[pnpgm] Game Update #75 - File #632 - Party goes to Carnival Grounds
Scott Adams
longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Mar 2 06:25:52 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 #75 in sequence (file #532)
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Admin Notes: Part 2 of 2 parts.
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[Recap]
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet replies, "Shadow Magic is unaligned. Our Vong friends...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
"Yes they do seem a good fit. Possibly the Vong don't...
----------
"I like this idea. It fits our story and should allow free...
-----------
[OOC - My first ever character in P&P was an innate shadow weaver.
Back when it wasn't a school of magic, but only possible by
rolling at character creation. I was so close to making Kell a
Shadow magician since it's now a school. Just an aside.]
GM: Ack. Doubt you could afford the school costs. I charge for
books, animals to kill to test magic, etc. :)
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban speaks softly, "Foretelling anything accurately is....
...[still reads poorly, but it will do]
GM: Ack. It was a good post.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Sun Tzu (Will) says (OOC I've been waiting to say that) "I look..
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra asks "Are any of us conversant with the crafting of...
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban smiles, "Thank you Z'leyra, but it is unlikely any...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Would your wooden weapons include a long bow?
For that matter I would be interested in learning the bowyer
skill as well as horse archery... also if you do find any one
conversant in shadow related skills I would be interested in
learning those also.
GM: Ack. So is that official? What you want to learn on the
travel time? What do you divide into which days? So
I can put it into the wagon file (see website links when
you get time to see the file).
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet chimes in, "Full light or full darkness is a problem....
GM: Ack.
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
Whitney: "Have you considered Banishing or Protection....
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra replies "That depends on how well the additional...
-----
Z'leyra disappoints Will by saying "Sorry, no. I do not have...
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
"That's fine, if you don't mind them doubling their...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Raban do I recall correctly that you are a bowyer I may need
to make a horse bow to practice with any way unless some one
has one they could loan me.
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban grins, "Why yes, I am somewhat skilled in making Bows ...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: actions]
Woops should have gone to the list
Will scowls as he thinks and then says "Ah then its borrow...
GM: Ack. Borrow what? Long bow? Composite? What type of bow?
Let me know on skills and which days for the points. As to
which bows can be used for horses. It has been some time
but I don't recall any restrictions on bow type? I'll have
to read v2 on that when get time.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
As the group stood looking out towards the carnival grounds
Arawn noticed Ben'dar becoming aware of the alfar's scrutiny.
Walking toward the barbarian he quietly asked, "Ben'dar, by...
------------------------------------------------------------
As talk diverts towards the area of Shadow magic Arawn comments,
replying to Raban's question first. "Under normal circumstances...
-------------------------------------------------------------
At some point during the journey Arawn brings up the topic of
the Battle Mind spell. "It's been a while since the issue of...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Not sure how we will enter the carnival grounds but when we do
so Arawn would like to use his Tracking skill to look for recent
signs of activity and where it leads.
GM: Ack.
From Raban: [Re: Actions]
Raban sighs, "I know and I am far too poor a rider to fight...
GM: Ack.
From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
Whitney clears his throat, " Um, I can do pretty much....
----
Whitney shrugs, "Using an sidhe or law effect to combat...
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet replies "As do I! I still have not gotten very used...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[Trying to keep this all in order]
Kell volunteers a bit more during the discussion on Battle Mind.
"Arawn was kind enough to teach me the spell as well. Whilst...
meaning his mana will be fully recharged.
-----
Kell likes the idea of completely wooden weapons to fight any
shadows, but he doesn't know if they are necessary for the
shadows. Kell has no experience with the shadow magic.
-----
If there are no other plans to investigate the grounds, Kell
changes back into his merchant clothes with only light arms.
His dagger on his hip and tulwar on his horse. He volunteers
to lead the way and talk. The noble Zhou he works for wishes
to examine it for rent or possible sale.
"Perhaps several should either go around the back, very....
----
Kell gladly goes with Kiet to help him out, and watch. If the
party doesn't mind a bit more spellcasting, Kell casts Battle
Mind enough times to become more proficient with it. [EL1
minimum, or EL2 preferrably.]
