[pnpgm] Game Update #43 - File #175 - Mission Explanation

Scott Adams longshot at darktech.org
Tue May 6 08:51:58 CEST 2008


  HT Alias/Player          Character Name    Type    Status/Notes  Sex
  -- -----------------------------------------------------------------
  R1 John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid  .Normal/Alfar  Ma
  ?? Chris Wells...........Ben'dar...........Warrior.Normal/Human  Ma
  ?? Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard  Normal/Human  Ma
  W2 Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human  Ma
  -- Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....NormalFaerry  Fe
  Do David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human  Ma
  -- J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
  W4 Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human  Fe
  R4 Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human  Fe
     Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog),
             
     Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
     Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
     Private emails (not public actions) to longshot at darktech.org
                        
     Game Update #43 in sequence (file #175)  
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin notes: Roster updated with new entry.  Acrobat+ is how
     it should list but no room for the plus or the true profession
     of Entertainer.  
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
          Ben'Dar grins and nods in reply to Sven.  He is glad to have a
          fellow warrior in this room full of magic.

          Later, Ben'Dar bows his head and murmurs, "Thank you, Tef'wo is
          the finest companion I could ask for."

          He looks quizzical when the High Elder mentions the possibility
          of him losing his soul.  To a Z'enda warrior, honor earned on
          the field of combat is a sure way of earning a happy afterlife
          for one's soul.  Ben'Dar chooses his words carefully.  "A warrior
          is only strange if he fails to face danger with boldness.  If he
          does fail, he must regain his soul before he can return home."
          Ben'Dar looks deep into the High Priest's eyes, trying to see
          if the man truly understands.
        GM: Ack. 

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

        From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
          [*** Text from Elder Deleted in last update ***]


          "Elder Ki'ama..."

          "...I will, of course, do as you wish.  It was never my intent
          to remain here for a long period of time.  I am, however,
          surprised that one so insignificant as myself could garner such
          attention from both cults and our Master, the High Elder.  I am
          honored and thankful for your consideration of my safety."

          "Please let it be known to me if there is any way I might repay
          your great kindness."

          Obvious relief will show on young Kiet's face....after learning
          why he has been summoned to the Chamber of the high Elder
        GM: Ack. 

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

        From Chion: [Re: Actions]
          "I see from your bone thing that you have learned to become a
          shaman. You are leaving the path of wizard magic for the more
          down to earth magics?"

          Chion will reply, "High Elder, I have found that the teachings
          of nature are not in conflict with what I have learned here. In
          such, I search, as always, for more understanding of what balance
          requires of me. It was explained something like this, "the wolf
          who eats the deer is no more evil than the deer who eats the
          tree, nor the tree and bugs who eats the carrion, nor the
          carrion who polutes the soil. All are part of a balanced natural
          world." I don't buy that outright, of course, but there is
          meaning to it when coupled with one's magical abilities. I also
          have drawn a little from my friends (looking at Z'leyra and
          Unali) what it means to be balanced in all my endeavors."

          Regarding the "revelation" of the staff, Chion will only say,
          smiling "You were most wise to watch over me. As I have yet to
          create my own toys for use it is not upon me to question your
          judgement. I had suspected as much, and occasionally considered
          the warmth of the staff as a feeling of home. I have no wish to
          be hidden from anyone's view, least of all yours."
        GM: Ack. 

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

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <I hope I got the title correct for this, personal but
          respectful?> Raban responds to the High Elder: "High Elder
          Ki'ama, I am always willing to perform for such a gracious
          host, it would be my pleasure to entertain you further. I am
          amazed at what you have accomplished here with so many that
          normally will not work together. Such work may indicate hope
          for a peaceful future and I pray for your continued success."
        GM: Ack. 

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

        From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
          [***Text from Elder deleted in last update***]

          "As a slave, I have had many a run in with substances that
          would be considered ill advised to be around. Many times I have
          had to handle or even breath in these substances and, my 'Master'
          did not want me to parish, so I have had some protection
          against it. This is the only reason for my escape from the
          death of the nasty creature." Fremea sneers at even the thought
          of such creatures being in existence, and will make sure they
          will not be for long. "I thank you for your concern, as it seems
          I am more welcome here amongst those that wield magics over most
          places. Though I would say the children do not seem to be as
          playful as in other places. I hope I can demonstrate what I am
          capable of for the Fea, while I am here."

