HT Aliaver/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R1.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma --.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe --.Floyd Mesler..........Jordan Malic......Warrior.Normal/Human Ma R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma R1.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe R1 John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Squirt (Ferret) Kell Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/ Public posts/actions to pnpgm@list.powersandperils.org (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@comcast.net Game Update #13 in sequence (file #45) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [None] -------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Augado 11th - Sepes 24th, 1634TH] [Location: Marentia (Maren)] [Augado 11] Kiet gives a heavy sigh of relief mixed with trepidation and anticipation. To him this is a new place. He only joined the party in the dark lands after shipwrecked now 3 months ago. He can tell already the chance in atmosphere. In Katai the mountains were dry and dusty. Here just a few miles from the sea he can smell the smells of the water. The more humid air is refreshing as well with a cooler breeze hitting his face. It almost reminds him of home on the island. For some time he recalls the island of Lemasa where he grew up on and misses it slightly. But this land he is told is a bit safer in general. If only the others knew how dangerous Lemasa can be. Kiet spends time in the afternoon with Kell walking the city of Sivas. It's good to be able to simply walk around with a good friend and not have to worry about what's around every corner. Kell mentions his home is just a quick teleport away a few hundred miles from here to the west. Kiet thinks that he may not have time until later, but tells Kell he is looking forward to visiting his home town. Kiet can tell the difference in Katai and here. In Katai they believe in everything from ape eyeballs to squid liver to ball bearings that help in back aches, though Kiet must admit that the squid liver was tasty. But in Marentia they tend to use more common and "civilized" goods and services. Not much in the way of exotic food like gorilla brains or spider web sacs but at least some decent foods that Kiet recognizes. He can quickly tell the differences in cultures within minutes in the market place. That night Kiet enjoys the party until Luvac goes over his choice of gifts. Of all the things the High Elder could do but to force choices! But before the acrobat could lose his cool Luvac reveals the plan to give them all as a test of who might be more greedy or in true need. Even after saving the world the High Elder gives them tests. The day that Kiet's interactions with the High Elder are over will be a day to celebrate. Perhaps that day has already come. Kiet notices Fremea and that new Faerry called Kaylle whisper and share items back and forth. He was used to having one flying. person but two here just seems unnatural. But he realizes that even in this land non humans are few and rare. Kiet wonders how rare might be magicians, considering how they were treated in Katai. This one, Kaylle, seems to have been given favor by the kingdom and the people to even run a library. This land is indeed lawful which is a nice chance of pace. [Augado 12] Kiet is awaken by Kell before sunrise and realizes that the the land is full of earthquakes. No wait the tavern is just spinning. No wait it is just his head. That Ba'ru wine and that very sweet Goideli wine added with a sip of ale here and there seems to have not mixed well. He thinks on the merits of abstinence and how he could do this to himself. After 3 minutes he finally is able to stand without falling. That alone is odd since a acrobat learns how to stand and fall well. Now he just needs to relearn to stand. After Cholan gives him some hot bread and tea he begins to revive a bit and the tavern is not shaking but there are still two fireplaces and 3 Rabans. One was enough but 3 man! Soon the signs of even the double vision seems to clear. Finally Kiet gathers his body and checks all fingers and toes and meets with Chion for the teleport to the north. He then dreads such a teleport going that far with his stomach still rocking, not to mention his dread in facing the High Elder after failing to keep that sorry, old Zhou alive. At least he died for a reason, yet it's too late to ask him if it was still worth it. Chion tells those who are not used to long jumps should close their eyes and take a deep breath. Some have been known to lose their breath on the long jumps as if their soul is catching up to their body. Then in a blink the group teleports to the Zen'da plains. Kiet looks all over and sees nothing but wide plains. He has heard stories about here from Ben'dar and Caladan. But he can't imagine people would want to actually live here. It is so flat and boring looking. Then the introductions are made and Kiet watches the tribe go about their business. One more jump and the group finds themselves in the Vassa forest of the Pavassa. The terrain changes in a blink from open plains to ancient and tall trees all around where he can't see more than a quarter mile in any direction. Kiet can sense the magical barrier to the Sacred Forest. He has heard stories of them but never been in one. Here it seems the Fae and humans are in good connection to each other. Before he could even start to study the people he is teleported to the Dark Lands. After some brief time in the markets with Kell he enters the Citadel to find the moneylenders. He is lucky to have survive