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 #40c sequence (file #291) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] [None] ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Ticasi] [Decalis 24th, 1634TH] [Reserved lunch room] [Time: 12:21 pm] Z'leyra ends the full introductions and starts to speak her desires. But first she must explain some history to those who know and those who may not. Much of the speech the party heard last night at dinner. "Some of you already know this, Those newer to our fellowship may know only parts. This as I told the story to Kaylle the Legendmaster." "More than a quarter century ago a promising young Ticasi scholar of a well to do family came upon and verified the interesting fact that weapons made by the Kameri tribe were known to be stronger, less likely to break than other weapons made by human hands. Somehow the steel was made tougher. This scholar, a charming and adventurous man and knowledgeable in metal crafts scandalized his family by traipsing off into the wilderness seeking the Kameri in hopes of learning the secret. With pluck and luck the scholar, Tiren by name, made it though a thousand miles of wilderness terrain inhabited by hostile tribes to the Kameran, the lands of the Kameri. Quite the adventure, unfortunately his notes about the trip were later destroyed in a fire. For his winning a word challenge the Kameri gave him one month's visitation privileges, only to be extended by word of a shaman. In that month Tiren managed to impress and marry a young Kameri shaman, Z'nayha. By all accounts they truly loved each other and were happily married. Z'nayha extended his visit month by month until she died." Kell and Fremea notice Z'leyra's uncle and cousin flinch or smile as if in agreement or not. It is unclear. The others remain mostly emotionless. "Less than a year after his arrival in the Kameran, Tiren was the father of identical twin girls Z'layha and Z'leyra. In the following years Tiren and Z'nayha had two sons and another daughter. Tiren did learn the Kameri metalworking secret, though to do so he had to swear great oaths of secrecy. After eight years in the Kameran Tiren managed to send a message to Ticasi saying that he was well, had married and had children. Almost another ten years would pass before an event would uproot his life and send him back to Ticasi. Their daughters had been inducted into the mystic lodges, Z'layha and Z'leyra had been taught the greater secrets and just initiated as young shaman when Z'nayha, wandering in the woods as she was wont to do, failed to come home one night. Her body was soon found where she had apparently stepped into a deathtrap that a hunter had set for a rogue bear. Her death ended Tiren's visitation privilege." On the other side of the partition Pyan hears these words and cringes. He wonders if she blames all hunters.. He strains his ears to hear the rest. "At Tiren's request the tribe considered his desire to take his children with him and ultimately allowed him to take one of his children, Z'layha or Z'leyra having finished their studies and of an age to make their own decisions. Tiren thought that Z'layha's pet wolf would be harder to fit in Ticasi society than Z'leyra's pet eagle. The tribe determined that Z'leyra was a redundant shaman and allowed her to be sent with her father back to 'civilized' lands after he had told the elders and chiefs the advantages to having someone learn civilized skills and magic. She was 17 years of age when she left." Some in the audience wonder why she is talking in the third person about herself. At this last set of lines Fremea and Kell watch the group. There is some disgust that is obvious. One does not need to be a Empath to see that leaving one's kids a thousand miles away is cruel and wrong. Those who did not hear this about Tiren have a new view of him. Uncle Arman does not seem too shocked though as this is old news. But the cousin just turns her head down to her food and look sad. Kell can see the dancer teacher shift in her chair as if nervous by this talk. "After another harrowing thousand mile trip (this time including a trip down much of the River Dirla), Tiren and his daughter Z'leyra arrived at his families home in Ticasi and got the welcome of a prodigal son. His father had done well and been elected to the Council of Scholars. Though he only served one two-year term, that qualified Z'leyra to subsidized instruction in the field of her choice. She chose to study Balance Magics as a complement to her Shaman skills." At this the deputy looks down to his ham and biscuits and eats a few slices. Fremea can't read much of humans but points his expression out to Kell. Kell nods and whispers, "looks like he knows a bit more than Z is saying on that subject." Z'leyra continues after drinking some of her tea. "A shy student, treated as an outsider because of her barbarian heritage and upbringing, she naturally gravitated towards other outsiders who also enjoyed the woodlands and became friends with some Sidh who introduced her to Sidh and Elder magic. During this time Z'leyra became friends with Varange, a Faerry Sidh Magician who spent time in Ticasi as a diplomat and scholar. Z'leyra had managed to do well enough in her healing studies, primarily because of her earlier shamanic training, that she was recognized as a Master Healer." Z'leyra's old classmates hear about her trouble as a student makes them shift as well. Arloth looks down to her food and twirls her hair in her left hand. Lucky stares out at the window. Arawn can assume that they are a bit guilty either by their