GM: Ack. So this is your official actions for the wagon file?
The mini-ibt. Just that? See the wagon file if needed.
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
Unali expects trouble at the fairgrounds.
[Assuming there is a route to travel that will keep one of
the buildings as cover for us.]
GM: Ack. Gee whiz. Paranoia is rampant. I might as well scrub
this batch of clones and have you all report to Green Level
for retraining if I'm running Paranoia. I do like Red
Herrings every so often. So who knows this could be a
simple empty area, a waste of time! As to buildings the
layout prevents that. They are on the other side.
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[New Stuff]
[Julis 26th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ Miles south of Shantou City]
[Time: 6:38am]
After Kell gives his theory on the Night Demons being allied
with the Vong some consider this in depth.
Kiet replies, "Shadow Magic is unaligned. Our Vong friends hold
no allegience to any god or alignment. They seem to be a perfect
alliance. In the past I had hoped to myself that there would be no
such thing, and I did not mention it because it was such a
far-flung possibility...you would have laughed at me as paranoid..
but now here we are."
Zhou nods, "don't forget the Vong hate magic. It is their
highest hatred. To align with magic must be a betrayal to their
own beliefs. But in war to gain a power base the first scouts
and infiltrators must align with current powers that exist. So
it is possible these forward agents have worked with the Night
Demons."
Farseeker strokes his chin. "It makes sense now. These Night
Demons the in between worlders. They must know shadow magic
very well. Because they are literally in between light and
dark in the gray shadows of life."
"Yes they do seem a good fit. Possibly the Vong don't consider
the Shadow school as real magic..." ponders Ha'Kell.
It takes Raban a while but he eventually follows what has been
said. "So the assassin was not some demon or beast but a person
under a spell? Then what is the counter for that magic, how do
you kill them! If they become solid enough to strike then they
should be solid enough to grab or hit. If grabbed can they get
away using that magic?"
Caladan shrugs, "likely the true assassin was on the balcony.
He then cast his spell, the shadow, to enter and kill her. He
need not ever enter the room. As to how to kill them, I have
no idea. Maybe full light could do it."
Some in the party discuss further ways to protect against the
shadow magic.
Kiet chimes in, "Full light or full darkness is a problem for
our most recent 'guest'. Are any of you even partially capable
in either of these areas? Care to share? I am not nor am I
capable of shadow manipulation."
Caladan shrugs, "Torches or a good fireball will do enough
light for me." The fire wizard looks a bit bored. "I suspect
we won't see much on the road. In the open plains it is hard
to hide. Now in the cities or towns that's another matter."
"Have you considered Banishing or Protection effects? They're
designed for this sort of thing, after all." Whitney adds in his
view.
"Well professor...I mean Whitney that is also a good idea
as well." Caladan nods in agreement.
"That's fine," Kiet adds, "if you don't mind them doubling their
resistance...unless one of us happens to have such defenses
specifically designed for use against our shadowy new enemy."
Whitney shrugs, "Using an sidhe or law effect to combat them
is better than no effect at all. The effect might not be as
strong as one could wish, but it will be stronger than no effect
at all."
Zhou grimly nods, "This is why no one challenges Novasa. No
one simply knows how to effectively defend against his magic. He
is one of the rare in the middle world that know the magic. Even
the high Elder seems to imply he knows none other. Though if these
Night Demon cult people use such then there must be quite a few
of them around."
As talk diverts towards the area of Shadow magic Arawn
comments, replying to Raban's question first. "Under normal
circumstances regular attacks are all that is needed to put down
a Shadow Warrior. Their strength lies in their stealth but they
are capable warriors, if not as powerful as some here. However
this is not always the case as some can prove tougher than the
giants themselves without any change in appearance so it would be
wise to treat them with caution. And if they should happen to
surprise you they become all more deadly. Luckily they cannot
cross barriers of solid light, only being able to move through
the shadows."
Zhou crosses his arm and furrows his brow. "How would an Alfar,
a priest, a druid and wizard know such things of shadow magic?"
