[pnpgm] Game Update #26 - File #191 - Party enters Thaliba City Camp

pnpgm pnpgm at comcast.net
Thu Nov 19 23:26:21 CET 2015


   HT Aliaver/Player    DS    Character Name    Type    Status/N;;tes  Sex
   -- -----------------------------------------------------------------
   R1.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid  .Normal/Alfar .. Ma
   --.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe
   R3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma
W2R2.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human  ..Ma
   R4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human  ..Fe
   W2.Julian.Draven.........Zabyra............Dancer..Normal/Human....Hu
   R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma
W3R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human  ..Fe
   R3 Npc...............YY..Trihs.Der.........Warrior.Normal/Human....Ma
   R3 Npc...............YY..Reddof Nonnac.....Warrior.Normal/Human....Ma
      Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra

       Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
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       Game Update #26 sequence (file #191)
       ----------------------------------------------------------------

       Admin Notes: None.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
       [Recap]

         From Unali: [Re: Sleep spells]
           Going to 1 hour sentry shifts for everyone would also solve
           this. There are 11 people in the party, so it would lead to
           sentry duty for two nights and then one night off.
         GM: Ack. That's a good plan.  Simple.  Guess I wasn't thinking
             of those lines.  So for the random factor I'd have to figure
             out which 3 are off duty.  I can work with that.  Thanks.

         From Kiet: [Re: actions]
           Kiet accepts the Conditions of Passage as stated by the
           sergeant. He also chuckles about the sign by the road after
           one of the others reads it.  Kiet isn't a citizen of Marentia.
           Still, he has no desire to upset the sweetmeat cart.
         GM: Ack.

         From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
           Arawn wished the goblin a swift and merciful death, a far
           cry from what the goblin would have done were the tables turned,
           and spoke up to ask for this when the prisoner was led to the
           horses. But it was too late and all he could do was turn away
           and pray for a quick passing as the horses hooves grew slick
           with the goblin's blood.

           Afterwards he helped to haul the body along with some of
           the other corpses toward the patch of vegetation animated by
           his spell. The Carrion Vines would slowly consume the goblin
           remains  and use the energy to rejuvenate the winter wood, the
           remainder serving as much needed food for the animals of the
           forest. He gave a prayer of thanks alongside one to see the
           goblins spirits swiftly moved on. It would not do to have their
           souls haunt this patch of wood and he hoped that the afterlife
           would provide them the means to purify their being.
           ----
           [Time:  2:07 pm]

           After the guard's proclamation Arawn asked,
           "You said the Tilini allow travel through their lands....

           OOC:
             - Arawn will speak the declaration and pay his share of the
               toll unless someone else decides to pay for everyone. If
               no one offers to pay then Arawn will cover the entire toll
               for the party.
             - As Kiet has brought it up, does anyone want to use the
               magical sword for now?
         GM: Ack. The horses were freaked out so this was what they
             as the 'team' could do.  It was a fitting revenge for them
             and I think Kiet would've seen that since he had 2 horses.
             Wow.  Ok.  So the prayer I can see the priest thing.  But
             the mercy for the goblin when they are pretty much the
             vile enemies of Elves?  That is a bit surprising.  But
             I guess that's why your a pc not npc. :)  Course don't
             forget parents may be looking if they see softness...just
             something to consider.  Problem with doing a multi-class
             character.

         From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
           [Sorry about not posting as much as I should. As the time I am
           most likely to think of something to post is just after reading
           the update I have a quandary...as proofreader I get first sight
           of the updates and I have an unfair ability to post first. I
           have gotten flack for posting just after the update has come
           out. If I delay I forget what I might have posted.]

           [BTW for future reference Z'leyra will ALWAYS cast thru her
           staff if trying to overcome the MDV of someone resisting her
           spell.]

           Z'leyra would have wanted to use the necklace to learn the
           Goblin tongue. being able to understand them,and perhaps
           communicate with them without having to resort to communicate
           spells might be useful in the future.

