[pnpgm] Game Update #42 - File #407 - LAndfall in Jinquo

[Tobie Bonahoom]

Fremea will scan with her senses at different times. She just wants to do quick peeks and see if there really is no magic (of course if this is determined to possilby set off any detectors, she will not do that then).

 

Once at the bar she stand just in front of Raban, making sure people get the idea that he "belongs" to her, and yet he will do what it takes to make sure she is safe. Once they are seated, she will scan the place, using her 'skills' to determine who is there and what roles they play. Also, any and all routes out of the building. 

She also does her best to blend into the darker areas, mostly she can flex her back without anyone seeing her.
 
> Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 01:07:54 -0400
> To: pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl
> From: longshot at cybermax.net
> Subject: [pnpgm] Game Update #42 - File #407 - LAndfall in Jinquo
> 
> 
> 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
> R4.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard Normal/Human Ma
> W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human Ma
> W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human Ma
> --.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
> R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
> Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human Ma
> R4.J H Hooten............Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
> W2.Robert Maxwell........Strie'bog.........Bard....Normal/Human..Ma
> R1 NPC...................Shu.Yeoh..........Wizard..Normal/Human..Fe
> W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
> ...Thomas.Magann.........Whitney...........Scholar.Normal/Human..Ma
> R1 John.Stowman..........Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma
> R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human Fe
> R1 NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
> Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Tef'wo (Horse) Ben'dar, 2 Donkeys
> 
> Cover Story Info: [HD- House member, F-Foreigner, N-native non house]
> Arawn aka Arawn as Teacher to daughter [F]
> Ben'dar aka Bu Da as Horse expert [F]
> Caladan aka Ca Lu as Guard/Archer [N]
> Chion aka Capt. Chu Mai as Sailor Trustee [HD]
> Farseeker aka Fu Sa as Guard [F]
> Fremea aka Lin Mong as Noble child [HD] [Disguised]
> Kell aka Swan as Trader [F]
> Kiet aka Kiet Sunan as Zhou's servant [F]
> Raban aka Toban Nu as Entertainer/Guard [F] 
> Strie'bog aka Sun Zhu as Entertainer [N]
> Shu aka Shu as Niece [HD]
> Unali aka Tun Au as Zhou's wife [HD]
> Whitney aka Whitney as Herbalist/Tailor [F]
> Will aka Sun Tzu as hunt master [F]
> Z'leyra aka Kakita Junami as Healer [F]
> Zhou aka Zhou Wa as Baron Noble [HD]
> 
> 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 cybermax.net
> 
> Game Update #42 in sequence (file #407) 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Admin Notes: None. 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> [Recap]
> 
> From Kell: [Re: Actions]
> When Arawn and Will arrive back safely, Kell warmly welcomes
> them and is happy they are safe. "Any fun on the trip?" he asks
> with a smile.
> -----------------------
> 
> His grey cloak with the brown edge blowing in the gentle....
> GM: Ack. How much do you pay for this rented booth? :)
> 
> From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
> OOC: sorry, been getting my daughter in campus housing the
> last couple days. heading back out tomorrow so she can abuse
> my credit card at the bookstore. do what you need to with
> whitney if I don't respond timely this week.
> 
> OOC: again, not sure why anyone would have Whitney's description
> locally. Wasn't he "arrested" by villagers 1000 or more miles
> north in a different country?
> 
> Whitney blinks at Zhou,smiles wryly, & shakes his head,"I'll be..
> 
> OOC: Hadn't really thought about it. Wouldn't have been
> appropriate for an itinerant herb seller, nor would it have
> survived the arrest. If absolutely necessary to keep up with
> the party, a mule and small cart wouldn't be in appropriate, I
> suppose, and might come in handy.
> GM: Ack. No problem on any delays. As to description its a remote
> chance yes. Very slim. But if Uli had gotten word back
> on your description to others. Only need a quick ship or
> horse to spread the news. Especially for a "crazy magic
> user." But again slim chance. Will use real name then
> for cover alias and add that to above header. 
