[pnpgm] Game Update #2 - File #4 - Ki'ama holds his meeting..
Scott Adams
longshot at darktech.org
Fri Apr 10 08:43:04 CEST 2009
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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R1.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar Ma
??.Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R1.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Fe
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R?.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........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 #2 in sequence (file #4)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
I am good with either style. What ever is simplest for you to do
I would say, since you do a lot already.
Fremea sits quietly, not eating a lot, being a Fea and all, and
wonders why Oby has given her a warning. She seems almost
withdrawn to most of the party, and she really seems to keep to
herself with the new people that are around her.
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Intro]
[Not shown]
GM: Will place the intro into the intro file along with Kiet's.
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[New Stuff]
[Apris 15th, 1634TH], 1st day of Adventure #5]
[Location: High Elder's domain - Citadel, Dark Lands, Forest]
Near 10am, Oby returns to the feast hall. By now everyone
is full of food and a bit nervous as to what could come next.
Some consider it rude that the High Elder didn't even eat with
the party but he must be busy with domain administration. Oby
leads the party through the passages to the meeting hall the
party first came to almost two weeks earlier.
"By entering the meeting you agree not to give any of the
details of the meeting or mission to anyone in the Dark Lands.
This is for secrecy that will require mission integrity. If
others found out," Oby pauses and eyes most of the party, "It
could lead to serious problems." Oby pauses briefly and then
opens the door to the meeting hall. The hall hasn't changed
much from the last time except it seems a bit darker. Along
the walls the tapestries are different from last time. Each
person takes entrance and finds a comfortable seat on the many
satin backed chairs. Up front the "throne" seen before gleams
with the magical jewels seen last time. Sitting there in quiet
conversation is High Elder Ki'ama. In front of him and blocking
most of the view of the Elder is Suca, the security chief for this
domain. As guard leader and intelligence advisor he holds high
sway in this domain but rarely flaunts his power. To the party's
left and Elder's right is a small table with items on it covered
by satin cloths. On the opposite side of the throne like chair
is a slat board standing on wooden tripod. It must be used for
presentations or the like.
Farseeker next to Ben'dar leans to him and whispers, "is that
a gray hair?" Ben'dar who seems to have a cushion with a lump in
it seems oddly uncomfortable. Maybe it was that odd dream?
Farseeker grins and then looks around the room. The dim lights
seem to block the view of the tapestries. Those with good
natural night vision notice they are a bit blurred. Maybe due
to magics or on purpose.
Suddenly the back door opens and Oby comes in and directs
a man into the room. He stands just over six feet tall and about
155-160 pounds from the looks. He seems in his late twenties
and the females do a slight double take. The man is quite striking
in appearance. Even Raban notices the handsome features of the
man and frowns, knowing competition could be bad. Unali and
Z'leyra notice that this new stranger could be even more handsome
than Raban. His bearing reminds the party of Kasha or that of
a merchant who might talk you out of your own clothes. On his
hip is a empty sword sheath. He holds a brown hat in his hands
since Oby forbids hats being worn inside. His tunics, pants
are colorful of style worn by merchants not working class. He
removes his gloves and his boots shuffle as he moves. He wears
a full gray with brown edged cloak on his shoulders. "One more
for the mission, sir." Oby bows and then backs out of the room
before he does he continues, "he was a bit delayed for the feast."
Oby then backs out and closes the door. Not by design but by
more accident the man takes a seat besides Raban a bit confused
look on his face why he might be here. The man knows he was
talked briefly to by Suca and Oby and then they offered him to
travel with a party back to "civilization". The man looks around
the room at the assorted party and wonders if this is the group.
Minutes later, Suca finally turns around and then walks down
the center aisle with a journal pad in his arms. Suca doesn't
glance at anyone but just marches to the rear and then stands
by the door as if guarding it. High Elder Ki'ama brings up his
left hand holding a small wine crystal glass and sips it. He
spends several long moments looking at the assorted mass of human
and Sidh alike. He finally places the glass down on the armrest
and stands.
"Welcome back friends," Ki'ama starts out and lifts his arms
up palms outward in a gesture of peace and welcome. Ki'ama then
glances at Arawn and Fremea, "please don't extend your senses for
the next few moments. I need to enable a powerful ward. It could
give you intense head pain and possible injury." Without waiting
he turns and pushes a gem on the right armrest. As before a small
pop is heard and a hum. Raban and the others recall this ward
from before. Ki'ama had explained it as a blocker from prying eyes
outside the room and even if possible from the gods themselves.
"It may be hard to believe but it isn't just other wizards or forces
I wish not to listen in but the gods as well. Its an ancient ward
spell few know of. The reason will be apparent soon."