          _____________________________________________________________
          (this is going back a little bit)
          To Corona (Z's falcon) after frying the creature: "Thank you
          great flyer, not only was it fun to soar with you, I am glad
          to have your services near me in my time of need."
        GM: Ack. 

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

        [Marqi 29th, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
         Location: High Elder's Domain, Dark Lands, North-East
           corner of continent, center of Dark Lands.]

        [Time: 8:00pm]

        [Immediately following the attack on Fremea and her seemingly
         miracle to heal from the poison.  In the darkness Fremea
         speaks to Corona.]

        Fremea: "Thank you great flyer, not only was it fun to soar with
          you, I am glad to have your services near me in my time of
          need."

        [The snow white bird seems to glow to Fremea's keen eyes in
         the dark but is faint to the darkness otherwise.  Corona
         seems to give a small purr noise hardly audible to Fremea
         and gives a slight nod.  His eyes flicker a slight red to
         Fremea it seems for just the briefest instant.  Then Corona
         takes to the air and circles overhead until Fremea is strong
         enough to get help from the party...]



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

        [Marqi 30th, 1633TH. 1st Day of Adventure #4.
         Location: High Elder's Domain, Dark Lands, North-East
           corner of continent, center of Dark Lands.]

        [Time: 12:18pm]

        [When Oby introduces formally the party to the High Elder
         Ben'dar notices Sven sit down behind him.  Ben'Dar grins and
         nods in reply to Sven.  He is glad to have a fellow warrior
         in this room full of magic.]

        [Sven nods back knowing that Ben'dar and Unali are likely
         the only non-magical users in the room aside from Kwat.]

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

        [Time: 12:10pm]

        [Moments before during the introductions and High Elder's
         comments the party replies back...]

        [When Ki'ama speaks to Ben'dar...]

        [Ben'dar bows his head and murmurs.]

        Ben'dar: "Thank you, Tef'wo is the finest companion I could
          ask for."

        Elder: "Never forget though these people will also be fine
          companions in life.  A horse doesn't live that long but
          friendships last a lifetime."

        [In reaction to the losing one's soul comment.]

        Ben'dar: "A warrior is only strange if he fails to face danger
          with boldness.  If he does fail, he must regain his soul before
          he can return home."

        [Ben'dar stares at the old man and tries to figure out if
         he understands the words behind the language.  The Elder
         nods and replies back.]

        Elder: "Don't get me wrong.  Strange is a term used in the
          context of odd or unusual.  You are not like the majority
          of your people.  You operate outside the norm for your
          people and thus that surprised me.  Most are content to
          live their lives on the plains never seeing a city or
          for that matter the ocean.  Your zeal for adventure is
          a good thing but you should some day return to your people
          so they can see that Zeal.  Maybe more would start to
          question their daily lives.  Human life is short on this
          plane and knowledge is the ultimate goal I feel.  It is
          truly the only way the human race can grow."

        [Caladan listens and nods.  He knows so well the same views
         as the Elder of the Zen'da.  They seek isolation for the
         most part and those crossing the borders into forest or
         mountain are rare.  His father is one of the first Ga'sha
         to open some form of relationships through the river system
         of trade.  It causes problems and issues with his own
         son like Durge and other tribes.  But being complacent is
         also not a good thing.  A people must also know what is
         out there and what could be a threat otherwise one day
         they will wake up to invaders.]

        [Ben'dar listens and knows the High Elder is a magician.
         He has probably never even fought anyone with a blade
         in his life.  How could he know the heart of a warrior?
         Yet Ben'dar knows his ranch is one of the first Marentian
         businesses to be owned by a Zen'da.  Technically Ben'dar
         doesn't even have formal citizenship in Marentia yet.
         But the taxman doesn't care about that.  Maybe other
         Zen'da will see his business as a beacon to enter Marentia.
         It can only help to promote culture exchange.]