> 
> 
> From Kell: [Re: Actions]
> Kell mentions to Zhou and the group, "Kiet is very valuable...
> ...
> Later that evening Kell talks with Kiet and Strie'bog and
> GM: Ack. 
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> [New Stuff]
> 
> [Julis 4th, 1634TH]
> 
> When Arawn and Will arrive back safely, Kell warmly welcomes them
> and is happy they are safe. "Any fun on the trip?" He asks with a
> smile.
> 
> Later that evening around dinner, Zhou makes his mission team
> suggestions to the party.
> 
> Kell mentions to Zhou and the group, "Kiet is very valuable in a
> market, but doesn't it make far more sense to have your servant
> with you? Unless you're sending him as a trusted servant to take
> care of some official business in the market or to serve as your
> eyes and ears."
> 
> Zhou nods, "I had considered that but no one will question it.
> Our roles is only if we as a group are questioned. But we should
> have equal numbers in case of problems. He can be on some duty
> to get my underwear washed only from a clean well or something."
> 
> Later that evening Kell talks with Kiet and Strie'bog and Caladan.
> He starts, "My suggestion is we rent a booth in the largest or most
> varied market in the city, then sell from the booth. We'll obtain
> better prices. Another option is sale through consignment, but that
> usually gives less money and can be a bit, well, dicey. It does
> give us a lot more time to investigate the city and see what we can
> see."
> 
> "I say we find the best market, rent a booth, and setup our
> wares. We may have to just find a mostly empty booth and rent it
> from the owner since we're new here. Work side by side with the
> owner. Then we may make a friend and contact as well." Pausing to
> listen to input from the others, Kell adjusts his longer hair.
> Sighing over it, wondering how do you handle his newly grown hair.
> 
> Caladan replies, "Well I've heard stories from the sailors.
> Katai markets are known for...their control issues. Merchants
> tend to favor the best spots. So vendors may have to buy in
> or rent alley stalls while others have street booths. Then there
> is the gang controlled small markets that take cuts from the items
> sold. So I think maybe selling them without a booth might work
> best. But I'm not a merchant so don't know such things. I
> will follow your lead. I'm just telling what I've heard."
> 
> Kell continues, "Whilst here I'm planning to scout as well;
> listening for rumors, tales of the outlandish, anything that may
> connect to the Vong or our mission. This includes contacts into
> the black markets here. They're here, I just don't know how
> thriving they are."
> 
> Caladan nods, "the sailors mention the black market as well. It
> is wide and in all the cities. Sometimes in plain sight in
> the market streets other times in hidden back alley rooms. But
> you ask the wrong question and you might end up dead. Just
> depends on how you ask it I guess."
> 
> 
> 
> -------------
> 
> 
> [Julis 5th, 1634TH]
> 
> Zhou approaches Whitney on his mission role. 
> 
> Whitney blinks at Zhou, smiles wryly, and shakes his head, "I'll
> be fine, Zhou. Pretending to be something you aren't is a sure
> way to be caught. I'll be....me."
> 
> Zhou nods and looks at Whitney for several long moments. "That
> is fine. I know we started off rough. But in the past few weeks
> I've seen your value and your true self. This is not going to be
> an easy mission we are on. You have decided to join us so I will
> accept that as your word you won't leak our mission or flee. You
> are free to do so but in the land of honor word is as valuable as
> gold. IN the Lands it the same thing." He says it in a tone not
> to be aggressive but as an almost apology while a cautionary
> warning.
> 
> Zhou then raises a hand out to shake the herb collector. He
> waits for Whitney to react but continues speaking after a few
> seconds. "The High Elder will be grateful for any who serve in
> this mission. Even strangers who fell into our hands mid-way
> through it." He pauses briefly. "I think as my personal tailor
> and herbalist will do nicely." He grins. 