"First congratulations on the previous mission against the
intruder to the Lands." The high Elder gives a quick glance at
the stranger so as if not wanting to go into great details of
another previous private mission. But then seems to soften up.
"There were witnesses and as a result it will not be a secret
for much longer. How you spread the details through music," he
glances at Raban, "lore and legends," he glances at Strie'bog
or simple tavern stories," he glances at Ben'dar and others.
"That is up to you, especially when you leave these lands. Here
such details could and should be left a bit more vague."
"Arawn has been busy on trying to learn the secrets of the
flying island and the deals made. With the information you gave
us on the debriefing we tried to research some of the details as
well. I'm sure Arawn may know much more than we do. As our
records on such things are a bit more elusive in the areas of
non human knowledge. Maybe he'll share such knowledge with you
or us if he wishes. As I explained before the island seemed to
be the last part of what once was Lymria. My guess is that
A'kril killed his master or took over control of the island. One
thing that Arawn seems not have learned that we did is how A'kril
survived this long. it seems from our own research into the Record
of the Gods that the Dark Elves found the island floating high
above them. Somehow they used magic to get there. Finding
the guards, A'kril and others inside they found all asleep in
a deep trance. Based on what we could learn from the books and
and Record is in the deal at the end of the Lymrian War with the
gods was a betrayal. Maybe one of the gods or all of them
felt the power was too much for a mere mortal. They put the
island and all those inside into deep trances. But the Seker and
Anwora were immune to the long term effects. It would seem the
Anwora eventually woke up over the centuries. It was erratic and
random. He would find himself awake for short or long durations.
Then suddenly go back into a deep trance. Over the centuries his
mind must've soured and as a result he became mad. Based on
what has been told by you this seems confirmed. The Seker never
slept and was awake all those centuries only able to guide the
island at a level largely decreased. As a result he couldn't
guide the island only keep it aloft. The island must've floated
for centuries over the Great Eastern Ocean for centuries. It
must've seen storms and the seasons. We suspect the gods lost
track or interest in it. They allowed the Dark Elves to wake
up and break the sleeping spell. By then the spell was weak
any apprentice might have done so. A'kril then ordered the
island on a more direct path west where he found our continent.
I suspect he didn't know of this place but don't know for sure."
Ki'ama takes another sip of wine and then continues. "Once in
the north he captured the Ipanza to study them. Based on what
you have told us, I suspect the Dark Elves had a long term
agenda. It would seem A'kril was playing it day by day. Less
guided by evil intent but by random curiosity."
"The treasure you found there is for you to keep. I hear
a nice profit of some 90 gold or so was made. A good haul for
such a short mission. But the next I suspect there will not be
as great profit as this one. We did ask to study the books
and magic items. A'kril's armor seems to be the key that held
his sway over the Elementals. It gave him a boost to that
ability. Our wizards, who studied the items but didn't know their
origin or destination, suspect it was a divine boosted item.
Maybe that was part of his deal with the gods. Maybe it was his
master's and he just used it. The other items were mundane and
nothing special to us. But then there was the Elven Plate that
Arawn claimed. It was an interesting item and could be a bonus
or a curse for him. It is up to him to explain the properties.
We wish not to keep those items. Though I suspect the plate
armor could be a beacon for dangerous times. It is so rare and
so...interesting that it might scream to some to find it. But
who in this world could afford to buy it? If a king sold his
entire fleet and treasury away it might not be enough. But
enough on that thing."
"The books are something that intrigued us. The two prisoners
you sent back weren't questioned by you once back. So we took
that opportunity and questioned them. From them we learned the
Lymrian language and how to read the books within a day. I
believe Arawn learned the same thing. As to the guards they
seemed to be the last normal citizens of an ancient land. We
granted them to live here and asked if they wanted their memory
wiped. We did warn them that if such memories were sought
after it could lead others to find the island or its magics. Both
agreed to clear their memory of Lymria except for their own past
family life. After three days they were released. Both decided
to live in the eastern Chaos domains. I suspect they will live
a decent life as guards there."
The High Elder goes to the slat board and lifts up the white
cloth. It reveals a list of items in Katai. "This is the info
on the books and scrolls you can read later if need be. Four
were just common texts on weapon creation and use. One was on
stone work and art. The 7th book was first of three legal texts.
The first was on how magic should be used. It was for Lymria
and even they seemed to have some legal doctrine for magic but
the age of the book might have predated the Lymrian War. The
other two are simple legal code books. One was a culture book
on the Lymrian Houses. Three general history books on the Mer
People, the God War and something else called a Govan's Challenge.
