[pnpgm] Game Update #39 - File #391 - Landfall approaches
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Fri Sep 25 06:54:45 CEST 2009
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
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]
Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
Zhou aka Zhou Wa as 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 #39 in sequence (file #391)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Thomas: [Re: High Elder]
Sorry, I'd thought I told you I wasn't comfortable with too much
party history from before my time, so I wasn't going to.
not coot. Count. as in Count of Marob. Which he was, and may
still be (it seems to be uninhabited now). The place Whitney
thinks he's heading to save the world......
I never did understand why he didn't just use cure age to recover
his youth. but then, the most powerful wizard int he world is
physically old, and the second most powerful is undead. physical
youth seems to be a hindrance, no matter what the real age migght
be.
In any event, it is what it is. I used the information I had.
It, understandably, fell short. Zhou still has issues. an 80
year old IS old, and Count is a perfectly respectable rank, so
GM: Ack. Its always good to bone up on some history. But that's fine.
I at least had recommended seeing the briefing updates early
on by the High Elder. The old term got him mostly. To him
a loyal servant (zhou) the HE is wise but not old. That
short sideness that some servants have. Well cure age is
fine but its short term to me. Being an old powerful wizard
shows more spunk than a kid who might be a god. Most would
underestimate the kid. Those who see an old man know he
might be wise and powerful. So its more a symbolic thing.
Its not a big issue. In fact I don't mind the interaction.
A full 100% harmonious group can be boring. So the small
fights of Zhou/Whitney, Kiet vs party on pirates, etc.
adds spice to things.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
<ooc - The 10g is from the treasure (off the top) as an extra
donation. The captain can do what he wants with it.>
To Arawn - "If you really want to learn how to get in places...
To Kiet - "I believe that there are other ways to make sure...
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban thinks for quite some time before he once more talks to
the captain.
"Captain, your money lenders sound like a good idea but I...
<yup Raban is a big hearted dummy, but one who does understand
people>
GM: Ack. Good view to have.
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Regarding killing the prisoners:
Ben'Dar rolls his eyes at the words of Farseeker and Caladan.
In Marentian: "We should have let them drown in the first...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[OOC - Gee, thanks. But true too...]
Grinning Kell looks at Ben'Dar and replies in Zen'dali, "Well
said Ben'Dar! To the point and true." Back to Katai now,...
GM: Ack. The appraisal on weakness wasn't personal just a quick
figuring of who he might've affected. While some like
Chion or Z'leyra he never looked at.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet says, "Yes. Now more than ever. The more money they...
Kiet looks at Caladan and says back "I would no more shed ...
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
[** Quote of Raban scolding Fremea ***]
- LMAO:D
Treasure Split clarification-
I guess I should have worded things better. What I meant to say
was that Arawn-
A) Votes to give the treasure to the captain and crew (along with
the fallen sailor's family) or if the group plans on splitting
things, giving Arawn's share of the treasure over to the
sailors
B) Due to his share of things last adventure Arawn is thinking
of taking a lowered share of treasure from here on out (after the
the pirate treasure is dealt with) for an indefinite period of
time or until the group decides he's paid his due. The 1/3 to
1/2 comment is in regards to future treasure, where Arawn would
'return' the stated amount to the group treasure to be split up
by the others. This would effectively give Arawn 1/2 to 2/3 of
what his share would normally be, trying to return funds to the
group while allowing him to support himself while abroad and to
assist or payback others. If anyone has another suggestion then
let me know. Scott, to simplify things for now I'll take 2/3 of
a normal share unless the group feels it should be higher.
If the captain takes his entire share Arawn will suggest that
maybe a portion could be donated to temples of Manannan and Zu
or, lacking that, to purchase materials for the figurehead. Arawn
will work on it after the adventure and add his own
resources/money to it as well, regardless of whether the captain
wishes to a small portion on donations or the figurehead and
Arawn will not begrudge whatever the decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------
As the group discusses the option of teleporting certain items
and beings back to the Dark Lands Arawn speaks up,
"If everyone decides that a final drop-off to the Dark Lands...
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the demonstration and apologies on Arawn's part he says
to the group,
"We might not be able to affect the Vong directly but magics...
------------------------------------------------------------
During the discussion on how best to distribute the funds to
the family and the captain's mention of the 'Sailors Way' Arawn
adds in,
"Captain, as the treasure has been given to you and your...
