` HT Player DS Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- FH.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Al.. Ma ...Kevin Newark..........Dorhak............Warrior.Normal/Dwarf....Ma --.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe W3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma W2.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma R4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe ...Don.Kerr..............Maelorna..........Dancer..Normal/Human....Fe ...Gilbert.Isla..........Mournath..........Sailor..Normal/Human....Ma R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe R3.Fukishtu.Newsome......Npc...............Chief...Normal/Human....Ma R3.Lucria.Cegra..........Npc...............Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma 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 #102 sequence (file #715) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions] Per Akiyra's suggestion Z'leyra  motions to the party "Okay, we are told to camp and stay here, no wandering.... GM: Ack. ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Febris 4th, 1635TH] [Kameran Lands - Forest South of Kameran capital] [Time: 4:22 am] After Kiet berates Mae. Arawn stood silent but observant as the others moved to and fro or shared choice words with each other. It had been thus for many a day, his thoughts drifting beyond the known and visible world, his being split between realms. But slowly he began his return to the solidity of the Middle World, though even now dancing amidst the cosmic gap in the aftermath of the battle. "All summonings have their price," Arawn said, his voice carrying from the shadows across the fire. "The forces of Chaos are quick to respond and comply. It's part of their appeal and due to their hunger. But their price is often far more than even the summoner imagines. Be careful, Maelorna. In their cunning they will exact more from you than is directly asked." For some time Arawn examines the dark tree. Arawn stood over the burnt out husk of the soul-leeching tree. It was a thing of spirit and souls, of which he was well-versed. Had he not been busy looking over Payan during the battle he would engaged it, though luckily for all in the end his effort was not required. But he could at least do his best to make sure that the threat was truly over and done. ----------- ---------- [Febris 7th, 1635TH] [Kameran Lands - Hills South of Kameran capital] [Time: 4:09 pm] The meeting with Akiyra and Z'leyra begins. She says that things have changed. The druid, versed in the arts of social subtlety and diplomacy, did well to present an approachable and unassuming demeanor. Still, he took in the scene with an experienced eye and trepidatious inquisitiveness. His warm smile, so quick to spring to his face, grew as he eyed the wolves. Allowing his hand to move from Corsaya's snow-white locks to his knee he came to a crouch, his body language letting the wolves know he came with peaceful greeting. [Time: 5:18 pm] As Akiya escorts the party north, Arawn tries to get near and examine the larger than usual wolf. This is not that rare as even Celtric is a Wolf Shaman. But this large one seems to be a large mountain-snow wolf. The druid tries to befriend the wolf without touching it. He extends his influence as a powerful empath and the wolf slowly notices the Alfar. But the wolf is clearly torn between his master Akiyra and this strange man. In a show of some lowering of his defenses the wolf does approach Arawn and sniffs his hand. But then Akiyra barks a command and the wolf returns to her side. But as they move the wolf seems to be receptive to the Druid. Z'leyra translates for those the meeting as they move north through the hills. "Please thank Shaman Akiyra for her hospitality," Arawn asked of Z'leyra. "And don't forget, we have gifts for your people, though I'm not sure if we'll be staying here or if those gifts are best presented in your village, a main center, or even a proper individual, such as Akiyra. You know your people best so I'll allow you to determine this. Just let me know if you need me to acquire some or all of those gifts now and I'll do so." [Time: 5:27 pm] Per Akiyra's suggestion Z'leyra  motions to the party. "Okay, we are told to camp and stay here, no wandering. Soon some of their leaders will come by to look at us to check us out for themselves. Try not to annoy them, please. Okay, set up the tents." She will talk to the horses, telling them to stay together, while she removes the gear and tack from her horse. As the party removes gear from horses to setup the tents and camp, Z'leyra watches. She is normally one to help out her share but memories flood back about these lands. Her sweet mother and the ever curious father. Her siblings and friends of the family and personal friends. A decade has changed and so has the person who left this place. Then she was full of wanderlust and wanted to see everything. Then when kicked out she was forced to do so. Going to Ticasi where she was pretty much treated as the barbarian she was among the 'civilized' students made her an outsider. Now she realizes this is her last chance. If