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...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma R1 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, Cover Story Info: [HD- House member, F-Foreigner, 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] Whitney aka Whitney as Herbalist/Tailor [F] Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F] Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F] Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Baron 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@cybermax.net Game Update #59 in sequence (file #517) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: Removed donkey from header. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions] LOL no, Ben'Dar doesn't kill Z'leyra.... He's already had a good yell at her so he's ok. He takes out his frustration on the unconscious bounty hunter. He gathered up the caltrops used against the horses and he binds the unconscious man and slings him over Tef'wo's back. At the next large tree, Ben'Dar ties the man to the tree, spread- eagle. He then slaps and punches the man until he wakes up, then he yells at the man in Zen'dali for a few minutes about how Ben'Dar is going to kill him for hurting his horse. Then he crucifies the man to the tree using the caltrops. He'll leave the bounty hunter there for the birds and scavengers of the plains. When Tiehul rides off, Ben'Dar immediately follows him on Tef'wo. He bellows out to the man to stop. When he gets up next to him, he roughly yanks him off the horse. Leading the man's horse, he circles around Tiehul, anger blazing in his eyes. "You walk." Then he brings the horse back to the wagon. When he sees the 10 peasants at night, he follows them for several miles away from camp. He rides out into the open, several hundred yards from them, and shouts in Zen'dali, motioning for them to keep going away from camp. He wants to let them know that he knows they are there and has been watching them, so they don't try to circle back and ambush the camp. Then he rides into the brush again, out of sight. He doesn't try to follow them any further, but keeps his eyes open for them during the rest of his watch. GM: Ack. The plan for the bounty hunter is out as Kiet changed that with you and me this weekend. Personally I think your plan is more fun and creative. :) Not good for morale reasons but good for justice. :) From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Crap! Forgot to send this out to Scott's email instead of the group email. Didn't realize it didn't post until today. Will have another update to the new update in a bit. Truth Spell- To help alleviate the issue of mistrust Arawn will cast Hidden Truth on himself at max EL (Mana) as soon as the captive (and then Tiehul) began speaking, recasting it as necessary if time run outs. He'll extend his Mana Shield if necessary but will ask Tiehul if they are likely far enough away to not be easily detected by sensors. If he is told that they are likely safe he'll ignore extending the mana shield for now. He's looking to find any hidden truths or lies when the two men speak, especially as questions were asked during the last post between Tiehul and his lieutenant. Arawn will inform the party that they can question the two men as they wish and Arawn will share the truth quietly to the others, in Marentian. -------------------------------------------------------------- Healing- Depending on how far along the next game update carries us Arawn is willing to cast Healing Mist on party members after we set up camp. Please post something to let me know who, if any, are willing to accept this healing. Scott, if any accept Arawn will wait until we are in camp and under cover, cast Mana Shield (Mana) on himself and the recepients at EL 3 and then cast the spell Healing Mist (Racial) at max EL, doubling the cost to affect a radius. He'll make sure that only those to be affected along with himself are in the area of effect at the time. If his mana runs low for Mana Shields for everyone he'll cast it on the most injured party members and leave the most lightly damaged to be healed naturally or the next day. Once he's done he'll cast Energy at EL 0 (Mana) to restore his Energy Levels as close to maximum as possible. If he has sufficient mana and his first mana shield has faded he will recast it at EL 0 (Mana) to cover his castings of Energy. -------------------------------------------------------------- Tiehul's herb- After it is used on the others Arawn will ask Tiehul what it is called and its growing conditions so as to add it to his herbalist lore if he does not already know of the plant. -------------------------------------------------------------- As the man revealed the nature of his betrayal a pained look of sadness and compassion came over his face. Though it did not condone his actions it made them understandable. The man was grieving, angry and heart-broken over the loss of his mother. He listened as Raban counselled the man, adding his own thoughts afterwards. "I am so