-----------------------------------------------------------
[*** Fremea quote deleted for space ***]
"I discovered several barrels of tar or pitch while looking..
-------------------------------------------------------------
As talk of how to deal with the pirates grows Arawn voices his
own view.
"I do not agree with killing the pirates. I do not think we...
GM: Ack. Confused on the treasure. You say above you'll forgo
treasure then say give you 2/3rd? Confused.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
[*** Arawn's quote deleted for space ***]
Raban can only sigh and hope the wise Druid understands...
Raban speaks up, "Sadly I know little of how to use a sling...
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Junaqa 26th, 1634TH]
Late this evening there is some hint that Kell is doing some
more spells for practice.
---------------------
[Julis 2nd, 1634TH]
Immediately after the Battle Mind demonstration, Arawn speaks
to the party. "We might not be able to affect the Vong directly but
magics such as this improve our abilities and aid us tremendously
against them. To minimize unknowing resistance on our part and to
maximize successful use I'm wondering if we should use some kind
of phrase or code to alert people in the party when I am about to
cast this on them. Any ideas?"
After the Battle Mind demonstration, Kell is seen later to
approach and speak to Arawn on the matter. It seems he was
quite struck by its power and influence. They speak quietly
for some time.
---------------------
[Julis 4th, 1634TH]
Arawn speaks of Fremea's quick action on the ship to be able
to slip into places most humans can't.
"If you really want to learn," Fremea replies to Arawn, "how to
get places out, maybe I could teach you better ways than
falling into the water from a burning ship." Smiling at him the
whole time.
"I," Arawn replies, "discovered several barrels of tar or pitch
while looking for prisoners. The fire was closing in and I pondered
whether to teleport out or turn insubstantial but didn't know where
the pirates were so went for the more mundane route of running and
swimming," he said, returning a warm smile. "I've had some training
in slipping in and out of places but if you have something in mind
to teach me then I'll happily and appreciatively accept," he said,
his smile turning to a grin.
Later when the fate of the three pirate prisoners are discussed
by the party. Fremea listens to Kiet. She of all people know how
it is to be a prisoner. But she also knows these humans likely
killed their share of other humans. Fremea turns to Kiet when
he gives his view and comments. Once she was the slave and now
she has prisoners like slaves. Her mind goes back to the flying
castle and those poor beings.
"I believe that there are other ways to make sure they keep their
mouths from telling tall tales, even if they might have truth to
them. We could even use them as an advantage for us getting past
some check points or what ever we might encounter. We have to think
plan, rather than always killing, even if they deserve it. Let them
kill themselves, possibly even for us in some way." This surprises
her some what to even hear her say, as it has some sameness to her
masters. Then she thinks about it and these men are not worthy of
caring about.
Kiet looks at Caladan and says back "I would no more shed a tear
for these pirates than I would for wolves taking my livestock. Nor
would I turn my head like a little schoolgirl while I administer
their final fate. I don't enjoy it, but I don't shirk it either.
Besides..." Kiet holds the weapon close as if inspecting it, "...I
think my own blades are a lot sharper than this!"
Ben'Dar rolls his eyes at the words of Farseeker and Caladan. In
Marentian: "We should have let them drown in the first place.
They aren't 'innocent prisoners' - they're pirates: thieves and
murderers! Farseeker, what does justice and "the law" dictate for
such in Marentia? You know as well as I that they would already be
swinging from gallows if we were back there." He switches to
Zen'dali: "Caladan, brother, your civilized softness continues to
puzzle me. You are Zen'dan! You know what we do to thieves and
murderers. Back home, these prisoners would all be skinned alive
and tied to trees for the wolves and birds to pick apart."
Both targets of Ben'dar stop and turn around to stare at
the warrior.
Then he shrugs and switches back to Marentian. "But they are
the captain's prisoners, not ours. Let him do what he will with
them."
At the stairs, Caladan speaks up. "I know what we would have
done with no trial or time. We act in haste. This is why we
have wars with our neighbors. Yes I have softened since my
...retreat from this life." Those who know him likely know he
means since he died. "But if we just kill them now we are no
better than they are. If we become like them." He raises his
hand and points at the prisoners. "I will not stay with this
group." Shaking his head the Law wizard descends the stairs.
Farseeker then steps up to Ben'dar. "I know how our law in
Marentia works. Not as good as the judges. But I respect
that law. We have trials first. We aren't a mob in some ignorant
town who acts without question." He looks to Whitney. "We
saw what a mob can do even if they just misunderstand a situation."
