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 #74b in sequence (file #512) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: Part 2 of 2 parts. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [See Last post] ----------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Julis 26th, 1634TH] [Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province, Shantou city] [Time: 2:53am - Night 2 in Shantou] After the illusion is finished, Unali confers with Z'leyra on the possible time of death. The cause is clearly visible to all though magic assassins can all be deceptive. One can mislead by a simple physical death but the actual cause be a magical one. But this one seems to be intent on the brain so as no resurrection or regeneration is easy. Even if there was a chance of resurrection and regeneration Shu's brain would be hard for magic to regenerate. Skilled assassins know the best way to kill a person, and keep them dead, is through certain body areas. The skull, the eyes or nose to brain is the best spots. Unali and Z'leyra discuss the vitals of the body and soon seem to concur the death was 30 minutes to 1 hour before Fremea entered. Beyond a more defined time would be difficult. Z'leyra finds it fascinating a non healer would know such things but figures Duke Aren must've taught her a few things in spy training back in Maren city. Inside Zhou's room, Farseeker scolds Zhou for his harsh cold nature and slams him up against the wall. When Farseeker is done he begins to leave the room. Kell grabs his arm to stop him and whispers. "Well said. I stand with you." Giving the big man a nod. Still angry Farseeker shrugs Kell off. "I am no leader. I lead military men. Those who are trained to follow orders. this group is too stubborn and independent to follow my lead. This is better for more political oriented figures like Zhou and Unali." He glances back at Zhou. "Even if they fail at the task. Unali I'm sure will do a better job when things get down to it." With that Farseeker leaves the area. [Time: 2:57am - Night 2 in Shantou] After the room is cleaned up by Fremea's transmutation and Fremea heads downstairs, Unali approaches her. Unali asks about the drunk that attacked her and tore her dress. "When and where exactly was this? Could there be a connection to this horrible murder?" She listens to Fremea and says "I should quickly look into this." Fremea is eager to give the directions. Unlike Unali she has not grown up here but gives good directions based on landmarks. She is eager to explain what happened so folks do not suspect her of the event even after the Akasha spell was cast. Fremea knows that trust is vital for a group like this. After seeing Kell react to traitors she would not want to be in that situation. Unali then immediately goes to her room and begins to pack. She shuts the door and changes into her black combat outfit. In case there is a fight she needs to be prepared. It only takes moments to change as it seems she is skilled at these quick changes. She exits back into the hall and finds Zhou giving orders to Kiet about how best to carry a bag. Unali separates Zhou and takes them a bit down the hall. She asks Zhou to take her gear down to the wagon. She asks Zhou which gate the party is going to leave from. Zhou states the south west gate as the fence said. Unali then explains she is going to investigate the drunk that attacked Fremea. Zhou becomes concerned and worried. Both begin to whisper a bit and argue. then Unali pulls rank and says she will leave alone. Tssoe in the hallway that pass near only hear loud whispers but do not understand the conversation. It is clear the two have a bit of disagreement. Finally Unali heads to her room and shuts the door once Zhou explains all his gear is out. Farseeker passes Unali's door and notice Unali glance at him and smile faintly. Farseeker's spine shivers a bit as for the first time since knowing Unali he has seen a glint of fright in her eyes. But it was only flickering and transient. Before he realized what he saw it was gone and the door closed. At the last instant Farseeker then notices a bit of annoyance on her face as the door closes. Farseeker rushes over to Zhou and asks. "What is wrong with Unali?" "She is going to see the drunk Fremea killed and see if it is related. I also suspect she'll go visit her own city contacts she knows personally about this whole affair. She will meet up with us outside the city." Zhou sighs and then follows Raban down the stairs as Raban carries his own gear downstairs. Concerned that Unali should not travel alone, Farseeker rushes back to Unali's room and opens the door. But as he gets there the room is empty. He notices there is a draft and it looks like the balcony door was recently opened. He exits the room outside onto the balcony and looks around. But Unali is no where to be seen. He knows she is a skilled acrobat and could have scaled down but figures she didn't want to be seen leaving the tavern. Farseeker sighs and heads down stair to join the others. [Time: 3:30am - Night 2 in Shantou] The wagon sits outside the other tavern as the other people pack up. Back at the Blue Crystal Inn the frenzy and chaos of the event didn't allow Arawn time to inspect the wagon. But now he retrieves a lantern from the Inn's porch and inspects the wagon inside and