           Z'leyra will examine the magical sword in her professional
           interest as a weaponsmith and enchanter but will not want to
           keep it and will readily assent to any party member keeping
           it if they ask for it. If none do it will eventually be sold
           in a city and the loot shared.

           Z'leyra asks Corona to scout about for any sign of a goblin
           camp.

           As far as Guard Duty goes. Using magic like Watchful Sleep is
           in some ways better and other ways worse than taking turns to
           be on Guard Duty. The advantages of being alert to basically
           everything within a decent radius and being able to instantly
           wake at the first sign of threat within that radius are
           balanced by the ability of those on Guard Duty to have armor
           on, to be cognizant of threats beyond a limited radius and the
           ability to feed the fire if we have one. One downside to being
           on Guard Duty is that those with low Survival skills in the
           terrain and low Empathy are likely to miss threats sneaking up
           until they are REALLY close. Z'leyra does not mind taking her
           turns at Guard Duty, but feels that we should always have at
           least one of those using magic to have the advantage for the
           party that the spells provide. She will be fine with whatever
           rotation allows this.

           Z'leyra pays the tolls for the party. She tells the party
           that only under extraordinary circumstances should any even
           consider putting even a toe off the road till we reach Zarun.
           We can leave now or later depending on how the party feels.
           She suggests now would work for her, but will abide a majority
           decision.

           As far as healing skill goes, Z'leyra considers herself a
           Master Healer and is more concerned with teaching the skill
           than in using it herself. She will readily teach or use the
           skills herself whenever needed. She is only journeyman level
           with the magical arts of healing and as someone with the most
           mana available will be ready to use healing spells whenever
           appropriate. But not knowing the mass healing spells she steps
           aside for those that do when those spells are needed.
         GM: Ack. I do apprciate you finding the errors the Dwarves make.
             I don't care when you post just as long as I post my
             update first.  For continuity issues only.  Best not
             the party find out you all died from a dragon when I've
             not posted that yet.   Once it goes out then your free
             to post anytime.  If you want to do the necklace for goblin
             that is fine.  Just checked it has been free for a day of not
             being used.  I can allow it as a retro action but the necklace
             will have to be cleaned by soap and a good water source after
             due to the stint and grime of the creature as warned.  This
             might seep into your gear as well.  The actual camp is 8 miles
             south.  So corona would not have found it in a brief search
             at night.  WS is great.  But actually Arawn's sleep sight is
             better. The trees warn more than just a threat.  For example a
             army of 500 approaches the camp with no intent of attacking.
             They surround and close in.  WS will never alert since it
             deems no threat.  But the SS would.  So WS is easy to trick
             with the 'threat' thing.  The army with no initial threat
             could simply inquire if you are X and then change their
             intent.  So the whole 'threat' thing is easy to get around.
             A thief with great magic could bypass it as well.  No threat
             but just to steal.  So a walking sentry is best to at least
             try to stop those things.  The vote to leave would delay
             things a week or so. So will go with yourview in chat to
             leave now. :) Ok.  Good now we have a sop for healing.  So
             you teach but unless critical no skill or magic use. Giving
             Arawn or Fremea that instead.  That works.  Thanks.  Wow.
             I think this is the longest post you've made in 16 years. :)
             Congrats! j/k  Ok.  After chatting with you I forgot you
             would wear the necklace.  So that's fine.

         From Arawn: [Re: Sleep spells]
           Regarding Watchful Sleep type spells and guard duty, I'm
           fine with Alex/Z'leyra's and Wout/Unali's suggestions - at
           least one Watchful Sleep/Sleep Sight spell up each night,
           rotating each night, and with each person doing a 1 hour watch
           each night with the 3rd night free from duty. But I'll adapt
           to whatever makes the most sense and is easiest on everyone.

           Alex, I'm good with you posting whenever you like as I can
           adapt if time runs short on adjusting things through RP. But
           if you choose to delay, maybe you can jot down your plans/
           thoughts and save them in a draft so you can refer to them when
           you're ready to post. My days are usually crazy so I often have
           to do that so I don't forget my plans when I can finally find
           the time to type up an actual post.