and keep his parchment that identifies him as a depositor. He turns in the document to get his funds back. Hopefully after a few months with a few extra coins. The moneylender a old man in his 60s recognizes the acrobat and informs he can get his funds in the morning. No more than 50 gold is kept in the tiny hut at any one time for safety. The funds are always kept in the citadel's secondary vault. Kiet spends most of the afternoon learning how to ride a rented horse through the forest. The acrobat can fall down a flight of stairs and stand up with his talent but riding a horse is another thing. So he decides it is time to learn to get at least a halfway decent skill at riding. For the next 17 days Kiet is taught by someone to ride and even fight on his horse if need be. It would have been nice to have one of his companions help him learn the skill but, like Kiet, they are all busy with their own agendas. Kiet is not upset, though, and thoroughly understands. Once Kiet returns Sivas he would hire a teacher to help him to do this not wanting to show his lack of skill. But he knows that everyone learns at one point. That night inside the citadel tavern Kiet notices 4 people eating and drinking. They are set aside from most of the people here in the town and tavern by their dress. In fact they remind Kiet of the party. Well armed and with good armor. Bags and pouched. Kiet but can't help but listen to the four talk. Kiet learns the group come to seek the High Elder's review of a situation. But he is gone off to some other place They are annoyed that Oby Wan has conducted their interview. Oby Wan does say they could visit Sven for a opinion or even the Sorceress in that order but they also know Sven is off to the west by ship. Talking to the other one is dangerous so they do not wish to do that. They strategize about some kind of situation on the tundra just west of their domain. Some encroachment into the Lands. Oby just upholds the policy of being neutral yet guarded. So if the domain wishes to fight any threat they can do so and seek help if needed. This seems to satisfy the men but they need to cover the rules if they have to chase the enemy back onto tundra. Kiet finds it an interesting situation but there must be hundreds of such events in the Lands every day. Naturally, Kiet thinks that the intruders need to be dealt with harshly and swiftly so that the invaders understand the cost of their actions. As it is written, "Never steal from a Wizard." When the group leaves he finally heads upstairs to his room. Before going to bed Kiet casts 3 enchantments onto his Bracers that he made previously. They seem to work very well. [Augado 13] The next morning Kiet returns to the moneylender to get his funds and some profit. "Let's see you left two piles of gold for two funds. The first was a fund we share for citadel profit sharing the other fund a growth fund based on import taxes." The moneylender confirms to Kiet. But Kiet can't recall what he did just that the money lender said he could get some profit back. He doesn't understand or care how the lenders do their job. "After you group returned from that flying island thing." He doesn't look surprised but Kiet is as it wasn't known outside a few. Guess the rumors got out. "The citadel enjoyed a new period of growth. The town grew by almost 50 people which allowed more taxes and income to the market..." The old man notices Kiet looks bored so finishes up. "You left 50 gold in this fund for a low interest yield. Actual growth was better than projected so you earned 6% on your gold of 3 gold for a total of 12 more gold over the time you left. The other group you left 30 gold for a higher hope of profit. But it was only average so only earned 5%. For 15 Silver per month for 45 silver. So you will get a total of your original 80 gold plus 12 and 45 silver or 96 gold and 5 silver." "Now we take our cut of 1% plus a bit extra share that the High Elder earns. So we will deduct 1 gold so you will return with 95 gold and 5 silver." He then turns and opens a safe to haul out a large bag and hands it to Kiet. "Pleasure doing business with you." Of course Kiet knows the man had his 80 gold for 3 months which could have earned him 12-15 gold per month so he probably got a good profit of half his gold on the use of his coins. But at least he gets some profit. Kiet smiles and thanks the man profusely. All he really wanted was to keep his money safe while they were away. Earning this much is indeed a handsome, and unexpected, reward. Kiet had never seen this kind of money in Lemasa or Katai, and the interest alone would have kept him in high style for a long, long time. He would leave the man a tip, but Kiet knows the man has already done that for himself. Then Kiet is shocked when he sees Zhou alive walk out of the teleport building. He almost drops his own bag. He is glad to see the fool alive but glares at Chion for tricking them. When Zhou orders Kiet to clean his boots he even kneels down for a split second then he realizes he is not his servant anymore and straightens up. Kiet just shakes his head and smiles at Zhou. Genuinely glad to see him hale, but also because he no longer has to worry about any possible retribution from the High Elder! Kiet was seriously worried about that before. Kiet shakes hands with Zhou and inquires as to his current health state (noticing his somewhat diminished physical capacity). Then he tells him, "It was an honor to serve with you, and I regret that I was unable to keep you whole and safe. You should be proud that the people here think so highly of you that they would bring you back. Fare thee well." Zhours