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 #107 sequence (file #753) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Dorhak: [Re: Actions] Dorhak doesn't really understand much about where we... "Well, I think I might like to see that!" he says after... GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] *** Febris 8th (prior to arriving at Sharendon) ***    Arawn spent the journey lightly springing about...    "You're a sailor and chronicler, you say? I have... *** (in Sharendon village) *** *5:07-5:32pm*    Ever generous, Arawn offered up the beds to those ... *6:19pm*    As the party prepared to make their way to the festival...   "Z'leyra, I don't know who the leader is here but it... *6:40pm*    Meandering here and there, but close enough to assist... *7:30-10:29pm*    Between acting as translator for others in the party... ------------------------------------- *** Febris 9th *** *6:08am*    The continual pressure on his head had grown day by...    "If you'd like I can show you a few moves that you... -------------------------------------- *** [I don't think Z wants to finish home alone so if you want to join that's fine.] ***   Scott, not sure who this is directed at or what you mean? GM: Ack. It is a open so that anyone who wanted to join Z at her homestead is fine for Rp purposes. From Mae: [Re: Actions] Maelorna inspects the mechanisms of the crossbow and... <<18:40 the festivities>> Maelorna enjoys the food as well the alcohol but finds ... <<19:30>> At the sound of the horn, Maelorna pauses mid drink and... <<22:29>> Maelorna looks about for Lucria, but sees Arawn instead... GM: Ack. Good stuff and appreciate the time stamps. It does speed things up. From Mournath: [Re: Actions] Mournath to Arawn: 'I'm an able sailor and I've spent many a month GM: Ack. ------------------------------------------------------------ [New Stuff] [Febris 8th, 1635TH] [Kameran Lands - a Kameran Village] [Time: 11:10 am] [Travel to Sharendon Village] Arawn spent the journey lightly springing about on foot, Corsaya freely roaming about as she pleased, the druid aware that she would remain close by should trouble strike the group. As the hours stretched by his silent walking meditation beneath the forest temple gave way to conversation, mainly directed at the new members of the party in between bouts of banter. He seemed particularly interested in Mournath, his own love of the sea, exploration and scholarly pursuit drawing out his curiosity towards another of similar bent. Arawn moves toward Mournath. "You're a sailor and chronicler, you say? I have some experience with that, as a sailor and navigator, though not as much as I'd like," Arawn said with a warm smile. "Mainly along the eastern shore of this continent and into the Sea of Tears. But I'm eager to explore more, even into the Great Ocean beyond the known lands." "Have you been to been on many adventures? Seen many a far- flung shore?" Arawn showed a genuine inquisitiveness, eager to hear news of other places he had yet to see and legends yet to be discovered, as he chatted with the man. He even shared bits and pieces of his own voyages, though skirting topics that could only be held safely by those whose trust had been developed by mutual danger and measure of time - Lymria, the dark elves, and even details of the Dark Lands for now, among other things. But this still left plenty for the druid to talk about - from tales of Katai and other distant nations, to pirate raids, and even the party's rescue at sea by a demi-god sea serpent of the Elemental Lord, Zu. He also shared his own plans to one day build a vessel sturdy enough to cross the great span in search of unknown lands. Mournath replies Arawn, "I'm an able sailor and I've spent many a month in the deeps with shore miles from sight. It's not something I'm pleased with, a man should always have a bit of land within the range of his vision as seas that wide and deep leave a man with little recourse if things go wrong. I can remember sudden storms nearly destroying a vessel I was on clear skies and calm waters one moment, the next a swirling chaotic sea beneath us and winds and rain howling from above. If my captain and his navigator had not been good, true men, I'd not be alive today. I've put to port on many a shore and broken bread with many tribes and peoples calling most friends, but others...well, let's just say that sometimes it's better to run than to offer a hand in friendship." [Mournath reaches into his pack and brings out a small, bound book] "Here is a volume i've put ink to the last page on. It describes some of what I've seen, where I've been and a few drawings of animals, plants and people that caught my