lucky now that he thinks of it, his head ends up just above a smelly boot that seems oddly lodged into the station? Where did that come from? Kiet moans and sits back as others get to him. By now Fremea gets herself free of the ropes and lands onto the deck. Fremea checks his shoulder and finds scratches and wood burns but nothing serious beyond that. A small bruise on his shoulder is the biggest wound. he rubs his shoulder as Z'leyra tends to any possible problems. Kiet curses to himself as he notices a tear in his tunic from the fall. But then he realizes he is back on board. Better to be here than out there. The First mate looks over the wheel and says, "welcome back." The Captain rounds the station after Z'leyra does a quick over of Kiet. He lowers a hand to Kiet to help him up. Kiet stares up at the man who would have left him out there. Would Kiet have done the same? To risk a stupid ship for one man? But then he notices Shu and Zhou among others. The mission is far more critical and one man isn't worth that risk. Captain nods, "sorry. I couldn't risk it. But you did a fine job of distracting that one." As the party heads to the side and sailors tend to other things the ship steers due south. Soon the two dragons are left behind. The nearest one being over a thousand feet and the other another thousand behind that. If the talisman had stopped its daily run the ship would have been surely attacked. This day the speed of the ship and Kiet's distraction saved the party. When the angry dragon realizes he will not be able to catch up to the ship he turns and heads toward the other. With spyglass observation it seems the other one finishes the food that Chion sent out. It is now mostly underwater diving toward food that has gone down. The angry dragon seems to head west away from the other dragon. Eventually sight is lost of the dragons and the ship is once again safe. Ben'dar glances at Kiet and grins but was hoping for some brand new dragon hide armor for a spare. Maybe next time. Caladan asks Kiet, "what did you offer the dragons? Did you think you could turn yourself over to them?" Fremea cleans herself off and is glad to see Kiet doing well as the ship continues southward. Zhou looks at Kell, "see you could have handled this. My soup is getting cold!" With that he opens the hatch to the stairs and heads down. Kell shakes his head this noble snobby stuff is starting already! Raban heads to the navigation station and with the help of another sailor and some tools is able to pry out his boot. It isn't damaged but a bit scoffed. As things settle down the captain is overheard talking to some of the sailors. "We will not be able to sail in that area again. We'll have to avoid it by going way out to sea in case those dragons live in that area. I almost would feel better if they were killed." One sailor nods, "we'll have to warn other ships as well." The captain nods grimly. The rest of the day goes a bit more boring. ----------------------- [Ma 4th, 1634TH] [Location: Eastern Ocean, Heading S/SE, 490 miles south of DL] Today the winds are just average at a speed of 8 and so the ship makes 32 miles today further south. This day the clouds roll in and make it cloudy all day. Temperatures stay in the 70s most of the day and a light drizzle falls several times in the afternoon. ----------------------- [Ma 5th, 1634TH] [Location: Eastern Ocean, Heading S/SE, 490 miles south of DL] Good winds improve distance gone today with a total of 38 miles moved today. The clouds remain all day and it is a day full of drizzle. Staying on deck means getting wet and cold. In fact a slight cool front is in the area and temperatures drop down to the high 50s showing that summer isn't quite here yet. ----------------------- [Ma 6th, 1634TH] [Location: Eastern Ocean, Heading S/SE, 490 miles south of DL] The skies finally open up to clear and sunny all day. But this doesn't help for the winds as they are low and the ship only makes it 27 miles by the end of the day. The talisman ends its spell for the day early after sunrise. This allows the ship to dock in a nearby fishing village a few hours later for supplies and rest before the talisman can be reactivated since the previous 2 days spell ended hours earlier. Food stuffs, water and other supplies are reobtained in the sleepy fishing village. Little effort is put into the ship and its passengers beyond a quick curious look. They seem to care less who the party is or what the ship is doing here. Same for the shops as long as one has coin, Katai and Choshai preferred, then they don't care. At the tavern there is a hubbub of a recent village to the west recently burning some wizard for casting a spell on a hunter's son. The fear is in the air of magic but it seems too distant here in this village to be a heavy concern for the sleepy village. Three hours later after the horses are let out to stretch and graze the ship is reboared and then the journey is back on. ----------------------- [Ma 7th, 1634TH] [Location: Eastern Ocean, Heading S/SE, 490 miles south of DL] Today is a sailor's nightmare as no winds at all help the ship gain any distance. If the talisman weren't active the ship might not have gone anywhere. But it does make 24 miles today due to the magic talisman. It is overcast all day and quite dreadful even the temperatures lower as much as the low 50s. A couple hours after sunrise two ships are seen in the distance to the south. They fly the flag of Choshai and are fast recognized as warships. Which surprises the captain as he says the coastline is over 520 miles and the entire Choshai nation only has at most 10 warships. Chances of seeing 1 is slim 2 rare. Seeing a civilian craft is 6 times more common than a military one. In this case the large ship is oared and has light sails. Both are going south to north and at this distance seem to be moving slow. The barbarian crew are likely looking for pirates. Once this ship was seen, the captain moves the ship far out to sea. The Choshai craft could not last long in deep ocean and beside the rowed ships are just simply too slow. Eventually though the rowed ships come as close as 3 miles away they never get close enough to be a danger. The merchant ship is just too fast for the rowed ships. Actions? Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: A/C finally fixed again. In the last 2 weeks it was 84-94 degrees in the house (cooler outside!). Repair #2 seems to be good so far. We'll see how long it lasts. But it was just too hot to do anything computer wise so didn't do the updates or IBT. GM: Experience - Player MEP CEP Spell/Skill Expertise Notes Strie'bog 3 - Bless 2 - Z'leyra 8 - Clairvoyance 2 - Chion 4 - Friendly Current 2 - Chion 16 - Sustenance x2 4 - Fremea 8 - Luck 4 - Fremea 12 - Teleport 12 - Kiet 8 - Flight x2 4 - Kiet 17 - Other Magic 15 - Arawn 2 - Other Magic 2 - GM: Some got experience. If it had turned to a combat would have been much higher for all. Oh well. Maybe next time. :) This is the problem with such a large group there are so many people that some may not get experience. You will have to just assert yourself into the situation. Things like "if the party thinks it best..." "maybe I will if..." kind of things will just delay things and might be best to just do it or the time will pass you up. :) For role playing situations this large a group will be hard to get all involved. I hope to get something for everyone but at times it might get to the point some will be left behind in terms of role playing. I will try to include all in most situations. As best I can. GM: Experience - From now on please let me know if your spells or actions that will get experience (skills) will be for private or public. I will in the future post all reports like above here in the updates. But if there are some spells say posted in email it won't be done. I posted the "other magic" for situation like that. But I may forget to email you the experience info. I will assume all will be public and thus put in the reports unless stated otherwise. For this random encounter I'm sorry if some didn't get experience. If things were different and Kiet hadn't flown out the combat would have been done. No way the ship could've avoided the first dragon. Don't fear though there will be plenty experience in Katai. GM: Next update I will do more days until I get to the next encounter that needs some input. At this point not much can be done action wise. Just a quick update of time going forward. My future plan is to finish Z'leyra's IBT then write up the full IBT post on what all have done then post it. After that we can quickly move to Katai. Speaking of which for the IBT post if you did things a bit privately like in your cabin it won't be posted. But it will just be a public version of what is learned or known at that time.