[pnpgm] Game Update #147 - File #1034 - Zhou's Big Speech [Not quit the King's speech]

Scott Adams longshotgm at netzero.com
Mon Jan 31 20:58:40 CET 2011


  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
  R1.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 #147 in sequence (file #1034)      
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin Notes: None. 
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     [Recap]

        From Kiet: [Re: Being around]
          Kiet's still here just doesn't have anything to contribute at
          the moment.
        GM: Ack.

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          Raban knows he is not very smart and things take him a while to
          understand, but these Vong need more time than most. "If the ...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          ...moving map, that is something worth selling!
        GM: Ack. Accidentally deleted the text and too lazy to redo.  But
            Ack.

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          As the party prepared to move along the river bank he watched
          the water intently.

          "I wonder if this shack served as more than a shelter. The...
          ---------------------------------------------------------
          As the party waited to see if the more detailed map could
          function as a platform for the insect Arawn asked to look over
          the rest of the papers found in the box.
        GM: Ack.

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          Will rides not saying much as he thinks about the situation....
        GM: Ack. Good stuff. 

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

         [Augado 6th, 1634TH]
         [Location: Middle Katai Plains] 
         [          Pamau Province, Pamau City]
         [          Northeast of city margins, few miles, river edge]

         [Time: 6:13am]

           The party rides from the smoldering shack as the nearby
         people approach.  The party was aware it was only a matter
         of time.  The river even at this hour was fairly busy.  Many
         people liked to get up early to fish for sport, fun or a living.
         River traffic in terms of barges and light craft were even
         now on the river with lanterns floating on the calm waters
         like a eerie ghost ship.

           In just an hour the traffic would double and then an hour later
         the traffic could triple.  While the Pamau river wasn't the
         most active ones in the Empire it did allow sufficient trade,
         fun and transportation for thousands of people.  The map shows
         the river goes around 150 miles from the coast to end up
         deep in the mountains.  This allows much of the river traffic
         to consist of mining operations from a few mines in the mountains.

           As the party moves away the plan is to void their tracks by
         the river itself.  The party rides the riverbank for only a
         short while enough to confuse any possible pursuers then heads
         deep inland away from the bank.  During the time only two craft
         were seen.  One looked to be a merchant ship that was very
         small likely carrying light goods.  Only one crewman was seen
         as he watched ahead for river hazards.  He didn't even seem to
         notice or care to notice the party.  The other craft was a fast
         moving junk style ship with a family heading west into the
         deep mountains.  It was obvious the family was too busy to even
         care about the party or see them in the deep darkness.

           While riding along the river, Arawn considers things and
         then speaks up.  "I wonder if this shack served as more than a
         shelter. The Vong grow their items in certain bodies of water. I
         wonder if this is one such spot? I would hate to think such things
         are left growing out here, especially if it has a guardian, like
         the tentacled horror in the Vassa lake."

           Zhou nods and yawns, waving a hand over his mouth, "likely there
         isn't anything here.  The map shows this a long river with a
         couple hundred miles of shoreline.  It would take days to search
         for us and frankly I doubt it is used for such a purpose.  The
         river from what I've been told and heard is too busy and things
         would be noticed quickly."

           Arawn nods but looks at any rate around the area.  The Vong
         wouldn't be stupid enough to plant a grove for such a place
         without careful camouflage.  Nom Amor doesn't seem that stupid
         as well to use a river with this much traffic.  Yet Arawn scans
         the area but sees nothing in the dim twilight.

           Will rides not saying much as he thinks about the situation.
         When he left the Dark Lands he thought to himself that Katai was
         at least better than facing certain death at the hands of Her.
         Now after seeing what the bugs did to the brigadier he's not so
         sure.  Earlier he was thinking that we needed a 'volunteer' to
         put a bug in his ear and see if it would lead them back to the
         Vong base.  Then  Whitney crossed his mind....  Dang where is
         Whitney when you need him.


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


         [Time: 6:42am]

           Now the sun is fully up over the horizon and warms the cool
         night air away.  The party is now about 2 maybe 2.5 miles west
         of Pamau and about a mile south of the river.  Most are sitting
         around eating a very light breakfast.  Some know the travel today
         could be hard and a good meal is needed.

