HT Player DS Character Name Type Status/Notes 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 #39b sequence (file #283) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [None] ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Hills near Ticasi] [Decalis 23rd, 1634TH] [Full Moon Inn] [Time: 10:05 pm] People start to head to their rooms or to finish their baths. Kell enjoys the massage greatly not wanting to get out but eventually heads to bed. The nice thing about this Inn is that it has a furnace with heating vents in each room which is very advanced. But this is a place for most city advancements. The chill never comes as the heat is enough to keep everyone cozy. ------------ [Hills near Ticasi] [Decalis 23rd, 1634TH] [Full Moon Inn] [Time: 6:12 am] Party wakes up and finds the tavern is serving breakfast this early. Their special today is a chilled grapefruit served with ice cream. It doesn't seem much like breakfast but the ice cream is more a foam than cream. It is quite tasty. [Time: 7:32 am] Z'leyra comes from her dressed in nice clothing to impress folks. Kell shakes his head but suggests she keep her drum in the room it doesn't fit with the dress. Z'leyra knows the school administration would not likely be around for a couple hours. So the party decides to head to the markets to explore. But first it is a visit to the Oyster bar. [Oyster Bar] [Time: 7:42 am] Z'leyra enters and examines the room. The clerk said it was approved for the next day. She finds that the place was a converted warehouse not tavern. The side room is more a partition with a wall almost to head height. If folks looked over the edge they could still look in but at least its mostly private. The room could fit 40 maybe 50 with some tight space. The owner of the bar says it will be 5 silver as that is what he would get for the 2 hours during lunch time for regular customers for the tables in the room. Satisfied Z'leyra pays half now and the rest tomorrow. Course this does not include meal costs. Kell asks, "you paying for these folks lunch as well?" [Ticasi North Market] [Time: 8:22 am] The large market place is actually the size of 8 normal city blocks. They cover most of the modern shops and things a market has. Even some exotic shops like exotic art or strange animals around the world as well as strange Vases in one shop. Kiet finds a cleaner and pays for his travel clothing to be cleaned for the next day. He asks for it to be sent to the Full Moon Inn. While Z'leyra and Arawn inspect a book store Kell and Fremea search for a wand shop. Both find there are indeed several places in the market that show and sell magic. In fact the supply is fairly high here. Kell learns that some of the magic school students sell things here including failed items. The prices are fairly high though for a high supply area. A simple talisman for luck in fact is selling for 30 gold while in Sivas it might only be 3 gold at best. Kell shakes his head at the sight of bad economics on supply and demand. But this place is unique so they can charge what they want. Head to Donara and a simple talisman shop would be burnt down. Kell wonders how the Resident allows it. But it must be good business. Eventually Kell finds a small shop that sells staves and wands. The staves including the Rowan are way over priced by 30=50 times. The wands seem to be over priced 5-30 times. Behind glass Fremea eyes a dozen wands. The clerk explains one is Rowan and is blank but is worth 22 gold. The others are normal woods. Half a dozen are blank ranging from 3-8 gold depending on size and the magic user skill who crafted it. All have been already made and can't be enhanced further except for the original crafter. These wands tend to be good for short term use. All do boost spell work and success. Then Fremea sees one that has a odd winglet on the top. "Crafted by some Sidh being. Our tests show it is high skill. It holds on it..." He checks a book behind the counter. "Three spells. Disease...which is probably why we can't sell it. Sensory Powers and Dodge/Weave. We will probably just burn it in a month if we can't sell it. It is going for 22 gold." Fremea frowns and Kell begins to haggle talking about the wand could be sold now with gold in hand rather than be burnt at a loss. After 10 minutes the clerk finally says, "12 gold is my lowest prices. If those spells weren't on it then it would be half that." Kell looks to Fremea for her decision. The group meets back up and finds a street full of herb and plant dealers. Those who are interested in herbs and such immediately start to pant at the slew of things. Herbs are here from all over the region