[pnpgm] Game Update #225 - File #1404 - The World Brain
Scott Adams
pnpgm at comcast.net
Fri May 11 07:03:12 CEST 2012
HT Aliaver/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
NPC...................Captain.Lin.......Warrior.Normal/Human..Ma
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar,
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #225 in sequence (file #1404)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
[None]
--------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 2:28:52 pm - 2:30:52 pm]
Unali turns to face the group and explains in as much detail
as she can of the cave she came from. She watches Will ramble
southward to collect something in the distance but not sure why.
She explains it is 300 feet above the ground where they are
standing. It is the first cave that she found and likely not
the last. She only got to this one cave at this point.
This is the first cave. Since the stairs themselves are set
10 feet from the wall itself you are unsure how the connection
is made.
But at the top of the stairs on the slab turning east to the
east wall one can quickly tell it's just an extension from the
slab to the cave itself. The Vong "cement" material that is the
entire structure extends to the right from the slab. A path 10
feet wide extends to the face of the cave. It is pretty much a
level walkway 10 feet wide but with no railing so would be easy
to fall the 300 feet to the ground.
This cave is 300 feet above the flyer field or in geologic
terms 500 feet above the forest ground below outside.
The entrance to the cave is 15' wide and 10' high. This
means the slab is centered in the entrance.
One notices two Vong Warriors on each side of the entrance
holding, taller than it seems, average Amphistaves. They also
seem a bit tougher looking. But their backs are to the
entrance facing east.
One can tell the cave ceiling is 35' high in some places but
mostly 20' in other places. .
Some 30 feet away from the guards are two human Brigaders in
colorful uniforms that must denote them of some rank. They have
swords in sheathes and are facing east, south-east.
To the north (Left) and Right (South) are two Vong warriors for
a total of 4 (2 on each side) about 15 feet from the brigadiers.
It is unclear if the brigaders are being protected or what else
is in the cave is being protected by the humans.
About 90 feet from the entrance is a series of wooden barrels
of some sort. Maybe about 16 or so total.
In front of the barrels is a Human prisoner. It is clear they
are a prisoner as they are in rags and no obvious good clothing,
weapons or such. In front of the human male prisoner is a
Shaper. She is wearing one of those snake hoods and the snakes
look awfully active. She is barking something to the prisoner
in front of her. She is facing east and the prisoner at the
barrels.
On the far east wall (K33) is another Shaper. This one in a
very bright white robe with purple trim. She is also wearing a
snake hood. She is facing west toward the entrance and seems a
bit either bored or something.
The room is lit by various torches on the walls about every
15 feet. But the most obvious things in the room are 2
objects that aren't normal looking.
On the south east corner is a flat object centered (around L29).
It is 30 feet wide and 30' high. It is circular and from what
one has seen on Clima it must be a Portal. When Lady Varo opened a
portal to meet the party (giving ZL Corona and warning Ben'dar
about Tef'wo for example) the portal one saw was pure white but
only about 10' high and 10' wide. This one is 3x larger. But
this one is a bit transparent. There is a fine mist like fog
above about half the bottom that you can see. Think of hot
desert mirage on hot sand looking like a wet area. On the top
half it looks like a pink area with twinges of blue.
It doesn't take the smarts of an Alfar or wisdom of a High
Elder to know this HAS to be how the Vong enter and exit this
world. Could one be seeing the very world of theirs?
The other object in front of the portal is also a bit
obvious. It is a meaty looking blob of pink/gray mass. At
Lake Oca the group encountered a small object but this is huge
compared to it. The mass looks definitely like a brain with
four lobes instead of 2 for humans. This has to be the famed
World Brain. If this is the central nexus to other smaller
Brains and such this could be the key. It is 25' tall the top
of its lobes and 20' wide. Along the perimeter about 4-8 feet
up off the ground are a set of tentacles that stretch outwards
15 feet from the brain itself.
These tentacles look like octopus ones with suckers and in
some cases some have pincers and some claw like grips. They are
spread around it seems the entire body of the Brain surrounding
it so there could be a hundred of so such tentacles.
To the north of the Brain a human female prisoner in tattered
clothing stands motionless just staring at the World Brain doing
nothing.
Unali then finishes up by explaining she had a odd mental contact
with the Brain. She assume it was the Brain but it was like when
Thig contacted others in the group or Will sending messages to other
comrades. It was a odd sensation but she didn't feel like dealing
with it. She tells the group in front of her that she fled the
area immediately.
While Unali is explaining the description of the Portal cave
the others listen intently. As the group listens Kell and Chion
finish cleaning the wounds completely of Caladan and Farseeker.
In fact the time allows other wounds from others in the small
group to be checked out.
