[pnpgm] Game update #28 - File #84 - Chion gets the message

Scott Adams longshot at darktech.org
Sat Mar 1 08:52:33 CET 2008


  HT Alias/Player          Character Name    Type    Status/Notes  Sex
  -- -----------------------------------------------------------------
  R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid  .Normal/Alfar  Ma
  ?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human  Ma
  W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human  Ma
     Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry  Fe
  W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human  Fe
  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 #28 in sequence (file #84) 
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     Admin notes: None. 
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
          Ben'Dar grins with relief as Chion and Fremea appear with the
          tied up assassin.

          He shrugs in response to Elam's suggestion.  Ben'Dar has had
          about five stiff drinks by this point and he's feeling like
          having a little fun at the expense of the city gaurd...  With a
          long swig, he finishes off his sixth ale...or is this his
          seventh?  Ah well...who's counting at this point!

          He steps quickly over to his bag and pulls out his wolf
          headdress. He has been working on it during the past months,
          and it is magnificently decorated with feathers, beads, jewels,
          etc.  He ties it in place and hefts his pike over his shoulder.

          Ben'Dar strides out through the front door with a savage look on
          his face.  The moment he sees the gaurds and this "Jensen", he
          begins shouting in Zen'Dali and gesturing angrily toward the
          party's horses tied up in front of the tavern.  He goes on and
          on, in Zen'Dali, about how his horses drank some of the
          "stinking, dirty city" water and it has slowed them and made
          them into "soft, civilized" creatures. He gesticulates wildly
          and begins pointing at each soldier in turn, screaming wildly at
          them each with various different Zen'Dali insults. He lets the
          alcohol go to his head and really gets angry, red in the face,
          and LOUD.  If the guards give him any trouble, he won't hesitate
          to start a shoving match and/or a fist-fight, though he will
          refrain from using his weapons except in self-defense.  If the
          yelling match does turn into a fight, he'll knock down one or
          two of them, then run and leap onto Tef'wo's back, and whooping
          and hollering like a wild man, he'll rear Tef'wo up and gallop
          around, knocking th e gaurds down and generally causing chaos.
          If things start to turn ugly (like the guards are trying to kill
          him), he'll call them all cowards (in Zen'Dali of course), and
          with a loud whooping war cry, gallop away on Tef'wo.
        GM: Ack.  Good stuff. :)

                        ----------------------------

        From Chion: [Re: Actions]
          [Elam stands quickly and shoves Raban aside as gently as he
          can and gets to Chion.]

          Elam(I presume that was a typo): "You come back now!?" [He
          whispers, he runs his hands through his hair and looks out
          the front windows to see the guards talking.] "Quickly get
          him upstairs and hide him.  I think Jensen is here!"

          Chion's reply is a rather natural innitial ignorance of this
          man. He will walk over to the bar and say over his shoulder,
          "He looks pissed that you are alive Unali. Says he's from Clima.
          Seems ya buggered up his plans for life and that of a few
          friends. I'm still not convinced that's all there is to it. I
          need a beer." Leaning on the bar he will grab a cup/mug and fill
          it himself. "Never been a bartender. But good ale pours itself,
          I guess."

          He'll turn around (no doubt to a red-faced Elam) and down his
          drink. "I'll carry him upstairs, no problem.

          He's a slippery one." He will walk back over and get ready to
          pick him up to carry him. He'll do a martial strike to knock him
          out before picking him up (lemme see, bound, helpless, sitting,
          odds are he's gonna get ko'd). "That is for attacking Unali."
          And then carry him upstairs to chere Cholan shows him to.
        GM: Ack.  What typo?

                        ----------------------------

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <This should fit unless I missed something, many early posts
          are no longer quite valid

          [Raban effortlessly picks up the man and chair, which with his
          bulk is very hard for others to see. He growls softly to 'Kel',
          while carrying him up the stairs.

          Raban: "For your cowardly assault on a woman, I would happily
          crush you into an unrecognizable mush of meat and bone splinters.
          But for now, they want you alive, so I will be watching for my
          chance."
        GM: Ack.  What old posts not valid? 

                        ----------------------------

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra sees the blood that is on the assassin...but chooses
          not to check out the injuries the assassin may have suffered

          Z'leyra will however go to the guards and offer to help any
          that might have been injured. (This might distract them while
          other party members are trying not to be observed too closely.)
        GM: Ack. 

                        ----------------------------

        From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
          Back action - Fremea will ask what other names this assassin
          has gone by that his contacts would know.

          (at tavern)
          Fremea will turn to Kel, "You will never ever touch Unali, or
          in anyway be allowed to cause her harm, either directly or
          indirectly using others. This will last until the end of time
          itself!" (Thinking to herself, that is the best punishment for
          this ass for ever harming a child)

          She will then allow Chion (or Raban) to take the assassin
          upstairs and help create a distraction of smoke coming from 
          the fireplace. (Just a simple parlor trick to create a screen)
        GM: Ack. 

