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 -..Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........??????..Normal/Human..Ma 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 Keiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant Unali as Zhou's wife Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami 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 #24 in sequence (file #260) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Will: [Re: Actions] Will comes up on deck "had to hit the scuppers...with a sudden look of ...he says ...uot;  he dashes below in great GM: Ok. Something happened on that email save. messed up. So not sure what was done. But I recall it was short. :) -------------------- From Kiet: [Re: Actions] After a short time Kiet says to the sailor, "No, I was not... GM: Ack. -------------------- From Fremea: [Re: Actions] Fremea stands still for a while, just glaring at anyone, daring them to touch her. When a sailor comes over towards her, she kicks at him (not really hitting him, more like a temper kick of don't touch me) and pouts. "Why do I have to line up? I am not a commoner like the others. I shouldn't have to do this!" GM: Ack. I got this late and had already typed up most of the stuff. Sorry. I'll insert it as best I can. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Ma 23rd, 1634TH] [Winds: Average, Speed 7] [Distance this day: 31] [Weather: Overcast, Wind storm] [Temperatures: 61-71] [Magical talisman: Not active at this time] [Time: 1:21pm] Below on the second deck Kiet and the sailor-inspector finish up the first two forward storage rooms. To Kiet it is clear the sailor isn't a trained inspector. But it is also clear that the sailor is frustrated. Not having others to help clearly makes his job harder. If others were with him he could do a far better search. Either the party got lucky or Zhou said something to make it easy. As the two move aft they stop at the hold door and open it. The smell of hay, waste, horse sweat and hair waft through the door in the humid hold. The sailor wrinkles his nose and looks inside. "Maybe I'll do this last." He then closes the door and continues aft. The two move into the crew quarters, the inspector begins to look around the berths, chests and sheets. As he does Kiet considers his reaction to the sailors previous comments. Then he softly speaks up. "No, I was not trying to bribe you. A bribe is a payment intended to entice you into an action or inaction that does not benefit you or the people you work for. I merely wished to encourage you to an even greater effort than your captain has already asked of you. I offered to stay behind so that you might not feel led or directed or distracted. I am, of course, at your service and will accompany you as you wish." As the sailor lifts a blanket up he looks over at Kiet. "A bribe is such a harsh word." He then tosses a pillow and slaps it down to feel for anything. "A donation for a good job done or service is another matter." He then heads to the next berth to repeat the process. "I've even heard barmaids mention something called a tip. One can get thirsty in a tavern without coin. Of course the bounty we wi--." He quickly cuts off the words and coughs as if from dust but Kiet realizes he let something slip. What's this about a bounty? "I will of course gladly accept any donation you might feel of benefit." The crew quarters are bare and doesn't take but two minutes at most to inspect. Both leave and head to the first mate's quarters. He quickly repeats the process and then moves onto the captain's quarters. Kiet expects the door to be locked as usual but finds it unlocked. Either Sung unlocked it ahead of time or forgot today. Kiet stays in the hall it seems not quite right to be in the captain's quarters. Kiet glances around the empty halls and wonders what is going on top side. The last room inspected on this deck is the messhall but as one might expect the inspection goes flawless. The sailor happens to find a tankard of ale sitting and lifts it up. The sailor swallows the brew and licks his lips. "Never know if it might be some magical brew." Kiet just smiles at the clearly obvious sailor acting his role but with confidence of a beggar. The two men take to the ladders to climb down to deck 3. Meanwhile up on top side while the inspection takes place Zhou tries to stall. "I called all up here but it seems he didn't hear the call. I sent a sailor to go below to find him, I'm sure he'll come up soon." Captain Uli nods half absently and looks at the motley crew of those assembled in a line for his inspection. The party had no notice to change into Katai clothing so are wearing what they had on when the ship was spotted. A lesson learned and will have to be corrected from now on. Uli stands in front of Arawn and eyes the Elf up and down. The Alfar stands a good 9 inches taller so can see his face clearly in the eye even though Arawn wears a hat in an attempt to cover his ears. As Uli eyes him from feet up, Zhou speaks up. "My dancer companion here is skilled in martial arts. He has been teaching my daughter some of those skills. She wanted him to come with us so I had no choice but to hire him for the long trip." As Uli's eyes drift to the head, Zhou continues. "Would you like him to demonstrate some