bows deeply, "as the Diviner always told us fate has their agenda. We only work with what we see not what we can do. I know but that is how she phrases it. But her point is that your destiny was in the final battle. Mine was not. Who knows if I was not there to save that girl Strie'bog and others may have died. I say that not with a ego but as one bend in the river of fate. You did well and I am proud of you even if you did scuff my boots occssionally." After final farewells are given Kiet returns to the plains and then Sivas. Thanks to the flying castle and his own good luck Kiet has a nice sizable income. He finds a moneylender and immediately converts it to Marentian coins Kiet asked Z'leyra if he can spend time at her manor since she offered it. She accepts and will store the coins in her own personal suite which is warded. Kiet finds this reassuring and was planning to do the same thing himself. He didn't ask about what kind of wards, but somehow Kiet thinks his would be far deadlier. Never steal from an Elder Mage. The owner should have hired better help. [Augado 15] Kiet was in the market today when he heard two guys talking about a very excellent show at some private eating place. He gets the directions from their conversation and later heads there. Kiet figures a nice show will be good and if its private place it would be more exclusive. After a long time of riding he is eager to just sit and rest his blisters. He hopes the seats are well cushioned. He finally arrives at the place and a bouncer opens the door and checks him out. He allows entry and advises brawls will not be tolerated. Kiet nods and says that it's the last thing he wants anyway. Kiet enters the small room that fits maybe 30 in about 2 dozen tables. He finds a place and orders a ale. He notices a stage in front lighted by lamps on the edge. After about 20 minutes finally a man comes to the stage and boats about a show not seen by most. Kiet ignores most of it and then suddenly a naked gal in her 20s appears on the stage. Kiet perks up to this. He has, after all, been on the road along time and in constant danger. Then from the other side a boy brings a mule onto the stage. Kiet then sees the girl get a bit too friendly with her hands and the mule and decides this is not the show he should be seeing. He decides to leave and wonders what guys would want to see that. As she leaves the door he can hear the mule bray for some odd reason. He shakes his head and leaves the place and hopes not to return. [Augado 18] Kiet comes across Raban in a park square entertaining. He is dancing, singing and playing his mandolin for a audience of about 50. The open air park is for picnics and other civil things like debates. Raban urges Kiet to do some acrobatics and so he does a few tricks. By the end of the performance he notices a pile of 11 Copper nearby they must've given him. But he did it to have fun not for income. Kiet knows that most entertainers can make a decent living doing this but it is not his main source of income. Not like stopping flying magical islands and gaining a pile load of gold! He drops the coins off at a local family homeless shelter that caters to victims who lose their home from fires. It isn't much but it could at least get some blankets or such for a family. Kiet tosses in two silver of his own for good measure. Kiet finds a good tavern this time, he has been in. It serves good soup and decent ale. After a bit of shopping it is around 7pm or so. Kiet is finishing his rabbit stew and some hot bread when three guys at a nearby table start to argue. Within moments they are fighting. Others from nearby tables seem who are eager for a fight also jump in. In just half a minute a full fledge brawl breaks out with a dozen people. When a plate almost misses his head he decides it is time to go home. He invokes his new speed boots to run past the flying mugs, silverware and plates to the door. Just as he leaves a nice plop of green mush that must be some vegetable hits him in the left cheek. But it could have been worse. Kiet doesn't need the grief, nor the pain, of being involved in a brawl, but also wouldn't want to be tempted to use his power since he was saving it for other purposes. Kiet continues his spell practice to improve his skill in Law banishment, Kotothi protection, glamours, Decode, Tongues, Flight and Elder banishment. He recasts Sky knowledge and knowledge again to learn the language and new spell ritual. [Augado 19] Today Kiet spends some time at Z'leyra's manor casting spells. He first a Sky Knowledge to ask the sky lords some knowledge on a language he wants to learn. Since Kiet is a guest he does his casting outside the manor in a field and casts a purification spell onto the area. Just for practice he recasts that spell to purify the ground twice more. He then casts a knowledge spell to ask the gods about a new spell he heard about in the Dark Lands. He then casts a ensorcellment upon his pre made pinky ring after getting some suggestions from Z'leyra. He places a smokeless flame spell on both rings and will show the enemy what it means to have hands of fire. [Augado 23] Kiet is in a clearing with the teacher who is talking about riding in a battle. Both are eating lunch and their horses are grazing. The discussion gets very detailed with gestures and dancing feet simulating the battle and horses. Both men get so engrossed they do not notice a goat has exited the bushes and found Kiet's saddle bag. It drops to the ground and the goat begins to rummage through it. The goat eats some rations, a stick of salty meat he just paid for at the local market and begins to eat a new tunic