including some from Katai. Spices to healing herbs which are dirt cheap. Then one group of stalls makes those wanting to shop drool a bit. There among herbs are Black Poppy, Cinqefoil, Clove Pink, Purple Lotus and Purslane. Just sitting around like it is common place. One stall selling animal parts also has the following items Bush Resin, Chelidonius, Hyena Skin, Pigeon Stones and flasks of Saliva. Kell looks at the Hyena skin which indeed has the skin from the forehead but also a large drab of hyena skin that would look great as a suit or a near shield interface. [College district] [Time: 9:08 am] Z'leyra is anxious to head to the schools. Though there are only 22 major schools there are actually over 50 different schools of higher learning. Over a hundred smaller ones for younger kids to learn from. As the party heads to the major nexus of colleges they pass a street with a large green house. Those who have never seen such are amazed at the size. The green house is the length of a city block and two blocks wide. Inside it looks like people are moving about treating and tending the plants. As the group passes they can see teachers with students talking but can not hear through the green house glass. There must be half a dozen set of classes from 2 teen to 3 upper teen/adult classes. There must be 300 people inside going back and forth. Arawn would love to go inside but would probably not be allowed. Z'leyra explains the place is mostly normal plants from as wide as Katai to Fomoria. She only went inside twice herself but wasn't too interested in it. There was a nice plant that captures prey in its large arms but that was about it. Z'leyra continues onward to the nexus which is a large three story building. It is the main administration for the entire school system. It is also Council offices on the second and third floor. The place is as large as a palace it seems. Corona from above notices the roof is dotted with hatches and areas that folks visit including one area in the north that seems to have a spyglass mount in a glass enclosed area. While the major largest schools are engineering, metal crafting, Law and Navigation. The smallest schools of only 100 or so students still exist in the area including Dance, Oration and even tailoring. As the party moves in the center of town which covers the college complex a area of 5 miles by 5 miles roughly she points out the highlights. Some can see old and new buildings. She poiotu the Military school with a large proving ground for demonstrations and parades. She tells of lectures on military history including the great Climan - Aratad wars or the Xan pirate brigades against Bhamotin. At the medical school she tells of secret wagon deliveries of bodies for study. Secret so as not to make students queasy who aren't in the medical arts. She tells of the Engineering school which includes a warehouse 5 stories tall. It is where small scale structures and items are made in private and away from the elements. The school being so safety conscious that only 4 students ever died in that warehouse over the last 100 years. Z'leyra tells of the Geography school with help from the Navigators create some of the best maps in the middle world. Making map makers come here to study and then venture home to their own lands. She tells the Agronomy school during the great city plaque helped to feed the starving with help from other schools using ingenious balloons. She tells of the Jewel Crafting school which she spent many hours learning the basics and losing dozens of gems in the process. She admits that she has visited the major schools all but sanitation. Finally the 3 story Administration building looms above the party. The party moves up the stone pathway avoiding many folks from teachers to students. The large central courtyard makes Z'leyra stop though. The fountain that shoots out 30 feet high is the same. But behind it is a large 18 foot tower of black stone. That is new. There is a slit at the top a few feet. But the pillar is a column of maybe 8 feet wide of black granite. She asks a passerby what this is about. The young man in his 20s looks up, "Councilman Walla erected this. It is said to be finely tuned to the summer solstice. Somehow some hour that day a beam of the sun will shine through and hit the fountain center. This will cause the water to change color and split into 12 different streams of differnt colors he calls the spectrum. It is something new that they call prisms. When he was elected he added it and the council agreed. I missed the day this summer but I hope to be around next summer. Excuse me I need to see the Master husbander on something." He