moves?" Clearly trying to distract the captain. Uli glances over. "No. You folks in Katai are renown for such combat techniques. I've seen many good demonstrations over the years." Uli does a second quick glance and moves on to the next person. Uli looks at Ben'dar up and down quickly. Zhou speaks up. "The best darn horse trainer around." Uli nods and moves onto the next person not giving Ben'dar a second thought. "One of my closest advisors." Zhou nods toward Caladan. "He is specially trained in courtly affairs." Uli eyes Caladan up and down. Caladan gives a slight smile at the thought of a barbarian as a court advisor. Of course only a few know that in fact his stealth and intrigue skills are almost as good as Unali's. "Those boots don't look Katai style." Uli points to the brown boots of Caladan. Caladan simply replies, "Lemasan," in Katai. Uli nods and moves onto the next person. "Whenever I go on a trip I take my own personal sailor. I trust the captain and crew. But this man knows a lot of sailing skills and I feel safer." Chion just stands there looking bored and ignoring the two men in front of him. Uli takes in the tall height and large frame of Chion. Uli asks Chion, "how can a large man like yourself climb the rigging with ease?" Chion shrugs and briefly glances over. He whispers faintly, "easy". Before Uli can lean in to hear, Zhou reaches over to Uli and touch him lightly. "He has fallen hard a few times. He may be a quiet person but he can be quite agile when needed. Especially when it is pay day and ales need drinking, then he moves quickly." Chion considers glaring at Zhou but continues his non caring stare at the other ship as if admiring it. Uli seems satisfied and moves onto the next person. "My personal bodyguard. I've seen him take down four men with one hand and that's before he got out of his chair." Uli glances at Farseeker and tries to find any sign of magical markings or obvious stuff a magic user might use. Uli stops at the great sword sheath and leans in closer at the markings. "That isn't Katai design." Uli frowns. "No. He is not from Katai a hired mercenary from the Cerulean empire. May be from a barbarian nation but he is worth the coin." Uli nods and moves onto the next person in line. Farseeker makes a mental note to buy a new sheath to not draw attention. It doesn't have any magical markings but it is a typical Marentian military design showing battle markings and the like. Fremea glances over at the others near her and whines. "Why do I have to line up? I am not a commoner like the others. I shouldn't have to do this!" Raban glances down the line and smiles at Fremea. "My daughter of course you've met before." Zhou points to Fremea. The party has noticed he has yet to use actual names and it doesn't seem to bother Uli. Uli glances closer at the girl. Uli stands a good foot and half taller so has to lean in closer to look at her face. Wearing no hat she hopes her long hair covers her ears. Zhou's eyes show alarm when he notices a slight bulge on the right side. Fremea seems to notice this and glances right to move that side of the head away from view. She stomps her feet and growls in frustration clearly bored at this farce. Uli notices her hands seem unusually small and seem to comment on them when she suddenly breaks rank and heads to the port side of the ship. Zhou shakes his head, "she doesn't like these delays. I might be willing to trade you all the money i have if you want to take her with you." Uli quickly glances over but notices Zhou is smiling. Uli realizes it was meant as a joke and nods. "I have a niece that acted like her. Most noble kids are too spoiled. Our Prince has advocated sending children of noble families out into the forest for long camping trips away from comforts of home." He glances back at Fremea who is looking out over the ocean. "It seems to change them, at least most of them." "You already met Swan here earlier." Zhou points to Kell. "Yes. Clearly of the class of people who will sell anything for a coin." Uli glances more at Kell and looks at his weapons. "A trader with a weapon is a dangerous combination." Uli glances at Zhou. "You said you were on a trade mission as part of your trip?" "Trade and pleasure yes. But the details of the trade deals is for our House only. " At that instant Will comes up on deck from the stairs. He straightens out his clothes and looks innocent. "Ahh. there you are. Join us. We have friends here looking for vile elusive magic users." Some glance over at Will and seem to detect something in his body language but not sure what. he shrugs and joins the others in line looking bored. Meanwhile back below Kiet and the sailor get to the lower passenger deck. The inspector begins a room by room search of the cabins. Taking about 2 minutes on each room Kiet figures it'll take about 20 minutes or so. As the minutes go on most of the rooms are clean at least to the inspectors view. Kiet becomes concerned at some rooms like Arawans, Fremea and Z'leyra's. When the sailor opens Arawn's room he finds books and scrolls and opens them but only briefly glances at them. He does stop on one with pictures and frowns but doesn't seem to understand the language. The inspector notices clothes on the bed and floor. Kiet explains the noble child is quite a messy girl. The inspector