           Also, during the next IBT, if Z'leyra's interested, Arawn
           could take some time to teach her the Healing Mist spell as I
           can't imagine Sidh and Shamanic views to be so different as to
           prevent this (unless Scott alerts us otherwise).
         GM: Ack.  To be fair when I post the updates on Monday it
             is often late 1-3 am EST.  He is in PST but even
             so it might be distracting to proof and read.  I offered
             to have him just read and go with the dwarf mistakes.  As
             to notes I've tried for over a decade.  Unlike you who
             can recall things 3 years ago :) he doesn't do notes.
             But since we are in chat that is a good trade off.

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

           [Western Marentia - Forest]
           [Decalis 1st, 1634TH]

           [Time: 4:57 am]

             Before Arawn questions the captured goblin.  Z'leyra wears
           her necklace and starts to ask the creature questions.  It
           doesn't take long to hear spitting and gnarling.  Bits and
           pieces are gathered without knowing the language.  Obvious
           hatred for the Elves.  As Arawn starts to ask his questions
           using his own subtle threats to get answers Z'leyra activates
           the necklace.

             Z'leyra starts to hear the words and removes the necklace
           with full understanding of the creature including the threats
           of what he would do to the females and horses.

           [Time: 2:07 pm]

             After the guard's proclamation Arawn asked,  'You said the
           Tilini allow travel through their lands. Do you mean to say that
           it's safe to journey off the road in their lands with their
           permission? Or just that they won't attack us if we encounter
           them?"

             The lead guard looks to the trees as if to how to phrase
           his answer.  The ministry says only answer such things if
           directly asked not to give out freely.  After all it would
           prevent tourism and trade in this area and into the nation.
           He shifts from foot to foot clearly nervous.  "They only
           allow road travel.  The Golden Guard pays them a tribute to
           allow this.  There have been some cases where the tribute
           is late or they don't care and can attack.  This is rare.
           But they will also be friendly and ask for food and drink
           if they are need.  You must remain on the road even if
           they allow passage off the road.  We just can't trust their
           own judgement.  I don't see any animals in your group which
           is good aside from the horses.  At the camp you can buy stakes
           to keep the horses in place in the center of the road.  Most
           who travel never travel at night since it is dangerous unless
           it is critical like a messenger.  So being in the center of
           the road should be safe.  It has been over a year since I've
           heard of any incidents from the tribe.  So as long as you stay
           in the road your fine.  You are free to defend yourself but
           I would not be hostile if you see them in the forest.  They
           are always looking from the shadows of the forest."

             "Dogs tend to be the worst for caravans.  They are always
           curious and run off.  So most make the mistake of chasing
           after and that's that."

             Arawn begins to dig in his pouch for coin when Z'leyra
           stops him.  She already has the coins out and pays the
           guard for the group almost 9 silver.  Being leader and this
           being her mission she feels the need to do things like this
           even for the strangers.

             The cousins whisper at the wealth the party seems to have
           and are happy to be in this group.

             The guard goes to each person and asks for the required
           speech to ensure all acknowledge the risks.  When it comes
           to Fremea he looks to Arawn.  "Can she understand these
           things we ask?  We normally have kids over 8 or so speak
           the words but we know even teens don't really comprehend the
           words as they are more careless."  Arawn nods and Fremea scowls.

             Then Fremea and the others give their words to pass into
           the new nation.

             Z'leyra considers leaving or staying.  This would be the
           last day likely they can spread out and sleep except for
           the Thaliban City Camp.  But time is critical.  In less
           than a month they still need to get to Ticasi.  But in the
           end she decides to leave now.  She waits a bit and allows
           the party to stretch and horses to graze.

           [Time: 2:30 pm]

             The party mounts up and starts to leave.  The guard gives
           farewell and Kell wonders where all the toll coins go.  He
           suspects at a given day this site could take in 10 gold.  That
           makes it a place for bandits to raid.  With a dozen guards
           he hopes they can hold the place.  He suspects a messenger
           will fetch and deliver the gold each day to the east.