fancy. You're welcome to look through it." *************** [Time: 4:50 pm] [En route to Sharendon Village] Party moves toward Sharendon village. Dorhak doesn't really understand much about where we are all going, but the free ale and food has been quite the treat. At least he is being treated better now than before. *************** [Time: 5:02 pm] [Sharendon Village] The party is greeted inside the village by Kanaya who seems too young to represent the village. She directs the part to a corral and then the cabin for the party. *************** [Time: 5:10 pm] [Sharendon Village] Unali unpacks all of her clothes and with help from Kanya is directed to a wooden building nearby. Inside she finds a couple other females and she finds four very large basins. Since Unali speaks Kameri fluently she explains she is there to wash her clothes. The women nod and continue their small talk. Kanya had explained that this place is for clothing and not bathing. Unali finds soap and some powder that she is told with some soaking helps to clean clothing. For the next 20 minutes Unali soaks and cleans her clothing to get rid of the smell and dirt. It is not a perfect process but it gets the job done. She returns with a borrowed basket to hang the clothes in the cabin to air dry. She is happy to see two young boys out behind the cabin placing two poles and a rope line. They explain they were told to do so so she could dry her clothes on the line. Unali thanks the boys and they run off to do other things. At least she'll have some dry clothes for a few days that don't smell. *************** [Time: 5:32 pm] [Inside Sharendon Village] Kanya explains about Z'leyra's brother being a sculptor. The dwarf doesn't really understand what is happening with Z'leyra's brother until someone translates enough to let him know that the brother is an artist, and in stone! Well, that sort of thing has always interested Dorhak. He had always fancied himself pretty useful with a hammer and chisel. Dwarves have a long, long history of great works of art in stone. "Well, I think I might like to see that!" Dorhak says after understanding occurs. "So, do these hills have quality stone for such work?" Kanya looks puzzled at the question. After translation the older woman who came with Kanya answers. "yes. We have some basic stones and minerals. I'm no expert but Kam village gets most of the stone sent there. Most of our villages do not deal in stone but just wood. Most of our metal is used for...our fine blades. For more information you would have to consult some others like the men." Maelorna inspects the mechanisms of the crossbow and ignores the world for a few minutes as she checks that it weathered the cold well enough to function. Once contented that all is well with one of her prized possessions, she looks warily as the door bursts open with the three girls bearing food and drink. While still unable to understand their words she can smell the food and the sickeningly sweet tang of alcohol as they walk by her. She takes a few moments to savour the smell and samples a bit of the food, before pouring herself a tankard and drains it, closing her eyes in appreciation, feeling the long missed burning in her belly that spreads the delicious warmth throughout her limbs, which from the reddening of her pale cheeks shows how quickly it affects her. then pours a bit more. She tilts her head in the direction where Lucria is and with a warm knowing smile upon her lips and languid grace she steps over and hands him the tankard, while her emerald eyes smolder with desire, hunger and the promise of pleasure. She runs her fingers over his shoulder and steps back looking at him playfully, but turns about and heads over towards where she chose her bed. Lucria stares at Mae as she licks her lips ever so gently like a bee gathering nectar. When Mae comes to tease him he watches her leave He gulps and pulls on his collar. It seems awfully warm in here now. Upon hearing the translation about a festival Maelorna thinks for a moment, then grabbing her grooming kit as well one of her gowns, the other having been soiled from the previous town. She unfolds the black gown and shakes it out, the seamstress designed the gown to tease anyone observing the one wearing it and Maelorna had taken a fancy to it. True it's fashion had long since passed in civilized locations, but for her needs, it never failed to cause hearts to race or make men forget themselves. She lays it out and grabbing her grooming kit, she heads out for the midden. Once cleaned up, she steps back into the room and without any care of whom might be in the room let alone watching her, disrobes, letting her clothing pool upon the floor about