[pnpgm] Game update #40 -File #178 - Night before Teleport
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Tue May 1 06:29:34 CEST 2007
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R3 Wayne Richardson/Uji..Thig..............Sidh MU.Normal/Faerry Ma
W2 Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard ..Normal/Human Ma
R3 Orion (Paul Broman)...Trembyl...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R3 Scott Adams...........Xian..............Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
R4 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog),
Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at darktech.org
Game Update 240 in sequence (file #178)
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Admin notes: none.
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[Recap]
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
When woken Z'leyra will get ready to go. She will leave things
she doesn't need (bedroll etc.) packed near the horses. She
will bring her Healer's Satchel and contents. If needed when
we have teleported Corona and Z'leyra in eagle form could
scout for those we are looking for. When found she could
transform, cast insubstantiability and teleport back to where
the party arrived, transform again, quickly catch up to the
party and tell them where to go or possibly teleport Chion
who in turn could teleport everyone in the party close to the
enemy.
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Decalis 15th, 106th day since left Marentia, 41st day of
Adventure #3 of the 1633rd year [TH].]
[Location: Pavassa Forest - Sacred Forest]
[Strie'bog talks to Chion about the travel in a few hours.
Clearly he shifts feet back and forth nervous of his
visions and worried for his mother. Even Boyzdar picks
up on the stress of Strie'bog and nuzzles up against
his leg which calms him down somewhat. Chion decides
to save mana its best not to take horses. While it
may be risky to walk depending on where they jump and
where they are going to its best to save mana for
any future combat and escape. The day ahead could
be long and grueling.
Strie'bog decides to leave in the morning at first light.
It would be dangerous walking in forest at night even
with torches. But even that decision makes Strie'bog's
heart ache. Now its near 2am and Strie'bog hasn't ate
in hours. His stomach growls and so he finds food that
is leftover at the festival. A old Vassa lady in her
60s heats up some soup and mixes some meat in it. With
some hot bread and tea Strie'bog sits to eat by himself
and think.
In almost 2 decades of life Strie'bog has lived in and by
the forest rules. But it seems now those have broken the
rules or bent them. To see Pan'to trick Mertz's own
daughter to gain entry was disconcerting. Strie'bog even
wonders if she was wounded by him to gain that entry. But
for what purpose? Not to be chased by the party or to
get here before the party? Pan'to must've felt safe here
rather than the forest. But that would mean he knew of
the sacred forest. While its common knowledge among many
only a few actually know of the Sacred Forest. Strie'bog
knows the Vassa has their legends and myths about it but
the bulk maybe 95% of the population do not even know it
truly exists or how to get here. But clearly Pan'to gained
that knowledge somehow. With the illness of Bohusara
the forest must be losing its grip and power.
Then again Strie'bog has seen after the death of his father
and the blight on the land the power lost in that direct
area. Animals that could be talked to were less encountered
by the Green Lady over the years in that area. There was
even that one incident where a wolf almost attacked Strie'bog
near The Blight. Something that would not have been heard
of under his mother's protection if it weren't for the loss
of power by the forest in that area.
Strie'bog thinks to the party and their friendship. Some
leaving their homes and business behind to help a stranger
they only met a short while ago. Such friendships are
rare in this world. But then again so is this party. A
party made up of a Bard, A druid who is a son of a sidh god,
a supernatural if not fast warrior, a shaman/wizard, a
mighty horseman, an ex-assassin, a Faerry, an illusionist
and Elementalist, a dagger maiden and a simple wizard.
Such a party is rare in itself of this power. By now
most would have died long ago if not separated by arguments.
Bohusara would be proud of them helping the forest.
Then there is the vision he just saw. The attack on his
family home. Anger builds in Strie'bog quickly but seems
to subside just as quickly. This tall man and Pan'to.
