` HT Aliaver/Player DS Character Name Type Status/N;;tes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R1.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar .. Ma --.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe R3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma W2R2.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma R4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma W3R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra 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 #38 sequence (file #274) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Pyan: [Re: Actions] Pyan will buy himself 38 days worth of Travel Rations when we stop at a town. GM: Ack. Will do. Don't forget you have more coin now. If want to buy other stuff. Also don't be afraid to interact with others - role play! At this point in Ticasi it might get a bit boring for all but Z'leyra but there is plenty of chances before and during. :) No one, including me, know much about Pyan at this point. Nothing is stupd in this game so don't fear saying the wrong thing. From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Being familiar with Ticasi, Z'leyra will show the party the ropes for dealing with the guards, storing weapons, (she will offer to put a Ward on the weapon lockers we rent that will inform her if the weapons are removed), getting the horses stabled cheaply at a long term horse ranch and getting everyone to a good inn that everyone can have rooms at. Talking with the guards, stableboys and innkeeper she will find out what political and other changes have occurred in Ticasi since she left. In particular who is new on the council and who is no longer on the council. Also she wants the latest gossip on the family of metalsmiths that she suspects may have had a hand in sabotaging her father's attempts to get on the council. The next day she plans to approach any family friends or allies of her father and grandfather, request that they arrange for neutral witnesses who are competent magic casters and respected by the council and have them meet the next day at the inn. She will treat them to lunch, explain what she wishes to do and take them to the site where her father's workshop burnt down. There she plans to cast the spells necessary for an Akasha spell to show (thru a tied in illusion spell established by a Ward) what happened that night. Ticasi background she explains to the party: The city has a bit less than 20,000 folks. The countryside another 50+ thousand. It was a city taken from the Kingdom of Ced by the Kingdom of Salaq and upon urging by the king's sage was made into a tax-exempt scholastic center. The Sage Armanthar was put in charge and he established the Council of Scholars to rule after his death. During a great plague the Council passed the Edict of Respite, establishing a firm code of cleanliness and order, banned wearing personal weapons in public, established curfews and created the constabulary. When Donara conquered Salaq, Ticasi accepted a Donaran resident and began paying a yearly tribute. Donarans still being subject to Ticasi law. Shortly thereafter a national Guard and Coastal Patrol were also established. Outside of thee city the farms tend to be large and well organized. TGicasi also has a large fleet of fishing vessels. All faiths are tolerated unless they practice 'dirty' rites. Avoid doing necromancy. Minor crimes may carry a sentence of public service (cleaning the sewers and such) or imprisonment, but major crimes carry a death sentence that must be ratified by the Council (or it is changed to life imprisonment). Note that carrying a concealed weapon IS a major crime. Trials are very slow and strung out taking months or even years. Z'leyra explains that her grandfather and father had both been metalcrafters of such skill that they had vied for and sometimes won the metalcrafter's seat on the Council of Scholars though a rival family of metalcrafters was most often in that seat. She suspected that the theft of one masterwork and later the burning down of her father's workshop with him in it might be traced to their handy work. She intends to use the Akasha spell to find out. GM: Ack. Good info. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] Kiet sees the prisoner die and grunts, thinking to himself that said prisoner was lucky. He wasn't planning on being gentle. Much later, Kiet looks at Z'leyra after her informational talk. There was a great deal spoken of her intent and the situation here in Ticasi, but not much else. "What about the rest of us? Do you have needs or help from... Kiet will turn over his javelins, swords (even the two magic ones), and daggers, along with his shield and armor. He suspects they will be unnecessary here. He will also take a look at all of the horses to determine which are in need of replacing. He will inform the owner of that horse as to their condition. I'll have more after think about actions. GM: Ack. Yeah the prisoner was doomed once he hit the ground. Using this Fringeworthy chart (great game and great set of very realistic charts) on trauma I rolled