sorry for your loss," he replied with genuine... GM: Ack. The healing was already done. Sorry. So that stuff was late. I already did all the rolls naturally since no one posted they wanted magical healing. But don't fear there WILL be plenty of chances in the future for healing. :) From Will: [Re: Actions] Scott I am forwarding this as I did not see it in the last post (I'm using a new address) also I forgot to say that Will would be saying this to Tihul confidentially seemingly so that no could overhear but actually so that the captive does hear so that I can gauge his reaction. ---------- Forwarded message Will asks Tiehul "I was going to say kill him now and we can question him later but on second thought how many of his friends and relatives can you round up... say about a dozen" I'm using a new email address so if you use this one in the future I would appreciate it Thks John GM: Ack. First welcome back! Second do you want the new email address changed from the old one or use both for the mailing list? From Arawn: [Re: Actions] This is very last minute so I understand if this doesn't make the post. Had relatives over then got trapped away from home during the blizzard that hit the east this weekend. Arawn would look after Tiehul's lieutenant, trying to stave off the worst treatment from the others. When he begins to convulse he looks on with pained concern at the man's suffering. He looks to Z'leyra, wondering if she will heal him. When she delays he locks eyes with her and understands. The man would live only to suffer at the hands of others, even if Arawn and others spoke up for him. If the Vong threat was not so pressing Arawn would have volunteered to watch over the man, for he felt that he had it in him to change if exposed to the right mentors, perhaps under the supervision of magically gifted healers the man would truly understand the error of his thinking, though in his final moments he seemed to glean a bit of this wisdom. Moving quickly to kneel beside Z'leyra he held the man in his arms. His passing would be quick but he knew that souls could carry the burdens of life with them into the next. He hoped to relieve the man of a measure of that, having seen the shadow of remorse in his words and on his face. Tears streamed down his face and he leaned in, whispering in the man's ear before he passed. "I forgive you," he said quietly, kissing the man on the... ---------------------------------------------------------- If Arawn's Energy Levels are still in need of restoration he'll cast Mana Shield at EL 0 (Mana) followed by Energy at EL 0 (Mana) the next day, while on the move and away from potential witnesses. ------------------------------------------------------------ When Ben'dar seeks to drag the bounty hunter off Arawn will mention that it might be worthwhile to question him before his execution. If it's possible and doesn't complicate things too much Arawn will cast Hidden Truth and ask the man what he knows of the group as well as who else knows of them besides the men that arrived with him for the ambush. (As much as Arawn hates the idea of an execution he understands that the man will either die at the hands of the party or in a Katai prison-camp, the only other option being banishment. Arawn would prefer the latter and be open to Translocating him to a wilderness far away but knows that such a use of magic is hazardous to the groups mission and weighs the various factors, accepting the man's death. His only issue will be with him suffering. To alleviate this, after Ben'dar is done Arawn will move back to the woods a bit later, hiding if needed, and offer the man a quick and relatively painless death. -------------------------------------------------------------- When the farmers arrive Arawn will use his Elvish Empathy to gain a sense of their purpose. He will also take a moment to 'relieve himself', actually hiding in the woods (using his Elvish ability) and cast Mana Shield followed by Hidden Truth (EL 3 for both, Mana) and return to listen to their story. If things ring true he'll discreetly alert the others to this and offer what little he has, including selling his Emerald (non- magical) to Zhou or another party member for coin to give them. If no one wishes to buy he'll offer it to the farmers, though he knows a full gem will likely draw attention from the noble. He'll also quietly/discreetly offer to give a mana battery and/or a bag of holding to a caster in the group (starting with Shu) if they are willing to cover the farmer's costs, assuming the rest of the party doesn't offer any coin. He'll make sure none of the farmers are near enough to hear him discuss this. Again, I understand if any or all of this doesn't make the post but thought I'd throw it out in case things are taking longer than normal due to the holidays. GM: Ack. The part on the painless death is invalid (see below). There are no woods on the plains thick enough to hide in sorry. So casting the magic won't be done for farmers. Too bad the bounty hunter couldn't be questioned. Might have learned