        [When Ki'ama speaks to Kiet....]

        [The party is a bit intrigued why the entertainer is here
         in the same audience as them.  What has this man done to
         earn such a thing?  They learn he was shipwrecked and is
         from Lemasa.  Chion, Unali and Z'leyra knows of the island
         nation to the south.  Of course after the Climan deal
         Lemasa was mentioned as the Red Anchor's base of operations
         for the Elemental Staff destruction.  One of the main pieces
         was found on Lemasa by the Climans in their vile plan to
         rule the region through bribery, intimidation and magical
         flying ships through supernatural elementals that allowed
         such flight from the Upper World.]

        [From his second row seat Kiet responds.]

        Kiet: "Elder Ki'ama...I will, of course, do as you wish.  It was
          never my intent to remain here for a long period of time.  I am,
          however, surprised that one so insignificant as myself could
          garner such attention from both cults and our Master, the High
          Elder.  I am honored and thankful for your consideration of my
          safety."

          "Please let it be known to me if there is any way I might
          repay your great kindness."

        [Relief shows on Kiet's face when he learns why he is here.
         But now it makes sense with the snake last night and the
         odd thing this morning at the table.  Kiet tries to recall
         that warehouse some three or so weeks earlier.  He was trying
         to find a shop in the East district of the village here. He
         opened the door thinking it was a shop and found 8 maybe
         9 people sitting around a fire and chanting something.
         When he saw the warehouse empty of wares he excused himself
         out.  But then two men came out and escorted by force
         into an alley where he was lucky to escape.  He tries to
         recall faces but it was a few weeks ago.  None that he has
         seen around here.  Except...that one man at the table this
         morning and that connection wasn't made.  What were they
         doing there and why involve him?  Maybe they thought Kiet
         was a spy for the Elder and would inform him of the plan.
         But that means if he leaves the manor he surely will have
         a target on him then.  Kiet's stomach rumbles a bit as the
         thought hits him.  By entering this home he may have put
         himself into more danger than he was outside.  Great.  Yet
         the elder says he is safe here with the others.  The strange
         looking one with the wings and pointed ears.  The oddly
         dressed others.  Who are these people?  He tries to memorize
         their names when Oby introduced them earlier.  Could the
         Elder have done this on purpose to get him recruited into
         this group for some task?  But the Elder did say they
         are rounding up the people.  Surely Kiet feels safe for
         now being in one of the safest houses in the region.  Right?]

        Elder: "You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
          I don't know why they would want to kill you.  But its
          clear you must've seen something they didn't want to
          get out.  I believe now that your here Kwat wishes to
          speak to you about it after our meeting here.  Maybe see
          if you can recall faces and such.  Of course I saw you
          last night at the dance and you were quite good.  I hope
          some of those skills will help in the next few days.  As to
          how you can help I'll get into that later.  I believe the
          more the better for this mission."

        [Kiet grimaces at the thought of being questioned by the
         stone faced head of security Kwat.  But it will be for
         naught as little can be recalled.  That may be a good thing.]


        [When Ki'ama speaks to Chion...]

        [Elder speaks of Chion's Bone shaman focus.]

        Chion: "High Elder, I have found that the teachings of nature are
          not in conflict with what I have learned here. In such, I search,
          as always, for more understanding of what balance requires of me.
          It was explained something like this,  'the wolf who eats the
          deer is no more evil than the deer who eats the tree, nor the
          tree and bugs who eats the carrion, nor the carrion who pollutes
          the soil. All are part of a balanced natural world.'  I don't
          buy that outright, of course, but there is meaning to it when
          coupled with one's magical abilities. I also have drawn a little
          from my friends" (looking at Z'leyra and Unali) "what it means
          to be balanced in all my endeavors."

        [The Elder smiles and nods happily.]

        Elder: "A good answer.  Maybe someday you will rule a domain here
          and it will be shamanic.  We could always use the new influx
          of knowledge for our people.  Of course someone will have to
          die or new land will have to be obtained first.  That is far
          into the future I suspect.  They say many years ago a shaman
          may have saved this region from utter doom.  Of course that
          is for another time for such stories."

