[pnpgm] Game Update #51 - File #465 - Party leaves city
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Nov 24 08:54:36 CET 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
R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe
W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
...Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma
R1 John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma
R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys
Cover Story Info: [HD- House member, F-Foreigner, N-native non house]
Arawn aka Arawn as Teacher to daughter [F]
Ben'dar aka Bu Da as Horse expert [F]
Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer [N]
Chion aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee [HD]
Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard [F]
Fremea aka Lin Mong as Noble child [HD] [Disguised]
Kell aka Swan as Trader [F]
Kiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant [F]
Raban aka Toban Nu as Entertainer/Guard [F]
Strie'bog aka Sun Zhu as Entertainer [N]
Shu aka Shu as Niece [HD]
Unali aka Tun Au as Zhou's wife [HD]
Whitney aka Whitney as Herbalist/Tailor [F]
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Baron Noble [HD]
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 cybermax.net
Game Update #51 in sequence (file #465)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Ben'dar: [Re: Travel vote]
Ben'Dar votes for overland via plains. (big surprise, eh?)
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Scott, just curious on the estimates you've listed for travel by
boat. Zhou mentions near the end of the post that the boat trip
should take 6-10 days under average wind conditions but you have
listed right after that a time of 60-100 days under the same
conditions (listing the boat traveling at 6-10 miles a day). I'm
guessing that the latter might be a typo as Zhou's stated estimate
makes more sense. The average speed of ancient merchant vessels
floats between about 1.5 to 6+ knots with the average seeming to
float between 2 and 5 (most sources I've seen appear in the 2.5 -
4+ category) knots with an average rate of distance covered
usually between around 50 to 100+ nautical miles a day. The lower
range usually indicative unfavorable winds and the higher range
favorable wind conditions. Examples of logged journeys from
ancient sources have trips from Troy to Alexandria (550 nautical
miles) lasting 7 days at 3.3 knots; Rhodes to Alexandria (325
nautical miles) lasting 3 days at 4.5 knots; and Alexandria to
Marseilles (1500 nautical miles) lasting 30 days at 2.1 knots.
I'm guessing based on this that the correct number is 6 to 10
days, as Zhou mentioned. Hopefully this will help anyone out that
is deciding between land and water travel (though I'm sure some
will still prefer land for other reasons:)
GM: Ack. Hope my earlier post was explanation enough. Sailing is not
an exact science in this time frame. All dependent on the winds
without use of the talisman for speed. I'm just using data
from my own ship project materials.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Given details on the travel time for each option this changes
things; Ha'Kell keeps his options open.
Assuming we can avoid Katai city, as even setting foot in the
city is likely a death warrant for much of the party, he will
vote Wagon over plains. Kell strongly votes for south away from
Katai city by any method to the mouth of the river. Better to
avoid the big cities as much as possible. The ship is so much
slower that the wagon makes sense, no matter where we go.
His top two concerns are first avoiding detection and then speed.
[The ship being so much slower seems very odd to me, I thought
shipping on the ocean was faster. But I'm no expert on anything
really.]
If the wagon wins the vote, then there is the issue of a driver.
Do we bring/hire one from Tiehul or learn to drive it ourselves,
or a bit of both? Ha'Kell leans towards bringing a driver and
learning as we go. This has the advantage of if we must leave the
wagon the driver can return it to Tiehul.
-------------------
[Yes, Happy Veterans Day to all!]
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Travel vote]
Raban votes for land C option
Boat sure is slow for this
GM: Ack. Thanks. Couple weeks late but noted.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar is glad to be traveling overland. He will be riding
Tef'wo, and will assume the point position. He'll use his Plains
survival skill to pick a good path for the wagon and watch out
for possible trouble.
GM: Ack. Finally some riding time :)
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Kell offers both his riding horse and draft horse to pull the
wagon. The draft horse is especially a good fit for pulling.
Whilst Kell is one of the drivers, he thinks it is a good idea to
have the other driver scouting out front with Ben'Dar to help
plan the route they take. Mainly in case there are potentially
tricky places that someone with teamster skill would spot easier.