rushes off to the building. As the party moves closer the aisle leading up to the stairs is 50 feet wide. But on each side are statues of each current council person. Z'leyra explains each new person gets their statue. Old ones are sent around other school buildings or Statue Park in the east. The party counts 11 statues on each side. But above the three door entrance is the Master Scholar high above 20 feet off the ground. Each statue holds various objects of their main study. For the master scholar he holds a sextant, a spyglass to watch the stars and has a wand on his belt. She explains Hovan Vachera has served on the council for over 40 years in various departments. Z'leyra straightens here clothing and leads the party up the stairs. The two guards are in full armor and holding pole arms. They eye the party as folks present ribbons. In the short time they have only turned one away. Looked like the merchant had the wrong ribbon. Z'leyra passes into the doors with no problems with the party. [Ticasi Council Admin Building] [Time: 9:05 am] First thing first is to get her permission to use her staff. She ignores the first floor foyer which is busy with people going in every direction. She heads to the main stairs in the back. There she ascends to the second floor which opens into a large foyer 50 by 50 feet. Windows bring in light form outside. A large desk is in back with three sets of doors behind the desk. In front of the desk are two chairs and around the perimeter of the room are at least 30 other chairs. Currently the room has 8 others already sitting looking at documents or writing in some fashion. Then Z'leyra stops as she approaches the desk. Her heart sinks. Behind the desk is a old classmate from the Medical school Hayna was no friend who always talked about her as the barbarian who probably would save more cows and horses than people. Right now she is writing on some parchment and not looking up. She speaks up, "Roos'ma you may see Councilman Wyman now." Z'leyra wonders how this person got here. She was not the best student. In fact she was pretty bad. But she did earn her medical license. Maybe is this what she could only get? As the Healer stares at the gatekeeper the others look to the walls. All around are paintings of Councilmen and councilwomen. The people scan the paintings and learn who is who. Some are impressed to see at least 8 women on the council. The names, title and school are shown. Agronomy (M) Gill Ploughman Art (F) Festle Forththa Astronomy (M) Artsain Walla Ceramics (F) Kinna Forththa Engineering (M) Uguld Marna Geography (M) Gebbert Rhasguut History (F) Curta Wrathbane Husbandry (F) Heste Byrdie Jewel Crafts (F) Lental Vormon Linguistics (M) Sid Wse Magic (M) Barker Arlestorn Medicine (F) Fellea Finewoven Metal Crafts (M) Martin Smith Military History (M) Tory 'One-Eye'Rhasguut Music (M) Arman Bentwhistle Navigation (M) Crooka Signair Physical Sciences (F) Marlana Marna Politics and Law (M) Silaius Duke Religion (M) Bishop Ollie Ragson Sanitation (F) Sister Fanya Lischsteinelder Writing. (M) Cory 'Inkfinger' Scritumuse > Most of the paintings show older folks from 40 to 80s. But the youngest one looks to be the one for Art who she looks to be in her 20s. The man from the left gets up and heads to the left door and enters to some hallway. The one called by Hayna. Z'leyra exhales and approaches. She taps the desk and needs to speak to the Magic Department to get an exception for her staff. Hayna who looks bored, "Counilman Arlestorn is at the school. Come back tomorrow." Z'leyra taps the desk again. Finally Hayna looks up and is taken back. She looks up and down at Z'leyra in her nice clothing. She tries to recognize someone but does not seem to place it. Then she recognizes the face. "You... are back?" Hayna smiles and sits back in her leather chair. "Sorry but he is in meetings. Maybe for a few days. Busy winter rush of classes you know." From the right one woman in her 40s speaks up. "The deputy is in his office. He is allowed to grant exceptions." Hayna glares at the woman and sits forward. "I'm sure he could." She shuffles some papers around. "It has been awhile. What three years?" Z'leyra corrects her by showing two fingers. Hayna shrugs, "I'm just here filling in for a friend. I normally serve the military in their medical stuff..." From behind a man approaches carrying a bag. "Has Council man Signair finished those charts?" Hayna shrugs, "not yet." The messenger looks annoyed. "You said that last month. There is a deadline. Let him I will need them by end of the week." he then storms away. Arawn behind Z'leyra stares at Hayna. He tries to study the