                        ----------------------------

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          Arawn sat pondering the nature of Micah's device. He desired to
          ask further questions but realized that this was likely neither
          the time nor place. Fittingly as only moments later the tavern
          broke into minor chaos. As Elam and the party raced to cover
          the Chion and the assassins sudden appearance Arawn barely
          suppressed the urge to roll his eyes into the back of his head.
          All this fuss over nothing, everyone was acting as if there was
          something to hide. In Arawn's eyes this was simple, an
          altercation between an assassin and those who defended
          themselves, nothing more. If the authorities could not
          determine that then they deserved whatever the party could
          throw at them. But right now everyone was running around as
          if it were the end of the world.

          "I don't see why everyone is making such a fuss."
          He sighed, Mortals....
        GM: Ack. 

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [New Stuff]

        [Marqi 29, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
         Location: Maren City, Chion's House
         [Time: 8:23am]

         [Before Chion and Fremea teleport back.  Fremea asks Kel
          what other aliases he may go by.]

         Kel: "Kiram to some street contacts.  People I've dealt with
           for questions, supplies but nothing more than support."

         [The trio teleport to the Tavern.]


             -------------------------------------

        [Marqi 29, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
         Location: Sivas, Marentia, Green Eye Tavern.
         [Time: 8:25am]

         [Chion, Fremea and Kel teleport to the tavern and chaos breaks
          out.  Chion walks to the bar with an air of confidence shown
          only by an executioner before killing a traitor.]

         [Upon seeing Unali alive and standing with no sign of damage
          Kel rocks the chair and grits his gag.  His eyes blaze and
          his hands wrangle in his ropes.  Unali turns and recognizes
          the man likely to be her assassin.  She raises an eyebrow
          and looks Kel directly in the eye and gives a curt nod with
          a smile added.  She turns to see Chion walk to the bar and
          then Elam rush over to the captured assassin.  She realizes
          that leaving this prisoner in the open could lead to problems.
          Questions asked and then questions asked of her that could
          lead to Aren and the King himself.  Not good at all.  She
          glances at the door and back at the chaos in front of her.]

         [Fremea turns to Kel and speaks.]

         Fremea:  "You will never ever touch Unali, or in anyway be
           allowed to cause her harm, either directly or indirectly
           using others. This will last until the end of time itself!"
           (Thinking to herself, that is the best punishment for this
           ass for ever harming a child)

         [At the same time the trio teleport back Ben'dar standing
          near the bar sees their return.  He grins with relief and
          then delight.  Happy to see his companions unhurt and then
          to see the man tied up before him.  A broad grin comes
          to his face and he gives a curt nod to Chion.  Upon hearing
          Elam's request for a good old fashioned distraction Ben'dar
          shrugs.  It is the Zen'da way to drink and tell stories.
          Before this assassin nonsense everyone was catching up on
          the last 3 months of activity.  Story telling means ale and
          beer for Ben'dar.  Of course in the long run that also means
          he might forget a detail or two in the mix but at least he
          gets good and sauced.  Ben'dar turns to the bar and grabs
          his mug and downs in a big gulp.  Most may not have been
          drinking like him, especially this hour just a couple
          hours after sunrise, but there is a standing order to keep
          his mug filled.  He turns to the door and notices the guards
          are gone outside and then looks out the window to see them
          milling about outside.  That could mean this leader guard
          might be here.  Ben'dar sprints to his bag, passing Unali,
          and pulls it up on the table.  He finds his curled up
          Wolf headdress and unfolds it over his head and shoulders.
          The Head flaps onto his head and the "neck and back" roll
          down Ben'dar's back.  The party has been used to this
          posturing but Fremea is taken aback a bit when she glances
          in his direction for a brief second.  She has seen it before
          but never worn in full glory.  Ben'dar grabs his pike and
          puts it on his shoulder then stomps toward the door like
          a man on a mission.]

         [Upon exiting the tavern slamming the door with a loud bang
          that not only draws the attention of the guards outside
          but those in the back of the tavern for good measure.  Ben'dar
          stomps to the southeast but uses his side vision to get
          a glimpse of the scene.  Several guards including a few
          on horse to his left.  Ben'dar begins to shout aimlessly
          in Zen'dali to the wind and the street and the buildings
          around him.  The guards to his back all stop talking and
          stare in confused mild alarm.  Ben'dar uses his tongue to
          roll off war chants and howls as he speaks his speech on
          the foul civilized water.  He waves a fist around and uses
          the other hand to wave the pike.  After a few seconds he
          turns to face the guards and snares.  He begins to insult
          each guard by their size, body weight, hair color, heritage,
          bad mustaches and even receding hairlines as he continues
          his speech.  Of course none of the guards seem to understand
          a word, lucky for Ben'dar.  Ben'dar sees 5 guards.  The two
          that were at the door, the 3rd seems to have gone away?  Plus
          3 new ones.  All 3 new ones are on horses.  Two sit behind
          the first who must be Jensen.  He is wearing a fancier version
          of the gray and red uniform of the city guard.  He looks to
          have some rank insignia as well.  He is armed with a sword and
          daggers and chainmail.  The others are in leather with swords.]