own ways or of others. The healer teachers listen to herself claim to be Master. While it might be true by paper most teachers do not deem a master a Master unless there is experience. It is just a Ticasi thing as otherwise everyone would consider themselves masters. Z'leyra continues after the waitress brings in more rolls. "From her father as part of her training she learned how to be a Master Armorer and Kameri Weaponsmith. The training she received from the Sidh also instructed her in the skill of Jeweler in which she became quite competent if not quite a Master." Councilor Lental hears this and smiles and Z'leyra is not sure if that is sarcastic or appreciation. When Z'leyra was in the Jewel school Lental was a teacher and treated her with a bit of disdain due to her clothing. She dressed like a forest wood cutter rather than a fine grateful gem cutter. With all the money her grandfather had it was surprising to Lental. "Tiren, having reestablished himself in Ticasi society, attempted to attain the rank of Counsel. His blades were wondrously strong but he was up against a clan of metal workers that had controlled the post, with one two-year exception, for generations. In one test the judging was obviously biased, two years later in the next test in which he had arranged for powerful neutral observers to watch, his examples were stolen and replaced with shoddy substitutes. While making items for the third test the forge in his house mysteriously caught fire and burned the house to the ground, killing Tiren and destroying all his notes." At this Councilor Lental the deputy become clearly concerned. From his seat Arawn's throat becomes dry as he had warned Z'leyra to be careful. Accusing others might not be the best way to go. The Magic Deputy puts his fork down. "Excuse me. These implications are serious. If you have come back to serve as a means of a vendetta. This could be problematic. I hope you can at least prove some of these....theories." He waves a hand for Z'leyra to continue. "This left Z'leyra homeless. After seven years in Ticasi she was ready for a change. Her father was dead and her grandfather had died years earlier. All the rest of her father's relatives snubbed her, thinking and talking of her as 'that barbarian brat' and treating her as a servant or slave. Her closest friends were in the forest, not the city." This clearly calls some reactions from her cousin, uncle and old classmates. In the end though her uncle nods as if he is well aware. Maybe this is how she felt when she left but maybe not so much now? Z'leyra continues after the outer room becomes a bit quiet as the lunch crowd begins to ebb. "After conferring with some of these friends she realized that only by leaving and coming back obviously rich and powerful would she change how they thought of and treated her. This fit in with her other long term plans: becoming powerful enough to find and expose her father's killers then ultimately going back to Kameran with enough knowledge and power so as to be respected rather than ostracized for leaving the Kameran. She knows that the longer she takes the more impressive she must be as she will be compared with her sister who will have been advancing in skill as a shaman for years." Councilor Lental speaks up this time putting hand on the table besides her plate. "Killers? I thought as was everyone here it was an accident. I'm with the deputy this accusations will have to be upheld. If certain parties hear about this their recourse is legal to cause damages. I believe they call it slurring of character or something." Z'leyra listens but continues, "Z'leyra was ready for adventure when it offered. Part of her training and later work as a healer had her acquiring enough fame as a healer that one night she was woken up to care for a man dying from an exotic poison. While unable to save the man, she was alone with him when he decided that his mission required him to pass a package to her with instruction to get it to his comrade in Aratad. The next morning Z'leyra closed up her affairs in Ticasi, gathered the equipment she could and took off for Aratad. [Time: 12:55 pm] Kiet finally left the old man and traced that flash to a shop area down a side street. He considers giving up as it must just be a plan to leave the old man. He passes three stores and decides to turn around. But as he passes the window of a general store he sees a flash of orange and red. He slows down and peers in the front store windows. Then he sees it a vase that is bright orange and red. Kiet shrugs and finds it unusual but decides to move on to find the auction house. As he passes the store though he recalls that vase he saw recently. He stops and tries to recall. Yes. A very distinctive vase. Then he recalls it was in Poorda's house. Why would it be here? Kiet turns around and tries to covertly look in the side of the window without looking as if curious about store front items on sale including a fancy dress. It might just fit him but at least he could get a nice time dancing. He glances up and sees two men talking. One looks like one of those warehouse wharfs on the docks that could glare at a wall and crumble it. He wears black heavy work pants and a brown coat for the cold. Above his hat is a farmer style hat. The two men seem to be talking about the vase back and forth. Back at the lunch, Z'leyra continues. "Twenty days of hiking later Z'leyra arrived in Aratad after an uneventful journey. Here was the real start of her adventures. She delivered the package to the designated recipient, Cortez Aqula, a merchant. The next morning Cortez