the effects and it was the whole rib into heart thing. No need to leave armor/shield. Just weapons. But it will be fine to leave but if change mind let me know by next update. Will assume leave in locker. As to horses Kell replaced his in Eured with a new one. Z'leyra never did or at least I've not seen it so it might've died form Shiben to Ticasi. :< From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra introduces herself to the guards at the gate speaking Salaqi "Hello, I am Z'leyra. I don't know if you remember... When talking with the guards at the gate and putting her various obvious weaponry into a large locker Z'leyra shows the guards her healing kit and asks with a smile about whether the knife in it is allowed or must be locked up. Also, is there places to store armor aside from leaving it in one's room at the inn? Then she asks about her staff mentioning that it is a tool she uses for casting magic spells. Is it allowed, like most objects it could be used as a weapon but it has a primary purpose that is not that of being a weapon? First asking permission of the guards she will cast (through her staff) a Sidh Ward Pact EL0 with Sending EL0 to warn her if the party's items are disturbed...The ward pact to dissolve when all the items are gone. Z'leyra asks that the party stay near at least until she has determined if her suspicions about her family's rivals are false or the situation has been dealt with. If correct they would have incentive to shut her up and her safety would not rank high in their priorities. Having tough, seasoned adventurers around would do a lot to reduce the chance of their trying something or of their succeeding against her if they did try. GM: Ack. You've still not let me know on the exhausted horse thing covered a couple updates ago. :< From Kiet: [Re: Actions] Kiet is happy to have finally reached the destination, and see that it is, indeed, a civilized place to stay. The inn looks quite comfortable, and he looks forward to some of that comfort. He orders the finest warm meal they might have. When Kiet retires for the evening, he will go then his many things and sort out what he wishes to carry for the next few days. He feels almost naked without his armor and weapons, but knows full well he has other resources. He wasn't going to announce to the world his magic, or the magic items he holds, like Z'leyra did... nothing subtle about that girl! As Kiet arranges things, he thinks about his next steps. He wonders how much trouble Z might be in after foolishly a nnouncing to the guards her identity. Sure, she might have garnered good will a few years ago, but news of her arrival almost certainly guarantees that her enemies, real or imaginary, will be ready for her...and likely us too. So Kiet decides to make his mana expenditures somewhat minimal. Using his silver wand, Kiet quietly casts a maximum EL Purification for the Knowledge spell, then casts Knowledge in order to improve his understanding of the Delude Sight spell. Kiet would have loved to cast some Sky Knowledge as well, but thinks it might be wise to maintain a mana reserve for the coming days. He would have liked to also have improved another spell he's been trying to learn, but it wouldn't help until the return trip...at best. Even this might not, but the chane is at least there. Also, Kiet decides to use as much mana from his bracer as will be practical for this casting. He reminds himself once again that it will soon be time to improve its capacity and capabilities. Speaking of the trip, Kiet wonders what is next and if all his companions (not to mention himself) will be returning. Also, by what route. He doubts that they will decide to travel that far and long again, but Kiet still hopes they all do. Much was gained this way. Pyandalgor should be thrilled with the results. GM: Ack. Ticasi is a place where Magic is accepted after all a school is there for it. I assume cast in the private room you probably want for Inn. With old points and current you learned the spell and now EL1. As to future travel who knows that is a few months at least away. (our time) ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Hills near Ticasi] [Decalis 23rd, 1634TH] [Time: 6:12 am] Kell listens to Z'leyra explain a bit more about Ticasi and her plans in the city. Kiet wonders about what to do himself. "What about the rest of us? Do you have needs or help from us for any of this, or are we essentially on our own?" Z'leyra reminds that she will need protecting if this metal clan goes after her. Maybe the first day in town the others can divide and explore but the second day at her old home she may need folks there as witnesses as well. Kell asks about this Akasha spell. "Seems interesting how it works. But will your witnesses honor it or the people in charge if you find out who killed him?" The party finishes breakfast and mounts up ready to travel the rest of the way to the city. [Ticasi City] [Time: 5:40 pm] Finally at the gate, Z'leyra looks at the guards. It has been a couple years but their uniform is slightly different. The usual colorful gray tunic