        [When Elder reveals the purpose of the staff.  Chion smiles
         back in response.  Deep down he knew something was odd with
         the staff.  But something told him it was not evil.  the
         Elder wouldn't give him a cursed item.]

        Chion: "You were most wise to watch over me. As I have yet to
          create my own toys for use it is not upon me to question your
          judgement. I had suspected as much, and occasionally considered
          the warmth of the staff as a feeling of home. I have no wish
          to be hidden from anyone's view, least of all yours."

        [Elder nods and replies with a less of a grin and more of a
         frown from not wanting to offend.]

        Elder: "I am glad you say such.  The spirit inside is a ancient
          one that enjoys living in the staff.  When it was created
          some 400 odd years ago the wizard who created found that
          one of his spells backfired.  That wizard is the spirit.
          We've offered great rituals to free him but he feels his
          penance in the ill use of magic will be in the staff
          to serve.  Maybe one day he'll feel obligated to leave and
          join the realm of spirits.  His skills are...were quite
          potent.  I will give you details on how you can also through
          minor ways communicate back to me."

        [The party notices his slip of the tongue.  Past tense and
         present tense?  Could he have known the wizard?  No.  Of
         course not he said 400 not 40 years.  So it must be the
         wizard inside was powerful.]

        Elder: "Chion, Correl was right when he picked you as his
          apprentice a decade ago.  I've found he is one of the best
          Masters to find skilled apprentices.  He always considered
          you to be the Natural Student.  One that learns faster
          than anyone here.  Who knows.  Maybe someday you will replace
          me.  That is if the Sorceress is dead of course.  I doubt
          she would like that idea.  Maybe you will decide to stay
          and teach us.  Take on students of your own after all things
          settle down?"

        [Chion knows it is a rhetorical question but feels honored at
         the words.  Of course Ki'ama has been known to take a special
         interest in someone every few years.  Last time it was Sven
         himself only 5 or so years ago.  Before that it was Tu Sa
         the skilled artist-magician who created these changing
         magical tapestries in the room.  Now it seems he has eyes on
         Chion himself.  Of course it could all be a ploy, another
         strange test Chion has heard before.  Chion also knows that
         taking on students in this land is akin to gaining power
         through noble titles in Marentia.  It brings enemies with
         the honor.  Those jealous and those who seek to use that
         new power for them or others.  Magical duels among students
         and apprentices are common.  Less so with the teachers and
         Domain masters.  its just not dignified to do so.  But
         duels occur maybe once every two months in the Dark Lands.
         Some are great contests like between Myagi and Xu Zey where
         a good square mile of forest was burnt in the lightning and
         fireball fights.  Some are over in seconds with a lucky
         first strike.  Chion has been lucky to avoid such duels up
         to now and doesn't want to face one just yet.  A person
         that duels knows it brings more duels and others see it as
         a power grab.  A duel here is serious stuff compared to
         a duel or joust in Marentia.  In Marentia you might be lucky
         to be saved by Healers or only be wounded.  Here the duels
         tend to be to the death.  Ki'ama does have the right to stop
         or change duels but to date Chion hasn't heard of him doing so.
         He believes he shouldn't interfere with his "children" and
         let them squabble as long as his doctrine is followed of
         isolation and balance.  There have been secondary's called in
         for duels.  In one case a blind wizard could not fight fairly
         so he called in his First Apprentice to fight for him.
         The Challenger has the right to declare when the duel is to
         take place, immediately or later.  The other person is allowed
         to define restrictions on magic.  Some may declare magical
         toys aren't allowed and only spells cast are allowed.  Others
         may declare protections can be put up in the first minute of
         battle.  If the Challenger is higher status than the other
         person then the other person can disallow a certain spell or
         family of spells to be used.  But most see that as a more
         cowardly way out.  As the left scene changes to a duel between
         two wizards Chion knows duels in this land can be deadly.
         One always dies and that is acceptable.  Chion wonders how
         Z'leyra would deal with such barbaric acts.]


