[pnpgm] Game update #24 - File #94 - Party moves north/first encounters..
pnpgm
pnpgm at softhome.net
Tue Jul 19 06:13:01 CEST 2005
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------
R3 Balrog................Balrog............Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
R4 Tom Crockett..........Caladan...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
R1 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
W2 Sergi Sallent.........Jordi.............Wizard..Normal/Elf Ma
R4 Tim Falkenberg........Malradh ben Kasha.Merc....Normal/Human Ma
R3 Wayne Richardson/Uji..Thig..............Sidh MU.Normal/Faerry Ma
Do Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Artist..Normal/Human Ma
R3 Orion (Paul Broman)...Trembyl...........Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W3 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
R3 Scott Adams...........Xian..............Wizard..Normal/Human Ma
W2 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
Animals: Ventrius/Pogo Thig's dogs, Firesnake of Caladan's,
Z'Leyra's Eagle, 2 Draft Horses, Wolf - Boyzdar
Game Web Site - For updates, files, links, etc.
<http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot/pbem/index.htm>http://users.cybermax.ne
t/~longshot/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at softhome.net
Game Update #24 in sequence (file #94]
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Admin notes: Thanks to Wout who seems to have a archived website
of my website (a mirror site) I was able to find the main page
(index.htm) for the old pbem. Its back. Also the red check mark
gif. So its back. Just leaves some intro posts 1) What is a
pbem/rpg? 2. What is P&P. I'm sure you guys know this already
:) 3. Summary - Adventure summary a big summary file of past
events. and 4. Timeline for adventure #2. Oh well. Nothing
critical to lose I guess. The last 2 were really support files.
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[Recap]
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar knows well that to ride uninvited through the middle
of another tribe's land is a good way to die very quickly.
So he votes for (1).
He's a little bored after learning sign language for 11 days
straight, so Ben'Dar will switch back to improving his
horsemanship skill and will give instruction to whomever
requests it.
Ben'Dar is very familiar with this type of country and has
pretty decent skill in plains survival, so he will take a
"point" position and scout ahead a bit as the party proceeds
on horseback. He will be watching for possible enemies,
ambushes, etc and will try to help the party avoid any
unplanned encounters with the Ser'manda people. Also, he will
keep his eyes open for safe places to sleep each night and also
keep a watch for good game trails to do a little hunting (which
might provide a nice change from travel rations for dinner!)
GM: Ack. But as for as hunting goes. Hunting on another tribe's
land is worse than traveling on it. :) Just keep that in mind.
-------------------------
From Jordi: [Re: Actions]
Being a little bit overconfident and reckless, Jordi will vote
for the shortest route. He believes the party is strong enough
to defeat any encounters it can have.
"I don't know if the four days will be vital or not. But, the
sooner the help arrives Caladan family, the better."
"Well, Ben'dar, my uncle is an elven King. He has three sons,
but two of them doesn't seem very interested in the crown; and
the third is too young, but he doesn't seem interested, also.
So, perhaps I end with the responsability of ruling my people.
I have learned a thing or two about humans and diplomacy, and
I have some useful contacts and friends here and there (Jordi
places a hand in Ben'dar shoulder and blinks), but one thing
I have discovered: this (and while saying this, Jordi unsheats
his sword) is vital for the security of a kingdom, be it small,
as my uncle's kingdom, or big, as Marentia. And another thing
I have discovered is that we can't afford to live isolated, in
our small kingdom, oblivious of the rest of the world. Sooner
or later, we will have to fight. On the defensive or in the
offensive. And I want to be ready when that happens, and I
want to be on the offensive, because in this way our lands and
people won't suffer. And yes, I have some ideas...but they are
still in a very early stage of development."
Jordi won't cast magic for the next days, hoping to recover
from the masive expendidure of mana he has made in the last
days.
"Well, a pity we can't continue in the barge... but perhaps
it will be better this way."
Jordi will train one day in horse archery, and another day
in horsemanship, and of course, he will keep teaching Ben'dar
(if he wishes) in Sign Language.