with purple striping and lapels are the same. But the pants are now black instead of tan. Maybe it is a winter uniform for the Constables. She has known the Resident to make these changes on a whim if bored like one year forcing Constables to wear ugly hats with feathers. That did not go over well so it was soon changed with great happiness from the guards. These guards are holding polearms but have swords at their their hips dressed in under clothing with a small set of chainmail. Kell is curious and asks, "if we remove our weapons why do you guys have weapons?" The second guard to the guard leaning against the wall shrugs, "to protect the peace." Z'leyra introduces herself to the guards at the gate speaking Salaqi "Hello, I am Z'leyra. I don't know if you remember me. I was a journeyman healer at the school and at the temple. I helped heal a number of guards during my years of studies here. These are my friends and companions that accompanied me from Sivas in Marentia. It has been a long ride and we look forward to getting to an inn and resting. Is the Quarter Moon Inn still a fine place for a fair price?" The four guards listen to Z'leyra but show little emotion. Then the 3rd guard besides the leader whispers to one of the guards. That guard nods but says nothing. Z'leyra figures if she is known maybe it is the old prejudice coming back as they can clearly see her drum a symbol of at most times barbariaism. The lead guard nods, "it is. But it has been renamed and is still on Ecker street. Curfew starts at 11 unless you have the ribbons of citizenship. Once inside the guard you can store you weapons at the building on the right. The closest stables are on Menares Drive but if want it by the Inn then 2 blocks west of the Inn are some stables though they charge a bit more." Z'leyra asks about her knife in the satchel opening it to one of the guards. The guards shakes his head, "for that purpose we do not take a Healing knife. We only take obvious weapons and we do not search bags unless so ordered or we suspect trouble." He glances at the horses and the bags. "Smuggling is rarely done for weapons but for books. That is leaving the city not entering. Random checks may be needed on leaving the city to prevent theft." Z'leyra asks about her armor. "Armor is not needed in fact the storage facility is tight as it is. Armor will cost a few extra bits more. We suggest taking armor to the inn. You will be obvious though as majority of folks except for us do not wear armor. Since this is a place of learning no armor is needed." Z'leyra asks about her staff showing it to the men in her hand. "That is a weapon. Wands are common but Staves are subject to the rules. Exceptions are allowed by the Councilman Ariestorn's office or one of the Magic Department Professors. Usually for students who need to work on them in school." Z'leyra nods this is how it was and at the time she had permission with her dad on the council. But now it might be more difficult to obtain. When she left she did not have her staff but she did adhere to the rules on weapons even though some weapons for her learning was allowed due to her dad. As Z'leyra speaks, Arawn reads the wall which is full of various things from tenants of the schools to major historical times like the plaque. The writing in Salaqi is well made as if by scribes than boys wanting to deface a wall. It looks like from one wall section that this is the year 1102 and looks like this culture uses a lunar calendar. The Alfar does not understand why each culture has their own systems of dating and styles. In Marentia it is 1634 based on the Thaliban system. Z'leyra done speaking enters the gate with not much notice from the guards. Inside a guard directs the group to a large 4 story building. Another rare thing for some cities is this tall structure only a castle or government site might be this tall in Sivas. Outside there are half a dozen guards watching and waiting for shift changes. The group ties up the horses and figures with this much guards and Corona on the roof the horses and their gear will be fine. A boy comes out with a wagon and allows the party to pile the weapons on the small sledge. Arawn places his bow, quiver and sword on the wagon. He places his elf shot arrows in his bag as they would be best there not damaged. Fremea places her own bow, dagger and swords. She considers leaving a dagger under her dress. But the guards watch wondering why this girl has a bow and sword. Kell unloads his daggers, swords, spears, and tulwar onto the wagon which makes the boy stare wondering what group this is to have one man using so many weapons. Kiet places his javelin and daggers on the wagon and smiles knowing that a man can be a weapon on his own. Especially since his rings are still on his hands. Pyan seems unsure of this whole thing but removes his slings, bow, spears and dagger. He forgets to mention he still has a sling in his bag. Z'leyra places her great sword in sheath, swords, daggers, slings and short sword on the wagon. She holds her staff and will release it inside. The last to disarm is Unali who stares at the others. She begins to place dagger 1...2...3..4..5 on the wagon making the boy wonder how many daggers this one has. He quietly starts to count. Dagger 6, 7 and 8. Then she places her sling on the wagon. She feels her belt and feels naked at this event. This is not normal! But she does seem to recall a dagger or two might be in her bags and forgets to mention it. Two guards come over to help the boy haul the wagon through the large round entryway. Inside a man in his 30s starts to take inventory of each item. Making notes and taking names of ownership. "This amount of weapons will need a caravan vault. Third floor section D. Each vault will cost..." He makes some mental math notes in his head after he figures the total items. 