[pnpgm] Game Update #62 - File #541 - Party enters Shantou City
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Wed Jan 6 07:58:50 CET 2010
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,
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 #62 in sequence (file #541)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will after observing Z'leyra treating Raban suggests that his
clothing be removed and rinsed separately both to reduce the
acids effect on him and save what we can of his clothing.
OOC I never saw any mention of removing what remains of his
clothing and with someone that big it may be difficult to replace...
Will then moves off to talk to Z'leyra quietly regarding Rabans
treatment.
GM: Ack. I did mention that he was half naked and that he had to
change his clothing though. Yes for him its a bit hard to
replace clothing. As to other things mentioned in email
replied in email. Good idea. But was too late. :< The above
forgot to put in last update due to time constraints. Sorry
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban bows, "Arawn, thank you for your miraculous healing,...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[Thanks for the compliment on the backstory.]
[Julis 8th, 1634TH]
Responding the Caladan and Zhou, Ha'Kell is drained. "I will...
-------------------------
Kell is happy and smiling to see that the family will keep their
home. One bit of mercy on this trip is good in his opinion, and
for his spirit. He watches and approves of Arawn and the others
actions, even if he doesn't actively help. These actions brighten
his mood over the next few days.
----------------------
"Yes it would. But not as great a loss as losing you,"...
GM: Ack. Good plots/backgrounds add spice to the game. So
I enjoy those details.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Just in case it doesn't go through the pbem site.
"Don't worry. I would’ve grown you a new one if it had fallen...
"You're welcome and it was gladly done,” he replied ...
------------------------------------------------------------
After the farmers point out the stream Arawn will take the time
to add some fish to the parties food supplies.
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Caladan, Zhou and Ha'Kell finish speaking on the topic of
honor and morality Arawn added,
"Let us hope to keep on a noble and honorable path. We fight...
GM: Ack. Fishing at night without gear could be problematic.
But its not a big issue. :)
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
[*** Kell's Quote deleted for space ***]
Raban grins, "Thanks, Kell, I too would prefer not to die....
GM: Ack.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Julis 8th, 1634TH]
[Location: Upper Katai Plains, West of Jinquo]
[Event: Day of Monk Attack, Night Camp on plains]
Ha'kell explains his issues with traitors and goes into the
details of his past. Caladan and Zhou speaks of both loyalty
and the mission.
Responding the Caladan and Zhou, Ha'Kell is drained. "I will
follow instructions and not jeopardize the mission. Do not worry
about that. The missions is in the forefront of my mind. I knew
we couldn't let either of them go, they would put us all in
jeopardy."
"I hope no one with us would ever turn on us. How horrible the
thought.... Tiehul was very honorable in his actions, I do not
fault him. I will be a bit more wary in the near future of
possibilities." Kell appears very drained after this. He responds
to discussions, but is uncharacteristically quiet. Kell remains
this way for most of the wagon trip to Shantou.
Zhou nods, "Thank you. Day by day our journey gets more
difficult and more risk comes our way. We must all try not
to draw attention. It is bad enough some of us by our nature
and being does this. Especially in the next city...."
As Caladan, Zhou and Ha'Kell finish speaking on the topic of
honor and morality Arawn added, "Let us hope to keep on a noble
and honorable path. We fight to save a world from evil and
destruction and we must be careful not to fall into their net. We
must all face tribulations and evil in our lives, it is only in
how we handle those situations that we determine who we are as
individuals and whether we take away from or add to the darkness
of this world."
"Even if honor seems a greater truth to some than good or evil
we should strive to maintain the ideals of noble honor. Honesty,
courage to do what is right, compassion and trust. As I said
before we each have two wolves inside of us, one evil and full of
fear, hate, jealousy, rage, sorrow, doubt among other things, and
one good and full of joy, love, forgiveness, peace of mind and all
other good things. They fight within us and the one that wins is
the one that we feed. We must each decide, do we live with the
wolf that is our friend or the rogue that would kill us in our
sleep? For our sake, I hope we all choose the friendly wolf so
that we can learn to rely upon and trust each other in the days
and nights to come."
Farseeker giggles as he drinks his skin of beer he obtained at
the crossroads town nearby. He leans to Ben'dar who looks a bit
sour at Zhou's words then grins. Nudging Ben'dar in the arm
with his elbow he says, "wolf inside us? He must've forgot about
the wolf you wore on your head." The military man then looks
up at Arawn and laughs slightly or maybe a bit tipsy. "You
speak of this world as your own now. To save it and such.