Aqula, impressed with Z'leyra and her honesty in delivering the package, hired her to make another delivery. In making the delivery she heard about Varange and managed to get to Clima to join in his rescue." Kell recalls the gold she bought to town and realizes Z'leyra has yet to turn it in. Fremea hears a noise in the roof and sees a grate that is a air vent shake slightly from vibration of air. The furance must be working strong today. Z'leyra continues after a brief pause. "Good friends, at the lunch today amongst others we should have from the Magic Department Deputy Councilman Burl Tiesmorten the Law Department Counselman Silaius Duke Jewel Crafting Teacher Yalenka Narda Medicine teacher Professor Garr." Actually she realizes that was her hopes but the Law one Mr Duke could not make it. "Dancing teacher Ira Armanth and hopefully a number of other worthy witnesses. This is what I propose to our guests today." "Honored guests. I asked you here to listen and hopefully to witness. Oh Julis 5, 1632TH my father, Tiren, was in his workshop working on a masterwork for demonstrating his craft and vying for a council seat when the workshop caught fire and burned down, Tiren dying in that fire. It was proclaimed an accident. Though I was studying other subjects I had spent many hundreds of hours acting as my father's apprentice. I knew the shop and my father's habits. I could not see the fire happening by accident, but I had no way to prove otherwise. These other subjects I studied were medicine and magic. Both of which I did very well in. I had been practicing levitation when I heard of the fire. Afterwards I had little to hold me here. I had passed my apprenticeships, yes I had studied hard and learned more than one, and helped out in the infirmary while wondering what to do next. There I agreed to a dying man's request which set me off on a series of adventures which now have me living in Sivas. I kept up my magical studies. I had learned the basics of the difficult and even dangerous Akasha spell that allows one to see into the past. If I got skilled enough at that spell I could use it to see what had occurred when the workshop burnt down. Potentially useful, but that would provide no proof to others if I had a vision thru a spell. So I also considered how to make the vision of the past visible to others. My idea is to make a Ward that will cast a translucent illusion of any Akasha spell cast in its area of affect. Translucent so that one can see what was happening both inside and outside of any walls. With magically adept witnesses they can see that I am not casting an illusion myself when I use the Akasha spell to see into the past." The deputy sits back and rubs his chin in thought. He is no master himself. But he is unsure if this is possible or if it will be considered evidence. Outside the room Pyan watches as most of the lunch crowd has gone now and down to only a half dozen tables of folks. Across town Kiet watches coin exchange hands and the man who is only 5'11 around 190 pounds exits. Kiet decides to follow the man. He is no expert in trailing but his city skills might help out. Back at the reserved tavern room. Z'leyra finishes her long speech. "I made a staff, and later a wand and other items to assist me in my spell castings. They can be examined to show that they do not have any improper enchantments, that they are not enchanted to cast an illusion. I hope that after we have eaten we can go to the site of the workshop. Make sure that I, or anyone else has not recently cast magic there, and witness me cast the Ward and Akasha and see a vision from the past showing what DID happen to set the workshop alight. Whether it was an accident or if some other thing or perhaps person was the cause. Any suggestions?" The audience all finally stop eating and become silent the last few minutes. The deputy studies Z'leyra and finally speaks up. "Based on what you warned yesterday I've taken the liberty to have the site scanned already. We will see if anyone has been there in the last 5 days or so. This whole illusion thing still can be tainted. I must consult with others maybe including Councilor Aristorn for advice. I say we should convene at your old home in two hours? Around 3 or a little after?" [Time: 1:09 pm] The deputy stands and opens his mouth but is interrupted by clapping. Everyone turns to see a man at the archway clapping. Pyan standing behind him looking worried for letting the man enter but didn't realize he was actually listening. He just suddenly came from anther area of the tavern to here. The man stops clapping, "a nice story there. I'm sure all your friends here.." he says the word friends sarcastically. "...appreciated such a wild tale." He enters into the room and glares briefly at Fremea and then the others. "I hope girl you can back up your claim. We treat everyone here equally who lie or cheat. We could not survive as a school if we did not." The deputy moves toward the archway, "Councilor Smith this was uncalled for. If you have something to say it." "Yes indeed. My school has been respected for over 300 years. To blame us for a silly fire is just something a barbarian brute might do. I would hope such a person of your reputed skills and ...bearing would not accuse but would prove a theory first. This is the first tenant of all schools here." Fremea notices a bag on the man's hip and then realizes. Vents carry noise and talk to different areas. If this man was in some place like a basement or storage room he could have heard the entire thing. Maybe in that bag is some device that helped him hear