[pnpgm] Game update #47 - File #190 - A shotgun wedding?

pnpgm pnpgm at softhome.net
Fri Oct 21 07:02:00 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
       6 Captured Zen'da Horses
              
     Game Web Site - For updates, files, links, etc.
    
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t/~longshot/pbem/index.htm

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     Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at softhome.net
                        
     Game Update #47 in sequence (file #190]
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
      
     Admin notes: Well.  I was asked by Jordi to freeze the game so
     did.  But in fact was waiting on his and Ben'dar's replies before
     doing the update on Monday.  So it worked out.  Now got it and
     a deluge of others.  Bunch of them.  So bear with me.  Anyways,
     just a hurricane update. This Wilma Hurricane is the most intense
     in history spanning a track that puts it in a 1,500 mile arc
     anywhere.  If it heads my way (NE florida, which isn't too likely
     by typical hurricanes) there might not be a monday update.  So
     just letting you know.  I'm not really worried.  
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Jordi: [Re: Test actions]
          (OOC: Keep in mind that Jordi doesn't know a word about the
           other tests people have taken, their results, their outcome,
           the wounds they have sustained or the general behaviour of
           the tribe; he only knows Cetric poisoned the party, after
           offering hospitaly to the party; and he knows nobody in
           the tribe did nothing to avoid it.  So, his opinion of the
           tribe is not a good one, to say the least.)

          Jordi listens with attention Cetric's words, and Caladan
          replies.  He feels he has just completed the first -and
          easiest- part of the test; now comes the second one; and he
          thinks it will be the most challenging; and perhaps death
          awaits him if he fails; plus, as this is an affair related
          with knowledge of local customs and affairs, Jordi is
          severely handicaped.   However, this is what he has been
          trained for.
        
          Jordi begins to talk, in a voice loud enough so the rest of
          the tribe can hear him.

          "First of all, Cetric and Caladan, greetings from Enoz. To
           continue, Cetric, this haven't been a test.  Because there
           must be a chance for the person doing the test to do it if
           it's a test; if there isn't a chance, then, it's not a test,
           it's something doomed to failure.  I don't know how to call it.

           As you know, because you're a learned man, the spirits teach
           you, we elves are monogamous.  And you know very well that
           ('m married, because Ben'dar explained our adventures in the
           party, and spoke about Neva, my wife, and how he helped
           Caladan and the others to rescue me.  I remember very well
           that you spent all the party time listening.

           (OOC: Ben'dar explained our adventures in the great feast that
            the tribe threw to receive us, so for sure Neva was mentioned,
            as Jordi's wedding -people mentions weddings in which a King
            attends, I imagine.)

           So, as Caladan introduced me as a diplomat, you knew full well
           when you proposed your "trade" test that I was going to be
           elected by Caladan.  And you knew very well the end result:
           as we came here in peace to help you, and Enoz is a wise man,
           I was going to succeed, because you also know that, as I
           don't know your customs or laws, I will be tricked,
           believing I was going to buy an exquisite eagle, when in
           fact I was getting a wife; and Enoz doesn't know I'm married,
           so he won't object.

           Congratulations, Cetric; I'm unable to complete your assignement
           -because it wasn't a test, as I explained earlier, I didn't
           have a chance to complete it-; you have dishonored and hurted
           your family -because I imagine that the end result will bring
           dishonour and pain to your family- and now, I will leave this
           lands; but, be warned: every evil action has its own reward.
           The pity is that you won't pay the cost alone."

           Jordi won't say the rest that he's thinking: that, except for
           Caladan, the rest of the tribe deserves everything fate
           throws at them.  People who allow themselves to be ruled by
           such a monster deserve it.
         
           Jordi will turn to face Jolcz.  There is pity in his face and
           in his words.  He is hurting people he likes:

           "I'm sorry to hurt you and your family, it wasn't my intention;
            but I love my wife, and I can't marry you. I'm sorry for you
            and for your family.   I now realize why your family doesn't
            live with the tribe."

            After that, Jordi will speak with Caladan:

            (In Marentian, and in a whisper):
            "I will camp one mile away, in the river direction.  We can
             meet there, with the rest, and decide what to do."