Why not sell Kiet's donkey before we leave, then buy another when
we reach Shantou? It speeds the travel considerably. Kiet is
restricted to the wagon or riding with someone else, but the
speed could make up for that.
[I have a question for clarification - we are still going to
Shantou, overland via the plains and avoiding Katai city at all
costs. Correct? Here are the options as I see them, and I think
we're using option 1.
Option 1: Only over the plains, avoiding the roads, but basically
West to the mountains(when Katai city is due south), then turn
south-west to Shantou.
Option 2: from Jiquo: west on highway until the fork in the road,
then more westerly over the plains to avoid Katai city, possibly
reaching the edge of the mountains, then south to rejoin the
highway and cross the river via road into Shantou?
Option 3: from Jiquo, south to Oimou(sp?), which is by highway,
then south again to Sangsa(sp?), then northwest to Shatou? Or a
more direct route? ] Option Other: Something else entirely?
GM: Ack. Likely a combination of option 2 and 3. Stay tuned. Thanks
for the input.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
From Kiet, accidently sent only to me but intended for the group.
Kiet offers to drive:
"It would be my honor to drive the wagon and dispose of my...
[*** Kell's Quote deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack. You have two donkeys.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar grins mischieviously. "You would be welcome on ...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Smiling with Ben’Dar Kell adds, "Manure shoveling is the...
[*** Ben'dar's Quote deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar grunts affirmatively. "Sure, or we could just...
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet grins wickedly and says, "Well, I just wanted to see...
"I think we should take the southern road out of Jiuquo and...
Kiet will sell his donkey(s) anyway...if I can't drive the
wagon, then I can just suck it up and buy a horse.
GM: Ack. Not forcing you to sell them. Just wanted to advise
with them the travel is 2 miles less per day. :<
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Those dwarves. The nerve of them. :)
I've made a handy-dandy map with two possible routes highlighted.
They are approximate routes to leave roads, etc in view on the
map.
Southern route in black.
Western route in blue.
Which are we using?
[*** My post deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack. Dwarves are good workers as Chaos orientation tends to
be good workers as long as you allow sacrifices and virgins
with pay. Better than Law oriented workers. Nice map.
I was going to do one myself but no not an artist or graphic
software person. I still will likely show the full planned
route when decided. Stay tuned. Good job on map!
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Oooooooh....fancy pants....
Let's take the northern route...
[*** Kell's Quote deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
I concur - northern route looks best.
[*** Other quotes deleted for space ***]
Ack. Ack. Noted.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will help with handling the horses and will try to learn
the teamster skill from those driving the wagon. Her horse will
help pull the wagon.
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet speaks up about that a bit "I strongly suggest a team...
[*** Z'leyra's Quote deleted for space ***]
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 8th, 1634TH]
[Location: Jiuquo, Katai]
[Location: Brass Mug Tavern]
[Time: 7:20am]
Talk of options by sea or land are given and discussed for a
few minutes. By the end it soon becomes clear the party is
divided. One third votes by sea, one third by land and the
other third doesn't vote. Soon a few finally make their vote
voiced like Raban while others change their vote like Kell.
Finally Zhou blows a sigh of exasperation out. "Each route
has their strengths and weaknesses. But we must consider the
danger. If they are already tracking the ship that's a bad
point for us. If we get trapped on the ship we are at the
mercy of the winds. We could easily be outsurrounded in the
ship at sea. Same could be said for the land but on the plains
we could assume we'd have some warning."
After a moment of further thought Zhou continues, "I vote we
go by land. The horses need the exercise and away from the
ship. We all do in fact. I'll send the ship away with our
thanks and appreciation. We'll go overland."
At that another ten minutes or so of talk erupts on which
path to take the north or southern way. Most consensus soon
concludes that going over the plains is likely the best way
rather than by roads.
Now the decision has been made Kiet brings up the idea of
driving the wagon. "It would be my honor to drive the wagon and
dispose of my donkeys. I would like the opportunity to enhance my
wagon driving skills. Perhaps, some day, I might visit this ranch
that Ben'dar speaks so fondly of and there learn to ride these
horses you all seem to love. I still am uncomfortable around
them, though I do not dislike them."
