e         
   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 #21 in sequence (file #220)      
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin Notes: None. 
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          Events have caught Raban in a serious mood.
          He has thought quite a lot over just what to do in various
          situations and now one of them has come up. Since he is aware
          that the ship was not prepared and in disguises, this could go
          quite badly for the mission. Raban figures there are two choices,
          bribe the captain before he inspects or sink them so they cannot
          spread word.

          So Raban looks about for anything that will aid him in sinking
          the other ship. If a fight breaks out Raban will fly through the
          hulls into the other ship and start smashing holes to scuttle
          her. Once that is done he will return to help in the fight,
          hoping no one has been hurt without him there to guard them...

          <If there is anyone else down here, Raban may ask them about his
          plan just in case he missing something important.> <Yes, Raban is
          planning the death of the entire enemy ship! A side of him most
          will not expect. But they threaten his 'family' and their
          important mission... <Of course Raban may not know just how
          difficult it is to smash holes in a ship's hull, but for someone
          of his strength it may not be as hard as one would expect.
        GM: Ack. 

                        -------------------------------

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          [OOC - Well crap!  I read the update yesterday, but didn't
          respond as I'm pretty busy after a vacation.  Kell was going
          to offer to help the negotiations with the captain to get better
          deals, and perhaps try to make some money or bring in more trade
          goods.  With all that said, I'll jump into responding to this
          post.]

          Ha'Kell overhears all of this and decides to try and help ....

          [OOC - Ha'Kell will use Rhetoric and Actor ELs and try to
          convince Cpt Uli that we are safe, no search necessary.  He
          will show Cpt Uli any and all trade and gear to validate
          Ha'Kell's portion of the story.  He will not step on anyone
          else's toes, so Unali can jump in too, as can Zhou or anyone
          else.

          Kell is also stalling for time to allow the group to prepare.

          I don't know how you want to handle this, with actual words
          spoken or more of a "Kell tries to talk him out of it".  Kell's
          eloquence and persuasion abilities far exceed mine.]
        GM: Ack.  I know how busy life can be.  No problem.  I would
            prefer role playing it as much as you can.  Even if your
            not sure simple words or arguments are better than nothing
            to me.  So I will accept whatever you contribute.  

                        -------------------------------

        From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
          As soon as Fremea hears what is going on, she will fly to the
          cabin as fast as she can and get her disguise on. She will make
          sure it is one of the nicer dresses, that shows she is important
          and no one should be bothering her.
        GM: Ack. 

                        -------------------------------

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra goes to get her greatsword, dropping off her staff in
          her quarters as she does so. While she does so she ponders about
          saying that she was an artist a warrior and a healer and can give
          the Chosai captain her personal word of honor that the passengers
          have not attacked any of Chosai since boarding this ship nor had
          we seen the crew do so, or before that when crossing the lands
          to the north, or ever so far as she is aware. That the only
          excitement had been going through a storm and seeing some sea
          dragons in the distance. She would reiterate there had been no
          violence or threat of violence since we reached the sea.

          Adjusting the sheath of the greatsword as she goes Z'leyra
          climbs up to deck.
        GM: Ack. Ohh..open ended action.  Nice for evil GMs. :)

                        -------------------------------

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          >Kell is also stalling for time to allow the group to prepare.

          OOC:  Good job...  keep him talking.  This might be a good time
          to make a big show of summing Lord Zhou or whatever he is going
          by and seeing how are cover story plays.
        GM: Ack. 

