[pnpgm] Game update #90 - File #492 - Basement is explored
Wout Broere
broere at powersandperils.org
Thu Nov 27 21:58:31 CET 2008
Unali votes for the stairs at the front entrance.
She urges those who want to open the door in the basement right now:
"Let us first explore the top floor and make sure this place is secured.
This guard proves there may be more upstairs who have orders not to
wander around. That doesn't mean they could strike us unaware.
At least this door is not moving, but it is protected. It should not be
our top priority right now and we probably should figure out how to
disarm it before we do something stupid."
Scott Adams wrote:
> s
> 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
> R1 Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
> W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
> -- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry Fe
> Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
> R? J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
> 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 #90 in sequence (file #492)
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Admin Notes: None.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> [Recap]
>
> From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions[
> Ben'Dar helps take the books and scrolls out to the main room
> where Z'leyra is. He also gives her some of the tea from earlier.
> "Nothing in this place but magical traps! We are saving these
> scrolls, I guess. Not sure why... Anything unusual happen out
> here?" If the party wants to continue exploring the place,
> Ben'Dar will not object, though he would rather return to question
> the woman and report back to the Elder wizard, rather than
> continue to stumble through magical traps. If the party wishes
> to continue exploring, he has no preference as to whether to
> explore the secret trap door and whatever is below this floor,
> or to go up to the next higher level.
>
> OOC: I am fine with you taking the reins with our characters as
> much as you feel the need to move the adventure forward. The
> trouble with PBEM games in general is that they move so slowly.
> I like the way you're moving things along. Keep up the good
> work!
> GM: Ack. Thanks for the comments. Yeah. I've learned my lesson
> over a decade ago how best to run these things. Sometimes
> motivating one to go this way or that is better than just
> waiting. I know it would be best to wait and get a general
> consensus on things but even taking a simple vote could take
> 1-2 weeks.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
> Kiet: "Perhaps we should refrain from opening any locked portals
> until after we have had a long, persuasive conversaion with our
> captive. He might have accompanied whomever knew the secrets of
> the traps on some errand or rounds or somesuch."
>
> "Either way, this bull-in-the-magic-shop type of exploration has
> nearly gotten us killed, and CERTAINLY kept us from who knows
> how much in valuable items."
>
> "I'm going back to guard the guard."
>
> (on his way back, Kiet goes to the room with the fire place that
> had pokers and the like...he will put them in the fire place near
> the area where the guard is currently.)
> GM: Ack. Fire pokers. Egads. Roasting a pig? :)
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
> As his eyes fluttered open Arawn caught sight of the pile of
> literary work, still scattered but no longer afire thanks to
> Caladan's quick thinking.
>
> "The books... they're here...," he whispered, a feeble smile on
> his face.
>
> It took him several more seconds before he was finally able to
> rise to his feet. He was heavily drained and his stance remained
> unsteady for next few minutes but he leaned against a wall and
> managed to make his way to the scattered papers. Doing his best
> to gather the books and scrolls along with the others he was
> filled with some dismay as he watched some disintegrate but he
> was glad that some of these works survived the day. It would take
> time and much care to peruse the volumes but it likely could wait
> for later. Perhaps, he thought, in the future he might be able to
> craft some means to restore destroyed objects and learn what he
> could from the lost tomes.
>
> OOC: Arawn will gather what dust/ash he can for the purposes of
> a potential future spell. If any particular book or scroll
> disintegrated apart from the others Arawn would try to keep that
> in a separate container. He'll use the water skins from the other
> room and store them in his magic bags.
>
> As his strength returned to him his thoughts returned to the
> moment just before he blacked out. It wasn't the first time such
> strange things had happened to him but it seemed an almost
> unconscious doing. Each time seemed linked to some emotionally
> charged moment and this was no different. After all that had
> happened upon arriving the loss of such ancient knowledge seemed
> a final straw, answers to so many questions and a chance to
> understand the motives of those here and to rectify things or
> at least prevent such darkness from happening again. This time
> the emotion was negatively charged and it left a bad taste in his
> mouth. Though the intentions were good he allowed the darker
> emotions to charge his action and he knew that fear, desperation,
> and anger were powerful triggers but he wondered if he could ever
> focus things like love and compassion as a regular key to such
> power in their place. It had happened before and he knew that he
> would have to spend much time meditating and purifying himself
> after this quest was through. That and pondering over the flash
> of memory that ame to him in that moment.
>
> When Kiet spoke up Arawn nodded.
>
> "I agree. I had hoped we would have rested and balanced necessity
> with patience as I feared such as this would happen. I think we
> should secure the various entrances and keep watch on them while
> we rest. I would guess that all the living guards are captured or
> killed as no one else has arrived and the castle in small in size
> but it pays to be cautious. I suggest we camp in the foyer where
> we will have a better view of the entrances or at least leave
> some on watch there unless some sees a better option."
