s 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 #43a sequence (file #321) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Kiet: [Re: Illusions] "I hate that damnable, cursed stone...!" GM: Ack. :) From Kell: [Re: Actions] >> D'oh! I did, that was amazing work. So, Kell will pay extra to get it completed asap, hopefully in 2 days. If possible. If he can pick it up, fantastic. Otherwise ship it by boat. [Time: 3:15 pm] >> Why did they just let Garr leave? When everyone else had to stay and be counted, names taken. Why not stop Garr? What is so important and why didn't the constables stop him? >> Milo Smith. Another Smith, what is this the town of Rock Ridge!?!? Mr. Smith, Lil Smith, and now brother Smith. What a nightmare. Chairman of Orto Mining, wow, is that just an amazing coincidence. This is smelling worse than cream left outside in the sun for a week. Milo Smith should be summoned immediately, as well as Gar Smith and his dad, the old man Smith. Kell asks the nearest Constable, "Why did you let lil Gar Smith Kell looks at the Navigator, and almost reads his mind, "If.. [Future actions - ] Kell wants to find some of the Smiths and bring them to justice. He also wants to stop any and all construction or demolition of existing structures, and find Poorda's murderer, as he agrees with Arawn and Kiet. This is no mere coincidence. Asking the group in Marentian so Pyan can understand, "Do you.. GM: Ack. 11 SC for the books. We'll see if can pick it up Might be hours or weeks in the city if Z has to go to prison. Since 2 Councilors were there the constables started with them. Course their names were taken already by sight. But Garr thus was the first to be 'named.' So why he left as his thing was done. Power has its benefits. Like the blazing saddles reference. Now when you say it stand and hold your hat to heart. But Martin is head of the clan of metal workers. So you'd assume Milo would be somewhat associated with metal-mining. I doubt he'd be Chairman of flowers. :) From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Z'leyra speaks up "I offer to pay the wages of any ... GM: Ack. From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] To the party Z'leyra asks "Could you do what you can... GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] OOC: Per Z'leyra's request Arawn will claim guardianship over any items that aren't confiscated by the constables, including anything that might be in her room. In between translating things for Pyan's benefit the druid made a suggestion, "As soon as possible we'll need to ... When Pyan was asked if he was willing to grant permission.. 3:15pm [Before Martin Smith is able to leave the area] Arawn leaned in to speak calmly and quietly with the law- dean [OOC: If this needs to be said aloud then feel free to adjust this to reflect that but, ideally, Arawn would like to avoid having Martin Smith know the fullness of his thoughts and risk furthering his anger towards the group. However, Arawn is fine with the PC's hearing what he has to say to the law-dean ]. "Dean, with all due respect I would request that, with .. [When Kell/Z'leyra offer to pay for the constable to watch Tiren's place...] "I'd like to request that only law-enforcement, Mr. .. [If the deputy/law-dean do not agree to teleporting to intercept Garr and do not have a pair of swift riders to try to outride him to Milo and Ki] Arawn quickly spoke privately with the party. "I have Corona tracking Garr but one of us should try to... [After asking for volunteers to chase Garr Arawn will speak in private with the PC's and Navigator Hammerhand] When Kell offers to look into Milo’s mining company Arawn gave a nod. “You’re probably one of the best suited for the ... [OOC: If this needs to be said aloud then feel free to adjust this to reflect that but, ideally, Arawn would like to avoid having Martin Smith know the fullness of his thoughts and risk furthering his anger towards the group. However, Arawn is fine with the PC's hearing what he has to say to the law-dean ]. GM: Ack. I like how you, Kell and Kiet have taken upon yourselves to do things. New leaders form when Z is disabled. Maybe we can hope Pyan will jump and do some things? :) This is after all a action oriented role playing game. You guys clearly fill in the blanks well. So anyone can do it. Good job you guys. From Kell: [Re: Actions] [A few other thoughts I had.] Kell wants to assign out missions. He takes the mining company. Send Kiet and Pyan to the house and check for tracks or anything else about Poorda's death. They can look for the vase, and for other options. Ideally Fremea can find Gar Smith, track him, since she can fly faster than he can ride and Fremea can be invisible. Arawn can look into the other Smiths and Hayna. Hayna was very upset/guilty as the memory was shown. Kell will use the contact list from the High Elder to find those people that will help to find out about Orto Mining and Milo Smith. One of them will be more reliable than anyone he can find this fast. He'll use his normal bits, bribes, and so one to find out all he can. Especially about that