5 copper per day. Since you say you may be here a week or less can reserve for that time. If you leave you may remove weapons at any time. Since it is night you will need to pay for today and tomorrow at the least. So at least 1 Silver Donaran." He waves a boy over and he reaches in a bag and pulls out a ribbon. "This is for a week's rental. On a small bits of papers he makes 5 copies of the storage location given to the boy and the owners, party leader and expenses. [Time: 6:02 pm] The guards and boy takes the wagon to the third floor using a very rare thing called a lift-room. It is a room that is magically lifted up and down. The magic made must be great. The guards stuff the weapons in the vault which is about 10 feet thick 5 feet tall (it is the top vault above another) and 5 feet wide. The guards secure the vault and take the wagon away. The boy gives Z'leyra the key. "The Vault master has the only other key." Then he leaves. The Sidh look up and down the warehouse sized room with side passages of other rooms. There must be 200-300 such vaults just on this floor. With all the guards outside this is a pretty secure place. But the Sidh do notice at least 2 magical locks or at least wards of possible nature out of at least 85-90 easily seen. This encourages Z'leyra to cast her Ward spell. The party heads for the lift-room which is in use based on a glowing magical orb. So the party decides to head down by the stairs. [Time: 6:05 pm] Outside the party mounts up but Kell steps up to a guard. "Why this curfew?" "In order to maintain peace and order a night curfew is in place. Exceptions do exist for students and others. The Garrison on Mendev Road can furnish you with ribbons to give those exceptions. Some will need to be approved. If you are student you already have a gold ribbon for some exceptions like at the labs or libraries. But generally visitors will need to be inside off the street by 11. In the summer it maybe extended to midnight in some places." "Do these ribbons cost?" "Just a few bits for material." "Why can't a person just get the material and make their own?" The guard reaches into his pocket to reveal a red ribbon about the length of a quill. "they could but we have ways to tell if they are real and current. Fakes are rare and dealt with." Arawn and Fremea eye the ribbon and see it gleam a bit of magical energy. Probably not magical but probably a short term material that can be detected. A clever way to keep them in order. Maybe after a certain point of time they dissolve? Z'leyra watches Kell and already knows the answers to these things but it is good to let the others know. She herself had a gold and tan ribbon as a student and citizen. She only had to replace them every 3 months but she knows visitor ribbons dissolve after only a week. [Time: 6:09 pm] As the party rides the people feel depleted not for the long trip but for missing weapons and exposed. Their bags and horses are even lighter. But some did forget to mention weapons just in case. Kell looks to Z'leyra, "for such a progressive city and learning place why the curfew? I could see it in Salaq but they didn't have one when we were there. Those rebels all around. But why not a sunset curfew if that. This Resident guy must be paranoid." [Time: 6:13 pm] The first stop is the garrison where ribbons are obtained. Since the party are just visitors there will be only given Gray Ribbons for 3 days. After that they will need to get new ones. Gray ribbons will allow school visits but not in given full access to many places. Each college can furnish ribbons for in-depth meetings. Z'leyra pays the 12 Brass Bits for the ribbons. Clearly the city is not making profits off this operation. The bored female clerk reminds, "should wear the ribbons or have easy access to them if questioned to show them. Failure to do so may result in arrest for investigation." [Time: 6:25 pm] The party finds the stables but a passer by mentions a ranch that is 5 streets north of there and it is cheaper. So the party heads there. The ranch says is open corral for 1 copper per horse per day. The barn room is smaller but warmer and that's 2 copper per horse. It will include a free grooming each day. Feed will be 8 Brass Bits per horse per day. "We have students working here from the Husbandry school that gives me interns while they study the horses. It makes things a