girl carefully. Clearly this girl is annoyed, agitated and not where she should be. It doesn't take a truthsayer to tell she is lying. Z'leyra crosses her arms. So she has been her a month at least. Not good for this girl. This girl who rigged one of her medical experiments to bloat and explode bile all over her and the teacher and then blamed Z'leyra. Hayna bites her lower lip, "fine go on up. Third floor second door on left." Z'leyra enters the middle door and to the stairs. Arawn notices a slight smile on her face. [Council Buildng - Magic Department] [Time: 9:14 am] Entering the door reveals another foyer around 20 feet by 20. This time Z'leyra recognizes the older woman in her 50s. She has been here a long time. Z'leyra asks about exceptions for her staff. The foyer has 3 others waiting in chairs. "I'm sorry but it takes at least 2 weeks to get an exception. We encourage students to apply a month before the school term. It used to be a week but the Council felt after old man Arkom bashed in the head of a janitor with his staff a longer period was needed on staves. To get an override that would be the deputy or the councilman. But to be honest they only grant those rarely." As the woman finishes this the deputy leaves a office 30 feet away and drops some papers on her desk. She points to Z'leyra. "She needs an exception for her staff." The man rubs his right hand and a small ring glows and he nods. "I see you're strong in the magic arts. Come this way and explain your situation." [Magic Deputy's Office] [Time: 9:32 am] The man sits back and looks at Arawn and Z'leyra. The other had to stay outside due to room. "Well...your case seems quite urgent. However, if this pans out to be ....bad for others that staff could be more than a tool. I would be hard pressed to grant a speedy exception. Especially since you are no longer a student. I would need to arrange some meetings with others including a truthsayer and Law professor to assess what they feel on your intention." Z'leyra begins to speak but the man who introduced himself as Burl Tiesmorten, shakes his head. "We strive as teachers to show our students not to rely on tools but themselves. If anything we hoped you had learned that. I am glad you wish to fix this situation with your father. But you must do it with what you know now with what you have." he leans forward and becomes very serious. "This will actually help your case. If you bring to it yourself and your skills this will impress those who are there. If you use this and that said objects will be seen as possible ..distractions that influence the result." He stands, "so I'll pass this on to the councilman but I will be honest getting this by tomorrow will be very difficult. If you were to wait a week or two?" Z'leyra explains her place will be destroyed in only days if not sooner. The man frowns. "I can talk to others to see about an injunction to stop that work but with a day's notice...I will attend your lunch tomorrow. I will let you know then. I am eager to hear the details you may have not said here. I doubt the councilman will be able to attend as he has a meeting tomorrow with the Shiben Ambassador." Z'leyra asks about permission to visit the schools to collect other witnesses. The man nods, "certainly. That I can do. See Hayna for the blue/green ribbons. It will grant you to walk those halls. But do not disturb any classes at all. Our teachers do not take kindly to being distracted." Z'leyra and Arawn stand. The man studies Z'leyra. "You were Tiren's daughter? He rarely visited our department. But I've heard...stories. His loss was a sad state. I hope that you find who did it and get justice." He raises his hand to shaker her hand. Z'leyra asks if she could visit the offices of Jewel Crafting, Husbandry, Medicine and Law. The man agrees and gives directions. Two are on the second floor while the others are on third. Z'leyra visits each office and asks the secretary in each area if she could leave notes. She wants to invite any of the Council members or deputy to the lunch. Only the Law department has Councilman Duke around. The group has to wait 20 minutes then he finally meets with the healer. The man in his 50s is not the one Z'leyra knew before. He has aged a bit in the last 2 years and now has a bit of baldness to him. She has seen him lecture many times on law and rules of justice. She explains briefly her intention but would invite him to the lunch. "It so happens I am intrigued. Tiren was a upstanding man. I think I met you when you were 18? I heard you had a great talent for the healing arts. It was deemed an accident. But if you believe there is something else to