> 
> -------------
> 
> [Julis 6th, 1634TH]
> 
> Around dinner this night Zhou goes over the history of Katai
> again so the party will be familiar with it. He goes over the
> last 1,000 years in a short time not to bore some like Ben'dar
> who seem to only perk up at the dynasty war parts.
> 
> Zhou ends the final meeting with some final comments. "We must
> remember the caste system in Katai. It is a strict system of
> control set by the high nobility. It keeps folks in line and
> gives them purpose. I'm sure many don't like it and would prefer
> to work out of their station but simply can not. Some in the
> middle levels like merchants might be able to buy higher station
> and get out of their caste work but the majority of the population,
> the peasants do not. It is imperative we do act in public
> according to our station. Arawn as teacher you will be over the
> peasants but not much beyond that. Ben'dar, Farseeker, Caladan
> will be just above the peasants but as foreigners and non military
> you will be limited in your station. The local guards will be
> higher and just about anyone else. If a guard issues a order
> to you will need to do it. Kell, Kiet, Raban, Strie'bog
> will be above our guards but about in the middle of society
> More skilled than the average peasant. Healers are an elite
> caste as there are the small town healers who are on the same
> level of peasants but above them in some ways. In the city
> the rich and middle classes use them. They have a higher station
> than merchants for example so deferred with respect. So Z'leyra
> will be just slightly below low level nobles."
> .
> "As Baron of House Dzhamou I of course will have station over
> anyone but another noble. Though any low noble like a knight,
> I will have some say. Respect and deference will also be given
> to Shu, Unali and Fremea. But as females they will have to
> all defer to me. Sadly, Katai is a male oriented country.
> Children of noble station even have power over some low station
> folks like merchants, guards and especially peasants. But do
> not over stretch that." He raises his mug of ale frowning at
> the sight of no crystal knowing crystal can break easy on a
> ship. "A toast to our mission. May we seek the Vong out and
> end their threat to this world. May we as a group survive
> in a hostile land where just one of us could bring death to
> us all if found out. May the gods help us as even they
> have a stake on our mission."
> 
> 
> 
> -------------
> 
> [Julis 7th, 1634TH]
> 
> [Time: 7:49am]
> 
> The party prepares their gear, check inventory and load up
> their horses. 
> 
> 
> [Time: 10:07am]
> 
> Nearing the port the party gather up on deck watching the
> distant shoreline grow larger by the minute.
> 
> His grey cloak with the brown edge blowing in the gentle breeze,
> Kell gazes out. He is lucky that his ears are only slightly more
> pointed than a normal human's ears, not usually enough to draw any
> attention. But for the mission it is better safe than sorry. Having
> long hair is a bit odd for the trader, this being his first time.
> He has to ask those with longer hair for help as he wants to look
> his best. Smiling, handsome merchants do far better than grumpy,
> frumpy merchants. He adjusts the cloak again, considering packing
> it away and sticking with the regular clothes and his hat. Kell
> leaves it on for now though, liking it's grey and brown.
> 
> As the party is loading gear and preparing, Ha'Kell offers his
> pack horse to carry any other gear people need carried so their
> horses aren't overburdened. "I usually use him to carry camping
> and trade merchandise. I have very little to trade right now so
> please feel free to load him with your items. I'll take good care
> of it for you. While in the market I'll also ask around about the
> wagon for Fremea and gear, and see if we can find one suitable for
> a noble. Possibly another for the non-nobles among us, if we think
> two wagons are necessary."
> 
> Zhou looks to Kell, "I suspect Tiehul will help in the wagon
> area. But I doubt we'll need two unless we need to unburden
> some horses."
> 
> 
> [Time: 10:58am]
> 
> Captain Sung says the ship would've been in port earlier but
> with the anchor at sea days ago when Arawn and Will up north
> the schedule was delayed slightly.