The one to personally kidnap Bohusara. But how? How
could a group of strangers ambush his mother? He has seen
his mother fight animals and people with ease with her
magic. But to subdue her in her own sanctuary? The
vision showed it was trickery and sleight of hand with
Pan'to's Telekinesis and simple numbers. But at least
she didn't go down without a fight. She did throw the
riders off their horses. Strie'bog smiles at this. Maybe
they'll have some nasty riding sores for days after that.
Strie'bog wonders why Pan'to was left behind with his
2 friends or bodyguards? Was he there to wait for others
like this new friend Endo? Who was this friend of hers?
A Vassa clearly but Strie'bog thinks about another man
maybe getting involved with his mother. But then he recalls
the diary entry he read in that Endo had gotten sick and
she was going to see him before coming here? Strie'bog
makes a note to ask about Endo later.
Strie'bog holds hope though as long as Miklav can detect
her presence as alive he holds hope. The forest itself
would clearly show a result upon her death. Then it
hits him in mid-bite. Maybe THAT is his first vision
in the Zen'da tipi? Could she die and cause this forest
to die and decay? Panic rises in Strie'bog once again.
Strie'bog looks up at the night sky its still hours to
daylight. He realizes its going to be a long night....]
[Meanwhile Arawn is feeling his own tension as the Faerry
Queen seems to be ignoring his presence. Mertz is obviously
concerned as well. Could this be some trickery? Should
the two barge into the private dining chamber and see
what is up? The small palace is nice but Arawn seems too
distracted to take in its people and things. As he
goes on the tour more fawning is done over him over the
next 45 minutes. Finally the tour ends up at the tower
roof. Seeing down into the dark forest. Both Arawn
and Mertz stands for many minutes watching the forest
and hearing its sounds. The wind is cold and blowing
strong this time of night. At one point Arawn swore he
heard the voice of his mother. But when he looks to
Mertz for clues of the voice none is given. Maybe its
just memories. Arawn wonders if he will ever return to
them soon. Course soon to a Elf is a long time to
a normal human. Just as the two are given warm tea to
drink a small Faerry female approaches. She explains
deep regret but it seems the Faerry Queen never heard
the requests for an audience. She and Thig had traveled
to the underground areas under the palace rather than
staying in the dining chamber. The Faerry explains she
is returning fast and will soon have an audience with
the Druid. The Faerry instead of walking back into the
palace takes to the air and down the side walls. Arawn
ignores this and Mertz motions for them to head to the
Throne room. Mertz reminds Arawn that Miklav has asked
that news of Bohusara's disappearance be kept hidden
at this point. The Sidh would be useful in finding her
but the sidh are a minority among the humans here who
are in thousands of people. He goes on to urge Arawn
not to speak of it. If the Queen knew she would surely
attempt some rescue of her own and whatever Strie'bog and
Miklav has planned may be ruined. Arawn takes up the
advice but considers still making the request. Mertz gives
Arawn desperate looks. Thig takes a position behind
Arawn and smiles. Small talk is made for quite some time.
Arawn sees Vul'heim though of Royal rank seems to be
less impressed with Arawn than the others in the "court".
Arawn knows this place is remote compared to normal
Sidh society but even here should have some respect for
Alfar. Or should they? Mertz admits he is the only
Alfar to be seen in this place for several hundred
years if that. Maybe these people have forgotten the
protocols worthy of Alfar interaction...]
[Suddenly the palace is alive with some shuffling feet.
Mertz leaves the throne room to be talked to briefly
and then comes back in.]
Mertz: "Your friend Unali has returned. She is nearby
trying to find the palace but is having trouble."
[Outside Unali doesn't see the actual palace but just
a large hill, trees and bushes. In the dark she
stumbles through the bushes. She figures the place
she saw Thig go to is closer to anywhere she knows
of at this point. Thig wakes Xian sleeping in a side
room. Thig, Xian, Arawn and Mertz heads to the gate
and exits the castle. With torches they find Unali.]