>
> During the search, Arawn would check under the carpets in the
> various rooms for trap doors and and gather various inks and
> papers from Room C, game pieces from Room D, and gather liquid
> from the enchanted barrels and sense them for Mana afterwards in
> an effort to see if liquid or barrel is enchanted.
> GM: Ack. Sorry too many books to put into separate containers.
> Not enough containers in the castle and party to do it.
> So may have to vary that action.
>
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
> Z'leyra asks Fremea or Arawn to glance at the scrolls to indicate
> any that have magic. Those she will nudge aside with her staff so
> that they can be looked at tomorrow. Z'leyra will carefully
> glance at the rest to see if she can read any of them.
>
> Z'leyra thanks Ben'Dar for the tea. and responds "No, it has been
> quiet. Do you want to help look through the scrolls to see if any
> are in languages we can read?"
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Ben'dar: [Re: Reply to Z'leyra]
> Ben'Dar looks back at Z'leyra in surprise, then he nods. "As you
> wish." If the party rests for now, Ben'Dar will help Z'leyra to
> look through the scrolls, though he only reads a little in
> Marentian and a little of the primitive written language of the
> Z'enda. But he will help to sort and hold the scrolls for her.
>
> If the party is not stopping to rest, he will tell her, "Let us
> look through these at a later time. Now we must finish our
> conquest of this place."
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Ben'dar: [Re: Exploration]
> Ben'Dar is anxious to be finished with this castle. He will go
> exploring in the basement and up into the upper levels with those
> who are up for it.
> GM: Ack. Thanks.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Fremea: [Re: Exploration]
> After recovering from the library incident, Fremea thinks to
> herself that she will learn ever secret she can while she is
> here. Maybe she can learn more about her situation and why she
> was used.
>
> "Bendar, I will continue on with the search of the place. We will
> be careful and prepared, hopefully, for any other traps. I wish
> Arawn would come with though, as it seems there are a places I
> do not see and well hidden traps."
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Arawn: [Re: Exploration]
> Hearing Fremea's words Arawn looked in her direction.
>
> "It seems that others still wish to explore this place. Though I
> think it wise to rest it seems that will have to wait for now.
> I'm drained but I will do what I can help you."
>
> Looking to Raban he asked the bard,
>
> "If you have the strength to do so would you be so kind as to
> perform a Spirit Blessing on me to restore my energy?"
>
> Arawn will accompany the others that wish to explore the rest of
> the facility.
> GM: Ack. Thanks.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Raban: [Re: Helping Arawn]
> Raban (smiling) to Arawn: "I would be honored to aid a druid in
> any manner I can, especially one who has worked so hard for
> everyones benefit. Spirit Blessing I can cast many times yet if
> others need it as well."
>
> Raban concentrates briefly to clear his mind before reaching deep
> within for his connection to his goddess.
>
> "Miryan, I call upon you to aid an allied druid in his time of
> need in our great endeavor, may you smile upon him and restore
> his lost of life force."
>
> <Spirit Blessing at max? cast from Enl may be best. I am unsure
> what Mana is left and Raban has more Life than Mana anyway so
> that saves Mana for other magic. Also need to move 15' away from
> the others as this spell shares in an area. If the Enl Loss was
> from enemy creature it would work better?>
>
> <Of course a Bless to Boost Will or Con before the Spirit
> Blessing could have been a better idea?>
>
> Raban (smiling) to Frema: "I am fairly skilled in finding traps
> or hidden places, but I assumed you were better at it. The troop
> often smuggled items, so such training was useful. For someone my
> appearance, smuggling gems was a better choice than learning how
> to pick pockets or other such extra work. I worked the stage and
> earned far more for the troop that way. Private performances
> earned even more, but there was never a guarantee of a good
> audience so other means to bring in more money to support
> everyone was always welcome." <Economics, Raban style. Of
> course being able to earn many gold per performance helps too>
> GM: Ack. Max SB via Enl. Roger. As to bless that's up to you but
> it would improve life the next day mostly. I'll allow the SB
> thought borderline on the use. In the particular rule that
> Arawn found for the event it could be considered one of the
> areas. Though borderline. :)
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Unali: [Re: Exploration]
> Unali "We have covered the ground floor it seems. And while it
> would be nice to sit down and enjoy the tea, I don't feel at
> ease enough to do so. Even if downstairs access is blocked by
> the closed door, there is still an upper floor we know nothing
> about.
>
> Chion, Fremea, would you like to tag along to explore the upper
> floor first? Then we can report back here in the main hall and
> the others cans ort these scrolls out in the meantime."