Kiet just paid for as well today. By the time Kiet notices half of the tunic is eaten before the goat is chased off. The tutor just laughs and laughs. But Kiet considers some nice goat chops might be good. But the tutor explains goats just eat anything in sight. They are not picky animals. Kiet then nods and laughs a bit as well. The first day he encounters a animal in this land and it eats his stuff. Could be worse could be a animal that eats him. [Augado 24] It is around 8 am when Kiet is riding to meet his teacher outside the city to do more riding. he is riding near the warehouse districts by the water when he notices a large carriage out in front of a large 2 story warehouse. The carriage is ornate and not one for peasants but likely a noble. A guard in chainmail carrying a pike watches as Kiet approaches. He says, "move along!" Kiet is curious and slows the horse down. then a man opens the carriage door and steps out. He is dressed in fine silks and expensive looking pants. he is in his late 40s and clean shaven with a diamond ring on his finger that could likely pay for a house in itself. The man looks to Kiet and smiles then walks toward the warehouse doors. "No autographs! Move along. Orik is here on business." The guard waves his pike and waves Kiet forward. Orik is greeted by two men at the door and the three enter the warehouse with the guard running to catch up. Later that night Kiet asks about the name of Orik at Cholan's tavern before going to Z'leyra's manor. Cholan looks surprised and raises a bushy eyebrow. "Orik? That is the most famous actor in Maren city. He even plays to the audience of the King himself." Kiet shrugs it might have been nice to get tips from the famous actor but he was not eager to give tips out. Later Raban becomes jealous hearing about Orik as the Bard would have loved to have met him. [Augado 25] Kiet yawns as he approaches a shop at dusk after a long day of horse riding. The shop clerk was to meet with him to make some repairs to one of his old set of boots. Never know when one needs a extra spare. He enters the shop only to bump into a large man. The man a clear guard in heavy leather and a sword at his hip grunts. "No entry. Come another day." The guard shoves Kiet out and he grunts as the door closes. This isn't right he was due to meet the clerk today at this hour. Kiet passes the front window and peers inside. he can see a man in the darkness holding a dagger to the clerk's neck. Either the guy is a unhappy customer or this is a shake down. Kell has told of such things with merchants. Thugs who try to take over their business or force them to pay for "protection" or such. Kiet decides maybe it isn't his place to help. He looks up and down the deserted street. Soon folks will be around to go to dinner but most will be leaving the city for their homes. So where are those city guards when one needs them? As Kiet rounds the corner to go north toward Z'leyra's manor he hears someone in the second story window. A girl around 12 or so is looking down and whispering. "..please help..a guy..trying to come in...help us!" Kiet sighs and considers his options. He is not wearing armor or has his shield. He is walking tonight so he only has his daggers with him. He glances up to see the girl suddenly dart away and say something he can't understand. His mind tells him to leave but his heart says to help. Too much time spent with Arawn! He curses under his breath then turns around. He is, after all, an accomplished and dangerous mage. He grabs his dagger and stands in front of the shop door. He quickly starts the words for a spell and then just before the final word is spoken he bangs on the door. The guard opens it again. This time the smokeless flame hits the guard and he begins to scream. Kiet invokes his magical boots and pulls the man outside and shoves him to the ground while burning. The other man who is startled by this looks over and releases his grip on the clerk's neck slightly. Kiet moves with his magical boots toward the man at the desk. This causes the man to turn around. At this instant Kiet has a bit of second thought but it is too late. Too much time spending with Raban and his rash actions without thinking! Before Kiet can attack though the clerk pulls a tool he uses to splice boots and stabs the man in the side of the neck. The man falls down bleeding and grabbing his neck. The clerk turns and yells for some name likely his daughter. then the clerk rushes up the stairs to the second story and Kiet realizes he is running into danger without another weapon. Kiet shakes his head and races up the stairs behind him. At the top of the stairs Kiet races past the man and sees a open door that has to be the girls. He rushes to it and finds a man standing over the bed with a girl on top crying. the man is grinning and licking his chops. Kiet notices the still open door and runs to tackle the man. The speed of the boots forces the man back and toward the window. Kiet swipes at the man with his dagger but misses. The man reaches for his own knife as the clerk enters. Kiet knees the man and makes him stoop. Then using a acrobatic spin he drags and then shoves the man out the window head feet. the man slams into the dirt ground hard and does not move. The clerk looks to Kiet as he looks back. A half minute later three city guards are called and rush to the scene at the scene of the burning man. They enter and find the clerk and Kiet. The clerk explains the man wanted his shop for a foreign investor to build up a large series of shops. The clerk who is the owner refused and the threats escalated till tonight. Another shop clerk had his own