         Jensen: "What is that?"

         Foot Guard: "He was one of them inside."

         Jensen: "Well move him back inside." [He begins to dismount
           and mutters] "filthy barbarians."

         [The two guards walk forward and begin to order Ben'dar to
          quiet down and reenter the bar.  The one scared a minute
          or two ago seems to step back cautiously.  Ben'dar takes
          advantage of this and does a half stomp forward pushing
          both guards back.  Both guards pull swords and rush forward.
          Ben'dar brings up his pike and begins a shove match with
          one and pushes one guard into looks like Unali's horse and
          onto the not so pleasant looking brownish dirt below the
          horse.  The other begins to show an order but Ben'dar seems
          to ignore him.  His face red the guard gets up to his face
          and Ben'dar lets out a loud belch.  The guard uses his foot
          to trip Ben'dar.  But Ben'dar acting the "drunk" falls with
          the act but then rolls up and back up.  by now Jensen is
          on his feet and watching the scuffle.]

        Jensen: "Stand down!...Take him down boys!"

        [Ben'dar then uses that confused second to swagger past
         the guard as the other guard gets up from the horse
         wetted dirt ground.  Ben'dar gets to his horse and with
         a skilled flurry mounts up.  Ben'dar then pulls the rope
         knowing that he rarely ties up the rope securely for fast
         escapes from this tavern, and with one hand wraps the
         rope on the saddle.  With his legs he twirls the horse
         around in a wide circle to give him enough time to wrap
         the rope.  Ben'dar then comes close to the guards and
         rears Tef'wo up.  The 2 guards on the street then back
         away and raise swords in defense as Ben'dar continues
         his Zen'dali rant...]

        [Back in the tavern at the same time...]

        [Chion having gotten to the bar and waves his hand at the
         bartender for a drink hears Elam's excited but hushed
         tones behind him.  Chion has no clue who this man is as
         he hasn't seen him before and why he is issuing orders to
         this group he doesn't care.  He is already upset he
         couldn't torture the man enough now to cut the fun short
         cause of possible "problems" the party could have.  What?
         arrest warrants when half the party has saved the King
         himself, doubtful.  Now after what the party did for
         Marentia in Clima.  But then this man is from Clima so
         it must lead to some political ramifications.  Chion hates
         politics.  From his homeland politics is dealt with in
         a simple manner a magical duel and it ends.  Here such things
         can run years and be regional in scope leading to wars.
         Chion smacks his lips in disgust at the thought of politics.
         That stuff should be handled by people like Aren and Jordi.
         As the bartender delivers a mug to him he says over his
         shoulder to no one in particular.]

        Chion:  "He looks pissed that you are alive Unali. Says he's
          from Clima. Seems ya buggered up his plans for life and that
          of a few friends. I'm still not convinced that's all there is
          to it. I need a beer."

        [Chion drinks the unknown contents of the mug.  Whet leaves
         a bottle for Chion since he knows he'll pay later.]

        [Unali hears Chion and inwardly sighs.  So one got away
         as Micah said.  Maybe this one knows the whereabouts of
         the missing papers.  Maybe that's why Micah needs the
         man alive.  Though she would likely kill him in most other
         situations she feels disappointed he has to be kept alive
         for now.]

        [Chion leans up against the bar and refills his mug.]

        Chion: "Never been a bartender. But good ale pours itself, I
          guess."

        [With beer mug in hand Chion turns to see Elam still near
         Kel.  But Elam stands and stares at Chion as expected
         in a red face of annoyance.  Elam then looks down and
         gives his suggestion to Fremea about the fire.]

        [Raban watches Chion stand at the bar.  He leans down to
         Kel and whispers to him.]

        Raban: "For your cowardly assault on a woman, I would happily
          crush you into an unrecognizable mush of meat and bone
          splinters. But for now, they want you alive, so I will be
          watching for my chance."

        [Elam turns back from staring at Chion and sees Raban
         dangerously close to Kel.  He recalls what Raban talked
         about minutes ago and has a thing about defending women
         to the point of intense anger.  Elam in that split second
         decides Kel might be unsafe alone with this man.  Elam
         places a hand on Raban.]

        Elam: "That's all right.  We might need you here to answer
          witness questions..." [He speaks quickly to try to
          persuade Raban but then Chion ends the process.]