Once he has 75% mana, he will continue with his current magic
practices: cast a knowledge spell when he can, maximum El,
with a minimum El purification and luck spell, this time to
improve his concealing mist spell, and casting a foyson theft
spell, at minimum EL, every day that his mana level is 75%
or more.
GM: Ack. No magic. Alternate Archery/Horsemanship days. Ben'dar
isn't going to do sian language. Oh so you do some magic. Righto.
-------------------------
Post from Strie'bog: [Re: Actions/vote]
"While speed is desired, so to is safety, for we will be of
little help if we have to fight our way to Caladan's tribe.
Traveling by the river will be longer, but should ensure
that we arive in fit shape to be of aid."
Strie'bog will approach Z'leyra. "You have spoken of healing
herbs and plants. My mother showed me how to make a few salves
for massage, but little else. If you have time as we travel,
could I talk to you about the plants that can be used to help
the wounded or infirmed?"
Each night when it is safe, Strie'bog will entertain his
companions with song or story. If anyone wants to learn to
play, he will gladly teach.
GM: Ack. Learn Herbalism. Entertainment is always good a trip.
-------------------------
Post from Z'leyra: [Re: Actions/vote]
Z'leyra will offer "Any of you that wish to study herbs and
plants I would be happy to teach as we travel along. Some are
quite effective at helping heal wounds or diseases."
<She will switch from practicing shield skill to studying and
teaching Herbalist. She will keep her eyes open for NMIs.>
Z'leyra will throw her vote alongside Caladan's "Caladan is the
expert in knowing this area. I suggest we heed his advice as
to which route to take. He best knows how to balance the risk
and the need for speed."
GM: Ack. Herbalist skill.
-------------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar signs to Jordi, "So you are high-born among your
people? You will be a powerful leader among your people
someday, Jordi. And when that day comes, do not hesitate
to call upon me to ride with you!"
When the horseback-riding resumes, Ben'Dar comments to
Jordi, "Thank you for the instruction in sign language over
the past many days. I think it is a useful skill to have
in many situations that call for silent communication,
whether it be hunting, or battle. It would be good for
all our friends to learn it also."
GM: Jordi blushes but not because of what you said but you
sorta missed a word or two. It sorta turned o "ride
upon you.". But you realize the mistake and fix it. :)
-------------------------
From Jordi to Caladan:
"Excuse me, Caldadan, but I don't speak a word of your tongue,
and I think it will be good that some of us can speak with
your family. Do you mind if I cast a tongues spell on you? In
this way, I will be able to speak with your people."
GM: Caladan agrees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[With a clear majority of 9 out of 13 votes now in. The trip
is decided to go by the riverbank.]
GM: Skills and Spells decided. Chion didn't get spells from
you so will assume the basics you've been casting each day.
At encounters you can change your plans but this advenced
info just lets me keep easy book-keeping.
*** WARNING ***
GM: At this point things get tougher. As stated at the start
of this adventure I'm invoking more of the rule sets.
Specifically for combat (exhaustion, infection, etc.), magic
(more strict on use, movement, failures, etc.), and item damage
(armor and weapon damage). For the core group except for Rob
and Chris this will apply for you. But I MAY be a bit more
lenient on Chris/Rob since they have so few items as is and
are starting out. Just depends on situation. Keep in mind
I try not to kill off folks unless they do something stupid.
Walk across a 1 foot ledge over a lava tube. Don't blame me
if you fall in :) Seriously, combat may get a bit more bloody.
But don't let this deter your actions. Anything that happens
to your magic items, armor or weapons is not on purpose or out
of some evil GM thing. At least 99.9% of the time it will be
purely random. Unless a PC class villian is there he will
choose his targets. But if its a npc villian they will likely
randomly choose targets AND items to destroy. Same for monsters.
Just a disclaimer. :)
---------------------------------
GM: The following dialogue occurs not on any particular day
but will occur over the next few days travelling by the
river. It serves as setup for various things.
Trembyl: "Caladan, I've never been on the plains or met any
of your people besides you and Ben'dar. What do you plainsman
mainly do besides fight?"
Caladan: "The Zen'da tribes are hunters, herders and raiders.