sister raped to threaten the guy to sell. So the city guards take Kiet's name but seems to find no fault in the deaths. A magistrate will have to follow up with the other details to confirm the story but Kiet should not leave town for a couple weeks. Kiet explains where he can be found. the clerk is so grateful that he will make two sets of finely made ornate boots free if Kiet so wishes. Kiet considers this offer and agrees. After all, the clerk should not feel obligated that he owes Kiet anything. [Augado 27] Today the teacher is proud to let Kiet race him as today the acrobat learns how to ride the horse fully. Kiet still doesn't much like horses, but they are useful conveyances. The past couple weeks have been dressing for the skill but now the confidence shows that he is fully trained. Now things like bucking horses and snakes scaring horses he is trained to react. The race goes well which is about 2 miles outside the city but Kiet shows a slight hesitation and loses the race but it was close. Kiet is proud to complete the task of learning to ride a horse. He is riding down a secondary road when he notices a crowd of 30 or so people outside a shop. The shop seems to be a land deeds shop. Kiet listens to the crowd and learns they are upset about some foreigner from Bhamotin who was trying to buy shops in the White Castle area of town. The shop is owned by the man and the shop is now closed with a very scared looking clerk peeking out the window. From the angry voices Kiet learns the plan was found out when some person saved one merchant a couple days ago. The magistrate sent men specially trained to investigate this. The plan was uncovered and stopped. Kiet rides on humming a song he heard Raban sing once as he smiles. As he rides on a group of half dozen guards come to rescue the poor clerk and likely to arrest the clerk. Happy about him affecting good change to the city he visits a tavern with a long wide stage. He is eager to let off some steam and when the juggler assigned that hour does not show up he tells the owner he can do some acrobatics. The owner advises that he can't pay but if he is good he could see about a contract and income at that point. He does well doing somersaults, flips and ornate twists. After he is done blowing off steam he notices 3 copper in change in the bucket. But that should pay for a good ale at least. After a good days of work he spends time on his purified area to cast some spells. He notices a ant hill thriving in his area. He guesses the spell is making them more energetic. Kiet places a sustenance spell upon one of his pre-made magical tokens. After 2 weeks of free time, Kiet has completed making two items. The first is a silver ladle of a 8 ounce cup. He places a water from stone spell upon the ladle. He then places a new setting on his bracer's mana battery to make it twice as strong due to his new skill. He then places a flight spell upon another pre-made magical token. [Augado 28] Today Kiet improves his horsemanship skill when the tutor teaches him to draw and use his tulwar in case the situation may arise. Using a weapon with your main hand and the reins with the off hand can be tricky. But after hours of practice the Lemasan finally gets the hang of it. Since today is the last day the tutor is needed Kiet challenges him to a new race. This time they find a smooth country road and race 2.5 miles to a edge of a farm area. Kiet may not know horses as well as Ben'dar but he can judge the two horses are equal. Now it is just luck and skill. Kiet copies the way the tutor leans in the saddle and even how he breathes. The race is neck and neck for 2 hours then Kiet surges ahead when he dips his horse just to the side causing the tutor's horse to hesitate and slow down to avoid a crash. In the final leg, Kiet's horse surges forward and crosses the invisible line to win the race. Of course he is not sure if the tutor let him win or actually he did well. But it was a nice end to a 2 week ordeal of riding on a horse. Kiet rewards the fine service with three pieces of silver extra. Now to heal those blisters and nasty rash. Why didn't the tutor show him to avoid those things? [Augado 29] After seeing the failure to send home one of the elementals in Katai, Kiet decides maybe he could help. He seeks out how to learn the Banishment spell for Elder magic. Kiet notices that Kell is busy so asks around. Fremea explains that Kaylle can help and so Kiet travels to the library to visit Kaylle. Kaylle Kell told him it would take a week to learn. But Kaylle has a scroll donated to the library from a wizard. It has just the spell he needs to learn. So with Kaylle giving help to teach it and the scroll he should actually learn in less time. So it will take him the next 6 days not 7 to learn the spell. Kaylle does not prefer to be paid but he also admits that any coins to help the library funds would be nice. He could use more books for children. So if Kiet wishes to pay he will gladly welcome the donation. This spell is important to Kiet and offers one gold piece to Kayelle, er...the library fund. Perhaps in the future Kiet can make the donation of a scroll. Maybe have to show this little faerry some of the books he has too. An interesting place, this library. [Augado 30] Word gets back to Cholan's tavern by messenger and notes that Farseeker is doing well in the south. Kiet knows that riding 3 days south to visit him could be dangerous alone. He could go with a caravan but word is some have been attacked. But the note from Farseeker reports is that he is trying to clean up the mess down there. Kiet decides to visit the south gate area to see what shops are