[pnpgm] Game update #40 - File #161 - Party finds Darkness...
pnpgm
pnpgm at softhome.net
Tue Sep 13 05:51:54 CEST 2005
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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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.
<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 #40 in sequence (file #161]
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Admin notes: None
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[Recap]
From Jordi: [Re: Actions]
Jordi will remain near the rest of the group for the rest of
the day; he will help in unloading the horses, cleaning them,
etc...
He will follow Caladan (or Ben'dar) instructions, to ensure he
doesn't make any mistake that might cause problems to them.
"Ben'dar, is it not odd for your people to sell horses? Well,
I don't know for sure, but I imagined that your people
usually exchanged horses, and made things like that... but,
selling horses? Isn't it strange?"
For the moment being, Jordi only speaks in Marentian. Just
in case...
PS: Can you please send me the updated character sheet,
Scott? Thank you very much.
GM: Ack. Sheet is sent. Caladan overhears this and says...
Caladan: "He is rather old (the elder) and so gets confused.
He knows I've visited civilized lands and so teases me.
He could be just mistaken or confused or teasing me by
using terms like "sell"....who knows....I'll find out
soon."
------------------------------
From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
Ben'Dar replies to Jordi, "Horses are the most valuable
commodity on the plains, and are commonly used in trade.
It is not uncommon for the People to sell horses, though
amongst themselves, there is no money involved, only barter.
Caladan's father is probably trading horses for various
other goods."
During the feast, Ben'Dar tells tales of his homeland and
..[Section deleted for space/time)...
Later on, Ben'Dar will remove his dragon armor and tooth/claw
necklace to let some of the young men from Caladan's tribe
examine and touch them.
GM: Ack. Caladan nods in agreement to Ben'dar's reply to
Jordi. Good stuff. Points noted for role playing :)
All listen intently as you tell the story. At the ranch
some laugh while others listen intently. You surmise
those who laugh scoff at a Zen'da living among the city
folk. At the talk of the hide, dragon and jordi they
all smile, frown, scoff or grin in excitement at times.
At the mention of jordi this helps some to understand
the elf even more so (good job). One warrior stands
and asks. Several young females eye Ben'dar during some
of the stories which definitely gets his attention. Its
been a long time indeed. But the children of them all
listen with awe and soak in every word.
Warrior: "With that (he points to the dragon armor) you
should then be in the Fire Lodge?"
------------------------------
From Strie'bog: [Re: Stories/Songs]
Strie'bog will go gladly go through the introductions and
talk with people. During the feast, he will offer to tell
stories and sing songs, or even just play. The first
performance will be a story (it is a Choctaw tale).
It is a story that begins this way.....
[Lengthy story. Deleted here. Can see it in the website
or mailing list. Due to time deleted it from update.]
These free spirits are the children of Wind Runner's soul,
And each can feel the bond that Wind Runner feels with the
Boy.
<Strie'bog stands silently>
GM: Ack. Great job! Points for character role playing!
I'll make a mental note of this. When you finish and
during there were murmurs. Many of the older elders
in the 70s/80s nod as if they've heard the stories but
most just listen intently. Many of the females smile
at the story while the men seem a bit bored since it
didn't have any battles in it but listen anyways :)
GM: At the end of the story a hush grows over the camp
as they ponder the song and story. Then one by one
and then many of them make fists and with both fists
hit their shoulders twice and nod. Caladan explains this
is how they show their appreciation rather than clapping.
------------------------------
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will drink to the toast and eat heartily. Later she
will respectfully ask the shaman if they could share knowledge
as she likes to learn, particularly from those who have earned
honor for their wisdom and enjoys teaching, especially about
anything related to healing.
GM: Ack. Unfournately the shaman Cetric seems to ignore you
other than polite chit chat. Caladan explains
Caladan: "Its rare if not impossible for a woman to be
a shaman on the plains. To see you as a shaman is
not pleasing to him. Don't take it personally its just
how they feel. In fact I've never heard of a female
shaman ever at least on the plains. There have been
one or two female witches though in the tribes."
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[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
[As the night progresses food is piled on. It seems obvious
this feast is very unusual. The winter is approaching and
its clear the tribe needs to save some food for the long
winter. But the tribe's hospitality is overflowing.
Jordi presents his keg of wine for the feast and everyone
enjoys it. Theres not enough for the entire tribe but
the higher status warriors, shaman and the elders enjoy
it while the others do without but that's ok with them.]
GM: Jordi - Keg removed off sheet.