Waiting a bit for the others to continue discussing the topic
he speaks up during a lull in the conversation. "Though it is too
early to know just how strong a connection there is between the
Vong and the realm of Shadow it is a possibility that is truly
disturbing. If the gods do not wish to even acknowledge the Vong
then I wonder if the Lord of Shadows is aware of the connection
and, if so, why he is backing them? It also makes me wonder, if
the Vong are willing to deal with shadow magics then perhaps the
substance of such magics works differently from traditional forms.
Perhaps enough so to make the Vong susceptible. It isn't something
I've considered in depth before but is worth studying now."
Zhou breathes a sigh of frustration for some reason. "The records
of the Vong-Zen'da invasion the High Elder seems to know do not
indicate any alliance with other nations or forces. They simply
invaded and went on their rampage. This second great plaque of
these vile creatures may indicate a new awareness of how to do
things. If their infiltrators and spies sought out alliances
then it will make our job a lot tougher."
Shaking his slightly he breathed in deeply. When Z'leyra began
asking around in regards to any that might practice shadow magics
Arawn waited, wondering if any practitioners would prove to be
among the party. When it seemed that such was not the case he spoke
up. "I have knowledge of such spells. I have used them in the past
though it has been a while since any here have seen me practice
them so I can understand why it has been forgotten. Z'leyra, if
you wish Shadow Crafted items I can do so. Let me know what you
wish and have planned. Beyond that I can teach a few spells though
it should be known that such magics are powered, at least
partially, by ones life force so is more draining than traditional
magics. I would suggest learning how to restore ones life energy
first, though I do not think it would be the first choice of many
here."
---------------
Later Zhou explains Shu's situation and the future she knew
would be her fate.
Raban speaks softly, "Foretelling anything accurately is quite
difficult as the Gods are often involved on both sides of things.
Nothing is ever truly fixed as it is the actions of the people
involved that decide everything in the end. Shu's fate did not
have to be what she chose, even an other's death in her place
was not a sure thing. But the risks were there and strongly for
such a prediction to be made. If she had told us, we could have
prevented it though it would have been difficult with the
assassins they used. I could have been there and the assassin
could have chosen me as the victim, but I am much more unlikely
to die from such an attack than Shu was. Maybe I could have
killed the Assassin instead or driven it off. Shu decided for
all of us and it was quite brave of her to do so, she could even
have been right in her choice. She chose thinking her job was
nearly done and we can finish without her making her loss less
important. She died not knowing how important she was, how special,
how noble. I can but hope her gods show her how important her
actions were to this world. I may disagree with her choice but I
will honor it and her with it. We will complete this mission no
matter what is thrown against us, and then we should hunt down
whomever sent the assassin, as they chose to be enemies to
everyone on the world."
Farseeker raises an eyebrow, "you could take a blow to the brain
and live? Wow!" He grins. "Maybe that's why your so...err...
nevermind." He winks quickly at the giant.
Zhou stares out to the horizon at the twilight sky. "We may
all not agree with her decision. I suspect she felt she might not
make it too long so why she liked that sailor. She was convinced
she would likely die at the hands of the Vong. Not in some Inn
room. If I had suspected even such I would've quietly and covertly
setup protection for her. That I can assure you of. As to the
forecast of fate. The master diviner is a skilled old woman.
Though her demands are great she is a hermit and does not see
but one or two people a year outside the High Elder. to be
seen by her, Shu was honored and saw it as fact. But you are right
most forecasts, especially of months down the road, are flawed.
But her predictions are known to be good. It is rumored the
High Elder gave her some item to help her."
Will as Sun Tzu says "I look forward to meeting whomever is
responsible for this sending but it would be a mistake not to be
prepared in case we meet them sooner"
---------------
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ 17 Miles south of Shantou City]
[Time: 11:59am]
After a very quick lunch after Shu is buried the party begins
to relax before the next leg of the trip.
Z'leyra asks "Are any of us conversant with the crafting of
shadows? I am not...but it seems that it might behoove me to
learn. If someone is and is willing to teach I would eagerly
learn. If not...well I will bide my time crafting wooden weapons
in case of need. These wooden weapons could be further 'crafted'
in moments if we meet those we seek. And could be used as
firewood after. Any requests for wooden weapons?"