there. Who knows maybe he will encounter some news about Farseeker from others. [Augado 31] Kiet is taking a break from his learning the new spell to walk the nearby street. He encounters a man with a flute that seems to resonate through the entire body. Kiet even wonders if it isn't magical. Kiet listens to the man play his flute for 20 minutes and is memorized by him. He has seen Raban play the pipe but not this well. Not with this much emotion. Kiet is so entertained that he tosses a silver coin to the man's hat. The man simply nods and continues to play to a crowd that is getting larger by the second. Kiet reminds himself to tell Raban about this player, and gives him a location and description. [Sepes 1] Today Fremea and Kiet are treated to a guest at the library who lectures on ancient magic. The scholar goes into a long discussion on how magic may have come about and formed over the centuries. There is no time to warn the others to listen as it was a spur of the moment thing. In fact only word spreads out quick enough to warn 4 other wizards and a dozen or so other citizens. Kiet didn't even know there were that many other wizards here. Kiet is not sure if the scholar is full of hot air, after all how can it be proved right his theories? But the man was fun to listen for the 2.5 hours. Kiet is walking back to Z'leyra's manor just as the skies show first signs of dusk. he is walking by some warehouses and a street gang suddenly appears from all sides as if from the walls themselves. Suddenly there are 8 of them 2 on each side and 2 behind him. Two are in front and holding daggers. The thug who clearly never learned how to speak a full sentence without spitting and slurring as if on drugs which he probably is tries to speak. "Mahone or deye." Kiet shakes his head and just wonders if the kid was hit too much growing up. Kiet knows he has no chance with 8 daggers and his own dagger. Kiet tries to use a trick Kell uses. He explains that he will give the gang his money and some more he has at his place on one condition. A simple foot race to the end of the street. the thugs grin and laugh and then look at the well trimmed yet pampered Kiet. "Race me?" He laughs he steals and runs faster than men on horses, at least fat horses. Kiet shrugs another tactic learned from Kell if the deal goes bad then pretend to walk away from it. he grabs his money pouch and pretends to unwrap it. The thug reaches for it and shakes his head. "More coyne?" Kiet nods and pretends to notice a bird fly by. Kiet mentions gold and that perks up the thugs. They might get a gold coin once a week not all at once. The thug flexes his arms and nods. Kiet and the idiot gang member stands ready for the race. One of the gang announces the race to start and the two men begin to run. Kiet begins to run a bit slow on purpose to give the other man confidence. Then he smiles and invokes his magical boots. Kiet races past and waves. Then zooms ahead and rounds the corner and out of sight. Kiet can hear yelling but he makes a mental note not to travel that side street again. He also makes a point of remembering what they look like, as best he can. [Sepes 2] Kiet is trying to search for some good clothing when a beggar accosts him. The toothless man begs and begs. But Kiet just shoves him away. If the man was listed as a dangerous person it would be his breath listed as a lethal weapon. Kiet shoves the man out of the way 5 times going in and out of clothing shops on the main street. On the 6th attempt Kiet gets irritated and throws him into a horse trough full of dirty water. It isn't that Kiet is a mean guy but these beggars are out for coin for drugs or drink. Cholan warned him of it. There is a difference in the beggars and the homeless. At least the homeless are out to work to earn their coin. [Sepes 3] Kiet finishes his learning of the Elder banish spell. He now feels better knowing a new spell. Though he hasn't tested it now he knows the gestures and words needed to help Kell. After a few weeks of free time Kiet places magical energy into his silver 10 inch wand making it now magical. He recasts Sky Knowledge and Knowledge to learn the language and new spell. He then enhances a set of seeds he previous got never knowing when one might need them. With his primary spell projects done he starts to practice his main spells. He improves his entangle, active and personal illusions as well as tumble. [Sepes 4] Kiet decides that using a javelin is good for long distance but at times melee combat is needed. To survive the future he needs to learn some combat skills. He decides to find a teacher to teach him to use a scimitar. Days earlier he paid for a shiny new Tulwar. Cholan finds a teacher who will teach him how to use the scimitar and tulwars. The man a retired guard with a bad left hand teaches him over the next 10 days. Kiet ends the day of sword play and decides to walk the board walk watching the ships. He encounters a recruiter for the Marentian navy and tries to be convinced to join. The recruit promises a good life as the Sea of Tears is a friendly place compared to the great oceans. He explains the pirates are in need of a good beating by strong men like Kiet and others around him. The guy is a sweet talker for sure but Kiet decides to move on back to Z'leyra's manor. [Sepes 5] Kiet is inspecting shops in the south side of town looking for rare natural magic items. Never know when one may need to buy some in the future. After an hour of exploring he visits a tavern and drinks a ale at the bar. A young man is 3 stools down the way talking about the nice people in this area. The drunk just shakes his head saying