timeframe, employees, rivals, and actions with the clans. Ha'Kell will also check into the Land development company if there is time. GM: Ack. I like the decisive leadership! No if-then-maybes. :) Contact list..list..I got to check your sheet. I forget. Ahh! That list. Clever way to use items. :) From Kiet: [Re: Actions] Don't forget all that gold she was supposed to deliver...and hasn't gotten around to. If it hasn't been stolen already. There were those sounds that were heard that nobody seems to have reacted to.... GM: Ack. Oh...thanks for idea. :) A nice gold bar would make a nice gift for a thief. :) From Kell: [Re: Actions] [After asking for volunteers to chase Garr Arawn will... “Right now most seem focused on the Smith clan as the... GM: Ack. From Pyan: [Re: Actions] Pyan stairs at Arawn wondering what the look is about. He decides he has nothing to hide so allows the search. GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Quote: Asking for all to hear, he turns to Z’Leyra,... Arawn would not have said this in front of Z'leyra - it would have occurred after she was escorted away. With everything going on he doesn't want to force such a heavy thought on her unless further evidence pops up or as a last resort to sway the Council's judgement. GM: Ack. I figured. It was said low enough she didn't hear. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] Assuming people are fine with this perhaps Unali can accompany you in case a stealthy approach is needed. And he'd like to make sure that at least a few PC's visit with Z'leyra before and during her time before the judges. If the law-dean says that a lawyer would be handy Arawn is willing to pay for an honest one with a good track record, someone not likely to be influenced by who he's up against or bribed. GM: Ack. Got email from Unali so above would probably change. ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Ticasi] [Decalis 24th, 1634TH] [Tiren/Z'leyra's House] [Time: 3:10 pm] After Z'leyra and the audience views the Akasha results Kiet points out that a personal illusion could've been used. But when others stare at him, he realizes that Z'leyra's stone in Arawn's possession ruined that. Looking slightly embarrassed Kiet grumbles, "I hate that damnable, cursed stone...!" [Time: 3:15 pm] In between translating things for Pyan's benefit the druid made a suggestion, "As soon as possible we'll need to access the Necklace of Tongues. With things the way they are we can't afford to have you unable to understand much less verbally defend yourself if things get worse." [Time: 3:16 pm] Martin Smith demands that Pyan be searched for his missing gold. When Pyan was asked if he was willing to grant permission for a search, he continued to translate after informing the deputy of the language barrier. Unsure as to how well-versed the gathered were in languages he avoided directly advising Pyan, although he did give the hunter a subtle look hinting that the druid felt it might not be a wise-decision - Arawn didn't trust Martin and wasn't sure if anything might have been planted to further discredit those in Z'leyra's company. Pyan stares at Arawn wondering what the look is about. He decides he has nothing to hide so allows the search. Pyan raises his hands to show he doesn't care about being searched. The constable steps forward as Martin crosses his arms and stares. The constable begins to pat the hunter down from top to bottom. The constable looks into the belt pouch then turns. "How much did you have?" Smith stammers trying to recall. "At least....10 silver and ...20 or so gold." The constable peers back inside then closes it. "No gold. Only 2 silver and some copper." Martin steps forward raising a hand, "then he got rid of my bag or gave to his friends!" The constable continues to pat Pyan's leg and boots and stands. He turns to the Councilor. "Do you have witness's to your coin or to see he took it? For that matter to the others?" Martin tries to speak but no words come out then finally he flushes a bit red. "No. But my word as Councilor should be enough here." The constable looks to the dean for help. The dean waves the constable back to work. "No grounds. Could you have dropped your bag or misplaced them?" Martin shrugs, "of course not..." then the man realizes something. "Maybe it was my mistake." He recalls those brats finally. [Time: 3:19 pm] Kell tries to process everything that is going on and figure out things after the various revelations. Milo Smith should be summoned immediately, as well as Gar Smith and his dad, the old man Smith. Kell asks the nearest Constable, "Why did you let lil Gar Smith leave, he was a witness here too. I suggest he is found and also kept in the city until this matter is settled." The constable looks up from his notes, "to the murder? or to her being in school? If in school he will be summoned. But all names here today may be summoned." He raises his voice to be heard by everyone. "As to staying in the city at least the next couple days this is strongly suggested. If you need to leave the city alert one of us." He then moves to another person and takes his contact info. Kell