"I," Kiet adds, "believe that we should stay on the roads as
long as we can, for the sake of our noble passengers, but avoid
Katai city by at least 50-60 miles. The road will provide us with
easy travel. The other option is to go overland and once we near
Shantau we set up camp for Shu to work her detection, or
non-detection, as the case may be."
"I will be staying near the wagon anyway in order to provide
protection for Zhou." Kiet finishes and smiles slightly at the
thought of driving another wagon just like back home. Though then
it was oxen and not these taller horse creatures.
Ben'Dar grins mischievously. "You would be welcome on the
ranch, friend. The manure doesn't shovel itself!"
Kell suggests that he could also drive as well. Raban seems
a bit silent on the issue though he had mentioned in the past
of having the skill but his weight in this case would not
work for this style of wagon. Though his skills as handler
and other wagon aspects could be quite useful. Kell adds that
one driver not in use should scout ahead with Ben'dar for a good
path.
Ben'Dar nods in agreement with Kell's suggestion about sending
one driver forward to scout with him. Ben'Dar is used to working
with unfettered horses, and has no interest or skill in driving
teams. The clumsy wagon seems a huge hindrance to travel, but he
just shrugs, concluding that he will never understand why
"civilized" people do the things they do.
Farseeker sighs, "tactics wise the wagon is a bad situation.
It doesn't allow us much speed for long periods. In some cases
it could be good for cover but with just horses we could at
least flee an area."
Smiling with Ben'Dar Kell adds, "Manure shoveling is the best
job you have for Kiet? Don't we want him to like horses?" Running
his hand through his hair, wiping it from his eyes the half-elf
continues, "Kiet and I can take turns driving and scouting, or
if necessary I'll scout with Ben'Dar most of the time. Since I
will be riding some I'll want a horse available. Ben'Dar, will
you help me pick out another draft horse for the wagon team?
That'll give us two strong pullers for the wagon. I'll buy it,
and when we're done we can resell him for a tidy profit. Or if
he's good keep him, if you have any need for draft horses on your
ranch Ben'Dar."
"If necessary I'll buy two draft horses for the team. I feel
better with at least two strong horses to pull that wagon, it's a
big one." Asking Tiehul, "Do you know of a good local horse market,
and where we can buy a map?"
Tiehul who had been placing new salt shakers on some of the
tables had stopped and stared at Kell. When Kell turns to speak
to him the black market dealer continues to stare. Kell looks
about as if something is wrong and then wipes his face in case
food is on it. Then Tiehul recovers and shakes his head. He
raises a hand and points at Kell's head. "Those...ears...wear
that hat of yours all the time around here. " Kell's face becomes
slightly pale as he realized when he brushed his hair a bit
he must've revealed the ears. It becomes clear Tiehul has not
seen such. Kell looks around to see if any other of Tiehul's
men saw it but none were inside the bottom floor. Tiehul
then continues as he goes to another table to place a shaker
on it. "I know of such a market nearby but you should not go.
You already had your experience there. They could be looking
for you again or this kid have allies looking for you."
Zhou nods in agreement, "it is too dangerous. Stay here.
Ben'dar is a fine horse dealer and can do good on his own."
Ben'Dar grunts affirmatively. "Sure, or we could just hitch up
that oversized guard from the prison..." Ben'Dar will help pick
out a good draft horse or two in the market.
Kiet grins wickedly and says, "Well, I just wanted to see those
horses that the others have told me resemble you so much..."
Farseeker laughs out loudly and slaps his chest at Kiet's
comments. A few seconds later he settles down. "He has horses
not bulls!"
Tiehul heads to the bar and brings a small map of Katai.
He clears some of the table and lays it out on the table. "I
figured you might need it. They are actually common and cheap
here."
The party studies the small Middle Katai region. Talk soon
erupts into heated arguments of which might be the best route
by road or plains, north or south.
"I," Kiet adds, "think we should take the southern road out of
Jiuquo and over the river Honou...then take the road west until we
get to the fortress and the road heads south. From there we can head
west until we meet the river Shansa, follow the river south until
we get to the fortress and river crossing heading toward Shantou,
then go on to the city."