shrugs and seems to realize this is a child's room and only does a cursory look at the chest which is good for Arawn as well. The inspector enters Will's room and looks around in the usual manner. He moves all around and finds nothing of value to steal, as it seems to Kiet or of magic value. As the last cabin is Z'leyra's Kiet prepares for a possible fight. Kiet knows of all the people she refused to leave her gear behind. Even carrying around the staff is so dangerous it could be fatal on sight. Kiet ensures his dagger is ready for a fight if the man sees her staff. The man finds her satchel and opens it. He fingers through the medical supplies and natural magical items. "This stuff doesn't look normal for a healer if she is such a person." He pulls one item out to inspect it closer in the light. "This for example looks like some person might use in ma-". Suddenly Squirt shoots out from under the dress and through the man's legs. The demon-pet-animal of Kell's makes growling noises and dashes back and forth before it runs out the door almost into Kiet himself. The sailor backing away hits the wall and drops the item in his hand. the man falls back onto the bed and onto his back. The sailor curses and Kiet notices the blanket on the bed is raised up and there under the bed is the staff with all the obvious magic signs on it. Kiet rushes over to help the sailor up. "What was that?!" The sailor bursts out. Kiet explains it is a pet of the trader top side. "A pet? It looks like a giant rat. It should be killed! Likely give you mad mind sickness or something." As Kiet helps the man up he uses his foot to shove the staff backward clearly annoyed Z'leyra didn't hide it better. He also kicks the natural magic item the sailor find of interest against the wall out of view. The sailor rushes to the door and pulls his dagger out ready for the animal. Kiet slightly pushes him forward. "Where did it go?" The sailor asks confused. Kiet sees his chance and points aft. The man forgetting the room heads in that direction. Kiet leans in and closes the door. Meanwhile at the same time Uli leans back at the towering Raban. It takes a full minute to just get a grasp of the man's body and size. Uli then comments softly to Zhou. "If he is slow why does he dress rather fancy?" "He is a dancer and you know that crowd. He may not know how to read or write like civilized people. But he knows how to play some music and dance well. Of course we mainly use him to move things around for us. That or open tight jars when needed. ... As Uli eyes Raban up and down, Raban feels the sudden urge to reach out and pat the captain on the head like a dog. Before his brain registers the action it is done and he recoils with a slight smile that quickly fades. Uli reaches down to his belt near his dagger but Zhou interrupts him. "No...that is a sign of respect....their way of saying hello where he is from...he didn't mean offense." Uli relaxes and nods. "Just don't go doing it again brute." Uli moves to the next person in line that of Strie'bog. Zhou swallows hard knowing the pale green lighted skin could be a weird thing to explain. Zhou waits in case the issue is spoken of. "A hired bard to record great stories of our house. In a few months time we are having a house celebration and we need it documented in poetry and song. We of course will send copies to your Prince if he so will accept them." Uli nods approvingly knowing that the prince likes poetry and the like. Uli asks, "what instruments do you play?" Strie'bog glances at Zhou who knows knowing that Strie'bog only recently learned the language of Katai. Strie'bog explains he plays the Balalaika, flute and violin. Uli nods, "one of our sailors plays the flute quite well. I've never met a bard but hear of their ...long ranged travels. Quite the entertainer. Our prince would love to have a Bard at his place. Maybe when your done with this job you can come back to us?" Strie'bog shrugs not knowing what to say. Uli looks more in depth at Strie'bog. "You look a bit sick to me. Are you feeling well?" Zhou quickly speaks up, "the sun has taken its toll on him more than the others. He has some skin condition that prevents him from tanning but actually seems to do the opposite. He has to stay indoors a lot..." Zhou trails off as he finishes his quick improvisation. Zhou figures the party could handle these sailors with ease but its best to test what he might be forced to say in Katai early when there is little risk. Uli nods, "you should see a healer about that." Zhou waves a hand to usher him forward down the line, "our healer is over here. She is watching him." Uli leans in and whispers, "the one dancing to no music? Did you hire all....soft minded people for cheap labor?" Zhou shakes his head, "she is also skilled like the bard with dancing and music. This here is my other daughter." Zhou points to Shu who realizes what he says but only gives a quick glance in reaction. Uli nods and eyes her over like a piece of meat and then smiles in some thought. "Much more disciplined I see." Then he nods and moves on passing the young girl who could pass as a good Katai native. She glances up at Zhou who nods in reply as Uli gets to Unali. "Another daughter?" Uli asks. "No. She is a guide and was hired for some tracking and is quite skilled in a fight. We