        [When Ki'ama speaks to Raban...]

        Raban: "High Elder Ki'ama, I am always willing to perform for
          such a gracious host, it would be my pleasure to entertain you
          further. I am amazed at what you have accomplished here with so
          many that normally will not work together. Such work may
          indicate hope for a peaceful future and I pray for your
          continued success."

        Elder: "Thank you for those kind words.  We are still fragile
          here.  The littlest thing can disrupt the peace and we could
          break into a civil war.  This is one reason I ask you here
          today.  I will explain in a few minutes.  I hope that if
          you survive that you write new songs to spread what we have
          done here.  Only through knowledge will other people across
          the region tolerate us.  Some fear us as bloodthirsty vile
          demons.  Others thing us insane nobles.  Others think we
          are planning to take over the region.  Others think we are
          going to take over Upper World and become gods.  All
          stories and rumors spread by neighbors and our own brothers
          in Katai."

        [A sad frown comes to his face as he speaks the above.  He
         looks to the right at the scene of a wizard forging a magical
         fire sword.  It is clear he has spent many days and nights
         thinking of such things.]


        [When Ki'ama speaks to Fremea...]

        [Fremea listens to the High Elder and finds him interesting how
         he can know Fae so well but be out of touch with them as well.
         He must study many books in his long lifetime of what looks like
         80 or 90 years old.  The Elder makes comment on her recovery.]

        Fremea: "As a slave, I have had many a run in with substances
          that would be considered ill advised to be around. Many times I
          have had to handle or even breath in these substances and, my
          'Master' did not want me to parish, so I have had some
          protection against it. This is the only reason for my escape
          from the death of the nasty creature."  [Fremea sneers at even
          the thought of such creatures being in existence, and will make
          sure they will not be for long.] "I thank you for your concern,
          as it seems I am more welcome here amongst those that wield
          magics over most places. Though I would say the children do not
          seem to be as playful as in other places. I hope I can
          demonstrate what I am capable of for the Fea, while I am
          here."

        Elder: "You were a slave?" [He frowns] "A dreadful thing.  I know
          some of the other wizards hold slaves but I do not.  The
          children here have a more strict life than elsewhere. Due to
          the dangers of the lands here.  Inside village areas they
          are allowed free reign.  But in the forest and near camps
          setup by masters and apprentices in training it can be quite
          dangerous.  So we tend to pull in their strings.  I'm sure
          more time you spend here in the village you'll see the kids
          are quite happy.  As to dealing with dangerous substances
          your skills must be quite good.  Even my personal herbalist
          doesn't deal much with poisons and the like.  Not if he
          can help it."



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

        Elder: "...Now for the reason I've called you here.."

        [He drinks another few sips of his wine as he prepares his
         mind for his thoughts.]

        Elder: "I have learned this group is powerful.  It grows day by
          day and I need those skills to prevent a danger to the Dark
          Lands and maybe to other lands. It started four months ago.
          Something from the Eastern Ocean came over the land in the far
          cold north controlled by the Ipanza.  It stayed there in the
          skies for several weeks.  The natives there though it their
          gods or some thought it a great blight to their people.  Many
          fled the area in fear.  Then the object seemed to have moved
          south into the northern domains.  Some of us here may have
          heard of beasts of the air and aerial elementals like cloud
          walkers?  They seem to live in clouds and go to ground
          occasionally.  This object can be coined by nothing more than
          a floating castle."

        [He pauses to see how folks react.  But oddly many in the party
         don't seem to react that much.  After all flying ships in Clima
         were seen by some.  In the Upper World flying things are
         quite common.  Gods like to live on clouds or have their
         castles afloat over a human settlement to show their powers
         above the mortals.  So to Arawn a flying castle isn't as
         absurd as it sounds.  Ben'dar rolls his eyes slightly thinking
         that here we go again.  What is it with this group and flying
         things?  Bad luck?  Gods being mean?  Fremea hears the words
         and figures it must be powerful elemental magic to do such.
         Kiet considers a flying castle totally insane.  No such
         thing could happen.  But to say such a thing here wouldn't
         be so wise.]