Unali: "The forest sent Pan'to and me out into the normal
woods. It was dark, darker than I would have expected. He
attacked me with lightning but luckily only scorched the
forest and missed me. We subdued him and tied him to a
tree. He was still glaring when Miklav and some men showed
up. They are with the forest 'passing judgment' on Pan'to,
and that was the last I suspect we have seen of him."
Xian: "We are glad you are back and safe."
Mertz: "Come inside, eat and rest."
[Arawn looks into the darkness where Unali came from wondering
how this formidable fighter returned. But if Miklav got
there the forest likely helped in that regard. Druid justice
is swift and quick. He suspects Pan'to will suffer some and
bleed much for the forest. Some Druids believe blood from
such deaths give a living memory to a forest so they never
forget such vile creatures that do harm in its borders. To
help this out Druids use spells like Thorns and Carrion
Vines to shred bodies apart to a pulp. Arawn knows Miklav
likely won't give mercy to Pan'to. There is little point
in intervening to try to interrogate him further at this
point. Arawn turns and joins the others....]
[Strie'bog is aroused from his memories and thoughts to
hear word from a Faerry that Unali has returned. Strie'bog
finishes his now cold bread and nods. Yes there is hope
after all. Strie'bog asks the Faerry where Miklav is but
no one knows at this point. Word is that Unali last saw
him in the outer forest giving justice to Pan'to.
Strie'bog frowns thinking that he wished he could've had
some part in Pan'to for his mother. But Miklav and
Bohusara (and especially his father) has always taught
him revenge is not good as it creates hate only. It
must be this Sacred Forest that seems to sap away any
form of hate and anger. Strie'bog sighs and hope
Unali will rest for the night. Strie'bog stands and
notices there is no one around the festival area. It
is now maybe 2:30 or 2:45am? Strie'bog takes a candle
stand and heads for the place the party is camped.
As he walks through the forest he notices a white form
moving among the trees. Unsure he places his hand on
his axe but then recalls where he is. Then suddenly
breaking through the bushes a tall white as snow unicorn
emerges and walks toward Strie'bog. Strie'bog knows one
unicorn exists here and is protected. But he also knows
it is rarely seen. The animal seems to have the innate
ability like the Elves to hide well. He stares at the
Unicorn. Its horn is tall and thick noting age probably
in upper middle age for the animal. The Unicorn's black
eyes seem to bore into Strie'bog and both stare at each other.
For what seems like 10 minutes no one moves but the flicker
of the candle and the bushes under the strong wind. Then
as suddenly as it appeared the Unicorn strides through some
more bushes and disappears. As Strie'bog walks to the camp
of the party and Vassa homes, he recalls a story told to
him by one of the Elves in the hill as a kid. It told that
one who sees the Unicorn is destined for hope during the
day but at night the omen is said to be danger forthcoming
but hope still is there. Elves always have such omens and
myths though its hard to tell if its truth or not....]
[As Unali is escorted to the castle she nears Thig and
speaks to him in Marentian.]
Unali: "Thig, when I bound Pan'to I found these two items, a
ring and a statue. The ring I would like to keep, but the
statue I have no clue as to what it is. Maybe you know more
and someone else could make better use of it?"
[Unali hands Thig the small wooden statue. A statue that
seems to have a dominant serpent like creature standing
behind another human or creature hybrid. Mertz brings
the torch over and sees the statue. He immediately bats
it away from Thig's hand and stomps on it.]
Mertz: "That is a Humagi relic! It represents some
cult they have that worship the Serpent God."
[With boots stomping he breaks and damages the status
to smaller pieces. Those around know the Serpent
God has to be Kotothi but was not mentioned here likely
due to his name being vile or unworthy here.]
Thig: "You found that on Pan'to? That would seem to
indicate he is working somehow with Humagi."
Mertz: "Humagi in the forest? This deep? To ...do
what they did! This is outrageous! I must consult
others to see if we should go to war."