a few things. But sadly those actions are too late to deal with in the future rather than current period the slaughter. :) (see below) ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Julis 8th, 1634TH] [Location: Jiuquo, Katai] [Location: 14 miles west of Jinquo] [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperature: 66-83] [Time: 5:16pm] As Tiehul starts to explain his side of the story, Arawn quickly casts a truth spell upon himself. Tiehul warns him that even this far out regional sensors could still be active. With only a day's ride at most to the crossroad's village there could be something there as well. But Arawn casts a shield upon himself hoping it will protect the party and himself though not really knowing if it will or not. Tiehul and the traitor go to explain their side of things. As they do Arawn listens carefully. He becomes quite satisfied that neither of them are lying. As the man revealed the nature of his betrayal a pained look of sadness and compassion came over Arawn's face. Though it did not condone his actions it made them understandable. The man was grieving, angry and heart-broken over the loss of his mother. He listened as Raban counseled the man, adding his own thoughts afterwards. "I," Arawn begins, "am so sorry for your loss," he replied with genuine sympathy. "Though I know it might not mean much now, if I had known I would have gladly done what I could to aid your mother. Trying to aid others and heal the pains of the world is something I live for. Please do not judge those who possess the Art simply for having the knowledge. All men are individuals capable of either good or evil and the same holds true for those who possess knowledge of magic, it is a tool and while some would use it for selfish reasons there are others who would use it help others in this world. Judge them as you would any other man, by their actions and not their abilities, race, or gifts." "I do not know what I can offer you to bring you peace but know that all life continues in other realms and your mother is being cared for there. Honor her and do not let her see her son lose his way. Stay strong in your time of trouble and act in a way to bring joy to her spirit because she will always be watching over you. Honor her memory, remember what she taught you, and share the love she had for you with others. And try not to hate Tiehul. Though you wonder why he did not search for a magical cure for your mother it, perhaps, may have been due to the great danger that would have been posed not just to him and yourself but to your mother if caught. And did actually ask him for his help?," he asked in a non-judgmental manner. "He is your friend and he likely would have tried." As Arawn speaks Tiehul nods. The traitor looks to the Alfar and then to Tiehul. The traitor then speaks up. "I do not hate Tiehul and never will even after this. I am the one that failed him. I never came to him about this as our friendship would've been stressed in risk of getting me help for the risk involved." As some move away from Tiehul and the captive, Will finds his chance and approaches Tiehul and the captive nearby. He speaks softly so not to be overheard but loud enough so the traitor and Tiehul can hear him. Will asks Tiehul "I was going to say kill him now and we can question him later but on second thought how many of his friends and relatives can you round up... say about a dozen." Tiehul replies, "I do not understand your question. But it would do worse to get his friends here as they might actually help him in this situation." [Time: 5:32pm] As Raban starts to use the stinky herb to wake folks up, Arawn asks Tiehul about it. "I do not know what it is called but it is quite common. It grows under mushrooms if I recall and is more or less rotten plants. It doesn't last long and may die within a day or two after picking. Just about any market black or open will have it as it is as common as salt. There is no magical value to it. It just stinks." He grins. [Time: 5:38pm] When the traitor begins to die, Arawn looks very concerned. When he begins to convulse he looks on with pained concern at the man's suffering. He looks to Z'leyra, wondering if she will heal him. When she delays he locks eyes with her and understands. The man would live only to suffer at the hands of others, even if Arawn and others spoke up for him. If the Vong threat was not so pressing Arawn would have volunteered to watch over the man, for he felt that he had it in him to change if exposed to the right mentors, perhaps under the supervision of magically gifted healers the man would truly understand the error of his thinking, though in his final moments he seemed to glean a bit of this wisdom. Moving quickly to kneel beside Z'leyra he held the man in his arms. His passing would be quick but he knew that souls could carry the burdens of life with them into the next. He hoped to relieve the man of a measure of that, having seen the shadow of remorse in his words and on his face. Tears streamed down his face and he leaned