Likely on some master to master duel. Four books were on
more specific histories of Lymria it seems. One book on a
biography seemed to be ego oriented boring read. A more mundane
philosophy of nature book. There were four travel journals of
details and places on the Lymrian islands. Scholars will find
those most interesting. The last book was a magical journal
written by some apprentice but only tells of his training and
no spells."
"the Scrolls are more interesting short reads. You can
look at our list later for the more mundane ones. One magical
scroll had the Entangle spell in it." Ki'ama glances at Kiet
and then continues, "other scrolls had wakefulness, disintegration,
tracking, invisibility, revelation, healing light, shadow bands,
chain lightning and finally animal sight. It looks like three
of the scrolls are coded. We did not want to decode them as some
wizards place intense codes on them. It could backfire and if
failure occurs they could be destroyed. So I leave it up to you
to make the choice to decode them or study them over a long term
basis to get the best way to deal with it."
Ki'ama then pulls the first slat board off the tripod and
reveals another list of items. "The maps were translated as
well. The first was a continent size map of some place called
the Eastern Lands." Suddenly Kiet squirms in his seat. He has
heard rumors of such a place on the island but chalked it up to
drunks. "This place I've not heard of. It could also be of
a long lost place as well. The two other smaller maps were
Area maps one was indeed Lymria." Ki'ama grins and looks to the
party. "That alone could be quite a rare find for scholars. "the
other was labeled only as the Forest of Quz. We suspect that
was a big forest on Lymria. But little detail is given. The
last map was simply labeled as the Shadow Islands. Another place
I've not heard of. Maybe Novasa has heard of such a place. I
will have to ask him later."
"I believe Arawn got most of these scrolls and books as well
as all of the maps. Maybe he'll see fit to turn them over to
a scholar like Kaylle? Let's see, Ben'dar...no it was Kiet. You
got the flag? We suspect and it was confirmed by the guards to
be the Lymrian flag. Another historical rare item to have."
Ki'ama pauses and takes another sip clearly figuring out best
to continue. "Then there was the two Tomes - the Blue and Red
books. Arawn allowed us to examine them as well. The Red ruby
book is a major spell tome. It has little text but has spells
called Repair Breech, Weights, Memorize, Malestrom, Healing Light,
and Tracking. We suspect some of those were naval related spells
for a island culture. I've personally not heard of three of
those until now. We did take notes and will study them later.
Maybe if they are not so dangerous our own people will be able
to learn and use them someday. Now the other book is the most
powerful item I believe from the island. Elven Plate and
Elemental Armor is nothing compared to the dangerous ability
of the Blue book."
"Based on the text on gods like Thor, Ashur and AESHMA DAEVA,
history and information on creatures like Storm Dragons, Storm
Giants, Sea Giants, Squids, Water Elementals, Mer people and
Trold folk. Based on intense information on natural magical items
related to such topics as sea powers and other things. Based
on the tome cover itself I suspect this is the long lost "Hurricane
Tome." If the old ancient records are correct this is a powerful
tome of magic. It has Sea Powers, Storm Powers, Water Powers,
and many other water related spells lost to mankind. But the
spell that gives me grief now is the spell it is named for - The
Hurricane. A spell long lost to mankind, and for good reason,
that can create hurricanes. If the Lymrians had this book it
is clear some long lost survivor of the islands destruction knew
about it. They must've spread word of it and it became myth and
now fact. That book could devastate nations and wipe places
like Lemasa away in total." Ki'ama comes to stand near Arawn
and stares at him. "You have this book. You know it has a ward
on it that prevents further study of those spells. We could
end the ward but it might destroy the book. I have asked that
we keep none of the treasure. But now knowing its true purpose
I plead with you for me to keep that book. If someone knew of
it and you had it on you they would do anything to get it. With
me it would be safe here. Ironically among powerful wizards
I would keep it safe. I ask here in front of witnesses and
hope you will do this. If not the others must know of the great
danger you hold as you leave this place. Answer me when you
decide, I will give you time to think on it."
"Now let's get back to less serious matters. The apprentice
Chion captured and was killed. I know why she was there. She
had stolen my ring. A ring loaned out to a fellow Law Master.
It was used for some rituals. But even he didn't know its true
power. It has great time powers that could bend time far more
than a common time traveler could dream of or do. I suspect
the apprentice offered the ring to A'kril. In exchange for the
Hurricane book. That is where she likely turned over the Dark
Lands map, Z'leyra has, over to A'kril. My...aide went to
retrieve the ring and ended up killing her. It was his single
goal and Sven was otherwise occupied with Itom's men fighting
him when you showed up with the treasure. It is sad that he
had to kill her but his...justice is swift. It must be known
that theft from me is not tolerated. It is one thing I do not
tolerate. Based on his dealing with her he learned she was
offered the hurricane book. In exchange for the Time Ring.
