[pnpgm] Game Update #126 - File #946 - Party regroups up

Scott Adams longshotgm at netzero.com
Tue Oct 19 08:59:35 CEST 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
  W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human  Fe
  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]
     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 #126 in sequence (file #946)      
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin Notes: None. 
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          After hearing that the woman is your typical Katai, Kell will
          not try to find her.  That's like finding a needle in a stack
          of needles.

          [This should help speed up the next post and story.  And Scott,
          that wasn't a threat, it was motivation, big difference.  he he.]
        GM: Ack. The clues were there if had followed up right away
            could've lead to other aspects.  The 2 you saw.  The 1
            Raban saw and the 1 Will saw.  But they got away so in this
            crowd and Katai among Katai it is hard at this point to track
            once they get out of sight.  Not impossible but difficult.  You
            could've still tracked I wouldn't mind.  But now that you will
            not it will speed things up.  Remember free will is a major
            factor here never consider replies as a must do, can't do
            or a shouldn't do.  Just as a generic guideline from me. :)

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          Arawn realizes that trying to put out the fire would take time
          and the magic involved could easily draw attention from sensors,
          assuming that any guards were in the area to notice. He checks
          the unconscious man's vital signs as he replies to Chion.

          "Unless we can find an unattended wagon I think we might have...

          If the man's vitals seem to indicate he needs immediate attention
          then Arawn will ask Z'leyra to use her Healer skill on the man or,
          if she isn't willing, to attempt to do so himself. Magical
          healing will only be used if death is imminent.

          If no offers another suggestion and a wagon can't be found Arawn
          will look around for a spot where he feels confident no outsiders
          might be watching and attempt to cast Transmutation (EL 1, Tongue
          of the Sidh) on the man and turn him into a small black stone
          which he'll hide inside a small container and then wrap beneath
          layers of gear/clothes to minimize detection.
        GM: Ack.

        From Arawn: [Re: Action clarification]
          - No more than a quick look around the corners for one that might
          be in sight and easily taken without anyone likely to notice. If
          nothing is seen then he'd keep a look out for one as the group
          moves, assuming that we don't come up with another solution to
          moving the man with us without drawing notice.
          
          - Just looking for a spot that provides some cover, preferably
          without windows or few windows if possible looking towards the
          spot. Arawn would scan the area to see if anyone is watching
          before entering cover. If such a spot isn't within sight then
          Arawn will begin to work with the others to carefully move the
          man and will keep a look out for such a spot along the way.

          If having to move the man for the time being, Arawn will stick
          to the side streets and other areas that are likely or seem to be
          the least active/populated (he'll take advantage of his Trailing
          skill to help pick a path and avoid detection along the way). If
          along the way he finds a secluded spot with cover from potentially
          prying eyes he'll resort to the Transmutation plan for now unless
          a wagon is found first.

          He's open to any suggestions from the others on a plan or
          modifications to his plans (he'll quietly share his plans as he
          moves).

          Scott, BTW, if the fire hasn't spread far enough to make moving
          back into the entrance of the building for cover risky/dangerous
          he'll do that to Transmute the man.

          To the Group:
          "I didn't have a chance to check things out upstairs but...
        GM: Ack. 

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [New Stuff]

         [Augado 5th, 1634TH]
         [Location: Middle Katai Plains] 
         [          Pamau Province, Pamau City]

         [Time: 4:21pm]

           Kell realizes that the female Will saw was your typical fine
         upstanding Katai citizen.  Finding such a person in a city of
         twenty odd thousand might be difficult.  With a big sigh he
         decides it is no use.  He considers what Will says about going
         back to the jewelry shop where she came from.  But with the new
         surge of guards it might draw attention at this point.  Plus
         going upstairs to a probable residence above the shop would be
         a hard request for the shop owner.

           Kell exhales and brushes his long hair over his ears in a
         frustrated manner.  Zhou was correct the event did draw some
         attention.  But who were the people they saw?  Were they local
         magic users, magic resistance members, secret undercover guards,
         bounty hunters or even Vong helpers?  What good could have come
         of finding these people and investigating?  Some tidbit of
         information.  The bigger threat is the Vong not the simple
         rebel forces seeking either a new way of life or a new government.
         Changing Katai is something that can't be done overnight.  Sure
         the party could teleport into the Iron City and kill the God
         Emperor with little effort based on their skills.  But it would
         cause little change other than more slaughter.  Kell realizes
         that the change has to come from the lower ranks up to the
         nobles.  The nobility has to change and that will affect the
         Empire as a whole.