Z'leyra offers her horse skills including how she can talk to
them to convince them of some things on their level. She offers
her horse for the team as well.
Kiet speaks up about that a bit "I strongly suggest a team of 4
horses for a wagon this size......and at least two spare horses to
let them rest during the trip."
"Also, I believe that horses normally used to being ridden do
not take well to the harness or the pulling. Oxen are rarely
ridden and thus are good animals for wagons anytime...but some
horses are picky... though I would wager that Ben'dar could tell
us more about the best way to use the horses."
Caladan nods, "that's where Z'leyra can ask them what they
want or if tired. I doubt Tef'wo would be willing but the
others I'm sure wouldn't mind as long as the whip was light."
Soon votes start coming in on north or south. Ben'dar, Kell
and Kiet all say south.
Caladan adds in, "the north does give us a slightly faster
edge in time. While there is less roads it just seems faster
to me but I'm no expert map reader."
Farseeker nods, "I say north as well. Going south there are
bound to be dozens of villages and towns plus those cities.
That means more chances to be detected and inspected. Going
through the wilderness north means less chance. Being on the
verge of L'p'nth the folks there will be less likely to worry
about us than the folks across the border."
"North." Shu simply adds in her vote.
At this point with six voting it is divided equally. Zhou
studies the map and then glances over at the quiet Unali who
is staring at the area on the map marked as Shantou as in
thought. "Unali....Unali what do you say?"
Unali simply moves her arm and points to the northern area
over Katai province. Zhou then nods, "our leader has decided
for us. I also was hoping for the north. it would have issues
but I agree with Farseeker on the danger risk."
Zhou waits for Tiehul to come back from the storage room. "Tiehul
is the province around Katai too crowded?"
Tiehul crosses his arms. "Well Katai province has large farming
tracts all around the city for 20 or 30 miles. To feed the large
population there has to be the food supply. So going by the
city is hard due to the farm lands. You'd have to do a wide
berth at least 40 miles north of the city. By then the population
would be thin. The mountain folks in that area are more elusive
and less friendly than those here on the plains."
Farseeker studies the map and then raises a hand. "Tiehul this
place here the road ends near the hills?"
Tiehul leans over to read the map. "That is a small fortress
the Empire uses for defense against the L'p'nth folks and for
patrols. You will find patrols more in the north than in the
south. In the south they mainly go after pirates or bandits.
In the north they are out for L'p'nth raiders. But since you
will be in a wagon which L'p'nth do not use you should have
no problems. Just stay clear of the fort a bit. " HE pauses
in thought. "Actually I could get Major Lai to quickly do some
papers of inspection for you. If your forced to go to the fort
by some patrol you could claim you are there to inspect them.
That would work nicely. I'll have to arrange that now. Excuse
me." he begins to head to the door to talk to one of his men.
Then he stops and turns around. "I could also have some safe
house information given to you for Katai province just in case
you have to go to ground." He then exits the tavern to give
orders to his men.
Farseeker looks away from the window at some folks passing
by on the street. "Tiehul what is with these folks in the orange
dress like robes?"
Tiehul looks outside and sees two more pass by. "Ahh...them.
Monks or something. They mostly live outside the city. But
since the Master General's birthday celebration is coming they
are strongly encouraged to enter the cities and renew their
loyalty. They worship the Emperor and shave their heads to
show they loyalty. They are harmless and peaceful but some
believe they not all worship him. Some believe they worship other
gods. But the Houses treat their local ones differently. Some
support, some hate while others ignore them. They'll be around
the city in thousands as are the peasants. In fact this surge
in people will increase the cities likely by half its population
or more for each city. This will help to mix you in with the
crowds."
Zhou asks Tiehul, "how long before you can get those papers?"
Tiehul replies, "a few hours at least. I suggest you do leave
soon though."
Zhou nods, "all right. We'll leave at noon. The city gates
and outskirts will be so busy no one will do a double take to
us. That gives us time to sell the donkeys, get the appears and
send off the ship. Meet back here a bit before noon and we'll
head out."