> 
> As the shoreline grows the morning fog on the sea seems to
> shrink and begin to evaporate. As the ship nears the land is
> flat and devoid of trees like the great Choshai forests. But
> here the plains only have light woods if that. Captain Sung
> reports the city of Jinquo is between two rivers. Both
> rivers are within 20 miles or so. One river goes north into
> the hills and mountains. One according to the charts goes west
> over the plains and into the hills. Captain Sung also reports
> that Katai is highly modern in their roads. So many people
> use them on average the road system is quite well maintained.
> Jinquo has road west and north. Jinquo's sister city Li'jian
> is only about 22 miles north up the coast from them. So both
> cities trade and deal with each other on a daily basis. 
> 
> As the Blue Moon moves further west the number of ships increase
> by the minute. The talisman isn't active but even still the ship
> has to move slow with light sails and forward observers to ensure
> no problems. Fishing ships, merchant ships and many civilian
> ships are seen of all shapes and sizes. All going north or
> south along the coast but few deep ocean craft it seems going on
> a deep ocean cruise.
> 
> Since the city of Dzhamou the party has gotten used to the
> various ships of Katai. The junk style long boats the average
> family or clan uses. The large box merchant rowing or sailing
> ships. The flat sail craft used for pleasure. After a while
> it becomes too much to count the varying styles and types of
> craftsmanship. The junk style ships are the ones that seem to
> be mostly on the rivers or shores. These long narrow boats
> have many sails but low on space. Maybe carrying two dozen or
> so people on board. Some small sleeker versions are used for
> personal transportation as ferry or taxi style vehicles.
> 
> Captain Sung reports that Jinquo province is said to have 15
> warships just for it. Many are likely on the river itself
> but at least a 3rd have to be patrolling the shoreline. Indeed
> as the ship moves and weaves between dozens that become hundreds
> of ships in crowded waters a warship is finally seen.
> 
> It almost looks like a Choshai warship but with more lean looking
> sails. Rowing slots also allow for rowing operations. Ben'dar
> notices on this warship there are ship weapons like ballista and
> arrow emplacements. Just a year or so ago he had tried to learn
> more and more of such devices. This warship seems to be moving
> around the crowded waters looking bored but vigilant for problems.
> 
> All about flags and shouts are occasionally seen as ships
> communicate their intent to others. About one mile from shore
> Captain Sung heads the ship to a area where there are some 40-50
> other ships clumped and anchored. "We will need to get a pilot
> to show us in. It may take awhile due to limited dock space."
> 
> As the Blue Moon anchors besides some merchant ships a small
> rowed warship circles the area. Soon a small oared barge comes
> near the Blue Moon. On the barge is a group of about 10 who
> issue flag and verbal commands. Soon their captain boards the
> Blue Moon. Sung and Zhou meets with the Pilot and negotiate
> a dock assignment. After Zhou flashes his fake but highly
> crafted Dzhaou documents and family crest ring the Pilot soon
> becomes quite accommodating. He checks his scrolls for the day
> and issues Captain Sung orders and an assignment.
> 
> Soon the Blue Moon is on their way yet again. This time sent
> to a more quiet noble dock space. The ship moves past 1 dock
> with at least 4 other warships in berth. A clear military district
> with a barracks on the shore rather than warehouses. With
> directions the Pilot gave for the Class A port of Jinquo the
> Blue Moon passes three series of business docks full of merchant
> ships in the numbers of 3 dozen to 6 dozen to one side of the
> dock alone. Warehouses line those shores. Then the ship passes
> a fishing district with at least 30 fishing boats docked up some
> carrying off catches from the early morning. Other fishing
> ships loading up private tours or supplies.