shakes his head the power this clan in this city is overwhelming. But so does other groups like the magic school. If this new school for Martin is made maybe the balance of power will shift more to their side? Kell looks at the Navigator, and almost reads his mind, "If you delay all construction until this entire conspiracy is sorted and cleaned, I will pay for the guards. Whilst the money is important, finding the truth and setting Z'leyra free is much more important. This is a small cost to bear, especially if things lead where I suspect they may lead." Looking meaningfully at the Smiths.... Ha'Kall doesn't care now about upsetting the arrogant man. Hammerhand nods, "I have no power to stop the construction. It has been planed for over a year. Sadly it is a done deal. But paying for guards would indeed help." Asking the group in Marentian so Pyan can understand Kell adds, "Do you mind if I look into Orto Mining? With all the Smiths involvement, is the company involved too or is it only those at the top? They may be part of the bigger conspiracy. Also, Hayna looked very disturbed. Perhaps we should ensure she is questioned or question her ourselves." letting that hang but giving Arawn a nod as he may be best suited to this. Unali and Arawn notices glances as Kell speaks. Seems some in the audience may know Marentian. But at least the Smiths do not react to any of it. As the constable ensures Z'leyra's magical bindings are secure she hears Kell speak to her uncle. Z'leyra speaks up, "I offer to pay the wages of any constable assigned to protect the sites of these two investigations. I also offer to do the Akasha spells necessary to track the killer of my father forwards or backwards in time to when and where they dropped their disguise. Of course it would be helpful to have my gear to make that safer, faster and easier. Not to worry, I promise not to run." Turning Martin can't help but reveal a feral grin at Z'leyra in her cuffs. "Sure you pay for guards who might work for you. Our constables are top notch but a bribe here a spell there. It would be a conflict of interest." The law dean nods, "I concur with Councilor Smith." The deputy looks at the audience and states, "it will be decided if doing more magic is allowed. I already went over other reasons not to do so." "I'd like to request that only law-enforcement, Mr. Hammerhand, and my company be allowed access. If any Council members or teachers request access they do so with a constable and either Mr. Hammerhand or one among my group at their side." Hammerhand shrugs but the dean speaks up first. "No one not even Mr. Hammerhand will be allowed inside except what is deemed in the investigation. After that is done any and all can do whatever." Z'leyra wonders if the dean is on her side or actually on the Smith's. But law folks tend to be one sided to the law not to one side. But clearly she has no friend in Martin. She stares at the man as she continues. To the party Z'leyra asks, "Could you do what you can to assist in seeing justice done? Please help find who killed my father and set me up to take the blame. If possible find out who else was involved as well. Thank you." Martin growls, "we all saw who killed my fellow friend and councilor." The law dean steps forward and waves a hand, "vigilantes will not be allowed in this city." He stares mostly at the party but glances at others in the audience. "You must allow the justice system to work. Interfering with any investigation could mean very bad things for the defendant." But the party silently nods, they know what Z'leyra meant. Justice may be swift in some areas or slow as a sloth in others but they will not stand by as possible evidence is wasted. The party notices that Martin must be preparing to leave the area. Arawn moves toward the law dean as he adjusts Z'leyra bag of things. Arawn leaned in to speak calmly and quietly with the law- dean the man looks at Arawn with a stern eye of interest. "Dean, with all due respect I would request that, with Milo Smith a suspect, that Councilor Martin and his son should be held for the moment until Milo can be brought in. As relatives and with the possibility of clan involvement in Tiren's death there's a vested interest in counseling the suspect which could lead to an obscurement of truth through corroboration and preparedness. In addition, with Poorda's death in the midst of efforts by Ki to purchase and develop the land, said woman being one of the few hold-outs towards development, and as Councilor Smith along with Milo have close dealings with Ki, enough so to influence the Council to accelerate development by 2 days, I would also echo my companion's request," referring to Kell's earlier imploration, "that development be halted pending the final outcome of these investigations. With Smith ties to both investigations I urge you to send teleporters or swift riders to call in Ki and Milo now, as Garr Smith has already headed out and may be looking to communicate with either which could hamper this investigation. Lastly, in particular because of the above, I must state that Councilor Smith should not sit