           The impromptu camp is still in the open plains.  But the area
         is considered still city margins.  The land is dotted with
         small to medium sized farms, small single shacks or homes or
         the occasional ranch house or estate.  There are dirt roads
         seen all around but no major roads.  By now the party has seen
         several groups of people either peasants going to work or working
         on the farm.  The party knows there is little use in hiding in
         the open.  The party may in theory be wanted in the city but
         out here the peasants are likely just too busy to care.  In the
         short time fleeing the city the party couldn't get far enough
         to hide well.  So the party has to simply exist in plain sight.
         The only change is in clothing like Unali from her black clothing
         to more comfortable suit or Fremea back in her dress.  While the
         party might get the glances from some peasant on the farm with
         little interest seeing someone fly around near the party would
         draw unwanted attention.

           Zhou stands staring at the western mountains.  At this distance
         they are just a very faint blue haze as the foothills are in
         that direction for miles.  The man in his late 20s has grown
         a thick beard and mustache.  When the party first met him he was
         clean shaven and had a thin mustache.  But lack of personal time
         to trim it has let it grow.  In fact several of the party have
         thicker hair growth on their heads and face.  Most in Katai do
         not have problems with hair as even men have been seen with
         shoulder length hair especially in the military.  The vast
         majority of Katai men also seem to enjoy thin to medium sized
         mustaches.  Zhou's hair bristles in the wind as he stares in
         the distance with the sun to his back and hands clasped behind
         his back.  Suddenly a thunderclap is heard to the south west.
         The group looks in that direction to see dark clouds miles
         away and clearly no danger to the party.  The storm seems
         to be moving south over the foothills and plains.

           Farseeker sips some water as he finishes his biscuit and cheese.
         "The storm looks big."  Farseeker seems to say to no one in
         particular.

           Zhou nods and turns around.  The once shy and even somewhat
         cowardly major domo has seemed to changed over the last few
         weeks.  He even seems to be more brave and determined.  Maybe
         the High Elder was right to invite him on this mission to learn
         and gain experience.  Zhou glances to the party briefly eyes
         set on each person. "They say a storm is a omen of things to
         come.  A storm is coming.  It is the Vong threat to this world."
         He glances to Arawn on the ground.  "Even other worlds."  He
         then begins to pace around the group.  "We face a powerful
         enemy which sees to either kill us or subjugate us for their
         own purpose.  Over the last few weeks we've seen how they are
         and their unique technology."

           "You may be asking how and why we are here.  Even after you
         have seen all that has gone down the last few months.  some may
         even be asking why should you be here.  We've seen that some
         can't handle the stress like Whitney.  Some of us have turned
         from free loving joking guys to quiet and solemn guys.  The stress
         is great and we must concentrate to angle that stress into
         endurance and wisdom in the days to come.  Stress can be a bad
         thing but stress can also help humans to survive the even most
         harsh aspects of life.  Faced with a threat like the Vong and
         with back against the wall humans survive through their unique
         wisdom and intelligence.   This threat will not be the last
         likely for the Middle World but if we fail here today the
         Worlds will suffer greatly.  Someone in Fomoria might not even
         care of what happens here today or the next few days.  They
         would laugh and scoff it off.  But we know that if the Vong
         survive this battle the Empire will be just the first to fall
         under their control.  We know the Vong will never outnumber
         the 7 million in this Empire as it might take years to get
         even equal numbers.  But what gives the Vong their edge is
         surprise, hatred that drives them and their unique technology.
         Their Flyers alone in a fleet could devastate cities with
         little or no defense.  We heard of such an attack in some town
         to the east of Pamau.  It was razed to show their demonstration
         of power likely to further gain allies."

           "Yet with all their skills and unique technology we have
         PROVEN they are not invincible!  They drip blood, even if its
         just black blood, just like us.  We know their bugs and other
         things can be stopped.  This should give us HOPE for the future.
         This should drive our motivates to prevent as castrophe for
         the Worlds.  Even history is on our side.  We know the Zen'da
         drove back, granted with help, the Vong in their First Invasion.
         If the so called barbarians can do it then we can do it!"