        Elder: "When the object first appeared I did some research.  I
          found a book by an ancient Fomorian wizard-merchant.  He spoke
          of a great land mass deep in the ocean somewhere to his west
          and maybe our east where many wizards ruled.  It was a land
          called Lymria.  The wizards were great masters of the
          Elementals.  They created an object called the Elemental
          Staff to help them in this effort.  It was a very powerful
          and special item.  Not happy with the land mass the size
          of Lemasa they reshaped the land.  They leveled mountains
          while raised hills.  They grew forests while drained swamps.
          They created great reefs around their land to prevent
          outsiders from getting to the land.  Soon internal fighting
          led to a great civil war.  The Elemental Staff was stolen
          and retaken back time and time again.  But in the process
          the land was scarred greatly.  Blights, plaques and dead
          zones soon creeped all over their land.  Wastelands and
          lands of death soon became everywhere.  The mere humans
          there suffered greatly.  This was just after the gods
          left our world here.  So chaos ruled the great areas of
          civilization.  At the top of the end of the war only 3
          great wizards remained.  Two created floating castles
          by capturing aerial elementals.  For decades they floated
          over the wastelands while the humans changed into feral
          beasts.  The third remained on the island and ruled the
          humans as slaved.  He decided to wage war against the
          floating wizards.  In doing so they unleashed magic that
          ripped the island apart.  Great earthquakes and lava
          eruptions came about.  Within a month the land sunk below
          the waves in a great whirlwind of unleashed magic.  The
          wizard on the ground survived and some believe he went
          as far as the Sea of Tears and Thaliba.  Some think he
          went to Fomoria and others think to Lemasa.  One floating
          castle seems to have survived and likely traveling the
          skies for a long time.  The other crashed into the waves
          killing hundreds.  At least that is how the story goes.
          Legend and myth tend to have some form of reality in it.
          If this story is true then this may be that long lost
          floating castle.  Keep in mind it has been over a thousand
          years maybe more since this Great Magic War took place.
          Likely the castle is empty and barren on some ill guided
          automatic thing.  Maybe the cloud walkers are insane and
          don't know where to go or what to do.  I don't know.  The
          tome is rumored to have come from some shipwrecked
          large ship in Fomoria.  Even after surfacing after a
          large hurricane the chest holding it remained water tight.

          The tome, more a journal really, speaks of magic that
          binds the great elementals together into a level area for
          the castle.  How may be well beyond myself and others."

        [Ki'ama takes another sip of wine as the party considers
         the words so far.  Too bad Trembyl isn't here.  The
         Elementalist turned over the very Elemental Staff to
         Lady Varo on Clima.  It may be forever lost to this plane.
         It is strange the party should seem to run into it in
         some fashion again.]

        Elder: "When it was over the great tundra it was only
          a few hundred feet up in the sky.  By the time it
          entered into Sven's domain it raised up a few hundred
          more but was marked by clouds and not seen.  Soon
          we tracked it but currently it is some nine miles up.
          This is why I asked Chion here.  We have no one here
          in the Lands that can teleport that high.  We've had
          a few that transmutated into birds but at that height
          they failed.  Ticero is one wizard I asked to investigate
          and he was able to get that high as a bird.  He was able
          to dispatch a bit of information back down to u
          but on his return he never came back.  We fear he may
          still be at the cloud-castle.

          With the information he did give he tells of a land that
          is solid enough to walk on.  But it is thick with fog
          and cloud forms.  Giving low visibility of only a few
          feet at most.  He did not find the castle if its still
          there but reports of trees being encountered.  So the
          wizard who made the floating cloud object may have somehow
          made land there.  I know this sounds strange but if
          they were masters of the elements this wouldn't be that
          difficult.  Binding many, maybe hundreds, of aerial
          elementals to lift up the land and keep it aloft would
          only be the hardest part."

       [He folds his hands in his lap and brushes off a knee as he
        considers his next words.]