Several times during the story Chion looks up and watches
Unali's eyes for some reason. The large man seems a bit wary
especially at the end of her tale. Chion strokes his chin in
concentration over the details.
Kiet stands and listens as well while Unali speaks. He is amazed
how the leader would venture on her own while they fought here the
Vong. Sure, Chion might have been with her at times. It only
makes sense now. But she could've been killed. Kiet turns at
times to watch Unali while watching the stairs for new threats.
Kell also listens with much dread on the news. Especially
on the last section of facts. It makes sense though if the
World Brain could communicate with smaller Brains like that
of Lake Oca then touching a human mind shouldn't be difficult.
But is it just touching or can it do more? Kell recalls talking
to Farseeker about Thig making mush of a person's mind with
his spells. The Half-Elf stands and crosses his arm while
Squirt sleeps a few quick winks on Caladan's hip.
During the report from Unali, Will continues his slow stride
toward the missing bow in the south. Course with his new
transmuted armor slow is about as fast s he can go without
overly tiring. Will can hear maybe the first 20-25 seconds
of Unali's speech. But then goes out of ear shot and welcomes
the calm lack of noise. It takes about 40 seconds to get to
his bow. He picks it up and also notices a few other odd items
tat must've fallen from his equipment. He picks up 3 arrows,
a spare dagger he didn't notice was missing and a couple of
coins that must've fallen out of his bag. He decides to kick
the dead Vong hard just for spite and wish him the best vacation
in whatever hell they have. After about 30 seconds walking
around the crash site he heads back. Another 45 or so seconds
and he finally gets back to the group. Will can hear the ending
part about the strange mental contact made by the brain. He
wonders if he should have stayed to listen to all the details.
How hard can a Brain be up against a axe? Will checks his bow to
ensure it can still hurt the foul creatures and finds it in good
shape. The bow string was made well for high tension.
Back on the western side of the field, Ben'dar turns around
and looks around. He is still disgusted by the rape of the girl.
What else have these demons done to the towns folks before they
tossed them into that pit below? Clearly as slaves some are
better than others. Children probably just tortured for the
god's pleasure and tossed away like trash. Maybe the old
folks even got a break with fast deaths? But the young ones
that could be used or in this case experimented on must have
their share of torment. It takes him a few seconds to calm
down and then realizes to the north of him he sees a shape
not hard to miss - that of Raban coming south. He smiles at
the giant though at this distance he can't see it probably.
He hopes the giant made brain soup for a few no good Vong.
Raban clamps onto Lin's shoulder and pushes him southward.
He isn't sure where he should go now. Maybe upstairs or to
the homes in the south. He only recalls doing half of them.
Then he notices a sole figure in the distance and based on
his clothing and claw necklace it must be Ben'dar. Ben'dar
waves and Raban realizes Z'leyra must be nearby. Raban
decides to head that direction.
Arawn tags along and when he hears Fremea's voice he perks
up happy that she is safe. He recalls the thrall to the south
and wishes he could've found an outcast. He finds them to be
the key to any Vong rebellion. As he walks he hears Fremea
say the wounded on the east needs help. She explains that
the group took out about 50 or so Vong.
"This guy took out probably 30 on his own!" Captain Lin shoves
a elbow into Raban's side. Raban smiles and shrugs. The small
man spins a web. But maybe it was just 20 or so. Who knows.
About 10 seconds after Fremea is heard both Arawn and Fremea
become visible. This allows Arawn to talk to the winged Fae.
He points out the Portal in the sky. That is some form of
Kotothi influence. He asks her if she could fly around and
above the portal to get a better feel or look?
That stops Fremea in mid-flight almost making her fall but
like a cat she lands on her feet. She glances up and then
realizes that is what she felt earlier. But she still can't
pinpoint it? If its there she can't see it. Maybe her senses
aren't as strong as Arawn's. She considers the request for
a few seconds while the group walks.
Inside the home Z'leyra finally gets the nude teen to calm
down and wipes her tears. She quickly uses a cloth to wipe
blood and other things from her body. She begins to search
her bag for a spare clothing. But the girl rolls over and
finds a rag of a short dress. She wears it and stands. Looking
around she waits but shakes in shock watching nothing. Z'leyra
doesn't see any under clothing and figures that is all she
was given by the Vong. From the looks of her body she will
be fine physically aside from cuts and bruises. But mentally
she may never be the same. Z'leyra stands after storing her
gear and gives a arm squeeze to the girl. A hug would not
do at this case. She has seen too many rapes to try that.
Being a healer is also being a person who can understand
the human mind.