her feet. With well-practiced motions, she slips the black gown over her shoulders and pulls at the drawstrings of the bodice tight and takes a practiced breath, before pulling them tighter and once satisfied, she ties them off, before walking about, letting the skirts move and flow about her legs, before slipping on a pair of soft boots and checking for the fit.. Mae walks up to Lucria before they leave, "With your indulgence, perhaps you would be my guide for the festivities?" she asks playfully. "It's been ages since I've been to any such gathering, " as she whispers more to herself, "That didn't include the marks I had to play companion with at the discretion of Master Gniled." as she smiles hesitantly. "Forgive me please, I've overstepped my position if not my place." Lucria stands and puts on his coat. She hears her words and feels bad. Should he make a move to a woman who has clearly been abused? Would that be right? But she is sending too many signals. He grabs his bag which looks a bit small for a pouch and places it on his belt. "I will be honored. You know we don't have to..." he steps out of the door into the cold with Mae tugged into his arm. "go to this thing." He glances back and smiles to ensure no one is seeing. "I found a ..small bit of wine. Why don't we find a nice dark place and check out the local stars?" *************** [Time: 6:19 pm] [Inside Sharendon Village] Ever generous, Arawn offered up the beds to those who so desired, opting instead to camp by the corral to keep the horses company. Until then he kept the others company, mindful of Kanya and asking the occasional question in hopes of learning more about the village. As other Kameri appeared and the invitation to join the festival offered he gave the villagers his thanks and appreciation, asking if there was anything he could do in return. The appointed spokeswoman Kanay seems confused by the questions being so young she no idea how to answer. so she just replies. "No. Nothing needed in return. Enjoy your stay." As the party prepared to make their way to the festival area Arawn presented Z'leyra with a pile of warm winter blankets, clean and well made. "Z'leyra, I don't know who the leader is here but it might be best if you present this gift for them to dispense. The rest I'll gather before we head to the capitol." *************** [Time: 6:40 pm] [Inside Sharendon Village] Meandering here and there, but close enough to assist the others with translation, Arawn tasted the fare, quietly listened in on village talk, and learned what he could of Vahagn as worshipped by the Kameri. Discovering the recent changes in the hot springs the druid inquired among the women, being the ones most likely in the know. There magic was likely more than sufficient to determine the event a natural one, something not requiring the party's intervention, but he hoped to share some ideas regarding how to take advantage of the change. Though the waters had most disappeared he called upon his well of knowledge, from the medicinal to the magical, suggesting such things as crafting therapeutic mud baths, refined medicines, as well as collecting and trading the sulfur to those who could use it for other means. Likely this was stuff that had already been considered but if an idea or two slipped his lips for them to ponder and benefit from then he saw it as a good thing, hoping to see the village grow once again. Arawn attempts to mingle and learn more about the waters but the women seem to smile and say stuff like, "no need to worry. Why not go get some ale and food." or "that was so long ago it doesn't matter now. Try the ale." This continues time and gain. As if the women seem to speak down to a child who shouldn't worry about it. Arawn realizes the attitude by the women is clear that men should not concern themeelves with magic. Speaking to the men they seem to shrug and give the same notion that magic is something to avoid and not mess with. Frustrated Arawn soon realizes that being a man in this area who knows magic is a big disadvantage. Women seem to give little detail on Vahagn as they seem to make jest of it. But the men seem to explain the god is in charge of lightning and can prevent serious damage during the stormy season including brush fires and home damage. Mae decides to consider Lucria's offer but goes to the fun to at least make her presence for a short while. Maelorna enjoys the food as well the alcohol but finds the people enjoying themseleves much more enticing than she had felt at the previous settlement, for once glad that her other half is keeping quiet and she suspects that the alcohol might have something to do with it, but doesn't care. She starts to lose herself