Most tribes only hunt for their sole survival. Most have
a balance on the plains and a belief to keep that balance
so one particular animal group doesn't get destroyed fully.
Some on the fringes like the forest to the west or even
the mountain bordering tribes to the south may hunt to sell
in towns outside their lands for food or trade items. Many
of the central and eastern tribes are great herdsmen. We
have various herds like horses and cattle. In many regards
this is a new concept to our people. To some the number of
animals denotes power but also how viable the tribe may be
in its survival aspects...think of it like in some cultures
a family will have many kids to show how manly the head of
the family is...same concept. To our people horses are the
central animal to our life. We are all riders and so strong
horse collectives exist. This is likely why Ben'dar started
his ranch due to his personal experience. There are no
real sportsman hunters on the plains. We only kill for food
and their by products. Those who do otherwise may find themselves
in trouble. As to raiding we have been known to fight among
ourselves or outsiders for centuries. We've seen our share of
invasions like from the west. But in most cases we have never
lost much territory. In some regards the plains is both a great
source of materials for our life but also serves as a area where
outsiders know not to enter. We pretty much own the entire great
eastern plains."
Kasha: "How many are there in the tribes?"
Caladan: "The tribes are divided up into three main groups.
The Western tribes consist of 7 tribes and some estimate them
at about 120,000. The central 4 tribes have about 80,000.
The eastern 3 tribes have about 75,000. But there is no
civilized census so figures are estimates only. Some scholars
believe it ranges from 250-300,000. We have about 10-15 percent
of that as a warrior force."
Kasha: "That many warriors for such a large area...."
Caladan: "Yes. One could ride for days without seeing any
one in particular. Some tribes even move around at times
depending on grazing and food sources. My people tend to
stay in a few select places though."
Kasha: "Can one buy a good steppe horse here?"
Caladan: "Not buy. There is no use for coins on the plains.
We deal in barter and trade. Course fmaily connections also
help in that regard. The plains horses are the fastest
around in many lands. As a result they are highly prized."
Kasha: "I've heard rumors some tribes eat other...ahh..people?"
Caladan [Laughs then continues] "No. Though some border tribes
not of the Zen'da have been knwon to do such in the far north.
We are not that uncivilized. Shamans have a high station in
our culture as many worship animal spirits and forces. The
Zen'da are mainly nature oriented folk but not aot as bad
as some Druids. We believe in a balance with nature between
the lowest creature that crawls or flies to the great prey
birds in the sky like Z'leyra's eagle there. We are a very
simple down to earth folk who use this balance to its fullest."
Farseeker: "I know some of the details but it might be good
to get a run down on your leader chain of command?"
Caladan: "We have no organized military as Marentia. We have
tribal chiefs and war chiefs. If you hear someone say they
are a "Sha" they are a chief. The tribal chief would be
a "Ga'Sha." In some rare cases or in times of war a multitribal
chief may be needed. This would be the "Ho'ga'sha." These
multi-tribal chiefs must be fierce fighters with a good success
rate in battle. There is currently one such in the far west
in the Bra'mani tribes. Though I've never met him. Ben'dar
have you? Since you would be closer to those lands maybe
you've seen him? Maybe one day I will get to meet him."
Xian: "is there anything we should be worried about with customs
or laws of your people?"
Caladan: "Not much other than common sense. Best not to interfer
with a warrior or his items. Its a honro thing and if you
tarnish his honor it could be bad. Shamans usually determine
punishment from banishment to death. But overall most of our
people do not commit crimes like most civilized people do."
[He pauses then continues...]
"Unali, Thig and Jordi...you may have some problems. First many
of our people have never seen a faerry or a elf. Maybe those
in the west have. But in my area they have not. Best not
to wander around without either myself or Ben'dar to vouch
for you. Those who are not warriors really have little or
no rights in this land. This includes females. I..."
[He stops and turns his horse to face these 3 and others]
"I ..should have said something before on this matter. But
I didn't want to offend. As long as I speak for you there
should not be a problem. Just specifically you three should
keep things subdued when dealing with the people. This
includes the wizards of the group if you don't seem to be
a warrior."