But this isn't your world. In fact we save this world for our
people. You save it for your people the gods. If these folks
win they could even go up against that realm. " He grins in
jest then gets a bit more serious. "Who is to say these Vong
folks aren't honorable and good? From our perspective they
invade us. But what if they are in desperate need to save their
own world? What if they are doing this for their need of
survival?"
Caladan nods, "true. One person's invasion is another
person's war of survival. There is some evidence especially with
that cabin on the plains that the Vong may be linked to
the Bova plans to take over the plains. If they had gotten
those mind-control-bugs and used their expertise of animal
husbandry then it would be a lot worse today. By now the
entire empire around us could be swept up in their control."
-----------------------------
[Julis 9th, 1634TH]
[Location: Upper Katai Plains, West of Jinquo]
[Event: Farmers visit camp, Night at camp]
The farmers leave the camp with coins to hopefully save their
home and farm. Some in the party still do not trust the farmers
while others see mercy in everything.
Kell is happy and smiling to see that the family will keep their
home. One bit of mercy on this trip is good in his opinion, and
for his spirit. He watches and approves of Arawn and the others
actions, even if he doesn't actively help. These actions brighten
his mood over the next few days.
-----------------------------
[Julis 19th, 1634TH]
[Location: Upper Katai Plains, East of Katai City]
[Event: Night of Earth Eater attack]
Raban immediately after healing checks himself out with his
hands. First his handsome face and then his body using the
cover of the blanket. he sighs in relief that acid didn't
damage the critical parts of his body.
As Raban eyed himself Arawn replied jovially, "Don't worry. I
would’ve grown you a new one if it had fallen off." He closed his
eyes and shook his head, finding it funny though not surprising
that that would be the first thing the giant would concern himself
with
.
As Raban gathered something to wear Arawn offered him some of
his own fine clothing. "It will not fit you but perhaps you can
use the material to craft something wearable for our entrance
into Shantou city"
After Raban changes his clothing to clean clothes that aren't
dirty or acid stained he approaches Z'leyra and Arawn.
Raban bows, "Arawn, thank you for your miraculous healing,
without it I would have had a hard time on this mission. But I
put everyone at risk by failing to escape without using magic,
and for that I am sorry. Healing me may have increased that risk"
"Whatever that foul beast was, we must be alert for more of
them. I do not think anyone else would have survived such an
attack and even losses of horses could cause us serious problems."
Kell agrees, "Yes it would. But not as great a loss as losing
you," replies Kell, happy to see the bard alive and fully healed.
Raban grins at Kell, "Thanks, Kell, I too would prefer not to
die. But I did put others at risk and I would rather die than cause
others to do so due to my stupidity. I failed to escape when it
should have been possible, bad luck prevented it and forced me to
use magic. I will try to make sure it does not happen again. My
Goddess is surely testing me on this mission by forcing me to avoid
using the gifts she gave me. Katai's purge of magic is unnatural
and doomed to fail for magic is in every living thing and likely
most everything else too."
Farseeker stares up from the campfire at Raban, "Magic...smagic.
No excuses. You still have sentry duty. I'm going back to bed.
Enough excitement for tonight." He then grins as he walks away.
Arawn turns to Raban, "You're welcome and it was gladly done,”
he replied graciously. “But do not apologize for a situation that
you had little control over. I believe we’re all just glad that
you are safe. There will be many risks on this mission and this
is likely to not be the last. As for the worm, I should have
recognized it sooner,” he replied, looking to the pale, spongy
tube. “The disturbing spawn of Laboth, Lord of Worms, one of the
Dark One’s servants. They are Earth Eaters, when translated into
the human tongue. Endlessly hungry and devastating predators.
That we managed to slay this one is a boon to the people in the
area."
-----------------------------
[Julis 22nd, 1634TH]
[Location: Upper Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[Weather: Partly Cloudy, Temperature: 63-93]
As the party turns from a westerly direction with the hills
to the north and right, the hills soon become a blurred view
of browns. The party heads south-west toward Shantou city.
Now almost halfway between Shantou and Katai cities they cross
a road that leads north west to south east. The road ends
north at a Katai fortress that guards the northern border and
leads through Katai city.
For the second time in a week a patrol spots the wagon and
quickly overtakes the wagon. The mounted force of 6 mounted
Katai riders slowly approach but show no sign of hostility.