plan to sail further south to Middle Katai and she knows the area well enough to be our guide so we don't get lost." Uli notices the dagger on her hip and nods. His reaction to her being a tracker seems unnatural. Later it would be explained most all trackers are naturally male. Unali stares back at the captain with arms crossed not wanting to show any sign of submission to the captain. Unali knows full well females in Katai are like most places second behind men in status and society. But cover or no cover she knows a strong female does exist in Katai. She plays that part fully and then some. Uli nods approvingly but then stops. He backs up and glances down at Unali's dagger sheath. Uli bends down to take a closer look at Unali's waist and the dagger scabbard. "Those look like magical markings!" Z'leyra who made the scabbard tenses up and so does the others. Zhou considers this explanation looking briefly at Unali and bends down as well. "I don't see anything like that." Zhou reaches out toward Unali's waist and grabs the dagger out from the scabbard. Why Unali wears this still he doesn't know. but if they get out of this he'll have to see why. He holds the magical dagger in his palm and shows it to Uli. "Look at this unique style. I'm told it is made from a style of blade so powerful by natural craftsman to make Ba'ru weaponsmiths seem unskilled. Uli eyes the normal dagger but with the touch of Kameri design Z'leyra put into it. "Now would a tracker need magic for this blade?" Uli reaches out to touch the blade and Unali recoils slightly at him touching it. If the clairvoyance effect takes place and he senses it the game is up. But Zhou didn't know of that effect the blade gives. If anyone attacks Uli the whole thing is done and he'll know it is magic. She holds back her will to slams the man down to the deck. Uli twirls the blade around and up and down examining it from all angles. "A very nice blade it seems. You selling it?" He glances to Unali who without thinking shakes her head. "Very well." He hands the blade back to her. She takes it and places it quickly in her scabbard again. "So the markings?" "Made by the same weaponsmith who made the dagger." That in fact is not a lie. "I'm told he was very artistic and liked to make markings." Then he takes a chance hoping the story of the dagger fooled him. "You can examine the scabbard if need be." Uli considers this then from the gangplank. "Sir, if we are to return our cargo to shore soon..." The sailor speaks and trails off knowing what the true comment was about. Uli glances back at the sailor and then up at the sky to guess the time. He nods and then turns back to the line of people. he shakes his head at Zhou and moves on. "Our resident healer and entertainer." Zhou points to Z'leyra. Uli nods and glances at the woman tapping her drum. "Stand still please..." He waits till she stops and then stars his review of her body, curves and gear. "Interesting bracelet. Nice boots....and..." "Ahhh..here we go!" Zhou feels relieved to see the sailor rush over with a small book. Those in line didn't notice the sailor opening a nearby provision locker to find it. The sailor hands Zhou the book. "Captain Uli. May I present to you a gift." Uli turns to face him and Zhou continues. "This is a poetry book from a long lost poet from Katai. It is said he was around some 6 centuries ago. But his work is very rare to find. I wish to present this to your Prince as a token of our continued House friendship with your nation." Uli grabs the book and opens the small journal sized book. He glances at the pages and nods. "Thank you. I will see that he gets this right away." He holds the book and then turns back to Z'leyra. After a few more seconds he glances behind the party to the sailors in one group. He heads in that direction to inspect the crew this time. Zhou seeing the party seemingly dismissed turns to the party. "You may mingle. Just stay top side for now." Zhou then whispers to Z'leyra. "Seen Will?" She shakes her head. Zhou rushes off to join the captain giving the party some time to think and relax. Where is Will it has been a good time at least 5 or more minutes and still not here? Meanwhile below the sailor-inspector riffles through the hallway in search of the demon-pet. Eventually he gives up after a minute or two. He sighs and places his dagger back on his belt. "You should kill that beast!" Kiet sighs and nods. The sailor-inspector looks around to see if he missed any areas and notices two more cabins. He heads in that direction. Back top side Captain Uli and Zhou do their quick inspection of the sailors. Compared to the party the sailors are simply dressed and only might have a dagger or sword. The inspection goes fast as Uli only takes a moment on each sailor. Then he gets to the first mate and Captain. he eyes both down. "I wish to see your charts please." Uli states. "Our maps are Lemasan property not yours." The First mate says gruffly. "Never the less I wish to see your course." Uli persists. "That would be a severe slight to us sir." Captain Sung says calmly. "We all have our private maps. I understand on your ship I have no doubt you have maps of those hidden based in those coves I hear." Uli raises an eyebrow. "Show me yours and I'll show you mine." Before Uli can protest, Will climbs the