Xian: "Great! I should have no problem and get tons of respect!"
Caladan: [Laughs] " Well...best not to get a 10 year old boy
angry he might knock youd down!" [he grins]
Xian: "Gee so much confidence in me. I've only died...or
came close to it...a few times! But hey so has Farseeker!"
Farseeker: "Yes but at least I took a few with me instead of
being hurt by a beggar1"
Xian: "That beggar in Sivas had bad breath. I only tripped
getting out of his way!"
Farseeker: "Yeah right!"
Caladan: "Well for the most part our people are honor oriented
so don't do anything that will hurt a person's honor and
everyone should do fine."
--------------------
Sepes 30, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[An hour later after the barge is long gone from sight Thig
quietly pulls up and whispers to the group. He does this
though out of hear shot from Ben'dar and Strie'bog. Ben'
dar is ahead scouting and Strie'bog is giving the wolf some
water. So he speaks to the core clima mission group.]
Thig: "Didn't want to mention this earlier. But that slug
creature that sunk the ship? Well its bad news. I spent
time with Kaylle doing research on clima after we got home.
Those things I recall seeing a picture in a book. They
are wood slugs found only in the lower world. They are used
by climan pirates to sink ships slowly after they raid them.
But the pirates get those slugs from the Priestess sect.
I don't think this is a far fetched connection."
Farseeker: "There was a rumor that some folks speaking climan
were in Cholchara which is pretty rare. Do you think we
are being chased?"
Thig: "Don't know. But they probably wanted to sink the
ship before getting to the plains. Even climans wouldn't
enter the plains without backup no matter how strong they
might be."
Kasha: "Bounty hunters or mercenaries might if the price
is good. but it would have to be a large group to take
us on and we'd see them coming for miles out here."
Farseeker: "I agree. So I think we can worry about that
when we return to Marentia."
Trembyl: "Think the crew was in it?"
Xian: "Likely not. They wouldn't get rid of their source
of living."
----------------------------------------------
Sepes 30, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[The rest of the time traveling that day finds the day
cool only in the high 60s as clouds roll in. A big
wind storm seems to keep going on the plains for hours
which makes lose things fly from people so they have
to hamper down and tie things stronger no horses.]
Sepes 31, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[Even though clouds leave the area and its sunny all day
the temperatures are still only in the high 60s all day.
At one point around mid afteroon a small cool drizzle
comes and goes as fast as it starts.]
Sepes 32, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[The temperature drops a few degrees in the mid 60s
when a few clouds roll in making it partly cloudy all
day. Around 10am a rain storm is seen in the distance.
This gives the group plenty of time to prepare. They
notice it has lightning and heavy rains. So the horses
are gathered around a small few low bushes and tents
are setup for people and gear. The rain storm finally
arrives 20 minutes later and lasts for a good half hour
as the plains get drenched.]
Sepes 33, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[The skies are all sunny for hours until about 2pm when
a quick rain storm approaches. The party avoids it
though when it moves through the area fast. The temperature
even gets as high as the low 80s today so its a bit warmer
finally.]
Sepes 34, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[Temperatures are moderate in the 70s today. A big haze
seems to blot the distance all day in the distance.]
Sepes 35, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[The day is dark and gray with overcast but warm in the
mid 70s. No adverse weather takes place though.]
[Around 2:15pm Ben'dar comes riding back and annouces
he finds some people ahead. The party slows down and
scans the river. In fact about a mile down the river
to the north and coming down is a small raft about
20x20 wide. On it are 6 people. At first those on
the raft don't spot the party then they do. Caladan
and Ben'dar recognizeds them as Zen'da.]
Xian: "Do Zen'da have boats as a normal rule?"
Caladan: "The Ser'manda may have a dozen or half that
many small rafts at any one time for transportation or
fishing as an example. My epople up river may have twice
that many..."
[Unali loans Caladan her spyglass. Caladan studies the
riders on the raft. Its not much use running away on the
plains as usually by the tiem you see someone they see you
since the plains are flat and one can see for miles in
some situations.]