outside. Every inch is pierced with the lantern's bright light even under the wagon itself. Arawn sees to it that the four corners of the wagon are lit up by lanterns. He ignores questions of why but some realize night travel is bad without light. But that makes sense for the first two up front. But why for the back? The two up front hang below the buckseat at knee level to the driver. These already installed lanterns have a special mirror and cylinder in an effort to focus the light forward. The concave mirror attempts to fashion it to some distance away but in fact the light isn't that far beyond the lead horse. The rear mounted lanterns are two small ones Arawn obtains from the Inn without asking. No one notices it so for now it seems good to do so. He hangs the two rear lanterns at a higher level on each corner just below the roof of the cargo rack. These shine down at about 45 degrees and outward. Caladan asks the Alfar, "plan to let our enemy see us from some distance away? Should we use flares? I could use some of my skills to rig a nice fire?" But the Alfar ignores him for now and rides around the wagon with a torch in hand. He is clearly nervous and keeps his eyes to the darkness beyond the wagon. [Time: 3:37am - Night 2 in Shantou] Whitney becomes agitated at the lights over him. Though it doesn't make him a good target he is determined to put them out. When the wagon stops to ask a person directions Whitney quickly stands on the seat and puts out the first lantern. Kell quickly returns from his room with his few bags and stores them onto the top of the wagon and his horse. He is happy to see his room and other room's not tampered with. The locks and gear seemed to be in the same condition they left it hours earlier. After packing his few things and he is ready to leave, Ha'Kell puts on his armor and dons his helmet. He takes out his tulwar and straps it across his back and carries his shield. With all his gear loaded, he takes out a spear and holds it in his right hand, his shield on his left arm after he mounts his horse. He will ride at the rear of the group behind the wagon, and in his armor with helmet and spear and shield looks much more like a guard than a merchant. Arawn on his horse notices this and rides nearby. "Leave them on or you'll risk a silent death from what is out here." He then glances to others. "I'll explain later, when we're out of town." Whitney glares at Arawn, "I'm risking that now. And you're not, so out they go." Arawn stares back at Whitney in mild annoyance. "Actually I am, more so than you know. You have no idea what you risk. I do. Mortal threat is not the issue here. If you wish to expose yourself to it that is one thing but, please, do not put the others at risk. If you are not comfortable with your position then might I suggest moving yourself to a different position until we leave the city. There is likely space in the carriage or you may switch places with me," Arawn responds with a look that conveys the seriousness of his words. During all the back and forth between Whitney and Arawn a smile creeps across the handsome half-elf's face. He fixes a steely gaze on the both of them and remarks, "Does it matter? We don't know why it happened to Shu. Maybe there is something with her task that demanded this? Calm down both of you or we'll have it worse. I don't care if they are lit or not." Calmly focused and using his senses inherited from his elf father, Ha'Kell isn't very worried about being caught off guard riding out of the city. Unless of course the senses can't detect such attacks. Farseeker guides his horse close to Whitney. "It is clear Arawn feels light is critical. Maybe he is afraid of the dark? Each of us could carry our own torches if we need to. But tactics wise an enemy would not target you first. IF I were an enemy I'd hit Kiet and Z'leyra first. This would stop the wagon and prevent movement. Then I'd take out likely Raban and one of us guards. If they want to simply kill all they need to do is fire flaming arrows at the wagon. To fire on a man in the rear is tactically stupid. You might be the 4th or 5th target. So don't worry about such things." Nonetheless Whitney turns and douses the other lantern. Before Arawn can protest, Zhou sticks his head out the window. "Boys! We must go. You can argue later. I don't care if they are lit or not. Driver get us going!" Whitney turns and sits in his chair and attaches the rope that is his seat belt around him. Arawn pulls back his horse and grumbles that the party have no clue. Of course he hasn't explained the threat yet. Kiet looks over to Z'leyra, raises an eyebrow and says, "Will you take care of that miscreant in the back? If I have to do it he's not likely to survive." Kiet sighs and says, more to himself than anyone in particular, "If we didn't all the help we could get..." and then trails off. Z'leyra shakes her head and rolls her eyes. she then continues to glance about for shadows in the darkness. Though Farseeker and Zhou got onto both men, Kiet glances back and speaks up toward Whitney. "Either stay there with the lanterns lit, or get off and walk. Your choice." With the party fully packed and ready to travel the wagon takes off down the dark streets. As the wagon passes closed shops there is little traffic. By day the street they are on could have 300 people on