[pnpgm] Game Update # 38 - File # 274 - A night in Ticasi City
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pnpgm at comcast.net
Tue Jan 12 06:17:44 CET 2016
`
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
R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma
W3R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at list.powersandperils.org (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #38 sequence (file #274)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Pyan: [Re: Actions]
Pyan will buy himself 38 days worth of Travel Rations when
we stop at a town.
GM: Ack. Will do. Don't forget you have more coin now. If want
to buy other stuff. Also don't be afraid to interact with
others - role play! At this point in Ticasi it might get
a bit boring for all but Z'leyra but there is plenty of
chances before and during. :) No one, including me, know
much about Pyan at this point. Nothing is stupd in this
game so don't fear saying the wrong thing.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Being familiar with Ticasi, Z'leyra will show the party the
ropes for dealing with the guards, storing weapons, (she will
offer to put a Ward on the weapon lockers we rent that will
inform her if the weapons are removed), getting the horses
stabled cheaply at a long term horse ranch and getting everyone
to a good inn that everyone can have rooms at.
Talking with the guards, stableboys and innkeeper she will find
out what political and other changes have occurred in Ticasi
since she left. In particular who is new on the council and who
is no longer on the council. Also she wants the latest gossip on
the family of metalsmiths that she suspects may have had a hand
in sabotaging her father's attempts to get on the council.
The next day she plans to approach any family friends or allies
of her father and grandfather, request that they arrange for
neutral witnesses who are competent magic casters and respected
by the council and have them meet the next day at the inn. She
will treat them to lunch, explain what she wishes to do and
take them to the site where her father's workshop burnt down.
There she plans to cast the spells necessary for an Akasha
spell to show (thru a tied in illusion spell established by a
Ward) what happened that night.
Ticasi background she explains to the party: The city has a bit
less than 20,000 folks. The countryside another 50+ thousand. It
was a city taken from the Kingdom of Ced by the Kingdom of
Salaq and upon urging by the king's sage was made into a
tax-exempt scholastic center. The Sage Armanthar was put in
charge and he established the Council of Scholars to rule after
his death. During a great plague the Council passed the Edict of
Respite, establishing a firm code of cleanliness and order,
banned wearing personal weapons in public, established curfews
and created the constabulary.
When Donara conquered Salaq, Ticasi accepted a Donaran resident
and began paying a yearly tribute. Donarans still being subject
to Ticasi law. Shortly thereafter a national Guard and Coastal
Patrol were also established. Outside of thee city the farms
tend to be large and well organized. TGicasi also has a large
fleet of fishing vessels. All faiths are tolerated unless they
practice 'dirty' rites. Avoid doing necromancy. Minor crimes
may carry a sentence of public service (cleaning the sewers and
such) or imprisonment, but major crimes carry a death sentence
that must be ratified by the Council (or it is changed to life
imprisonment). Note that carrying a concealed weapon IS a major
crime. Trials are very slow and strung out taking months or even
years.
Z'leyra explains that her grandfather and father had both been
metalcrafters of such skill that they had vied for and sometimes
won the metalcrafter's seat on the Council of Scholars though a
rival family of metalcrafters was most often in that seat. She
suspected that the theft of one masterwork and later the burning
down of her father's workshop with him in it might be traced to
their handy work. She intends to use the Akasha spell to find out.
GM: Ack. Good info.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet sees the prisoner die and grunts, thinking to himself that
said prisoner was lucky. He wasn't planning on being gentle.
Much later, Kiet looks at Z'leyra after her informational talk.
There was a great deal spoken of her intent and the situation
here in Ticasi, but not much else.
"What about the rest of us? Do you have needs or help from...
Kiet will turn over his javelins, swords (even the two magic
ones), and daggers, along with his shield and armor. He
suspects they will be unnecessary here. He will also take a
look at all of the horses to determine which are in need of
replacing. He will inform the owner of that horse as to their
condition.
I'll have more after think about actions.
GM: Ack. Yeah the prisoner was doomed once he hit the ground.
Using this Fringeworthy chart (great game and great set
of very realistic charts) on trauma I rolled the effects
and it was the whole rib into heart thing. No need to leave
armor/shield. Just weapons. But it will be fine to leave
but if change mind let me know by next update. Will assume
leave in locker. As to horses Kell replaced his in Eured
with a new one. Z'leyra never did or at least I've not
seen it so it might've died form Shiben to Ticasi. :<
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra introduces herself to the guards at the gate speaking
Salaqi "Hello, I am Z'leyra. I don't know if you remember...