> 
> Finally after about 2 miles the Blue Moon rounds a bend and
> finds the noble docks. These are in the south east section of
> the city. In these quieter docks only about 12 ships of medium
> to large ships are here. Clearly private vessels not like the
> merchant class of the Blue Moon. On at least 4 of the yachts
> people are seen moving about. But the others are empty. On
> the shore are some small buildings that may be warehouses but
> doesn't look like it. From the docks the dockmaster waves flags
> for a berth assignment and the ship slowly makes its slot next
> to a yacht half the size of the Blue Moon. For these docks only
> two rows are here of two separate docks but ships line both sides
> of the docks with plenty of room.
> 
> Soon a guard and two men approach as the sailors throw ropes to
> other Blue Moon sailors on the docks to tie the ship up. One
> of the men is the dockmaster and the other an aide. It seems the
> Katai guard dressed in Imperial uniform looks bored but stands
> quiet nearby. Captain Sung negotiates the fees and then introduces
> Zhou to the dockmaster. The aide takes all personal information
> and writes it down. Zhou again shows his documents and the
> dockmaster who has clearly seen many nobles doesn't go as crazy
> as the Pilot did. Zhou pays the rental fee for the docking berth
> for today. After some time the dockmaster and other two men leave
> to head back to their small building.
> 
> [Time: 11:46am]
> 
> Finally docked in the second Katai city of Jinquo the party
> are eager to get to shore. After almost 3 months of travel the
> party is eager to stretch their legs. Slowly one by one the
> horses are led by each owner off the ship and onto the docks
> and lead to shore. The aide mentions there is a small stable
> for such things if the horses need temporary storage. But
> Zhou mentioned that may not be needed now. 
> 
> As Chion leads his horse he blows out a breath. "Jinquo, alas
> we meet again."
> 
> Several glance to Chion. Caladan raises an eyebrow. "I
> know you've been to Katai but to this city? That will be
> useful for our tasks."
> 
> Fremea in her nice dress stomps down the docks without a horse.
> She knows she could ride with her bodyguard Raban but the horse
> looks like it could break just with him on it alone. So Zhou
> suggests she ride with her mother. Fremea mounts with Unali
> and Unali has to shift some gear around but both fit fine.
> 
> Soon the three prisoners are bought up and into the daylight.
> As they squint and look around their faces become pale not from
> days in the brig but from knowing their fate. With bound hands
> they are all tied up together as one and then a single guide
> rope is tied to Tef'wo. When the guard that came to the ship
> sees this he heads into the building and gets the dockmaster.
> Soon a private discussion is held inside the building with
> Captain Sung and Baron Zhou. Eventually they exit and Zhou
> looks happy. "They will not cause a problem for us." He
> reports to the party.
> 
> Once all the ship is empty, Captain Sung and the First Mate
> look at Zhou. "We will stay here until you need us to leave."
> He glances at the party and briefly more at Kiet. "We will hold
> the crew off shore leave as you need it. But let me know
> something so we can give them hope."
> 
> Zhou nods, "right. We will send word back. I'm sure we will
> see each other again. But just in case. On behalf of my boss,
> the party and myself thank you for a fine trip and crew. " He
> shakes Captain's Sung's hand then frowns when he realizes this
> might not be normal for a Baron. He glances around but no one
> seems to be looking.
> 
> Zhou looks at the team heading the prisoners. "The guard tells
> me the nearest jail is only four blocks from here." He then
> gives some directions. "If there is some...problem then you will
> need to find me. You know where we are heading to the Brass Mug
> tavern on the north side of town. Good luck. For those going
> to the market." He turns to Kell. "I'm told the best market to
> sell goods for good prices is about 10 blocks away." He then
> gives directions. "We have the furthest to go virtually to cross
> the entire city to get to our destination. Good luck to each
> of you and act as I've tried to outline on the ship. Don't
> do anything to bring attention to yourself."
> 
> As the teams head to the dirt road, Zhou does final saddle
> checks and lets the others leave. He then mounts up and
> leads the "noble" group away from the docks. 