to the enjoyment of being there, for once glad to be herself and not some pet. *************** [Time: 7:30 pm] [Sharendon Village - Festival time] Being fluent Unali spends time alone mingling around the festival. But for the last few hours she has been real tense as if expecting something to happen. Those at the table when Gron explained the festival notice her just quietly drinking but not eating much. To Z'leyra she recalls about the attack at Cholan's tavern for Unali's birthday party. Z'leyra figures since then she is just antsy. Unali's reputation seemed to have come with her from the last village. The tall warrior who wore at least one Kameri blade - at least most suspected it was based on hilt style - was known from entering the lands. The Kameran know some of their blades left the lands and understand this. But to know that someone uses it - or seems to - as a primary weapon is respected. Even now in a dress with her dagger hidden the Kameran whisper about her. Unali is a warrior foremost but with the work she has done with Duke Aren she has learned court intrigue. Aside from one time after kidnapped King Maros was freed by the party was the party seen in a court function. But Unali has been to many balls and functions thanks to Aren. So her intrigue skills have gone high with practice. Here she uses her skills but being a barbarian culture the intrigue is on a lower level more laid back. She asks about the nature of the festival. To the men they just believe its an excuse to drink and have a good time. Only a few of the older men say its to give hope for a new fertile year. To the women though Unali discovers that the festival serves as something to give the village some interest and prosperity. the village is a nexus of many hunting trails. So wildlife is traded in the market. but after the springs fouled the village elders decided that due to market decline they needed more influx of people and gods. They came up with a few festivals that are over year. This one though, for Vahagn is only every 3 years since the rare birds only breed such rare eggs only every 2.5 years. Unali can understand the economics. In most cultures the main colony - Kam would probably want all of the trade and influx of people. But in this culture they do share it around. Unali asks about the wells. Again Unali learns two different answers. To the men they blame misuse of magic or some foul creature causing it. They are not bold enough to blame the women but Unali can read between the lines. For the one or two miners she finds they seem to realize its a natural thing that happens. But the women in the village explain that based on several earthquakes up to two year prior that rifts were open far underground. While the area is free of volcanic activity there are fissures naturally of gas and steam. Some believe far ago craters were formed by falling sky rocks. Which helped to form the fissures. But more recently the quakes opened rifts where sulfur and other noxious gas entered the natural warm healing springs. Within 2 months the full set of springs were foul. Sure Shamans tried to use magic to stop it. but they were limited in their power. So it was a losing battle. At one point the elders even feared the water supply was foul. But after tests of animals and magic the water supply seemed to be unaffected. Do the females believe in external tampering? Unali watches as the female snicker and giggle. They don't deny it but they don't sway the men's superstition. Unali realizes this is just a game of politics and distraction. Just before the horn blows Unali asks about any attacks on the villages? This time both sexes seem to agree this is very rare. Aside from what was explained earlier the warriors seem to have a good control of such. Sure on the fringes of the lands outers might test the waters. But this is handled. *************** [Time: 7:30 pm] [Sharendon Village - Festival time] Between acting as translator for others in the party Arawn found himself cycling back to the altar. Sacrifice was a regular part of worship, the followers of the sidh and other ancient forces being no exception, but what was given could often vary - it was the exchange of energy, giving up for what was given, that was important. He did not know what the Seran was, though he did ask about, but it seemed a rare and precious thing. He hoped that whatever was in the egg was young enough to not suffer and he kept a vigil, praying for the creature's spirit to have an easy transition into the spirit world and for it's own evolution as compensation for its life. And all the while he sent out loving thoughts to it, and to the village as well that all might benefit and grow. Arawn