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Chion: [Re: Actions]
> Chion is all for exploring the rest of the castle. If he has to
> go alone, he will. Or he will go with those willing to go with
> him. He doesn't mind leaving others behind, as he doesn't expect
> a contingent of dark elves to come out of the stonework to attack
> them and most likely they will only be found by exploring. As far
> as the traps are concerned, he is slightly annoyed that the fea
> haven't been doing the best job of detecting them prior to them
> going off, but understands how, in a place like this, it might
> be easy to miss. Which of course gets his mind motoring. Also,
> he is kind of wondering if the place is held up "brick by brick"
> or if its held up simply by a single spell. He wonders if it was
> made on land, then the land thrust into the sky, or if it was
> made in the sky and land brought to it (or magically created).
> He is getting more curious as they go, so this is a reason for
> his wanting to explore even more.
>
> He will add, "Well, the lady I left with Sven won't stay
> unconscious for that long, and with her ample talents (grinning)
> I don't know if Sven would be much of match for her if she
> awakens. We should probably continue on, even though some of us
> are risking greivious injury. Perhaps the wounded should hang
> back and the rest of us can continue. Or I can bring the wounded
> to the ground now and they can be there when she awakens to ask
> questions. I can't gaurantee a mental link from there to here
> though, since my staff isn't connecting to the High Elder. But
> at least we would have more people watching her that way."
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------
>
> From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
> Z'leyra will gesture Kiet to follow her over to the corner far
> from the prisoner. There she whispers into Kiet's ear. "If you
> wish to interrogate I have no objection, indeed I offer to help.
> But I insist that intimidation go no further than threats. I do
> not allow my prisoners to be tortured. If they are tortured the
> torturer can expect to have as much or more pain and damage
> inflicted on them. As we have several in the party that can gain
> the information via magic such methods are not necessary."
>
> Out loud she will say to Kiet "Okay, you guard while I go and
> skin the critter that nearly ate me. If I am not back inside two
> hours you better get some folks to check on me." She takes Corona
> (to guard her while she works and to feed choice bits to), puts
> on her raingear and goes outside to do some skinning.
>
> If she sees Unali she will invite her along to learn rudimentary
> leatherworking...and to use her magical dagger which would be
> more suitable and quicker than the non-magical daggers and magical
> greatsword for skinning the beast.
>
> Before leaving Z'leyra takes a Chrysoprase from her satchel
> wrapping it in cloth torn from a corpse. She hands it to Kiet
> quietly telling him that "Those wearing it will not only be able
> to see in darkness but will be happy to the point of distraction.
> Distraction such that they may talk freely if questioned
> correctly. And perhaps the loss or threatened loss of such
> happiness will get the answers without torture."
> GM: Ack.
>
> From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
> cancel previous post actions re going outside to skin critter.
>
> Z'leyra has no intention of leaving the warmth inside until she
> has scanned each non-magical scroll to see if it is in a language
> she can read. After reading what she can she settles back to pet
> Corona, rest and watch those needing guarding. Tomorrow she will
> again become active. Till then she rests and plans.
>
> [She ponders future use of a spell and how best to use it without
> causing problems.]
> GM: Ack.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> [New Stuff]
>
> [Ma 2nd, 1633TH. 5th Day of Adventure #4.
> [Location: Chaos domain, Dark Lands, 9 Miles up, Flying Island]
>
> [Time: 11:14am]
>
> [In the hallway the smoke and humid air of the library begins to
> die down quickly. It seems the pipes that brings in air in a
> controlled heat and humidity is still active. The party figures
> it uses some form of nearby fireplace heat and the pipes throughout
> the castle. Some cautiously climb the three layer bookshelves to
> look on top of them to find the jewels that were once the wards in
> the room. No other blades or magic is sensed from them. They seem
> to have been a one time charge. Of course with the level of damage
> that isn't so unexpected. It seems for every 1 book or scroll that
> suddenly and mysteriously appeared in the hallway there were 10
> that were destroyed by fire or the destruction spells. The
> destruction spells seem to have even affected the book shelves
> themselves making them brittle and soft. Most destroyed books or
> scrolls are just dust or ashes. For the more educated members of
> the party the loss of knowledge is upsetting. To the warriors who
> could care less it is just a waste of time.]
>
> [Arawn seems to stare at the pile of books for several long moments
> in confusion and wonder. Something happened that he even doesn't
> quite understand. Something important, maybe even a miracle. Of
> course gods and Alfar don't believe in miracles. Not when one is
> a god. It just is the will of other gods. Arawn speaks out loud
> in a weak voice to on one in general.]
>
> Arawn: "The books... they're here...," [he whispered, a feeble
> smile on his face. For the first time Arawn seems to have new
> hope for his fate in this world. He doubted his connection to
> the gods and his parents. Even back at the lake where he saw
> the White Elf. He had doubts then. but now something in him
> brightens as hope begins to swell inside him. As well as
> something in the back of his mind that seems to nag at him but
> he can't grasp it right now.]