        Chion: "I'll carry him upstairs, no problem."
           He's a slippery one."

        [Raban frowns and growls slightly.  He steps to the side so
         his bulk hides Kel from the back as Chion approaches.
         He is no part of this party directly so will let them
         deal with it for now.]  

        [Chion walks forward and puts the mug onto a table and walks
         up to Kel.  Kel stares with furious eyes at Chion and
         waits quietly. Chion does a quick martial strike to Kel's
         head and knocks him out knowing the right pressure point.]

        Chion: "That is for attacking Unali."

        [Chion begins to push Raban who he doesn't know either
         away and begins to posture to pick Kel up.  But Elam
         stops him and whispers.]

        Elam: "You must be Chion.  I saw his hand.  I don't care
          what you did with him but we need his mind.  Leave it
          alone." [He looks out the window to outside where Ben'dar
          is acting like a fool] "Get him upstairs quickly please.
          We'll talk later."

        [Chion just shrugs and picks the 187 pound man up with
         help from Cholan.  Both head to the stairs with Kel.
         As Chion turns around Unali nods to Chion in a quiet
         understanding.]

        [Z'leyra watches the scene unfold and is amused as usual by
         Chion's actions and antics.  She watches Ben'dar suit up
         and go into Wild Man mode.  She spots in the dim light
         Kel's finger is half cut off.  It seems part of it regrew
         back or likely just half cut off.  Some blood on his other
         fingers indicate a splatter effect.  Z'leyra feels nothing
         for helping the assassin.  After all it could've been her
         the target.  She leans down and grabs her satchel when she
         hears Elam's request for a distraction.  She heads toward the
         door to see if any others might be hurt outside from Wild Man's
         antics.]

        [As Raban shifts over to block Kel's view from the back, Fremea
         heads to the fireplace hearing Elam's request.  She doesn't
         know the man or why he asks such a thing but she figures
         there is a good reason.  Maybe this is a plan for the
         party to have an "accident" for the assassin in the very
         same place as the guards.  Who knows.  She closes the exhaust
         area and quickly the gray smoke begins to billow out into the
         tavern.  She adds the speed by using her fans, her wings.]

        [Arawn watches the scene unfold into chaos.  People moving about
         this way and that just like when the assassin attacked.  Now
         he seems back.  He seems to bring chaos with him.  But that
         is their nature by design it seems.  A simple terrorist.  A
         odd concept the upper world rarely sees, if ever.  With hands
         on his hips, a gesture he got from his mother it seems, he
         watches in confusion.  All this man to keep a man alive and
         from the guards?  With a slightly disgusted sigh he states.]

        Arawn: "I don't see why everyone is making such a fuss."

        [Kaylle nearby comes over and looks concerned but unsure what
         all he should or shouldn't say.  After all he was on the
         Clima mission.  He is unsure how much the party has told
         the newcomers like Strie'bog, Arawn and Fremea about that
         mission.  Some has to be classified to keep Marentia in
         a plausible deniability area so war doesn't come about.
         But this man from Clima must've found the party or maybe
         he was got dumb luck and found Unali from her fated
         mission to rid the Climan spy ring?]

        Kaylle: "Something in our past.  Something we did could lead
          to complications for the kingdom.  It would do no good
          for anyone here including yourself if the guards had
          questions that led to that man to Unali and to others
          in the kingdom.  It could unravel a thread that could
          rip the fabric of peace here in the land."

        [Arawn turns to the short Faerry Scholar.  Who is this man?
         Oh yeah.  They introduced him as Kaylle.  First time Arawn
         has met him in the last 2 hours.  Kaylle speaks of intrigue
         and politics.  Arawn is used to politics.  The godly
         realms were full of them.  One group jockeying for a position
         of power while others planned the other group's downfall.
         It was a divine plan of chaos and order at the same time.
         The gods seemed to enjoy it.  Arawn seems to think the Gods
         even enjoyed it to distract them from what was truly going
         on at times.  At that instant Arawn seems to understand.
         So the government here doesn't want the public to know what
         may have gone down in the past.  So this is all a smoke
         screen just as the one that is filling the tavern.]

        [As Chion and Cholan haul Kel up the stairs the guard in the
         back becomes alarmed at the smoke.  He begins to move toward
         the fireplace.]

        [Meanwhile at the same time on a roof a street over three
         men stand on a roof.  With the sun facing them in the
         east they try to eye the Green Eye tavern.  One man lowers
         a spy glass.]

        Man: "That's Jensen."

        Man 2: "You sure the assassin is in the tavern?"

        [The 3rd man lowers a amulet from his ear and nods.]

        Micah: "Yeah.  I can hear them talk about it now.  So we'll
          need to move in and get him when Jensen leaves."