Thig: "Whoa. Wait. We must learn more. Give us time
to learn more. If you mention this connection to
Vul'heim she could set you to war."
Mertz: "I am ready for war!"
Thig: "But at what cost? It would incur great losses to
both sides...innocent people....Give us a few days
to learn and help with this situation." [He looks at
the other Faerry who isn't aware the Green Lady has
been kidnapped. Thig speaks without saying such words
to create no panic and clouds of war talk.]
Mertz: "I will give you some time. But this is highly
irregular."
Thig: "Thank you."
[Meanwhile Strie'bog finds his place and sits down.
he finds he is suddenly tired and should rest before the
long day ahead. Just as he is placing his gear to the
side a Vassa sleepy eyed male interrupts and says
Miklav will see him in a few minutes. Strie'bog rests
and waits for Miklav. It seems seconds but in fact
Strie'bog seems to fall asleep for almost 20 minutes
before Miklav wakes him.]
Miklav: "Your friend Unali is back. The judgement is
passed and Pan'to has been found unworthy of this
life. The forest has helped him to the next life.
Unali did request I learn something from him before
we acted. Pan'to under great duress admits he was
at the cabin to find a diary and to possibly find
others for information and later kidnapping. He seems
to believe someone was coming to the cabin but they
had no idea it was you. But it didn't sound like he
suspected the arrival so soon and you surprised him."
[?Strie'bog thinks this over. The Diary wasn't hidden
in some secret place. It was under her pillow like she
always put it. Thinking that having it that close might
connect her to the memories of her husband. Pan'to must've
not figured this out. Strie'bog explains his own vision
to MIklav.]
Miklav: "Interesting. If I knew he was there with others
I'd have questioned him on this. But it is done.
This confirms his guilt. The gods rarely show such
full visions. You must be very lucky or blessed.
the end of the vision disturbs me. It could be the
gods themselves or the spirits of the forest, whichever
gave you the vision, could not finish it. Maybe
this indicates and confirms she is no longer in the
forest. But I can still sense her."
[Strie'bog hands Miklav back his Oak Staff. Both men
sit down and discuss further the vision.]
Miklav: "Based on what it sounds like they are due east
just outside the forest on the plains itself. I
could not sense her if she is far from the forest.
I don't know why they've not made demands yet of
this...unless....they want to interfere with the
Solstice festival? " [He pauses and considers his
words for the person at hand.] "If they were to
kill her why not right away?"
[Strie'bog considers the words and has no clue. The Green
Lady has no real enemies aside those who threaten the
forest itself. Course that would mean the Humagi culture
as a whole. Maybe that alone is the reason?]
Miklav: "Sleep near daylight you can set out after your
mother. You will need the few hours of rest for the night."
[Strie'bog doesn't seem to resist this suggestion and soon
finds himself sleeping though his body sleeps his mind
tries to refuse sleep. But the body wins in the end.]
[The next 3 hours pass and seem to be quiet...]
[At about 45 minutes before sunrise the party is awoken to
noises of the Vassa doing morning chores. For those
who missed it Strie'bog explains his vision as the party
gathers for a quick breakfast of hot bread, eggs and
fruit. When Strie'bog learns of the Humagi statue things
seem to fall into place. If Pan'to worked with the
Humagi then that could be the only reason for the kidnapping
but simple hate.]
[Z'leyra checks Trembyl's arrow wounds and find it has
naturally healed with help from another Healing spell
from Xian. Trembl is now at 100%. Unali is checked
as well but her wounds are all gone. This place must
boost healing it seems. But then Z'leyra recalls the
magical dagger that does healing as well. Unali must've
used it before she returned.]
[After breakfast the full party gathers at the original spot
they met Pan'to near the castle. Plans are discussed
and if to take horses or not.]
Chion: "Well, if we take the horses, we can catch them faster
once I teleport close. Of course, I will not be able to
teleport again. Perhaps the wisest choice is to teleport
just the party. That way if we need to make up time we can
teleport again. I can go either way, it is up to the group.