it and dozen or so wagons. But now you'll be lucky to see one or two. Those out this late are on a mission of their own. Some are out to drink and party. Some to guard the city or shops. Some for more criminal things from streetwalkers to thieves. For the few shops open this hour it tends to be bakery or clothing shops. The early bakery shops are ready for the morning rush in a couple hours. There are many gambling shops, brothels and taverns still open this hour and those streets tend to have more traffic even at this hour. As the wagon passes through the streets the party will often see the guard or guards on patrol. The guards take note of the party but the size of the party tends to make them pay little more than cursory attention. The party is amazed to see how well clean and bright the streets are. Like most modern civilizations the city is lit by city lamps. In Marentia they are simple poles with lanterns. But here the metal poles are topped with a ornate lantern that could likely stand a strong storm. Zhou would explain to Fremea in the wagon that the lamps are lit by a virtual army of people at night. It keeps unemployment down and gives some a job. Katai used to use slaves or felons to do it but it helps the economy by using normal people. The lamps are set about every 20 feet and line both side of the street. They sit up about 9 feet off the ground so they can't be touched or damaged by idiots. They are ornate crafted lamps and use hard metal poles. Zhou even comments to Fremea that in Katai they use gas pipe system to light up the lamps automatically. A full street can light up instantly in one fell twist of a valve. Of course in the dark lands Zhou comments that they use magic for light. [Time: 3:49am - Night 2 in Shantou] At the south-west gate the wagon stops and Kiet places the brake. The guards clearly bored look at the wagon with little interest. Kiet knows he might look odd fully in armor in the middle of the night. But when he glances around at the others like Raban and Ben'dar he must not seem too out of place. One of the guards approaches the wagon and glances around at the others. He looks up at Z'leyra and Kiet. The guard glances up at Kiet and stares a few seconds. He doesn't say anything but Kiet feels like explaining in a low voice. "My master ordered me into my armor as a precaution, as we are travelling at night. I do have some responsibility for his safety, but I still don't see the point of it. Nobles! You can't live without them and you "can't kill them..." He flashes a big, cheesy grin and whispers, "but you can spit in their tea!" Z'leyra maintains a forward stare but can't help but a quick smirk. The guard however who seems in charge simply shrugs. "Who is your master?" Zhou glances out the curtained window. "I am." He holds the curtain tight to his face. It would be bad to have a guard look inside and find Shu's body. Even if bribes worked it would be hard to explain. "Travel at night is dangerous sir. You should wait till the morning. Can you just wait a couple more hours?" The guard asks Zhou. "No. I wish to beat the morning traffic. My business is done here and I have more business south." Zhou gives his best sigh of disgust. "Rush those ahead so we can leave." "With recent events we need to inspect wagons like this for escaped felons." He strides forward but Arawn accidentally on purpose moves his horse in front. The guard shrugs and then round the horse and heads back to the wagon. But in that time Zhou steps out of the wagon quickly shutting the door behind and standing in front. "Inspection? I don't have time for this." Zhou complains. "Sorry but orders from high up." The guard reaches for the door but is stopped. "Surely we can come to an agreement." The guard lowers his hand and Zhou hopes the information the fence said is true about these people. "Time is money and I have plenty of money but no time. How about I give some of my money and you take it as your time and use it wisely in a tavern or brothel?" Some moan silently in the group at such a weird way to bribe openly. "My friends are thirsty and would want to join me after our shift." Zhou reaches into his coin bag and grabs a few silver coins. He begins to palm coins into the hand of the guard. The hand doesn't lower so Zhou keeps palming coins. After three more palmings occur the guard finally lowers his hand and quickly pockets the coins. The guard smiles and does a quick look at the cargo rack and then down below. "It looks like no escaped felons could be there. You may move along." At this area of the city the area is mostly slums. The shops are ancient and decayed a bit. It is clear the lack of services here are lacking. Some shops are boarded up and there are signs of gang activity around. To have gone this way is a bit dangerous but the sheet amount of guards in the group makes any threat wary. At the gate there are four guards standing outside and one sitting at a stool at the gate post the size of a slightly large outhouse. The gate itself is already open and is wide enough for two wagons to pass through easy. At this hour there are actually a few small farm wagons entering the city to prepare to sell their foods in the markets. Those leaving the city are much less though the occasional one seem to be messengers, cargo wagons and personal wagons like farm