[During the feast torches and lanterns are lit in the camp.
The campfire pit is ablaze with fire that stands 5 feet
high at times.]
Balrog: "Where do they get the firewood? There's no
trees for miles."
Caladan: "Theres occasional trees here and there. But
we keep those around for shade and other reasons. We
have to import the wood from traders on the plains or
the river. The Ser'manda have a deal with a rancher
to protect his land for wood for their tribes. We
trade with them for some of that wood. We stockpile it
for the winter. By now we probably have a large pile
somewhere around here."
[At one point the warriors dress up in some war paint
and dance around the campfire in a traditional chant
song to honor the guests and the Zen'da. During the
entire feast almost Caladan still seems distracted.]
[At this point Ben'dar tells his stories..]
[As the feast's main course is finished a desert of
bread and a berry type pie is served.]
Xian: "Where's your family?"
Caladan: "These are my family but...my immediate father
and brothers aren't here. For some reason. I've asked
but no one says much."
Trembyl: "Did we waste a month for nothing?"
Caladan: "Don't know. I don't see much trouble here.
But maybe we'll find out after the feast when we can
talk privately with the elders and shaman."
[At this point Strie'bog tells his stories...]
[By this time its nearing a bit after 9pm. Many have
gone to their Tipis to rest or sleep. Mainly the
females and children. The men about 1/3rd (50 or
so) of the camp remains behind. Another 20 or so
leave when the elders head to bed. Caladan tries
to stand and talk to them but the Shaman interrupts.]
Cetric: "Before we finish this feast we must honor the
spirits of the wind, earth and sky. By our tradition
we will drink the Chouwa Juice."
[Caladan explains..]
Caladan: "The Juice is a form of berry juice mixed with
a bit of liquor that can get you drunk fast but we'll
only drink a few sips. Remember [he whispers] drink
all at once when Cetric does."
[A warrior brings a barrel and a bowl. Cetric dips the
bowl which is large into it and brings out the drink.
He then approaches the table and pours some in the mugs
of the party. The party examines and smells it. It
seems reddish like red wine but smells like sticky
berries for sure. A warrior then walks up and with
a large plate shows a wafer to each person. Caladan
explains.]
Caladan: "Its like a peace bread offering. Its just
hard bread but ok. Take one each."
[As each does they hold it and its hard but not sour.
When done Cetric takes a wafer and holds it up.]
[As the wafers are distributed 2 warriors with bags on
their belts separate from teh others and walk somewhat
behind the party. Farseeker suspicious always notices
this outright. But they stand about 40 feet back.
Far enough he feels ok with that. But still unsure
what they intend to do. The others don't notice
this and are listening to Caladan and Cetric.]
Cetric: "This wafer represents life. It takes time to
mold and create life like this wafer. From a base
flour to a hard wafer. From a child to a man. It
takes a solid peace to hold the people again war. The
wafer is that peace offering...though we know war is
part of life we should be prepared for."
[With that he eats a chunk of it. He nods and each person
does this. Caladan didn't say to eat it at the same time
so there sno rush. Then Cetric brings up the bowl in
both hands.]
Cetric: "The juice is like the blood of the people and the
life waters of time. They will always flow as the people
move through time. We honor the spirits that give us
the vast plains, the game and the food to live on so
no blood has to be spilled."
[With that he raises the bowl to his mouth as all the others
do including Caladan and drinks. The juice is tangy but
rather tasty actually. But it has a punch when it hits
the stomach.]
Cetric: "Good. Now we shall talk...."
[As Cetric walks toward the table a warrior hands him
a staff which seems to be more walking staff than
anything else. As he walks those who eye him seem
to notice he seems to be moving rather slow. No...
not slow...but blurry....then sounds seem to distort
as if hearing people from a distance...]
[Then just as fast as that Jordi, Xian, Chion, Stire'bog,
Kasha, Thig and Z'leyra suddenly collapse onto their
plates as their heads hit the table into darkness.]
[Caladan tries to stand but feels dizzy..]
Caladan: "you've...be..tra..yed us.." [then he also
collapses to the table]
[By now the others still conscious try to stand to
or get to their weapons. They feel weaker and dizzy
as the by now obvious poison seems to be working
int he system of those still awake. Balrog tires to
stand and grabs a mug to swing at a warrior but
collapses on the ground 6 seconds later. Trembyl
lasts longer though he tries to stand and speak
words for a teleport spell but his words are slurred
and the spell is disorienting to cast. He only lasts
20 seconds before he collapses. Unali grabs her daggers
and tries to stand. Confused she tries to stand on the
table and charge the shaman himself. But the poison
messes up her balance and she almost falls off. She
stands up again and charges the shaman who only stands
and waits. She swings a dagger but he dodges it since
her movements are slow. Unali seems almost out of her
body running on instinct now. But she only lasts 30
seconds and then falls herself. At the same time as
the others Ben'dar angry stands and looks for his horse.
