[pnpgm] Game Update #102 - File #775 - Fate and Glory
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Tue Jul 6 09:13:55 CEST 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
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]
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.furvert.net/longshotgm/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshotgm at netzero.com
Game Update #102 in sequence (file #775)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
<I meant that Raban would have trouble speaking to the father
about death etc without mentioning Gods and afterlife which is a
bad topic here. It may be beyond his eloquence to keep from
mentioning his goddess if he tried to say things to comfort them.
Raban approaches Arawn, "Arawn, I am concerned about the girl...
<That may be a bit too much for Raban to figure out?
GM: Ack. Gods are not known in Katai. The Emperor is god by
strict rules. But with over 7 million people you can't
cut off the ones who tolerate other gods. It is just too
impossible. So it does exist. Mostly in the peasant class
strata. So role play it. You are clearly not from this
and as a native you of all people would get away with
such comments. I mean what would he do? Go and punch
you and then say opps sorry! You a bit too big for him.
The worst case is not as bad as you might think. Wouldn't
be that hard for Raban or really a Bard to figure out such
things. It makes sense. Bards are mostly to entertain but
they also do light morale boosting from one person talks to
crowds. So some counseling (usually over an ale) is normal.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
[*** Raban's quote deleted ***]
-I sent a message via ICQ to Scott in an effort to see if Arawn
might have learned what, if anything, the girl recalls while he
counseled the family and I'll get back to you on this when I hear
from him.
Scott, if it can't wait and if necessary to move the post forward
for now, Arawn will counsel the girl to keep things to herself
and family on such matters if she speaks of some sort of after-
life or deific experience. He'd state it as something to be
expected due to the 'trauma' she went through and counsel her to
the best of his ability. He will not mention it as part of death
and will not deny her afterlife experiences, if any, but he will
not directly acknowledge them, instead allowing her to form her
own decision. Forgetfulness will only be cast if Unali or Zhou
desire it and only if the father can be distracted. If done it
will be in an effort to 'numb' her memories to the trauma she
has been through.
Katai Bounty Hunter-
Arawn feels that the teleporting the bounty hunter a distance
away will likely be the least complicated and most humane method
of dealing with him. The gear can be confiscated if the party
desires and the horses scattered. If the party wants to keep the
horses then over the next several days it might be possible to
hide the brandings or Regrow it with magic though this is not
his top choice as it is risky until succesfully completed.
Last Minute Search/Departure-
Arawn thinks a quick search of the jail house and any other
unsearched buildings should be done before departing. He feels
that the Vong bodies should be gathered for disposal so the
family doesn't have to deal with it unless Unali or Zhou feel
otherwise. As to limit any danger to the family Arawn is willing
to leave quickly and not speak with them about their destination.
The less the family knows the safer they will be.
...The only thing he wonders is- what will they tell authorities
when they investigate the deaths/missing people? will they be
able to keep themselves from suffering at the hands of government
officials?.....
The Baroness-
It would seem the baroness cannot be treated at the moment so
Arawn suggests keeping her in the wagon and then moving out. His
thoughts dance around Rua's words regarding energies or sound
influencing both growth and shrinkage of the coral-like growth.
"If she can survive through the next day we might be able to...
Mana Detectors-
While the group travels Arawn will use Mana Sensing near the
limit of his range when passing over bridges, lone buildings/
outposts along the road, and places where people might be 'hanging
around' (fishing, standing around talking, etc.) along the road.
He'll also include caravans and travellers along the way.
Vong-
Arawn will push to keep the Vong alive. He believes the humanoid
should be given a chance and should not be judged for the actions
of others of his race. He'd ask the Vong to stay with them for the
time being as he'll be safer with them (also he understands the
Vong could provide valuable insight over time). Arawn will treat
the Rua fairly and look after him.
To avoid issues with authorities he'd suggest a disguise, perhaps
of one horribly disfigured to excuse a facial covering. And if
the party travels into cities or other areas where Rua might be
checked Arawn suggests Rua staying outside of the town/city along
with Arawn and the baroness (and any others that wish to remain)
while the others take care of things.
Arawn will ask Rua what it was he refused to do that caused the
other Vong to imprison him
Also, Arawn will ask Rua about the items discovered- Serpent Crown,
the 'bug swarms', 'lesser' and 'World' brain, orbs, etc- their
specific uses, how they are used, ranges, etc.
He'd also like to learn more of his culture if they should travel
together along with language if he's willing to share.
