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 R1.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 R?.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog), 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 #4 in sequence (file #43) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] OOC: Wow! Huge update. So let me get this straight - Kiama is suggesting that we don't take any magical gear? So the dragon armor and pike would cause a problem? Ben'Dar votes for the merchant/trade cover story, as he has some experience with that. But he's not overly concerned at this point, as he knows that likely any hostile groups they run into will end up in a fight regardless of what their cover story is. GM: Ack. He isn't demanding anything like that. He only is saying you risk more by taking or smuggling magically or non-magically. So he is simply saying the more you take the higher the risk. Take what you want. Just realize the danger and don't be surprised if it brings danger. A fight regardless? No! How can you predict such awful things! tsk tsk. Yep a huge update think one of our biggest ever. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] From Kiet, "Could the person making the transports carry ... GM: Ack. From Ben'dar: [Re: Dreams] Whoops, forgot to forward this to the list! GM: Ack. I loved the dream stuff. In fact I added a twist to it below. Reality and non reality. :) Good stuff. From Raban: [Re: Oblivion] *OBLIVION ALIGNMENT — Balance* [Actual Oblivion spell deleted - we know it already] I had to post that as a reminder to people to check spells. Oblivion does not say you can call the victim back anywhere else but where the victim was went it was cast. It has always worked that way to my recall, the posted one is the latest version. So unless the GM is using a different version, house ruled, all mention of this method was an error? GM: Ack. No I've used the basic rule. But for being a bit too lenient I've allowed the recall part to be interpreted various ways. To some its just a gate/portal to a place. I have typed up a long post on this and it will be separate from this update. I appreciate your views. But I'll give my ruling there. In fact that discussion has made me rethink of more "divine" ways of spell influence. You will see when you read the post. I may do much more like it to add to the mythos effect of pnp. P&P unlike many systems uses magic from gods. So why can't they have fun with them beyond the basic abysmals? :) Stay tuned. From Kell: [Re: Actions/comments] OOC: Very nice update. I especially like how you merged all the posts into a coherent conversation. OOC2: Very interesting and fun dropping into a group like this. I want to say "hey, here is what I can do and here is my character' s resume, skills, blah blah" but not going to happen. A bit of mystery can be fun. :) GM: Ack. Thanks. Its work but fun. As to skills and such you can do that during the travel period. If you want. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] Kiet says "Well, I suppose about the only place I might fit... GM: Ack. From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions] "My people are of simple means and lead simple lives. I only .. GM: Ack. Post from Kell: [Re: Actions] Kell replies, “I deal in a variety of goods, from weapons ... GM: Ack. From Unali: [Re: Actions] Unali in Katai: "Zhou is welcome to join. A missing son ready... (OOC: Marco Polo reversed. Just have to think of what fantastic material he discovered abroad and how much of the tales are lies, damned lies and statistics.) GM: Ack. From Z'leyra: [Re: Oblivion] Over the next day Z'leyra will test the spell Oblivion in several ways. She will test whether it works on non-living items, whether such items need to have MDV of > 0. She will find out if the victim or object can be recalled at a different spot. If it works on an object she will test whether a sack containing a number of items can be sent to Oblivion and recalled. GM: Ack. You will have to flesh this out. Depending on the final travel option it could be a fast or slow time. So you'll have to remind me later of this. From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions] (OOC: First is a response to Kiet at Breakfast) "You have many skills Kiet. I myself am a humble musician,... GM: Ack. Thanks for reminder where it goes. It helps. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Apris 15th, 1634TH], 1st day of Adventure #5] [Location: High Elder's domain - Citadel, Dark Lands, Forest] [Time: 8:50am - Earlier at the breakfast.] Strie'bog replies to Kiet on first introductions, "You have many skills Kiet. I myself am a humble musician, and trained as a Bard of the Cernunnos tradition. Alas, I can not count myself as skilled as you, though I do know a few spells and blessings that can be of help to my companions." -------------------------------- [Time: 10:00am - Currently at the meeting...] Strie'bo's emotions kick in as ki'ama theorizes about the water and other things that could be vital to the Vong from lake Oca. "My mother has long suspected that the forests that have remained sacred, pure, powerful, have remain such due to the scattered essence of Cernunnos, watered by Mata's tears. During the wars of the gods, there was much blood shed and loss. It is possible that lost divine essence may have impregnated the land, as it did with Lake Oca and the Vassa Forests. I know that you have said we should not seek knowledge of the Vong though conversations with the Gods, but can we commune to discover if there is such a place within Katai?" Ki'ama