He has taken off his armor by now and tries to find his
spear but his eyes are dazed a bit. He staggers toward
what he thinks is the corral but bumps into other warriors
who push him back. Ben'dar lasts 8 seconds. Farseeker
jumps to his feet and seems totallyu unaffected by the
poison. In fact he isn't. Somehow it failed to work
at all against him. He had put up his weapons on the
horse but wore his broadsword (not great sword) as a
sign of his status. He unsheaths it and turns to face
the horde of warriors.]
Farseeker: "You Cetric! What have you done! If they
die your head is forfeit!" [With that he charges Cetric
but 10 warriors block his path. He turns to find another
path but turns to face the 3 with bags at only 3 feet
away. But this time the warriors lunge at Farseeker
and with hands full of some powder all 3 blow it straight
at Farseeker's face before he reacts. Farseeker inhales
by reflex and breathes in the powder. The 3 warriors
quickly draw back. Farseeker staggers but runs foward
toward the corral. He wonders where the canines are but
then notices they are also on the ground knocked out
or dead. The firesnake is still near caladan. But
as Farseeker makes it 10 feet he stops and feels weak.
His breathing slows and he falls to his knees. He
drops his broadsword and then collapses into darkness...]
[The last thing Farseeker sees is a group of riders enter
the camp. Then as his eyes close some arguing in Zen'dali...]
[Darkness...no dreams...no thoughts...no sounds...
Time seems to pass....
Then slowly light comes again. Thig wakes up. Then
Balrog, Ben'dar...slowly one by one everyone wakes up
and opesn their eyes. Not dead but your head feels
like it might've been a better idea? A dry mouth shows
lack of water...no...a gag...in the mouth...and now
you feel hands are tied behind your backs. As each
wake you find yourselves grouped in a large Tipi with
nothing else in it. It seems large enough to fit the
party but tightly packed together. No one can speak
since gagged. Each tries to free the hands and the
tied up feet but find its too tight. With no speech theres
no spells. Then folks notice they have no gear on them.
No weapons. Some have their leather armors on still but
no useful items including any possible magical items or
sharp objects like amulets. From the look at the top
of the Tipi it looks like day. The party figures they
slept the night? Time passes and movement outsid is heard.
Caladan then notices the firesnake is gone.
Two warriors with small non horse lances and shields enter
the Tipi and stand by the opening flap. Then Cetric steps
in. He examines the party. He nods. One of the warrior
stands Caladan up.]
Cetric: "You bring outsiders after being gone for so many
years? You expect us to honor and trust these people.
These thins (he points to Thig) and these female who
claim to be shamans and warriors?"
[Cetric removes Caladan's gag. Then raises a finger.]
Cetric: "No spirit words!" [Magic he must mean]
[Caladan swallows and then speaks.]
Caladan: "Cetric what have you done! These are my friends.
You use the Chouwa ceremony to disgrace it by poisoning
us?"
Cetric: "Speak nothing of shame. You who leave the tribe
for years and don't return or support the tribe in any
fashion. Where were you when the Ser'manda decided to
raid a small clan for crimes they felt against them?
Where were you in the famine of two years ago? With the
white man and the city people. You forget your heritage
adn your family! Especially at times lik-"
[At this point he is cut off when the flap opens and a
tall male adult enters. He seems to be in his mid 40s
or 50s? He seems in good shape about 190 pounds nad
stands 6 feet. He wears a headband with 3 feathers
in it which shows a higher status. From his necklaces
he wars showing his combat and clan status he seems
very high indeed.]
Male: "Cetric you were to get me first before speaking
to them!"
[Cetric looks at the male then at Caladan and backs a
bit to the tipi wall.]
Male: "Caladan. It is good to see you again. What
have you been up to and why do you bring these
poeple here?"
[Caladan turns to the others who stare at Caladan and
wonder what's going on. Caladan nods toward the
party and then the male.]
Caladan: "Everyone. This is my father. Ga'sha
Gib'borah Stonehands."