Healing-
Kell, if you want Arawn to use his Healer skill on you let me know.
Magical Healing might have to rest in other hands however as
Arawn's used a lot of magical power today.
GM: Ack. I replied via ICQ around 11 or so last night (sunday).
But didn't stay online as watched the Greatest American Hero
marathon (great old show). With millions in the empire
many are just "standing around" ;). So you might get a bit
tired scanning every place. But I'll try to recall the mana
sensing thing during travel.
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 26th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ 20 Miles south of Shantou City ]
[ Old Shantou Carnival Grounds ]
[Time: 3:10 pm]
Arawn begins his exploration of the battle scene and examination
of the people and prisoners. During this time he is behind the
wagon watching the father tend to his kids.
Raban approaches Arawn, "Arawn, I am concerned about the girl.
Would she remember being dead? Even for such a short time, she
may have been in the presence of some deity or other agent before
she was called back. If she was and remembers and speaks of it,
she puts her family and herself at risk here. It would be a heresy
of the highest order, they would have to treat her like some
abomination or demon possessed or worse. If she was lucky they
would just kill her, but I suspect they would do far worse to her
and her family."
Arawn listens to the giant speak softly out of earshot of the
family and just doesn't know what to think. Resurrection is
also as traumatic as death. Some souls are excised from the body
and sent to some place in the upper world depending on their
own beliefs. But then they are snatched to another place to have
a quick audience with some god or being. Of course a quick
audience in middle world time could be seconds in the upper world
or radically different a long time. Arawn considers Caladan and
what his experience was. Maybe he should question him on what
the trauma was and what he can recall. Then he vaguely recalls
some story told around a campfire by Farseeker about Caladan
seeing glowing red eyes and hearing some strange voice as if
in a dream state. But that is all he seemed to recall. Surely
if the body is affected by resurrection and diminished so should
be the brain.
Arawn crosses his arms and just shakes his head not knowing what
to do with the current situation and how to approach. If you do it
one way it could harm but if another it wouldn't help much. Arawn
listens to the father talk soothingly to the girl and will have
to consider his options.
[Time: 3:15 pm]
Arawn sits with Rua the Vong and talks quietly to him wary
of Ben'dar and Kiet wanting to do more to the Vong. Arawn
asks what Rua refused to do for the others.
Rua blinks his large eyes and stares at Arawn. "I refused to
take my implants for one The warriors wanted me to show them
loyalty and love for gods by cutting off a finger and planting
coral osik. This is why I am now Shamed. Any such Vong who
refuses the Rites are Shamed and ...demoted in status. Also they
wanted me to beat and torture the young hoo-mans for sport as
the warriors watched among other things."
Arawn feels for the first time Vong might be a race not of all
evil but of some humanity even if he himself is not human. The
term is racist in itself but is used by the humans to mean
kindness. Could the Vong change?
Arawn asks about the shaper snake hood.
"They use it for status and show mostly. They demonstrate
their strange ways by wearing very dangerous snakes inches
from their head. I don't know all the aspects but it is
a form of control device and I suspect communication. But
I just don't know. You wont' find me wearing one."
Arawn asks about the bug swarm.
"Actually those are a new breed we made upon entering this
world. We were warned of magic. The Shapers made creatures
to sense magic by some way. This bug swarm does that and
can do various things but one bug is harmless they are quite
effective as a swarm." Rua comments blandly.
Arawn nods knowing that for himself. Arawn asks about the
lesser and world brains.
Rua hesitates a bit but finally speaks. "Brains are intelligent
creatures used for coordination of our forces and control of
our creatures. They use mind thought to communicate. Their
range I don't know. But world brains can be powerful once
installed. On Salaq 9 one world brain used other creatures
to pull down a moon onto the planet and destroy it."
Arawn stares in amazement. This Vong speaks of other worlds
like he might speak of other towns. Do these creatures visit
other worlds as humans do towns? Where ARE they from? If they
can destroy a world like that what are they capable of here?
Rua continues. "Once the World brain is up and coordinating
our forces the army can arrive. Then it is all over for this
world. Like so many before it. It would then Vongform a planet
into a world we desire by the Shapers."
Arawn asks about Orbs.
"Communication devices. Ranges are extreme in some cases.
I suspect in this world ...it is Voorak...I do not know your unit
of measurement here. Sorry. One simply palms the top and
rubs it a bit. The orb forms the face of the Vong it is in
connection with. The orb in head form begins to talk just
like the other Vong was there."