            As Jordi carried all his equipment, he will left the tribe
            after that, going to the meeting point.
            (OOC: I hope this is worth the delay...)
        GM: Ack.  It was clear though that actually only a few knew
          Cetric's plan to poison.  If you were knocked out right
          away though you'd have not noiced this.   Correct Neva
          was likely mentioned in passing.  Whether Cetric heard it
          or not your not 100% sure but chances are high.  Keep in mind
          only one person has acted like Cetric.  Even the warriors
          riding against Ben'dar got respect for him.  But as you said
          you don't know the results of that so your acting in full
          character (which is good).  Thanks.  

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

        From Chion: [Re: Actions/Comments]
          Chion will chime his two cents in. "Ah, but you see Jordi,
          you have been given the gift and -returned- with it. The gift
          is NOT the marriage, but the -offering- of one's a daughter
          in marriage. Which was done and -returned- with you here. It
          is understandable why you cannot marry another. But -you have
          returned with the gift- as the test required. Even if it must
          be relinquished due to your prior marital status."

          He'll wait to see if it sinks in to Cetric's little brain...
          smiling all the while...

          And he's thinking as well "Good thing you didn't know what
          the heck you were doing old chap..."
        GM: Ack.  :)  Very good.

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

        From Ben'dar to Jordi: [Re: Reply]
          Ben'Dar nods in agreement to this, folding his arms across
          his chest and looking sternly at Cetric.  "He has passed
          this test as few others could have."
          Glancing at Jordi, Ben'Dar says, "Hold friend.  You need go
          nowhere.  You have gained the most prized gifts of those
          people, whether or not you choose to keep them."
        GM: Ack.  :)

        From Ben'dar: [Re: Race Actions]
          Ben'Dar glares at Al'boc as the pain lances through his arm.
          His fists clench as does his jaw, and he contemplates beating
          the man into unconsciousness again.  However, the man's
          reconciliatory words melt through the red haze of his anger
          and Ben'Dar unscrunches his face and slowly a grin spreads
          itself across his ruddy features. "After all, Al'boc got the
          worst of it out there!" Ben'Dar thinks to himself with a
          wicked grin.

          Out loud, he says boisterously, "No, we are even now.  Well
          raced, Al'boc!  You are a worthy opponent on the horse and
          off it.  I look forward to racing you again."  Then, he
          leans closer and with a grin still on his face, adds a
          friendly warning in a low voice, "But if you come at me
          again with a weapon like that, I may not go so easy on you
          as I did out there today."  As he says this last, he reaches
          up and pats Al'boc's bruised and swollen jaw with his hand.

          Then he grasps the warrior's forearm in a barbarian-ish
          handshake. He turns and does the same to Riders #2 and #3,
          smiling broadly and congratulating them each on a skillful
          and brave race.  Loudly, he demands for drinks in celebration
          of the race.  He will climb up on Tef'wo with his drink and
          loudly toast the other racers, holding his drink up high for
          all to see, "To the brave warriors of this tribe, who have
          shown honor and courage in the field this day! You have my
          respect as I have yours."

          After things quiet down a bit, Ben'Dar spends more than an
          hour grooming Tef'wo, brushing him down, cleaning his hooves
          and checking for any injuries.  He pats the big black
          affectionately, giving him food treats and murmuring to him
          softly in words that only the two of them can hear.
        GM: Ack.  Understood.

                                ----------------
        
        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra loudly asks Cetric "To violate hospitality by
          poisoning guests to your village - this not only risks your
          honor but the honor of all Zen'da. You must have had a VERY
          compelling reason to do so. Please, inform everyone <waving
          her arm and hand indicating not just the party but the tribe
          as well> of the reason you would so risk the honor of both
          you and the tribe."
        GM: Ack.

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

        From Strie'bog: [Re: Actions/Comments]
          Strie'bog listens to Jordi and the various replies regarding
          his test, while tending to Bodyzar and the dogs.  Afterwards,
          he will look to Jordi, and in Merantian says, "Your test is
          successful, and I doubt the ancestors of the blasphemer ,"
          indicating Cetric, "would disagree."

