[pnpgm] Game update #66 - File #557 - Party has dinner
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Fri Jan 22 06:58:16 CET 2010
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,
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 #66 in sequence (file #557)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap] - None
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 24th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province, Shantou city]
[Weather: Cloudy, Temperature: 66-98]
[Time: 2-6pm]
As Farseeker and Unali ride through the Shantou city streets
it becomes clear quickly to Farseeker that she seems to know
where she is going. But the military man knows not to question
things like this but to follow along. One doesn't question their
superiors. Especially when a commanding officer bets his men to
insult a tavern bouncer and do not make the bouncer rise from
his chair. Course those scars were well earned and fun.
The two ride on for some time weaving through foot traffic and
passing shops and homes. Every so often Unali will stop near a
shop and scan the street and area as if looking for someone or
something. But then they will move on. At one point the two
come to a large four way with wagons and foot traffic everywhere.
Unali looks down the street to more shops and Farseeker notices
a wagon being loaded with wood near what must be a lumberyard.
Unali turns to Farseeker and speaks in Marentian, "Farseeker, my
apologies for this bit of secrecy, but we should stick to our
cover at all times, not just when we know that there are people
are listening. At other times there might be ears as well, as we
could have known before we were jumped by these monks."
"You knew I am from Katai. But this actually is my home town. I
have friends here, and family. There are people here that I should
visit and pay respect, even though we are disguised, because not
doing so might indicate disloyalty. And that would be more
dangerous than meeting the ..." She whispers the next word, "Vong.
But first I would like to see some old friends, to get a feel for
how the situation is now. I have been away for a year and a lot
can happen in that time."
"I could go alone, but that would not suit our cover story. A
lady does not ride alone. So enjoy the ride. I can guarantee it
is safe."
On his horse, Farseeker does a shoulder bow, "of course mi'lady
Au. I am honored to be your escort."
But eventually Unali and Farseeker turn north and head toward
the northern edge of the city. They find the north gate and
after scanning for trouble or sensors pass through. This time
of day the traffic is mostly coming into the city so the way
out is smooth going.
Both riders pass through lighter tracks of city streets to
thin areas of homes every so often and more farms as the time
draws on. Eventually some time later the two come up to a
small homestead and farm. A two story farm style country home
of upper middle class status is seen. Behind it is a tan colored
two story barn that looks a bit like a stable. Soon Unali turns
up the road and heads to the home.
Both dismount and Farseeker stands by the horses. Soon Unali
knocks on the door and a woman in her 60s with slight graying
hair opens the door. She rushes forward and hugs Unali and
whispers a few words to her. Soon Unali invites Farseeker
forward and inside. Unali introduces the woman as Ju Woah.
Farseeker bows and a few minutes of small talk is done.
"Farseeker, please take a cushion and sit. Enjoy the tea. It is
a peaceful moment to be enjoyed, so to thank your host or hostess.
I will be around in a minute. There is so much lost time."
Farseeker hears his cover name and bows and then sits down to
speak to Ju Woah it seems one of Unali's friends.
Ju then gets tea for Farseeker in the living room while Unali
explains she will return. She heads outside and toward the barn.
Farseeker loses track of time as he speaks of the city and the
people trying to make small talk. He doesn't ask the obvious
questions about Unali as introductions were made in a minor
level not a great detailed thing. Soon it seems maybe 20-25
minutes later Unali and a older man maybe in his 70s or 80s
leaves the barn. The man is dressed in simple brown cloth
tunic and pants. His gray hair looks distinctive and handsome.
Farseeker can see the two talk as they get to the home.
Outside Unali turns to the man. "Walk with me. Ju is serving
tea and we should join her." Once inside Unali shows the man
to Farseeker. "Yu Woah, meet Farseeker. A friend of mine from
Marentia. He is a fine warrior. He could teach you a trick or
two with that sword he carries. Although he should learn to use
dagger or two properly. For starters, they show off a lot less
if you want to travel in disguise."
Farseeker bows to Yu then grins. "A dagger can be fumbled.
A dagger is awfully light. I like to feel something when I hit
a target. You both have a lovely home here."
"What is with the garden Ju." Unali asks Ju after she sees
the crops not in a good shape this year. "I did not see any beans
this year. Has it been to hot around here for the garden?"
Ju nods, "the heat and rains have been a problem. But we did
just harvest some two months ago. So we are working on it."