> 
> 
> [Time: 12:14am]
> 
> Leaving the noble docks is like leaving a quiet wooden area
> into the hustle and bustle of a forest village. In the noble
> area there are maybe 50 people total. But within seconds of
> rounding a street the number of people picks up exponentially
> as each street goes on.
> 
> Ben'dar, Chion, Will and Z'leyra have to ride slow to give the
> walking prisoners time to move. As the pirates are dragged
> they know their fates are sealed and do not make a noise even
> being ungagged. As the small team moves down the street a wide
> channel is formed as citizens give them distance. Many stares
> are done not at the four foreigners but the men tied up behind
> Tef'wo. Chion being the more native to the land leads the
> small team. He leads the group for some time down many
> cobblestone streets past large noble houses of two stories
> and many shops. The area is clean and not as crowded for
> a land like Katai one might suspect. After about 20 minutes
> and asking for more directions the small group rounds a corner
> and spots a small white building that probably is the jail.
> Arriving up front the sign clearly notes it as a jail. It
> is two stories and about 50 feet wide. Not as fancy in building
> style as others but more military oriented stark and spartan.
> As the team dismounts three guards and one a man with more stripes
> on his arm showing higher rank walks out. The Imperial Army
> guards look the party over with swords in sheaths.
> 
> The Katai Major walks up to Chion who to him looks to be
> a native. He glances to the others though as he speaks. "I am
> Major Xu Lai what have you bought us?" He walks toward the
> prisoners to look them over waiting for a reply.
> 
> Meanwhile using the directions given Caladan, Kell, Kiet and
> Strie'bog go to find the markets. As they move about the
> streets become more and more crowded. As the horses move through
> the streets they see that Zhou's warning was correct. That only
> about 10% of the population might afford a horse. When only
> about 20% of the population are educated and skilled the lower
> classes can't afford such luxuries. The foreigners bring the
> eyes of the native population upon them.
> 
> Finally after some time the trade group rounds a corner and
> spots the market. For some time they could smell the market
> of roasted meat, fish and trash. The sounds of the market could
> also be seen for some distance. As they round the corner a wide
> boulevard at least 50 feet wide appears to be a main thoroughfare.
> From dozens on the city streets suddenly there are hundreds
> shoulder to shoulder bustling about the marketplace. The stalls
> and booths stretch on for a mile at least down the boulevard.
> 
> Strie'bog looks to the others and comments that the crowd is
> too thick for horses. He suggests he stay with the horses and
> guard them as the other three head in with the treasure. 
> 
> Meanwhile the group going to the Brass Mug continues moving
> on through the side streets. With Zhou in the lead he reminds
> the others, "ignore those you pass. This is in standing with
> being a noble. The guards can look at them but we nobles should
> not at very long lengths."
> 
> As the group tromp through the streets on the horses they pass
> small groups of 3-4 into dozens. The buildings are not that of
> Marentian architecture. Unali is the only one used to the sites
> though the Dark Lands uses some similar designs so Zhou is also
> used to it. But here the buildings are typically one or two stories
> of stone or brick. Few actual wooden buildings are spotted unless
> they are smaller outhouses or shed style buildings. The big
> difference in the roof which just about every building has some
> form of overhang jutting out over the sides as much as 2 feet
> but on average a foot. Some wonder if its good for rains or just
> the style the Katai people like. At each corner many roofs can
> have ornate decorations or juts that are squares, points or
> rolled up juts like circles. Most roofs appear to be wood. The
> roofs are also tall structures that have tower like formations.
> One central layer with the four corners jutting out. A layer
> above it maybe half that size then it repeats and so on. So
> it builds upwards like a pyramid or triangle. It is estimated
> most can't be livable areas but there are implications that some
> might contain a small window.