learns later in the evening that the Seran is a goose like animal but is known to have 1 out of maybe a thousand with golden colored down feathers. While the Seran are common animals in this area the golden version is less so. The women seem to believe that only 1 every decade might survive. At the sound of the horn, Maelorna pauses mid drink and looks over at tall male in the ornamental armour and blonde hair and her hunger for more than food ignites anew. What he carries she could care less, as she decides to try and take a chance, possibly to see if he is truly as he seems or just another simple male. The light touch was enough to put her off and it's evident in her eyes as she can see he is nothing but a simple male. *************** [Time: 10:29 pm] [Sharendon Village - end of Festival time] Maelorna looks about for Lucria, but sees Arawn instead and thinks for a moment and then walks up to him, warily unsure of why she chooses such. "May I ask you a question?" she asks in Marentian. *************** [Time: 10:45 pm] [Sharendon Village - end of Festival time] Lucria comes up behind Mae and reaches for her shoulder. Mae jumps and pulls her dagger but realizes it is the bounty hunter. His face is faintly seen in the dim torch light. "I found a nice place. A bath house for the village. It is closed at this late hour but I ..ahh...got a deal to use it for a bit. Care to maybe soak your feet in some hot water and share that wine?" Back at the cabin Unali collects her clothing from the line leaving a few that are still wet. She shares what she learned with Arawn who seems concerned about the springs and such. She is surprised that Arawn learned so little but realizes he is a man. She smirks a bit thinking of how in the various cultures like Clima and even to a degree Katai men are second class. Even a demi god Alfar is treated like a common street person. Once inside Unali finally relaxes knowing that no attack came at least up till now. ******************* [Febris 9th, 1635TH] [Kameran Lands - Sharendan Village] [Time: 6:08 am] The continual pressure on his head had grown day by day but Arawn pushed past it as best he could when the others began to rise. Sipping Kalya beside Dorhak he gave the dwarf a grin as he dealt with his hangover and grumbled about last night's wrestling match. "If you'd like I can show you a few moves that you might be able to pull off next time," Arawn offered between sips of spiced tea. Dorhak grunts and wonders how this person can be so chipper every waking hour! Especially this time of day. Dorhak tries to recall exactly what did happen last night but its foggy. ******************* [Time: 11:41 am] [En route to Kam Village] Thanks to the villagers food and water was given for the horses and party members. At this time the party takes a break to eat some minor lunch. Arawn notices Unali glancing over at him for the last few hours. He is unsure why but he has recently changed his mannerisms. For the last few days he has reached up to his head to stroke his forehead. Not for sweat but it is obvious a headache or something. Even Fremea commented on some small bags under his eyes after waking up day they left Sharendon. But Unali shows concern that Arawn may not e up to 100% of himself. Irana did offer some headache relief a bit of winterspring root that is a common remedy. But Arawn knows it only was a short time fix. Z'leyra has been a bit absent minded and anxious. For now two days they've been here. Yet no family. It doesn't take a Empath to see the glares Fuk gives her for taking too long to get to this mystery. ******************* [Time: 1:30 pm] [Kam Village] Barbarians have no central government they can call a true capital. To them it is just another village. While the women really rule the men do the day to day governing. Since the Kameran have no real enemies except the Ghiamem who are known for fierce raids. But based on comments in Sharendon the raids are not massive just hit and run. It is clear the women protect the lands with magic. While the first 2 villages were wood based here in Kam there are a lot of stone structures. It is clear stone from nearby mines are used here. While maybe two stories were rare in other villages here there are some with 3 and 2 story ones are not so rare. Z'leyra has been many times over the years growing up. But she is impressed by the growth in the population and structures. Back growing up there was only like 3-4 structures over 1 story. but now there are a few dozen. The "change" the equaling of the sexes may have done its toll on the population. While the other 2 villages had a few wagons here there are as many as single horses on the dirt streets. It almost looks like