things go bad to where her sister indeed is the killer then what? Will she allow the two Ticasi to take her back for swift justice? Shouldn't Kameri justice be enough? Z'leyra spends a bit of time combing her hair and putting on the nice coat to make a better impression. This causes some like Kiet, Fremea, Kell and Unali to stare a bit. To see her comb her hair is new. Usually Unali for the court has to dress up nice but this is a new experience. to the others it is not a surprise. "Who will we be meeting with?," Arawn asked when Z'leyra translated. Once all was done he then moved off with Corsaya to help mark and secure the party's horses, asking for Kiet's help if necessary. As he did so he whispered quietly among the Kameri horses, befriending them and learning what little they might have to share. But the horses just say the best grass when not snowing is on the east side of the village. [Time: 6:10 pm] Some of the villagers have helped setup camp. Women and children help do the tents and arrange the horse pavilion as well as bring firewood. Only one or two men actually help out as they stare from the margins wary of what is going on. The kids being naturally curious ask who they are, why they are here and what next among many other questions. But their mothers stop them and hush them as it is not their place to ask. Soon the women leave and bring back food and drink. Warm fresh meats from chicken, birds, rabbit and deer. Fresh vegetables, though not as numerous due to winter season. Drinks include water, tea, ale, beer and a spiced drink that Z'leyra devours since she has not had it in a decade. It is a mix of tea and coffee that can be spiced up with cinnamon or peppers but tastes good. As the party drink and eat around the burning fire they realize they can all sleep well that night with no entries. At least unless Z'leyra assigns some. They should be relatively safe here in the middle of the village. But as they relax, the Constable begins to relay what he learned of this land since Z'leyra may have missed some details. He speaks this in Marentian. "Some say this is the Home of Man. Some believe it to be a nearby area to the west from a long dead empire. Scholars have debated it for centuries." He turns to Z'leyra who begins to pace back and forth as she drinks her Kalya spiced tea. "If we are in the Kameran area and this is the capital why is it reported the Alesi have a few thousand more people?" He shrugs and finishes his story. "One Scholar wrote that as much as 18-20% of population may be just warriors which is a bit high for most cultures. For a population of around 60-65,000 seems like they are paranoid or just wary." "Place depends on metals and minerals. But I really wonder how they can sustain their wildlife growth and it survive the hunts and great culling here." He looks to Pyan and figures maybe he can talk to the hunter about that later. "There is a distinction of men and woman here for sure. As we can see from the looks around here. I'm not into religion but I read somewhere they have gods for men and some for women. Can't recall what they were. But I read something about Utgard? I thought that god thing was in the north west far from here. Seems odd to have those believers here." [Time: 6:54 pm] The stars out bright as Z'leyra paces back and forth. She figures this must be a test of some kind. Make her nervous and off center. She calms herself. She grunts that Arawn who taught Fremea to calm down has worn off on her. But then she looks around waiting for almost 2 hours for these leaders. Then a tall man, 6' 2 around 170 pound man and a short, 5' 5 150 pound woman approach. The man wears thick leathers, bastard sword and metal helmet and is in his late 40s. The woman in her 60s is wearing a ink black robe with some purple stripes around the side and collar. The robe is full of cosmic images like a comet or rocks or bright yell, red and blue stars. The party watches and the Sidh can see a strong aura around the woman who is probably a spell-caster. The male there is just a normal hue around him. Arawn can tell the man is contrite and wary while the woman is bold and confident. "I am Irana lodge leader of the Star Lodge. This is War Chief Ohalo. " The man stands his ground but Irana walks among the others staring and examining them. She stops in front of Fremea and frowns. "You travel with this child?" She moves on and sees the red head. She stares at the red head as it is very rare if impossible here. She turns and goes back to Z'leyra. Fremea grumbles in her mind. She wants to rip her dress off and just show her what this child can do. But she is nervous and waits for Z'leyra's signal. "You are here to see family but you were ... removed from here. What afterwards and with these people of yours?" She glances at the hands of Z'leyra as if to assess her bearing. Is she a person who uses her hands or gets others to do it. Then she continues, "Welcome to Rock Crust Village." Z'leyra is taken aback. She had hoped this would be the main capital. Granted the tribes use no capital as they do like Maren. But the main village is far larger. She has been through this place many times going