replies, "a very interesting question. The Vong are clearly one of those hot topics for the gods. It shows their weakness...almost their human failings....to not understanding the Vong. I suspect you could ask the gods for such a place. Yes. But it could take time. Katai is quite the large empire." "I leave the arrangements of our travels with those who have more understanding the lands we must venture through. Unali, if we have time in our travels, I would greatly appreciate learning the language of the Katai." Strie'bog ends while glancing over at Unali not realizing Z'leyra has her language necklace. As the information and problems sink into the party's memory. Kiet brings up another question, "Could the person making the transports carry only our magically endowed items we expect to be useful? He could stay on the outside of towns, keeping chance of detection way down, and then meet us in a pre-arranged place after we are done in the cities?" Ki'ama waves a hand casually, "that is up for you to decide how to handle such things. But the cities are the highest areas of detection. This doesn't mean the wilds are not. These roaming teams even under cover of entertainers or traders go into villages and even farm lands. So they do get about." Kiet continues, "Since the Vong are not likely to be in the cities, our time there will be understandably short. But there are some items (two in particular) I would sorely wish to bring with me." "Again," Ki'ama gives a brief sigh, "what you take with you is up to you. Only realize the danger. If you go swimming with sharks you know the risk. If you avoid them and don't stir them up then you will likely be safe. Bring chum with you and well you deserve what you get." Ki'ama gives a twinkle in his eye at the predatory though comes to his mind. For some it sends shivers down some spines. Not for the comment but the overall view some might underestimate the high elder. But the only person in the party that really might understand and stand against him might be Chion. Chion having been around him the most, heard rumors, dealt with his forces and simply assess him knows the High Elder all too well. This very mission might just be a test for even a more powerful one in the future. Chion still believes the whole flying castle was just a test to see who might survive in Katai and Ki'ama's own agenda. Ben'Dar suddenly surprises everyone by hurling a dagger at Ki'ama. It sinks deep into the pompous wizard's chest, and the look of surprise on Ki'ama's wrinkled face makes Ben'Dar laugh out loud. "That will teach you for not helping us back at the floating castle!" The pleasant dream ends, and with a snort he jerks awake, nearly falling off the chair. He wipes the drool from his chin and flagellates loudly. "I'm going for a drink. All this talk has dried out my mouth." He points rudely at the finance minister, "You! Where do you keep the drink around here?" Ben'dar having fallen asleep during some of the more mundane talk of sensing and magic, bumps into Farseeker besides him. Farseeker is a bit surprised by Ben'dar's comment. Everyone turns to stare at Ben'dar but some don't seem shocked. Arawn and Raban seem a bit startled by the rude like comments. But then realize he is only a barbarian. When Ben'dar twists to ask Suca for a drink some let a giggle out. When Ben'dar turns around realizing what he just did he notices Ki'ama glaring at him. Wondering what has gone down in the simple minded barbarian. But as quickly as it comes the glare becomes a somewhat grin. Suca just glares back. "Certainly...Suca would you mind getting some drinks for our friends. I'm sure Oby is lurking just outside." Suca stands for a brief moment and glares at Ben'dar. Ben'dar can feel the security chief's eyes in the back of his head. He realizes he might not have made a friend today. But some satisfaction comes to Ben'dar. A door is heard and whispers, then Suca stands back against the wall. "I do hope this doesn't bore most of you. My time is short as is yours. We all have duties. I will not keep you longer than I must." Kell leans toward Ben'dar and whispers, "Why do you ask? What kind of horses? I'm always open to new business ventures." Caladan asks Ki'ama about the gender differences in Katai. As the two men go off on that Tangent, Ben'dar recalls what he heard before he snoozed off for a short few seconds. The new guy had said something about horses. Ben'dar turns around and gives a belated reply, "I have a horse ranch back in Marentia that is growing quickly. I have many fine mounts, both riding and war, that I am currently training. I acquire several more each month as foals, and soon I will have a steady stream of fully trained mounts each month to sell. I am looking for someone who can sell them for a good price and at the same time communicate the reputation of my horses. Perhaps you can tell me more of your skills in trading and selling, and if this opportunity is something you are interested in, I can teach you about horses?" Kell replies, "I deal in a variety of goods, from weapons and armor to wine and jewelry. I usually go long distances to sell and trade items that become exotic. Or bring better gear there. I still have several fine spears from Ba'ru, one of the best arms making nations there is. I'm not a horse trader, but if we survive this ordeal with the Vong, I'll gladly learn horses and help teach you some bargaining skills and trading and selling. I may even have a contact or two that could spread the word about your fine horses." As Caladan and Ki'ama finish up, Oby