a civilized city. Unlike the last villages there is no representative to meet the group. While there are stares it seems less glances are here as the people are at this house bustling in their tasks and duties. Aside from the double take of seeing Mae's red hair and the glance at the odd gear party members wear there is little attention paid. Z'leyra asks is there is a place to stay like a inn with a corral or barn. She is directed back to the south where they came and there they find a two story stone place with a large barn. Inside the inn keeper says there are no coins here. They barter on items including metals, ore, gems, hides and so on. They do have rooms and can house the horses. but a deal will need to be brokered. ******************* [Time: 1:41 pm] Leaving the Inn Z'leyra and others ask about the square where her brother's statue should be. At this point some warriors do trail the party. Eventually one ask what they are here for and their intent. After hearing the details the guard nods, "the square is in the far north. It will be revealed tomorrow. IF I recall the statue is complete. So the sculptor would be at his place. I believe he is staying with another sculptor and his family in the west side of the village." He gives directions. Fuk and Lucria follow Z'leyra as she moves on foot toward the temporary home of her brother. Butterflies race in her stomach. ******************* [Time: 2:05 pm] Z'leyra stands in front of the two story wooden home. She knows sculptors are what would be called middle upper class. So they live well. Straightening her clothes she knocks on the door. A woman in her 50s answers the door. Z'leyra explains why she is there. The woman nods and yells out. A few moments later down the stairs a man comes down. Z'leyra recognize his face instantly and smiles. The man thanks the woman and comes to the door. The bright sunlight makes him blink. "Yes?" It takes a few moments and finally A'lart drops his jaw. "Z'leyra?" He exits the home and rushes to hug. "What ..what are you...what is going on?" A'lart stands 5 foot 10 and around 150 pounds. He looks to be around 26. Nothing striking about him but his hands show a person who works hard with his hands. Actions? Comments? Next Update.. Monday?? GM: Ok. I think this is a good place to stop. Sorry for delay. I had spent 4 hours Saturday night doing research for behind scenes stuff. Then Monday night I spent 4.5 hours just doing Recap and old stuff. This stage I am just formatting and filling in your posts and replying to emails. It was around 11:300 monday night when I finally started new stuff. By then after working 14+ hours I was a bit tired. So brain was starting to fade. I did try till 3am but it was slow. So this So this will be out a day later. But this doesn't give you guys enough time to reply for Friday. Then I'd have to turn around and do it tomorrow (got things to do like taxes). So I will work on the update Saturday afternoon. I may then post it then. That will allow 2 updates next week. Next update: A'lart will show his family and party can attend the statue revealing. I need as much rping a possible. I also need to know exactly what gear you'll be taking. While weapons are ok in the village I'm just curious if it will be a warehouse of weapons or just a few items. If you recall I said awhile back I'd may need to know what is being worn. This is one of those times. It does not imply an attack. In fact there will be NO attack. I know I'm cheating by telling you. But I just need to know what is worn. I was going to do more but at 700 lines this is big enough for now. At this point things will move a bit slower it won't be days ahead. But still can post on old actions. GM: Arawn: Emails sent. Scale Mail/Sword? Anything else? Dorhak: Armor/Mace? Unsure if you'd take mace? Fremea: Daggers/Armor. Take Bow over dress? Kell: You're awol so I'll assume Dirks/helmet/Armor. Kiet: Armor/helmet/Dagger. Take Tulwar? Unali: Daggers/Armor Mae: Dagger/Armor. Take Crossbow? Mournath: Armor/Knives. Take spear? Pyan: Dagger/Sling. Take bow? Z'leyra: Helm/Armor/Staff/Dagger. Take Great Sword (keep in mind that issue before). Fuk/Lucria: Armor/Swords. I will assume you still bring/wear your magical toys from rings, necklaces and such. But if not said taken items from bags its ignored. This will be a presentation so a presence thing not a battle thing. So I just need to know what is worn so villagers can react. Dress is casual no need to be formal. Can wear the daily stuff. So if you take a book n the bag say so otherwise its ignored. Carrying books would be fine but might put off some villagers. GM: Necklace Use [Reminder to myself] Feb 7 - Fuk -Kameran Feb 8+- ????