As three days ago north of Katai the patrol requests only to
search the wagon. Zhou allows this and the lead guard only
does a quick look inside and that's it. No physical search
of the inside or outside is done.
When asked the patrol simply explains they are searching for
someone and that is all they can say. As with the previous
patrol three days ago they thank Zhou and simply move away
without any other incident.
-----------------------------
[Julis 8th - 24th, 1634TH]
During the two week trip the party members through boredom
of riding and the awful rains practice their trades and
skills.
Arawn continues to learn Reading and Writing the Katai language
during the trip. But as he had some practice on the ship he only
needs 1 day. Then as if been in Katai for a lifetime he seems
to grasp even the most complex materials. His high mental
ability makes him fluent in the reading and writing now as if
a elder noble native. The rest of the days he is seen spending
time with Ben'dar learning horse archery. He finally learns
the skill and gets some good experience in it.
Katai simply practices speaking better Katai during the trip
so he won't be caught off guard not knowing the language.
Kiet as wagon driver gets more experience in the wagon use and
drive team mechanics.
Unali learns from scratch the sign language and gets fairly
good at it from some of the other party members who know it.
Whitney whittles and carves on wood during the trip. At
some points he even gets bored and does it on the back seat
of the wagon though some believe hi insane for it. He
whittles various small things of interest to some.
Z'leyra who rides on the wagon watches Kell and Kiet drive.
She learns how to handle the 6 reins and the brakes and how
to handle the horses though she has an advantage there being
able to talk to the horses. She quickly picks up the skill
and even drives a few times. As she drives Farseeker gives
wide berth to the wagon worried he might get run over as he
jests to the green teamster.
At this point Raban is the best teamster with the most
experience but with his size he can't drive this particular
wagon without serious rebuilds. Kiet is almost professional
and then Kell and Z'leyra come in after that.
Kell while scouting with Ben'dar speaks Zen'dali and tries
to learn more dirty words. Kell also tries to continue his
wagon driving prowess. A few nights he also gambles with
the party with dice or cards to hone up his gambling skills.
Over two days Arawn and Kell sit and the Alfar finishes teaching
him the Battle Mind spell. Finally Kell toward the end tries
to learn unarmed combat from Farseeker.
Ever since leaving Jiuquo Unali has been unusually quiet.
Ever since learning the party will be going to Shantou she
has been almost dreading it and reflecting on inner thoughts.
-----------------------------
[Julis 24th, 1634TH]
[Location: Upper Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[Weather: Cloudy, Temperature: 66-98]
After 470 odd miles and almost 16.5 days of travel the party
finally nears Shantou city. While almost half the distance was
done on roads the other half was done on the hot, dusty and muddy
plains. It has been rough travel and all but those inside the
wagon have bruises, calluses and blisters from the trip. Dirty
hair, clothing and sore butts demand a rest. While the trip
was planned for only 2 weeks the delay from rains added another
2 days which made some folks annoyed. All but 1 day had rain
in it from light drizzles, rain storms to floods and intense
thunderstorms.
As if the rains weren't bad enough the temperatures didn't
make things better. Most day lows were in the low 60s while
highs were in the average 80-90s. One day it even went to 103
degrees and almost killed the horses. Rest and breaks were
required those days. Almost everyday it was either partly
cloudy or cloudy with not one day of just being sunny and clear.
The overcast skies did not help to keep spirits up.
The party travels for miles past vast farm tracts that amaze
some of the party. But to feed an empire with millions there
has to be large agricultural areas. Each farm has dozens or
even hundreds of peasants working the land even in the heat
of the day. It is clear to the party the peasants in this
empire have the toughest life of all people.
When the horses seem to tire too much a break is required
to stop along the road. As folks drink from water skins or
stretch legs the land is surveyed. Zhou speaks up to no one
in particular. "Shantou has over 100,000 people in it alone.
There must be thousands more around the city. House Howao rules
this city and province. Our sources in the dark lands is light
in intelligence but Tiehul tells me there are rumors that the
Grand Duke, the head of this house, is a first descendent of
a second cousin of the Emperor. There are rumors he wishes to
get the Howao dynasty back in power. More rumors seem to
indicate some alliance to some house in the south."
Finally at the hottest time of the day almost high noon the
wagon finally comes within sight of the city west gate. But
there is a long line of other wagons of various shapes and
sizes from pull food carts to freight wagons. There is no
other noble style wagon in sight. The line stretches about
a half mile down the road and traffic grinds to a slow tread.