The ring we suspect could've been used to travel back to Lymria
and reinvent his own history. You ladies and gentlemen stopped
that threat. If she knew of the book then Itom might. If she
does then certainly the Sorceress will soon. This is why
I ask Arawn to turn it over. If not I suggest destroying the
book for the benefit of us all. As to Itom I have talked to her
and she will not bother your group at all. She is too weak
to challenge me. While the Chaos wizards outnumber the others
they know the balance of power is still against them. I suspect
the Sorceress has some ties into the whole mess. How else would
the apprentice know of the ring going back to me on that day?
The guards were killed by the apprentice. If she knows of the
place I can't prove it or her involvement."
"The mission was a complete success. I'm sure some of you
think I had something to do with it." Ki'ama glances and smiles
at Chion and Ben'dar and some of the others randomly. "I assure
you I would not need a island to sway the tide. I could care
less of such a place. I simply didn't want others to obtain it
and use it. The Expansionist would use it to conquer the rest
of the middle world with it. While I do not care much of what
they do here or the outside world it would bring war to our
lands. That I can not tolerate."
"Before I reveal where I need your help in next I need to
remind you of some of the past. History is important and without
we are doomed to ignorance. Some four centuries ago the Zen'da
plains were raided by a strange force of creatures. I believe
Strie'bog may have told you of these people later on. You know
them as the Gray Creatures. By the time the first villages were
wiped out and the Zen'da had mustered a defense the Grays had
conquered at least 60% of the Plains and nearby areas as well.
In just one season they had gained more than the Donaran Host
had in its entire history on the plains. The Champions and
Shamans finally found ways to deal with them. It took thousands
and sheer numbers to overwhelm them. By the end of the war
nine out of ten warriors were dead. Almost the entire Helva and
Zen'da cultures were destroyed. Most nearby cultures took it
as war among themselves or disease. But I suspect the true
history was covered up for the public not to panic. How these
creatures got there is not known or where they came from. Most
were wiped out and burnt. Only a few were saved or buried."
"Back to the present time, the Vampire Ezam had reclaimed
a closed L'p'nthian fort in the hills south of the plains. He
had learned of the Blue Bugs. These bugs could control human
minds. These bugs were the long lost slaves to the Grays. Even
after all this time they lived underground. Ezam found out
and allied with the Bova to gain slaves and warriors to conquer
the other Zen'dan tribes. Using the blue bugs he would control
slaves and grow by each conquest. He allied with the Witches
of L'p'nth and the Bova. But we also learned through rumors he
had a connection here in the Dark Lands. I am not afraid to
admit I fear it was again the Sorceress. What better way to
regain favor of the L'p'nth or expand through power than ally
with a mad vampire? Again I have no proof of this. But rumors
did abound eight months ago. When you learned that Ezam was
after graves that was another piece of this puzzle. He was
in search of the Claw." Ki'ama goes to the table and reveals
the Claw sitting on the table after lifting one cloth. "Yes
I had figured such things on some history I ...learned from
my ...experience and lifetime. The Claw controls animals and
this is how the grays could control Zen'da horses to turn on
their own warriors. It is not evil or good. It is a simple
natural item, not magical, but living in some fashion. It seems
the Grays use natural living things as their technology. The
reason Z'leyra could not learn from the gods of the device will
become clear soon. Ezam didn't know the history I suspect of
the Grays but knew the Claw and the Blue Bugs. Maybe through
the same history i have here. There is another connection to
a source in the Lands helping him."
"Then just five months ago you went to the Vassa forest
and found more Grays at this Lake Oca place. You saw more
first hand of their animal technology." Ki'ama lifts more
cloths revealing a staff, a desicated gray lump and a piece
of something. "The staff that can transform from solid to
a snake like creature. The orbs you asked me to research. I
knew what they were without researching them. They are a way
of communication. The history I have says they are living
things, but this one is clearly dead, that one person holds.
the other person, distance not known for limits, holds or
wears the other. I suspect it might work like an illusion
and form a face? But I am not positive on that. Somehow
they can communicate over at least 100 miles. But I don't
know of their true range. At Lake Oca you saw the squid creature,
the female Gray and the snake helmet Arawn wore. Based on
questions we asked in the briefing of Arawn and others like
Caladan who gave such details freely, it may have been a tool
of some sort. The vision of the mountain Arawn saw may be
a long lost base or their own place of origin."
"These creatures are called Vong from what I have learned.