He then looks back to Ben'dar. "I'm sure once they hit soil the
authorities will hang them before the sun sets. So be it.
But they must ...we must..abide by the law." He glances over
his shoulder to the crew working. "If we are anything to these
foreigners we are upholders of the law. You've spent time with
the sailors. You know what their unwritten social laws are.
If we go against some of those things then we lose face to them
and then Kiet's argument for them is solid." He glances over at
Kiet. "The Captain said the prisoners are technically out of his
obligation now. If you want to you can read that as do what
you want with them. I just wish no part in it. " He glances to
Z'leyra. "Even if they were dying the Healer would be obligated
to heal them. At least most I know. Each person has their own
beliefs and obligations." He turns to walk back away again. "Too
bad they didn't cut themselves on the wood climbing up and
die from some infection."
Grinning Kell looks at Ben'Dar and replies in Zen'dali, "Well
said Ben'Dar! To the point and true." Back to Katai now, "Ben'Dar
is correct, these are the captain's prisoners and not ours. We
must honor his decision and let him decide what to do with them.
If the captain decides to hang them, so be it. I want to keep him
and the crew as friends." Pausing and adjusting his hat, the half
elf continues, "But perhaps there is a way to use them as Fremea
says."
Kiet listens to the other comments then replies, "So, what do you
think will be their fate in the hands of the Katai authority?
Hmmm? I somehow don't see them being thrown into a soft cushy
prison...I see them being executed almost as soon as their pirate
status becomes known. What difference does it make if they die
here, or on land? If they die here, then there is ZERO chance of
them causing us trouble in the future. Let them live and what
chances do you take with all of our lives?"
"I won't do anything outside the will of the majority in this
group, but I will not stand silently by while bad decisions are
made. AND, finally, what exactly are authorities in Katai supposed
to think of a MERCHANT ship surviving a pirate attack without any
casualties whatsoever?"
From behind the party, First Mate Wa'son approaches with arms
folded against his chest. "It is common for merchants, nobles and
households of high station to have guards on ships. The further
south you go and in certain parts of the river system it is quite
dangerous. In the Scaloo province piracy is the norm. So
it would not surprise them to see well armed people like yourself
on this ship. Second they will be quickly put on a fast trial
that likely will be in front of some military officer and then
executed before the ink dries on the documents." He comes to
face Kiet then lowers his arms. His expression turns from grim to
one of sorrow as if a personal loss is on his mind. "But they
do have some value alive. Who is to say the guards won't try
to learn information from them? If just one pirate can give
information on a young daughter sold into a brothel or a son
sold into pirate conscription the victim's families might have
a bit of resolution. If you kill them out right or the guards
do as well then that information dies with them. The guards
will have such records and might be able to learn the details.
Do you want to take the risk that some family who lost a 14
year old girl to a brothel could find her with information they
might give? Sure some of the scum will claim some of the stuff
to get a softer sentence. The Katai are no fools. They will
expect it. But even if 9 things they say are false that 1 thing
they might say could help a family might be worth it." He
stares at the prisoners then back at Kiet. "The Captain did say
these prisoners are out of his obligation. Under our code they
are rescued and our obligation is over. If they try to escape
we have no qualm in killing them if they try. Do as you want
with them."
Ben'dar shakes his head. Last time he was on a long trip like
this was in the Sea of Tears. There Climan pirate prisoners
were captured. Thig taunted them by thinking one was being
fed to his dogs. If only Thig was here he'd wipe their brains
and set them loose to live in trees.
"I," Arawn adds his view, "do not agree with killing the pirates.
I do not think we should act as judge, jury, and executioner out
of fear of a possibility. It would be the first step on a downward
path to rationalize killing when off the battle-field. These men
know the laws of their land and have chosen their action with this
in mind. The repercussions of such choices should be left to the
magistrates of this land. I will not be the one to condemn them for
actions that, though likely, we have not been witness to without
having a chance before a judge. Though I think that their fates
will be determined by the markings they bare. And I would vote
against tampering with their memories for the time being. Such
magics can be detected and their memories will likely come back
over several weeks, though I hope we will be done in Katai by
then. And as long as Fremea kept out of sight, they likely have
not seen anything, covered by the fog. The explosion can be
attributed to a weapon meant to deter pirates. After all we are
not just a merchant ship but one bearing a noble and his entourage
so it makes sense that we would be well-equipped to deal with
something as 'trivial' as pirates. It would be their word versus
a noble's and I think the latter will carry more weight. As to
the weapon, we could say it was a weapon from some barbarous land,
a kind of ceramic bomb perhaps? It could detonate after being lit,
either on impact or in the air if the fuse burns down enough. We
could claim to be out by now and have the bombs launched by large
slings that we should be able to craft before arriving in port. We
only need one that our 'servant', Raban, uses on Zhou's behalf.