        Man: "Guess we'll not need these."

        [Micah places the amulet to his ear again and the other
         man puts the arrow in his hand into his quiver.]

                ----------------------------

        [Back at the tavern outside Ben'dar forces Tef'wo to kick
         one man toward the tavern wall.  He hits the wall with
         a loud thump and bangs his head.  Ben'dar howls in delight
         and turns to start to gallop off down the street.  But
         just as he turns he hears Jensen tell the other 2 riders.]

         Jensen: "Kill the horse if he flees." [In a calm voice. The
           two riders raise bows and aim at Tef'wo.]

         [Ben'dar angry at the thought of this turns the horse back
          around and sees the two arrows pointing his direction.
          Jensen means business.  Ben'dar for the first time quiets
          down as he considers his option.  The street behind him
          is a good distance they could get 2-3 more arrows off
          maybe.  Any number of arrows could hurt Tef'wo.  Its
          one thing to play drunk and stupid but its another to
          endanger his friend.]

         Jensen: "Dismount now and come inside and no one will
           be hurt."

         [Jensen stares with hand at his side calm and without
          much expression.  The man in his 40s has slightly
          graying hair just above the ears.  His aged face shows
          stern attention to detail.  His tough looking hands
          show he can also dish it out with hard labor or combat.
          The scar on his wrist indicates a almost mortal wound
          he suffered at one time.]

         [The two guards come along the side of Tef'wo.  They
          raise swords at Ben'dar in a show of force.  Behind
          Jensen down the street two more guards come riding
          down the street.  Seven versus one might be a fun
          battle.  But if he fought he'd be likely killed or
          arrested.  Even the assassin isn't worth that for the
          party.  In the 2 seconds Ben'dar takes to decide his
          position he is suddenly caught off guard by his Pike
          being jerked out of his hand by a lasso behind him.
          He jerks his head back to see a rider with rope and
          a lasso at his side.  The guard looks familiar to Ben'dar?
          Then Ben'dar recalls.  The guard is a well known wrangler
          in the area being fast with a lasso and in the ring
          capturing cattle in those silly public contests.  Ben'dar
          nods in acknowledgement to the nice trick.  Ben'dar
          still has his spear and dagger but now its 8 to 1.  Ben'dar
          sighs.  A nice challenge but its not worth it for that
          assassin.  Ben'dar grins and turns around.]

         Jensen: "I never come without help.  Just dismount and
           come inside. We'll sort this all out."

         [At the same time Cholan and Chion get to the second floor.
          Cholan leads them to Room 19 and opens the door to room
          16.  The room is empty and dark but the outside hall light
          shines in.  Cholan heads to the rear west wall which is
          a connecting wall to the wine store area by the stairs.
          He moves the small cheap painting above the bed on the
          west wall and pulls out the nail.  A click is heard and
          a section of wall seems to depress.  Cholan then uses
          his hands and pushes the wall in.  Chion raises an eyebrow
          and brings the man into a secret alcove about 3' x 6'.
          There is nothing in the room but a crate full of wine
          bottles it seems.]

         Cholan: "Whet told me about this place only a month ago when
           I made an interest in buying the place.  He added a bit
           of added secret storage in case of robbery and other
           things." [Cholan gives a grin but its not seen in the
           darkness.] "I better stay here with him.  You head back
           downstairs." [Before Chion could argue Cholan pushes him
           out and Cholan puts the wall section back in place.
           Chion pushes in the nail and puts the painting back onto
           the wall.]

          [At the same time the guard outside knocked against the
           wall gets up as Ben'dar dismounts.  Ben'dar looks in
           the window but can't tell if its been a long enough
           distraction or not.  Ben'dar is forced toward the
           door.  But then suddenly the door opens and Z'leyra
           stands in the door frame.  She asks if anyone is hurt.]

          [The guard holds his head but Ben'dar breaks free of the
           crowd and moves toward her.  He raises his hand to
           show its been hurt somehow.  Z'leyra looks at it and
           raises an eyebrow to Ben'dar.]

          [Jensen clears his throat and moves from foot to foot.
           A minute passes and so does Jensen's patience.]

          Jensen: "You can help him inside Healer.  Move inside.
             Now please!"

          [As guards press up against Ben'dar the group starts to
           head inside.  Inside the Fremea has slinked away from
           the fireplace and the guard from the back has reopened
           the roof exhaust.  But the damage is done and the smoke
           has filled the place.]

          Guard: "No fire!  No Fire!  The exhaust got closed by
            accident it seems by the girl."

          [Fremea giggles so the guard didn't see her wings in play.]

          [Chion gets to the bottom of the stairs as Jensen enters
           the tavern.]

          Jensen: "Is this another bar fight?  What is going on?
            Who is guard in charge?"