       Elder: "Five centuries ago in Katai there was a great prophet
         called Xa Ming.  He worked in utter silence not wanting to
         be caught.  But he was able to hand down a book of prophecy
         for his descendents.  One prophecy I find rather interesting."

         "In the days before the Second Great Plaque a son of the
          ice warrior will come in a mysterious manner.  The Chosen
          One will lead the Son to seek the Outsiders.

          The floating dark cloud will mark its shadow on the cold and
          bring a great blight to the land.  The tainted and cursed
          one will seek friendship before death comes.

          Through group confluence shall the terror be dealt with..."

       [He pauses for a few moments.]

       Elder: "The rest of the text is lost due to its age.
         But I believe Chion may be the only one to get to that
         height and investigate for me.  I know that a height
         like that is a problem for breathing.  But the test from
         Fomoria also tells that the same air elementals that
         keep it afloat allow breathable air.  Ticero seems to confirm
         this.  At this point nothing has come down from the cloud
         object it has simply moved from place to place.  At this
         point it seems harmless.  But I wish for you all to go
         and investigate for me.  Seek out the intention of any
         that may be there.  If the object is on automatic maybe we
         can learn from its great magic.  the problem is you will
         have to ride some distance out toward it.  Chion could
         probably teleport directly to it.  But the problem is we
         are guessing on some things here.  Using one of my
         personal collection items we were able to track its height
         and the location under it.  But going from here to there
         may be guesswork.  It would be safer for you all to ride
         out to where it is hovering and then teleport up.  Sven
         will guide you to that location.  This is why he is here.
         My advisors tell me that teleporting directly to the object
         from here could be risky.  It is better to prepare doing
         so under it.  Ticero with the help of another wizard created
         a device to detect the object within ten miles.  It is
         a intelligent device like the Gnarish staff.  The being in
         it has great detection powers beyond what normal detection
         spells can do.  Once you are under it then your group can
         go and investigate it.  While Ticero reports solid land
         up there I recommend leaving the horses on the ground.  I
         don't know if they could survive a fall from that height.
         The shock alone could kill them in the fall before they
         could be rescued.  But this group here has the skills to
         rescue each other if that happens.  But I'm also confident
         to know that your skilled enough it won't happen.  I give
         permission to take any treasure you find.  But please
         consider Sven and Ticero's family if you do.  If the object
         is occupied please try to learn their intent.  Chion will
         have the say here.  If he feels the Dark Lands are in danger
         then deal with it as you see fit.  If there is no threat
         try to convince anyone to contact us if they wish to and
         seek their destination.  But I have a feeling all you will
         find is a empty castle long decayed and run down.  It could
         be a simple matter of storms and high winds blowing the
         cloud object to this area."

       [He takes a sip of wine to figure out the reaction on people's
        face.  Then he continues.]

       Elder: "Sven will show a map of your trip and can allow you
         to obtain any provisions you need here at the citadel.
         He will be my eyes and ears to deal with any problems of
         other wizards in the area.  But as far as the object I
         give full authority to Chion.  Sven will generate any
         cover story if questioned by villagers on the way.  You
         will be on a personal tour of the lands.  I expect
         you to run into no problems.  I'm confident you will be
         able to deal with this problem fast and efficiently."
         [His face turns into an expressionless manner.  His
         voice seems to then turn more serious.  Those who observe
         human behavior like Raban and Fremea notice this right away.]
         "When you return we'll deal with other issues that seems
         to have bothered you recently.  Are there any questions?
         I hope you will accept this mission.  I believe your the
         only ones that can handle it."

       [Arawn recalls his studies in the upper world's library in his
        own home castle.  His parents didn't like to know of minor
        details like land mass names or human cultures.  So there were
        few books on the middle world cultures.  But Lymria was in
        a book that Arawn found interesting.  His parents must've
        found them fascinating.  Their great almost demi-god level
        magics.  The details were second and third rate information
        from those lucky to travel back and forth.  So the information
        may be speculative but seems to match with the Elder's.  But
        the book told of the third castle eventually falling to the
        sea as well.  So that part of information may be wrong or
        the Elder's information wrong.]

