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: [HD- House member, F-Foreignter, N-native non house]
     Arawn      aka Arawn         as Teacher to daughter [F]
     Ben'dar    aka Bu Da         as Horse expert        [F]
     Caladan    aka Ca Lu         as Guard/Archer        [N]
     Chion      aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee      [HD]
     Farseeker  aka Fu Sa         as Guard               [F]
     Fremea     aka Lin Mong      as Noble child         [HD] [Disguised]
     Kell       aka Swan          as Trader              [F]
     Kiet       aka Kiet Sunan    as Zhou's servant      [F]
     Raban      aka Toban Nu      as Entertainer/Guard   [F] 
     Strie'bog  aka Sun Zhu       as Entertainer         [N]
     Shu        aka Shu           as Niece               [HD]
     Unali      aka Tun Au        as Zhou's wife         [HD]
     Will       aka Sun Tzu       as hunt master         [F]
     Z'leyra    aka Kakita Junami as Healer              [F]
     Zhou       aka Zhou Wa       as Noble               [HD]

     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 #26 in sequence (file #288)      
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin Notes: None. 
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     [Recap]

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          Whitney shrugs...as best he can with his arms held tightly,
          anyhow, "Trying to escape a career in politics. And, for...
        GM: Ack.  Welcome to the game!  Assuming you survive. 
          
        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra goes to fetch her staff then comes back up on deck.
          Z'leyra asks the new arrival "Would be okay for me to look at
          your soul?" If no answer or answered in the affirmative she
          will cast Orient Self EL0, Purification EL2 and then Soul Sight
          EL2 through her staff to check out the new arrival.
        GM: Ack. 

        From Whitney: [Re Actions]                                      
          Whitney blinks.... "Again? Why does everybody want to be...

          Hard to believe he's the prisoner, isn' t it?
        GM: Ack.
                                                                        
        From Will: [Re: Actions]                                
          Will says " I say we put him back where we found him...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          Whitney grins wryly,"That you for making my case for me:...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          Sorry this was a general post

          "Ah... gentleman where I come from say thank you when...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
          Fremea watches the other ship intently, as she has her...
        GM: Ack.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]                                     
          Whitney "Oh yes, I recall it. And no, if you're going to...
        GM: Ack. 
                                                                
        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          Ha’Kell has been watching all this from the side, smirking
          into his hand.  At this outburst he laughs a bit and steps up
          to Whit, tilting his had back from his forhead to show more..

          [OOC – welcome to the game!   It's an interesting start   
        GM: Ack.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]                             
          Whitney tries to shake his hand, but is stoopped by a rather
          tiresome sailor.

          "Well, thank you, FINALLY, common sense. My name is Whitney,...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Unali: [Re: Actions]
          OOC: Slowly catching up. I seemed to be always one update behind
          and unable to react these last few weeks. Got a BSc course
          dumped on me suddenly, so, combined with all other things in
          life, I expect to be busy, just slightly more than usual ;>,
          till mid-December. Might miss a few more updates and not have
          any time to respond. Sorry guys.

          OOC: Thomas, Welcome to the group. Will be interesting to see
          how this introduction pays out. Hope it doesn't slow the game
          down for over 6 months though. But I can't resist to add some
          more confusion to the mix. 

          To Whitney: "Ah well, we should have expected it of course....
        GM: Ack.   No problem on delay.  When we get to Katai I'll slow
            things down enough to spread it out for folks who are busy.
            This time of year I take my vacations as well (got 20 days
            till the end of the year to take or lose).  So we will slow
            down a tad but not to a crawl.  No problem on delays.  An
            intro delay the game 6 months?  Moi?  You know me.  I've
            learned to move things along. :)

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          Whitney looks, yet again, at the three sailors it is felt...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]                
          Kell responds, "Where are you from?"
        GM: Ack. 

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]                             
          "That's a rather delicate questions in these waters....
        GM: Ack. 
          
        From Will: [Re: Actions]                                        
          Speaking to Unali "Yes I had the misfortune to bring him...

          Will says as much as I hate to I can vouch for him though I'm
          not sure how much good that will do.

          (OOC:  Which reminds me of Z'leyra less than totally tactful
          offer to cast Soul Sight on a man restrained by three sailors.)
          I had hoped to avoid the topic of how he got on board and where
          he came from untill we got to port and could book passage for
          him.

          Will volunteers for Z'leyra to cast soul sight on him.
          Speaking to Z'leyra:

          "If he is not willing than perhaps you should cast it on me...
        GM: Ack.

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra goes around and will whisper to the party ....

          OOC Note for Chion (only) below:
          I tried to send this directly to you but it bounced:

          Many weeks ago I (as Z'leyra) had basically said to Scott...
          "Allright! So much for that idea (Oblivion items via
          ensorcelled tag on Corona). Can Chion take Corona and all the
          magic items and teleport them to safekeeping in the Dark Lands?
          Hopefully so that he can teleport and fetch them when needed?"

          I thought I had emailed you about this some time ago...but even
          if I didn't. Got an answer?
          Thanks,   Alex
        GM: Ack.   Z'leyra talked to Scott?  Who is that? :)

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]                                       
          Raban sighs and says "I had hoped to travel as entertainer...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Kell: [Re: Chion/Teleport]
          If Chion is taking things back, Kell offers to have Squirt
          taken back as well, providing he will be well cared for with
          the High Elder.

          Smiling broadly Kell makes his decision in a flash, "Welcome...