           With a grunt, Kell waves the party onward down the road.
         The four begin to wade through the heavy foot traffic.  As
         more and more people hear of the disaster more people are
         showing up even from the city margins.  The nice thing about
         having a giant is that crowd parts fast and thus the party
         makes good time.

           As they walk Will considers the past half hour's events.  The
         whole thing seemed so chaotic to him.  If they wanted to
         demonstrate their power why use the fire from the center areas
         and not the edge inward?  It would've done more damage that way.
         Then there was the archers.  Clearly the city was expecting
         some trouble but were they warned or was that a normal thing to
         have protection?  He saw one archer on the east buildings but
         the other one he never saw, yet saw a second set of arrows fly.
         He also wonders why he wasn't affected by the fire as well since
         he was fairly close.

           Fremea watches the ground as she walks her tiny stride and
         compares it to her giant protector.  Many things change with
         small steps yet folks demand sudden and rapid change with
         large steps.  The metaphor rings true to her eyes as she walks
         and considers the politics.  The others have commented that it
         could be the Vong or wizards.  But could the event have even
         been done by a criminal group?  Sadly her Donaran masters made
         her do things she felt was wrong.  They used her size as a
         way to enter buildings and obtain things.  From those past
         days she learned how criminals seem to think.  Her masters
         were as cruel as any group of teen thugs in a gang even if they
         were well dressed and good speakers.  Pamau as the research shows
         has had a recent drop in crime due to the recent purges in the
         nobility.  Could some gangster have pulled this or arranged it
         so some other purpose could be done?

           Raban in front walks briskly down the street.  Normally in most
         cities he soaks in the attention of the crowd.  his handsome
         features and size draw easy looks.  But this land this size
         can be dangerous like a sign over his head saying "stranger".
         his stomach aches from the slaughter that he felt so helpless
         to intervene.  Would his goddess be ashamed or would she understand
         that helping can be more harmful depending on the situation?
         At one point a guard notices them standing on corner and
         approaches but when Raban glares at him he hesitates and
         stops in his tracks.  The guard looks around for support up
         and down the long market street but finds no one.  He decides
         that a vendor arguing over spilt fruit is more interesting and
         leaves the group alone.  Raban knows that his description will
         be out.  By being at the square could have put the entire
         group in jeopardy?  He knows he will not be able to venture out
         tonight at the very least.  How many 8 foot people could there
         be in this city?

         [Time: 4:58pm]

           After a bit of time the group of four finally arrive at the
         noble's inn where the wagon is.  Kell advised Raban to dodge
         and weave and to ensure the group wasn't followed.  To ensure
         this Kell occasionally walked some distance behind the group
         to make sure no one was watching or following.  After going
         down random streets and in random directions the group was
         not observed it seems.

           Before entering the small tavern the group looks back to
         the west and sees the smoke has waned greatly.  Only a puff
         of white is seen but it just showed up in the last 10 minutes
         once.  The guards must have doused out the fire by now.  That
         means specialized trackers might be looking the area over.

           Raban looks north east and notices a slew of black smoke
         puff balls.  He furrows his brow and wonders if that is the
         stage but he realizes they came from the other direction.
         He points this fire to the others.

           The four stare at the smoke way in the distance and wonder
         what is going on.

           Finally after an hour of exploring the fun sights of the town
         the four enter the tavern.  

         [Time: 5:00pm]




                                ----------------------

         [Time: 4:17pm]

           Arawn leans down to check the unconscious man.  He wonders
         why these things happen.  He finds the man's vital signs are
         good.  His clothing smells of burnt material and a quick
         survey of his chest and stomach shows minor burns but nothing
         life threatening.  OF course if not treated soon the burns
         will get to his blood and could cause infections.  