           [Time: 2:33 pm]

             The plains are wide open now leaving the forest into the bright
           sunshine.  Almost 20 miles west is the camp.  But in only 4
           hours the sun will be down.

             As the party moves west they pass folks in both directions.
           Some ask questions about the travel but they seem to say the
           same thing keep to the road.  Coming west to east though they
           warn the camp is highway robbery in civilized form.  The tolls
           and prices of items are high.

           [Time: 6:18 pm]

             It has already gotten dark.  The party makes a very small
           camp on the road.  Here the rules are not enforced about
           the road.  But unofficial rules say to stay on the road
           even here where there are no tribes.  The group might be
           able to sleep off the road here with less an issue but
           regardless the party makes a camp.  Those who speak the
           horse tongue warn the horses over and over to stay put.

           [Time: 7:02 pm]

             After tents are put up there is no campfire as the group
           needs to ensure the rules on that.  Plus getting wood is
           against the rules.  Magic fire could've been used but still
           need wood to burn.

             Kell looks around, "anyone been in this land? I've not."

             Trihs answers for himself and his cousin, "we have been
           through to get to Porta but never north through the tribes.
           Reddof had a bit of a tricky night at a Porta tavern."

             Reddof elbows his cousin and grimaces not wanting to go
           into details.


                                         ----------

           [Eastern Thaliba - Plains]
           [Decalis 2nd, 1634TH]

           [Time: 5:58 am]

             Kell and Pyan wake up the group not wanting to get riders
           passing through group so the camp is broken fast just
           as twilight is seen on the horizon.

             A quick set of rations are ate and the party mounts up.  The day
           all day is overcast with gray skies maybe a omen what to come.
           The morning camp was freezing but by mid afternoon the ride
           warms up nicely.  The temperatures range from a brief 27 to
           81 degrees as the wild fall climate changes.

           [Time: 11:22 am]

             The party finally sees a large field at a curve in the road.
           By now the temperature has risen to the 70s not so hot but
           not so cool.

             The field looks like a carnival ground or large field with
           dozens and dozens of caravans.  There must be something like
           200-250 people in various states of camp.  By this time there
           are only a handful of tents.  There are a half dozen small
           structures that look like given a strong wind would blow over.
           Clearly meant to be short term at the whim of the Golden Guard.

             There are signs all over the perimeter in about 8 various
           languages warning not to go off the camp grounds.  The camp
           grounds are surrounded by a simple wooden one tier fence.  Guards
           in gray uniforms with a gold shoulder patch and a gold diamond
           on the heart patrol the outside.  There are maybe 30 or 40
           guards mostly on foot but some on horses.  Most guards carry
           swords or a polearm.  Some on horses have heavy crossbows
           including the expensive Arbalests.   Most guards look bored
           and restless but do not seem hostile.

             Inside the camp which is maybe a mile in diameter are various
           people from a half dozen nations mostly local nations around
           the Sea of Tears. They speak in some tongues folks don't seem
           to understand.  To Pyan and Zabyra this is a wild experience
           and they clearly look like tourists looking around.

           [Time: 11:25 am]

             At the makeshift wooden gate on the eastern side of the
           camp there are guards letting folks in after dealing with
           them and letting those travel to Marentia.

             When the party reaches the half dozen guards the leader
           approaches and speaks in Marentian, assuming the party is
           from there.  "To stay at the camp it is 2 copper per night
           per person.  Once you leave we charge a one time fee for
           the road use.  It is 36 copper for the 180 or so miles to
           the border into Zarun."  He drones out as if repeating
           this boring speech for hours on end.  "That is only a 2
           copper charge for every 10 miles.  Since this may be 5-7
           days travel we charge the 36 per person and 14 copper for
           the horses.  Since it is the off season we have reduced
           the horse fees.  Must pay now or turn back."  Before he
           takes any money he goes over the rules of the north.  The
           rules of no one is allowed into the City which is walled
           in only a few miles to the southwest.  Anyone entering
           that city will be executed on the spot.