They are not of our world, of the True World. This is why the
gods did not know of them or help in learning more of them. This
is why further questions on them could be dangerous. We believe
they are from another world or plane." The party takes all this
in and recalls Lady Varo. She seemed to be from a place not
of this world as well. Scholars argue over more than one world
out there but no one has proven it. Some even believe of
a multiverse of countless planes and worlds. Some even laugh
at the though of more people just like you out there on other
worlds dead or living a life as a baker or artist not a fighter
or wizard. Such belief is not common and taken with ridicule or
hatred. "How they got here and where they are from we don't
know. But I suspect based on the Lake Oca events they may have
returned. If they gain another foothold in the Middle World
it could be massive devastation. You may recall me speaking
last time for those who were here, of a second plague to the
land. Prophecy can be interpreted so many ways. Some of you
thought it might be Fremea's dealings with the Seker. But
a prophecy is never fully realized. For one event it could
be for many others. I can predict I'll eat a egg soon. By
doing that next week I have done so. By repeating the same
thing later I have done it again. While I believe some of that
old prophecy was indeed the flying island and what the party
here dealt with it. I also believe it talks of the next great
threat of the Vong's return."
"One reason I needed time for you to wait here was for me
to gain more intelligence. My sources aren't as wide as you
may think. I can observe and contact some groups in other lands
but my reach is limited. But over the last six months I have
heard rumors of trouble and missing people elsewhere. I did
more research and one of my contacts believes the Vong could
be in that land. He did not say it as such but through our...
magical observation we believe they are there. The thing about
the Vong is they have no magical talent at all. In fact when
you sense them they are a void in the fabric of space. The
Sidh will not detect them but likely a blank spot. This is why
their magical defense is so great. Spells against them will
be useless. This is why I called for fighters for this mission.
A simple fight will be best. This doesn't mean magic will not be
useful in other areas around the Vong. But based on the Shaman
attempts on the plains spells backfired massively against them.
My personal belief is since they are not from our world the gods
do not grant them magical ...power for lack of a better word.
Everything even plants or dirt has some mana bearing to it.
Even the chair you sit on in theory could be detected if one was
attuned well enough. Most of the time these idle things like
chairs are so void of mana presence it is just black to most
that can sense them. By instinct it is ignored. This is why
even a common peasant has some aura to them even though they
can't cast magic. The gods touch everyone in some fashion.
Some might call it talent and that talent might be their aura.
But for the most obvious like spell casters their aura is bright.
The Sidh I'm sure can ignore the weak mana sources like the
common person and just identify the real ones. Using some
maps and magics of our own we can search for these...mana voids
in mass." Ki'ama pauses and takes another sip of wine.
"The source of a few spots seems to be over the map of Katai.
The ritual isn't perfect we only know it is Katai based on the
ritual used. We can't pinpoint it down to a province or even
a city. It took four days just to learn that much. Likely at
the attention of the gods. This is why I have the ward up. I
rather draw less attention. If they knew of a threat to their
own divinity ...to beings with no touch by them it could be
interesting to see how they might act. They could see it
as a global threat and break the agreement to come here and
start over entirely. You know what that might mean. They
could send forces or simply sit on it and do nothing. Knowing
the gods they will bicker over it for some time before they
do something. This is why Oby had warned Arawn this might
not be so good for him to hear. The gods in some eyes are
absolute beings who have no faults. But this shows that even
they can't touch or affect or know everything. Could they
have prevented access to our world? Maybe. That is not for
me to know. Would they be willing to allow it or stop it?"
Ki'ama turns to Arawn. "Gods are powerful beings but it seems
they are limited in some ways as well. I hope you hear these
words and accept it that maybe even the gods have some things
to learn or deal with. Some gods were humans raised to divine
levels so maybe that human flaw is still there."
Ki'ama reveals a map of Katai and the region south of the
Dark Lands on the slat board. "I need your party to travel to
Katai. Meet with my contact and find out what he knows. Maybe
there are things he can find out I can not."
"Excuse me sir," Caladan speaks up, "this ritual you speak
of can't pinpoint it further? Can we learn it?"
"Sadly there is no time. It requires a highly skilled person
in the Tracking spell itself. As high a level as Chion is in
his teleport ability. When you get to those levels you can begin
to build variations around spells. The gods do allow such things
and encourage new twists within reason. One of my apprentices has
been trained in the spell and is of sufficient level to use it.
He will be joining your group when you are ready. He will know
some of the details of your mission but not all. This is for
his safety as well as yours. Once in Katai he could cast the
spell a few times and maybe pinpoint it better. At least down
to a range or section of Katai like Upper, Middle or Lower Katai."