When talking with the guards at the gate and putting her
various obvious weaponry into a large locker Z'leyra shows the
guards her healing kit and asks with a smile about whether
the knife in it is allowed or must be locked up. Also, is there
places to store armor aside from leaving it in one's room at
the inn? Then she asks about her staff mentioning that it is a
tool she uses for casting magic spells. Is it allowed, like
most objects it could be used as a weapon but it has a primary
purpose that is not that of being a weapon?
First asking permission of the guards she will cast (through
her staff) a Sidh Ward Pact EL0 with Sending EL0 to warn her
if the party's items are disturbed...The ward pact to dissolve
when all the items are gone.
Z'leyra asks that the party stay near at least until she has
determined if her suspicions about her family's rivals are
false or the situation has been dealt with. If correct they
would have incentive to shut her up and her safety would not
rank high in their priorities. Having tough, seasoned
adventurers around would do a lot to reduce the chance of
their trying something or of their succeeding against her if
they did try.
GM: Ack. You've still not let me know on the exhausted horse
thing covered a couple updates ago. :<
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet is happy to have finally reached the destination, and see
that it is, indeed, a civilized place to stay. The inn looks
quite comfortable, and he looks forward to some of that
comfort. He orders the finest warm meal they might have.
When Kiet retires for the evening, he will go then his many
things and sort out what he wishes to carry for the next few
days. He feels almost naked without his armor and weapons, but
knows full well he has other resources. He wasn't going to
announce to the world his magic, or the magic items he holds,
like Z'leyra did... nothing subtle about that girl!
As Kiet arranges things, he thinks about his next steps. He
wonders how much trouble Z might be in after foolishly a
nnouncing to the guards her identity. Sure, she might have
garnered good will a few years ago, but news of her arrival
almost certainly guarantees that her enemies, real or imaginary,
will be ready for her...and likely us too. So Kiet decides to
make his mana expenditures somewhat minimal. Using his silver
wand, Kiet quietly casts a maximum EL Purification for the
Knowledge spell, then casts Knowledge in order to improve his
understanding of the Delude Sight spell. Kiet would have loved
to cast some Sky Knowledge as well, but thinks it might be
wise to maintain a mana reserve for the coming days. He would
have liked to also have improved another spell he's been trying
to learn, but it wouldn't help until the return trip...at best.
Even this might not, but the chane is at least there. Also,
Kiet decides to use as much mana from his bracer as will be
practical for this casting. He reminds himself once again
that it will soon be time to improve its capacity and
capabilities.
Speaking of the trip, Kiet wonders what is next and if all
his companions (not to mention himself) will be returning.
Also, by what route. He doubts that they will decide to travel
that far and long again, but Kiet still hopes they all do.
Much was gained this way. Pyandalgor should be thrilled with
the results.
GM: Ack. Ticasi is a place where Magic is accepted after
all a school is there for it. I assume cast in the private
room you probably want for Inn. With old points and current
you learned the spell and now EL1. As to future travel who
knows that is a few months at least away. (our time)
------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Hills near Ticasi]
[Decalis 23rd, 1634TH]
[Time: 6:12 am]
Kell listens to Z'leyra explain a bit more about Ticasi
and her plans in the city.
Kiet wonders about what to do himself. "What about the rest
of us? Do you have needs or help from us for any of this, or
are we essentially on our own?"
Z'leyra reminds that she will need protecting if this metal
clan goes after her. Maybe the first day in town the others
can divide and explore but the second day at her old home
she may need folks there as witnesses as well.
Kell asks about this Akasha spell. "Seems interesting
how it works. But will your witnesses honor it or the
people in charge if you find out who killed him?"
The party finishes breakfast and mounts up ready to travel
the rest of the way to the city.
[Ticasi City]
[Time: 5:40 pm]
Finally at the gate, Z'leyra looks at the guards. It has
been a couple years but their uniform is slightly different.
The usual colorful gray tunic with purple striping and lapels
are the same. But the pants are now black instead of tan.
Maybe it is a winter uniform for the Constables. She
has known the Resident to make these changes on a whim if
bored like one year forcing Constables to wear ugly hats
with feathers. That did not go over well so it was soon
changed with great happiness from the guards.
These guards are holding polearms but have swords at
their their hips dressed in under clothing with a small
set of chainmail.
Kell is curious and asks, "if we remove our weapons why
do you guys have weapons?"