          As Z'leyra speaks, Strie'bog looks to Cetric to see if he
          responds. If Cetric begins to bluster, Strie'bog will turn
          to Caladan and the gathered tribe, and say in Zen'dali  "I
          know these people are your family, but they ARE now dishonored
          by the acts of the spirit speaker.  What help can we offer
          when such a stain lies over the land and people?"
        GM: Ack. 

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

        From Jordi: [Re: More replies]
          After saying what he had to say, Jordi waits in the campament
          the end of the conflict.  He doesn't understand the customs
          of this people, and he is worried by Jolcz; he told Enoz that
          he didn't want to harm them, and now, due to what Jordi
          considers Cetric's evil maquinations, he has, in a involuntary
          way, harmed Jolcz.

          (In Marentian, to Strie'bog)
          "I will wait here; I feel an obligation to Jolcz, and I fear
           what Cetric has reserved for her."

          (In Zen'da, to Ben'dar)
          "The problem is, my friend, that I don't know if I wish to
           remain here.  I don't understand this people, nor their ways."

          Jordi moves near Jolcz:
          "How do you feel? Are you okey? I'm sorry for all this, but
          Ididn't expect what was waiting for us here..."

          Jordi doesn't know what to expect from Caladan's tribe,
          and he is ready for anything -combat, magic, speaking more...
          -.  There is, however, something that bothers him:  how is
          it posible that Caladan and Ben'dar are citizens of this
          nation? Are they exceptional between this people?  Perhaps
          they are different to the rest of his nation, being honest
          and decent men, and they live in Marentia because they don't
          like the way the majority of their countrymen are... like
          Enoz, who lives away from his tribe...
        GM: Ack.  Caladan and Ben'dar are also sorta exiled from their
          people.  So you never know how things work out in life.  

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

     Octaqi 15, in the 163rd Year [TH]
       Location: River Sch (E) Riverbank, Zen'da Plains, 306 Miles
         North of Asichi City, Heading East from River

       [The tests continue...]

       [Ben'dar - Riding Test]

          [As the riders and crowd disperses drinks are given to
           the riders as they are tired and thirsty.  When Ben'dar
           mounts Tef'wo he notices the horse isn't even huffing
           and puffing like the other 3 horses.  Later when he
           grooms the horse he barely finds matted sweaty hair but
           does find some.  But clearly hes seen more on a horse
           who gets sweaty from a simple mile trot.

           As things settle down and get quiet Ben'dar notices a
           slight change in Tef'wo. Unsure of what but its as if
           hes come into his own.  That or a true understanding/bond
           has now formed between the two?]

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

       [Jordi - Trading test]
         
         GM: Nice reactions.  Now for a new twist.  :)

           [As the audience, Caladan, Jolcz and Cetric all listen to
            Jordi, Chion, Strie'bog and Ben'dar various reactions
            come about.  Mostly nods from the audience.  As Jordi
            studies Caladan and Cetric's face, behind Jolcz is
            smiling.  Jordi doesn't notice this at all.  But Caladan
            does a slight smirk.  Cetric listens to all then after
            about 2 minutes says something finally.]

           Cetric: "Yes.  I knew you were married.  Was this a test
             you could have completed?  Yes.  Was it fair?  Yes.
             Did i dishonor my family?  No.  Did I dishonor the
             tribe?  No.  In fact you only have progressed events
             that would've taken place sooner or later."
           Jolcz: "Stop teasing him brother!"
           Cetric: "Jolcz always spirited and forceful."
           [Caladan walks toward Caladan.  He reaches a hand onto
            the shoulder and speaks.]
           Caladan: "Don't fear.  Don't sweat so much."
           [Caladan then turns and walks toward Jolcz.]
           Caladan: "Its good to see you again."
           Jolcz: "As I am.  Its been a long time Sundancer."
           [Jordi looks toward them as they get closer and then
            Jolcz leans and kisses Caladan on the cheek.]
           Caladan: "No.  Jordi she is not here to marry you.  She
             was supposed to marry me.  You only bought her forward."
           [Jordi now confused looks back at Cetric who nods.]
           Cetric: "Your friends are wise.  You have friends that
             stick up for you, that is good.  They are correct.
             You have completed the test with success.  You have
             sent her here which was the goal of the test.  The
             marriage was never part of it.  At least for you.
             I will admit I thought of it being fun to see your
             reaction.  As a diplomat I wanted to see how you would
             talk yourself out of it.  I hear most city-folk would
             have married to keep their honor.  But a person who
             can explain things is a good person as well.  The
             eagle you may return to Enoz if he wishes or you can
             give it to Caladan.  i seek not it.  I wanted to
             know your ability to deal with outsiders.  For I
             fear we ...you..me..everyone..will be outsiders soon."
           [With that cryptic thought he walks off into the crowd.]