zips in with a tray of drinks for those who want it. Water to wine is served. He seems to have had the tray already prepared. Raban takes this brief moment to prepare his own thoughts. With a sigh, Raban speaks up, "As much as I would love to travel as entertainers again, the point was quite valid. A troop of entertainers will work very hard to draw crowds everywhere they go and stay at each place as long as they can earn cash there. The stays also allow time for word to spread to nearby villages and surrounding areas and thus draw in more people that may have been missed otherwise. So the travel would be quite slow or it would be obvious that something is wrong. The constant earning of cash is part of why troops like that learn to hide things. Corrupt guards as well as local criminals see a troop as easy pickings, for the cash as well as for the people. So you must have cash you can afford to loose handy to find, some not so well hidden, but the majority where it will not be found. Quite often you need to hide people as well, especially younger women and children. A troop cannot survive if they constantly need to defend themselves, nor can it afford to give up to much, it involves a lot of sacrifices by other members to keep it going." Raban continues, "No, I do not think we can pass as a troop of entertainers for very long. We have the skills but not enough of the adaptability or morals." "Merchants will also run into quite a lot of the same problems. They will be expected to pay their 'bribes' in cash or goods or in other ways. I forgot to mention a majority of troops and many merchants also are involved with minor criminals as a means to work around these problems. That means we would be visited by such to arrange passage 'fees' and transport of certain goods. Refusal would mark us as a target or worse." With Ben'dar's comments the tension ebbed, but with Raban's words the serious atmosphere returns. "And," Raban continues, "if guards or criminals disappear, it will alert others and our being in the area will mark us as the likely cause!" Raban pauses before starting up again, "Then there are the 'nobles' or other self important people who can do whatever they want because they control the guards or army or whatever. That type will take what they want, cash, goods or people. Fremea dressed as a child would be one they would try to take, she is too beautiful. And it is not just women who are at risk. I have been required to perform for such people many times in private shows. But they do not give you a choice, nor will they let you leave until they are satisfied. If the troop is fortunate, the people can be recovered mostly unharmed. In my case, it was rarely a problem as jealous husbands, boyfriends or whatever tend to arrange my escape or I simply walk away when needed. Others are not so lucky." Fremea briefly blushes at the kind words. She then considers being taken as some prize for some noble and it angers her. Not for her but what about the street kids or other innocents. Raban goes on, "So think carefully on how you would react to such things before you think you can act correctly. Only special licenses can avoid much of that. If you are sponsored by someone powerful enough, you can pass through many places untouched. This is true for troops or merchants. But that same sponsorship draws attention." "A Noble's caravan can thusly avoid much of that trouble but for the same reason attracts notice. And of course more powerful criminal organizations could be tempted by the value of the caravan or its ransom. At least the noble is expected to defend itself and can be openly armed, though that too has its problems. A foreign noble is a target for criminals unless they think this noble will cause problems for them. Invasions are bad for business, but more likely it will call down local military to root you out as a political response. So the noble needs to be chosen to keep the problems in the range we can handle without drawing unwanted attention." Ki'ama gives a grin at Raban's thought of his choice, Zhou as the noble, defending himself. If cowering under a table and begging was a weapon he would be deadly. Ki'ama nods as Raban continues, "As much as I dislike it, I can help there. Dress me up as someone so dangerous it will scare them away! They will see me as a monster anyway, so take advantage of it. Give me a steel club larger than a man can lift or something else ridiculous enough to make them rethink their plans. Or fit me inside plate so I look like the Metal Man that few would consider fighting. That too will draw attention, but may keep it more focused on me and away from the others. And I do not need magic to be dangerous, though if they have the skills to see it, I am magic." "Otherwise you will be attacked at some point and you can make the massacre spectacular enough that word will spread and deter others. But that would need to be without magic use, just incredibly vicious and bloody. Likely I would need to rip arms or legs off people and strew them about. Or maybe someone else can think of something equally nasty." "No matter what method of travel you choose, you will have to address these or related problems. Strangers are always at risk because their loss does not effect the locals much, especially after they have left the village or town." The party pictures this gentle giant as a nasty noble set to carry him in a wagon, a wagon likely needing two extra horses just for him. Moments pass and then ki'ama speaks up, "You speak wise words, my friend. Yes, merchants and entertains draw