Beyond that, if any have questions of the pirates I could be
present for interrogation to determine if the truth to anything
they might have to say without ever alerting them to the use of
magic. As to any other threat to us, I think Fremea is on to
something about using them to our advantage and I am curious to
hear what she has to say on the subject."
Raban speaks up, "Sadly I know little of how to use a sling so
if they ask for any demonstration I may not be good enough for
the task. Though hitting a ship should be somewhat easier than
hitting a smaller target."
First Mate Wa'son turns to Arawn and waves a hand, "such a weapon
is too complicated. A simple arrow on fire with a naphtha glass
attachment is sufficient. In fact some in Katai believe they
invented naphtha and even projectiles that go into the sky and make
fire showers. I've never seen such things but the Katai claim to
have invented everything from apples to zurry juice."
-------------------
The Captain explains his plan on using a moneylender on Lemasa.
Raban thinks for quite some time before he once more talks to
the Captain.
"Captain, your money lenders sound like a good idea but I think
once you determine what money they need you should still make sure
that only small amounts can be taken at one time. It may be best
if they do not know how much there is. If they work at all give
them enough to buy some better things and save more for when they
need more help otherwise you will change their lives too much. It
is wrong for them to rejoice in the loss of a son or husband. The
rest of the money can be used much the same way, to support those
who cannot work or to assist those who need some small help. Do
not make people dependent upon your help but help them get back
to work as much as they can. Many think they want to live off
others and never work but such actions are bad for the soul and
lead man to ruin. Make sure it is enough to survive, maybe a
little more so they have reason to add to it themselves. Plan
ahead for other crew accidents instead of gathering afterward as
you may not have it when it is needed. This money gives you a
chance to do many things like that. Your idea seems a good one,
you just need to make it work or even better support itself from
its share of profits somehow. If not, other donations could be
gotten to keep it working. I am not that good with numbers so I
do not know what is required, but properly run this could benefit
many people who need help. In my travels as a Bard, I do much
like what you proposed but usually only once for a family or
person since it could be years before I returned anywhere. But I
do give out maybe a hundred gold a year that way earned from my
entertaining. It varies with what I sense I need as I only earn
what is required. But if you can make this work, I could raise
more money for it once we are done with this mission. I wonder
if something like it can be made to work for other groups? But
it would be best for groups who see each other as close to
family."
Captain Sung nods, "you are right and thank you for the advice.
I wouldn't actually give them all the money. Money like that can
corrupt people. I would only give enough for them to survive for
a few years depending on their situation. I've never met them
but I'm obligated to speak to them now."
Arawn listens and speaks up about the Sailors Way, "Captain, as
the treasure has been given to you and your crew, it is up to all
of you to decide on how best to dispense the treasure. However, I
will say that the idea of donating to the 'Sailors Way' is a very
admirable one and I support it. As for Ki' Lu's family, I think
your decision to have an account set up for them a wise one. It
hinders any attempts to steal from them by limiting the amount
vulnerable at any one time. I do understand Raban's view, to
protect the family from being overwhelmed too quickly by the
amount but I do not think they would lack appreciation for it or
find some level of joy in Ki' Lu's death," pausing to look at
Raban in a friendly and understanding way, "But there should be
a silver lining to their recent tragedy." He seemed to ponder
something for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps you could
suggest to the family to invest in a better education or training
so as to lead to a better way of life that they can perpetuate and
build off of instead of relying on the gold until the last coin is
gone. Another one, if you, the crew, and the family are open to it,
is to combine the funds and build an inn or tavern. This allows
for another source of perpetuating income and as investors you
could all get a share of the yearly profits. It might be smaller
than your initial investments at first but in time you all should
recoup your loss and start making a profit that can add to your
shipping income. Also, it offers a place to rest when away from
home for some. Perhaps with some help you could get it to grow,
maybe link it up with the 'Sailors Way' or guilds to allow
discounts to sailors or guild-members and hopefully draw
attention its way. Volume could make up for discounts and also
some might frequent it knowing that a portion might be donated
to the 'Sailors Way' to assist others in your profession."