          [One of the guards near the door speaks up.]

          Guard: "I had seniority.  From what we gather it seems
            an attempted murder.  A man from up there on the balcony
            had some sort of dart tube or threw a dart at someone.
            We haven't started to question folks yet."

          Jensen: "Why not?  How long have you been here?"

          Guard: "Four maybe five minutes.  We heard there was
            some disturbance here and ..." [He seems to concentrate
            on his memory] "...some citizen said there was trouble
            here.  The guards around back reported some fight back
            there and but I don't have their full details yet."

          Jensen: "Sloppy.  Who was the target here?"

          [Elam raises his hand as he calmly sits in his chair back
           at the table.  Jensen strides over and then notices
           the dart and blood.]

          Jensen: "The dart used?" [Elam nods.  Jensen turns.] "We
            need this bagged for evidence get it done." [He yells
            to one of his guards.  He continues to the table and
            doesn't sit even though Elam smiles and motions for
            him to do so.  Jensen waits.]

          Elam: "I was just sitting here eating this nice breakfast
            enjoying the tavern entertainment.  When all of a sudden
            this man threw a dart at me.  I only saw a glimpse of
            him but think I know who he was."

          Jensen: "You are?"

          [Elam waves him closer and urges him to sit down.  Jensen
           reluctantly sits down and Elam leans in to whisper.
           Intrigued Unali and the others all seem to hush to
           try and hear Elam's story.]

          Elam: "I am Elam O'kor.  I am the ...standing double for
            Prince Mezor of Bhamotin.  When he travels I go with
            him in case of danger.  He .." [he looks around as if
            to ensure no one hears] "is here on business for a few
            days.  I wasn't needed so came here.  Guess the man
            followed me thinking I was the prince." [He leans back
            and speaks up a bit.] "The prince has had some nasty...
            issues with gambling lately.  I suspect the gambling
            gangs may have put a hit on him.  I recognized the man
            as a person who frequented a secret gambling hall on
            Wyzer Street."

          Jensen: "I see.  So you left your detail knowing that
            you might be recognized?"

          [Elam seems to ponder his answer.  Caught in a possible lie.
           But with a twinkle in his eye he gives a shrug like a man
           experienced with a con.]

          Elam: "I was allowed to.  The Pri-...they have left the
            hotel and boarded the ship.  I was sent on an errand to
            buy a certain gift for my lord's friends."

          Jensen: "We'll have to check it out.  When does the
            ship leave?"

         Elam: "Two or so.  I should be getting back within a couple
           hours.  But please." [he folds both hands in front of
           him in a pleading gesture] "Don't tell them about this.
           Could you mention it was just a bar fight?"

         Jensen: "Ignore the true facts?  Why should we?"

         Elam: "Wouldn't want our government and yours to get upset
           over some minor misunderstand that should be dealt with
           internally by our government." [he leans back toward
           Jensen] "The King is going to likely restrict him to
           home and no more gambling or use some weird magic on
           him to stop him."

         Jensen: "I see.  We'll have to still follow up."

         [By now a guard has taken a leather bag and put the dart
          in it with gloves and places some blood in a glass vial.]

         Jensen: "Where is the man now? I don't see him."

         Elam: "He got away apparently."

         Jensen: "Bad.  We'll get his description and send out
           an alert."

         [Jensen walks over to the two bowmen and talks quietly
          to them.  He orders one to search upstairs for anyone
          and the other to start questioning the back room people.]

         [Jensen then turns around and eyes Kaylle and Fremea.  Two
          Faerry in a tavern is very unusual.  He raises an eyebrow.
          He is educated to have seen pictures in books so doesn't
          seem too shocked by their sight.  He turns to the bartender
          Whet and starts to question him about what has gone on.
          Whet explains that some man threw a dart but he personally
          saw nothing.  As expected no mention of Micah is heard.]

         [Elam stands and eyes Chion but Chion returns no sign
          of expression.  Elam stands by Unali and with subtle
          hands moves them to bring the party toward him so they
          can hear him.]

         [Jensen goes to the tavern door and exits the tavern.
          He stops and asks the guard at the door where the rear
          guards are.  Jensen then goes and heads around the
          building on foot.]

         Elam [seeing Jensen leave, in a low voice.] "Everyone hear
           my story.  Just fill in what you saw.  Chion never fled
           after the man.  The messenger and baron thing was not
           erased from memory of the other folks in the back. We
           just had time to erase what exactly went down with
           the assassin."

         [Back on the roof Micah and the other 2 watch Jensen head
          outside and to the back.]

         Micah: "You did take care of the guards in the back that
           saw Chion teleport?"

         Man: "Yes.  They simply saw a man fleeing.  They gave chase
           but he seemed to disappear with magic."

         Micah: "You said disappear?"