Z'leyra leads the girls outside and wonders how the group
will be able to protect the girl? Maybe she should be left
in a home? But then what if the party have to flee? Going
to find Zhou might take too long. Z'leyra sees Ben'dar and
walks toward him.
It doesn't take long for Raban to get to the mid rows (E).
Arawn tells the others that he found a Brigader and captured
him. He wishes to go fetch him. Raban seeing Z'leyra and
Ben'dar coming decides that is fine. The giant isn't sure
who is leader in this sub group - probably Arawn with his
status - but if Arawn defers to him then maybe he should at
least act the part.
Arawn runs to the home where the thrall is (E11). He opens
the door and is suddenly hit by a stench. Arawn holds his
Elven blade but bats his nose. He notices the man is there
still standing tied up. But then the Alfar walks in and
notices the puddle at the man's feet. It seems the man has
relived himself. But the stench is more than that as Alfar
can notice the man's eyes seem blank. Arawn orders him to
step back. But the man refuses to do so. Arawn knows he
should have control for days. Arawn checks the man's eyes
and notice the pupils are shot and looks damaged. Arawn
asks the man his name. The man seems to gurgle and spittle
falls form his lips. Then Arawn realizes the man has to be
brain dead. Arawn realizes the intense smell must have been
relief from the other end. Finding the human now useless
Arawn actually feels sorry for him. Maybe he was just lured
here for some promise of coin and power. Even Human traitors
can do more damage than the Vong in usurping the Empire with
mercs and greedy men. Arawn then turns to leave but feels
some sadness. Turning back he draws his blade and gently slices
over the throat of the man for a quick death. It shouldn't take
but a couple of seconds. The man wouldn't feel pain regardless.
Sure he could've found the spirit of the man but would his mind
in the after life also be affected?
Arawn gives a quick prayer the dead man and leaves. In the
distance he notices Ben'dar and Z'leyra.
Z'leyra, the girl and Ben'dar move toward Raban. The girl
seems to glance briefly at times at Ben'dar and wonders who
or what he is. But the man did kill the foul being so can't
be all that bad. It takes about 30 seconds for them to get to
the group. The girl gives her name as Su Wi. She asks about
her brother and parent's. But Z'leyra explains some did get
help to escape. Maybe they are among them. It is better to
have hope to help the girl continue.
Arawn walks back in time to notice the girl standing timidly
by. She is staring at the giant. His handsome features which
have made him quite popular in taverns and female noble bedrooms
seem to attract her. The Giant ignores it as he has seen that
look before. He can't help his looks and realizes the girl must
have been through bad times so using his charms on her is not
right.
Arawn nods to Z'leyra and Ben'dar. He explains the thrall
he captured was wounded beyond hope. He considers telling
them that the World Brain must've sensed his capture and
destroyed his mind. Then he quickly turns to the girl and
wonders if she has seen the Brain. He asks very quickly.
"No. I don't know what you ask. I was below and then
taken here. One of the creature's brains? Gross!" The
teen shudders at the thought.
Arawn nods and deduces that maybe the Brigader was taken to
see the World Brain and touched. Maybe that touch gave the
Brain the ability to monitor the human. If the girl is safe
at this point maybe there is some requirement the brain must
see the person first? These assumptions seem to make sense
based on nature and what others animals or creatures can do.
Ben'dar tells the others the rows he explored. Raban then
says, "then this area is fully explored. Fremea tells us Farseeker
and Caladan are wounded. Maybe we should gather as one again
and decide on a new course?"
The others seem to agree. Thought it is good to divide up
and handle both sides of the cavern. Maybe the group can
divide up again and come back.
Raban leads the group eastward.
-------------
[Time: 2:30:52 pm - 2:31:00 pm]
Unali then adds to her report, "The pull from the brain extends
some 90-100 feet, so once we go up the stairs, we should be
prepared to fight but also resist the pull of the mental powers.
Does anyone have a block against mental attacks?"
"If there is something to block such attacks, I might venture
upstairs again to check if this works. I have resisted the pull
once, maybe I have better luck then others. But it seems foolish
to send in a group of fighters that is just turned against us by
the brain. What are your plans."
Chion points behind Unali at the group coming east. Looks like
the party will team up again.
-----------------
[Time: 2:31:52 pm - 2:31:40 pm]
It takes 40 seconds for the group led by Raban plus one
stranger to get to the east side of the field. Now after
5 or so minutes the group is finally back together.
Unali wonders if she should explain the whole thing again.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday...
GM: Wanted to do 2 minutes based on Unali's speech. But
turns out 2 min and 48 seconds of time based on on
mechanics to get everyone together. Now all are
back in one group. I figure this was done there
was no indication the group in the west would remain
there. For the next update let's plan on 3 minutes.