           Zhou glances down at Arawn who is reading the Katai to Vong
         translation journal.  "Arawn brings wisdom, intelligence and
         a unique vision to this battle.  While each of us fight for
         our lands and this world he fights for the gods themselves.
         For even if the Vong win here the gods could be threatened.
         Maybe this is why they seem to feign interest in the Vong or
         give little help in the subject.  They know their fate could
         be sealed by what we do here.  Arawn also brings in dual
         thinking.  While most of us would not think little of slicing
         a Vong's threat open, this Alfar will cconsider the motives.
         Maybe we should not scoff as we have in the past and listen to
         his heart.  We have seen that not all Vong are bad.  The
         Shamed One we saw seemed almost friendly.  I suspect that
         Arawn's destiny here is to offset the deeds we may do to the
         Vong in our haste.  Then again maybe he is just here to help
         his world."

           Zhou approaches Ben'dar and places a hand on his shoulder.
         "Ben'dar, I miss the old Ben'dar who joked on the ship and
         told great battle stories.  I do not know where you have been
         the past few weeks but I...we need you to be here for us.  We
         need your fighting skills above all.  Yet your knowledge of
         animals could come in great help.  Your Zen'da background also
         should be of some support."

           Zhou then approaches Caladan who as normal stands leaning
         against his war staff.  "I heard you died in a battle and so
         I'm fascinated to see you here again.  Knowing that you are
         weaker than you were before.  Yet you have the courage to
         challenge yourself to help not only your friends but your
         people.  Maybe it is that very fact that you died and know
         that death is only a minor nuisance?  I don't know.  But I
         do know I'm honored to fight with you side by side."  A
         slight smirk comes across Kell's face as Zhou mentions
         fighting.  Unless hiding behind horses is fighting to him
         he hasn't done much lately.  Zhou continues, "your skills and
         magic will be of special value to our task at hand."

           Zhou then turns to the large Chion who sits on the ground
         watching birds in the sky.  When Zhou approaches, Chion turns
         to stare at the babbling man.  "As a native here you seek to
         not only save your Empire but in the end to save the wizards
         here.  I have seen your disdain for the policy around here
         but have remained quiet.  To many wizards they would only
         seek personal experience and power.  But I've seen in you that
         you wish to also help others.  Your unique fighting skills and
         high level magics will of great use to us in the days to come."

           Zhou walks toward Farseeker who is on the ground cleaning and
         checking his great sword out.  "Farseeker, I believe your skills
         at military tactics and operations will be of use here.  Your
         almost innate leadership skills can help guide the group to
         success.  Then there is your simple fighting skills.  Other than
         Raban possibly you will be one of few who could kill a Vong
         with one blow.  We will need your strength and blade in the days
         to come."

           Smiling Zhou turns to Fremea who is watching the bugs on the
         paper map.  She notices him and looks up.  "Our slight friend
         here may be small to the world but to us we know she is a large
         and great asset.  Here unique skills have shown that not every
         solution comes from Elves or Humans.  Beyond the obvious ability
         to recon and surveil for us the fact that she charged a Flyer
         with only a bow shows her bravery.  A small being up against
         a large threat shows no only that she is motivated to win this
         battle but knows size doesn't matter.  I have a odd feeling
         we have yet to see her full potential but in the next few days
         I suspect we will."

           With arms crossed, Zhou turns to Kell.  He seems to pause as
         if considering words to say.  "Of all the group you have seemingly
         ended up in the middle of this mess with little preamble.  Some
         even wonder how you got here I'm sure.  Then we saw you charge
         ahead of others toward the Vong and get wounded by that dust
         storm.  A merchant would not do that.  A Elf might not even
         do that.  But a brave being set to help his friends and his
         world would.  Of all those here you are skilled in the ways of
         balance of numbers.  You know we face a great threat.  Yet
         you still remain here.  This shows us that you are motivated
         to end this threat.  Guide that motivation into the fight
         ahead."  Then with a wry smile. "Just this time don't lose your
         hat."

           Walking near Kiet Zhou places a hand on the acrobat's arm and
         squeezes it like Kiet's uncle used to do.  Kiet seems to
         flinch slightly at the touch but doesn't thrash the man.  Zhou
         steps back and nods.  "You admit you are not one of the front
         line fighters here.  In fact the large majority of this world
         are like you.  In fact the fighters are in the minority.  Look
         at the Katai Military they are thousands among millions.  Do not
         fear your station in this group.  A group of peasants can take
         down a giant as a mob faster than a small squad of well trained
         fighters if they wish to.  This aspect makes you even more
         dangerous and unpredictable.  To the Vong this will be a weapon
         they can't defend against.  You think before you act rather
         than react and think.  This makes you even more a threat to
         our enemy than the best fighter here."