Raban smiles, "Thank you Z'leyra, but it is unlikely any wooden
weapon would survive my use of it for long. That is why I learned
to use my hands and even they do not fare so well at times. My
gauntlets or my bow are the only weapons I need, though only time
will tell how they will perform against this enemy."
Z'leyra replies "That depends on how well the additional
'crafting' goes. Believe me, I can make them quite study."
Will asks who might have certain skills, especially those
in shadow magic. He also asks about making bows.
Z'leyra disappoints Will by saying "Sorry, no. I do not have
the bowyer skill...though I hope to study and master it someday.
So no bows, no crossbows."
Will turns to Raban to confirm if he knows the Bowyer skill.
Raban grins, "Why yes, I am somewhat skilled in making Bows and
Arrows, though I still have not managed to make one strong enough
for me to use comfortably. My bow is almost as tall as I am so
there is no way it can be used on a horse. You would need one
made very stiff and strong for use with shorter arrows and that
looses some in accuracy. I never took the time to make any of
those since I had no intent to ride. I make Longbows for hunting
and other uses that need better accuracy and penetration. For any
decent strength in a short bow like you desire, you need quality
woods, some horn and other parts from Deer or Goat and glues most
often made from animals as well. Metal can be used in place of
some of the Horn but I am not skilled in making them that way.
With the supplies handy, the right tools and staying in one place
with a workshop, it could be made in a few days. You need to glue
layers of wood and horn or sinew and bind them to shape. They need
to bake in an oven or at least in bright sunlight until they are
done and that takes most the time. Without proper tools you would
have to carefully trim the wood layers and that would take quite
a while to do as well. A weak ShortBow can be made of unlayered
wood quickly but it would be quite pitiful in general. Possibly a
metal shortbow could be made that would not work too badly, but
that would require even more tools and work space."
Caladan glances over at Ben'dar who has been quite for some time
and this topic should interest him as a horse archer.
Will scowls as he thinks and then says "Ah then its borrow a
short bow to learn with and continue on with learning to make a
long bow as that is what I started with. I had made progress
fletching but had barley begun with the making of the long bow
before I left the great forests to the south. I like you preferred
the long bow for ' hunting' but now it seams that mounted archery
may be of use."
Raban sighs, "I know and I am far too poor a rider to fight at
all from the horse. If it comes to a fight, I have to dismount to
do so. That is much better than falling off in front of an enemy."
Kiet replies "As do I! I still have not gotten very used to
these beasts, these horses, and I also would dismount in order to
fight. On the plus side, I expect that it would be easier to...
um...use my special abilities...on foot rather than while riding.
You hit them high and I'll hit them low" said the 5'-6" Kiet.
Caladan glances at Ben'dar, "Ben'dar is the best horse warrior
here I would assume." He glances back at Kiet. "Don't like
horses but you drive them and work with them?"
Whitney clears his throat, " Um, I can do pretty much everything
with wood short of shipbuilding. It's the family business: Bows,
staves, dinnerware, chairs, tables, works of art, you name it."
As lunch is cleared and packed up, Arawn brings a new topic
to the party. "It's been a while since the issue of the Battle Mind
was brought up. Last time we had touched upon some key phrase to
alert others to my use of the spell. Unless others have a different
suggestion I am thinking a simple call of 'Mother's Blessing' would
work as an alert. As to who to cast it on, right now I can affect
two others besides myself. I am thinking that when cast I would
target those closest to me unless any have another suggestion.
Also, if any wish to be left out of such magics under most
circumstances please let me know."
Caladan giggles, "How about 'Time for a BM!'" He pictures in
his head the Alfar using a natural body function to release the
bowels on the battle field.
Farseeker also giggles getting the joke, he waves a hand in
mock annoyance. "Not me. I find the magic could be distracting
to me. Until I can see it more in use I'll defer for now. I
rather be in full control when I kill someone."