          [OOC - trying to get the Thom into the group and into the
          mission. Rather than extend it out.  Not sure how to play
          include him in the Vong mission without taking a leap of faith.]
        GM: Ack. What?  Want to spoil Squirts fun? :)

        From Unali: [Re: Cover story]                           
          Unali, in Katai: "You could be just who you appear to be,...
        GM: Ack. 
                                                                        
        From Raban: [Re: Actions]                               
          Raban laughs heartedly, "Thank you. A fabulous role, but...

          <So does a 52 in Katai mean a lot of that is actually the
          wrong words? Sometimes you can have fun with bad translations.
          Did Raban actually hear something different than she said? Was
          his role to be 'adult' entertainment, a spectacle for a large
          audience?
        GM: Ack.  I use the factor based on various systems from
            Fringeworthy and a few other systems.  Basically 52 is a high
            level enough you know most words easy.  Your better than
            migrant workers for sure.

        From Unali: [Re: Actions]
          OOC: I don't know what Scott uses as a reference, but as a GM I
          have always used the old Runequest language proficiency table.
          I don't have my Runequest books handy, but it would place 52%
          proficiency at the medium to high level for a native speaker.

          The RQ table was something like
          0-20%  "Meat was bad! Aaarghh."
          20-40  "The sheep flesh you sold me yesterday was rotten. I
                 want my money back."
          40-60 ???
          60-80 "Dear Mr. Butcher, the leg-o-lamb that you sold me
                yesterday was of highly questionable quality and the
                amount of maggots that were crawling in it was uncountable.
                I strongly suggest a pecuniary renumeration or I will
                report this establishment to the appropriate authorities
                and have you closed down."
          I have always liked that table.
        GM: Ack. I recall that chart and pretty much use the same set
            of standards but not exactly.  Language in this situation
            is easy to deal with as most know all languages. :)  Now
            if one were to roam the markets alone that would be a issue.

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <For those curious, I searched and found the table mentioned. I
          did not remember it at all even though I played RQ in the 80s.
          Language Proficiency Table
          Skill        Level Result
          01-14 May only communicate simple ideas like "I want food."
          15-29 May get across simple requests and live day-to-day in the
                native country of the language speakers. "How many moneys
                for leg of bison?"
          30-49 Assured communication. One can speak as well as a stupid
                native and get most ideas across. "But that was only three
                clacks yesterday."
          50-79 Allows one to tell stories, sagas, songs, etc. Can argue
                and bargain as well as any native speaker, although a
                foreign speaker would retain an accent "That bison was
                rotten before it was butchered, and it never was worth the
                spit it took to hit the tax collectors eye last month."
          80-00 This is the language of poets, philosophers, leaders,
                diplomats, emissaries and others who aspire to a fluent
                grasp of the nation's speech. "Surely the assessment for
                this specimen of decomposing provender could be re-
                evaluated in consideration of its advanced state of
                putrefaction." A f oreign speaker would speak the language
                without an accent.

          <If this was in effect then Raban can already speak better than
          many natives. But Runequest put basic 'dumb' native at 30% and
          required both at 50% to make no mistakes.

          <They also used to start characters at 30% but later changed to
          50% < The new Mongoose RQ books do not appear to have kept the
          table
        GM: Ack.  I recall this chart from my own set of 80s books but don't
            have the modern version.  It was an ok chart but put it in more
            specific terms.  I mean a poet doesn't have to be that high
            to do dirty limericks?  So I tend to be more lenient and more
            generic than the above chart.

        From Fremea: [Re: actions]
          <OOC - I thought Raban's role was already set a long time ago,
          that of being Fremea's body guard.>

          Fremea walks into the middle of the conversation, having only...
        GM: Ack. It was never confirmed by him.  I'd have put it in the
            above cover story roster long time ago.  I figured it was
            a "maybe kinda sorta" plan.  Rather than a definite one.  :)
            That seems to happen often some folks make definite decisions
            and some tend to be more open wishy washy. :)

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]                                       
          Raban smiles quite innocently at the remark... "Fremea, the...

          <Sorry if this takes up more time, but it was a valid problem
          for RP

          Raban winces, "Uh..No..I do not think she would approve. It...

          Raban to will
          Raban winces, "Uh..No..I do not think she would approve. It
          would render me unfit to perform many.. um.. services. So that
          is one possible problem that need a work around."
        GM: Ack.  Its not taking up time.  Storms, tv, life, work takes
            up time and then sitting down and typing sure takes time. :)
            That last part was chat to Will in terms of OOC stuff
            since Will really "talked" I couldn't put it anywhere in
            the update.  Sorry.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          Also OOC: also in the spirit of speeding this part up, I'd like
          to remind folks that Zhou recognized Whitney the minute he hit
          the top deck, told you a bit about him, and started up a
          conversation. Admittedly, it was derailed almost immediately. -)

          Hopefully that will help some
        GM: Ack. Yep.  He sure did.

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          OOC:  Why was that derailed wouldn't that be enough to get
          released by the sailors etc?

          OOC: it occurs to me that if not only would it be wise to use
          soul sight or the equivalent on anyone not vouched safe by the
          High Elder who would wish to join our group but also periodically
          on the party members to make sure that they have not been
          corrupted or turned in some way as we enter Katai and have to
          deal with bribery or worse yet the power that could be used to
          temp the weaker of our members.