           With that thought he turns to the giant.  "Our gentle giant.
         Here in this land you are as we tease a Giant among men.  You
         tower over everyone in the Empire.  But for your goddess you
         tower as a beacon for goodness.  To outsiders you look dangerous
         and even barbaric.  But to us we know you to be soft and
         kind.  This dual nature allows you an advantage in battle.  You
         can fool yet be dangerous in one swift move.  Beyond your
         obvious great strength you bring personal wisdom to the group
         that can't be matched.  Aside from Arawn you seem to bring
         the battle to the forefront for your goddess and the spirit
         that she shows in this world.  While battle might not be
         a direct glorification of her in the end to clear the world
         of a threat to not only her but her subjects might be a greater
         good than praying for hope.  We know your rage will be a great
         inner fight to deal with but use that rage in the fight to
         come.  Weigh that rage with your gentle wisdom to determine the
         best course of action.  While most sane humans will run away
         from your very sight Vong will only see you as a threat to
         kill.  Their insane love for pain drives them mad to not
         see the danger to them.  This gives you an edge to take
         advantage of in those situations."

           "Strie'bog, while I know you the least since you have been
         as quiet as the rancher, I have seen how you act.  I suspect
         that you are here to not only protect your Vassa home from this
         threat you first found there but to help the world.  While
         it started at home you wish to see all homes saved."

           Zhou turns to Unali who seems to dread being commented on
         even though she knows this to be some form of prep rally speech.
         "A leader drives men by force or wisdom.  Many leaders are
         hated, feared or admired.  I have seen you lead by example
         and intelligence.  You lead but you know how to use your
         people well and their skills efficiently.  Some leaders
         direct blindly but you know better.  This will be of help
         in the days to come.  We also know that you of all people have
         the most to lose in this final encounter.  You fight not only
         for the Empire you call home but for your friends and family
         who we have so fondly heard about.  Though you know if this
         group were found and killed you would still fight for the
         Empire.  This shows that you can rise above the petty things
         humans decide in their methods of power.  I must admit I have
         never seen a woman fight with two daggers as well as you do.
         If you continue your skills the Vong will only see the blade
         of your vengeance as the last thing they see."

           Turning to Will, Zhou raises an eyebrow in wonder. "OF all the
         others I still don't see why you are here.  But nonetheless you
         are here and helping.  Even Whitney didn't come this far.
         There is something inherent to your being I just can't place.
         Even though I suspect this I see that you are motivated to
         help the group.  When you went after the Flyer and the barn
         ahead of the group it showed that not only can you handle
         a battle situation but are self motivated to think fast.  This
         will be of great value in the task to come."

           Finally, Zhou turns to Z'leyra who is sitting cleaning some
         of her plates of crumbs.  "When I first saw you in the Dark
         Lands I suspected you would be the one to fail the High Elder's
         test.  Not only did some of the wizard's here be sent here to
         fight the Vong but they were tested to see how their use of
         magic would be.  I'm sure by now this is obvious and the plan
         the High Elder put forward would become obvious now.  For what
         purpose this plan was done I have no idea.  Maybe some future
         action is in the back of his old brain.  It was clear from
         your equipment you loved even to the point of an addiction your
         magic items. " He raise a hand before a protest can be said.
         "Fear not.  I've seen it all to well in the Lands.  Many use
         their toys rather than their minds.  They believe their toys
         will be so powerful they could even challenge the High Elder
         if they wanted.  Yet toys are no match for human intelligence
         and some luck.  These people tend to be shown the error of their
         ways quickly.  Yet I have seen you live with no difficulty on
         using no magic items.  I hope this lesson will be learned in
         the days to come.  Especially since the Vong seem to be magic
         resistant.  But then again your magic toys might be of so much
         value that we might not live without them.  Especially if
         we get heavily wounded."  He grins and then steps back.