Kell adds in his own comments, "Arawn was kind enough to teach
me the spell as well. Whilst I know it, I'm not a proficient with
it as I wish. I can cast it on some of us as well. If the group
doesn't mind, when we are in the middle of the plains away from
any city, I can practice it several times to become better with
it before any big battles. In a few days I can be fully recovered
and able to use my training at it's peak,"
Caladan raises an eyebrow, "do not forget the highway is said
to be ventured by magic hunters as well. If the stories are
true groups are in cities, towns and the highway. OF course we've
been lucky to avoid them. I'd hate to have some farmer old man
riding a mile away detect magic and then our situation becomes
more frustrating. We won't have distractions on the road."
---------------
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ 20 Miles south of Shantou City]
[Time: 2:17pm]
Zhou suggests his plan as a noble needing to rent the carnival
grounds to the party.
Kell agrees, "I like this idea. It fits our story and should
allow free access to explore the area if people are here."
It seems clear fast the party has no other plans. Kell changes
back into his merchant role gear makeup. As he changes he
states, "Perhaps several should either go around the back, very
sneaky and trying not to be seen, or hang back in case
reinforcements are needed. Or do we go in as a group all
together?"
Unali suggests "It might be best if we travel to that closest
building first, so we can keep that as cover between us and the
other buildings. Might reduce the odds of getting fired upon. But
the cover story of looking over the ground is good enough. I
expect a fight to break out before we can explain ourselves
anyway."
Zhou shakes his head, "based on the spyglasses we have the back
would be difficult to round to. The plains are so wide one would
have to go miles out of their way then backtrack and then up
behind. It would take a great deal of time. Even with a fast
horse like Tef'wo. There is simply no natural cover for such
covert movements. I'm afraid they might even be aware of us
know if they have good spyglasses. They'd see us coming if
we separate. So let's just go as one group. It is safer as well."
Zhou pauses and considers the warning from Unali. Her contacts
and instincts have been good so far. Glancing to her then the
distant fair grounds he orders. "All right. Everyone gear up.
We have a cover story but wear your armor and prepare your weapons.
We can always say you are protecting us from foul road bandits."
As the group stood looking out towards the carnival grounds
Arawn noticed Ben'dar becoming aware of the Alfar's scrutiny.
Walking toward the barbarian he quietly asked, "Ben'dar, by
any chance did you have any magics cast upon you today? If not,
do you recall being touched in any way here," he said, pointing
to a spot on the warrior's upper arm and shoulder.
"All right since no one else has a better plan we'll just
ride in seeking to rent the grounds. People to your roles."
Zhou says and then renters the wagon. "Set us off driver!"
Zhou asks inside the wagon if Unali has been here before. She nods
and explains it was when she was a little girl. The grounds were
used almost once a week by large crowds. But when the Count made
closer fair grounds inside the city it became abandoned.
After folks arm and don armor the party remount up and get
onto horses, wagon or inside the wagon. Before Unali enters
the wagon she briefly comments to no one in particular. "The lady
Au is not feeling and will take a nap. She is not to be
disturbed."
As the wagon rocks back and forth going down the dirt road
Unali begins to undress in the wagon. Zhou finds this unnerving
and so turns his head to give her some privacy. Fremea hearing
the warning checks her own gear ignoring the stripping fighter.
She removes her dress and gets into her black clothing. Fremea
can't help but notice she wears some black undergarments and finds
it a bit curious on what seductive but combat worthy females might
use in their daily lives. A aspect of the human culture she is
still learning. She dons her blue-white chainmail armor she
got from A'kril. She places her belt and scabbard on and then
a black robe over it. Sitting back she prepares for a fight
she feels is coming.
The wagon turns right toward due west off the well maintained
highway onto a very dirty and dusty dirt road. It is clear the
dirt road hasn't been maintained in some time as patches of grass
and even an occasional tree root shows on the road. Those
on horseback take low amounts of dust as they ride off the road
but the drivers take a lot of dust and have to shield eyes or
tighten them. In the back Whitney is buffeted by dust as it
exits the back in clouds. At times he coughs but has to cover
his mouth and shut his eyes. Inside the wagon the riders close
the curtain windows to prevent dust inside.