attention. Nobles would not as much. in fact the peasantry class is so scared of them most of the people will simply avoid you. As you say the other two groups would have trouble moving about from even the lowest guards. But the noble only has to contend with more powerful guards and nobles equal to him or her. So a noble group can move faster and with less questions. At least until the local noble hears of it and has desire to investigate or call on the visitor. You would not fit in as a Katai noble. Even a overweight one just doesn't make sense for you. Your simply too tall. You could as you say be an foreigner. But if anything outsiders are even more scruntized. You would have to likely travel pre-determined routes and call on the local nobles for permission to travel in their lands. But a Katai noble would have no such problems. The only ones of value would be Unali and maybe Chion. This is why I suggest Zhou myself." Kell glances to the right where most of the party is, sits up tall, brushes a hand through his dark hair to clear it from his eyes and forms his words. "I also agree with Unali's suggestion. I like traveling as a noble with an entourage. The fewer searches we endure the better. Their detection and especially enforcement methods sound draconian. And bloody...," With a smile only a merchant selling his mom's last gold chain, Kell continues, "likely for them more than us." Thinking about it, with Farseeker, Ben'dar, Raban, and Unali most patrols won't stand a chance. Looking a bit pensive Kell continues, "I'm not convinced a Katai noble is the best idea, but the group decides. How did a Katai noble acquire all of us as his entourage? A giant, several other deadly guards, magicians, entertainers, and a foreign merchant. We're a motley crew." Grinning at that thought Kell continues, "A foreign noble though, that could explain us." Kell's face lights up with a new thought, "Ah! We can outfit our wagon and items with fake detectors, making them not too obvious but visible, and make it look as though we are as afraid of other magic as everyone in Katai! That may reduce the risk and searches we face." Ki'ama raises an eyebrow to the fake detector thought. "My largest concern is how we hide the number of magicians in the group? Kiet cannot hide us all..." Kell ponders a moment, his face showing indecision. A brief internal struggle that quickly resolves, "I too am a Grey Elder wizard, although very minor. I know a few handy tricks and that is all. But even I stand out with Mana Sensing." He watches for any reactions, especially from Kiet and Z'leyra and the others he knows are wizards. "Speed is now of the essence. Can we teleport closer then book or buy a ship to save time? Any other ideas? Leaving as soon as we can seems more important to me now that the scope is drawn. Several plans for wagons and smuggling items take much too long as we have to almost build a wagon from scratch for it to work very well. If we travel by ship there are things we can do on the voyage." With his main thoughts out, Kell waits for other responses and thoughts. but can sense there is no clear leader of this powerful band. Wondering if he can contribute anything except a nice smile, he relaxes again. He's never saved the world... That's a big job. Kell glances over at Healer Z'leyra, flashing a brilliant smile "I have a draft horse I use for my cargo, we can use him for your oblivion spell. Can it be taught to others, and can they recall the objects in Oblivion? As a precaution? I will bring no magic on my person, but I do ask for my two magic spears to be placed in the oblivion for later fights." As Z'leyra considers her answers, Kell turns to the High Elder. "Master Ki'ama, is it possible to infiltrate one of the secret societies and become a magic seeker? Then we can just walk around openly pretending to look for other magic. Or we can pretend to be a part of one... hmmm... I don't think we have time for this, but it is an idea. Even bad ideas can spark good ones. Perhaps Unali can give some advice on pretending to be a member and we can talk our way through it." Looking at her for her opinion, wondering what she thinks of this idea. Addressing Unali directly, "Is this possible?" in Katai." Ki'ama glances over the party quickly to test reactions. Then he glances at the rear at Suca who shakes his head slightly. "Mister Kell that is not a bad idea at all. In fact it would be the best of all things. But as you say it would take time, weeks if not months. We would need to find such a group and then investigate it. We simply don't have that intelligence. Outsider nobles are possible but are more limited in their movements. Some are expected or required to visit Katai city itself for simple diplomatic courtesy. I'm sure there are many in the group who could pass as nobles, like Kiet form Lemasan or such. But that is up to you to decide on that. I've talked about hiding things and its no simple task. Some of these groups have been trained in human nature and have been known to capture wizards simply without senses or devices to detect them. Simple gestures and body language can give a person away. So unless you were to avoid people or stay on the ship there is little one you can do to hide wizards." Kell changes the subject back to the Vong, "What about the poison from the spears. Do we have a supply of antidote to bring? Do we know if we can use the vong spears and armor against them?" "No." Ki'ama sighs, "the poison is different for each animal. We simply have no active poison to use to make such. In fact this dried