wagons. Right now ahead of the wagon is two cargo wagons and a large wagon carrying sacks of something like food or flour. From the looks these people can't afford the bribes so they are being searched and some take their time with it. Caladan quietly speaks to Zhou before he goes back into the wagon. "Shouldn't we wait for Unali?" "She said she'd join us outside the city. I suspect she knows the lay of the land far better than we do. I have confidence in her ability." He then turns and stares behind the wagon at the darkness down the street in hopes his words come true. Kiet pulls the wagon to the left and past the other wagons all who glare at the group as they pass through the gate into the open countryside. Tonight the temperatures are warm and humid as usual. Above the stars are full and abuandant. There are a few clouds but overall a clear sky. The road itself leads south, south-west and the party hurries down the highway. To the right or west is the moon about 30 degrees above the horizon but it is a sliver and not much light shines around the area. The wagon travels deep into the darkness with the two forward lanterns lighting the way and the occasional carried torch helping to guide. [Time: 4:16am - Night 2 in Shantou] By now Unali has been gone for over an hour alone somewhere in the city she was born in. As tension finally ebbs knowing that no other attack has hit the party including the rear attack on Whitney folks start to relax a bit. Alert and a bit paranoid Whitney is the first to hear the sound to the rear. As Whitney concentrates on the sound he hears the gallop of horse fast approach. Soon Farseeker hears the same and stops his horse. "Horse approaching!" Farseeker warns the others. As guards circle back to take position the horse behind them on the road slows down. Unali yells out that it is her. On the horse her black clothing makes it look like no one is riding the horse. But as she closes in she is seen better. Finally with the party she dismounts and places a few items onto her saddle. Kiet had to team up the horses with the spare horse Kiet bought. When the party rests Unali's horse can be resetup to drive as well. With a grim face Unali looks around and fines everyone safe and a bit more relaxed. "My suspicions have been confirmed. Shu has been killed by a local contract killer on a contract. I found out that the contract has been set up in the last few days by someone from out of town, but could not find out the identity of the client this quickly. Hopefully my contacts will find this out and we might know in a few days. Still, it is significant, as it means our enemies know we are coming and have at least guessed which route we travel. Our disguise is for the local people only now, not for those we are up against. They must have known about Shu and her powers, as the attack was directed specifically against her. It had nothing to do with her casting magic, as all known magic hunters were out in the cemetery out of town tonight. Her distraction worked well clearly." She turns to Zhou: "Shu should have told me that she expected her own death, and otherwise YOU should have told me. We would not have let our guard down so much and let her alone in that room if I had known. If had had any idea I would have arranged for more guards and tighter security." Zhou spreads his hands out. "I am sorry for that. I should have but I kept a promise from her." Unali opens the wagon door and suddenly sees the lifeless body of Shu and frowns then glares back at Zhou. "For now, I propose we look over the unmana area to the south. It is the old and disused carnival grounds for the city. They should be empty, but not this empty." Zhou looks at the party. "I know I need to explain. But I would prefer it some distance away from the city. Once the sun rises I will explain it all. If Arawn is afraid of the dark the sun will prevent all concern." Caladan asks Unali, "a contract? Local thugs know how to use magic like that? Or did Z'leyra use her spell right and see what should've been seen? It didn't seem like a typical assassin. Your contacts must be quite good to know that info right away. I'm impressed." [Time: 6:38am - Night 2 in Shantou] Little over two hours later and almost 6 miles from Shantou the sky begins to turn orange and red. The wagon is stopped and Kiet locks the breakes. Unali tells the party they are about 11 miles from the river and the carnival grounds should be another 3 or so miles after that. Based on the slow rate of wagon travel the party should arrive at the carnival grounds by 2pm or a bit later. As the party stretch it becomes clear they want an explanation. Unali turns to Zhou. "Why did she expect dying and when did she first mention it. In the city or before?" Zhou glances toward the wagon and thinks of Shu. He then walks a few feet toward the rising sun and stares. "Shu was assigned this mission out of need. Her skill was paramount to our mission. Without it we could have spent weeks or months looking for the Vong. With just two attempts we have round it down to a region. A third time would have pinpointed it down exactly to a few miles. Though reluctant Shu wanted to go to help out of duty to the Lands and the High Elder. But before she left she sought out Ki'ama's personal diviner. The old woman is quite skilled and has a device to help out. She