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Silver tongued talkers]
          As Z'leyra climbs up to the deck she wonders who in the party is
          most skilled at influencing others. She knows that she is quite
          good at it when things are important, but thinks that it might
          be good to have it known who in the party would make the best
          spokespersons. For minor stuff it shouldn't matter, but when
          talking might mean the difference between life and death it
          would be best to have our best doing the talking. She does not
          want to slaughter a crew of innocent sailors.
        GM: Ack. I can't say who is better out right.  That is a privacy
            issue.  It is up to each person to divulge their IC or such.
            But on a character level it might be assumed that certain
            ones have higher chances than others.  Being a trader Kell
            is trained to lie, err I mean bend the truth.  So he might
            be a fast talker.  Arawn being a priest and druid is used
            to audiences so might have some influence.  Same might go
            for Strie'bog/Raban being druids, bards and entertainers.
            Then there is Kiet with influence over folks by entertainment.
            The fighters like Farseeker probably not much so. :)  They
            kill then talk later.  

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [New Stuff]

        [Ma 23rd, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Average, Speed 7]
        [Distance this day: 31]
        [Weather: Overcast, Wind storm]
        [Temperatures: 61-71]

        [Time: 1:14pm]
        [Magical talisman: Not active at this time]

            Captain Uli glances at the deck of sailors and some party
        members.  His eyes set on Ben'dar and eyes him up and down.
        Lucky for Ben'dar he has no sign of magical gear.  After a quick
        glance he moves onto Kell and does another quick cursory examination.
        He notices the wide black hate Ha'kell wears and notes not many
        wear it in his homeland.  The forest is mostly cover but here
        at sea it makes sense.  After a second or two he moves onto Unali.
        He eyes her up and down like a master to a slave.  He notices the
        fancy looking scabbard that holds the magic dagger.  Kell notices
        this drawing more attention than should be and steps forward
        clearing his throat.

            Ha'kell rounds a locker and moves quickly forward on purpose
        drawing the attention of Captain Uli's eyes and those of the
        sailors by him.  He knows it is a equal fight from the looks of
        it one to one odds. Of course he has no doubt that some like
        Ben'dar and Farseeker could handle 4-5 on their own.  So not
        so a fair fight for the Choshai sailors. It would likely be
        a slaughter unless there are more sailors below on the other
        ship.  But that would do no good in the end Choshai would look
        for this ship.  That would mean no prisoners and all would have
        to be killed to keep their mission private.  That simply does
        not balance the books.

            "Ho there!  Captain Tung, if I may speak with Captain Uli?"
        Walking over to be closer, Ha'Kell extends his hand in friendship
        and flashes his friendliest smile, "Captain Uli, I am Master Swan
        of Swan and Talm trading from Ba'Rual.  I am part of this wonderful
        group that hired Captain Tung and his fine ship and crew.  I can
        assure you we are not a rampaging wizard's party that is causing
        trouble.  The last thing I want is trouble as I'm working, trying
        to find trade, exploring opportunities with these lands.  Lands
        from Choshai to Katai to Lemasa."

            Captain Uli takes Ha'kell's hand and shakes it slightly
        wary of this man who approached without a summons.  He was having
        a conversation with Captain Tung.  "Swan of Swan and....I've never
        heard of such a firm.  Based out of...," his eyes brighten when
        he recalls Ba'rual.  "That is a far distance to come for simple
        trade.  I don't know the land myself but I have heard of some
        talk of it.  They make good metal helmets I think?  At any rate
        what brings you this far east?  There is nothing on this coast
        but our great forest and Katai below."

            Captain Uli whirls back to Captain Tung, "so your cargo is
        passengers?""

            Captain Tung nods, "for the most part. We have 15 passengers
        and their horses in the hold."  Tung cringes as he just let slip
        the total amount of people.  "We do have some light cargo but
        not that much due to the animals taking up the bulk of the space."

            Ha'kell continues in a friendly but formal manner, "Captain,
        the last thing we could be is a rampaging wizard's party. Although
        we are fairly well armed as I have heard these can be dangerous
        waters, but that is my ignorance and propensity to always be
        prepared." Smiling again at Uli and taking a deep breath.

            Captain Uli frowns and raises a hand, "these waters are safe
        from pirates.  Unlike most shores we do not have a piracy issue.
        We see to that." Behind him the two sailors nod quickly.