better. Councilor Lental finishes her male and stands. "You are welcome to join us this afternoon to be a witness and to either agree or disagree in support for your clan." "Quiet so. Till we meet later." The deputy pushes past Pyan and leaves the tavern. As others begin to leave and murmur some say they will try to make it but are unsure at this point. Some ask for directions. Z'leyra tries to answer them as they leave and ignore Mr Smith. Then Z'leyra's uncle stands and glares at Mr Smith. "It is no secret you and Tiren had issues. If this proves to be an accident it may not show all we need. " "Tiren was a fool. Going to dark lands to explore some myths when there was plenty to do here. Bringing back....baggage and silly theories. These daggers are not the best in the world. They are strong yes but he died thinking they were the end all of metal." Kell stands and moves to Councilor Smith as he sees Z'leyra becoming a bit upset. "You need to leave now." The man who stands 5'9 120 pounds is in his 50s. His graying temples are striking with his gray eyes. He is wearing a black and white vest and tan pants. "This is a free place son." He moves his gaze from Z'leyra to Kell. "But you are right..the air..in this place is a bit too pungent for me." He moves toward the archway to leave. Z'leyra's uncle moves toward the man but Arawn grabs his arm and shakes his head. It would not be good to take on a Councilor in power. Out of sight, Councilor Smith leaves the tavern. Z'leyra boiling grabs a empty mug and slams it into the wall. Then turns to face the window. Now with just the party and her relatives there the room becomes quiet. Then Z'leyra's cousin speaks up. "Z'leyra...I may...have treated you wrongly in the past. I see now that...you have changed..more than I expected. That man is the gunk horses leave on the street. Don't let him ruin this moment." Z'leyra turns now a bit softened. She nods to her cousin who moves over to give her a cousin. "I need to get some of my kids soon. If I can I'll be at Tiren's place." She then moves out of the room. Z'leyra's uncle is only one left, "I think we should go visit his grave. You have not been there in over 2 years. I think the walk will do some good." [Time: 1:16 pm] Z'leyra pays the bill of 4 gold and leaves the tavern with her uncle and the others. Across town Kiet follows the man to a hall and watches him follow. He begins to wonder why he is doing this. Surely there are many orange and red vases and just as many men with hats in town. But the acrobat cringes as he hears a voice sounding like Arawn in his mind. Go by your instincts. Kiet will never admit that his influence can hit him but shrugs. He enters the hall a couple minutes later. Once inside he see it as a gambling hall. There are maybe 2 dozen men at tables of cards. Kiet goes to the bar and orders a beer. He watches the man sit at table of 3 others. HE is deals a set of cards. From upstairs the noise of girls moaning is apparent that the upstairs must be a brothel. Actions? Comments? Next Update....Monday??? GM: Whew! Finally I'm done! This took what? Two weeks? Issues with distractions, bad timing, other problems in real life. I kind of talked a bit on these huh? I hope it was worth the read. I wanted to flesh out as much descriptions as I can to make it more visual for you guys. But I think this is the biggest set of updates I've done in 16 ears. I've done 2 parts before but never 3. I took the liberty at times like with the lecture. Since only Kiet was the only one to actually say he would do particular things I figured others would attend. I did have some fun with Kiet as well. I've tried to give everyone something to do not just Z'leyra. But I can only do so much. So in theory next week I want to do the Akasha stuff. If there is anything to do before then please let me know. I will probably start the next update Saturday. So yes there will be no Friday since this is out later than I wanted. So will start Saturday so if have questions can do so by then or posts by Monday afternoon. I hoped I put everything where it should be time wise and to match up dialogue. Z's speech was actually given the night before but we chatted and she said it followed both times for lunch as well. The third person stuff was weird but that's fine. It is a way to detatch yourself from something to give less bias. I did change a few words like tomorrow to today and same for Arawn's few lines I that regard but I hope its good. If not sorry to bore you guys. For the next update it will be the next 3 hours or so. That gives folks about 90 min to get to Tiren's place. So this will be timeframe for next update. GM: Arawn - I'm sure you'll be taking a notebook of notes. I took as much notes as I can. I will be including major names in the People file so no need to recall critical names. But I'm sure you'll have better notes than I will :) To ask that question in a year like what was Mr Smith wearing. :) Fremea - You mentioned in chat you did want to buy the wand. Do you recall which? It it helps it was update 39b file #283 if need to review. Also what herbs did you want? Kiet - BTW the old man invited you to nude singing the following night did you want to attend? Hope you enjoyed the fun. I hope didn't get took much liberty on your reactions. I'm still trying to figure you out action wise. Pyan - You are free to reply to the Historian if you want. in whatever way you want. You speak Marentia well enough now to reply. GM: Man I'm tired. BUT GREAT NEWS!!!!! Kell be returning. I got a email from Mark tonight!!!!! I pity the city with Kell and Kiet on the loose!