south to the forest. But she has never stayed here. She recalls the main lodge studies the astronomical things to derives their magic. "Greetings and thank you. have a seat, something to drink?" Irana finds this amusing. A seat where there is none. Unless on the ground. But she shakes her head not wanting to dirty her robes. She does take a mug of Kalya. Z'leyra continues, "removed, one could say so. But not exiled. I willingly went with my father to learn of the world south of here. I learned a fair bit. I shall share what I learned." Arawn can sense the lie in Z'leyra and so can the constable. Why isn't she telling them why she is really here? Irana drinks her Kalya and stares at the sword on Z'leyra's hip. "Hand me that." She points to the great sword. Z'leyra hands it over. Carefully. "And no. Neither my father nor I have revealed to any other what we swore to keep secret." Irana holds the sword in one hand and stops when she says that. She raises an eyebrow and glances to the others. Irana hopes the others do not understand Kameri or these secrets might have to be explained. Z'leyra stands as Irana twirls and weighs the sword looking at the blade quality and hilt. The Shaman begins to fume a bit inside why all these tests? Irana is clearly no warrior but hands it over to the Chief. The chief does the same looking at the blade. Then does some shadow fighting to test the blade. He nods and hands it back to Irana. "A fine weapon. Where did you steal it from?" The party and audience suddenly go quiet. Those who don't understand Kameri until translated don't know what he said but the meaning is clear a bit of hostile like a parent scolding a child. Z'leyra's face stern she replies, "I made it with my own hands and skill." She does the techniques taught by Arawn to Fremea and hopes he doesn't find out it rubbed off on her. "I have fought a number of strong and dangerous opponents with it." Ohalo scoffs. "We shall see." He hands the sword back to Irana who examines the hilt and nods. Then back to the Healer. Z'leyra places it back in her magical sheath and wonders how quickly it would take to slice this chief in two. Irana nods, "so then you could show your skill by taking out our champion?" There it is the test. Z'leyra holds her displeasure. "If you wish to see my skill at metalwork take me to a forge and I can show you." "No. In combat. to ensure that you earned it rightfully." "If you wish to see my skill at fighting, let us set rules so that we do not maim or kill each other as that would weaken the Kameran, but yes, given those groundrules and even rules for both of us, sure. I do not claim to be better or even equal to your champion, I do claim to be competent." "Part of my success was in having excellent armor and weapon to fight with. So we should fight without armor and just practice blades if you wish to evaluate my skill without magic helping." Z'leyra adds, "Or at least without the assistance of the magic my armor and blades are enchanted with." Ohalo crosses his arm clearly annoyed that this person has set ground rules. Irana nods, "So fight without that blade. A blade of the same kind. Agree. If that blade has magic then it will be against the champion. No armor no magic used by you both. We will do this in the morning." Z'leyra nods and glances at Ohalo is he the champion? But he does not show any emotion on this. "It will be so. Now let's learn about each other. " The chief walks away back to some village buildings. Seems to not care. Irana however stays and learns about the party. "May I meet your champion, try some practice blades for size?" Irana shakes her. head. "She is not in the area but should be by sunrise." Z'leyra starts a brief history of herself and her adventures. The same details she told the party. Before she tries to translate to the party the last few minutes. As she tells Irana she is a bit confused. A champion a female? Not the chief? Akiyra is right things have changed. Females are the magical crafters and shamans but not warriors. It is not impossible as some have been. But its not common. [Time: 7:12 pm] Z'leyra speaks to both the party and the Kameri who are all around. "Hello and welcome to you all! Please help yourselves to the refreshments, Brought all the way from Marentia, far to the south of here. Be seated and let me introduce us to you. I am Z'leyra, Born here in the Kameran I am one of the children of Z'nayha, a shaman and Tiren, an adventuring metalsmith from the far off land of Ticasi. Ticasi is a land that prides itself on gathering knowledge from all over the world. Tiren's father was a respected leader amongst his folk. Having heard rumors of Kameran metalwork Tiren overcame many dangers to come to the Kameran. Here he found what he would describe as a treasure far greater than the secret of Kameran metalwork. He found true love with the Kameran shaman Z'nayha and together they made five children, the two eldest, twin daughters, had just completed their shamanic training when Z'nayha died." A lady brings Irana a chair from a lodge to sit so not to dirty her robes. Irana scowls a bit and others in the audience whisper. Seekers of knowledge indeed - thieves of their secrets? Z'leyra continues, "Not being born a Kameri, Tiren was forced to leave and I volunteered to go with him to learn of the world south of here. I studied and learned a great deal. After Tiren died I was caught up in some adventures, met these folks and had a fair bit more adventuring and finally have come back here to the Kameran. Let me start carving a wooden practice blade while I introduce my friends. Sorry that most of them do not speak our language. Hopefully they will learn some of it soon." Z'leyra indicates each party member as she introduces them. "This is Corona, a VERY special eagle. My closest companion." Irana glances at Corona then off to the audience at some person no one can see. Maybe another shaman of eagles? It is too hard and dark to figure out. "This is Arawn, someone very in touch with nature." "Fremea, she is small yet skilled with both bow and blade." This causes the audience to murmur. A child using such weapons? Could she be no older than 10-12? "Kell, a man who knows how to value merchandise and who can get a fair deal." "Kiet, a tumbler, an acrobat. He is skilled at entertaining." "Unali, I know of none who can match her skill with daggers." "Pyandalgor, a hunter." Irana raises a hand. "This one looks...like distant cousins. Where is this hunter from?" Z'leyra let's Pyan answer and translates for Pyan. Then she continues, "and more recent additions to our group." "Fukishtu Newsome, a chief amongst his own." Irana raises a hand, "a chief of what? A village?" "Lucria Cegra, a hunter." Some who understand Kameri quietly smile. A hunter indeed not of animals but of people. "Mournath, a sailor." Irana raises a hand. She looks to the audience of this land locked nation. "Sailors are people who ride craft in the water like a raft in the streams during rain season." This seems to quell questions and she nods for Z'leyra to continue. "Dorhak, a warrior. He may not be tall, so he learned how to shorten his opponents." she smiles, "and Maelorna, a dancer." Z'leyra allows others to speak to the Kameri. "Give them an eager audience and time to tell their tales and you may hear of many adventures. I will attempt to translate. Forgive me if I do not give justice to the full wonder of their words." "Let me start with myself. My father made sure escorting me, when I was but 17, to avoid troubles as we went down the river and then across the mountains to and through foreign lands to Ticasi. There we found his father had died and another, backed by a powerful family, had taken his place on the Ticasi council. For years I studied at this center of learning that Ticasi is famous for. My father sought to beat his rivals but one day I came home from my studies to find our workshop burnt down and my father dead. There was no proof of foul play. I started studying a spell that I hoped would reveal any, if there was foul play." The audience becomes very quiet. "Shortly after, a dying man got me to promise to deliver something for him. So I left Ticasi and made that delivery. I heard a rumor that someone who befriended and taught me while I was at Ticasi had been captured, perhaps enslaved by the people of the island of Clima. I had various adventures fighting brigands, sprites and a giant while traveling to Clima and there I met some Marentians on a similar mission. Together we freed the one I sought out and had adventures that I will allow others to tell." Irana seems pleased and drinks her second mug of Kalya. Irana quietly tells Z'leyra as the party hears Z'leyra's translated words. "Your friends are free to move around. They will not enter any private lodge or home without proper assurance. The few public places we have the small store, grain mill, blacksmith and such they are fine to go there. But at this hour most will be closing for the night. There is a drinking place in the north west the men use to drink...and other things. But anyone going there or other places should have a translator. I will personally ensure your safety here. We normally would have a few guest lodges. But with the hunters from the west here they are full. Tomorrow night we can see about freeing a lodge for your party. Unless you move on to find your family." Irana looks to the crowd and finally sees who she needs. She waves a young woman forward. She turns to Z'leyra. "Who are your siblings and what villages do they belong to? We can see if they are still there. Where was your home?" She nods to the other. "She will try to find info tonight and tomorrow for you." [Time: 7:33 pm] Actions? Comments? Next Update..Friday... GM: A good place to stop. A lot of the above was in email and private chat with Alex. It is just easier to do it real time. As you can see Arawn is back in full PC mode now. Welcome back! While this whole thing is Z'ls main thing folks can still do things. Since no Friday update consider this (Saturday) the Monday update. I will do the Friday update this week or try to on Wednesday since Thursday is always hectic. This will go slower in these updates. But if nothing major happens we'll move on to the morning. GM: Necklace Use [Reminder to myself] Feb 7 - ???? Feb 8+- ????