           Arawn stands and looks up to the others, "Unless we can find an
         unattended wagon I think we might have to risk some detection to
         get out of here," he said so as to not be overheard by anyone that
         might happen to wander by at that moment. "Either transporting
         back to the carriage interior, transmuting and hiding the man, or
         else revivifying the man, as he'd still be influenced by me. If
         someone wants to take a quick look around for a wagon that'd be
         great or feel free to share another idea."

           Chion shakes his head.  Teleporting from outside points to
         another point is one thing.  Doing such in a city with possible
         sensor grids is too risky.

           Arawn glances around the area.  He knows from the circling of
         the warehouse there is no wagon out back or on that street.
         There is nothing in view from east or west streets.  He recalls
         a wagon with two horses about 3 blocks south.  But it was parked
         outside a beer shop.  It would be hard to take with the workers
         there.  He jogs to the west to check where Z'leyra was but
         sees no wagon there.  He shakes his head and knows that the fire
         will draw attention with every puff of smoke and every second.

           Arawn jogs back and glances around to ensure no one is seeing
         the area.  In the south it is back of shops and there are no
         windows so that is good.  The only chance is the side south
         streets and the empty streets west and east.  But Arawn can't
         risk exposure so looks into the smoky warehouse.  The main entry
         is smoke filled but not an inferno.  He quickly begins to drag
         the body back into the warehouse into the gray darkness.  As
         he does he glances behind and speaks to the others.  "I didn't
         have a chance to check things out upstairs but if someone wants
         to risk a quick jaunt up there it might prove beneficial if papers
         or some other clue hasn't been destroyed yet."

           Ben'dar who has been quiet for days just stands outside not
         really sure what all the Katai talk is about.  

           Arawn glances to the far right as he faces south.  The short
         small staircase on the western wall is ablaze.  There doesn't
         seem to be another way up.  Anyone who goes up would have to
         climb or run through fire.  Just moments ago Arawn saw the stairs
         go up fast and the men must've laced it well with oil to get
         the fire started even faster.

           Chion and Ben'dar stand near the main entrance which is as
         wide a wagon could through it.  Z'leyra does a quick check
         of the man to ensure his vital signs are stable.  But he
         seems in fair shape though his tattoos blend the skin so much
         it is hard to tell cuts and other wounds.

           Z'leyra's eyes water from the smoke and she backs out into
         the more clean air entrance.  Arawn then kneels and prepares
         for his transmutation.  He knows Chion wasn't happy with
         his plan.  But if it was up to Chion the man would be left
         alone and they'd get out of here.  The sailor-wizard just doesn't
         understand strategy it seems or cares.  Arawn has heard of
         the stories with prisoners how they seem to not last long.  But
         this one is in good shape.  Of course his lungs are filling
         up with smoke now.  Arawn quickly casts the transmutation spell
         upon the man so he can be changed into a easy to carry rock.
         This isn't likely to be a common detected spell but it is a major
         spell since it virtually rids the city of a life.  So Arawn
         knows there is great risk in it.

           Arawn casts the spell and places hands on the man.  But as he
         finishes the Sidh words the man remains in solid form.  Arawn
         grunts and knows there is a greater degree of difficulty placing
         a man into a rock than a man into a snake.  Suddenly from the
         second floor something sounding like a crack-bang is heard and
         something falls.  Arawn glances up at the ceiling and then back
         down.  He replaces hands but he notices something out of the
         corner of his eye.  Concentrating through the smoke he notices
         a bug crawl nearby and scurry under a large crate that is
         enough to hold a horse or two.  Arawn realizes this place is
         filthy. 

           Arawn places hands again on the man and recasts.  This time
         the man transforms into a small rock like ball.  He picks it
         up and places it into s pouch.  As he does this he hears yet
         another window blow out from the fire.  Arawn leaves the
         warehouse and the others quickly follow.

           Watching for people the group silently makes their way down
         the alley they came in from.  They soon head a different direction
         going to the east rather than west.  After some time they
         finally find people and merge into normal foot traffic.  The
         group begins to take slow random paths toward the noble inn
         and wagon location.

           Last time it took a half hour to get in this general area from
         the noble's inn.  But with the plan to avoid detection and being
         followed it takes longer.  As the group occasionally stops to
         window shop or inspect some vendor's stall, the group hears
         things.  They hear about the events at the execution.  This
         early the details are nothing more than gossip.  But the vast
         comments are that it was a massacre of some kind. Many of the
         comments tend to uphold the standard belief that all Heretics
         should be elminated.  Arawn listens as Chion does most of the
         talking as he fits in better all the while the Alfar becomes
         more nervous.