Ben'dar and Kiet head out back to retrieve the donkeys and
mount Tef'wo. With Tiehul's directions the small more quiet
market for horses and farm animals isn't far from the tavern.
At the market there are dozens of donkeys and 2 dozen or so
of dratt animals. Many farmers clearly come here to buy and
sell such animals. Ben'dar not knowing the language uses
Kiet to haggle for them. Ben'dar does not know much about
the donkey's so can't judge if they are worn out or not. But
in the end the donkey's are sold for market value. Ben'dar
finds the top 3 draft horses. The haggling goes on for about
20 minutes. The market is clearly saturated so supply is high
and demand low at this time. Kiet finally walks away for one
draft animal at 7 silver and the other at 9 silver a savings of
about 4 silver for both. Kiet pockets his money from the
donkey and returns the 4 silver to Kell later on since Kell
offered 2 gold to buy the horses himself.
Tiehul does come through and papers come at around 11 in the
morning by messenger. Tiehul inspects then hands them over
to Zhou.
For those who stayed in the tavern some of the long term party
members have noticed some of the newer members talking quietly
in the corners for some reason including Raban, Kell, Kiet
among them. They lean over the tables and whisper in quiet
tones for a short while then end their talks.
Tiehul is right as the street outside soon becomes crowded with
peasants by the dozens. Tiehul finally has to open up for
his own sake by about 11:30 for the noon rush. Within just
minutes the tavern is full of people eating and drinking.
Zhou sent Farseeker and one of Tiehul's men to the ship to
finally dismiss the Captain. Zhou sent a note with them on
their thanks. Final payments are made by Farseeker and he
watches as the ship breaks anchor and sets off.
Some supplies are obtained like food but for the most part all
are ready to go.
When Farseeker returns he reports. "The ship had no problems.
No guards or spies they noticed. The ship will sail a bit south
then let the crew off for a quick shore leave of drinking and
food resupply. Captain assures me he'll be there with the
first mate to ensure no tongues slip. They'll then head east to
Lemasa." He then hand a bag to Zhou. "We'll need to hide the
talisman. He finds it a useful item. But he knows it is not
his. I'm sure your master would be upset at losing it."
[Time: 11:43am]
Near noon the party prepare and get the horses all rigged up.
A coin is flipped and Kiet takes the first run as guiding through
a city is something he has done before. Soon the party heads
out toward the west gates to the highway. It becomes easier to
ride once most see how large the group is and the strange giant
riding the horse. Even those who don't see Raban the wagon
by itself flashes "noble" to the peasants and they clear by
basic habit making a path down the roads.
Ben'dar and the others lead the wagon down streets suggested
by Tiehul. He knows this city and where things can be. On the
west side there are four gates. Two are the most common ones
used by the bulk of the population. The south one goes to the
south highway. The north one is used by more business or
upper class folks because it is in a richer district. As
such he informs Kiet to drive there as the others are known to
have magic detectors. At the north gate there will be an
cursory inspection but a light one.
Soon the north gate is found on the less crowded streets.
Ahead there are open air wagons, covered supply and food
wagons, horses with obvious messenger bags, food carts and
warehouse delivery wagons all about. Few are on foot here
aside from middle class groups. At the end of the street
the large gate stands that can have 2 full wagons pass each
other. There are at least a dozen guards who are in cleaner
uniforms going back and forth. A small guardpost stands
tot he right off the road.
Finally with three wagons ahead of the party a guard approaches.
"State your destination." He asks Kiet. Kiet looks to Z'leyra
beside him and unsure how to respond. But being a servant one
can delegate such things. Before he can get Zhou, the noble
leans out the wagon window.
"What's the problem?" Zhou asks.
The guard approaches the wagon door. Zhou opens it and climbs
out. The guard takes a quick look inside to see Fremea looking
bored and restless before the door is closed again.
"We are heading west." Looking bored he looks to the gate
ignoring the guard. "What's the delay?"
"It shouldn't take long sir. What is your destination?" The
guard prompts again.
"Western inspections and then likely Katai for the celebration."