           [By this time Jolcz and Caladan have been whispering
            to each other. Jordi joins the party members and
            gets a quick update of recent tests results and
            such to give the two time to talk.]

           [Then they finish and walk toward the party.  Caladan
            introduces the party to Jolcz and vice versa.]
           Caladan: "We were to marry years ago.  That's when..."
           Jolcz: "When he left the tribe."
           Caladan: "I had...have my reasons...we grew up together
             and in love."
           Jolcz: "But now I love another.  Time waits for no one
             and so I moved on."
           [Caladan nods.  Jolcz waves over a warrior.  The same
            warrior that went with Jordi! Of all the luck.  But
            then Cetric probably knew after all?]
           Jolcz: "This one I intend to marry."
           [The Warrior nods.  But doesn't say anything."
           Caladan: "Jordi do not feel anger to the people.
             Cetric is only one of a few.  i'm sure he has
             the best for the tribe in mind.  While my father rules
             over military matters he, Cetric, has the health
             of the tribe in mind.  I'm sure we'll learn more soon."
         GM: Very good jordi.  You did better than expected.
           Stayed in character.  Stayed true to yourself.  I was
           looking more for the reply to the even than the actual
           trade deal.  But you did well there too.  This was
           a dynamic test that changed.  But won't go into details :)

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

       [Thig - Tracking Test]

         GM: Goat is replaced with Sheep.  Meant Goat.

         [Thig gets rope from Caladan who has a good supply on
          his horse and sets off on his test early that morning
          soon after the sun rises.  Only 48 hours to complete
          he rushes out with the 2 warriors to oversee things to
          make sure no magic is used if possible.  Thig soon learns
          the two warriors talk among themselves but Thig ignores
          them since he doesn't know what they are saying or cares.
          They clearly give distance not knowing who or what he is
          so Thig likes that.  One advantage of flying is one doesn't
          have to climb up and down a horse.  Just fly up and down.
          He stops to examine tracks often.  He spends an hour
          walking around the edge of the camp to pick up the
          various tracks of recent animal moveemtns and old tracks.
          The first he decides on is the goat.  He knows the longer
          a goat on the plains is alone the chance they'll be wolf
          food.  The calf can at least should be big enough to
          defend itself in theory.  First half hour he tracks the
          goat for some distance but the next hour he has to often
          backtrack as he looses the trail.  ut then by 10:15am he
          spots the goat in the distance eating on some bushes in
          the distance.  After a short chase he captures adn ties
          up the sheet.  That was fast enough.  Took only 3 hours.

          He travels back to the camp to pick up the track for the
          calf.  It takes him almost an hour to pin point the
          individual track of the calf as theres a few of them around.
          Finally he finds the one that seems to head into the plains
          alone.  He sets off and in the first 15 minutes pick up
          an excellent track and makes fast progress.  The tracking
          continues for the next hour and 45 minutes.  Now 1:45pm
          he finally spots the calf in the distance looking at the
          trio.  After another 10 minutes the calf is captures and
          tied up.  With only 4-5 hours left of sun he heads back
          to the camp fast and looks for teh horse track.  He knows
          the horse track will be the hardest to pick up as theres
          numerous multiple tracks.  But Cetric did say they were
          let loose not led or rode out.  So a horse by itself would
          not leave the village without a rider.  So the tracks should
          be lighter than the horses with a rider.  So that will make
          things better.