stairs up to the top deck and glances around. Will says, "Sorry...had to hit the scuppers." With a sudden look of astonishment he says "I'll be back." Then turns to move back down. "Stop!" Captain Uli yells. This causes Will to stop and turn around to give a confused look. "You over here." "Its all right. He is a friend here to make sure no nasty magic is on ship or folks who can use the stuff....come closer." Will glances over at the others in a bit of confusion as they glare or stare back as wondering where he was. Will shrugs and stomps over like Fremea. Tall in his buckskins, Captain Uli seems to have forgotten the argument over Charts and looks Will over carefully. "A woodsman who is our guide in the great Choshai forest. While we met with some of the Choshai villages for our trade talks we did hunts." Zhou states simply pointing at Will. "He is with us to return to our House to tell of some things in the forest we might find beneficial to further trade and flow of coins into the Choshai economy. I it's one thing to have a great timber trade. All in this area know of your great timber ships that flow up and down the coast. But the forest does have other things we might find equally beneficial for trade." Captain Uli nods knowing that a recent silver mine was discovered mid-forest far from the nearest village a good 3 days away. He stops his inspection of Will and waves him over to the others. Will shrugs and joins the party. Uli turns back to the Captain. "In hopes of peace between Choshai, Lemasa and Katai I will not slight you Captain. But I do have a right to see those charts. Since it does not directly affect our current mission I will not force the issue." Captain Sung nods in acknowledgement. Meanwhile down below the sailor-inspector and Kiet climb the stairs to the hold deck. "Now for that hold of yours. You were saying something about a possible...donation to me and my friends?" The sailor brings the issue back up of Kiet's offer. Kiet digs into his belt pouch and digs a few coins out. He hands 2 Silver coins to the man who quickly and deftly places them in his own vest pocket. "We will think of you as we drink our ale and hope the demon beast does not kill you." He glances over his shoulder as they get to the hold. Kiet smiles and knows this might be his last chance to add to the bribe. The inspector did see some strange things in Z'leyra's cabin and that darn pet. Could they be something to report to the captain? Would the man feel the bribe too low? Kiet knows it is well worth the man's wages. But as the inspector goes from horse to horse checking the horse, saddles against the wall, lockers and cabinets he feels the bribe should be sufficient. He just hopes the party didn't make things worse. As the inspector nears Tef'wo the man eyes the jeweled necklace. "Unusual." The sailor comments but Kiet remains quiet. By now the people can be heard on deck talking but in hushed tones. The sailor eyes the necklace. "Flamboyant." Kiet considers making up some story but then realizes this is a noble group. If a noble wishes to have a diamond necklace for a dog so be it. The sailor finishes his inspection and then climbs the ramp to the top side. By now it has taken 30 full minutes for the full inspection. It took 8 minutes for the hold deck and at least 20 minutes for the passenger level. In that same time Uli inspected the party and crew. It took just as long to do that as the below inspection. Captain Uli now is busy having a sailor open each provision locker, cabinet, chest and other storage item on this open deck. When Uli sees the sailor come up the moment of truth comes out for the party. The party tenses up and the sailor saunters over to the Captain. "All seems quite clean sir. Some rooms were mundane bare of much while others were lavish." He laughs a bit. "Even one horse has this expensive looking collar!" "Nothing strange to report?" Captain Uli asks. "Nothing. Oh wait." The party places hands near weapons. "There was this strange animal below. it almost attacked me. But it got away before I could kill it." Kiet holds his breath waiting for the sailor to mention the red eyes. But a few seconds pass and nothing is said. "Very well." Uli turns back to finish the storage area inspection. Kiet joins the party and pats his money pouch as a possible sign. Kiet glances to the others to see what they will do about the prisoner. But in that short time the party has exited the inspection time there has been only seconds to talk. Captain Uli glances into the last barrel of trash and then turns to walk toward Captain Sung and Zhou. "I am sorry for any trouble we have caused. We can't be so not lack in our duties in this day and age. Vermin who use magic to twist people's minds and property are a constant threat. We had no choice but to do this today. I hope you accept my apology on any trouble this may have caused." At that Fremea at the railing gives a stifled groan and rolls her eyes. Ever playing her bored and impatient part the Captain nods to both men and walks toward the gangplank. "That is it?" Zhou rushes after him. As he does he glances to the party to see if they will attack now to free this wizard. Why aren't they doing anything? Could they really leave a wizard behind? As the crew disperse, Sung quietly orders the crew to prepare