I think my energies are best kept in reserve in case we
run into more spellcasters or get into a compromising
situation."
[The party knows Chion is great in teleport but even he has
some limits on how much he can carry. Chion has figured
to save mana for the battle to come. Ben'dar is upset
that Tef'wo can't come but realizes for him to come someone
or maybe 3 people would have to stay behind. Like Chion
has suggested he can always teleport back and get horses
if needed. Ben'dar hopes for that but takes the news in
stride. Ben'dar looks at Unali and smiles at Chion wondering
if he won the bet?]
[Soon Miklav arrives with Mertz.]
Miklav: "Sorry I'm late. I just learned some things from
Stok. He has learned through our contacts in the forest
that Endo some friend of Bohusara is in his village but
reports never seeing her. He was sick but is doing
better now. I know you (looking at Strie'bog) had asked
about that. Also through our contacts and my forest
senses we have determined a possible rough location of
where she could be. Based on the villagers that attacked
and failed to rescue her, the vision Strie'bog had and
my senses she is roughly. She is almost due east of her
about 80 miles or so. She should be on the plains and
not in the forest." [He walks to Strie'bog and places
a hand on his shoulder] "I gave you my staff for a purpose.
It connected you to the forest. It embued within your
Balalaika with the short term ability to sense your mother.
Once you teleport it will start to work outside this
sacred grove. It will give you a general bearing and
determine how strong that sense is." [He backs off and
speaks to everyone.] "This rescue is vital but you know
this. Since Chion can't teleport horses or others there
will be no support unless you come back here. If
you had gone on horses Mertz could've sent men and
other supplies with you to help. But this is best
to speed things up. Chion you will have to teleport
to where you entered the sacred forest. You can't
teleport directly into here. So you'll have to cross
the border by walking. Brave friends may the great
Lady and the Lord of Nature be with you. Good luck."
[As Chion prepares for the Teleport small talk is
done for a few minutes. Arawn watches Mertz carefully
to see if this Warlord will go to war before they return.
Arawn wonders if the Warlord has any say outside over
the normal Vassa folks? Likely not. Ben'dar seems to
have a small hangover but is eager for battle though
will miss Tef'wo. This walking about is for the birds
he thinks. Farseeker leans to Ben'dar.]
Farseeker: "Long night eh? Enjoy yourself?"
[Thig seems distracted and looks back at the castle. While
he is mentally away he is here for Strie'bog. Strie'bog
wonders what will happen the next few hours and waits
almost impatiently for Chion to begin. Trembyl leans
against a tree and waits patiently. Unali seems more
relieved but eyes Miklav with some awe and even a bit
of tension. Katai has legends of monsters with no eyes
that roam the land and steal children. Unali never
gets closer than 5 feet from Miklav. Xian leans on
his staff and hums some Faerry song he learned the night
before. Z'leyra checks her gear to ensure she has
everything...]
Actions? Comments?
Next update ? Wed/Friday?
I was hoping to make this part 1 of 2. But its midnight
and I ran out of time. I was waiting for answers from
Chion and Strie'bog (which only arrived today). I had
worked on many details this weekend but without the
answers till today couldn't type the bulk of the update.
I will work on a part 2 the actual teleport in the
next day or days. I honestly have no idea when it'll
be out. I'll try for Wednesday. But it could be
Friday. It will include the teleport and other stuff.
If there is any last minute things to do let me know
before the teleport is done.
GM: I still have actions from Strie'bog and Chion on
Teleport and prep work (spell wise). Will do
those next time.
GM: No horses will be teleported. This will save Chion
almost 100 mana in the process. The Eagle and
Wolf will be considered as one inclusion for weight
purposes and will go along.
Boy I can babble? If you guys don't like the rambling
style above let me know. It adds depth but cna bog
things down. I don't mind doing it though if folks
like it. If not it'll be simple text :)
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