[Xian, Farseeker and others' eyes widen when they
hear this. Ga'sha. A high chief for the area
his father? Others see the surprise and didn't
know Xian and Farseeker who knew Caladan the longest
would not be a son of a chief.]
Caladan: "Father. I travel here on word from our
friend Bura of trouble here. We speat a full
month and more traveling here. Now Cetric does this?
You allow this?"
Gib'borah: "I did not allow it. I was away when you
came last night. He did this without my knowledge.
There was nothing to do till you woke up this morning.
What's the meaning of this?" [he turns toward
Cetric]
Cetric: "As I explained last night Ga'sha we can't
trust these outsiders. What's to say the vision
is true and these are those people?"
Gib'borah: "Visions are one thing. Caladan is family!
You dishonor the tribe, me and them by doing this!"
Cetric: "I say my vision was true and these are the
bringers of doom to the plains! They have to be!"
Caladan: "Didn't you hear the stories last night/ We
help others. We help each other. You know me. You
grew up with me for many years."
Cetric: "You I knew once, Sundancer. Yes. But nnow
do I? I claim the right of Fouz D'kat!"
[Caladan and Gib'borah stare at Cetric for a full
minute and then at each other.]
Caladan: "You can't allow this father."
Gib'borah: "You know the way we do things. I rule over
the warriors and the battles. The women the family.
The shaman handles the people in non war matters.
His domain is with the people. he has the sway of
the people." [he looks down and sighs] "I can't go
against the people without disruption." [He looks
back at Caladan] "I'm sorry."
Caladan: "This is not right!"
Cetric: "Bring them outside!"
[Caladan turns to the others]
Caladan: "Do not resist. There is no harm unless you
resist. I still may be able to get us out of this."
[With that the party is led outside into the bright morning
sun and put in a row. Many of the tribe is outside doing
various duties and tasks. Cetric stands and shouts out
to the camp.]
Cetric: "These visitors may be omens of danger or saviors!
Out of respect for the Ga'sha and Caladan I claim the
right to test so the trust can be obtained!" [With that
many stop and listen intently. Many speak among
themseleves. ]
Caladan: "I dispose the claim! These people are my
friends and to this tribe."
Cetric: "What does the tribe say. Does anyone wish to
stop the test?" [With this he eyes the tribe of people
and its clear from his status no one speaks up out
of fear or confusion?]
Caladan: "No one!? I came back to help the tribe and
theres no oen to support me?" [He looks at his father
directly who just stares.]
[Then a elder in his 80s steps out of the crowd.]
Elder: "I argue against!"
Cetric: "Any others?"
[By now its clear the party has no clue what's going on
but its obvious something is building up.]
Gib'borah: "Cetric wins the claim. Caladan wins the
option of challenge!"
Cetric: "This...is acceptable..."
[Looks like the chief cut that road off before one of
Cetric's friends could claim the challenge right.]
[Caladan turns to the party and speaks in Marentian]
Caladan: "I'm sorry my friends. The shaman has claimed
we are enemy of the people. I doubt many in the
tribe agree but there is something going on I don't
know about yet. The shaman claims the right that
to gain our trust we must....be tested. Unfournately
in this case each must be tested. If one chooses not
to be tested under the custom he must leave the area
immediately. This would mean the tribal lands to the
river or Ser'manda lands. While the tests are mostly
harmless there may be one or two tests that could be
dangerous. My father has given me the option to choose
which person will go on which test the shaman chooses.
If this is not acceptable I will leave with you now
and no dishonor will come to you or me. The claim is
only against you...sadly. What say you?"
[With that he waits for a nod or shake of the head.
The gags are still in place as the shaman fears someone
could use magic ro escape or do other things.]
[Strie'bog notices in the distance his wolf and Thig's
dogs are safe and sitting in a small boxed in corral
for sheep it seems? Likely to hold them. The eagle
is seen sitting on a Tipi to the left on a pole.]
[Some feel weak from the poison but otherwise in
full shape.]
Actions? Comments?
Next update Friday...
Yes. I know. You'd probably have not drunk it. But its
stage building up the plot. Thus the custom :) I know
cheating. In a table game I'd have done no custom since
it would've been a quick drink and your down thing. The
shaman was obviously immune to the knockout poison. Guess
this is why i invented the Sensory spells like Smell or
Taste :) Anyways a bad self plug there. :)
Let me know what you think and do. Course no much can be
said at this point just nod or a shake. :)
Longshot - ZC of AdventureNet International Echomail Network
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Website: http://users.cybermax.net/~longshot
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