If Unali goes over the details again that'll take almost
a bit over 2 minutes. Maybe 30 seconds to heal if needed
and 30 seconds to start plans. Depending on your posted
text though it may much longer. Yes. I determine the
length based on the text. So you can't give a 300 word
speech in 3 seconds. :) So post what you need and I'll
adapt. Unali is still the leader so she can override
any plans or actions. If she wants to divide up to
take both sides of the cavern then she can.
I've removed some maps and added the Brain map. This
map is based on Unali's sketch on the sand. It should
be accurate aside from possible positions of people.
I've added the Brain cave location to the side view map
so can see where it is on a side view. If questions
let me know and can answer if vital over the weekend
if not Monday.
Someone needs to decide who will do the healing. Z'leyra
can heal single spells wise but Arawn may want to do
spells to cast fully. Keep in mind the mana report for
the number of healings done already. You will need to
let me know if you do NOT want to be healed.
I updated the mana report for the healing section only.
I listed some who have been healed already and show their
possible death chance. For exammple Lin has a high
chance but would want healing since he doesn't understand
the risk. You can use these factors in the chart to
decide on actions. If Light wounded may not need to
be healed. But it is your choice. If you need more
info like char sheets or how much hits you've lost let
me know.
The description on the world brain cave was given to
Unali at first. So it was done in her POV so a lot
of "yous" and such were changed to more generic terms.
Hope it makes sense.
GM: Ground level cleared. Stats are roughly as follows:
* 30 Vong Flyers, 3 still missing, 6 left ground and
3 were destroyed by the Living Earth.
* Vong Warriors - 24 in West and 42 in east
* Brigaders - 21 in West and 6 in East
* Enthralled human
* 1 Prisoner freed
GM: Spells active
Z'leyra - Orient Self, Invisibility
Will - Armor Transmutation
Inviso ends 32:16, OS ends 2:38 something.
* = Soon to end (next update?]. I may NOT post this
info unless I remember to do so. :)
----------------------------
Mount Side View -
Scale - 1 Column = 15 feet
1 Row = 50 feet North=wall facing screen
[Looking from one wall to the other wall. Toward North
wall with back to south wall. Looking east/west.]
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I### Fake Vong ceiling ###IA
I# #IB
I# #IC
I# #ID
I# #IE
I# #IFCave
Cave 1-> `# #`G<-#4
I# #IH
Cave 2-> `# #`I<-#5
I# #IJ
Cave 3-> `# World Brain--> #`K<-#6
I# #IL
I# #IM
I# @ <-Portal #IN
Mount I#T T#IO
Ground --?I#]A_A_A_A_A_A_A_A__________________V__V__V__V__V[#IP
I Y<X IQ
I Z IR
I = Rock wall, #=Vong ladder structure
` = Entrance to cave [open mostly]
_ = Rock floor (Row P) ground floor
A = Vong Bowl Home (10' high)
V = Vong flyer
T = Vong Tower (30' high)
],[=Base of Vong tower (wooden)
X = Rabbit Hole opening 30' wide below cavern to tunnels
Y = Tunnel of Treasure/Sentry cave (under ground floor)
Z = Pit/Lake caves below elevation of Treasure cave tunnel
1-6= Side caves on east/west walls
* World Brain cave
1 2 3 4
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%/ A %% = Rock Wall
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%\%%%%%\__ B
%%\__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \%%/ \__ C
%%/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \__/%%\__/ D
%%\__/ \__/ \__/ \__/S P**** \%%/ \__ E
%%V \__/ \VV/ \__/ \__/****_/%%\__/ F
,,,\__/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \**** \%%/ \__ G
]]]/ \__/ \__/ \__/P \__/ \_S/%%\__/ H
```\__/ \__/H \__/ \__/ \__/ \%%/ \__ I
%%V \__/ \H_/ \__/ @@@ / /__/%%\__/ J
%%\__/ \__/ \__/ \@@@@@ / \%%/ \__ K
%%/ \__/ \__/ \__/@@@@@ / \__/%%\__/ L
%%\__/ \__/VV\__/ \_@@@ / / \%%/ \__ M
%%/ \__/ \__/ \__/ \_/ \__/%%\__/ N
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%/ \__ O
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%\__/ P
1 2 3 4
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901
Portal - Center is L29 going diagonal bottom left to top right.
30' wide and 30' high shimmering portal
World Brain = @@ 25' by 20' wide. Tentacles are 15' long
* = Wooden Barrels
V = Vong Warrior [F4, J4, F14, F15, M14, M15]
H = Human Brigader [I14, J14]
S = Shaper [E26, H33]
P = Human Prisoner [E29, H23]
],'= Stairs ledge to stairs
As always if map messed up see website.
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