>
> [Arawn is helped up and then moves toward the books with a bit
> of hesitation that this could be some bad illusion or not.]
>
> [Arawn and Fremea first take a good survey of the books but seems
> to find no magical auras. But Arawn is smart enough to know that
> a book to be magic tends to be protective not offensive. Most
> books that are magical don't give off auras only because their
> spells inside are listed runes or spell mechanics. Most have to
> be read and understood to get the magic. Of course the feel of
> these pages seem quite different from most books. It is a bit more
> sturdy and rougher to the touch. Maybe this new form of paper
> could also block magical auras from being detected. As one might
> expect none of the text is understood by any that glance at it.
> Runes might be understood but only with time and study as each
> person and culture could use their own versions. Most seem to be
> simple texts while others do seem to contain runes. Some are oddly
> blank but have runes on them. Arawn figures those may have to be
> decoded to study the contents and reveal what they really contain.
> Arawn knows that there just isn't enough time to explore the texts
> this or the next day.]
>
> [Arawn becomes sad that many of the books were lost but he feels
> he may have restored some balance to the day's events. A'kril
> might have died by accident but these books could be saved for
> eons if well preserved. He considers all the ways that could've
> prevented the fire but finds little recourse. Maybe even Time
> travel might've done more harsher things and instead of the fire
> in the room the entire castle could be on fire. When messing with
> Time you mess with gods. Gods who might not like the outcome that
> could be and make the outcome they want instead. An outcome that
> might have been worse. No the only way to have prevented the fire
> would be likely A'kril himself. Not even an illusion but likely
> only his words. A password that only he knew. Arawn considers
> talking to the spirit for such a thing but with him going to dust
> the chance of a spirit here is slim. Maybe he has already crossed
> over to the other side.]
>
> Kiet: "Perhaps we should refrain from opening any locked portals
> until after we have had a long, persuasive conversation with our
> captive. He might have accompanied whomever knew the secrets of
> the traps on some errand or rounds or somesuch."
>
> [Caladan glances at the window on the east wall and sees the storm
> outside but it looks more gray than blacker. Which could indicate
> the storm is on fringes or breaking up.]
>
> Caladan: "We could spend years here. But I have a feeling we don't
> have hours here. Not without the entire lands below us being
> alerted. Then we'll have every wizard who pulls a trick or shape
> shift to get here. Then we and the High Elder will be in hot
> soup. We don't know what this place looks like from the sky and
> if it can be seen. But I rather not take the chance. Also we
> must assume others know this place exists. The female visitor
> came here and isn't a native of this place based on Chion's
> report. So it seems she may report to others."
>
> [Arawn hears Caladan speak and feels a tingle in his mind as if the
> thought matches his but for a far different reason. He wonders if
> his parents are trying to relay a message to him through the book
> movement. He will have to try and concentrate to get the thought
> clear in his mind.]
>
> Kiet: "Either way, this bull-in-the-magic-shop type of exploration
> has nearly gotten us killed, and CERTAINLY kept us from who
> knows how much in valuable items."
>
> Caladan: "Let's say you sent one of those magical balls inside or
> Chion went in invisible or insubstantial. We've seen how that
> invisible thing got detected. So that might not have worked. The
> magical ball could've been detected as magic and then the wards
> might've gone off. Even something as simple as a time stop spell,
> I've seen Chion do, it would detect as magic and if there are
> wards for that then the room would've gone up in flame either
> way. This may not be the most efficient way of exploration but
> we have gained more information and things than we did an hour
> ago. At least with our Sidh friends they can detect things before
> we enter a room, in most cases."
>
> Arawn: "I agree. I had hoped we would have rested and balanced
> necessity with patience as I feared such as this would happen. I
> think we should secure the various entrances and keep watch on
> them while we rest. I would guess that all the living guards are
> captured or killed as no one else has arrived and the castle in
> small in size but it pays to be cautious. I suggest we camp in the
> foyer where we will have a better view of the entrances or at
> least leave some on watch there unless some sees a better option."
>
> Kiet: "I'm going back to guard the guard."
>
> [Kiet heads off down the hallway and through the courtyard doors
> toward the lounge to gather the fire pokers. Some shake their
> heads at the loss of another member.]
>
> Caladan: "We could have used him but he wasn't with us during our
> exploration of another base in the mountains. Of course little
> magical traps were there."
>
> [Those who were on the Climan trip recall the length and time it
> took to explore Cloud Base. There it was full of people and few
> traps. Here its full of traps and few people. Now two have quit
> and gone to rest. Some recall how Farseeker alone must've taken
> on 50-60 men, badly wounded and made it through the whole base.