Zhou replies with a air of impatience.
"Very well. It should only take-" The guard is broken off by
Zhou's raised hand.
"We are late already. Get that food wagon to move." Zhou turns
to open the wagon door.
"We process as we get them here sir. We will need to -" The
guard notices Zhou turn and glare at him.
"I am no knight or rich jeweler. I am a baron of house Dzhaou
you will move the wagon now and release us or...what is your
commander's name?" Zhou prompts the guard and taps his foot.
The guard fingers his now hot itchy collar. "He is in the post."
"Then get him the Master General will hear of this!" Zhou crosses
his arms in impatience.
"That will not be necesary sir. We'll move the wagon." The
guard looks to the party and then to the storage rack above
the wagon. "We need to inspect the wagon. It would not be good
for the wagon to break down and you be hurt sir."
"That will not be required. My servants have done a good
inspection already." Zhou glares back at the gate.
The young guard clearly looks unsure of himself and decides
to nod and then run off. He whispers to four other guards and
then gives orders to several others to have the left side of
the gate lane cleared. As the merchants grumble and gripe
they comply. The four guards first whispered start to head
to the wagon. Tensing Zhou glares at them. One guard steps
forward and the others spread out heading in various directions
around the wagon.
"I told him no inspection is needed." Zhou protests.
The guard comes close to the wagon and begins to inspect the
wheels. One inspects the horses and one glances around the
back. The fourth inspects the wagon surfaces. Kiet can tell
the one doing the wheels is eyeing more than the wheel obviously
looking for things. Kiet glances at Zhou briefly and then forward.
The guard near Zhou opens the door and looks in to see Fremea
in her dress glare back. "It is law sir." He only states.
"Fine. Is there a way I could speed things up?" Zhou asks
innocently.
The guard turns around and walks close to Zhou. "In what way?"
"We are in a rush. It is hot today. Wouldn't you rather be
drinking some cool ale than out here?" He fingers his coin
bag and grabs a few silver. "I would not want heat stroke
on our fine city guards. " He grabs the guard's hand and palms
the coins to him. The guard slips his hand down without even
looking as if experienced in such things.
"Our commander is a hard nose. He only drinks when off duty
but can barely afford a good wench for the night." The guard
smiles wily.
Zhou refingers the coin bag this time pulling out one coin
of unknown value and palms it to the guard.
The guard nods. "I think this fine wagon could travel the
entire length of our great Empire's coast without need of
repair. Clearly there is nothing illicit in this wagon.
Even your barbarians seem well trained. Good day sir." He
then calls the other 3 and walks back toward the gate. By
now the lane is clear. Zhou nods to Kiet and reenters the
wagon. Kiet takes a breath and prays as he gets the wagon
moving forward. As he passes the gate he becomes relieved
to find no alarm bars or sudden attacks take place. Soon the
wagon is clear out of sight of the gate and Kiet gives a sigh
of relief.
On the road the side roads meet up to the large two lane
highway going south and west. On the road walkers and riders
are seen constantly. For the first 5-8 miles the city margins
are large tracts of farms going all the way up to the river
where the large farm estates are found and plantations of
slaves are hard at work. Up to the river bridge there are people
everywhere. Wagons, single horses, carts dot the road back
and forth in both directions. Kiet is unsure of the traffic
right of way rules but soon realizes the Noble wagon seems
to have the right away. Unless its a old man or ox on his
last ride into town before it dies all get out of the road or
avoid the wagon.
The sights are common and continue on for hours. As the party
moves on they see peasants and all the way up to the upper classes.
At least 3 other noble wagons but with a much less servant and
guard escort are seen during the ride.
Some military riders or groups are seen but they all ignore the
wagon without incident. The monks seen also continue in their
endless stream by the dozens going toward the city.
After crossing the river bridge a small town setup at the
highway crossroad west, east and south is quickly passed.
After that the number of people on the road soon decrease
substantially. Along the roads after the town there are
nothing but plains. From dozens or hundreds of people on
the road it begins to trickle down to smaller groups of
5-6 at any one time within sight.