on the judges panel - being a potential suspect aside there are too many personal interests to allow for a fair and unbiased judgement due to his brother, at the least, a suspect, potential developments at risk, and animosity already shown towards Tiren, Z'leyra and our company." The law dean glances at Smith and the party then back at Arawn. "Milo have been here that day as a witness but there is no connection to his death other than being here. He is a well respected professor and accusing him without due evidence is not wise. As to stopping the Smiths they are free to do as they wish. Milo is the only one we will seek first hand encounter with. With lack of evidence aside from rumors I can't act. Besides the councilor has influence and could be allowed freedom very fast. His son I can't stop since there no connection. As to stopping the construction." He raises a hand to his chin and rubs it in thought. "We could see to that but it may take time. I do not know how long it will take to investigate the old lady's death. So a injunction is probably in order. I would have to speak to Councilor Duke. As to Ki I do not know the man but he is a well respected man in town. I could not act against him without further evidence. As to sending fast riders to chase them down there is no legal recourse there." He steps closer. "I suggest that you let us do our work. Helping your friend is admirable but can be dangerous." Arawn steps back and glances at the others This man is useless but he is correct though that he needs more evidence to take down some power bases. Arawn returns to the party. Arawn quickly spoke privately with the party. "I have Corona tracking Garr but one of us should try to catch up and spy on him," he suggested, looking to the group to see if anyone felt they were up to the task and might volunteer. "He or those he meets might slip loose with something worth discovering." "You're probably one of the best suited for the task. Orto Mining is working with Ki Landsman's company to develop this area in preparation for some new schools, Metal and Engineering at least which is no surprise as the latter would be heavily dependent on the former's resources. Also, be aware that Martin, Milo, Garr and Ki seem to be pressed for time on a plan, perhaps the land development but possibly something beyond just that. Martin convinced the Council to allow them to begin in two days time versus the original four, as it seems they're worried about Z'leyra's presence here. With that in mind you could possibly use some help in investigating as multiple companies and even the Metal School will need to be looked into, Martin and Milo both having positions there. I'd suggest someone skilled at navigating such places with a blend of social graces, an ability to navigate beaurocratic files, while possessing a talent for accessing special locations without drawing attention to themselves,” the last comment an obvious hint toward the stealthier members of the group. "In the meanwhile perhaps Kiet and one or two of us can chat with the shopkeeper and the residents of the gambling hall. If the man who sold the vase was Poorda's killer we might be able to extract information from him that could shed light on things. And young men have a habit of talking too much after drink and sex so it might be worth checking to see if Garr has a regular girl in the brothel who might be convinced to talk. As to Hayna, I'll see what I can find. I have a few other things to look into but as I'll be on school grounds, if I finish in time, I'll try and catch up to you, Kell." Arawn then looked off for a moment, pensive before releasing a deep breath. "Right now most seem focused on the Smith clan as the perpetrators of Tiren's death, possibly Poorda's as well. But there's something else we should discuss before aiming all our sights in that direction - Tiren and Z'leyra's past. Although I'm leaning towards the Smiths' having something to do with Poorda's death I'm not sure that they're responsible for Tiren's, at least not fully if at all. When Tiren was killed Z'leyra's double threw notes into the fire and failed to take anything. The Smiths are metal-crafters, just like Tiren, and whatever they might have thought of Tiren's metal- craft it would have made sense that they would have grabbed his notes. For even if they thought Tiren's metal-work was truly inferior they would have attempted to glean anything they could from his notes in hopes of finding something useful to add to their own metal-craft.' Unali listens and looks at the house. It makes sense. The killer didn't even look at the notes just destroyed them. Even a person like Smith would try to find out what he was up to. It is basic human nature. She turns back to Arawn who continues. "With the notes destroyed I think the attack was done to cover something up. Perhaps something like making sure his metallurgical knowledge, Kameran knowledge, never falls into other peoples hands. I know very little of that land, only what Z'leyra has shared over campfires and pulled from books, but I recall that the Kameri guard this knowledge and consider