         Man: "Yes.  You know the magic is short term erasing.
           It works best with real memories.  They saw him disappear.
           The memory will last longer without that."

         Micah: "Great.  That means Jensen could track him with the
           dart when he learns that.  We need to get to the dart."

         Man 2: "One took a bag out of the tavern just after Jensen
           to a horse."

        Micah: "Has to be that.  Head down and replace the dart.
          You have one?"

        Man 2: "On my horse in the alley."

        Micah: "Go and knick the tip a bit."

        Man 2: "Right boss."

        Man: "So we'll be safe then?"

        Micah: "I hope so.  If not we'll have to go to plan B."

        [Back inside the messenger heads toward Chion as the smoke
         seems to subside a bit.  He cautiously approaches Chion.]

        Messenger: "Cheon?"

        [From the bar Whet yells in agitated tone.]

        Whet: "Its Chion!"

        Messenger: "Oh right.  Sorry. Chion.  I have something for
          you.  its come from a great distance.  Hundreds of miles
          from what I understand taking weeks.  I'm glad to just
          deliver it and leave this mad house." [He pulls up his
          leather bag and cautiously holds out a hand.  Chion stares
          then realizes the boy wants a tip.  Chion sighs and pulls
          out a gold piece from his belt pouch sending his cloak
          swaying.  He tosses the coin to the boy but then raises
          a eyebrow and hand as if to say the message better be
          worth the gold or he'll want a refund.]

         [The boy sees the gold coin and smiles then quickly pockets
          it like an experienced thief.  He pulls the leather bag
          to his front and digs through a dozen or so scrolls.  He
          pulls out one sealed with a fine red silk thread and
          hands it to Chion.]

         [Chion unties the thread and unfurls the scroll.  He then
          pulls it up but growls when the scroll is empty.  With
          a nasty glare he stares at the boy and turns the scroll
          over to show him.]

         Messenger: "Blank?...oh!  I forgot...just a second..I'm
           so frazzled after the smelly one hit me..." [He digs
           in his bag for a small parchment and then reads it.]
           "Yes here we go.  I'm to tell you to cite your nick
           name and the name of your master?"

         [Chion turns and places the scroll onto a table and
          thinks about this.  The party might know his nick name
          but who would know his master's name other than those
          in his homeland?]

         Chion: "Blades.  Correl." [He says in Katai]

         [Nothing happens.  Chion turns his head and glares at the
          messenger.]

         Messenger: "That's all it said to say!  I swear.  I just
           deliv--"

         [Suddenly the scroll seems to darken and Kaylle points to the
          scroll.  Chion turns to look down.  A spell seem to activate.
          Of course a spell.  Chion realizes he might have had Kaylle
          or Fremea check it out first.  But his interest in the
          scroll forgot to do that.  He backs away a step or two just
          in case its a trap.  But on the scroll a symbol appears that
          Chion recognizes as the crest to one he knows.  He steps
          back.  As he does the symbol disappears and lights begin
          to sparkle above the scroll.  A second later the sparkles
          seem to form into lines and a blurry image forms.  then
          it forms better and a room is seen.  The illusion it seems
          to be about 2 feet by 2 feet.  In the back seems to be
          a bookcase of some sort.  To the right a nice looking desk.
          To the left and side nearest Chion is nothing seen.  A
          single nicely decorated silk chair sits in the center.]

         [A man walks into the picture and sits down.  He is wearing
          gray robes and sandals.  His hair is all white with age
          and he looks to be in his 70 or 80s.  He seems to look
          forward as if expecting to be talking forward to a sitting
          person.  But not up toward Chion.]

         Man: "Chion.  You have helped your homeland in times of
           great need.  You have served me personally as well
           as your master for a long time.  I know you seek out
           adventure and a life outside the lands.  A danger of
           unknown value or power has appeared here.  Only a man
           of your...talents can help us.  No one else here has
           the power to do so.  I request your aid to come help
           us solve this possible threat to our lands.  If my
           estimate is right you should get this with two weeks
           to spare around Marqi 12th of the calendar there.
           This will give you time to prepare but I need you
           to arrive soon.  The Teleport Circle will be free for
           your use on Marqi 29th at 5pm local time for one hour.
           After that the blocking magics in the realm will go up.
           Bring your friends I suspect you may need them all.
           The one with the great sword, the nice talking Elf,
           Xian and others." [He seem to look to the side and nod]
           "Yes yes Oby Won.  I know he is our only hope.  I'll
           get to it." [He looks straight ahead] "There seem to
           also be an event your expected to attend.  A wedding.
           I won't mention who for now.  But you might want to
           bring some nice clothing for the event.  We can
           furnish some here for you though if not, I'm sure.
           Also it seems the entertainers for the wedding have
           been lured away by another person for another event.
           Bring that fellow with the wolf he seems to play music
           well if he is around.  This spell will end soon so
           I hope to see you arrive soon if the danger hasn't
           hurt us yet.  We have reason to believe we have a couple
           weeks based on its movement and other resources."