           Soon the small group arrives at the tavern and stable house
         holding the wagon.  Entering there they find the group already
         at some tables. 

         [Time: 5:07pm]




                                ----------------------

         [Time: 4:21pm]

           Zhou, Unali, Farseeker and Kiet leave Baron Ka's house.  As
         they ride Kiet tries to read some of the scrolls urgent to learn
         of details of them.  But reading and riding is not a good mix
         especially when can barely ride a horse in the first place.  Soon
         Kiet is forced to hold off until they stop.

           Unali stops the group some distance away from the manor but
         in view to see who might come and go.  After spending about 5
         minutes only one person leaves and he looks to be a servant.
         Likely to go find help for the Baron.  But it seems there is no
         urgent call for guards at this point.

           Zhou can clearly see that Unali is slightly sore from her
         wound and orders the group onward.  Once the small group finds
         a alley devoid of traffic and people they quietly enter it.
         There Unali takes the time to recheck her wound Nom Amor
         gave her.  Zhou knows no one there has healing skills but knows
         Kiet has a Kit that can help some.  Kiet gets a bandage out
         to give to Unali to wrap around her.  It will help to at least
         keep the wound in place and not get further messed up.  She
         spends a few minutes wrapping her wound and then the group leaves.
          
           During this few minutes Kiet tries to read the scrolls and
         finds the first set to be some business related materials.  But
         he hasn't gone through them fully to get a context for what
         they all mean.

           As the four ride through the streets they notice more people
         talking about the square disaster.  "I hope our friends are ok
         and didn't get hurt.  I suspect the Vong was behind it.  I
         just don't understand how you weren't affected by Nom's attack
         Fu Sa?"

           Farseeker checks his face and finds no damage.  "Maybe the
         acid lost its effects after Ka was hurt?  Maybe I have some
         defense against it.  I don't know.  But I got lucky.  It
         would've been better if we captured Nom," he glances over at
         Unali, "you did a great job.  I suspect he was the spearhead
         into this realm and with him gone they may be lost for some
         time.  It may be our first big victory in this mess."

           At one point the group rides down a street with various shops
         of more industrial areas like manufacturing concerns and such.
         Zhou notices a mining company and orders the group to stop.  "Let's
         check out this shop for a minute."  Dismounting the group enters
         the small shop.

           A lone man stands behind the counter weighing some pieces of
         gold and silver he must've found recently.  He looks up to the
         group and smiles. "May I help you?"

           "I am interested in some mining rights in the area.  Can you
         tell me of the local mines?"  Zhou saunters up to the counter
         and acts a bit interested but with a bored look.

           "Well we have a few mines.  How close are you asking?" The
         clerk goes to grab a large book that is maybe 2 feet big
         and places it on the counter.

           "Maybe up to 200 miles from here?" Zhou looks to Unali for
         some sign as if she might know but Zhou already has the idea
         in his head.

           The clerk opens the large book.  He opens it to a few pages
         and scans it. "Pamau interests own three mines.  Two are owned
         by a family here in town and it is about 125 and 150 miles
         away in the western mountains.  The third is closer just on
         the edge of the plains."

           "Have they recently had any shipments?" Zhou asks.

           "The two far west use the river and they did deliver some
         ore barges about a week ago.  The third..." He scans the
         book for a few entries.  "The close one apparently was in
         talks for being sold to a Lady."  The clerk places an arm
         across the book.

           "Would that be a baroness from House Jian?" Zhou asks and
         glances to the shelves of old dusty mining gear.

           "I can't just disclose -" The clerk begins but Zhou reaches
         in a pocket and slips a silver coin.  A cheap bribe in some
         ways but a clerk like this might make that in a week.  The
         clerk deftly takes the coin and pockets it.  "Why yes.  Good
         guess not that I told you that information.  She was interested
         but Baron Ka was still in talks.  From my info it seems the
         mine is closed.  The men were shipped home until the full
         ownership was determined.  It hasn't shipped anything back
         in some time.  It was a large iron mine for years."