          It takes almost 45 minutes to find the track he needs.
          A horse with less of a imprint in the ground.  This
          must be the one he hopes.

          For 2 hours he tracks the horse through the plains slowly
          on the horse he rides.  The horse he is tracking seems
          to be zig zagging in some random pattern.  After an hour
          though he looses the trail when high winds seem to obscure
          the tracks.  it takes almost 20 minutes to find the tracks
          again.  Another 2 hours and he finally spots the horse
          in the distance.

          Then Thig sighs.  With the horse are 2 other horses.  Great
          which one is the horse?  The warriors are no hope and
          give a laugh.  But surely Cetric didn't let loose 2 others?
          Not at the value of the horses.  No.  Looks like the horse
          found 2 wild ones.  The warriors are a bit excited and
          consider capturing the wild ones but it takes skill to do
          so and they are fighters not hsubanders.

          By now its dark and around 7:45pm.  Its surprisng the horses
          didn't run away with the light of Thig's torch.

          To chase the horse or wait till the morning?  But by morning
          the horses could be clear gone.  Thig drops the torch to the
          ground and it goes dimmer as the torch lowers in light but
          still lit.  The warriors look at each other as Thig flies
          up with rope in hand.  Thig knows he can see good in the
          dark but not the warriors.  Too bad.

          Thig flies forward to the horses and they begin to run.
          Thig can actually fly faster than the horses which is good.
          He ropes one horse and flies over its back as he pulls on
          the rope to stop it.  But the first horse bucks and resists.

          Not a sign of a tamed horse.  Thig releases the rope and
          tries another horse and after a good 20 minute struggle the
          horse gives up and stops.  Thig lowers to its back and sits
          on it.  The horse doesn't seem to resist.  This must be
          the one.  As the horse stops the other 2 also stops to
          check their fellow horse.  Thig notices them and thinks
          he could try for all three.  But how?  He then realizes
          the captured horse is a male and the other 2 by their height
          must be females?  Thig reaches around to his backpack and
          takes out his small faerry flute.  He begins to play a soft
          tune for about 10 minutes.  By this the other 2 warriors
          find Thig with a new torch of their own.  The music seems
          to calm the horses down.  Thig motions for the two warriors
          to try and grab a horse each.  The two warriors get the hint
          and slowly approach the other 2 horses.  One warrior alongside
          the horse jumps on its back and the horse begins to buck as
          it resists.  The other horse runs off with the warrior in
          chase.  Thig flies over to the horse bucking and gives some
          rope to the warrior.  Together they tire out the horse and
          keep it calm long enough to be tied along the neck.

          Thig then chases the other horse with the other warrior
          and does the same to it.  Within a full hour both horses
          are so tired from running they don't resist.  The warriors
          ride the captured female horses and lead their old horses
          behind via rope.  Soon a mule train of 6 horses begins
          its way back to the village.  Thig gets confused as to
          where the village is at one point but the warrior takes
          lead.  Thig figures the test was to get the animals not
          to find the village at night.  The warrior knowing the
          land finds the village soon afterwards.

          By now its a little after 10pm.  The village is quiet
          but a few are still up.  By now the party has had their
          meeting (soon to come) with Cetric.  As Thig enters
          some approach and one goes to find Cetric.  Soon a
          crowd forms and the party begins to slowly come as well.

          Thig hands over the 3 animals with 2 new bonus animals
          to Cetric.]

          Cetric: "Where did you get these horses?"
          [Caladan translates.]
          Thig: "Out there.  I've completed your test.  Not in two
            days but about 15 hours.  I also return with 2 new horses."
          Cetric: "They will have to be checked.  They could be owned
            by other people on the plains."
          [With that he walks off as the party congratulates Thig.
           Caladan and others fill him on in the details of the
           meeting and other trials.]

         GM: Based on the skills and rolls made up for the house
           rule I invented for tracking he did it in 15 hours
           including travel time.  Course he did make 2 critical
           rolls (critical success) so that helped alot. :)  There
           was also a chance of not finding the animals in time.
           As were of not returning with the 2 other horses but
           skill rolls lucked out.