in, whispering in the man's ear before he passed. "I forgive you," he said quietly, kissing the man on the forehead before he released his last breath. He will then proceed to give the man druidic last rites. As Arawn and Z'leyra help the dying man, Ben'dar circles like a tiger around the dying man. He can't believe the level some people go. Why won't they heal the man so he and Kell can torture him? Why is the elf actually kissing the idiot. He rolls his eyes in disgust. then the man dies and Ben'dar releases his frustration by one last kick to the dead man. Soon Tiehul decides it is time to leave. As Tiehul rides away and the party packs up, Ben'dar stares at the merchant in disgust. His fists clench and he decides that Zhou is wrong in giving the man a horse. Tef'wo is still wounded he mounts up on the traitor's horse. He quickly gallops after the man some short distance away. As Ben'dar comes up beside him he yanks the merchant by his tunic onto the ground. Unlike the traitor though the merchant seemed to expect this and rolls with the fall not taking damage. He quickly gets up as Ben'dar leads both horses in a wide circle around the merchant. Ben'dar scowls and then says "You walk!" But the merchant doesn't understand the words. But he doesn't have to as the meaning is clear. As Ben'dar leads both horses back to the wagon, Tiehul stands and dusts himself off. At the wagon the party watches as Ben'dar does this scene. Zhou scowls himself at the barbarian. He walks toward Arawn. "As peacemaker you will need to work your magic and I don't mean spells but your words on that man. His gruff nature will get us killed." He then walks away in disgust as the idea of a barbarian in a civilized land. Caladan leaning on his war staff nearby looks over to Arawn and nods. "He is right. I find Ben'dar is sinking deeper into the darker side of life. One day he will cross the line and not return. My people are hot heads but even denying a man of his horse for a man who loves horse is a bit much. We saw what he did to the traitor and wanted to do more. I don't pity him but I do feel sorry for him if he crosses the line and can't come out of it." [Time: 5:40pm] the party now mounted up and ready to leave does a final check in preparation to leave. Kiet goes over to Kell's side and places his hand on Kell's upper arm and says in Katai "Kell, my friend, you need to take the wagon on forward for now. I have to take care of the remaining monk. We don't really have time to question him, and this traitorous scum lying in the dirt already told us enough to let us know we must be careful." Before Kell can reply, Kiet interrupts him, "No 'buts', Kell. As much as I hate to admit it, Zhou is right. One of us must drive the wagon. I will remain behind with Ben'dar and the traitor's horse. We will catch up shortly." Kiet tells Ben'dar in Marentian "Ben'dar...will you wait here with me while I dispose of our little last monk? Just in case there's trouble?" Ben'dar agrees to wait with the acrobat. Zhou disagrees with Kiet staying and threatens to stay behind as the party should not be separated. But Ben'dar is one man he can't seem to easily order around. Zhou knows the man must die and yet doesn't want it on his hands. Zhou finally relents and orders Kell to drive the wagon onward. Ben'dar and Kiet stand near the bound bounty hunter as the wagon drives on. Several of the party keep an eye on the two men even as they draw in the distance. Around 5 minutes later the wagon has made 500 or so feet at this point. Kell can tell the draft horses are leery of the road and don't want to be hurt again. Those watching the two men like Arawn, Farseeker, Whitney, and Caladan notice Ben'dar blocks the general view. Kiet then pulls something from his person and leans over. The detail is vague at this distance but soon a stain of red is seen on the road nearby in the fading sunlight. Then quickly the bounty hunter falls down to the road. Kiet then leans over and does something else and then stands up. It doesn't take much imagination to figure out the life of the bounty hunter just ended in some fashion. Soon Ben'dar mounts the traitors horse since Tef'wo is still wounded and Kiet mounts his own horse. Both men gallop to catch up to the wagon. On the way back to the wagon, both men are quiet. Kiet speaks first when they are still out of earshot from the wagon. "Ben'dar. why do you not learn Katai while we are here? I do not understand?" [Time: 5:55pm] Two peasant farmers coming from the east come across the sight of the slaughter. As they near they panic and run for their life down the road westward. [Time: 5:58pm] Tiehul walking down the road leaves the road knowing that Major Lai will be coming this way any minute. He pats his vest at the hidden coin bag, glad to have it on his person and nothing valuable on his horse that Ben'dar took. He knows the horse isn't worth that much so doesn't care losing it. But it is good he didn't lose his spending money to get back to the city. He heads toward the crossroad's village for a room