Most people are walking or on single horses. Few are heading
from the gate down the road while most are entering the city
gate. The heat is unbearable it seems to be in triple digits.
From the road the city itself sprawls out as far as the
horizon it seems. Unlike Jiuquo which seemed to be half the
size and population this city has a wall around it. It looks
ancient as ancient as the thousand year old nation it sits in.
From this distance the wall looks about 12-15 feet in some
places. The width of the wall isn't known but at various
points men in uniforms, likely the city guard, walk back
and forth. The guards especially pass between square sentry
towers that dot the wall about every 100 feet. Even at one
point a horse is seen on the wall going the length of it to
from one post to another. So the wall must be wide enough
for a horse to not be afraid and ride easily. It is
clear this city has had need to be defended. On the ship
Zhou has gone over the various wars including the dynasty
wars. As with Katai's own city wall defenses these walls
also must protect from the empire's northern threat from
the desert, the L'p'nth. The cities to the east like Jiuquo
have no such defenses as they don't seem to have the need for it.
At least not walls as fortified as these.
At this distance it doesn't appear searches are being done
at the gate. But the guards do seem to be doing generic
overlook of folks who enter. Occasionally some wagons are
searched but not in great detail. Items covered up with
tarps or large crates are asked to be opened. But the guards
do not seem to be searching for hidden small areas which is
a good thing for the party.
When the large party wagon gets near many ahead of the wagon
veer off from the low peasants up to the well dressed merchants
on nice horses. They veer off the side of the highway and
let the wagon pass. Only the large wagons that are too hard
to maneuver like freight or food wagons do not veer. But the
wagon eventually gets within 50 feet of the city gate in about
5 minutes.
Zhou glances out the wagon ahead and then decides to hop out
for a look and stretch his legs. "We will enter and find
a inn. We really need to freshen up and maybe take a good
bath before we explore this city. I only have some generic
directions to Tiehul's friend. So some research will need to
be done. Half the day is already done. We should stable
some of the horses and feed them. They've had to graze for
some time and need good grooming and feeding. Then we can
figure out our next step." He then climbs back into the wagon.
Soon after a rider in a uniform gallops toward the wagon. The
city guard eyes the party over and then asks their destination.
When the city is pointed to he nods and states he'll try to
move the traffic along faster. he then returns to the city
gate.
Ten minutes later the wagon finally gets within 10 feet of the
gate. Inside the city is a bustle with traffic and people.
A group of city guards approach the wagon and one does a quick
body count and notes it on a scroll tablet. Another guard
asks who is in charge and Zhou shows himself at the wagon window.
Zhou states his cover story introduction of alias and being
on a tour of the nation for business and recreation. He then
allows the guard to approach and look inside the wagon. He
then introduces his wife, nice and daughter to the guard. The
guard clearly looks nervous but only takes a cursory glance
inside the wagon before quickly ducking back out.
"Why the search?" Zhou asks the guard.
"Just routine. There have been some escaped felons in the
area and we just need to make sure they don't leave or enter
the city in places like the wagon." The guard looks to the
wagon top as he speaks avoiding eye contact. He scans the
top bag area but then steps back and bows to Zhou quickly.
"Do you know of a good Inn for me and maybe some of my
servants?" Zhou asks.
"I'm told the Blue Crystal Inn on Lu Hon street is a good
Inn for visiting house nobles. It has its own stable and
bath house. On the same street is another inn for servants
that can stay if need be. When you enter the gate head right
and then down two blocks then left. That way you will avoid
the hassle of the people and allow your wagon to travel faster."
The guard then goes on to give directions to the Inn.
"Thank you for the advice." Zhou then simply ducks inside the
wagon and drops the window curtain down.
All this time Arawn on horseback has been scanning the wall
and guards. The wall itself made of thick stone seems to have
no odd impressions or items on the wall that might be sensors.
he has also not sensed any auras in the guards, crowd or the
area. It also appears the guards have no devices in their
hands other than a stick to inspect or quill to write with.
He wonders if all the rumors of high security is false or just
the party has gotten lucky again and found a gate without
detection. Inside the city could be another matter he realizes.
As the highway enters the gate it changes to a city road.
Other city roads go along the side of the wall in both directions
north and south. From this side of the city it is unclear if
there are other gates in the immediate area.
Minutes later the wagon slides under the 30 foot wide gate
that is about 12 feet tall. The gate itself is two parts
which close from the inside the wall right and left to form
one solid metal gate. Based on the mound of dust and debris
at the base of the gate doors they must have not been closed
for decades if not longer.