> But it is clear Kiet wishes to be informed of where to go by the
> guard. Even if he were to wake up soon the odds of Kiet
> understanding the guard might be low. OF course those who recall
> the last few years the luck with prisoners seem to be bad for this
> group. Some have died from mysterious shadow creatures and others
> killed by their own means. The track record of this group
> actually gaining information has not been good.]
>
> [Ben'dar helps to gather up the books gently, especially after one
> semi-crumbles under his fingers. Gently they are placed in a bag.
> Arawn considers putting each dust pile into some container but
> there is simply not enough in this castle and well made enough to
> contain the dust piles. Even if that were possible he knows that
> there are too many mixed by the wind of Caladan's spell and wind
> from the currents created by the wind. Spells used to reform dust
> into books and scrolls would simply come up a mix bag of random
> things. Near impossible to classify one item from another.]
>
> [The group begins to discuss to explore or not.]
>
>
> ---------------
>
>
> [Ben'dar and Unali head down the hallway to the doors to send the
> books to the main room. But before he does they stop at the
> kitchen and grab some tea and warm bread. They take the food,
> drink and book bag to the main room where Z'leyra is resting. The
> warm bread and tea is given to Z'leyra and also Corona who wakes
> up for some of the bread. Ben'dar drops the bag gently on the
> ground and informs her of what has happened.]
>
> Ben'dar: "Nothing in this place but magical traps! We are saving
> these scrolls, I guess. Not sure why... Anything unusual happen
> out here?"
>
> [Ben'dar glances at the tied up knocked out guard. He knows he will
> be out for hours likely. Ben'dar considers waking him up with some
> force but knows that could be worse than a full interrogation. The
> female is below with Sven and safe as Chion reported. But he
> wonders if he should bring in the High Elder to all this and avoid
> the traps. He wonders if Chion has tried to contact him again
> and failed or if Chion even wishes to do so.]
>
> [Z'leyra takes the bag and gently lifts out books to inspect them
> on the floor. Ben'dar reports that the Sidh didn't sense anything
> magical from them but in this place that isn't always how it works.
> When he says that he recalls comments made by Arawn on the candles
> and looks up. He sees that only two of them are not lit as
> before. He'll note that for later. Maybe the other wards in the
> courtyard and library weren't active or controlled here. Which
> means Arawn's theory of them being ended here likely won't come
> about. Z'leyra places the tea cup on the floor near her and leaves
> the warm bread on the sofa. She gives some bread for Corona to
> eat when he feels like it. She looks at Ben'dar to reply to his
> question after she thanks him for the warm tea.]
>
> Z'leyra: "No, it has been quiet. Do you want to help look through
> the scrolls to see if any are in languages we can read?"
>
> [Ben'dar shrugs and knows his reading abilities aren't as skilled
> as the others. he rather go explore than stay behind and read
> dusty texts. He shakes his head in a somber no thanks gesture.]
>
> Ben'dar: "Let us look through these at a later time. Now we must
> finish our conquest of this place."
>
> [Just before Ben'dar and Unali leave, Kiet enters with fire pokers
> and places them in the fireplace in the room. It is clear his
> intent and Unali looks to Z'leyra in a way to protect the guard's
> life. In a single glance it conveys that Z'leyra is a healer and
> should uphold that duty but if Kiet were to get out of hand then
> what? She looks to Z'leyra for a sign if she needs to remain to
> help Z'leyra. But Z'leyra nods in acknowledgment that she can
> handle Kiet and she can leave if she needs to. Unali nods back
> as the two women have learned to speak without words over the
> years. Z'leyra looks at the fire pokers at the fireplace and
> knows that Kiet is not planning a good time for the guard.]
>
>
> ---------------
>
> [Ben'dar and Unali return to hear the discussion of exploration
> get a bit high handed. Arawn is convinced that the party should
> camp and rest. But most seem to think exploration is needed.
> Raban seems to want to listen but also follow the Druid's wise
> comments. When Ben'dar and Unali return they give their views on
> it and others begin to change their minds.]
>
> [Fremea standing aside the others watches Arawn quietly. She
> is amazed to have seen the books just appear. Yet she of all
> people didn't detect magic in the process. Arawn's emotions
> were tangible and even others could likely have picked up on
> the storm of thoughts in Arawn's presence. But this new turn
> of events that seem to amaze Arawn but also seem familiar to him,
> has changed things in her mind. She must watch Arawn and learn
> more of this process and why it happened. Is this normal for
> Sidh or just Alfar? Arawn has remained quiet the last few minutes
> on the entire situation. Fremea comes out of her deep thoughts
> and hears Ben'dar's comments on exploration and nods.]
>
> Fremea: "Ben'dar, I will continue on with the search of the place.
> We will be careful and prepared, hopefully, for any other traps.
> I wish Arawn would come with us though, as it seems there are a
> places I do not see and well hidden traps."