          If we could pick a senior party member  to perform the analysis
          on us say Arawn and Z'leyra for example and they in turn were to
          check each other even if it were only done by a number of
          volunteers it might allay misgivings as to motives and
          intentions.  That way there would always be one other person
          who could vet newcomers and vouch for motives. Sort of like a
          clandestine cell structure where each person knows the identity
          has the password etc for one other of the members.

          It may not be totaly  unnecessary and it assumis we can find one
          other person we would trust wiht our secrets and maybe it doesn't
          even work the way am thinking but....    Any thoughts?
        GM: Ack. We shall see...It would be hard to get all to agree such
            things.  If all know all secrets then life becomes even more
            complicated.  Secrets lead to weakness.  Weakness leads to
            death.  So it would cause complications. 

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [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: 1:54pm]

          Fremea lowers her magical spyglass.  She is satisfied the other
       ship is too far away to catch up.  When it changes course and seems
       to heading toward shore at an angle she stops watching the ship.

          Zhou spots the man being held by the sailors.  "...Whit I
        believe was your name?  What are you doing here?" His face
        showing clear surprise at this new turn of events.  

          The newcomer, who Zhou named as Whit simply shrugs his shoulders.
        "Trying to escape a career in politics. And, for that matter, more
        recently, a career in applied penalogy. You?"

          Zhou turns to look at the others.  then at the captain and back
        to the far north to the other ship's general direction.

          Z'leyra steps forward and eyes the newcomer.  She must figure
        this could be a escaped person as she was told during the brief
        inspection or he could be a plant.  She considers going below to
        grab her staff.  But first asks the person being held by the
        sailors.  Would be okay for me to look at your soul?"

          The stranger blinks back at Z'leyra for several long seconds.  
        "Again? Why does everybody want me to be volunteer to let them cast
        spells on me? More importantly, why do so many strangers expect
        that I'll be ok with it? I mean really, think about it..." Whitney
        tries to pace, then remembers, the hard way, he's still someone's
        prisoner,  To exchange one place of captivity for this isn't much
        progress.  "I'm a prisoner, you TELL me you're casting one spell,
        but then, I don't really know, do I?  You could be trying to get
        my help to extend my bondage in ways really unpleasant. Oh, surely,
        I can trust YOU...after all, look at the trust you're showing
        me...."

          Whitney makes another aborted attempt at a shrug, "so, no, if I
        have any voice in the matter, you may NOT use me as a practice
        dummy for your magics. But thanks, so much, for asking. The last
        guy asked too, he just ignored the answer and cast a whole lot more
        spells than he asked to."

          "Which is another reason not to trust you folks, come to think of
        it. Maybe two."

          Zhou crosses his arms and Z'leyra steps back.  She considers
        forcing the issue.  She doubts the man could resist her magic.
        But how would the others react?  Z'leyra briefly glances at
        others and considers what would trust be between allies if she
        forced such a spell on them?  Sometimes trust is earned and can't
        just be measured by magic.  Glancing briefly back at Whitney she
        nods and steps back again quietly.  

          Will standing behind Z'leyra speaks up.  "I say we put him back
        where we found him... better yet. Captain Sung what do we usually
        do with stowaways?"

          Captain Sung smiles, "usually we just throw them overboard and
        let them fend for themselves."  When Whitney seems to want to
        say more he stops talking. 

          Whitney grins wryly, "thank you for making my case for me: I let
        you do what you want to me, or you do what you want to me.... And
        that from the gentleman  that brought me onboard the ship in the
        first place." Whitney blinks as a thought occurs to him, and turns
        his head to the captain, "Captain, what do you do to people who
        smuggle stowaways on board?"

          Whitney mutters something about setting people up to commit
        crimes so they can be hung being sick and disturbed.  One sailor
        holding Whitney snickers.

          Captain Sung waves a hand to the side, "if the coin is good then
        one can smuggle all they want as long as the risk is low."  He
        smiles at some thought of his secret he hasn't told the party
        yet about his secret smuggling hold.  Maybe in a few days if he
        can trust these people he'll tell them.  Hopefully till then no
        one will find it on their own.

          Whitney grimaces at the captain's comment.  One of those sea
        captains.  Pay enough and questions aren't asked.  He then
        smiles faintly that maybe his chances have improved slightly. 

          Will crosses his arms and stares at Whitney with a stone face.
        "Ah... gentleman where I come from say thank you when they have
        been rescued but being the gentleman that I am," he steps forward
        and places a hand on Whit's shoulder, "the offer to take you back
        still stands.  Or perhaps you were not rescued, but rather were
        abducted and you are a Chosai plant!"

          Z'leyra raises an eyebrow at the comment having the same thought.
        Zhou did mention some bounty hunters infiltrate wizard's groups
        and work from the inside.  Few groups exist bigger than 3-4 but
        some wizards simply have to work together for survival.  But then
        she realizes how would a plant be planted without the crew or
        Captain Uli letting it slip about the prisoner?  Which was never
        done.  How in fact did the news of a prisoner on board spread?

          Fremea finally realizes that there is a new person on board.
        Taking mental note of how engrossed she was in the other ship and
        what they were doing, she will make sure she does not do that
        again. She watches Whit with her normal stand off-ness and sees
       what he is about. Thinking to herself, "great another one." She
        shrugs her shoulders, walks past the group, saying just loud
        enough to be heard, "If he is that wizard that was being held
        captive, why not find out what he was being held for first, then
        decide what to do with him. Otherwise, just shut up and lets get
        going before that ship figures out how to summon others to us."
        She keeps on walking to her cabin, so she can rest some more.
        As she climbs the stairs down she belts her spyglass and
        starts to unbutton her tight clothes.  First public disguise
        so far seems to have worked.