           [Another man stands in the picture, Oby Won? He speaks
            forward in Katai as the other man has.]

           Man: "Stand away please and hold out your hands."

           [Chion raises an eyebrow but does so. Suddenly a flash
            occurs and out falls something from the scroll onto
            the chair below Chion.  Opps.  A bit off there guess
            they expected Chion to be sitting down.  Chion bends
            down and picks up the wand like device.  It looks
            like a wooden ice cream code with a flat top at the
            top of the cone.  At the top in the center is a opal
            gem of orange color.  The man steps away and then
            the other man speaks.]

           Man: "The Wand will help you transmute your horses.  You
             will need your energy for the danger.  It has enough
             charges for the teleport here. It is on loan to you
             till you get here.  I hope to see you soon.  Good
             day Chion."

           [With that the image sparkles and loses its form and
            the scroll goes blank again.  Chion is intrigued.
            An illusion scroll with a possible storage, or likely
            oblivion spell, in it.  Interesting.  He has seen the
            illusion spell used with parchments before though.  But
            not the storage spell.  He looks to the party
            realizing they all heard but likely only Unali understood
            the entire speech.  The messenger shifts his foot.]

           Messenger: "All okay? Delivery acceptable?"

           [Chion frowns it should've been here 2 weeks ago but
            knowing how far it has come things can happen with
            "conventional" travel.  Instead of then he got it
            now late and with short notice.  Means by tomorrow
            afternoon he'll have to leave or not.]

          Elam: "Fascinating!  We could use that!"

          [Outside on the distant roof Micah lowers his amulet.]

          Micah: "Something odd just happened but I have no clue.
            Elam seemed to like it."

        Actions? Comments?

        Next update...3/10.

        GM: All right.  Investigation has started and the message
            has been delivered on the true adventure.  Cruise is
            next week.  I leave Sunday and return Thursday.  So
            that means no update for Monday 3/3 or Friday 3/7.
            I could in theory do an update for Friday but not sure
            when I'll be back and how tired I'd be on Thursday.
            But I might reply to emails and such.  Website won't
            be updated till then likely either.  This is a bit
            shorter update.  Yep.  I was going to make it longer
            and more in depth.  But already overdue so wanted
            to get it out.  Hope its acceptable. :)

        GM: Arawn - Jensen has seemed to ignore you so far.  He'll
              get to you eventually but he has probably seen you
              uncovered so you likely have nothing to worry about.

            Ben'dar - I would assume you don't fight 8 men.  But
              in this case I can't say.  Knowing you, you would
              but wanted to make sure you'd not die today. :)
              But it was enough to waste time for a good
              distraction so it helped.

            Chion: You know the man who spoke.  It will be up to
              you to translate.  If you do say so and the part
              will know what was said.  Unali likely understood
              it fully though.  I also took a bit of a liberty
              with one line of dialogue on your nickname.  Hope
              that's ok. :)

            Unali: You know what was said but don't know the men.
              You can also translate if you want.  If so let
              the party know and then they'll know and can
              reply as if they did.

        GM: Chion you can explain the request or translate and
            a party discussion can come about.  The plans early
            on were to head to Katai after the bad winter weather
            ended.  But now this new twist might change that. :)

        GM: Ok.  Either way this will be a LONG distance journey.
            I wanted this out by now so you guys can plan.  In
            that I mean with homes, ranches and stuff like that.
            Act as if you have 33 or so hours cause you do. :)
            I will need to know:

              1. What gear to take and leave behind.
                 If you want to take all that's fine just let
                 me know.  But many folks have spare things
                 and may not need.  You don't have to write
                 down everything if you want but you can itemize
                 it if you wish.  Or if the one list to take or
                 leave is shorter use that list.  ie if your
                 taking all but 3 items let me know the 3 items
                 to leave behind.  :)

              2. How much gold to take or leave.

              3. Standing orders for private armies, servants or
                 friends.

        GM: Don't forget to read the GM comments in the recap section.

        GM: That should be it for now.  This will give you guys
            a full week to talk about it and decide on what
            to do with your equipment.  So enjoy.  On a side
            note if you get any emails from me from Sunday to
            Thursday morning.  Ignore them.  The Dwarfs here are
            trying to learn where I'm going on the cruise so they
            can crash it.  So I don't want them to know.  They
            think I'm just off to the mountains. :)

        GM: I hope to round up the investigation in 2-3 updates
            when I return.  It should be easily avoided unless
            someone decides not to follow the cover story.  If
            you do let me know.  :)  That time I can clarify
            any gear stuff and we can then move onto the true
            adventure :)







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