"For those not familiar to Katai it is quite the empire of
empires. Some scholars down there believe it is the birthplace
of all mankind. Their history goes back 3,000 years while most
cultures only a third of that. Katai also invented the printing
process. Some 8 or 9 centuries ago magic was completely banned
due to the Black Heresy. From that exiles went and helped to form
L'p'nth and these lands. The emperor is secluded in the City of
Iron in Katai city and most treat him as a god. Thus there is
no religious tolerance in the empire. There are over 7 million
people in the empire the largest in the Middle World. In the 20
cities there are one million people alone in 20 provinces. Katai
city has 200,000 people and the largest city in the middle world.
To put that for most of you Sivas city has only 40,000 or so. Most
Katai considered the wise folks stay in Katai and all others
are barbarians. There is a strong caste system in Katai and
the ranks are obvious. The great majority of people are of peasant
stock and hard laborers. The merchants, artists and other working
people are the middle layers. Then there is the nobility that
make up the rich elite. Deference by caste is strong and obedience
is expected or compelled. Most Kataians are loyal and honorable.
Family is vital and leads to social status. Most in katai are
barely over 5 feet and only around 130 pounds. Light frames and
small bodies. They favor swords and spears. Oby can direct you
to my public library for more books on Katai if needed."
High Elder Ki'ama then takes one final sip of his wine and
turns to the group. He approaches each person as close as he
can and stares them in the eye as he speaks to each one. "Arawn,
now you see why we had to warn you. The information about the
gods not knowing everything or being all-powerful might offend
or disturb you. I hope you understand that even gods had some
origin. If they knew everything then there would only be one
god why need others? Whoever the First was he clearly made more
than one for Balance. So even they may not know of the Vong.
If they do know then it may be obvious they do not wish to know.
When you travel to Katai your face wrap will not be possible
to wear. That is the thing bandits do. You will be stopped
at every post and street there are guards. As to your..." he
lifts a finger to his ears, "a hat might be best for that. Many
down there wear straw large hats so that's more common."
"Ben'dar the headdress could cause problems as well as
your necklaces. I suggest stowing them away so not to draw
attention." Ki'ama moves to the next person. "Caladan most do
not have Firesnake pets. I suggest leaving him behind. Such a
pet could set off alerts to a wizard. Your sleep and storm
magics might not work against the Vong but the fire may if used
in some ways. We know fire can harm them. Magical fire on the
other hand is a bit more vague."
"Chion you will have to hide or leave the staff. It is a
clear sign of a wizard. You fit in Katai but your...body frame
is way above average for the common person. So you may stick
out a bit more than needed."
"Farseeker, your weapons will be the undoing of the Vong.
I understand you took at least four out at Lake Oca. You should
do quite well."
Ki'ama then approaches Fremea and smiles warily. "Fremea
you understand a culture afraid of magic might be a bit nervous
of a winged being. Your disguise skills will have to be mandatory.
Even flying at night could be quite dangerous for you. Your hair
will block your other features but it is the wings that will be
the thing to hide from folks."
"Kiet...your skills might come in hand and I'll return to
that later. Otherwise I see no big issues for you."
Ki'ama then approaches Raban and spreads both arms. "Need
I say anything? You will tower over everyone in the entire nation
by a good two to three feet. You sadly will stick out quite a
bit this is why a cover story will be needed."
"Strie'bog I'm glad you didn't bring the wolf. Sadly these
civilized wise old katai people have been known to...well...eat
dogs. So that is good you didn't bring him."
"Z'leyra you will be a beacon in Katai so you will need to
hide things from your staff to your drum. You could have the
most uncomfortable time in Katai."
"Last, Unali you fit in the best of this entire group.
Being from Katai you should be regulated leader. But that is
for your friends to decide. You will be their guide on the
culture and customs. You of all these others will not have any
issue in fitting in other than maybe clothing."
Ki'ama looks around as if he is forgetting something when
Suca points to the man in the gray cloak. "Ah, yes. I have been
rude. This is Kell. He is a trader and was a new visitor here.
He delivered a special and rare item to one of the Law Wizards and
was paid very well for it. I understand, Kell, you wish to travel
back to a more civilized area like Marentia or such? These people
might be able to oblige. You could travel alone or as Oby explained
join them on this mission. From what Oby has told me you have
already agreed to those terms? Good. I suspect your skills will
be as useful as Kiet's."