[Time: 3:23 pm]
As the party stands together talking about what to do and when
to do it the discussion get to the bounty hunter. Arawn suggests
again to teleport him away. Chion simply nods and says that he
can do that easily. Though he comments that he would have to
do it just before the party left in case of detection.
Arawn suggests doing things to the horse brands if the horses
will be taken. But Zhou replies, "there are 12 horses? It
would be a wagon party of over 20 horses. That draws attention
even more. Nobles have spare horses but 11 or 12 horses riding
around with no riders will draw questions to be asked. I still
say we leave them. Doing stuff to the brands is fine but some
riders can spot their horses." He glances to Ben'dar for an
example. "If someone sees the horses that can mean more attention."
Arawn suggests to dispose of the Vong bodies.
Zhou just shrugs. "If we leave them the Katai will discover
the Vong. In some way this could help us. Their description
and tactics here would actually benefit us. The Katai would
be on the look out for them and thus their movements might
be more restricted. On the other side of the coin though
it would draw some awkward attention. Personally I say burn
all but one. Let the locals see them. I think the risk is
less to our mission and might help us." He turns to Will. "That
Vong head on the wagon must go though. It will draw bugs and
smell soon. We can't afford to have it there."
Caladan nods and clicks a few fingers. "I can burn them quite
nicely."
Soon talk comes of the resurrected girl again. Arawn speaks
out to the group around. "If she can survive through the next
day we might be able to treat her. Rua mentioned that they can be
affected by energies... sounds... but we must be careful. I will
attempt to commune with other powers on this tomorrow when my
energies are restored. Afterwards, and perhaps with the assistance
of our bards, we can find a way to cause them to shrink and then
spells to regenerate or regrow the missing parts of the baroness's
body could be used to save her. Aside from this other options,
though risky, might be to read the room where the baroness was in
hopes of seeing how this was done in the first place or perhaps
contacting her mind and attempting a telepathic communion. The
insight could be valuable but the risk may end up proving to be
too high."
Zhou frowns and looks at Arawn. "I'm sorry. But treating the
girl could take weeks if not months. We simply don't have time
unless you remain behind. I feel sorry for her but we do have
a mission to complete. If you can do something it should be
quick within minutes."
Arawn suggests exploring the buildings and then leaving quickly.
Zhou shakes his head. "We went in each of the buildings but
that jail house over there. We may not have time to search
it all. I'm sure there is great treasure in the place and
supplies. But I would find it wrong in taking from the
family. But the bounty hunter stuff is fair game for me."
Suddenly the father is seen walking toward the group. He
gives a faint but weak smile. He finally gets a good look
at this rag tag group of giants and small one. He is clearly
confused and intrigued but he shows no sign of wanting to know
more. "I want to thank all of you. For your help here today.
It was quite a help."
Zhou turns and looks as if he is considering his words. "How
are your children?"
"The boy will do fine. He is a tough one. The girl doesn't
seem to remember the last few hours. She can't understand
why. I suppose that is good." He glances over at the Vong
piled around. "Of course the days to come will be hard to
recover but I have family we can seek help from. I will need
to bury ..." A tremble is heard in his voice and his lips waver
a bit. "Bury my wife. I haven't told them yet but will do
so soon once I get the courage." He looks to Raban then
Zhou. "Can you ask your..bodyguards or servants to take
the children inside? It is hot here and they need to rest
for a bit."
Zhou nods. "Certainly. Bu Da, Fu Sa, Kiet and Toban please
help to take the kids into the house."
The man bows slightly. Then turns to leave but Zhou stops him.
"Sir. What will you tell the locals of today?"
The man turns back and stares at the Vong then the party.
"The truth. " This is when the party tenses up and becomes
a bit concerned. "That these creatures attacked and felt like
torture was fun. They killed my wife. Strangers..." he gives
a slight raises grin that is more a frown. "Friends came to help.
A noble and his escort. They defeated the creatures and then
helped me."
Zhou nods in thanks. "I and my daughter are on a ...not so public
tour. " He waves a hand at Fremea ignoring his "wife" who is
dressed in black and would be hard to explain. "I would not
wish to bring undo attention to our simple house. I only ask
that you do not ...exaggerate certain details."
The father looks at the party briefly and then at Zhou.
"I understand. " He approaches Zhou and whispers very
softly. "Some locals do not favor your house. It would do no
good to draw such attention."
Zhou nods. Inter-house warfare even if by words is common.