that people are scum and should be careful. The old drunk is clearly seen a lot of bad times. But the young man perks up and explains. "I would not be here if such a good man helped me! He helped me on the road in the south. Gave me some coins so I can get passage to my family. The kingdom is good to have such a man as commander of the fort down there." Kiet perks up to this and saunters over to ask what he meant. The young man introduces him as Corrack and explains his story. Kiet smiles and tries to get as much info on Farseeker as he can but the young man only met him briefly so doesn't have any good gossip. [Sepes 8] Kiet is exploring the north side of town to see if there are good markets there not found before. He passes a old cemetery that must be pre-kingdom. Yet he is surprised to see a funeral service taking place. He watches the group of about 30 mill around a grave side. What is interesting is the people are using lamps giving incense and some are chanting. It is almost a very old form of shamanism or ancient priest ceremony. But he is no religious expert so does not know the origin. But it does fascinate him for a bit to watch and listen. [Sepes 10] Today Kiet finds himself walking by yet another cemetery. Another funeral service taking place but this one is very normal with the usual crying and mourners. Kiet continues to walk past but stops when he notices a man staring at the service behind a tree as if spying on them. When the service is over the man is seen and an argument starts with the spy and two other men. From the sound of it seems the spy was actually expecting the man to still be alive and thinking the man faked his own death. The spy thought he was owed money. Kiet shakes his head and finds human behavior to be strange and that shows that he is around Fremea too much. [Sepes 11] Kiet is walking down a side street of a poor neighborhood. He notices a man dressed in wild flowing tunic like a sailor casting a spell on of all things a tree. He can't but ask what he is doing and the man tells him he was hired to save the tree from dying. IN a month Kiet has not seen use of open magic till now. There are some magic shops but not on busy streets. Marentia isn't phobic about such people or magic but not as open like the Dark Lands. It is a nice change to see open magic. In Katai the man might be killed on sight. Kiet continues to improve his known spells of tumble, major illusion, mana sending, mana shield, elemental powers and Law banishment. [Sepes 12] Kiet grumbles when he encounters another beggar on a small isolated road in the poor area of town. Kiet does not want to deal with him so tells him that if he can fetch the bird's nest on top of a tree he points out he'll give him a gold coin. the man who is clearly a drug user based on his lip color tries to climb the tree. Kiet simply walks away and some 10 minutes later the man is high up when he notices Kiet is gone and climbs back down cursing the acrobat. [Sepes 13] Kiet and the retired guard finally decides he has learned enough. All day they decide to spar between each other and fight for a few hours. With the guy's bad hand he gives a challenge but Kiet shows some good spirit in return. Even at one point Kiet gets a lucky swipe on his chest doing a very thin slice drawing a light bit of blood but nothing serous. Kiet offers to pay the man two silver for his trouble, and possibly needing a healer. The man appreciates the gesture but knows that in sparing even accidents happen. But Kiet realizes that fighting a friendly person is much different than a Vong or scary monster. That is when he decides that he should improve his shield skill. He saw how well Kell did with his own shield blocking several hard blows that might have killed him. That night after he is feeling the pain of his knees and muscles he asks Cholan about a shield tutor. Cholan points to himself that as a sailor he learned the skill. He will teach him a few hours a day. Mostly in the morning and some time in mid afternoon due to lulls in tavern traffic. He does not need to be paid though. Kiet thinks about some way to contribute to the young family, though...maybe a small charm bracelet for their child, with protection spells in it...hmmm...have to think on that for later. Kiet passes a warehouse of furs and sees a guard out back gambling with 2 boys with dice. Kiet is amazed how dedicated the guard is to guard the place. Even in such a fine land like here men are just as lazy as in Katai and Lemasa. Even at 11pm at night the boys are also out late and gambling. Then he notices another guy peering around the corner. He signals one of the boys and then lets the guard win that hand. Kiet realizes that the boys are gang members likely and are robbing the place as the guard gambles But this is not his place to interfere so lets the gang have their fun. [Sepes 15] Kiet is visiting the family of the man who taught him the basics of scimitar. The man invited him for dinner and he agrees. His wife and 2 kids are cute and typical lower middle class folks. The wife serves a very nice roast and a fluffy cake. But Kiet is amazed when a young woman around 19 enters the house. The man explains this is his as well. The girl was off working and just got home. Kiet becomes somewhat enthralled by her. She has all the curves and great face. Then she says something that destroys the scene "boyfriend". He is shaken by reality and soon leaves. Too bad might have been a nice girl to escort to the dancing halls. Word is even Farseeker may be dating now in the south. Even Ben'dar is with his girl and so figures maybe even the acrobat could juggle a girl. Maybe