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

     [When the sun sets which is about 45 minutes after Jordi
      returns to the camp the village prepares for the evening
      meal.  The party is leary to eat with the village again
      as only 24 hours they were tricked.  But this time Cetric
      shows the food he serves and tastes it to show he will
      not do it again.  Party members are free to eat their own
      food or the village.  But Balrog, Farseeker, Caladan and
      Xian all eat the village food.  Tension is still around
      the table and camp as the day's tests are on the mind of
      everyone.  Little if any chat is done aside from Caladan,
      Jolcz and Caladan's father.  Old times are caught up on.

      During the dinner -

      Z'leyra loudly asks Cetric "To violate hospitality by poisoning
      guests to your village - this not only risks your honor but the
      honor of all Zen'da. You must have had a VERY compelling reason
      to do so. Please, inform everyone <waving her arm and hand
      indicating not just the party but the tribe as well> of the
      reason you would so risk the honor of both you and the tribe."

      [Cetric looks to the Z'leyra, party and the tribe.  After
       a few moments of tense silence he speaks and stands.]

      Cetric: "There was a good reason.  But this is not the place
        to discuss it.  Women and children should not be present."
      Caladan: "Why not?"
      Cetric: "Fear can do strange people to people.  I must discuss
        this with you alone and your friends.  After the dinner."

      [The crowd murmurs.  Strie'bog studies and then states.]

      Strie'bog: "I know these people are your family, but they ARE
        now dishonored by the acts of the spirit speaker.  What help
        can we offer when such a stain lies over the land and people?"

      Cetric: "What I do is for the good of the Zen'da.  For the
        Vassa and for the city folk all." [With that he continues
        to eat and doesn't say another word.]

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

      [About half hour after dinner the lodge is prepared for
       a quiet meeting.  The lodge is a large square structure
       sit off the ground by about 2 feet with stairs and poles.
       Around it is normally open "walls" but now they are covered
       by blankets to keep the cool out out.  A large fire is
       set in the center and the lodge seems to hold about 30-40
       at any one time.  Aside from the fire theres not much
       furniture aside from a couple small stools.  As the party
       aside from Thig meets up they gather in the place.  Together
       Caladan stands and speaks to the party before others arrive.]

      Caladan: "First.  I want to thank you all for staying and
        dealing with the tests.  I know some of you got hurt and
        were offended.  But i believe Cetric is doing what is best
        for the tribe.  He may be harsh in his views on things and
        his style but all shamans tend to be on the plains.  Their
        ego and skills demand it almost.  I appreciate your help.
        As you can tell I've not been here for many years.  Three
        years to be exact.  As i was learning more magic I felt
        i should not alienate folks here by my magic.  As you might
        guess magic is tolerated but mostly by the shamans.  They
        feel the power is from the gods and spirits.  Folks know
        magic exists but if they knew how common it was in some
        areas it could make shamans less of a power base.  While
        the chief can control military matters shamsns are here to
        keep civil affairs in order for day to day life.  Without
        shamans the Zen'da would be weaker.  This is one reason
        I left among others."
      Xian: "Jolcz?"
      Caladan: "Yes.  We grew up together and fell in love.  But
        I could not pin her down to a life where she would be
        shunned by male warriors for her skills and talents.  Its
        a system that has flaws but has improved.  In only a century
        or two we've come from disorganized barbarians to a strong
        force that has some aspects of civilization in it.  Not
        much but some.  This tribe for example trades with those
        who come up the river.  Something a century ago would not
        have been thought of much less considered.  The system is
        changing with folks like King Maros who befriends the Zen'da
        and helps to show civilization to the tribe but it will take
        many many more years to change everything.  There were
        other reasons i left.  While I was in good standing with
        my father we had conflicts.  Conflicts on how to rule the
        tribe.  I was in line to rule the tribe as chief some day.
        My brothers are still.  I understand they are away to the
        west doing this and that.  But i know they are away cause
        they do not wish to rule as well.  Being a chief is demanding
        and requires constant work.  If i were to lead I could not
        do so without using magic by reflex.  A chief is solely a
        leader by his skill in combat.  I never was strong in that
        area.  But--"
      [At that more Zen'da enter.  The elders of the tribe take up
       a position (about 8 of them) on one side of the lodge.  Then
       Caladan's father, the chief, enters.  Finally Cetric enters
       with a grim expression.  He looks at the party.]
      Cetric: "I know today has been difficult.  I honestly did not
         know Caladan was returning.  Somehow he got word that
         we were in trouble.  I did not know you all and what you
         were doing here.  Yes.  I heard your stories.  Some wild
         and some fanciful.  But the reason for the tests were to
         study and learn about you.  Aside from Z'leyra's test I'm
         satisifed with the results.  The elders overrode me on her
         test and that's acceptable.  I did not want to speak out
         there since there are folks who could panic and spread the
         news to other camps.  Something we must not do.  The Zen'da
         are a strong people.  If news of a weakness spreads then
         invaders will soon come.  Prey always picks on the weak.
         My spirit guide told me to test each one to learn more
         about you.