is a loner and rarely sees anyone at all. But at the request of the High Elder she deemed Shu an audience. The old woman told that she would help the us out greatly and there would be much danger. But when asked Shu was told she would not return to the Dark Lands. The woman then confirmed she would likely die in Katai. Still out of duty and honor Shu felt the mission too critical. She would not tell me until half way down the ocean and it was too late to turn back. She swore me to the secret and forbid me to tell anyone else. She wanted to tell me so she would get her wishes known. She would want a simply burial. She would want not to be mothered or protected all the time. She knew that protection would distract from the mission. She did not want to endanger the mission by such distractions." Raban clenches his fists in slight anger. Farseeker asks, "distraction? We would've protected her and prevented her death." Arawn also prompts Zhou. "You said that you would explain everything after we left the city." Becoming serious again and with a very steely gaze he confronts Zhou, "Now is the time to tell us everything you know. Why was she expecting this? Why did it not surprise you? Why did you not tell us? It is important to us all, even those who, what was it you said, choose to go shopping? Enlighten us as to the errors of our ways, " using a mocking voice "oh brave one." Kell's opinion of the baron is slipping faster than it did on the sea voyage from the Dark Lands, where he showed his bravery, and his patience for secrets is even less. "I explained that. She said the diviner saw alternative paths. If she did live one of you would die in her place. She believed strong in fate and destiny. The old woman detected destiny in most of the party here. Shu could not live emotionally knowing that she would live if one had to die in her place. I pleaded with her for days to seek our help but she refused. She actually thought she would die in battle. I suspect she did not know she would die in a simple inn. If she had I believe she might have tried harder to live. She wrote a few things of her views in her journal. She wished for me to return it to her master. If you must read it to verify my story you can. Though to do such thing is a violation of privacy. I personally will not do it. If you do not believe me then read her private thoughts and seek wisdom from a tormented girl. It doesn't contain any details on her ritual just her last inner thoughts." Farseeker nods and frowns. "It almost sounds like Jordi acted once. Destiny and fate can control our lives or we can control our own." He turns to Arawn. "Now to that explanation you were going to tell us?" Arawn scans the distance and the plains are wide and shows no sign of people or mysterious creatures. "Sorry about the mystery earlier but considering all the attention we had already garnered I did not wish to risk ourselves further by speaking of less than mundane things while in the city. I recognized what it was that killed Shu. It's a creature from the realm of Shadow, a shadow warrior. A rare few have the ability to call them forth into this world and from what I can tell the one that we witnessed had to have been called by a very powerful summoner. Either a true master of such magics or a very experienced and talented Shadow Weaver was responsible as it was different than those that are normally summoned." "That's why I spoke with Zhou about having the rear lanterns placed. These beings can travel invisibly and silently through the shadows and I did not want to risk one striking at us, unlikely as it might be. They can easily slip up on one and strike a death blow without anyone else knowing until it is too late, especially this one. In addition I wanted to minimize risk of a shadow-spy slipping in amidst our camp." Farseeker asks, "a shadow weaver? They in some cult?" Caladan looks around while he asks. "I've heard of such things. Woundenal told me a few stories. In fact wasn't there a shadow master up in the dark lands? I've heard some of the wizards can attach a shadow to a person and use shadows in amazing ways." Zhou nods. "Novasa is the only one in the lands to use such magic. but he never does in public. He is a very private person and a bit hated by many." After hearing Arawn's explanation Kell opines, "So the Night Demons may correctly named and possibly be aligned with a whole branch of the forbidden in Katai?" In a very sarcastic tone, "This is just great. And if they are aligned with the Vong, oh so much the better." Pondering the possibilities that the Vong are using them in addition to one or more royal houses. This doesn't make him happy. Zhou finally states. "Shu wished to be buried near the water. So I believe once we cross the river we should bury her there. If we must we can always return for the body to take home." [Julis 26th, 1634TH] [Location: Middle Katai, Shantou Province, South of Shantou] [Time: 11:48am] The party gets to the river and a large wooden bridge is at the highway point crossing over. There is a road station that collects a small fee for upkeep of the highway and bridge. Zhou pays the few coins of toll and the party soon crosses over. For hours the party passed farmlands and the outer city margins that seemed to never end. For a great distance the farmlands seem to stretch from