The second guard to the guard leaning against the wall
shrugs, "to protect the peace."
Z'leyra introduces herself to the guards at the gate speaking
Salaqi "Hello, I am Z'leyra. I don't know if you remember me. I
was a journeyman healer at the school and at the temple. I
helped heal a number of guards during my years of studies here.
These are my friends and companions that accompanied me from
Sivas in Marentia. It has been a long ride and we look forward
to getting to an inn and resting. Is the Quarter Moon Inn
still a fine place for a fair price?"
The four guards listen to Z'leyra but show little emotion.
Then the 3rd guard besides the leader whispers to one of the
guards. That guard nods but says nothing. Z'leyra figures
if she is known maybe it is the old prejudice coming back
as they can clearly see her drum a symbol of at most times
barbariaism.
The lead guard nods, "it is. But it has been renamed and
is still on Ecker street. Curfew starts at 11 unless you
have the ribbons of citizenship. Once inside the guard you
can store you weapons at the building on the right. The
closest stables are on Menares Drive but if want it by the
Inn then 2 blocks west of the Inn are some stables though
they charge a bit more."
Z'leyra asks about her knife in the satchel opening it
to one of the guards.
The guards shakes his head, "for that purpose we do not
take a Healing knife. We only take obvious weapons and
we do not search bags unless so ordered or we suspect
trouble." He glances at the horses and the bags. "Smuggling
is rarely done for weapons but for books. That is leaving
the city not entering. Random checks may be needed on
leaving the city to prevent theft."
Z'leyra asks about her armor.
"Armor is not needed in fact the storage facility is
tight as it is. Armor will cost a few extra bits more.
We suggest taking armor to the inn. You will be obvious
though as majority of folks except for us do not wear armor.
Since this is a place of learning no armor is needed."
Z'leyra asks about her staff showing it to the men
in her hand.
"That is a weapon. Wands are common but Staves are
subject to the rules. Exceptions are allowed by
the Councilman Ariestorn's office or one of the Magic
Department Professors. Usually for students who
need to work on them in school."
Z'leyra nods this is how it was and at the time she
had permission with her dad on the council. But now
it might be more difficult to obtain. When she left she
did not have her staff but she did adhere to the rules
on weapons even though some weapons for her learning was
allowed due to her dad.
As Z'leyra speaks, Arawn reads the wall which is full
of various things from tenants of the schools to major
historical times like the plaque. The writing in
Salaqi is well made as if by scribes than boys wanting
to deface a wall. It looks like from one wall section
that this is the year 1102 and looks like this culture
uses a lunar calendar. The Alfar does not understand
why each culture has their own systems of dating and
styles. In Marentia it is 1634 based on the Thaliban
system.
Z'leyra done speaking enters the gate with not much
notice from the guards.
Inside a guard directs the group to a large 4 story
building. Another rare thing for some cities is this
tall structure only a castle or government site might
be this tall in Sivas. Outside there are half a dozen
guards watching and waiting for shift changes. The
group ties up the horses and figures with this much
guards and Corona on the roof the horses and their
gear will be fine.
A boy comes out with a wagon and allows the party to
pile the weapons on the small sledge.
Arawn places his bow, quiver and sword on the wagon.
He places his elf shot arrows in his bag as they would
be best there not damaged.
Fremea places her own bow, dagger and swords. She
considers leaving a dagger under her dress. But the
guards watch wondering why this girl has a bow and
sword.
Kell unloads his daggers, swords, spears, and tulwar
onto the wagon which makes the boy stare wondering
what group this is to have one man using so many weapons.
Kiet places his javelin and daggers on the wagon and
smiles knowing that a man can be a weapon on his own.
Especially since his rings are still on his hands.
Pyan seems unsure of this whole thing but removes his
slings, bow, spears and dagger. He forgets to mention
he still has a sling in his bag.
Z'leyra places her great sword in sheath, swords, daggers,
slings and short sword on the wagon. She holds her staff
and will release it inside.
The last to disarm is Unali who stares at the others.
She begins to place dagger 1...2...3..4..5 on the wagon
making the boy wonder how many daggers this one has.
He quietly starts to count. Dagger 6, 7 and 8. Then
she places her sling on the wagon. She feels her belt
and feels naked at this event. This is not normal!
But she does seem to recall a dagger or two might be
in her bags and forgets to mention it.