[Time: 5:08pm]
With an hour or so before camp has to be made the wagon
continues westward.
As Ben'dar and Kell scout the area for a good camp site in
the distance they don't pay much attention to the road for
a bit of time. But soon they realize a large group of monks
is approaching. Ben'dar and Kiet count at least 25-30. While
this is the largest group they seem just the same bald orange
dress-like gown wearing monks seen before in the hundreds.
Ben'dar shakes his head at the idiots who mindlessly worship
some guy who thinks himself a god.
Like many who passed by before earlier that day these monks
are chanting some song. They continue to march down the road
eastward with the sun to their backs. Stopping Ben'dar and
Kell allow the group to pass. The monks as before never look
up or glance at the party. They simply move on. Down
the road a group of four more follows a way behind the others.
Ben'dar and Kell are about half a mile away from the wagon
at this point in the muggy afternoon heat. Ben'dar pulls
his waterskin and drinks from it.
Soon the group of 25 odd monks meet up with the slow moving
wagon. Kiet prefers not to run them over so slows the wagon
down a bit. Oddly the monks then part about half going left
and half right around the wagon.
Kell who has been fascinated by the day's events studies the
bald heads. He is amazed to notice none of them are sun burnt
but are white pink. Curious he begins to study the monks and
notices some are rather bigger than the others seen before.
Ben'dar gets Tef'wo moving down the road again as the four
monks approach behind their friends. Kell shrugs and turns
his own horse after Ben'dar. As he does he notices the
four approaching clank. He glances closer and notices the
bottom of the orange gown isn't sandals like many of the
others he saw that day but boots. He reaches over to Ben'dar
to question him.
But at that instant the four ahead of them spread their hands
which all had to their sides or in a praying position and rip
their robes off. This reveals leather clothing. Slung down
their sides are swords. The four monks then grab their weapons
and charge Ben'dar and Kell.
At the same time near the wagon those near the wagon do the
same time dropping their orange robes to the road and pulling
out short swords or spears. They begin to charge various
targets.
Some are near the wagon front including the horses while
most are near the sides and a few in the rear.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: I did hear from Unali and voted north. He is trying to
catch up now.
GM: Arawn while doing notes for something I noticed you don't
have a melee weapon. You might want to buy one. Let me know.
GM: Whitney I noticed you have no horse to ride. So you
going to walk or ride with someone? See below on how
this could be resolved.
GM: Travel info - Using Kell's blue line
North route - 420 miles
Wagon Speed - 20 miles/day [Draft horses slowest]
Road Speed - 30 miles/day
Travel
200 by Road West - 6 days
120 plain to hills west - 6 days
50 south by plains - 2.5 days
50 miles by road to shantou - 1.75 days
Total time - 16.25 days
GM: I was going to do a map like Kell's with the travel paths. But
he beat me to it. Its so well done will just use his blue
line as the path with possible slight change near the fort NW
of Katai city. Instead of the line on the left side of that
area would be on right side to avoid the fort proximity. It
will remain on the website as the path info for reference.
GM: The next post is assumptions made for the wagon and trip.
This will be posted only ONCE then updated after that on
the website. Please read and let me know of any changes
if need be. A quick summary is that we have all the horses
needed for the wagon at this point (no spares). There
are some wagon slots still open if someone needs to still
ride there or wants to. Z'leyra wishes to learn teamster
so that assigns her to shotgun seat besides the driver
on the wagon front. That leaves 2 inside the wagon and
the rear seat open. Whitney if Z'leyra is willing you
could ride her horse? Though with no riding skill it will
be light riding not for combat. This assumption file will
go on the website in the links section.
GM: Small update for now. I ran out of time doing any maps
for possible combat. OF course Kiet could just speed
away but spears and swords could hurt the horses that
are nearby. I will work on the map and stats likely
tomorrow/Wednesday. I won't have much time to work on
update Thursday. So hope to have it done pretty much by
Wednesday evening. I know folks will likely be busy for
the holiday or out of town. That's fine. It will just
be a small update with position map and such. I won't do
any combat till Monday if any combat does occur.
GM: Happy Thanksgiving!
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