           Stepping back and raising both arms outward to his side
         with palms facing the group.  "We all know the danger we
         face.  Some of us, maybe even all of us, may not survive
         this final battle.  I believe I speak for Unali when I
         say if you wish to leave we will not hold it against you."
         Pausing to judge reactions he finally continues.  "We face
         a enemy that has better armor and deadly weapons.  They might
         outnumber us greatly and have powerful items.  Yet what we
         do in the next few days will not only save ourselves but
         the very world we call home!"

           "I am no great speaker so if you must ignore my words then
         consider Shu!  She died knowing that ...knowing that she would
         not return from this mission.  She knew that fate can't be
         twisted but it can be delayed.  If our fate is to die in this
         battle so be it!  We fight a glorious quest to end a threat
         to everything!  But I dare say we tempt the gods of fate and
         show these foul creatures that invading our world is not the
         wisest thing they should have done!"

           Finally Zhou stops babbling and turns around to face the
         distant storm.  It has moved on and thin wispy gray clouds seem
         to be winning the battle over the dark storm clouds.  So even
         the storm is fading from sight and memory.

           While Zhou gives his motivational speech to drive the party
         yet probably is shaking in his own boots, Arawn sits on the
         ground examining the journal and map.  He has scanned the words
         three times now.  While it is a good source of info he wishes
         the Brigader who made it had more words.  There is no "Rising"
         word for Rising Mount.  Many of the more useful command words
         are also missing.  He sighs in frustration.

           Fremea sits on the ground and watches the bugs.  She knows
         Vong Bugs tried to kill her.  But they may have been directed
         by their Vong Masters.  She smirks to herself at the thought.
         From her days being a slave in Donara she knows that masters
         don't always have the best intentions.  In fact she almost
         feels sorry for the bugs.  They too are like she was, just
         a slave to some cruel masters.  What would the bugs be
         without the Vong using them?  She even feels slight pity
         for the bugs.  These on the map have wings and could've attacked
         her way before now.  So they seem harmless.  She pokes one
         with her tiny finger in jest.  They are a bit cute too she
         considers.  A memory flashes through her head.  Once in a cage
         on a hot summer day in Donara she saw two young boys.  They
         were pulling bugs out of a glass jar.  Some were squished under
         shoes while others like butterflies had their wings tore off
         only so the boys could laugh.  It made Fremea furious that
         children who she has a fondness for can be so cruel.  That day
         taught her a lesson that humans can show the full scope of
         emotions that Faerry don't always have themselves.  It taught
         her to be more alert and cautious around humans.

           Fremea blinks out of her thought and breathes on the bug
         which under her breath is blown back a bit.  It soars to the
         air with its wings and flies back to her finger curious by
         the strange thing.  It begins to crawl on it and Fremea doesn't
         flinch.  They do tickle and seem quite cute she thinks.

           Unali sits with Arawn and pulls out the map of Middle
         Katai and Shu's special map.  Both try to compare the map
         but the Bug Map is hard to tell landmarks.  Taking a frustrated
         break Unali looks to the party.  "Are there more locations we need
         to find? Or persons? We could try some of the names.  Like the
         letter Arawn hold that points to the Mountain, what was the name
         again?"

           Arawn explains he can't find a word for Rising.  The best he
         can do is stand but "Standing Mountain" just makes the bugs
         look confused.

           After almost ten minutes the duo become upset that the Bugs
         seem useless as map makers.  Noticing this frustration Raban
         comes over to watch.  He knows he isn't as smart as most but
         understands that with time all answers come.   "If the Vong use
         bugs for control of other Vong, how do they know they are not
         controlled by even more Vong or even something else? It may not
         be direct but just hints or nudges to fool them into doing what
         is desired. Maybe the true leader of the Vong is some huge master
         Bug!"

           Arawn looks up and grins broadly at the giant.  If he didn't
         have a map of bugs on his lap he'd jump up and kiss the handsome
         giant.  That thought seems odd to him but he has seen even
         guys say that in bars when they have a clever plan or retort like
         how best to get the bar maid to show her....he shakes his head
         and the thoughts flood to him.  He glances down at the map and
         then back at Raban.  Arawn pulls the letter from his bag and
         scans it.  Yes.  The letter mentioned World Brain.  What did
         the others say of Lake Oca?  The creature there was like a brain
         looking thing.  Then there was his vision when he wore the
         helmet.  It was as if he saw a brain at one point.  So he
         quickly forms the connections.  If a small brain can control
         the growth of those Orbs and Amphistaves then a world brain
         might control a world!  This world!