The grounds are just 20 miles south of Shantou which is a bit
far for most city people to go for fun things. But as the city
margins seem to stretch 15 miles it isn't that hard to believe.
It is only 3 miles from the river and likely a easy to resupply
the place with water. As the wagon passes a tattered sign the
name of the grounds is unreadable. The wooden planks are torn
and frayed from disuse. A crow sits on the sign and eyes the
party as they pass. Some shoo the bird away as birds can
be bad omens or just curious creatures.
[Time: 2:24pm]
As the wagon nears the end of the two mile dirt road that goes
straight due west, Z'leyra is distracted by a noise high in the
sky. As she glances up she notices a eagle soaring on the thermals
high above circle for prey or a home. The brown eagle seems to
notice the party but doesn't seem too interested in it.
Currently the skies are clear with no clouds. The sun is directly
above and in front of the party just slightly past high noon
position. Though the sun blazes the temperatures this day
have been decent with lows in the 60s and highs likely no
higher than mid 80s. Even wearing armor and leathers isn't
much of a issue as long as wind is around.
As the slow draft animals move the wagon the buildings
become more visible from the haze of distance and heat. It
looks like the grounds itself are 1 mile by 1 mile in size
enough to fit many people.
As Arawn rides he scans the ground for tracks. He finds many
animals and human tracks but the dust seems to have set in well.
From horseback it is hard to determine how recent the tracks are
but there are numerous ones. Of course if this place was empty
it is likely that homeless folks might find a warm place to find
home. But maybe the caretakers are still here to prevent that.
The road suddenly ends at a thick patch of grass. Beyond that
is light to moderate grass that is about ankle size. It is
clear to some the road just ended and allowed people to disperse
or wagons to move to other areas.
To the right around 600 feet and forward about 1400 feet in the
north is a building. It looks to be 50 feet by 30 feet based
on the angle seen. This small stone building has a wooden
door in the south and a small window on the east side.
Glancing forward and slightly south is a large circle area
devoid of some grass areas. The barrier is about 2,800 feet
from the dirt road and the center looks to be about 4,000
feet away. It is a large open area of grass. Those
inside exit the wagon and glance around. Unali doesn't recall
much detail of the grounds as it was decades ago. But she
points to the center area and tells that is where a tent would
be if it was a enclosed event. Based on the 2,000 or so foot
diameter devoid of grass the tent would be as large as that
and could likely house 500-1,000 people for a fair or circus.
Those with good eyesight notice rotten pieces of rope strands
and in the north area of the circle a rotten piece of wood
that might be a tent pole stake. Arawn glances around with
his senses as well as Fremea and Kell. But all seem to notice
nothing unusual. it has the same basic mana presence as normal
grass and buildings. That worried Arawn as this so called
UnMana area should not have an aura but it seems to have such.
Glancing to left or South a area is also seen. This seems to be
1,600 feet by 800 feet. It is a open field area with a wooden
fence around it. The wood is in clear low maintenance. Based
on the low height fence this must be where small things are
kept. Some guess animals for fairs like cows, pigs or such.
A large corral wooden door is in the north side of the area.
Directly forward in the west about 7,200 feet estimated is
another corral of sorts. This one is around 1,600 feet by
800 feet as well. The wood fence is about shoulder length to
a horse and Ben'dar comments that is likely a horse corral. The
wood though is also broken in places and not well maintained.
Due west and south of the corral about 1,600 feet is another
structure. This long looking building is about 50 feet by
it seems 10 feet? But it hard to tell from this angle. There
is a single door in the north and the building is wooden with
no windows seen at this distance. It is far as the horse
corral is from the road.
The last of the structures seen are a series of buildings that
are due west about 9,000 feet and slightly south of the wagon.
The first of the five buildings is a large structure that is
300 feet wide but can't tell how deep from this angle. It is
a two story building about 20-25 feet high. The light red
colored wooden structure has a large door in the east side
and a smaller wide window or door a bit higher. Based on the
squat design some figure this has to be a stable or barn. Unali
confirms this by recalling that noble's used it to store their
horses. Her family could afford to place their horse there but
most had to use the horse corral with the other peasant animals.