          Whitney continues to stare at Will but as the small girl walks
        by with the long tube he hears her.  Whitney tries to watch her
        go down but she passes behind him.  He wonders how a child could
        be so bold.

          Whitney turns back to Will to reply, "Oh yes, I recall it. And
        no, if you're going to threaten me at every turn, breaking trust
        immediately, then no, you can't expect any from me either."

          Whitney then glances at the others, "I mean, you people are really
        quite strange and more than  a little peculiar. I mean, no one has
        asked WHO I am, WHY I'm here, WHERE I'm from, ANYTHING. It's as
        though you really don't care about any of that.  All that you seem
        to care about is whether I will resist any spells  cast at me, not
        who I am.

          Farseeker snorts, "we tend to kill then ask questions of the
        dead." He smirks and looks at Arawn.

          Whitney ignores the brute. "Then, to follow that up, I"m suddenly
        being threatened for being here by the very person who caused me to
        be here. On top of that, as soon as my trust is abused by those
        very threats, I'm accused of being untrustworthy by the very guy
        that set me up.

          Whitney turns his head toward Zhou, "Master Kiwat, your friends
        are nut jobs. I mean...really...."

          Zhou stands and considers his options.  This new Imp thrown into
        the works makes things messy for him.  Could it be another one
        of Ki'ama's tests?

          Ha'Kell has been watching all this from the side, smirking into
        his hand.  At this outburst he laughs a bit and steps up to Whit,
        tilting his hat back from his forehead to show more of his face.
        "Hello Whit, it is very nice to meet you," extending his hand for
        a friendly handshake.  Not sure how to introduce himself with the
        mission, as Kell or Ha'Kell or his cover story persona of Swan,
        Kell decides to not introduce himself yet.

          "So Whit.  Do you prefer Whit or Whitney?   Hrmm…  I have some
        questions if I may.  Who are you?  Why are you here? And the thing
        I'm most curious about is, well two things really. How did you get
        here?  And have you seen my pet squirt?  It seems he caused a bit
        of commotion." Kell asks all this is a friendly, curious manner.
        He is still unsure, but he's more than willing to give him a fair
        shake at things.

          Another sailor to Whit's left snickers at the mention of some
        pet named squirt.  Another rolls his eyes at the comment.  Whit
        recalls the beast that gave his position away.  Those red eyes
        alone might be worth something to some black market. Whitney tries
        to shake Kell's hand, but is stopped by a rather tiresome sailor.
        He can barely reach out but can't freely shake just grasp his hand..

          Whitney is happy someone finally talks to him rather than about
        him. "Well, thank you, FINALLY, common sense. My name is Whitney,
        I'm here because I drifted too far east in my travels and got picked
        up by some over officious sea captain after a village chased me
        down and captured me for picking the wrong flowers.  As to my
        presence on this particular ship, rather than the one I was just
        on, as you've heard, I've been asked not to comment. With your
        permission, I'll avoid another round of unfounded and uncalled
        for threats, and leave it at that?"

          Unali sighs, "Ah well, we should have expected it of course.
        With this group it is impossible to be on a ship and not have some
        unseen ballast stowed away below deck somewhere. Welcome aboard. I
        don't suppose you turn out to be a Duke, though?"

          Unali bows in Katai style to welcome Whitney, bowing slightly,
        just enough not to offend an indentured farmer or a poor city man.
        "And a word of advice. Although secrets are not uncommon between
        this band of travelers, they tend to cast shadows over the trust
        and friendship that we need to survive. And lack of trust can ...
        kill. But from your words I understand that maybe someone else
        should step up and explain how you got here." She looks at Whitney
        and then looks around the ship, just barely halting when her eyes
        fall upon Will.

          Whitney looks, yet again, at the three sailors it is felt
        necessary to keep him held tightly,, "No, not a Duke. Where I come
        from, we don't use a feudal system. Politics isn't hereditary,
        although there are some old families that, in some realms, keep
        their status and some sort of courtly position. I'm not one of
        them. I'm a librarian."

          Farseeker gives out a loud laugh from deep within him.  "A book
        worm?  You slay quills then?  No wonder you got caught."  He leans
        over to Ben'dar and whispers, "Our job just got simple he can
        handle the Vong on his own!"  Then leans back and continues out
        loud. "You and Kaylle could be good friends I'm sure.  I think he
        killed a few bugs over his lifetime.  I personally don't care
        how you got here.  Your here now and it's done."

          Kell turns from watching Farseeker back to the stranger being
        held by the sailors.  Kell responds, "Where are you from?"
        Turning to Will, "and how did he get on board?"  Back to Whitney,
        "Unless you care to tell us how you got here?"

          Whitney gives up his struggle with the sailors for now.  "That's
        a rather delicate questions in these waters. Frankly, I'm not sure
        it's safe to answer. Would you accept the word of someone who knows
        me, to some degree? If such a person is present on this ship, and
        willing to discuss enough of his or her own past to acknowledge
        knowing my bona fides, of course. After all, as has been pointed
        out, there seems to be rather a lot of secrets between you folks,
        and I'd hate to inadvertently expose someone who hasn't actually
        threatened me with harm."

          Whitney tries, for the umpteenth time, to shrug, then looks at
        the sailors, "Really? I look that dangerous? Libraries attack you
        folks that much?" He turns back to Kell, "Let's just say I escaped
        from the ship that was here recently. And, before you ask, my crime
        was collecting medicinal herbs too near ignorant villagers."