       [Ben'dar sighs at the thought of going up high into the sky
        especially without Tef'wo.  But the thought of Tef'wo
        falling scares him as well.  Ben'dar looks to the others
        for reaction and recalls when he joined the group some
        almost 2 years ago?  Something like that.  Captured and
        then rescued only to see flying ships in the sky.  What
        is it with the gods finding the party to deal with flying
        things?  Just their luck or fate.]

       [Caladan considers the future and realizes he'll have to
        leave his firesnake but then again he can fly.  He wonders
        who this 'ice warrior' son is.  Could that be Sven if he
        knows the ipanza?]

       [Chion sighs inwardly knowing that he was called here now
        not for his skills as in the blade or his fighting ability
        to save the realm but his skill in teleportation.  He wonders
        as his power and reputation grows in that area if he'll only
        be called for such things.  This might just be the time to
        use other magic and skills to show he isn't just a teleporter.
        He does find it a honor to be called here on a  personal mission
        for the High Elder.  Chion and Correl went on missions for
        the domains they visited or for just Correl.  But never directly
        from Ki'ami himself, as far as Chion knows.  The Egg Drop
        mission which took years of travel on the eastern and southern
        oceans to get to Clima was a mission from Correl though Chion
        suspects now it might've been at the request of Ki'ama himself.]

       [Fremea feels safe in this situation.  Who cares if she falls.
        She can just fly.  Of course the winds up there might be a
        bit hard to deal with.  She recalls a old myth in the Faerry
        homeland about Lymria that they may have tampered with life
        itself and created horrible life.  There is a dark myth that
        they created a hybrid Faerry, Elf or Dwarf race.  The myth
        doesn't know which one but Fremea thinks only the Monarchs
        know the truth on that.]

       [Kiet considers his options now hearing the details.  So stay
        here and be stalked and killed by some cult probably full of
        evil wizards or fanatical followers.  But on the other hand
        he could travel back east and up into the high sky to seek
        danger out and maybe fall from it.  If only he hadn't been
        hired for the wedding.  He'd be in the Elder Domain to the
        west by now. Fate.]

       [Raban considers his options as well.  He signed up to protect
        the females but he isn't obligated to go into danger head
        on.  He could stay here and just entertain with Kiet.  He
        finds the notion of flying objects to be stupid and likely
        some illusion or something.  A castle flying?  Yeah right!]

       [Unali is sad that the group wasn't called here on the matter
        at hand in Katai and the Vassa lands.  But Ki'ama's last
        comments seem to imply he may know some of it.  Maybe if
        they work on this mission Unali can inquire as to the weird
        gray creatures.]

       [Z'leyra hopes the Claw will be safe with the Elder.  But if
        it went to his personal store in the Tower she feels confident
        it will be.  She wonders if Corona could handle a aerial recon
        before a teleport but she has never flown that high before.]

        Actions? Comments?

        Next update...Friday...

        GM: Reminder if anyone using the funport.net domain change
            to .com until the .net domain can be fixed. For website
            viewing and such. 

        GM:  Welcome David aka Kiet to the game.  He is our newest
             player who has been waiting patiently for us to get
             to Katai while the Tavern Assassin situation was dealt
             with for a few months. :) Now he is eager to play. :)
             His Roster entry should list Entertainer but too big
             for space of column so just list Acrobat.  If want to
             see a flash back scene see Update #24 - File #64.
             At the bottom of the update.

        GM: Minor mistake in last couple updates.  The date header
            was wrong.  Arrival at citadel, Fremea and Dance was
            Marqi 29th.  Wedding, Feast and this audience on the 30th.
            Fixed for this update.  Just a minor edit issue.

        GM: Above speech could've been better.  When you think of these
            things months ago some of the great speech details fade
            from memory.  It was going to be more colorful.  But it
            works you guys get the general idea of things.  You may
            think I have something about flying things with adventure
            1 and 4 having them.  But this is separate and distinct.
            So don't fear that every 4th adventure will have flying
            things in them. :)








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