           The clerk closes the book then looks as if he is considering
         something.  "No...wait...I just today got a few scrolls.  Let
         me check the back.  I seem to recall one from the baron.  Just
         a moment."

           As the man enters his small office and closes the door the
         group inspects the shop.   Most of the gear looks years old
         and nothing much new other than the small ore scales used to
         weigh things.  The man took the big book back so it can't be
         inspected.

           Farseeker speaks low. "Is that the one mine she wanted to
         buy and the Vong captured her?"  Zhou nods.  "Sounds like
         she hadn't paid for it yet though."

           After about 5 minutes the man finally returns with a scroll.
         "Yes.  Apparently Baron Ka sent official word that he will
         own the mine for now.  So I will need to update my big book.
         I guess the talks died down.  I heard he wanted to get rid
         of the mine months ago.  Guess something changed."

           "Thank you for your time.  Can you show me a map of these
         mines?" Zhou looks around for a map.

           The clerk pulls out a map from under the counter and unfolds
         it.  "Here are the two far mines.  Shantou owns some mines
         this far north and over there.  The map isn't that big but
         there are disputes at times with Katai and Shantou miners
         but they are north of Katai city.  The close mine is down
         here on the edge."  The clerk points to each location.

           "Where does the river pickup the ore for the mines?" Farseeker
         asks which surprises Zhou a bit.

           "Here and here.  The close mine is close enough it takes
         only a couple hours to go over hills then its plains.  So
         it uses wagons and a straight shot here.  Its actually safer
         and less costly than a ore barge."  The clerk then folds up
         the map and places it under the counter.

           "Thank you.  I will return in a day or two.  I'm interested
         in prospecting opportunities for my own House.  It should
         bring this quaint town some good business."  Zhou then turns
         and walks out.

           Mounting up the group heads out again back to the noble inn.
         "My guess is Nom was interested in the close mine.  If they
         have been here for some time the other 2 mines would've been
         obtained or attacked.  If they are still shipping they must
         be isolated enough or safe enough.  The Vong group must've
         tried to capture her to learn of more mine locations."
         Zhou considers that but then continues. "Doesn't make sense
         though as they could just go in a shop to get that info."

           "Not if she owned mines in the north." Farseeker adds.

           Zhou nods. "It would make a good base.  Away from eyes
         and such.  But if you attack a mine you have to do it through
         means to get rid of the miners without attention."

           The group rides on and finally arrives at the stable.  They
         hand their horses over and ensure bags and other gear is
         placed in or on the wagon.

         [Time: 5:10pm]



                                ----------------------


         [Time: 5:10pm]

           For about 10 minutes those from the square have been sitting
         at tables going over what has happened.  Strie'bog remains outside
         guarding the wagon but Caladan listens intently for some time with
         occasional grim nods.

           Then the group from the warehouse came in.  As they sit and
         begin to discuss things.  Then a few minutes later the group
         led by Zhou finally comes in.

           Unali grabs Z'leyra and both head upstairs to a room to
         get some treatment for her wound.  When they return they
         find Kiet, Chion, Zhou and a couple others skimming the
         documents found.  As they read the discussion of the events
         and things found that day are talked about though quietly.
         The tavern now is rather empty aside from two tables occupied
         by women and a family at the other.  So talking is a bit
         easier without folks hearing.

         [Time: 5:17pm]

         Actions? Comments?

         Next Update...Friday...

         GM: Slight editorial mistake.  Arawn was put in a scene where Zhou
             should've been.  Minor issue for last update. 

         GM: Was going to include info on the scrolls and everything.
             But need to work on those details myself and ran out of
             time tonight.  This is a big enough update and things
             have moved on.  I will assume everything is talked about
             on events with nothing left out.  If there is something
             to leave out then let me know.  I'm off Thursday again
             but will likely work on update Wednesday night since
             will work on the scrolls and such.  Plus I have some
             behind the scenes stuff need to complete.  Should be
             good enough for now and things have moved on.  Everyone
             is together again.  

         GM: Unali has plans for the night (a bit) but if anyone wishes
             to do anything let me know.  It may be limited due to the
             two big emergencies.  Going around town might draw some
             attention.







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