>
> Raban: "I am fairly skilled in finding traps or hidden places, but
> I assumed you were better at it. The troop often smuggled items,
> so such training was useful. For someone my appearance, smuggling
> gems was a better choice than learning how to pick pockets or
> other such extra work. I worked the stage and earned far more for
> the troop that way. Private performances earned even more, but
> there was never a guarantee of a good audience so other means to
> bring in more money to support everyone was always welcome."
>
> [Arawn smiles grimly and knows if the brave Faerry wishes to go on
> exploring than why should he sit and rest? Then there is the
> tingle in the back of his head that seems to nag at him.]
>
> Arawn: "It seems that others still wish to explore this place.
> Though I think it wise to rest it seems that will have to wait
> for now. I'm drained but I will do what I can help you."
>
> [Arawn turns to Raban for a request.]
>
> Arawn: "If you have the strength to do so would you be so kind as
> to perform a Spirit Blessing on me to restore my energy?"
>
> [Raban beams broadly and bows ever so slightly. As he considers
> the spell words he wonders if he has been put in this group to
> serve a dual purpose. To protect the women and serve this Druid
> Alfar. The gods are mysterious and wise.]
>
> Raban: "I would be honored to aid a druid in any manner I can,
> especially one who has worked so hard for everyone's benefit.
> Spirit Blessing I can cast many times yet if others need it as
> well."
>
> [Raban guides Arawn away from the group down the hall so as not
> to affect the others with his spell. As he walks he begins to
> attune himself to his goddess. He begins to speak lowly.]
>
> Raban: "Miryan, I call upon you to aid an allied druid in his time
> of need in our great endeavor, may you smile upon him and restore
> his lost of life force."
>
> [As Raban casts his spell Fremea glances and sees the auras shift
> from person to person. It is quite a fascinating scene. If only
> Humans could see such things they might have more awe and respect
> for magic. Raban feels energy drain from him and seem to double
> in strength as it taps into Arawn. Arawn feels energy refill
> him and seems to double what he has left. Though he still feels
> some drain he isn't as bad off as few moments ago.]
>
> [Unali turns to Chion and others eager to explore.]
>
> Unali: "We have covered the ground floor it seems. And while it
> would be nice to sit down and enjoy the tea, I don't feel at ease
> enough to do so. Even if downstairs access is blocked by the
> closed door, there is still an upper floor we know nothing about
>
> Chion, Fremea, would you like to tag along to explore the upper
> floor first? Then we can report back here in the main hall and
> the others can sort these scrolls out in the meantime."
>
> [Chion shifts from foot to foot as the others argue on the issue
> of exploring or not. He has become annoyed at the traps and how
> well the party has not avoided them. But in the Dark Lands such
> traps are common place. But in the Lands all know they exist. So
> they can avoid them by not setting them off. A clear deterrent but
> here not knowing is dangerous. He is also annoyed that he hasn't
> felt even the slightest warmth from the staff or any connection to
> the High Elder. There must be some spell jamming his staff
> connection. As the time grows his curiosity has also increased
> on the design of this place. the high Elder spoke of a island of
> great wizards that eventually broke out into civil war. The books
> now in the main room might contain such secrets but it would take
> days maybe years to learn. He is willing to go exploring alone
> but finds Caladan also eager to go and so is glad he'd be with
> another person. Chion also wonders at the end of the day his
> intent with this place. Will he have to destroy it or keep it
> for some other reason? Even if he turned it over to the High
> Elder the balance of power will shift greatly and those like the
> Sorceress will want this place.]
>
> Chion: "Well, the lady I left with Sven won't stay unconscious for
> that long, and with her ample talents (grinning) I don't know if
> Sven would be much of match for her if she awakens. We should
> probably continue on, even though some of us are risking grievous
> injury. Perhaps the wounded should hang back and the rest of us
> can continue. Or I can bring the wounded to the ground now and
> they can be there when she awakens to ask questions. I can't
> guarantee a mental link from there to here though, since my staff
> isn't connecting to the High Elder. But at least we would have
> more people watching her that way."
>
> [Chion knows that Sven is a smart man. If he knows she is a wizard
> he'll gag her and tie her up. But Chion can't recall if he told
> him or not. But she should be out for some hours hopefully more.
> Caladan raises an eyebrow and hand.]
>
> Caladan: "Keep enough energy so we can teleport if this place
> suddenly explodes or goes down or up. We may need an emergency
> teleport out of here."
>
>
> ---------------
>
>
> [Kiet glances over Z'leya's shoulder at the books and scrolls. He
> isn't much into the education area like Z'leyra or others but
> he feels they might be important. OF course they could just be
> some sick joke of a diary or journal. Kiet glances at the
> sleeping guard and grins. Finally he could use his skills for
> a change to help the overall situation. Of course the guard is
> wounded and that could help or hinder any interrogations. But
> Kiet finds Z'leyra in the room difficult. With her here she
> might not like his questions and methods. Healers always seem
> to have that personality. Yet Kiet knows she can kill when needed
> for the better good. Z'leyra glances up and seems to feel what
> Kiet might be thinking and looks at the guard. She knows only
> Corona is in the room and the others have left. She speaks softly
> almost at a whisper nonetheless.]