for the night then to pay for a quick ride back to the city in the morning to clean up his friend's mess. [Time: 6:03pm] Major Lai leading a group of 12 city guards rides fast into the fading darkness down the road. Some carry torches as they arrive at the slaughter site. They start to check the bodies and begin their investigation. ------------------------- [Julis 9th, 1634TH] [Location: Upper Katai Plains, west of Jinquo]] [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperature: 66-94] [Time: 7:01am] As the farmers speak of their problems, Arawn quietly makes his way into the shadows. There is no good place to cast magic to detect for lies as he could be seen or overheard. As he listens to the farmers speak his innate ability to read others comes into play. He quickly determines they are nervous and intimidated by the party. That though doesn't take much to figure out for the average person. Based on the female's speech and body language, Arawn figures these people must be telling the truth. Even so this might just be a test of the gods. Arawn tries to quietly convince those around not directly in view of the party of the truth. Arawn begins to bargain for coins by attempting to sell items. Farseeker is nearby and shakes his head. "I do not need to buy anything. If you trust them then that is good enough for me. I actually have too much gold. A warrior only needs what he can carry at times. I was considering helping them moments ago but with your endorsement I will do so." Farseeker approaches the farmers. "Our lord here may not show it but he is a good man. He pays us servants and bodyguards well. I wish to help you in your cause. Take this." He reaches out and palms a slew of silver coins into the nearest man's hands. "It should give you time to save your land for a short time. I wish you luck in your future." The farmers quickly bow and begin to show their gratitude and then starts to deny the coins as if it is too much. The military man only raises his hands and doesn't want them back. Finally the farmers pocket the coins. One farmer gets his pack off and opens it. He hands Z'leyra who is help cooking a slab of bacon wrapped up. "Here take this for the morning. It is preserved and should last till the sunrise. It is fresh and will be our honor to give it to you." The poor peasants begin to bow and thank the party quickly. Soon their nervous ways calm down as the party shows no hate for them. Soon once they warm up by the fire and drink some tea decide to leave and make their own camp far to the south east. ------------------------- [Julis 15th, 1634TH] [Location: Upper Katai Plains, west of Jinquo]] [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperature: 73-94] [Time: 9:47pm] This night Ben'dar finds himself shadowing a large group of Katai peasants. Watching them on foot for a while he mounts Tef'wo and circles them in a wide area several hundred yards away. As he does he occasionally yells in Zen'dali and taunts in battle cries and howls. Immediately the peasants close in ranks and get tighter. Ben'dar can hear them speak but of course doesn't know a word they are saying in Katai as they likely don't understand him. With his black as night horse, Ben'dar plays ghost with the party. As if a wraith comes and goes. Sometimes coming as close as a dozen feet then circling back and running to the other side. This clearly makes the peasants confused and nervous not knowing how many there are or where they are. After about two miles away from the camp one peasant finally decides they are away from the party's camp and lights a torch. This makes playing ghost harder. So Ben'dar stays out of range and continues to taunt. For another mile he shadows them as they continue east and never try to move in any other direction. Soon bored and confident they will not circle back to camp, Ben'dar finally returns and reports what he found. ------------------------- [Julis 17th, 1634TH] [Location: Upper Katai Plains, west of Jinquo] [Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperature: 71-95] The party for the last 2 days has begun to curve around the northern border of Katai Province. Now off the road and onto the plains the party is some 240 miles west of jinquo city. The party is now about 45-55 miles north of Katai city itself and slightly east of it. So close the party can almost feel the power of the capital in the air. During the travel today there is no rain but the winds seem to descend from the hills 30 or so miles away and pick up speed. Wind gusts and wind storms abound all day. At some point luggage is thrown off the top of the wagon and has to be re-roped back into place. Whitney on back finds the dust all in his face at times as it blows back into his face. The drivers get a full taste of the plains itself and the mix of horse sweat and other things as the wind blows it back onto their face. While the temperature only climbs to the mid-90s by the noon hour the wind helps greatly to cool things down. [Time: 12:37am] [Julis 18th, 1634TH] As the party sleeps the