The next building south of the barn about 150 feet from the barn
is 100 feet by an unknown depth. It is made from stone and
brick it appears with a small wooden door on the east side.
South of the stone building about 250 feet is another building.
This one is about 60-70 feet wide and unknown depth and about 20
feet high so likely a two story. There appears to be a few
windows and door on the east side. On the south side looks to
be a fireplace or stove chimney. This is a small wooden structure.
About 300 feet of that building is another one due south of it.
It appears about 70-80 feet wide. Like the other one this has
windows, door on the east side but is only 1 story. It also
seems to have a chimney on the south wall. It is also wooden
structure.
Last is the 5th building about 200 feet south of the last
one. It is smaller and may only be 40 feet wide. There is
a door on the east side but no sign of windows. This is a
small stone building.
As folks sit on horses or dismount the horses begin to breath
hard from the journey. An eerie silence falls on the area. The
wind blows but there is no noise for what seems like miles. The
plains are wide open and if one used a spyglass to the north you
might find green farm areas. But out here it is brown, some
greens and whites. Most of the ground cover is low ankle to
knee high grass or bushes. There are trees but they are single
or threat bare. There is no other cover around aside from the
buildings itself.
There is a small tiny structure from the ground up a few feet
in front of the 3 south buildings in the west. It is low and
squat but at this distance it is hard to make out. There is
no people seen at all. There are birds around and even some
around the area but that is it.
Glancing around the party scan the distance but the windows are
just too far to see inside the buildings. Zhou dusts himself
off and then comes in front of the wagon. With hips on hands
he glances about for a minute or two. Then he cups his hands
to his mouth and bellows. "Hello! Hello! Is there anyone
here!" Some cringe if there are people here they know you are
here now. Of course if folks didn't see a wagon in the open riding
down the dirt road they would not be vigilant.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Ok. Update is out even though I was sick this weekend. The
slavemaster Alex in ICQ kept me working Friday and Saturday.
So blame him for forcing me to work. He won't see this
so don't worry. But I did learn one lesson. Never EVER
sniff a Dwarf's shoe even if they dare you call you chicken
or you lose a bet. Theres no telling what else is brewing
with this sniffle cold. At any rate I was ready to get to
this point Friday. I had done the maps and stats of the
buildings and such. But I didn't do a player version. Then
I got the last minute posts so ran out of time.
GM: Noticed I inserted the title of this adventure into the update?
If you find it you get an extra bonus point.
GM: I plan to do a player version map of the area on the game
website. It should be there by next update. but for now
you can view the below. If tabs mess up in email then view
it on the site as tabs seem to stay in place there.
GM: I know it was a sad point leaving Shantou but it is nice
to see folks working well. A lot of behind the scenes stuff.
I was hoping to do a bit more in Shantou fun wise for Ben'dar
and Chion but they seemed to have faded away.
GM: Player map of Carnival area
* Carnival Grounds layout
Scale - 1 Column - 200 feet /I\ North
1 Row - 200 feet
Grounds shown below - 3,300' x 3,200'
1 2 3 4 5 6
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345
A __________
B | |
C | C | F
D | | `
E |___/____|
F #.............
G [A] /|\
H [A] ` X ` |
I Wagon
J E
K ____/_____
L G | |
M H* B ` | D |
N I | |
O |________|
P
X - Symbolic center of Carnival grounds
` = Tent area boundary
. = Dirt road going east to main Highway (2.5 miles to highway)
* = Small structure ground up a few feet
A - Building - 300' x ??? x 22' feet high
B - Building - 50' x ???
C - Area -1600' x 800'
D - Area -1600' x 800'
E - Building - 200' x ???
F - Building - 50' x ???
G - Building - 65' x ??? x 22' feet high
H = Building - 60' x ???
I = Building - 45' x ???
Building scale may be off actual scale slightly due to rounding.
Notes: There are small foot dirt paths that lead from building to
building. There are signs of holes in the ground likely where
torch stands have been at one point.
Distance between actual buildings -
A to E - 150 feet space
E to G - 250 feet space
G to H - 310 feet space
H to I - 200 feet space
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