Raban can only sigh and hope the wise Druid understands humans
as well as he thinks he does. It is not a bards place to contradict
a Druid, but perhaps this druid has not been exposed to enough poor
people to understand the risks of wealth. But there is time yet
and the Captain will make his own decisions and hopefully take
the warnings to heart.
Captain Sung nods knowingly, "very good ideas indeed. It makes
sense. We sailors tend not to handle land based business unless
we retire or forced to land by injury. But I will take it up
with the crew and Ki'lu's family."
Later the treasure is talked about. When Kiet is asked if the
crew might be more loyal or loose-lip with more gold he replies
Kiet figures them to be more loose-lip.
Kiet says, "Yes. Now more than ever. The more money they have,
the greater drink they will consume. Also, they are loyal to their
Captain, not us. It doesn't change the conclusion."
-------------------
Later that evening some talk about returning items to the Citadel
comes up. After ignoring the High Elder's initial suggestions some
wish to finally turn items over to the citadel but need someone
to go there for it.
Arawn speaks up, "If everyone decides that a final drop-off to
the Dark Lands is needed I am willing to aid as well. I can shield
myself from lower level magical detections, take to the sky, and
transport out to sea, away from the coast and likely scanning.
Even if I am detected it is unlikely any would be able to
determine anything other than the fact that something occurred out
at sea before I move on. High level translocation might draw
attention but a low level jump could easily send me dozens of
miles away from shore without, Hopefully, triggering any sensors.
Once far enough out I could attempt higher level jumps, mainly
over the ocean until I am within sight of non-Katai lands and can
then move across continent toward the Citadel. I should be able
to do this in one day, though I will have to see if I can perform
a return trip the same day. If not then I will be able to return
by the next. If everyone desires me to do this then I'll need to
plot out my path so as to properly navigate. Also, if the ship
continues to move, which isn't a bad idea, I'll have to work on
how to meet you in Jiuquo without drawing attention. If you've yet
to arrive I can attempt to port nearby and then fly out to meet
you as a raven or else swim to you and then board. If you're too
far out then horseback could work, though I'll have to keep a low
profile and then have a rendezvous point to meet you at."
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Treasure Claim/Last minute action deadline - 9/25 this is
Friday evening/saturday morning midnight EST.
GM: I've heard from Chion. He has been busy. I asked about the
teleport thing. Hopefully I'll get an email before the
deadline. If no one else will not teleport things back up.
(No offers). Past deadline it'll have to be once land
fall is done.
GM: Posted the treasure pirate file on the website in the links
section. It has what each share will come down to. This
may though change with whatever Arawn has decided hard to
tell from his comments. As well as the teleport offer.
The offer is there but there is no mention on if he does
it or not. This is why the wishy washy actions "maybe"
"if the party wants" "I'm considering..." stuff delays
things. (Not picking on any one person but a general rule of
thumb here.) A simple discussion in a pbem on the mater
could be weeks. Why such actions should be definite. "I will
do this". :) So the offer is there but he has less than
24 hours to tell me when the teleport happens. If not then
it'll have to be during landfall. I've not heard back
from Chion or the other person about teleport.
GM: Monday we will move on and it will be Julis 7th. The ship
will dock and the mission will begin. Of course I suspect
things will be delayed from last minute teleports and such. :<
While the mission starts things will slow down. Updates will
likely be smaller and slower in time frame. The mission
is in 3 parts basically. While some players may have stuff
to do others may not. I will try to work it so everyone
has something to do (at least the frequent posters). But
I can't guarantee with a large party like this it will be
possible. But I'll try. Stay tuned. Will send out
characters hopefully final versions before next update.
Only took 5 months to get here to this point.
GM: Last minute voyage pre landfall actions.
Player Status Player Status Player Status
Arawn Some Ben'dar Need Caladan Done
Chion Need Farseeker Done Fremea Done
Kell Some Kiet Done Raban Done
Strie'bog Need Unali Need Whitney Need
Will Need Z'leyra Done
If no actions by deadline will do sheets up from Julis 1-7
and be ready to send out.
GM: updated character sheets sent out
Player Status Player Status Player Status
Arawn To do Ben'dar Sent Caladan Sent
Chion To do Farseeker Sent Fremea To do
Kell To do Kiet Sent Raban To do
Strie'bog To do Unali To do Whitney Sent
Will To do Z'leyra To do
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