Two guards come over to help the boy haul the wagon
through the large round entryway. Inside a man in
his 30s starts to take inventory of each item. Making
notes and taking names of ownership.
"This amount of weapons will need a caravan vault.
Third floor section D. Each vault will cost..." He
makes some mental math notes in his head after he
figures the total items. 5 copper per day. Since
you say you may be here a week or less can reserve
for that time. If you leave you may remove weapons
at any time. Since it is night you will need to pay
for today and tomorrow at the least. So at least 1
Silver Donaran." He waves a boy over and he reaches
in a bag and pulls out a ribbon. "This is for a week's
rental. On a small bits of papers he makes 5 copies
of the storage location given to the boy and the
owners, party leader and expenses.
[Time: 6:02 pm]
The guards and boy takes the wagon to the third floor
using a very rare thing called a lift-room. It is
a room that is magically lifted up and down. The magic
made must be great.
The guards stuff the weapons in the vault which is about
10 feet thick 5 feet tall (it is the top vault above
another) and 5 feet wide. The guards secure the
vault and take the wagon away. The boy gives Z'leyra
the key. "The Vault master has the only other key."
Then he leaves.
The Sidh look up and down the warehouse sized room
with side passages of other rooms. There must be
200-300 such vaults just on this floor. With all the
guards outside this is a pretty secure place. But
the Sidh do notice at least 2 magical locks or at
least wards of possible nature out of at least 85-90
easily seen. This encourages Z'leyra to cast her Ward
spell.
The party heads for the lift-room which is in use based
on a glowing magical orb. So the party decides to head
down by the stairs.
[Time: 6:05 pm]
Outside the party mounts up but Kell steps up to a guard.
"Why this curfew?"
"In order to maintain peace and order a night curfew
is in place. Exceptions do exist for students and
others. The Garrison on Mendev Road can furnish you
with ribbons to give those exceptions. Some will need
to be approved. If you are student you already have
a gold ribbon for some exceptions like at the labs
or libraries. But generally visitors will need to
be inside off the street by 11. In the summer it
maybe extended to midnight in some places."
"Do these ribbons cost?"
"Just a few bits for material."
"Why can't a person just get the material and make
their own?"
The guard reaches into his pocket to reveal a red
ribbon about the length of a quill. "they could but
we have ways to tell if they are real and current.
Fakes are rare and dealt with."
Arawn and Fremea eye the ribbon and see it gleam a bit
of magical energy. Probably not magical but probably
a short term material that can be detected. A clever
way to keep them in order. Maybe after a certain point
of time they dissolve?
Z'leyra watches Kell and already knows the answers
to these things but it is good to let the others
know. She herself had a gold and tan ribbon as
a student and citizen. She only had to replace
them every 3 months but she knows visitor ribbons
dissolve after only a week.
[Time: 6:09 pm]
As the party rides the people feel depleted not for the
long trip but for missing weapons and exposed. Their
bags and horses are even lighter. But some did forget
to mention weapons just in case.
Kell looks to Z'leyra, "for such a progressive city
and learning place why the curfew? I could see it
in Salaq but they didn't have one when we were there.
Those rebels all around. But why not a sunset curfew
if that. This Resident guy must be paranoid."
[Time: 6:13 pm]
The first stop is the garrison where ribbons are
obtained. Since the party are just visitors there
will be only given Gray Ribbons for 3 days. After
that they will need to get new ones. Gray ribbons
will allow school visits but not in given full access
to many places. Each college can furnish ribbons
for in-depth meetings.
Z'leyra pays the 12 Brass Bits for the ribbons.
Clearly the city is not making profits off this
operation.
The bored female clerk reminds, "should wear the
ribbons or have easy access to them if questioned
to show them. Failure to do so may result in arrest
for investigation."
[Time: 6:25 pm]
The party finds the stables but a passer by mentions
a ranch that is 5 streets north of there and it is cheaper.
So the party heads there. The ranch says is open corral
for 1 copper per horse per day. The barn room is smaller
but warmer and that's 2 copper per horse. It will include
a free grooming each day. Feed will be 8 Brass Bits per
horse per day.
"We have students working here from the Husbandry school
that gives me interns while they study the horses. It
makes things a bit cheaper here. Every three days a
Husbander Master will drop by to check horses and judge
how the kids are doing." The ranch steward speaks to
the group.
[Time: 6:36 pm]
Tired the party walks to the Inn and realizes they are
hungry. Some figure a tavern is in order but should
drop bags at the Inn first.