          Farseeker raises a hand and then slaps it onto his chest.  "Fine!
        I confess!  It was me!" He glances at the others. "No more secrets."
        he turns to Ben'dar. "The other day it was really me who drank your
        last mug of ale.   Sorry pal."

          Ben'dar grins and both men turn to look at Whitney as some of
        the tension seems to ebb.

          Will turns to Unali, "Yes I had the misfortune to bring him on
        board," turning to Whit with a stiff smile on his face, "don't think
        of my words as a threat but as friendly advice from one mage to
        another who someday may need a friend at his back."

          There it is "one mage" Will says.  When Will looks to each
        face to judge their reaction no one seems shocked.  No one seems
        threatened visibly.  Not even Captain Sung or the sailors.  It
        is as if a sailor reported sea gulls near fish.  Nothing of great
        value spoken.  

          With some stress lifted off Will turns to Z'leyra. "If he is not
        willing than perhaps you should cast it on me so that at least you
        will know that I did not have any ill intentions in bringing him on
        board.  Earlier if we can trust what he says he expressed an interest
        in joining our group  but that I will leave to others."
      
          Z'leyra nods curtly to Will.  She explains she will need her
        staff and can do it shortly.  

          Kell faces Whitney after hearing about this soul spell.  It
        sounds quite daunting.  Smiling broadly Kell makes his decision in
        a flash, "Welcome Whitney."

          Kell continues speaking to all who are nearby, "I say we don't
        throw him to the fishes.  You never know when we may need some books
        sorted and filed," with a smirk.  Ha'Kell rather likes this loud,
        stand-up-for himself librarian.

          Looking Whit directly in his eyes, Kell's blue eyes piercing
        him, "I am Ha'Kell, also known as Kell.  I'm a trader and merchant,
        among other things.  You can call me Kell or Ha'Kell, my friends
        use either.  I am curious which nation you come from?  I am from
        Ba'Rual, far to the west of here."

          Zhou with arms folded across his chest glances at the others.
        As the others seem to voice his own thoughts he comes to some
        form of decision.  He steps forward to face Whitney face to
        face within a foot. "The damage is done.  They will soon know
        you escape if not already.  We do have a head start and could
        get away easy.  In some ways I would have rather dealt with the
        crew or killed them.  By your escape you may have endangered us
        all.  Lucky for us we have speed by magic.  By the time a
        messenger can get south we should have well a head start.  They
        will assume we are involved by your escape.  Unless you did it
        in such a way to show you escaped without aid.  in that case
        they could just blame you got lucky.  You speak of trust and seem
        to have earned it with a few." He glances to Unali and Kell. "But
        trust is also earned over time.  Z'leyra clearly will not force
        her spell on you.  A sign of respect and honor in some circles.
        In my land it would be an outright challenge to cast magic on a person
        who doesn't want it.  By that act she almost gains some trust
        for you or hope.  I don't know which it might be.  We could have
        easily handled the sailors.  We just battled a couple of sea dragons
        the other day." He leans in to whisper faintly so only Whitney
        hears him. "I was a vital role in that encounter."  Then leans
        out with a smile.  he steps back a few feet and raises a hand.
        Then he turns to the Captain. "I defer to you.  You are in command
        of this ship.  What do you say we do to him?"

          Captain Sung strides forward to face the man.  "I might assume
        you used my ship as a means of escape rather than swimming for it.
        Personally we don't take kindly to stowaways.  We make them work
        and earn their share if we are in a good mood and if feeling poorly
        we just find a shark to feed."  The sailors holding Whitney snicker.
        "This group seems to have taken you in.  At least some of them.
        Zhou seems to recognize you.  So that is good enough for me." He
        raises a hand and the sailors release Whitney and step back.  He
        then raises a hand as Whitney shakes the tension from his arms. "But
        I'm not a charity.  You will need to pay for your ride and food.
        Either you or someone else."

          Sung turns to his First mate.  "How many more days of sailing?"

          The first mate considers the math and a few seconds answers. "I
        would say 42-44 days.  Around 1400-1500 more miles."

          Captain Sung does his own math and nods.  "I would say that is
        14 silver for the trip and 8 silver for the food. "  He reaches
        out to the man with palm out.  "Pay in advance.  This of course
        assumes they want you to travel all the way or just to the nearest
        port."

          Zhou nods at hearing Sung's words.  "All right.  Captain is ok
        with him staying.  He glances at Unali.  "It seems she has
        welcomed you here.  So that just leaves me as overall mission
        leader." He pauses with hand on chin and considers Whitney.  "I
        recall you from the Citadel and the High Elder's public library.
        Oby granted you access.  That alone is not common.  I suspect
        they put some research into you before hand.  So the theory of
        you being a plant might be low." He places hand from chin down
        to his side. He then steps up and whispers low again so no one
        can hear him. "But I am curious how you just happen to be here.
        You would not lie to me about this being some test of the High
        Elder?  Did he send you here to observe and make sure I don't
        foul things up?  Or did someone else in the dark lands send you
        here to spy on us?  Could all this just be a coincidence?" He
        waits for Whitney to answer and steps back.  He turns to the
        group.  "Will you freed him.  In Katai some might consider that
        a life debt.  Do you want him to continue or do you want him to
        be thrown off at the nearest port?  Keep in mind our mission
        that if we let one like him go it could endanger things if he
        gets caught and questioned.  I suspect keeping him close and near
        might be the best thing for the time being.  What do you say?"
        Zhou thinks to himself of the old saying keep your enemies near
        and even their spies.  As long as they are in front of you not
        at your back.  