next another time if she dumps the guy. [Sepes 16[ Word gets to the merchants that the road south of Sivas to the forest border is much more safe thanks to the commander of the fort down there. The bandits have been almost fully wiped out. Caravans are starting more frequently as the trade to Bhamotin opens up better routes. Kiet listens to a wine dealer talking about the events in the south. Kiet asks some questions and learns that the "commander down there even is seeing a school teacher." The merchant feels this is making him more happy and thus more energized at his work and ridding the bad people down there. [Sepes 18] Kiet is shopping in a upscale market when he notices a fat guy bump into him. The man tells Kiet to watch out and stop staring. The fat man is well dressed and based on his sheath for his sword a crest of nobility is seen. The noble is heard telling the merchant of a crystal shop that some people should be beaten for not watching their step. He considers his options but a flame spell might get too much attention. As he is walking to the other of the market he notices a kid who is sneezing and coughing. The kid is wiping his sleeve with his nose running. Kiet tosses him a copper coin. He tells the kid that a fat guy and gives him the description is giving away free money. But the noble prefers to be hugged first and bowed to. If he catches the noble he can get at least 2 or 3 gold out of him. The kid eagerly runs to find the noble sneezing and coughing. Kiet feels bad but not for the noble but for the kid. What if the kid is beaten? But he looks fast he should be able to run away. [Sepes 20] Kiet is visiting a Herbalist shop today selling everything from simple plants to herbs to spices. Kiet notices the clerk is edgy and Kiet recognizes the look. Kiet has seen that look in the mirror. Based on the door in back and the overwhelming mix of spices and herbs the merchant has to be a drug dealer. Likely his wares are in the back. He isn't sure if drugs are illegal here but based on how he is acting they must be less welcome. [Sepes 24] Kiet feels he has improved most of his shield skill and practices sparring with Cholan and Kell with scimitar and Shield. The acrobat is finally getting used to the city. It is a place he might like to settle down. As he is walking after a late dinner at a tavern around 10pm, a man approaches. Kiet is cautious but lets the man pass. A minute later Kiet finds a rope around his neck. The thug tells him this will be a quick robbery and he won't be hurt if he does as he is told. But Kiet is ignoring him. He quickly with his last full breath of air speaks the words of a spell in Katai so the man doesn't know what he is saying. Then all of a sudden the man loosens his grip on the rope. The man looks to the side as if a bit confused. Kiet yanks the rope from his neck and is happy the abandon spell worked. Kiet then places the rope around the man's neck. He explains this is how is done. Then he tightens the rope harder and harder then the man falls to the ground. Kiet has no qualm for killing a man who tries to prey on others. But to use a rope one must learn how to use it better. Kiet is scandalized that the man would use a rope like this, and decides to give him one final lesson in the proper techniques. Actions? Comments? Next Update....Friday... GM: This is the first IBT that was edited by a player. David add his own comments to the original version. Sadly it is hard to say which is mine and his. But he probably added 50 or so lines. This is fine by me and I welcome it. Mostly he did things like paying out extra coins (7 silver and 1 gold) I would not as GM just toss that money around so would leave it vague. Same with spells I rarely use spells in IBT since that is mostly a player decision but waiting for reply back and forth would take forever so in most combat I try not to do such unless a character uses a standard spell or in this case David outlines two that he would use. So it worked out well. GM: Floyd/Malic - Get my emails? Wanted to clarify a few things on your IBT. Yours is the most simple and could be finished in no time but need to clarify things. GM: Kiet - I added a section to Aug 13 based on your new comments so that is new if you want to review Zhou's reply. : I removed 1 gold and 7 Silver per your own comments. I will add 2 sets of Boots. If you want to give one or two away let me know. GM: Kiet's IBT - Expertise Notes Horsemanship - 34 Learned, to EL1 Dispel/Banish - 18 Learned, to EL0, 2 Partial Scimitar - 20 Learned, to EL0 Shield - 22 To EL2, 13 Partial City Survival - 15 +1 EL Acrobat - 10 Jeweler - 17 +2 EL The Wind - 19 Learned, +2 EL Iron Skin - 7 Learning, 2 points to go GM: IBT Time - Augado 11-31 - IBT time period [21 days] Sepes [September] 1-24 - IBT time period [24 days] Reminder: Learning skill is 1 point per day, learning with trainer is 2 and with a book and teacher is 3. GM: CP/IBT Report Player CP Action IBT Action Notes Ben'dar Completed Completed Caladan Completed Completed Chion Completed Completed Farseeker Completed Completed Fremea Completed Completed Strie'bog Completed Completed Unali Completed Completed Raban Completed Completed Kiet Completed Completed Kell Completed Queued Malic --- Queued Arawn Completed No Info Will Need Info No Info Z'leyra Completed No Info Completed - Finished Queued - Has info/Work in progress in order of when got it No Info - No info / Need data GM: My immediate schedule: [in order of tasks] 1. Malic's IBT [Waiting for action clarification] 2. Kell's IBT [Got info need to queue it] 3. Arawn's IBT [Got info but not reviewed yet] 4. Any others that come in order.