up staff has none in it due to the age of the staff. No one in the past thought to keep poisons. Then again to approach an active staff in snake form and getting poison from it might be deadly. As to using their gear, again the answer is no. They are grown for each warrior and in some cases we have seen staves thrown on the battle field while warriors pass them weaponless. Records imply the same things are dangerous to other Vong as to their enemies. Same for the orbs some believe they attach to only one person but that is only a theory." Chion raises an eyebrow tot he word "we" in the last comment. Maybe the rumors of Ki'ama are true. Kiet listens to Kell and Raban's thought on the groups. "Well, I suppose about the only place I might fit in is as a scribe. I am quite fluent in Katai and can read/write it as well as I can Lemasan. Or I could just be a servant, though I have no real experience at either." At that moment Oby bends down to offer Kiet a drink from his large silver tray. Kiet has seen Oby do lowly tasks like this yet control other servants as well as being a trusted aide to the High Elder. He might even know where all the skeletons are hidden. Oby smiles a faint sarcastic grin. "Drink sir?" Kiet then realizes that being a servant is just doing what is needed at times. Oby stands a few seconds later and turns to Ki'ama. "Don't forgot you have a noon appointment sir." Ki'ama waves a hand of dismissal to Oby and nods. Oby storms down the center aisle and leaves the room. Kiet ponders out loud, "You know...Fremea could be kept in a curtained wagon and, when the guards wished to 'inspect', she could simply show her face through the curtains. The 'noble' could be simply transporting his daughter to deliver her to a wedding. Makeup is often used by women of high station...and a betrothal party would not really have much suspicion. No mere guard would DARE to violate the curtained off noble woman." Strie'bog considers the future days of travel, "My people are of simple means and lead simple lives. I only briefly visited one of your larger cities before meeting up with these, my companions. I leave our travel plans to those who understand such," he stumbles for the words, "complex lives." There is some disgust in his voice. "Due to what occurred, we now have trackers and guardians watching over the forest, but...." "While I can imagine a people who have turned their back on the natural world, like the Katai, I just don't understand how they can believe themselves removed from it. I am eager to travel and learn, but I may have to learn from you how to act, to even be, in these places." Several in the party nod to Strie'bog to assure him they will help him in the coming days. Unali in Katai: "Zhou is welcome to join. A missing son ready to return home. The wondrous lands of the west he visited. The trading city of Pelara, where he met with traders and nobles. So many tales to tell. How fitting, if irony permits." "Upper Katai, but at the coast. A ship is much needed. I feel we can arrange a wagon once in Katai. We should get to ship as fast as possible." Ki'ama smiles and returns the honor of speaking back to Unali in Katai, "Yes, Zhou can ...pile on the stories. OF course he'll have to avoid the tales of magic duels and stick to sword duels. But give him a few minutes and he can...talk your ear off. So that would not be a problem. A ship is the best course and as you say a wagon can be paid for and then worked on to smuggle things inside or around it." Actions? Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: Too tired to add to above tonight. But hope I gave enough new stuff - replies. The full discussion has gone full course on various things. I would like to see votes cast by next update. This way while I go on cruise I have some idea of where and how folks want to go so I can think of evil...err I mean good things. You can still talk it over even while I'm gone next week. But it could be weeks and weeks of talking it over. Seems like all views have been heard by now though. For some I have assumed some votes so if its wrong let me know. If you want to hold your vote for awhile longer that's fine. Next week you guys can go back and forth and discuss things all you want. :) Vague votes are harder to judge. Hopefully you guys will vote within the limits below by casting an actual letter. :) GM: Votes and tally section - N/V - No Vote 1) Cover story A) Entertainment troupe B) Merchant/trade group C) Noble group D) A+B E) A+B+C F) Other, not mentioned above G) Don't care H) Abstain Player Vote Player Vote Arawn N/V Ben'dar B Caladan N/V Chion A Farseeker N/V Fremea N/v Kell D Kiet D Raban A Strie'bog N/V Unali C Z'leyra N/V New Player N/V Total: 13, Majority is 7 A: 2, B: 1, C: 1, D: 2, N/V: 7 Votes cast: 6 of 13 2) Method of Travel A) Teleport B) Overland, SW - Plains C) Overland, due south D) Overland, SE, Chosai E) By ship down coastline F) Other G) Don't care H) Abstain Player Vote Player Vote Arawn A+D? Ben'dar B Caladan N/V Chion N/V Farseeker N/V Fremea N/V Kell G Kiet E Raban N/V Strie'bog N/V Unali E Z'leyra A New Player N/V Total: 13, Majority is 7 A: 1, b: 1, E: 2, G: 1, A+B: 1, N/V: 7 Votes Cast: 6 of 13 Note: If I have your vote wrong let me know. I have placed them based on comments in your posts and best guess. I will figure out majority as best I can. If you wish to change your vote you can. This is the quickest way to resolve these issues. If you vote don't care I will put your vote in the group with the highest votes. If abstain then it won't count at all same as for N/V no vote.