this then I will be there at the lunch to hear what you have planned. If I am happy with what I hear I will be at your home to see what you find. Keep in mind any evidence will need to be iron clad. The scene and any items you used must be checked. We suggest you do this with the least of help. But now if you excuse me I have a class in 20 minutes. I need to head on out." [First floor Foyer [Time: 10:15 am] Z'leyra tells Hayna she needs one day ribbons for the schools. Hayna comments under her breath, "going back to school?" Then laughs under her breath. From a drawer she grabs the ribbons and hands them out. "Should return these to a local garrison or just any guard on the street." Hayna stares at the others including the tall one by him with a slight skin paleness. What kind of weirdoes is this barbarian keeping company with. Z'leyra leaves and plans her next step. First she will visit the Jewel Crafting school. medical, magic and then metal crafting schools. [Jewel Crafting School] [Time: 10:28 am] This school is two stories of new stone that looks only a few years old. It is the size of half a city block and at times has 40-50 classes from starting to expert. This gives a general class size of over a thousand at times. But Z'leyra says maybe a 3rd drop out the first few weeks. Entering the plain building the foyer is decorated with round wall hangings that demonstrate types of gems from ruby to topaz and all between. It is not too over decorated more a text book on the walls. Z'leyra had three teachers here. She asks the secretary and one teacher is not working this term and is away on leave. But the other are currently in class. But that if she moves fast she could get them before next class at 11. Lira Suthess is in her class which just ended and cleaning up her materials. The woman in her 40s recognizes Z'leyra. Z'leyra explains her lunch invitation. It is best to invite as many friends as witness than not. Lira shrugs, "I have class tomorrow. I'm sorry. It has been great seeing you. Have you ever cut a diamond yet? I know you were trying to but failed a few times..." Later Yalenka Narda is still teaching on the merits of gem setting in iron versus wood. Finally 15 minutes later she ends the class and finds Z'leyra. "Sure I'll come. My next class is next week. But I do need to rush now to my next class starting..." Z'leyra guides the others to some labs and rooms she was in and explains she first set a ring in this lab and lost a huge ruby when the spell she tried to implant on the necklace shattered the stone in another lab. [Medical School] [Time: 10:48 am] The medical school is actually a series of 1 and 2 story structures spread around several acres. In a center square she shows a statue of a Healer from Donara who created the method of heart pumping to restart it after opening a chest. Even today it is dangerous but a move that some healers will try though Z'leyra has never tried such as her spells seem to do the job. During his lifetime his death rate without magic went from 80% to 30%. Here Z'leyra explains she had a dozen teachers over the years spent here. [Time: 11:28 am] After time visiting full and empty classes Z'leyra only finds four teachers. She gets a few maybe and at least one yes. Professor Garr is always up for a free meal. The overweight man in his 40s is jovial and has the blue eyes of a god. "I'll be there tomorrow. Did you ever learn how to give people an nice cleansing?" Z'leyra rolls her eyes and leaves when a dean comes to visit Garr. Arawn looks at Z'leyra and she groans. She explains one week Garr had students cleanse men and women to clear their bowels out in hopes to get them better. But when one fat woman released a bit too soon and her hand was under the woman it was not a pretty picture. [Magic School] [Time: 11:40 am] At the approach for this school Z'leyra shows a bit of nerves. Here is where she got the most bias. She had 3 dozen or so teachers here and only a few actually treated her kindly. She had to fight hard to survive the classes. At least two professors even tried to fail her on principle. The complex of buildings is one of the largest in the city covering 6 acres with 52 buildings. There are 1 to 4 story structures. The large 4 story ones tend to be demonstration towers. There might be upwards of 3 thousand students in this one college form many nations. But in the winter half that might be around. While the Dark Lands is a center of magic it was more chaotic and disorganized. Here it is structured and regimental. Z'leyra explains upwards of 40 to 60% fail outright. Of the dozen or so teachers she only finds 4. She extends her quick invitations