But for some reason Zhou gets the sense the man means more
than the house. Could he realize this strange party is
magic users? how could he? He never saw the party use
magic that he knows of. No. He can't suspect that.
Zhou asks finally. "Is there anything we can help to do?"
The father shakes his head. "I will need to take my wife to
her father. She won't be buried here. Once again thank you
for your help here today." With that he takes a deep bow
earned for nobles and walks away. The four servants follow
to take the kids inside.
Arawn stares at the man and tries to use his powers he
can to gauge the man. It seems his intent is true and
he feels the man is not misleading. But there is only
so much he can tell. Aside from clear sorrow and anger the
man feels to Arawn oddly hopeful.
Arawn turns to the remainder of the group and mentions the
protection of the Vong Rua again. Some roll their eyes at
the task.
Caladan laughs at the thought of a disguise. "The thing can't
be hidden well. It is too dangerous. His head alone will
take a great deal of work to even remotely look human."
Farseeker nods. "I say we let him to the wolves. Do you
suspect one of us will kill him? Its not like the gods will
point and smite him and he rolls over. Do you think something
will happen to him badly?" He grins slightly at the thought
of the history of the party's prisoners in amusement.
As if the fates find the joke funny, Rua suddenly coughs.
The party looks over to the Vong some distance away about
30 feet away. The Vong looks fine and bored sitting up
against the wagon. But then he coughs again and again. He
suddenly begins to try to stand. Farseeker, Chion and Arawn
rush over to prevent the Vong from escaping or to help him.
The Vong simply stands and looks around.
"Oh no.: I forgot." Rua says and then looks around. He
sees the Vong that changed him and was turned into a arrow
cushion by the party. He begins to run toward it but
Caladan and Farseeker stop him. "No I need to get to him
and ..get the...no..let me go."
"No weapons friend." Farseeker says sarcastically. But
he then realizes the Vong were stripped of items.
"If you don't something bad will happen!" Rua pleads.
Zhou asks, "What?"
The Vong simply struggles and suddenly sues his boot to
stamp Farseeker's own foot. Farseeker looses his grip
briefly and the Vong escapes the grip of Caladan. He rushes
over to the dead Vong and begins to use his tied up hands to
search the leathers. But he is quickly captured again and
pulled off.
"Its not there...they must be...take me to the shaper."
"Why?" Zhou asks again.
"She has a implant in my head...I need to ...no.." His
nose begins to bleed. "Its too late! I forgot about it.
The pills I needed...its too late...get away...get away."
Arawn begins to examine the Vong carefully trying to figure
out what is going on. Could he knock him out and work on
him? Cast magic or get Z'leyra to do so? Confused by the
bleeding nose he suddenly sees the Vong's eyes begin to
show signs of human blood-shot effect. A cobweb of red
streaks. Two seconds later Rua pushes Arawn away.
"You can't save me now. Its too late....she told me this
would happen. I thought...I thought it was a trick of theirs.
It is real!"
Rua collapses to the ground on his knees and his hands grip
the side of his head. Suddenly Arawn hears a snap of tissue
and what can only be bone. He soon realizes it is the skull
of the Vong breaking in front of his eyes. Arawn feels helpless
but has no clue what to do. He glances at Z'leyra but she
only figures a quick oblivion might save him. But is there
time? As options are thought of in the mind's eye the Vong
lurches forward.
Suddenly one final loud crack is heard and the top of his
skull seems to explode outward away from the party. Blood,
gray matter and gore spray out. A large brown mass seems
to fly out as well and then Rua falls to the ground.
Stunned the party stand around looking at this mess that
only took a few seconds. The shaper controls their slaves
and makes it hard to escape? Those carrying the children
shield their eyes from this horror and quietly move on.
Farseeker simply shakes his head. "Was it something I said?"
Arawn glares at the remark and then checks Rua but he finds
no signs of life. It is as it seems his head just exploded.
Finally the language worm thing seems to ooze out of the Vong's
ears and seems to dissolve in front of Arawn in a goo.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Minor update to Update/Info link "Important updates" at
the bottom to note the last update in case folks need
to find it again later.
GM: For talk of Vong disguise don't forget the picture on the
website for a view. Might be hard to disguise some without
some very hard work.
GM: Unali wishes to leave almost immediately. So if there is
nothing else then I will move the party along either in
the next update or next week's. If there is anything to
do let me know. If Unali or others don't want it then
Chion will teleport the prisoner away. Then the party
will move on. If anything final is to be done here let
me know and we can move to a travel phase.
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