          Z'leyra goes to one group of the party and whispers.  "We can
        take him to Katai with us, but so far I see no reason to trust our
        new arrival with any secret information. Let him prove himself
        first."

          As Zhou waits for Will to answer he says to all.  "We will have
        to discuss what we will say in detail to our new friend here at
        a later time."  




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


        [Ma 24th, 1634TH]

          The next day the party quietly gather to discuss what they will
        do with Whitney while he is placed on duty cleaning a storeroom
        below.  Zhou explained to him all do some chores to pay for some
        of their keep on ship.  It is goodwill for each side and shows
        cooperation.  But as the party gather top side to decide the
        questions come to mind.

          Zhou asks his first, "so do we inform him of our mission?  If
        he is only into books he might not be much use to us but maybe
        he has skills we simply don't know yet.  What is your say on this?"

          Caladan replies quickly, "I see no reason not to tell him.
        I suspect this mission will be hard enough even for us.  We could
        use more people to help us."

          Farseeker smirks, "Yes.  Maybe he has some sharp books to throw
        at them.  I don't care either way myself.  He might be a good
        distraction for their weapons so others could be safer."

          Shu nods, "He would be alone in enemy territory if we leave
        him in Choshai or Katai.  Would you want to be alone with having
        to look over your shoulder every minute? I think not.  He might
        find life back in the Dark Lands safe. Maybe for exchange to
        send him there he will aid us fully.  So I say tell him though
        even myself don't know all the details.  I rather not personally.
        Knowledge is dangerous for some as capture can do more harm than
        a slip of the tongue."  

          Zhou sighs, "I agree.  If we can keep him where we can see him
        it would be better for us.  I say we let him know.  He may very
        well regret being with us.  If after that he chooses to leave then
        we may have to consider taking him prisoner for our safety in
        case he goes telling the Katai if he gets captured again for some
        exchange of freedom."

          Zhou then turns to the others to see what they think. 




                                ----------------------------
        
        [Date/Time: Days shortly after the above events and during the
         meeting with Zhou on the cover story...] 

          Raban listens to Zhou's recommendation and sighs.  "I had hoped
        to travel as entertainer or guard but the more I thought about it
        the less it seemed such would work. I am too different. That is
        part why I acted as I did during the inspection. I have always
        known others to think anyone my size must be 'slow' or outright
        idiotic. I will admit I am not as smart as my friends here, but I
        am smarter than many people. Besides, if people expect an idiot
        then it gives me surprise when I need it. A slave will be a major
        problem even as skilled an actor as I am. You mentioned events as
        example that I would react too, I do not know if I could see any
        woman mistreated and not react. Even knowing failure of our
        mission could doom those same women, I cannot see myself simply
        allowing abuse to continue. If such treatment is common then I will
        be a detriment to our mission."

          "Can anyone think of a role that would allow me to defend them?
        I cannot see any way if such treatment is part of the society and
        considered normal. Even if it was known the barbarian would react
        that way, it would not be tolerated. Someone would have to pay
        fines at the least and it would draw attention to us."

          "Know that me seeing a noble abuse and attempt to rape those
        daughters in front of the family and others would result in his
        death and likely a goodly part of his escort. But as you have
        seen, there is limits to how many I can fight unscathed. A large
        group would eventually get lucky. Of course, I would more likely
        have killed the noble and flown off with the daughters. But that
        would not be much better with the reaction it would bring."

          "Maybe that is why my Goddess wanted me here. To show that such
        should not be allowed and lead a rebellion against those who
        believe otherwise? Though I must admit, my Goddess does not
        require such service of me, so she may be trying to force me to
        change my ways. In truth she would not be upset with me if I acted
        a bit more crudely with the ladies than I prefer."

          "So tell me, is it really that bad? Must I try to change a path
        I have followed all my life? "

          Zhou sits back against the railing of the front part of the ship.
        He places fingers to his temple and shakes his head. "My large
        friend if your nature is to do this and you just can't control it
        then you must be yourself.  Your acting skill will be of great
        value here to act differently.  Women is your weakness.  But
        women in Katai are lower class then men but above slaves.  The
        examples I gave are just to demonstrate how the mind of a typical
        noble or peasant might think in Katai.  It is not a common
        thing for such events as you outline."  He looks up at Raban and
        sighs. "I appreciate your honesty at endangering our mission.
        We may have to consider you staying on ship at times.  We shall
        see.  The roles I give to you and your names are only suggestions.
        This goes for everyone here.  If you do not like the things I've
        assigned to you then by all means change them.  I only went with
        the best estimate of your talents."  He glances briefly at each
        person then finally turns back to Raban. "Guard is fine and
        entertainer is fine.  Those roles I have no porblem with.  But
        the barbarian might be more excused for helping a woman in
        danger than a civilized entertainer.  A barbarian brute or guard
        might get away with it more.  Think on it and we can always change
        your role later."

          Unali leans forward and speaks to Raban from slightly behind
        the large man, speaking in Katai. "You could be just who you appear
        to be, the noble savage from lands afar. Half man, half ape,
        clearly dumb-witted and with a temper to suit a great ape. Has
        been known to escape his bonds and get away with the virgin to do
        whatever great apes do to virgin maidens.  This great spectacle has
        been brought home by my husband to entertain his court. Of course
        you would need to be restrained, but by token restraints that
        could be broken in an instant.  How are your snarls and grunts?"