Soon the four make small talk for a bit. Then when the sun
is lower in the sky Unali stands.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you both again." Unali states
to the couple. "I know I should visit more, but travel keeps me
away too much. Oh well, may the year of the crustacean end soon,
and then I will have more time to sip tea and enjoy the setting
sun. May your life be peaceful."
Yu and Ju bow and then see the two off. The two riders head
back up the dirt roads toward the city proper.
------------------
[Time: 2-6pm]
Meanwhile after buying the horse, the four leave the market
area. They search for a weapons shop for Kiet and a few good
jewelry shops but find little to work with. They are told
of other shops in the area but the afternoon draws to an end.
One blacksmith seems to be making weapons and Kiet watches and
checks his inventory but it seems the smith is only making special
order items for nobles. The smith mentions a shop that sells
shields nearby and gives directions but this time of day the
shop would likely be closing.
As foot traffic thins out for people to return home to eat
dinner and settle in for the night the four decide to head
back to the inn for their own meal.
------------------
[Time: 2-6pm]
Late in the afternoon as Zhou and Arawn go from lead to
lead, shop to shop, tavern to tavern the lead ends at
a small shop near a pottery shop. A potter mentions the
shop is closed and will be open tomorrow. As Zhou stands
exasperated in the street, Arawn studies the potter. As he
moves pots and bags of what might be mix for work around his
shop porch. Arawn tries to feel him out with his senses
and gets quickly the man is frustrated, tired, annoyed
but even Zhou can tell that. It doesn't take a empath to
tell this area of town is low for business foot traffic and
likely less business. But as far as gleaming secrets from the
man's body language nothing is learned by Arawn.
Soon Zhou and Arawn leave the area and ride back to the
Blue Crystal inn for dinner.
------------------
[Time: 5:30pm]
At the Blue Crystal Inn those left behind have spent the hours
either in their rooms relaxing on the soft beds or downstairs
in the tavern watching and studying.
Will spends some time out back making some quick drawings of
the tavern and pond as if to make the memory permanent.
While Whitney stays around the tavern he does spend time the
wagon playing with his wood and napping. Shu spent the entire
afternoon in her room relaxing and sleeping.
Fremea spend some time in her room relaxing but most of the
afternoon watching the tavern patrons. At one point the
barkeep asks if they need something for spending many hours
there but when he realizes Raban and Fremea are guests he
backs off and gives a free beer for Raban and tea for the
young child.
Soon those who ventured out into the city return with no
incidents. First to trickle in is Zhou and Arawn. Then
Unali and Farseeker. The last to arrive are the four shoppers
from the market place. Now that all are together, Zhou gets
the clerk to setup the meal.
"At this time you are the highest ranking noble here. You
can eat in the private upstairs meeting area if you wish or
down here." The clerk informs Zhou.
"Here is fine. My people like to watch others and feel more
comfortable being around them." Zhou replies with the implication
of the servants like to be around their kind.
Soon tables are setup in one area. Orders are made by the
tavern waitress girls. The girls who must be no older than 18
seem efficient and used to dealing with nobles. They make
quick delivery of food and drinks.
Some place special orders like Caladan who hears about the
squid delicacy Katai serves. As the food is prepared the
tavern is cleared away of four tables to create a small dance
area. Soon a small duet of musicians begin to play a flute and
harp to light melodies.
Ben'dar sniffs the meat and digs in but then he recalls what
some have said. He does not recall seeing any dogs on the
city streets. As he chews and turns slightly green when Unali
reminds him Katai has good sized cattle herds.
Zhou stands and comes over to Unali. "My dear wife. Shall
we dance?" He outstretches his arm and she hesitates but knows
this is all part of the cover story. While she isn't a skilled
dancer like Raban or Z'leyra she has some acrobatic training
which the party has seen. That with the quick training she had
to take for the royal court spy duty in Maren city under the
direction of Duke Aren, she has learned a few basic moves.
Strie'bog stands and comes over to Z'leyra. "My lady Junami,
shall we?" Z'leyra stands and smiles and figures it will
waste some time before the meal is served. Both dance
with the other three couples on the small area. The song is
light to medium tempo but it becomes clear Strie'bog and
Z'leyra both trained dancers are the best.
Soon partners are exchanged when the tempo changes fast.
After a few songs the party members return to the large
table. All around there are a dozen other patrons from
simple knight level nobles, minor city officials, minor
military officials and some large landholders. All seem
to smile but stare occasionally at the rag tag obviously
foreign party. But looks can't be helped.