for immediate departure. They quietly head to the sails and anchor. Some run below. Captain Uli turns, "Yes. Is there more?" Zhou shrugs, "No. Do you still need some items to trade?" Uli smiles at the noble. So naive, he shakes his head. He turns back. "Good day and journey to you and yours." He walks across the plank. Zhou glances at the party who seem to be all in a whisper figuring out what to do. As the sailors cross the gangplank is slowly drawn back. Uli shakes his head. "You nobles know how to spend money. A woodsman with a cape! How can one run through the forest with a cape like that?" Zhou glances at Will then shrugs. On the other ship they are doing the same preparing the ship to move. but the Blue Moon crew is a bit faster and has already raised the anchor. Now the sails are unfurled and the ship lurches slightly forward. As the ships part Uli glances to the rigging and notices Corona. He squints and notices something odd on his claws or just above it. He raises a hand to his eyes and tries to get a better view but the ship is now parted by a good 20 feet away. "Bring me a spyglass." Uli is heard as the Blue Moon moves away. In a minute the spyglass is raises and Corona's anklets are seen and Uli raises an eye. Uli turns to his crew and shouts some orders. But they aren't heard by the party at this now huge gap of distance. Below deck on the Blue Moon a sailor rushes to relock Captain Sung's cabin. Another one deck below rushes to the store room near Will's cabin. AS he does he notice Kell's pet rush into the room where the door is slightly ajar. The sailor looks into the room but then stops when he notices the beast snarling at the wall near the bed. The beast leaps forward and suddenly the bed bumps and crumples up its blankets. Curious the sailor enters the room. When the sailor hear a grunt he draws his sword. "Who is there?" But before he can do anything the beast leaps on the bed and runs up the sheets. No. Runs up into mid-air ontop of something not seen. The sailor blinks as the red eyed beast hisses at something. When the beast seems to be tossed aside by something the sailor lowers his sword at the bed. "Stay right there!" Some notice Will has again seemed to slip away with a couple others below deck. Ben'dar rushed below to check Tef'wo. the first mate headed below with Shu. On deck Captain Sung notices the other ship is trying to follow the ship. Unali and Fremea report through their spy glasses the crew is preparing sails. It seems Uli is arguing with one sailor over something. As the other ship seems to chase the blue moon for at least two full minutes Captain Uli seems to stop and turn his back and head below. As Uli heads below the other ship suddenly turns west toward the shore. The party gives a visible sigh of relief. Suddenly as the party disperse and start to talk and argue over the prisoner a louse noise is heard below. Up the stairs storms three sailors carrying by force a man. The three sailors shove the man forward up the stairs. AS the party stare at this sudden change of events one sailor calls for Captain Sung. "We have a stowaway!" The sailor says loudly. Captain Sung rushes over and eyes the 6 foot 2 man who is about 200 pounds or so. He looks to be 19 or 20. "Who are you and what are you doing on my ship!?" "He was found below in one of the cabins." The sailor states. Zhou breaks away from talking to Caladan and breaks through the party to see what the trouble is. As he nears the man he suddenly stops and tilts his head. "I know you. Don't I?" The man glances at Zhou and frees himself of the sailors. He shrugs not knowing what to say. he glances behind Zhou at the party behind Zhou. Zhou continues. "You were at the Citadel once I believe. Whit I believe was your name? What are you doing here?" Raban frowns at the thought of another male. Why couldn't it have been a female? He glances at Will standing by the stairs now and sighs in visible regret it isn't a female. [Time: 1:54pm] Actions? Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: Wow. Big storm tonight. Delayed me by 3-4 hours doing this so finished it as best I could. Have you figured it out? Those keen might have seen it before they read the update. The roster gave it away. A new player. :) I know I know. ANOTHER one? Large group as it is now. I probably should close it for new players now. But I figure if I were a player I'd be sad if couldn't play. So I have a soft spot for that reason. Plus he knew just how to bribe me with the right virgin slaves and money. So welcome aboard Thomas! Now if the party doesn't throw you overboard for sneaking aboard and hiding that'll be another matter. Good luck! GM: You guys can still react to things above even with the past inspection stuff if you want. I just sped things up a bit to get past this random encounter which I used to get Tom in the game. I was going to do another scene to have him rescued but figured two Coronas, 1 sling stone sort of thing. My schedule of events. I'm doing the finishing touches on the IBT post it is as big as this one so far and still not finished. I hope to post it for a special update on Wednesday. Then Friday I will react to new stuff and post the next event whatever that might be. Assuming Whit isn't killed by the party or the captain for sneaking aboard we can move on.