>
> Z'leyra: "If you wish to interrogate I have no objection, indeed I
> offer to help. But I insist that intimidation go no further than
> threats. I do not allow my prisoners to be tortured. If they are
> tortured the torturer can expect to have as much or more pain and
> damage inflicted on them. As we have several in the party that
> can gain the information via magic such methods are not
> necessary."
>
> [Z'leyra looks down back at the books and recalls the party's
> history of prisoners. Wonders if some monster or candle spell
> might zap this prisoner. But it has been awhile now and likely
> that won't happen.]
>
> Kiet: "Z'leyra, the magic from our group is nearly spent and, if
> time is essential, and I think it clearly is, then we must resort
> to methods that do not cost us more than we have spent so far."
>
> "It will be as the group wishes...but magics are not a good idea
> to use here, and often unreliable. Perhaps you use a potion to
> tell the truth, say, from a natural magic item. IF the prisoner
> wishes to say nothing, all he has to do is lie and then we are
> unable to question him for, perhaps, hours or the magic kills
> him. Magic has limitations and a smart prisoner knows how to
> work around those limits."
>
> [Z'leyra stands and fetches her satchel. She pulls a Chrysoprase
> out and holds it. She goes to a dead body and tears some tunic
> off and wraps the stone in the cloth piece. She hands it to Kiet.]
>
> Z'leyra: "Those wearing it will not only be able to see in darkness
> but will be happy to the point of distraction. Distraction such
> that they may talk freely if questioned correctly. And perhaps
> the loss or threatened loss of such happiness will get the
> answers without torture."
>
> [Kiet takes the stone and feels a bit disappointed not to use
> his skills. But as he said magic things might just be more
> problems than basic hard methods.]
>
> Kiet: "Hmmm...going from the heights of happiness to the depths of
> despair by his wearing the item and then removing it might make
> the subject more 'cooperative'."
>
> "The thought of a cheerful subject, however, does turn my
> stomach..."
>
> [In another ten minutes the party will have been up on this flying
> island for almost two hours. The battle in the main room has now
> been over for almost an hour. In that hour talk and more
> exploration has occurred. Z'leyra estimates the guard will likely
> be out another 35-40 minutes based on his condition and wounds.
> She doubt he will wake up in the next 30 minutes or so.]
>
> [Z'leyra takes a break from reading and considers her next move.
> She turns to Kiet and speaks.]
>
> Z'leyra: "Okay, you guard while I go and skin the critter that
> nearly ate me. If I am not back inside two hours you better get
> some folks to check on me."
>
> [She considers waking Corona but he seems exhausted from the
> lack of good breathing this high up and the rain. She lets
> him sleep. She goes to her bag and begins to pull out her
> raingear when she considers this whole situation. If she goes
> outside and some flying rock beamed her she could die and no one
> might find her for a while. The creature will be there tomorrow
> she hopes and it can be skinned later. She puts back her rain
> gear and shakes her head.]
>
> [Kiet smiles at the thought of being alone with the guard to
> question him gently but his smile fades when she informs him
> she changed her mind. He sits and waits for the guard to wake
> up, assuming he can wait that long. Too long and Kiet will
> force him awake. Kiet checked out the ropes on the guard and
> finds them tight but doesn't want them too tight. Poor blood
> circulation means he'll wake up later. Its not like he'll
> have the strength or weapons to do anything.]
>
>
>
> ---------------
>
> [Time: 11:19am]
>
> [The group minus Z'leyra and Kiet head from the north hallway to
> the courtyard. Caladan activates the fountain door device as
> the others look at the fountain. It seems the some cracks have
> formed in the fountain when the statue fell under Raban's weight.
> Chion smiles inwardly amused at the thought. The group stares
> down into the gaping hole formed by the descending stairs. They
> wait a few seconds..]
>
> [Fremea knows flapping wings is a giveaway to anything or anyone
> below so she and Arawn creep down scanning in all directions.
> Awareness of magical and non magical senses at full alert. Above
> them pipes of a bronze or metal nature run the ceiling and feed
> the fountain. From here there doesn't appear to be cracks but
> even if there were risk of avalanche or food is nothing to consider
> due to amount of stone, earth and water in the fountain. Once off
> the stone steps the corridor goes about 6 feet east in the
> direction of the stairs. The floor here is stone but the color
> shows age and wear. In many places the walls and floor has
> numerous cracks. this might indicate the flying island has seen
> some stress or aging. Peeking around the corner the hall twists
> to the north. It leads north about 12 or 14 feet. On the left
> or west is a stone wall and in the north a dead end stone wall.