Soon the meals are served. First some get fresh salads and
soups. Strie'bog especially enjoys his vegetable soup as
the best he has ever had. Then meats from pork, steak and
chicken are served among others. Some have simple beers or
ales while others have wines like the core noble adults.
Unali smiles at the party for the first time in what seems
like weeks. But it seems more a true smile than a cover story
this time. Dressed in her nice flowing gown she speaks up when
conversation dies down. "The country side around here is so
interesting. It is green and people seem relaxed. The weather
is much nicer here than at home, my husband. We should travel
more often."
"Certainly," Zhou replies, "if business and time allows it.
It is more crowded than back home though."
Zhou turns the group. "Our trip to find the business contact
failed. We shall try again tomorrow. We went from location to
location. Seems he is fond of having various places of businesses.
Arawn and myself will try tomorrow. If anyone wish to join us
let us know."
Zhou then turns to Kiet. "So I hear you paid for a horse? I
hope she will be good for you. So how was your other activities?
I hope Bu Da and Swan were able to help with shopping and the
horse buying."
Ha'kell, Swan, goes over the day's events of the various shops
found and some minor items obtained. He mentions carousing in
a couple of taverns along the way while the herbalist shop was
looked in and the horse buying was being done. He tells of the
farmers and peasants he met along the way and paid for them to
drink and loosen their tongues. "I asked about the escaped felons,
the reason given for the multiple searches. I got some funny looks
from the men in the tavern, then they told me the rumor they
heard. It has nothing to do with any escape. They told me that
a baroness went missing about a week ago, someplace outside the
city. Whilst they knew the local Count is upset, they didn't know
anything else. It is only a rumor, but it makes a lot more sense
than possible escaped felons."
Zhou nods, "it does make more sense. But this could be just
the typical kidnapping for ransom. I understand it happens
quite common in a empire full of nobles."
Kell then asks, "When can Shu perform her task? Do we need to
arrange for an attention getter elsewhere?"
It takes some hard to hear Kell's whisper but the question
is understood. Zhou glances to Shu then back at Kell. "I
hope to learn more on that tomorrow with our contact. He
might know more on this city and how it works "
The dinner begins to slow down and the cook comes out to get
thanks from Zhou for a good meal. The cook simply bows and
says his staff did most of the work.
It is now dark outside and around 7:30pm. As the evening
begins to draw on some relax in the tavern and listen to the
music or return to their respective rooms or inns.
Unali turns to Arawn who is enjoying a nice slice of garlic
like bread. "Arawn, you have this lovely drawing of the mountain
range that you made for my daughter. I would like to look at it
when I wake up. That would make me very happy. Could you get it
now, so I can take it with me as I retire for the evening soon."
As Unali leaves the table, Zhou and others stand. "I shall
be in bed soon. I am considering a massage."
Arawn heads upstairs and gets the item for Unali.
Those that remain up later that night find the tavern go into
a more quiet mood. The musicians leave around 9pm but a few
of the military officials and merchants stick around to play
a few hands of cards and smoke.
Zhou after his massage from a very young local girl feels
utterly relaxed. Drowsy he heads up to his room for bed
around 9:30pm. He opens the door to the dark room and enters.
He notices Unali in bed and seems asleep from the hallway
light. He closes the door and lets his eyes adjust. When
he sees faint light from the balcony doors and windows he
heads toward the center of the room. He knows his servant
and daughter is in adjacent rooms. But maybe to ensure
his cover he should act the part. Then he shakes his head
knowing that Unali would snap his neck. He shrugs and climbs
onto the couch for a night's rest after removing his shirt.
It takes no time before he is fully asleep.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday...
GM: Next update any night events and then we'll move on
to day 2 in Shantou.
GM: Two basic tasks - meet contact and likely more shopping.
Contact: Arawn, Zhou
Shopping: Kiet, Kell
I assume Kiet will go looking for his shield and some
other items. I also assume Kell will join Kiet. but
if Kiet or Kell wish to meet with contact that is fine
as well. All others will assume stay in the inns and
do much of nothing unless you state otherwise. So
again if you join to meet the contact let me know. Also
let me know any advance questions or comments for the
contact you may have so I can reply. If you shop or
explore the city let me know and I'll do that. I still
have a lot of those actions to do like the shield for
Kiet. Some actions I still have in emails. I have a ton
of things from Arawn for the contact for example. So
just let me know. A full day of stuff can be done with
multiple actions. Still lot of behind scenes going on
so these updates look small but stuff going on.
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