            Kell raises both hands in a sign of no-doubt-about-that and
        continues speaking.  "Attacking locals and law-abiding people won't
        do at all for trading and commercial opportunities."  Ha'Kell shakes
        his head a bit, takes his black hat off and messes his hair, then
        returns his hat to his head.  "But if you care to discuss items
        that you require, that perks my interest.  May I see your list?
        Can I show you some wares?  I brought a small sample of the goods
        we deal in, from small high quality daggers to some of the finest
        wine anywhere."

            Meanwhile below deck a sailor runs from place to place to
        spread the word.  Moments earlier Fremea hearing the exchange
        start flies off to get into her disguise.  As she gets to the
        cabin deck below she warns others. "We are being boarded for
        inspection."

            When Fremea moves past Z'leyra and warns her, Z'leyra also
        turns to head to her cabin.  It would do no good to have her
        staff found on her.  She gets to her cabin and places the staff
        under the bed.  There is simply no place to hide a staff as tall
        as a human easily.  Any simple search will find it but hopefully
        it will not get to that point.  She gets her magical greatsword
        leaning against the wall and places the belt around her.  If there
        is a fight she may need it.  Of course it is magical as well
        and she wonders if she should be carrying it.

            A deck above on the hold deck, Raban stands in the shadows
        of the horse hold near the ramp listening to Kell and the other
        one talk.  It would only take seconds for him to get up and
        fight if needed.  But he waits.  He also knows there is another
        ship just feet away and considers a plan to sink it if needed.
        He looks around for possible tools to use in that task.  There is
        little aside from a horse itself to slam against the hull.  Most
        of the wooden tools would break.  Maybe the other ship has something
        he can use.

            Ben'dar feels naked without his pike, good armor and Tef'wo
        under him on this moving water log of a boat.  He doesn't seem to
        understand the exchange but clearly figures it to be some trade
        deal as it seems to have been done in the past.  But then the 20
        guards suddenly pop up and that isn't a trade deal breaker but
        a hostile move.  With only a dagger he might still be a good
        fighter but just stands and waits for others to resolve this
        issue.  Ben'dar moves a few steps close and edges to the side
        of the ramp leading down.  A ease side step and jump will get
        him down to defend the ramp if needed.  This and the stairs are
        the most vulnerable spots.  From above the ramp he spots a tall
        form in the shadows and nods faintly at Raban.  Ben'dar then
        draws his attention to the other ship to see what he is up against
        in weapons and possible skills men can convey in their body
        language.

            Caladan hears the news and takes the stairs up to the top deck
        with his simple war staff in tow.  This one isn't his magical one
        so he doesn't fear problems.  But its more a walking aid and
        balance (especially in high waves) than anything else these days.
        He takes a spot forward and just seems to ignore the exchange
        and looking at the ocean as if bored.

            Chion eventually hears the warning but remains down below.

            Farseeker smiles at the thought of possible action when he
        hears the warning come down.  He heads to the ladder and then
        eventually gets to the top deck.  When the two sailors on the
        blue moon near Captain Uli see him they tense.  Farseeker shuffles
        to the back to take up a position near the navigation wheel.

            Strie'bog slowly turns around to stare out into the ocean
        on the port side of the ship just like Caladan.  He'll be ready
        in case a fight breaks out.

            Shu below hears the warning and heads to her cabin to store
        her magical items and try to hide them.

            Will hears the warning from the hallway and enters his cabin
        and closes the door.

            Arawn makes his way quietly to the cabin deck one deck below
        and heads to his cabin.

        [Time: 1:17pm]

            Zhou who had been working with Shu on some matters is wearing
        a silk tunic and normal pants.  Not a fancy set but when he hears
        the warning he knows little time is given to chance.  He nods to
        the sailor and runs to the ladder and runs up to the stairs.  As
        he nears the stairs he straightens his clothes and raises a hand
        for Kiet to remain nearby but below for now.