The street is reached and Z'leyra becomes confused. The
Inn is not here. No. Wait it is but its much bigger.
A sign above the door which was a quarter moon now shows
a bright white orb like a full moon.
Inside the clerk waves them forward, "welcome! Sign in
and please show ribbons." Z'leyra asks about the Inn.
"Yes we grew a bit. We bought the four shops to the
west of us and made more Inn rooms and expanded. Now
we are the Full Moon Inn." He Winks and watches as
people sign in. "Great. Yes we now have a tavern just
take that corridor there and to the right out back. It
is mostly used by Inn residents so not used by the
common person for the most part."
Rooms are found on the second floor on the east side
of the building which means sunrise will be brighter
here but darker at night. Bags are stored inside and
keys obtained. Z'leyra tips the boys who carried the
bags and notices one boy eyeing Unali. She smiles and
figures the boy is just curious about her bumps that
is on her empty belt holsters.
[Time: 7:02 pm]
The party sits down to a nice dinner. The cook explains
the chef is just graduated the cooking school 2nd best
in the class! Seafood and steaks are served as the
main course but the non-meat eaters like the salads which
come with a unique mushroom and spinach mix. Together
with soups it is a nice warm meal.
[Time: 8:12 pm]
Soon a Bard comes into the small tavern and sings some
songs on history and tales of adventure. The audience seems
to enjoy it as they get stuffed and drunk. The atmosphere
in this place is very subdued - some might even say civilized
than a normal bar.
[Time: 9:25 pm]
By now the tavern has gotten quiet and most other patrons
head to rooms, the small spa or the baths. Kell enjoys
a nice glass of Ba'ru Kondi Wine. "So day after tomorrow
we'll try to solve this murder. Rather I guess you will.
I'm sure we'll all be there. Do you need any of us to
join you tomorrow as you search for witnesses and gossip?"
Actions? Comments?
Next Update.....Friday...
GM: A good place to stop with 500 lines enough for now.
These next updates will be slower and smaller as we
move not as fast. Here is my plan this week I'll
cover the night above. Next we'll I'll cover the
next day for witnesses and such. The week after
I'll cover the things at the homestead to solve the
murder. This should give time for reactions and get
things done in the meantime. Course if there are
side trips ad such that may stall things longer
and I'm up for it. At this point there is no direction
or fast pace it is just going point to point.
I will assume all join Z'leyra at her home Dec 25.
But for Dec 24 I suppose you can join her or do whatever
you want as I'm not sure. If you want to explore
let me know. I've given a general outline above
of time.
GM: Let me know if you keep any particular weapons on
you. If you want to leave armor let me know else
I will assume you keep it on and with you. If
you did not specifically say to put weapons in
the vault I'll assume things were 'forgotten'
for bag items. So if you are very lawful then
you can include those as well but let me know
if you put THOSE items in the vault otherwise
I'll assume in your bags/probably on your person
hidden.
GM: Z'leyra - For Dec 24 Day finding witnesses, council
folks, etc. If you want to outline as much as
you want to do that day let me know. Visiting
friend of family, allies. Anything I may have
missed in this paragraph. Include dialogues
for possible generics if needed.
GM: City Expenses
Ranch - Horse feed per day - 8 BB per horse
Ranch - Open Corral per day- 1 CC per horse
Ranch - Warm Barn per day - 2 CC per horse
Vault - Initial Storage - 1 SC Donaran
Vault - Storage per day - 5 CC Donaran per day
Inn - Room - Common - 2 SC Donaran per night
Inn - Room - Private - 4 SC Donaran per night
Inn - Meals - 2 CC Donaran per meal
Inn - Spa/Bath - 1 CC per session
Let me know if you want to pay your own expenses and
if anything in particular. If any shopping is done
let me know as well. Who pays for what? If prefer
something better than above like better stables let
me know.
GM: I will be recycling the Mana report (Experience to blank it
out), advtime (food/notes. To clear and make both
reports better to read so if you need to see any
of that do so in next couple weeks. Once we start
the homestead stuff I'll do it.
GM: Believe it not we are only 25% done with the adventure.
Travel was a quarter. Once leave Ticasi it might be
half over If things go bad. Who knows might be 100%
by time end in the city. But I know most of the
time it will be a Z thing but I want to include
all other players who I'm open to working with folks
if you have ideas just let me know. I mean in terms
of action ideas you want to do. I suspect Dec 24
can be a explore day but Dec 25 may be a interesting
day in the end. :)
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