clouds roll overhead swiftly obscuring the stars above. Being this close to Katai three sentries are assigned each watch just in case. Usually two to patrol and one to ride and patrol the area. This allows about 2.5 hour shifts for each watch and plenty of sleep time. Normally Arawn who rides during the day rests at night but this hour he is up near the campfire considering the past day's events. How the moral grounds in this party seem to shift and change by the minute. Fremea who normally can sleep in the dark wagon this time finds herself sleeping. Farseeker is also up from a restless night of little sleep. He is sitting by the fire watching it as he cleans his throwing axe and sharpens it quietly. Ben'dar on Tef'wo finds himself on wide patrol on the plains about 300 feet away from camp. Kell is on foot patrol around the camp and his half elf eyes help in that regard in the darkness. All others are asleep in the wagon, tents or in the open air. Raban is the other sentry on duty this hour. He finds himself of need to find a bush as the water he drunk has gotten the best of him. He begins to leave the camp to find a secluded area to relieve himself. The terrain here is flat as the last 200 miles were. Only foot bushes and maybe a single tree every mile or so. As Raban walks he treads with heavy steps causing dust to rise from the ground but watches the ground for mole holes or the like. It wouldn't be good to fall in a hole and break one's leg. About 100 feet from the camp, Raban finally finds a sufficent bush. He begins to drop his pants, mooning the distant camp and relieve himself. Raban begins to hear a slight rumble and looks around to see if Ben'dar is charging him or a storm is coming. But he can't tell in the darkness of anything. This his feet feels a slight vibration. As he concentrates to figure out what is going on suddenly the ground behind him rumbles loudly and shifts under his feet. Surprised Raban twirls around to see the ground now in front of him collapse. A hole about 20 feet wide suddenly opens up and a large white form lunges out of the ground. It rises quickly above Raban and then bends. Before Raban can step back and grab his pants at his ankles the white form bends slightly and a large black gapping mouth comes down toward Raban. Raban only has a second to raise one hand to block the worm like creature. But it is too quick and soon Raban finds himself being swallowed whole by a large gross worm. He goes head first down the long body of the worm with dirt and other debris after him. Raban begins to hit the side of the worm that must be 10 feet in diameter. Blackness, slime, dirt and other gross things hit Raban's body. Raban knows he only has his dagger sheathed to his belt but his belt is now somewhere below him or now up-wise at his ankles as he slides head first down into the deep recess of the worm. As the worm swallows a slight belch is made and fades into the night's darkness. Arawn somehow more sensitive to things around him than most senses something but can't place it. Feeling a sudden rise of tension in his mind he stands and looks around. As he scans the terrain about him it takes a few seconds and then he notices a large white tube like form in the distance some 80 or so feet away to the west. It begins to wiggle and pulse as if a animal just swallowed a large meal and is trying to get it down. He then realizes that Raban walked away a moment ago in that general direction but now he can't be seen. Actions? Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: Marry Christmas / Happy Hairy Dwarf Day (Sorry they made me insert their holiday) / Happy Holidays! GM: Lots of behind scene stuff for the after combat stuff. Some things changed but not in great detail. As to the last random encounter it was random who was up and who was asleep or on watch. Ben'dar you don't know about Raban but your about 200 feet from the area. There is no moon so its dark out. It wasn't random on the victim as only one person could set it coming so it was sort of predestined (sorry Raban!) This is purely a random encounter. In the next week there is one minor encounter of note and it will be easy to pass through. This means this is the last encounter before the party enters Shantou province. We move on quickly. Once this encounter is over then we'll be about 1 update to entering Shantou. So if you haven't posted your skills during the trip do so as I'll award those points at that point. The deadline is once the party enters Shantou. The wagon file link is updated on the site now. If no skills are trained then nothing is awarded except maybe horsemanship or Katai (I'll figure it out randomly). GM: I know Thursday on will be super busy for some folks. So I don't expect much reply to this as folks will be busy or out of town. Only real person to react really is Raban. I will likely still do a update though a small one just to react to stuff posted and further the combat along. Then Monday will be the last update of the year. By then we could be in Shantou if things go well.