           Arawn scans the journal quickly.  There!  The word for brain.
         Why the Brigadier heard that word is not known in casual
         conversation.  Then he scans down to the bottom as he knows
         he saw world.  He spits out the words literally making
         a glob of spit fall from his chin.  The Vong language seems
         to be so guttural its more spitting than anything at least
         to non Vong.

           Suddenly the bugs begin to add lines to the map and it seems
         more terrain shows up.  Finally one bug seems to find a area
         that might be a mountain.  It circles a tiny area maybe the size
         of a fingernail.  The other bug hovers over that same spot with
         its wings flying fast.  Arawn scans for landmarks but sees
         nothing.  So this is where the World Brain must be.  So where
         is this place?

           "We know where Shantou is in terms of distance from Pamau.
         The bugs might have been ...integrated with their names.
         Have them show it on the map and then we can figure out a
         scale at that point."  Farseeker suggests.

           Arawn nods in happy silence and gives the word for "show"
         and then "Shantou" and "Pamau".  But this is when things
         change.  The bugs seem to move across the map fast.  A slight
         buzz noise is made.  Then Arawn and Unali notice the thin
         dark lines on the map disappear!  Curious Arawn touches one
         of the map lines and scraps.  He notices it to be a fine dust
         like thing rather than ink.  Arawn then realizes the bugs
         can likely reform new maps based on new scales and locations.
         If they can remove the lines they can add more.  Fascinated
         the group watches.  The map is cleared within a minute and
         then the bugs scurry about reforming a new map.  That's when
         Arawn and Unali see landmarks!  The river is a jotted line and
         the shape is distinctive.  The edge of this area must be
         hills and plains.  The area over here must be the mountains.
         Unali compares it and finds a few matching landmarks.

           Soon the two bugs hover over two points.  The Control bigger
         bug remains in the upper left corner.  Watching close sure
         enough that has to be the two cities!  Both work quickly to
         figure out a possible scale.  It looks like it might be one
         inch for 30 or 40 miles.  Then Arawn tells the bugs "Pamau"
         and "world brain".

           The bugs redo most of the left edge erasing and reforming
         most of it.  It looks like a new potion is added to the edge
         and it shows the mountains ins light better detail.  Finally
         with reference points of Pamau and what once was Shantou
         and the river a triangulation can be done.  Based on this
         scale the place is found!

           Arawn gives a slight cheer as finally the Vong base must be
         where the bugs place it.  Then suddenly a gust of wind blows
         the bowl the bugs were in.  It rolls away a bit and suddenly
         the bugs fall to the map.  They go dormant and not moving.
         Fremea fetches the bowl and when it comes closer it seems the
         quick hibernation ends.  The bugs move again and the group
         figures the bowl must help to control the bugs in some fashion.

           Arawn and Unali compare the maps.  They use Shu's map, the
         bug map, the area Katai map.  Finally after a couple minutes
         the area is determined.  It is 100 miles west of the party's
         current location.  Right almost dead center in the middle of
         Shu's "circled" area.  The party sees they could travel by
         river for 80 or so miles west then go 20 or so miles south
         from that point.  They could also head west overland through
         the hills and mountains.  

           "River might bring undue attention and risk to others.  It
         might be faster but the land route might give us time to
         prepare and scout the area for other sub bases." Zhou makes
         comment of the map.

           "Rising Mount," Arawn whispers to himself as he marks the
         spot on the Middle Katai map with a inked quill.  Just barely
         making a mark enough to spot but not to ruin.  

         Actions? Comments?

         Next Update...Friday...

         GM: With the private emails and tossed ideas around the
             group was able to do the above.  See while you may
             think there is nothing to say or do it just takes that
             single mundane phrase like Raban's above to cause thoughts
             and a cure to a solution.  So that proves that even the
             silly things someone might say could be of great help.
             Who knows what can be done with even just simple body
             language. :)  So good work.

         GM: I'll update Shu's map and give the exact location later
             today and post it.  Stay tuned.  I will work on the math
             for the river option and horse option and can post it in
             a quick thing later on as well.  Not sure which might
             be faster.  I know some might suggest a teleport but
             just recall Kiet's warning. :)








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