          This gets a smile from some in the group.

          Raban laughs heartedly, "Thank you. A fabulous role, but one I
        would need to practice...often. We just need a supply of maidens
        and I think the grunts will supply themself. Yes, my Goddess
        approves of that role." But he continues in a more serious manner
        "It is an option with a bit more fun perhaps than as a slave but
        it will have similar pooblems. I doubt their laws would allow such
        a beast much more leeway than a slave is given, though being
        valuable property of a noble could count for a lot."

          Fremea listens to the whole conversation and decides to speak up.
        "Raban and virgins, doesn't seem like they stay that way for long
        around him." Just smiling to herself. "I believe that Raban was
        going to play the much more important role of being my bodyguard.
        One that would dress well, and be somewhat educated. Since I am
        technically Katai, though not raised there, I would not have the
        same thoughts as some of the noble kids. So, that could mean if
        someone is being beaten or hurt, I can tell my guard to stop it.
        Then there would not be so many issues with Raban and his beliefs."

          Raban smiles quite innocently at the remark... "Fremea, the role
        of your guardian is one that I can do well, and I thank you for
        your solution to my problem. But the culture of Katai may not
        allow it. Would a noble trust his daughter to a foreigner even an
        exotic one? If I was a barbarian who also held to a similar concept
        of honor then perhaps a story of how you gained me leaving me with
        a life debt to you could work. Even then my presence could draw
        unwanted attention. But it works both ways, looking at me they
        may miss others. That will be true as a slave as well or any other
        roles, I will always stand out. I have always preferred flaunting
        my differences over hiding them, at least the physical ones. I
        will draw looks so give them a better reason to look? I am
        adaptable and skilled at acting, I will try to perform in whatever
        role you choose to the best of my ability. I do not know Katai
        well enough to know what risks I put everyone under. So it is
        best if those who do know choose my role. I just had to point out
        a personal trait that could cause us problems. Please give it
        serious thought so you can find the best role for me."

          Zhou nods, "I like Fremea's suggestionn.  It does solve the problem
       of attention.  If a noble sends you to do something you do it. Of
       course you will like you say always bring attention to yourself
       Raban.  That can't be helped in any role we choose.  So I suspect
       a bodyguard for Fremea who knows crude skills of entertainment
       and fighting.  Enough to also teach her some instruments.  But
       I suggest not so skilled as to bring attention.  Don't play as well
       as we've seen you do.  Fake a novice entertainer.  The story of how
       you got with her isn't important.  It would never get questioned
       to that extent.  Once I would speak to any guard they would likely
       care not to question further.  But there is the question of slave,
       barbarian or native.  Clearly native is out.  Slave restricts
       your actions and role a bit.  Outside barbarian foreigner does
       not so much.  So I'm thinking Maybe in our travel to north Choshai
       we found you on the border of the Kll'maun.  There we saved you
       from certain death for some reason.  But the Choshai had placed
       you in jail and you could not afford your release.  You would
       have been likely killed again or sold as a slave.  While out
       doing heavy labor you saved my daughter here on some accident in
       the village margins in the forest.  Say a animal attack.  We
       found pity and paid your debt to the Choshai.  As a result you
       feel obliged to help her.  Being prideful you claim you will repay
       the debt and thus you are my indentured servant not slave.  This
       type of debt-servant is common in Katai and would not be hard to
       explain to anyone.  Would that suit you?  Let me know what you
       want to go by as a role."


                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 24th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Good, Speed 11]
        [Distance this day: 35]
        [Weather: Overcast, Rain]
        [Temperatures: 52-62]

                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 25th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Poor, Speed 6]
        [Distance this day: 30]
        [Weather: Overcast, Light Storm]
        [Temperatures: 53-64]

        GM: Officially the IBT period would have started here.


                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 26th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Average, Speed 10]
        [Distance this day: 34]
        [Weather: Cloudy, Storm]
        [Temperatures: 35-62]


                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 27th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Trace, Speed 1]
        [Distance this day: 25]
        [Weather: Overcast, Minor Hail/Rain]
        [Temperatures: 51-64]

          Today the ship encounters 2 merchant Choshai ships.  A great
       honor this day is done when nearing them, Captain Sung declares
       they are lumber ships.  A special ship that only Choshai has been
       known to use.  Specially built to haul lumber to and from points
       north and south.  They can haul tons of wood or use special
       bladder ships and pods along the sides of the boats or behind the
       ships.  This day both ships seem to be laden with huge trees cut
       down to size.  Behind one is a large barge like raft being towed
       slowly by the rowed ship.  Along the sides of the other ship which
       has sails are pods holding smaller trees.  Sung estimates the load
       could build two or three merchant ships, its that much.  Many
       other lands have tried to copy the design of these special ships
       but failed including Lemasa and Katai.  As the Blue Moon speeds
       past there is no threat from the two ships but the party takes
       time to eye them as a rare treat.

                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 28th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Superior, Speed 50]
        [Distance this day: 74]
        [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Small hail storm/Massive winds]
        [Temperatures: 40-59]

          A few hours after sunrise the ship is hit by a massive set of
        strong winds.  As the day continues on it seems the winds increase
        in strength and speed.  By mid day the captain takes full advantage
        of it and gains great speed today.  He only seems slightly
        concerned that it could be hurricane strength winds if there was
        an actual storm in the area.  In just 24 hours the ship makes 74
        miles which by his figures might be a record for a ship of this
        size in this area.  By late evening though the high gusts of winds
        which prevent Fremea and Corona from being on deck finally cease.