             Kell grumbles to himself.  Five silver per person?  That
           is indeed way too high.  But the party is obligated to
           pay.  This is how the Thalibans make their money.  Taking
           those 3 horses to Zara instead of selling t the roadside
           inn might've been a costly mistake.

             As Kell does the math Trihs speaks up, "we'll pay the fee
           ourselves."  He looks to Z'leyra and looks like he rather
           pay this time.  He digs in their bag for their share.  Then
           pays the 1 gold.

             Kell nods and agrees with Red Shirt.  "I as well."  He
           pays the guard the 5 silver.

             Z'leyra does the math leaving 7 people at 36 copper each
           and 11 horses at 14 copper.  She figures that is around 406
           copper or a bit over 4 gold for the rest.  She wonders if
           the gangs from Porta have moved up here to overcharge the
           caravans.

             The guard continues, "we do have passes for frequent
           caravans you can buy for a full year.  This gives you a
           25% discount for all future fees for that year.  But
           in order to get the pass must pay today's fees and then
           you can get the pass from inside.  But since this is the
           last month the pass will be worthless in weeks.  So we
           suggest getting a pass for next year if you come and
           go from this area."  He smiles and Kell wonders if the
           guy has an invisible dagger that stabs him in the heart.
           Bandits will just kill you but not smile when they do so.

             "You can buy some basic supplies. We suggest the stakes
           to keep the horses in place.  Buy food and drink.  Since
           you have no wagon you will not be able to collect wood
           or risk attack.  So you can buy wood as well.  Also grain
           but our hay supplies are a bit low this week."

             Kell wonders how much they will charge for those things.


           Actions?  Comments?

           Next Update.....Monday...

           GM: Computer problems seem fixed.  Sunday computer was rebooting
               on me a few times.  By 1am or so Tuesday morning (just
               placed update on website) it started to reboot over and
               over.  Could not boot up but had warned Alex about it so
               was lucky there.  After going back and forth (25 min
               ride sigh each way) to shop Tue/Wed we replaced the graphics
               card as it seems it died.  But the first card on Tue
               was awfully slow.  I get home and test in Diablo 3.  Well
               it was back on Dialup days.  S went back Wednesday and
               got a even better card than older first card.  First time
               said could not test 'we don't allow games played here'.
               So Wednesday the tech allowed me to look at computer and
               even test the game.  It was fine.  So far so good.  Knock
               on wood.  So we continue.  Sadly all this time back and
               forth and working on it took 2 days off of p&p.  I had hoped
               to update character sheet and figure out mana but did not.
               But I wanted to get this out for you guys so it is a small
               update for now.

               However check out the Adventure Timeline link.  I updated
               the timeline, food and IBT skills.  IBT results are there
               with any EL changes.  IF you need to change IBT for next
               leg of trip let me know.  Things like Herbalism will be
               impossible as you leave the road.  So it needs to be
               done on horse or camp for the tribal areas.

               What to do in the Camp?  Arawn and Zabyra ran out of personal
               food so had to borrow from Unali rations.  So it shows
               negative numbers in the timeline file.  The last number
               after total for the 10 days shows how much FP left for
               each person.  Unali has enough but everyone else does not.
               I will assume you buy rations.  But the issue of food
               for the horses and carrying that weight will be a issue.
               Since no grazing past this point for 160 miles it will
               be a bit hard.  So you guys need to figure that out.  There
               are options like a wagon rental and other things but
               as GM will not spoil those solutions. :)

               Timeline below for the 6 days is a estimate.  At 30 miles
               per day on road.  If get food that may slow things down
               if lots of grain.  If no food is gained could enter Zara
               by Dec 8 morning.

              So up to current time there are only like 52 FP rations
              in the entire party.  Need around 30 FP per day I estimate.
              For horses around 52-55 FP per day.  There is NO grain
              left for any party members by time get to Camp.   Horses
              did well on grazing and food but 3 were so so and may
              be more hungry or exhausted.

              I assume the fees will be paid.  Each person can pay
              their share let us know asap before Z'leyra decides
              to pay it.