> To the east it looks open indicating the hall goes in that
> direction. The lighting here is dim in this part of the floor.
> Only one lantern is lit and it seems to have been lit days ago and
> may go out soon.]
>
> [As the party hugs the east wall Fremea stops at the north-east
> corner. Her head is the smallest and doesn't have helmets or
> wolf heads on it. So she peeks around the corner slowly. Before
> she does she listens and hears nothing. When she looks around
> she sees the hallway go east. It appears to go about 90 feet
> down and seems to stop making this floor small it seems. From
> this angle she can spot at least 5 doors on the north end of the
> hallway. Each door is wooden and seems to have a lock on it. Each
> door also has a small section about 5.5 feet up and square. She has
> seen such a sight before used in secret gambling joints and jails.
> It looks to be a slide window for looking inside. Based on the
> distance between each door, about 6 feet, it seems they are likely
> cells. The south end of the hallway appears to be two doors. From
> this angle it looks like wooden but she isn't sure. But the most
> striking thing she sees is a man standing facing north against the
> south wall. From her point at the corner he stands about 45-46
> feet away. He stands tall at over 7 feet and appears to be about
> 250 pounds. He ripples with obvious strength and determination.
> He is wearing a metal helmet, plate armor, daggers on his belt and
> a sheathed broadsword. He wears a gold colored cape that appears
> as tall as he is and normal looking boots.]
>
> [Fremea spreads her senses out and detects no aura of magic except
> for the broadsword in the man's sheath. No doors or wards seem
> to be detected. She slinks back and waves Arawn forward to peer
> around and see what he can detect. Arawn comes up and slowly
> peers around to see what she has seen but also detects only one
> magical aura around the man's sheath. Arawn slinks back and waves
> the party back around and up the stairs. Out of earshot the Sidh
> explain what they saw.]
>
> Caladan: "A big guard like that is guarding something important.
> Based on your description it is a person, thing or treasure. Since
> we likely found their armory upstairs this must be their treasure
> vault. Either way that guard is a threat. Looks like sneaking up
> behind him for a simple knock out won't work. A frontal assault is
> probably the best bet. What should we do?"
>
>
> Actions? Comments?
>
> Next Update...Monday...
>
> GM: Unali You posted you'd go upstairs but the others more or less
> said basement. So figured you wanted to go down first right? :)
>
> GM: Arawn you said to search for trapdoors. But this is primitive
> carpet technology. Seams would be found easy for such things
> even without skills in finding traps. So no seams are found.
> You'd have to tear up the floor from wall to wall to look
> and that might take hours. So the obvious answer would be
> no seams no trapdoors. Same with stone there has to be
> some seam or crack for such. Of course the cracks in the
> basement (before you think on that) is in random directions
> no one big seam. Also do you still wish to collect inks
> and papers? The ink is just normal ink that any store in
> the perilous lands should have. The paper is the same way.
> The game pieces are nothing fancy or unusual and could be
> found in most game halls like dice. So again still want
> to collect brass bits quality pieces? The liquid also
> seems normal water or alcohol. The barrels seem enchanted
> for obvious preservation purposes. If you still want this
> stuff let me know and I'll jot them down. No magic sensed
> from the items. I don't mind if you take them just didn't
> know if you wanted the mundane items.
>
> GM: So I can be one step ahead for the future. When the party
> goes up to the second floor which stairs do you want to take?
> The courtyard stairs up or the stairs by the main entrance
> door? Courtyard would divide it up north and south and
> the entrance stairs could let party go south to north. Just
> let me know which vote you wish to do. I'll do what the
> majority wishes. Just so I can be one step ahead.
>
> GM: Map of basement -
>
> [Castle - Basement Area]
>
> 1 2 3 4 5
> 12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
> I--------------------------- ----
> I°°°°°°I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I °°°I
> I°°°°°°I I I I I I °°°I
> I°°°°°°I_/_I_/_I_/_I_/_I_/_I___________________I°°°I
> I°°°°°° °°°I
> I°° G ~~I
> I°° ____ _______ _°°°°II----/\---
> I°,,,F°I \/ /
> I°,,,°°I
> I°,,,°°I <-- Stairs F = Fremea at corner
> I,,,,°°I Party south of her (not on map)
> I____°°I G = Guard
> O--/ < Fountain steps
>
> Basement Level General Notes -
>
> All floors are stone floors. In hallways lightning is done
> by a torch on the south wall about every 8 feet along
> the hallway.
>
> Stairs - Left bottom - 6-8' x 6-8'
>
> Stone Steps leading up to first floor. Lightning is a single
> lantern that hangs from the ceiling in a dim conserved manner.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> pnpgm mailing list
> pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl
> http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm
>
More information about the pnpgm
mailing list