                                ----------------------------
        
        [Ma 29th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Good, Speed 14]
        [Distance this day: 36]
        [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Normal]
        [Temperatures: 33-39]

           The winds today are cold for this time of year adding to the
        already cool winds created by the Talisman's spell.  Most of
        the party stays below for some warmth.


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


        [Ma 30th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Low, Speed 3]
        [Distance this day: 27]
        [Weather: Overcast, Heavy storm]
        [Temperatures: 34-44]

          The storms today are able to be mostly avoided by the crew.
        For the storms that do hit the ship no damage is taken.

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


        [Junaqa 1st, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Poor, Speed 6]
        [Distance this day: 30]
        [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Normal]
        [Temperatures: 59-66]


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


        [Junaqa 2nd, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Good, Speed 10]
        [Distance this day: 34]
        [Weather: Cloudy, Rain/Hail]
        [Temperatures: 46-60]

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


        [Junaqa 3rd, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Good, Speed 14]
        [Distance this day: 38]
        [Weather: Overcast, Normal]
        [Temperatures: 60-64]

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


        [Junaqa 4th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Good, Speed 13]
        [Distance this day: 37]
        [Weather: Clear/Sunny, Normal]
        [Temperatures: 60-64]

          For the first time in what seems forever the day is almost perfect
        with no clouds at all.  But some of the sailors do not like the
        sunset this night.  The stories say with that type of sunset
        a massive storm is due.

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


        [Junaqa 5th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Low, Speed 3]
        [Distance this day: 27]
        [Weather: Cloudy, Rain storms]
        [Temperatures: 35-52]

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


        [Junaqa 6th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: None, Speed 0]
        [Distance this day: 24]
        [Weather: Clear/Sunny, Whirlpool]
        [Temperatures: 64-79]

          The crew is depressed as the day warms up to normal temperatures
        even with the talisman's speed but there is just no winds at all.
        It becomes warm and muggy.  Unali has horse duty today and finds
        it grueling until some of the others help her.  Again the sunset
        makes the crew even more nervous this day.  They ask the captain
        to stay in the village a half day back.  But he refuses as the
        ship is making good time and so far the storms have been light.


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


        [Junaqa 7th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Average, Speed 6]
        [Distance this day: 30]
        [Weather: Overcast, Storms]
        [Temperatures: 55-74]

          The party is awaken by early morning storms.  Eating a breakfast
        is difficult as the ship tosses and twists.  Those resting from
        skill training, tasks, chores or study on deck notice the clouds
        seem to get darker and darker.  The waves seem to get higher and
        higher.  To those with a keen eye it becomes obvious the crew,
        and Captain become more nervous.  While the ship has seen half
        a dozen or more good sized storms this one seems to be not ending
        anytime soon.  It has been going on for over three hours now
        as the ship continues south.  

          When the Captain eyes a towering forge like cloud coming fast he
        quickly comes to a decision. "Batten things down tightly.  This
        one is going to be rough.  Everyone not skilled enough to do
        so below decks.  I personally say all should be below.  I will
        remain with the first mate and three of the sailors.  All others
        below deck unless you have to remain top side.  You risk your
        own life.  This one looks nasty and I've never seen it this large
        and active before."  He turns to the first mate and orders the
        crew to draw in any loose gear and tighten up the ship even more
        than is now.  The ramp to the hold and stairs hatches are closed.
        The secondary rig is lowered and secure.  The primary rigging
        is tightened down and only one light sail remains.

          Those on deck notice the storm to be actually 3 or 4 of them all
        seeming to come together into one massive storm.  While the
        crew doesn't say it, to some with sea knowledge it almost looks
        like a hurricane.  Massive sheets of rain, waves that crest at
        this point around 10-15 and at times goes over the deck rails.
        Massive amounts of lightning and thunder all around.  The ship
        seems to be moving about like a cork in a waterfall.  When the
        Captain and First mate tie ropes to themselves some in the
        party become even more concerned.  But it is in case one goes
        overboard or gets tossed about.

          Since the ship captain and first mate are fighting the storm
        a sailor approaches with word from the Captain.  "If this storm
        gets worse it could sink us.  Be prepared.  Pack what you need
        in case we have to abandon her.  I'm told some might have magic
        to save the horses but we are at least 3 miles from shore.  We
        could also be lost after the storm.  If we abandon ship the
        ship's boats will be lowered but these waves likely will do bad
        for them as well.  This is the roughest storm I've ever seen.
        If you have gods pray for us..."  Then the sailor moves back down
        below to secure the store rooms.

        Actions? Comments?

        Next Update...Friday...

        GM: The IBT suggestions from Zhou on cover story is up to you if
            you want to use the name or role.  If not let me know so
            I can put it in the roster so I don't forget. :)

        GM: This storm if I've not painted a good picture (its late and
            I'm brain tired) is going to be difficult to survive.  This
            one event if the rolls go back could end the trip.  I'm sure
            some that can fly or teleport will survive though. So at
            least some will live if the ship goes down. :)  Always
            think on the positive side.

        GM: Soul sight on Will by Z'leyra would have been done.  It is up
            to her to report results.

        GM: Can reply to previous stuff like cover and Whitney but we
            moved forward basically 2 weeks in time.  From Ma 23rd to
            Junaqa 7th.  So that's a jump forward at least.  But this
            event is so massive I had to stop as didn't want to make the
            rolls tonight.