              Typical supply costs in Camp
                 Stake for Horses       2 BB per horse
                 Rations                3-4 BB per ration per person
                 Grain (10 lb-10 fp)    3-4 CC per bag
                 Cart Rental            5 CC per day
                 Small Wagon            1 SC per day
                 Wagon                  6 SC per day
                 Wood (5 logs)          3 BB

                 Prices vary depending on haggling and merchant if Thaliban
                 or non-Thaliban.  Rentals are paid up front and
                 rentals given up at border.  I can't find the wagon portage
                 values yet but I can if one is rented.

           GM: Schedule of Events

                 Friday/Saturday work a bit on more p&P details
                 Saturday generate next set of encounters
                 Saturday - Rough draft of new update
                 Monday - Noon finish next update
                 Thursday/Friday - Not sure yet.

                 Not sure if there will be a Friday update since it
                 is Thanksgiving.  I figure folks will be out of
                 town and/or busy.  So if none show up don't be
                 worried.  Soon I will need to take a couple days
                 and use Amazon for my next set of books and possible
                 gifts.  That may be done after Thanksgiving.  But
                 if so I may not have time to do 2 updates then.  We
                 shall see.

                 If you read the basic P&P mailing list you are aware
                 I'm working on v2 monster files for new encounter
                 charts.  I'll probably still use v1 data for the
                 3hird leg of travel but fourth we may see a bunch
                 of new critters.  :)  Stay tuned.

           GM: Files updated on site.
                * Language - Unali/Z'leyra changes
                * Adventure 7 Timeline - Food, IBT, etc
                * Mana File - Experience, Mana, Health, etc
                  Updated all but Arawn's Mana.

           GM: Arawn - Email sent on other stuff.  I'm not current on
                 your mana levels.  I need to know if you will be
                 casting any more spells up to this point.  Once I
                 do I can figure out this stuff.  So the mana
                 chart for you is wrong.

               Fremea - Flying into the forest if seen can be dangerous.
                 Just a FYI.  If you need to change herbalist to a different
                 skill let me know.  No Knowledge spell as was cast
                 recently just the luck.  At 92% of mana due to the luck
                 spells.  But still strong.  I assume you will not fly
                 off to find herbs? If so will be quickly back to normal
                 magic wise.  If you do or at night let me know.

               Zabyra - Sword is now learned and EL1.  You could use
                 the magical goblin sword if you want it.  Did you
                 want to continue Sword as IBT?  IF you or others do
                 not want it then it will be sold in Zara.

               Pyan - You got more Marentian so now around EL27 if
                 I recall so doing well.  Can handle normal conversations
                 well at this point.

               Z'leyra - You said in chat will not stay in camp so
                 no fees paid for that.  They'll make a note of this
                 and give you a colored slip to denote what day you
                 were in camp (even same day).  It is 11:30 so I
                 assume you may want to do shopping and leave
                 around 2pm?  Giving 2 hours of shopping.  I assume
                 this as timeline below if need to leave sooner or
                 later let me know.

           GM: Treasure

               Goblin - Not sold yet
                 Goblin King Magical Sword - 1  [Who Wants?]
                 Fighting Daggers          - 8
                 Clubs                     - 7
                 Swords                    - 29
               Bandit - Not sold yet
                 3 Riding Horse IIIs
               Kept for Group
                 2 2 Man Tents & Gear
                 1 Gold Ring estimated value 2 gold?
                 Cooking/Bedding Materials (Blankets, etc)
                 32 Travel Rations

           GM: Third Leg of Travel Thaliba City to Zara City

               * Completed Journey

                 Location/Terrain       Miles     Day
                 Thaliban Camp            -     Dec 2
                 Leave Thaliban Camp      -     Dec 2 2pm
                 Forest (N/NW)          100     Dec 2 - Dec 5
                 Forest (West)           80     Dec 5 - Dec 7 ~10am
                 Plains (West)           40     Dec 7 - Dec 8
                 Enter Zara City          -     Dec 8

                 Notice there are no towns/villages/inns between camp
                 and of Forest.  The last 40 miles there might be
                 a small place.








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