to the lunch. But all are unsure at this point and one denies it as he has class. So the group leaves with unsure who will attend. [Metal Crafting School] [Time: 12:22 pm] Z'leyra explains she actually only had a couple classes here. Her father was on the council and was big here but the metal family that was big in the city blocked many of her plans. The blacksmith in not around but she leaves a note to see if he wants to visit tomorrow at the lunch. Upon exiting she sees Gars Smith son of Councilman Smith. The man in his late 30s seems to recgonize Z'leyra but quickly turns away and heads the other away fast. Z'leyra feels lunch is needed so does not care to follow. She does notice the building is brand new built in the last two years since Tiren's death. [Time: 12:51 pm] Z'leyra figures there might be other places but she is starting to need food. She heads to a local tavern on campus. As she does she almost runs into her old dancer teacher a old woman in her 60s. Ira Armanth taught her some great dancing that the party has seen round many campfires. "It is great to see you! Your legs are very tone you must've kept up with your dancing!" Later she nods after hearing Z'leyra, "Sure I'll be there tomorrow!" [College Campus Tavern - "The Gray Matter"] [Time: 1:20 pm] Z'leyra and the others sit down to a nice lunch. Students pack the place from side to side. [Time: 2:18 pm] Z'leyra decides to head west to her father's place. Arriving there she finds the boarded up homestead a simple place of 5 rooms. The workshop is gutted still from the fire to this day. Kell grabs Z'leyra. "Best not to get to the site today. It might taint things." Z'leyra nods and knows if magi is used and they find she ass here it could influence things. She stares for what seems like hours at the place remembering the life here. Faintly in the back of her mind she can hear her father yell it is time to eat as she works in the shop. [Time: 2:30 pm] Z'leyra heads down the street to a friend. Old lady Poorda was always kind. At least to her father. To her she saw the Barbarian and felt she was too feral. Even after she was shown her degrees the woman was polite but aloof. She should be in her upper 70s now. Z'leyra knocks on the door. Soon the old lady opens the door and stares. Clearly she does not recognize the woman in her fine clothing. "Is that FisherKing?" She stares at Corona in the tree. "Wait you are...my dear! Oh my...oh my...come in." After some chit chat and exchange of history from the last couple years the old woman serves tea. "Tiren's death was awful just awful. You are here to solve the event? That seems silly. Everyone knows it was a accident. If you stir up trouble it might cause you bad things. I find it strange that you were away at the time but the Constables could not verify you were in class for that time period. I'm told they only knew you were in the medical lab alone. But no one saw it. .." she thinks on this a bit. Z'leyra asks her if she would like to come to the lunch. "I'm too old to get into adventures or intrigue. Good luck dear. Anyone want some apple pie?" [Time: 3:12 pm] Finally Z'leyra explains she needs to find Tiren's family and her own relatives. Most treated her as nothing but a barbarian tree hugger. She did have one cousin that was kind though. She heads to the south to the civilian housing areas. Actions? Comments? Next Update.....Friday?? GM: Ok. Up to 700 lines so a place to stop. I had wanted to get more detailed - more descriptive and finish the day by the family visits. But I think I've done enough for now. I'll try to finish up day 1 on Wednesday. I still don't know who joined Z'leyra this day. I know Kiet will not on Day 2. You can still do Day 1 stuff until next week. I'll start Day 2 on Monday. So hopefully next update will be smaller. Sorry I did not flesh the city out as I had planned on it. When your at work and you dream of scenes getting home and its 2am you tend to cut corners. :) I'm on 5 hours sleep today and gotta get up early tomorrow. So probably 4 hours tomorrow. But Wednesday afternoon will try to finish Day 1. GM: Fremea - What type of wand do you want a basic middle level? I gave options above. Sadly you can' add to them since you didn't make them. But you can use the wand as a casting aid to improve ability. Kiet - Since you mentioned to skip the lunch (day 2) I assume you were joining the others on Day 1? If not let me know if you had any day 1 plans. I will get to your actions next week. GM: Forgo to mention the day is Cloudy with temperatures ranging from 41-70 today. The items found in market is not fleshed out in great detail due to space adn time.