it sacred. If so it would make sense that they would go to great lengths to protect something so sacred and precious. And though I'd prefer not to think this, if a shape- shifter, illusionist or an enchanted Z'leyra isn't to blame then I think we need to consider a suspect inadvertently blurted out by Martin Smith - a twin, Z'leyra's twin, Z'layha. If she felt abandoned she might have harbored resentment all these years for being passed over by her father. But even if she wasn't angry with him, as a shaman it would be her duty to protect sacred knowledge, regardless of the cost. As has been said by other forces - there comes a point where one must prioritize their loyalties, their duties and responsibilities." The druid's thoughts make Ha'Kell think a bit more about the Smiths, their ambitions, and the murder of Tiren. Those motives and actions all make sense to him. If the Smith's had a direct connection to Tiren's murder, why not steal his work? Looking more into a possible twin, that could be the key for the murder. Even though the Smiths are deplorable and Kell doesn't like them, he is following Arawn's line of thinking. There is the current action of them taking land, and then there is Tiren's murder. Replying to Arawn, "That all makes perfect sense. Perhaps you are correct in all of this. The Smiths, while having something going now, maybe had nothing to do with Tiren's murder. The Kameri will definitely kill to protect their secrets." Arawn looked to Z'leyra's uncle, Navigator Hammerhand, the alfar recalling the man's reaction to certain parts of Z'leyra's story. "I have a feeling you know more to Tiren's story than Z'leyra does, or was at least willing to share or believe. What can you tell us?" The navigator looks puzzled. "What do you mean? I'm sure you heard it from her. I was his brother. He liked making things and the crafts. I spent many nights listening to him talk about Z'naya and his kids. He felt shattered from her death and leaving the others behind. He took serious reprimands and gossip against him and Z'leyra. I don't know what you are looking to find out?" Unali intended to stay close to Z'leyra and be there to guard her, but now sees things moving so rapidly that she decides she is needed in a different capacity. As Hayna moves away, after the giving names to the constable and assuring Hammerhead that she will cover any funds needed for a watch on Tirens place, but if he can please gather a few trustworthy man, she will try to catch up with Hayna. 'Hammerhead, this place should be watched. Do not concern yourself with the cost, I will cover any expenses needed. Just hire a few good and trustworthy men as soon as you can. It is just that I need to go now and check on another matter.' Hammerhand is impressed with Z'leyra now. Her friends seem very close and willing to help. He looks to Z'leyra with pride then turns to the deputy. "Please station men here and the other house. At least 2 man teams. No one but those involved in the investigation should not be allowed access." The deputy nods, "it will be done." To Arawn, not too loud, but not concerned about overhearing: "Sorry Arawn, I cannot go birdwatching just now as planned. Can you take someone else along? I need to ...", grabs towards her stomach as if her stomach is upset or she needs alatrine quickly, and then rushes off in the direction that Hayna had left. Actions? Comments? Next Update....Next Email! GM: End of Part 1. This is already 600 lines and I've not done but 5% of the actual update. The above is what I call Recap the old stuff. The posts combined into one coherent update. Part 2 will be the main update. It is now 11pm and I've not but done 5%. I started and did a lot Saturday but tonight I got some last minute emails and posts a few hours after I started. So that delayed things. I had planned to start the hearing which is around 3 hours from the events above. So the above give me directions on how to proceed with different tasks. I must say guys I'm impressed Kiet, Arawn and Kell. All the logical actions and thinking/doing is superb. To be honest this adventure was never a mystery one maybe 5%. But this is creating some fun. Something we've not done for this pbem ever in 16 years. Actual true RPing compared to always hack/slack. Course I know Pyan is bored (sorry but you can jump in and help!). I really need to do the behind scenes stuff or my file on filling in a lot of the gaps. I best take some of my notes and do that later. Read on for part 2. GM: Pyan - Do you want to learn Donaran via the Necklace? Won't be fluent but might at least understand every 3rd or 4th word. (Low EM). No one has used necklace in 3 weeks so its free. GM: For part 2 I setup a timeline for each group/person. I figured out how long a task would take. Then added each person/group to update. Person 1. Then Person 2 and so on. This was the most efficient use of keeping track of who was were. I hoped I've linked everything correctly and in some good to read fashion. Keep in mind the time ticks and know where you are. So if you see something your character may not know until you share that info.