As the party enters the city the size of the place comes
evident quickly. Hundreds of people are walking about
on various errands or tasks. The party turns right and
heads down a less populated district. As the party
travels the town is scanned for the people and buildings.
Jiuquo had many small buildings and seemed much younger in
construction due to possible storms, hurricanes and the
like. But here so far inland the place is far more ancient.
While there are some structures that look to be modern it
is more like decades old modern than years old modern. Here
in the city most structures are 1-2 stories tall. But
some large structures like warehouses, taverns, inns, city
or government buildings are as tall as 4 or higher. Some
buildings that seem to be homes for people go as high s 5
stories.
As the party turns down the street with the inn they notice
traffic here dwindles down to dozens to small groups of only
2-3 and maybe only about 30 total on the street. All are
well dressed and appear middle class or upper.
The party finds the street dotted with two restaurants and
a half dozen shops of various types. It is easy to find the
Inn as it is in the middle of the street. It stands three
stories tall with rooms that look to have balconies for
people which most Inns do not.
To the left is a large stable that looks to be large enough
to house 30 horses. To the left of the stable is a large
squat building that will eventually be learned to hold other
wagons and the party wagon at night.
To the right and connected by a covered stone walkway to
the Inn is a bath house and sauna. The entire Inn complex
looks to be a very exclusive place. Soon Zhou books rooms
for some of the party.
Zhou confirms rooms for himself and Unali, Shu and Fremea and
a 3rd room for Arawn and Kiet.
Zhou tells the party outside, "I have three rooms on the third
floor. There is one other room right across from my room that
a couple guards can sleep. The owners do not like guards roaming
the halls scaring the other guests. Who will be the guards?
The room could sleep two but if must be three could fit with
some work. As to everyone else the level of guests in this
place don't seem to cater to your type. The other inn is down
the road there and you can stay there. I'm told the stable
and wagon hold area is watched and protected by a guard."
Caladan frowns, "I don't like separating the party. But
it would blow our cover to all be in one place like this.
But at least we are only a few hundred yards away it looks
like. Can we use the bath-house and stable?"
Zhou shakes his head. "The stables can store your horses.
But I'm told the other guests do not appreciate servants
using the bath house. I'm told there is one just up the
next street so less than a block away for public use. I
suggest we settle in and then figure out our next step."
Ever since entering the gate Unali and Chion have been
looking around the city more so than some in the party
as if expecting to see something they know like a landmark
or other site.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday/Monday?...
f GM: Skills practiced during first trip overland (16 days)
Player Skill Points Earned Notes
Arawn R&W-Katai 2 Learned
Arawn Horse Archery 30 Learned/Now EL2
Farseeker Katai Language 32 +16 EL
Kiet Teamster 16 +6 EL
Unali Sign Language 32 Learned/+8 EL
Whitney Woodcarving 16 +3 EL
Z'leyra Teamster 16 Learned/+2 EL
Kell Zen'dali 8 +4 EL
Kell Teamster 8 +2 EL
Kell Gambler 1
Kell Battle Mind Spell 4 Learned
Kell Unarmed combat 5 Learning
Zhou --- None Defined ---
Ben'dar --- None Defined ---
Caladan --- None Defined ---
Chion --- None Defined ---
Raban --- None Defined ---
Strie'bog --- None Defined ---
Shu --- None Defined ---
Fremea --- None Defined ---
Will --- None Defined ---
Sheets updated either with notes or immediate skill
changes. For those with none defined there may be other
chances to get experience next time.
GM: At this point we are in Phase around step 8 of 23 in my
generic outline. So phase wise about 25% there but about
1/3rd through the overall steps to the end. So some
progress. Sorry for late update. I went down at 1am for
a quick nap and as usual when I do didn't wake up till bedtime
at 3am. :< Since this is late I'm not sure if there will be
a update Friday or not. But if so it would be real small.
GM: For my notes.
Room #1 - Zhou/Unali Room #2 - Fremea/Shu
Room #3 - Kiet/Arawn 3rd floor rooms, 4 SC/night
GM: If there are actions to be done in the city let me know.
Party treasure will have to be used to pay for expenses.
I suppose the two horses from Tiehul can be sold. I
will need to study and expand the outline this weekend
for what I have in mind and then go from there on
Monday. But will do likely a small update (I hope)
on Friday. I could do a map of the Inn if needed/requested?
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