Caladan: "Ahh...I see. Outcasts. The way they are dressed
and marked. Each carries a hair braid that denotes them
as a banished person. They must've done something to
be banished from their small tribe."
Xian: "Should we approach them? Where they going?"
Caladan: "Probably south down the river to find a camp.
They could be my people. its hard to tell at this distance.
I suggest we let them be. Outcasts seek honor. They may
just want to attack us to regain that honor. Six against
us is not good odds even if three of them appear to be
older females. They would know they have no chance. No.
Best let them be. They are likely scared of us and wish
to avoid us."
[Caladan suggests the party moves on but stays back from the
shore to give them space. The party moves on with a rear
guard and spotters setup. The raft goes by and leaves sight
of the party soon after down the fast river. A half hour
later the rear sentries report no sign of them. A few hours
later camp is setup that night.]
[At Camp...]
Trembyl: "Outcasts are common?"
Caladan: "No. In fact those are the first. But its one
thing to wear those beads which denote their shame. If
they take them off and are caught they could suffere further
punishment. When I was a boy I did hear of one warrior
who was banished to the south mountains but never saw him."
Xian: "So six could be?"
Caladan: "Likley the three men are warriors who shamed themselves
in battle or lost great honor. The local shaman probably
felt their family should suffer as well. Likely its just
that. I saw no children. So that's a good sign.
Sepes 36, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[The day is dreary again with overcast all day. ITs
cooler in the lower 60s. Three times that day drizzle
hits the party just enough to dampens clothing and gear.]
Sepes 36, in the 163rd Year [TH]
Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains
[Cool day so warm clothing is donned. A few clouds here
and there. For about 6 hours a wind storm blows pretty
hard blowing hair and clothing this way and that.]
[Around 9:36am. Eagle squaks and gets the attention of
the party. The horses stop and distance is scanned. Then
the party sees them riding toward them from the south. A
large group on horses. Coming fast in a surge of dust.
The party quickly groups up and tries to study the situation
fast. Caladan raises his hand to his head to get a better
view from the blazing sun's glare in the sky. A mile out
Caladan concentrates and then borrows Unali's spyglass after
she gets it out of her bag.]
Caladan: "From their markings they are Ser'manda. Not my
people. All seem to be warriors on fast horses. We
couldn't outrun them as a group. I better ride ahead
and see if i can talk to them first. Ben'dar if I
call you better ride up to me, ok?"
Trembyl: "Shouldn't we--"
[But caladan quickly rides off to meet the riders.
He makes quick speed and the riders all stop about half
a mile away. They slow down and close in within a
short distance. Caldan stops about 200 feet from the
party. The riders stop about 200 feet from him. Muffled
voices are heard in the distance. A single rider breaks
off and trots toward caladan.]
[The eagle flies toward the group and circles about 50 feet
above the group eyeing them. Z'leyra notices this with
great intrigue. One of the riders brings up a bow to the
sky but then another quickly subdues him and the rider lowers
his bow. Not a good sign. Though it could just be
a hunting instinct?]
[Unali hands the spyglass to Ben'dar. Ben'dar eyes the riders
and watches them carefully as the tension grows. Then Ben'dar's
eye jerks back to one rider. Ben'dar sits up in the saddle
fully and studies the rider. He recognizes him. ...he
was the one person on the raft a few days ago. But this time
hes not wearing an outcast braid. What could this mean?]
GM: By now the party has travelled almost 100 miles up the
river shoreline area. Ther eare about 11 riders. Some have
bows, scimitars and one or two may have a lance. Hard to
tell at this distance on details and some may be armored but
unsure.
Actions? Comments?
Next update Friday...
GM: Ok. Its past midnight here. So I've run out of time to
process spells. So I'm not sure of your mana counts at this
point. If you plan to use magic give me a day or two and
I'll try to do them and get a supplement update out on this
info or a private email. Otherwise plan your actions.
Longshot - ZC of AdventureNet International Echomail Network
Fringe BBS - EWOG II - 904-733-1721
Telegard / Allfix Beta Site
Website: http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot
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