         To test the weakest person in the tribe to see how brave
         one could truley be [Xian].  In times of war actions of
         a coward are critical to victory.  To the one that is
         still not here [Thig] I sought one who could track an
         enemy over distances.  For those enemy that can be
         talked to and reasoned with I sought a talker [Jordi].
         Its one thing to talk with an enemy over peace but its
         another to study the enemy and learn from them.  This one
         has shown he has those skills [points to jordi].  There
         are things on the plains and mountains even I do not
         understand or can control.  A test of control shows me
         that one can expect the unexpected and deal with it [he
         looks at Strie'bog].  Plains are wide and vast.  I wanted
         to test one who could ride and deal with situations in
         horse combat [Ben'dar].  Zen'da is known to have strong
         wills so a test of willpower and determination was in
         order [he looks at Balrog].  But of course combat can
         determine all things in the end so a test of pure combat
         is always good to tell where strength lies [he looks
         at Farseeker].  I also wanted to see how well one could
         fight without knowing their enemy or their abilities.
         Its one to know the enemy but its another to anticipate
         the actions [he looks at Unali].  Character is something
         I revere.  I wanted to test the character and how well
         one reacts to things [he looks at Z'leyra].  Some
         tests were just done to show skills and learn more
         information [he looks at Trembyl, Kasha and Chion.]

         But there is one more test to be done.  Before i
         discuss the problems we face. [He looks at Caladan]
         You have not completed one yet.  I know you more than
         these people.  I know you are one of us.  I know you
         will fight for your people.  But the confidence in
         you has left the tribe.  The poeple [he waves at
         the elders] require a show of your new loyalty.  To
         flee the tribe for many seasons and return suddenly
         without visit in between?  Is your loyalty the same
         as it was before you left?"
       Caladan: "Yes of cour-"
       Cetric: "Then show us.  Your firesnake has been your
         pet since you were a pre-adult.  Is your loyalty
         to the people or to your friends or to your pet?
         Would you kill your pet to prove that your loyalty
         is to the tribe?"

       [Everyone looks at Caladan for a reply and reaction...]

     Actions?  Comments?
     Next update Monday...

       Player           Test
     Xian             Test Completed, Successfully
     Trembyl          Test Completed, Successfully
     Farseeker        Test Completed, Successfully
     Unali            Test Completed, Successfully
     Kasha            Test Completed, Successfully
     Chion            Test Completed, Successfully
     Z'leyra          Test Completed, Successfully [with deliberation]
     Strie'bog        Test Completed, Successfully
     Balrog           Test Completed, Successfully
     Ben'dar          Test Completed, Successfully
     Jordi            Test Completed, Successfully
     Thig             Test Completed, Successfully
     Caladan          Starting...

     Tests -
       Completed   - 11
       In progress -  -
       Waiting     -  1
       
     Ok.  Enough for now.  A big update already.  Will continue
     monday.  :)

     Monday will do healing and explain the true problems (I
     hope) of the tribe.  But felt the above was a good cliffhanger
     to stop at.

     Chion got a email from you will deal with tomorrow I hope.

     You guys like the tests?  The twists? :)


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