"Clearly we need a cover story for the group. People of Katai
hate and despise magic. So going in as a obvious wizard or mage
is certain death. While foreigners aren't unheard of as their
trade and ports are busy. Centers of trade like their river
or sea ports would be common for outsiders. But as you get more
into the farm lands where it is 500 miles to the nearest city
than it is less common. So a cover story is required. Maybe
a entertainment troupe? A trade caravan? Kell could take goods
down and the rest could be...handlers. While that might be more
hard to deal with in some situations the other may not. A
entertainment troupe would be common in the cities and roads.
That would explain the unique setup of people in this group."
He glances at Raban. "The cover story should be decided. Now
as to where to go and by what method." He walks over to the slat
board and reveals a map of the eastern coast showing the Dark
Lands all the way down to Katai. "There are obvious four methods.
Teleport directly there. But this has problems. One is that
the transmute device is being borrowed. So you would have to
make two trips with this large group, gear and horses. Another
reason I will mention shortly. Two is by land. Going this
way." He waves his hand south-west of the Lands toward the Plains
and then a bit south. "Since you have Zen'da in the group this
might work a bit better and faster travel wise. But you still
have a few nations in between. Going directly south. " He moves
his hand directly south of the Lands down to Katai. "Would have
you entering Regis land and others. If they know of your ...
dealings in the Ezam affair that could be problems. I doubt
they would be but you never know. I suspect you could go south
east through the forest of Chosai. But that would take longer due
to the great forests. One of the fastest routes would be by
sea. While we have no navy here, there are traders that come
from Chosai and Lemasa ever so often. The party could travel
to the sea and find such a merchant ship. Depending on the
cover story you pick a wagon of trade goods could be supplied
as well. This is something your group will have to decide on."
The old Elder decides it is time to sit and takes his place
in front of the party on his cushioned throne. "Lastly I will
cover the details we know of the Vong. " He leans forward and
reveals the last slat showing the picture of the Vong that
some artist has made. "As you can tell their main people seem
to be their warriors. They seem to have a caste system as well.
Their warriors use these staves." He waves his left hand at
the table beside him. "They are living staves. They can become
solid for piercing or strike blows like a spear. At the will
of the warrior they can transform quickly to a snake and strike
with poison. " He raises his right hand at the picture. "They
are gray looking and wear thick leathers, some with spikes on
their boots or arms. Their warriors love to fight. The
other caste level seems to be more of a leader or scholar type
but we don't know their caste name. They seem to shape devices
and technology. Most are females and use those snake headdresses
for unknown purposes. They have leaders above them. Below the
warriors are the hard labor forces that build and can be virtual
slaves. They hate any god here but have their own gods and
religious system. Like Katai folk they despise magic users
and will go after them first. In fact the shamans on the plains
were targets first before their warriors. They take it as a
personal honor to kill the evil heretics who use magic. They
believe magic is weak and the only way is through their animal
like technology. They use large animals for travel like some
in Katai might use wagons." Ki'ama pauses and waits to reveal
the next bit. "You may recall the wedding event for those who
were here? It was interrupted before it started with news sent
to me of something. I had to leave to hear the news. That
news was that one of their flying animal things had crashed
in the forest. I ordered the device destroyed and dumped into
the ocean. I did not want anyone to know of it in case Balance
might be tilted. Their flying things are one man vehicles and
how they are flown is not known to me. But this isn't too
rare as I hear Dragons or Griffins can be rode in some land
on the west coast. Sven even tells of entire military groups
riding griffins."
"Now you know why I had mainly asked for fighters. But
wizards will have use as well. Magic can't be used for the most
part directly at them but around them. Their high defense might
prevent it. Unless a spell is going to be high concentration
it may fail outright. This isn't to say the Shamans on the plains
had no success with spells. Some did. It may be a personal
decision to use magic against them. Let's see the orbs are used
to communicate. Legend says they are stroked and a face like
thing appears. These living orbs live short lives away from
their user or growing field. Their armor as some recall is
crab like. In fact it is also alive. Some say it can regenerate
and is as tough as some chain or plate armor depending on the
beast and warrior. Most females do not wear these crab armor
things. Suca will show you best how to handle them based on
what we have learned of the passed down legends. There are
weak spots like under the arm pits. Their language is not
known to us and thus we don't know it."
"I have talked long enough. I hope I have answered as much
details as I can. There will be the apprentice joining you and
another soon. Oby is still talking to that person and will be
given the same details as we save them as a captured illusion of
what I have just stated. He may still decline our offer to
join the party. This means a party of 13 and at least some...
16 or 18 horses? This is why a cover story is needed. The group
will not be stealthy. Oh, there is one final warning. Since
Katai leaders and lords fear and hate magic they have certain
forces. Secret societies really that enforce this doctrine.