            Captain Tung introduces his First Mate to Captain Uli in an
        attempt to stall.  Captain Uli seems to notice this and shifts
        his feet back and forth.  "Enough.  Who is in charge here beside
        Captain Tung?"

            "That would be me!" Zhou with a show of frustration climbs
        the stairs slowly as if annoyed to be disturbed.  When on deck
        he places hands on hips and glances at the other ship. "Ahh!
        Visitors!"

            Captain Uli raises a hand to hold his sailors and steps forward
        toward Zhou. "We are here to inspect the ship.  Our constant war
        with vile wizards never seems to ends."

            Zhou smiles and nods. "Yes.  A war fought mostly by us in
        Katai.  At least you here in these forests do not have much to
        worry about."  He glances at the distant shoreline as if looking
        miles away to villages. "Peace is not given by mild blood and cold
        sweat." He murmurs softly and turns to Uli to shake his hand."

            Captain Uli raises an eyebrow.  "You know of the Fallacy of
        War?  One of our great books."

            Zhou nods in reply, "an excellent book by Codus Romanthus.
        He clearly saw the folly and yet need of war.  Please come over
        here and we can discuss this a bit better..."

            As he guides Uli past Ben'dar he knows he hasn't introduced
        himself yet.  He turns to the port side and yells out.  "Where
        is Ki?!  I need some wine up here now!" Zhou turns to Uli and
        frowns. "Good help is so hard to hire these days."  But Uli simply
        stares ahead knowing a captain just doesn't have servants.

            Captain Uli and Zhou head to the rear of the ship where there
        is no one near to hear their private talk.  As Zhou talks Uli
        nods and occasionally shakes his head.  then speaks and Zhou
        does the same a few times.

            The party on deck waits for what Zhou has in mind and hopes
        his words can get them out of this.

            Kiet hears Zhou yell and figures that is his cue.  Almost
        as if planned a sailor grunts behind him and hands Kiet two
        wine glasses and a wine bottle on a wooden tray.  Kiet smiles
        and must have planned this ahead or as he came up top side.
        Kiet then deftly climbs the stairs with the tray in hand and
        heads toward Zhou and Uli.

            Below in her cabin Fremea finishes her disguise and figures
        its good to test it out now or never.  She combs her hair to
        hide her ears and then runs to the ladders and top side.  With
        her wings stuffed it feels tight and annoying but this is how it
        will be for some time now it seems.  

        Actions? Comments?

        Next Update...Monday...

        GM: Good news is I'm done with Z'leyra's IBT.  This means things
            will move fast soon.  Once I type up the IBT post basically
            summarizing what all folks do in a movie like sequence then
            we can move on to Katai sooner than later.  

        GM: Minor game website work.
            * Added rules.txt which is basically any home brew rules I've
              done over the years and any GM oriented comments I may have
              for other things.  If you would like to see more added that
              I covered in the last 10 years let me know.  I may have missed
              a few things.  I added as much as I could recently recall.
              It is in at the bottom of the links.
            * Minor update to People link
            * Removed dragon link/image info since not needed anymore.

        GM: Final call soon for the language choices.  There are literally
            dozens of open slots.  Plenty for all.  At the very least if
            you don't have Katai it might be good idea to learn it. Let
            me know.

        GM: If no one is going to come up with a cover name for Katai
            Zhou will determine that when I type up the IBT post. If you
            want to go by your present name that is fine.  But might
            not be Kataish.

        GM: Placement:
            * Deck 1: Ben'dar, Caladan, Farseeker, Kell, Kiet, Strie'bog,
                      Unali, Zhou
            * Deck 2: Raban [Horse hold]
            * Deck 3: Arawn [Cabin], Shu [Cabin], Will [Cabin],
                      Chion, Fremea [Heading up], Z'leyra [Heading up]