bit cheaper here. Every three days a Husbander Master will drop by to check horses and judge how the kids are doing." The ranch steward speaks to the group. [Time: 6:36 pm] Tired the party walks to the Inn and realizes they are hungry. Some figure a tavern is in order but should drop bags at the Inn first. The street is reached and Z'leyra becomes confused. The Inn is not here. No. Wait it is but its much bigger. A sign above the door which was a quarter moon now shows a bright white orb like a full moon. Inside the clerk waves them forward, "welcome! Sign in and please show ribbons." Z'leyra asks about the Inn. "Yes we grew a bit. We bought the four shops to the west of us and made more Inn rooms and expanded. Now we are the Full Moon Inn." He Winks and watches as people sign in. "Great. Yes we now have a tavern just take that corridor there and to the right out back. It is mostly used by Inn residents so not used by the common person for the most part." Rooms are found on the second floor on the east side of the building which means sunrise will be brighter here but darker at night. Bags are stored inside and keys obtained. Z'leyra tips the boys who carried the bags and notices one boy eyeing Unali. She smiles and figures the boy is just curious about her bumps that is on her empty belt holsters. [Time: 7:02 pm] The party sits down to a nice dinner. The cook explains the chef is just graduated the cooking school 2nd best in the class! Seafood and steaks are served as the main course but the non-meat eaters like the salads which come with a unique mushroom and spinach mix. Together with soups it is a nice warm meal. [Time: 8:12 pm] Soon a Bard comes into the small tavern and sings some songs on history and tales of adventure. The audience seems to enjoy it as they get stuffed and drunk. The atmosphere in this place is very subdued - some might even say civilized than a normal bar. [Time: 9:25 pm] By now the tavern has gotten quiet and most other patrons head to rooms, the small spa or the baths. Kell enjoys a nice glass of Ba'ru Kondi Wine. "So day after tomorrow we'll try to solve this murder. Rather I guess you will. I'm sure we'll all be there. Do you need any of us to join you tomorrow as you search for witnesses and gossip?" Actions? Comments? Next Update.....Friday... GM: A good place to stop with 500 lines enough for now. These next updates will be slower and smaller as we move not as fast. Here is my plan this week I'll cover the night above. Next we'll I'll cover the next day for witnesses and such. The week after I'll cover the things at the homestead to solve the murder. This should give time for reactions and get things done in the meantime. Course if there are side trips ad such that may stall things longer and I'm up for it. At this point there is no direction or fast pace it is just going point to point. I will assume all join Z'leyra at her home Dec 25. But for Dec 24 I suppose you can join her or do whatever you want as I'm not sure. If you want to explore let me know. I've given a general outline above of time. GM: Let me know if you keep any particular weapons on you. If you want to leave armor let me know else I will assume you keep it on and with you. If you did not specifically say to put weapons in the vault I'll assume things were 'forgotten' for bag items. So if you are very lawful then you can include those as well but let me know if you put THOSE items in the vault otherwise I'll assume in your bags/probably on your person hidden. GM: Z'leyra - For Dec 24 Day finding witnesses, council folks, etc. If you want to outline as much as you want to do that day let me know. Visiting friend of family, allies. Anything I may have missed in this paragraph. Include dialogues for possible generics if needed. GM: City Expenses Ranch - Horse feed per day - 8 BB per horse Ranch - Open Corral per day- 1 CC per horse Ranch - Warm Barn per day - 2 CC per horse Vault - Initial Storage - 1 SC Donaran Vault - Storage per day - 5 CC Donaran per day Inn - Room - Common - 2 SC Donaran per night Inn - Room - Private - 4 SC Donaran per night Inn - Meals - 2 CC Donaran per meal Inn - Spa/Bath - 1 CC per session Let me know if you want to pay your own expenses and if anything in particular. If any shopping is done let me know as well. Who pays for what? If prefer something better than above like better stables let me know. GM: I will be recycling the Mana report (Experience to blank it out), advtime (food/notes. To clear and make both reports better to read so if you need to see any of that do so in next couple weeks. Once we start the homestead stuff I'll do it. GM: Believe it not we are only 25% done with the adventure. Travel was a quarter. Once leave Ticasi it might be half over If things go bad. Who knows might be 100% by time end in the city. But I know most of the time it will be a Z thing but I want to include all other players who I'm open to working with folks if you have ideas just let me know. I mean in terms of action ideas you want to do. I suspect Dec 24 can be a explore day but Dec 25 may be a interesting day in the end. :)