horizon to horizon. Along the river there are many river homes, business and docks. This time of day the river is extremely busy with boats of all sizes from rowboats to full barges with cargo. Wagons and hundreds of people mill about the river areas and the small villages that line the river east and west. Zhou is disappointed at the crowded area. He had hoped to find a quiet place along the river. It takes a good 20 minutes to find a secluded wooded around a bit off the river shore So the burial spot doesn't get flooded a place is selected and marked in case there is need of return. Once the party finds the place isn't full of people the party begins to dig a grave for Shu. In this area the village has thinned out and the nearest place is a small garbage dump half a mile away. But this area seems free of traffic and the river isn't as busy here as near the bridge. Arawn is wrapped up nicely in blankets and placed gently into the hole. The party gathers around and speaks a few kind words. Arawn, Raban and Strie'bog all give blessings and prayers for Shu's journey to the next life. After a quick lunch the party heads back onto the main highway and continues south. [Time: 2:17pm] [Location: 20 miles south of Shantou City] At this point the wagon slows down to a slow speed as they find their way along the highway south. Unali uses landmarks though in this area one farm looks like al the others. Few trees and natural formations give clues to landmarks. The plains are just too wide and open. After some trial and error and directions from three local farmers the carnival grounds are located. All afternoon the highway has been busy with traffic of single people on foot to dozens at a time in caravans. The party stops on the west side of the road and looks down t wide dirt path that is clearly not part of the well maintained highway. The dirt road goes almost due west for 2-3 miles. By now the sun is to the east and over the back shoulders of the party. There are clouds but they are fast moving making it a bright and hot afternoon. Unali scans the west area with her spyglass. She spots several structures. One looks to be a tall barn like thing. There are several low squat buildings around that structure. But at this distance some two miles out the detail is vague. There appears to be no movement or sign of life at this distance. Farseeker dismounts. "Now what? It is open out here. If we go down the road we'll likely be spotted. We can't simply stay out here all afternoon till night as folks passing by will alert guards to check us out for trouble and rumors. Should we leave the wagon or take it with us?" Zhou nods, "I say we all go as a group. I could pretend to need the grounds for some great event. Say a House celebration or wedding. Joust and Champion fights and the like. It could give us some cover if there are folks there. We could check it out at the very least." As folks begin to discuss their options, Ben'dar notices Arawn is slightly staring at him longer than usual. Actions? Comments? Next Update...Friday... GM: Website updates [all in links section] - Advetime.txt - Adventure Timeline - updated events - People.txt - Added and updated some people from adventure - Updinfo.txt - Minor notes on important events in updates - Wagon.txt - Updated file in many areas - Contact.txt - Added a lot of info For the Wagon file I have updated the file for some skills folks posted after the last mini-IBT. Once the travel time to Pamau is determined you can add or update to the skills. If none are updated will use old info. Updated treasure info (horses sold, expenses paid out for taverns, food, etc.). For a basic idea of the full update to this file see the very bottom section. For the character contacts I have all emails for everyone in this email. These are public as the posts are public and ergo the email address is there. When get time verify the spelling and ensure no errors but no rush. This is good in case you need to CC folks and not sure on their email address. Now it is in one easy to find link. Also 2 players (you know who you are) are on ICQ. If you want your ICQ# published to this file let me know. GM: Ok. A big update. Lot of stuff happened. I was hoping to do a bit more stuff in Shantou like with Chion or Ben'dar and others but they suddenly became quiet. Oh well. Still was fun. now we move into the next phase of the adventure. GM: Journey to Pamau will take a few days. 20 miles - Shantou to Carnival grounds 130 miles - Carnival to Pang Fort 60 miles - Pang fort to Pamau Roughly 200 miles total trip. At 30 miles going over the road (road helps with speed). It will take 7 days travel time. (I added 10 miles for rain delays and for easy math :)). Julis 26 - 32 - Travel to Pamau Julis 32/33 - Arrive in Pamau Exit entry time I will have to figure out depending on weather and encounters that might occur. I've not rolled those up yet. So for purposes of the mini-IBT you can consider it 7 days of it. Let me know what you want to do during that period so I can put it in the wagon file. Fort pang is a small fort/village at the crossroads point that goes south to Pamau and further east to the coast. There are 3-4 other villages along the way for supplies. GM: Let me know about the carnival stuff. Unali will have the ultimate decision but I'm sure she'll take input from others.