In random places they have teams that use devices, like those
the guards used to scan with outside the manor. Their range
may be limited and in fact we don't know the range. It could
be feet or dozens or even hundreds of feet. If they detect
magic in any form they will act. They will call guards and
if in enough force act swiftly. Things like staffs with runes,
items with runes, talismans or amulets of magical ability,
or simple glowing magical things will result in immediate death.
For less obvious things judges will be called for justice. This
is why this is one of your most dangerous missions you will
take. In a certain island nation you dealt with Chaos magic.
Here you live with magic. There you will be hiding magic from
eyes. If you do not you will endanger the party and the
mission. I will respect anyone who wishes not to join this
dangerous mission. Under the agreement of secrecy. You may be
required to remain in protective custody for the party's sake.
Those who go and wish to leave behind the more obvious magical
things of their person can do so. Chion can then come back
and pick up said items. But anything you take will add to your
danger. If guards decide to search and even they find a simple
natural magical item it could be quite dangerous." Ki'ama give
s sort laugh. "Too bad there are no smugglers in the group that
could help to hide things. Depending on the cover story weapons
will be less obvious or risky. By far peasants do not use
weapons other than a shovel or pick. So walking down the street
with a fortress set of personal weapons could be a bad deal as
well. Suca recommends to limit yourself to one obvious and
one hidden weapon. But that is your choice. In some places
like warehouse districts or port districts weapons are less
obvious to guards."
"I will go as my land was ravaged once. I will not allow
it to happen again." Caladan speaks confidently. "If we find
this Vong threat or base or whatever what shall we do?"
"Good question," Ki'ama answers quickly, "I hope you would
end their threat as you did with the flying island. They do
not belong here. At least the gods do not seem to wish it. We
could sit and argue they are simply trying to survive on their
own in a strange world. But they are invaders. If they were meant
to be here the gods would have touched them. I have no evidence
they have done so or plan to do so. As before they plan their
conquest slow. They bide their time and plan well. I don't
know how quickly they will strike. There are clues that might
help out. The Vong love self mutilation and torture. They
believe the gods demand it. Many will cut off noses, hands,
arms or other parts to please their gods. As a result those
captured by the Zen'da never gave much information to their
culture only what we could guess based on tactics. Torture
to learn information will not work and might even make them
happy. In the sake of a limb cut off they grow animal parts
or coral like appendages. For what purpose and reason we
do not know. But we know the Vong captured Zen'da prisoners.
They tortured them with pleasure and implanted coral like
things into eyes, arms, noses and other areas. These slaves
seemed to then be compelled by the coral things to obey. Later
in this brief war the Zen'da were pitted against Zen'da as
slaves of the Vong. Thus, I believe if there are missing large
numbers of Katai it might give clues to what is going on. My
contact might know such things. Maybe this is why they choose
Katai in the first place. A few thousand among millions might
not be missed. But somewhere the balance of numbers will have
to be recorded. Once you find the threat it should be destroyed
at all costs."
Ki'ama presses a gem on his chair and the tapestries seem to
form into more formed shapes. The right shows a group of Vong
fighting what look to be Zen'dan on a wide plain. The left one
shows strange domes and waving stalk fields. "The left shows
what their buildings seem to be. They seem to be, as expected,
animal like, grown like an animal might be. The fields of
stalks must be how they grow the staves and orbs. They probably
grow everything. This must be why they were at Lake Oca. They
needed a proper growing field. That lake must have something
special. Strie'bog do you recall anything special about it?
If so let us know. Maybe that is another clue."
The entire party sits quite. The entire meeting seems to
have been one-sided. But now it is clear the High Elder is
waiting for responses and comments. The party is unsure of what
all they have heard and may need to let it sink in further.
But some pieces of the puzzle fit in with past events. Could
this be why Arawn is here, did his parents know of the threat?
It might not be fate that two Zen'da, Ben'dar and Caladan are
among this group. The link to Lake Oca and Strie'bog seems
clear but uncertain as well.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: That's it. I hope I covered everything I wanted to. But
I'm sure I forgot some detail, I always do. :)
GM: Map is now on the website. Its a cropped image and very
large (1 meg plus). It shows the region. Once the path
is decided on I can shrink it down to just the region
of travel and play later on. Items file updated with
minor items and land info. I have also uploaded the two
images of the Vong on the site that was in Adventure #3.
GM: If you claimed a book/scroll or map from the treasure and
need specific info I've added a link on the site as well
for that. If you need character sheet data added and I
forgot to do so at this point let me know. I think I
gave that info when turned them back in but can't recall.
GM: Welcome to the game Kell aka Mark! Assuming after hearing
the above he still wishes to play. My next priority this
weekend is to work on the last new character.
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