> 
> Most roads in Jinquo are cobble, dirt or stone paved though
> by far cobble is the most common form. It is clear the rich
> empire spent and spends many coins on their roads likely to
> keep the workforce happy with jobs so they don't loiter about
> thinking of revolution. Every so often there are also signs
> of modern sewer systems underground with drainage pipes and
> street drains setup. There are also at least one or two large
> water collection towers on each block to collect water and then
> distribute it through a underground and above ground network
> of aqueduct and pipe systems. Unali comments that most of the
> cities are like this though the richer neighborhoods have better
> services.
> 
> As the party moves east and north through the streets the
> rich district bleeds into a business district of shops and
> manufacturing centers. Large warehouses, storehouses, factory
> buildings for textiles and dozens of other industries all around.
> Here the people mill about in busy errands and seem to ignore
> the party all together compared to the previous rich district.
> It is clear the people here are the lower and middle classes.
> 
> Soon the party passes a small cemetery and residential district
> full of blocks and blocks of homes. This seems to go on for
> a couple miles it seems. The homes here are all middle class
> it seems of 1-3 bedroom single story structures. The lots are
> typical for most cities with front and small backyards. 
> 
> By now the team has been going for a half hour or so and only
> a handful of horses or wagons are seen. By far most seem to
> walk or run through the streets. the team examines the people
> and their clothing. As Zhou had explained it seems the entire
> nation must have black hair or for elderly white hair. Most
> are indeed short and slim builds. The vast majority of people
> seen have no form of weapons. The few guards seen seem to be
> the only ones with polearms and swords. Most people wear tattered
> or thick browns, tans and black clothing made of cloth or leather.
> Many have on hats but not like the party but large hats that
> have wide brims that cover the shoulders not just the ears.
> Clearly they are made for field work in the sun it seems.
> 
> Of the team Raban is the one that draws the most attention from
> those on the street. For Fremea who isn't on his horse this is
> actually a good thing. Attention away from her means less chance
> of spotting problems. But the big problem is obvious and it sits
> on a horse that staggers under Raban's bulk. Sitting on top of the
> horse the top of Raban's head is a good 14-15 feet off the ground
> making those standing 4-5 feet on the street seem to think
> a monster is riding toward them. When they notice it to be a man
> they clearly give wide berth to Raban's horse. Raban smiles and
> tries to seem cordial but clearly most cower at his presence.
> The few men that seem to not cower stare relentlessly at him to
> size him up. After that these same men seem to scowl at the
> stupid barbarian among the well dressed others. They then
> usually shrug thinking him a slave and move on. Conversations
> and transactions stop completely as Raban and his friends pass
> by. Women rush children away.
> 
> Unali sits on her horse as Fremea sits behind looking around.
> She has been to the city only a couple times. But it hasn't
> changed at all. Just as busy and smelly as always. She doesn't
> say much as she is clearly in deep thought of being home.
> 
> While the others stare at the sights and people, Arawn studies
> the area for possible magic detectors. He believed he saw one near
> the docks above a wooden gate. A small gem like thing inset into
> the roof of the gate. But it didn't seem to react or glow. If
> it was real or not isn't know. He studies the buildings and
> intersections for more but either they are well hidden or just
> missing he can't tell. He wonders if this could be easier than
> the high Elder implied.
> 
> Fremea sits on the horse riding and also stares at the people.
> She notices how women seem to walk behind the men at least 4-5
> paces. She notices how the women seem to carry just about
> everything while men saunter around with nothing in their arms.
> In the industrial center she clearly spots street children who
> seem to be beggars or worse. In the residential area the
> children seem happy but she wonders why they aren't in some form
> of school. She tries to concentrate and not flex her back which
> would flex her wings. She has been training this way for the
> last few weeks but it is still not natural for a faerry not to
> use her wings. While uncomfortable it takes concentration to
> maintain it and in this warm temperature it is annoying.
> 
> As the team enters another district that seems to be a market
> area full of shops the crowds build back up as in the industrial
> centers. Shops of just about every shape, size and goods are
> here. Most shops are 1-3 stories where it seems the family must
> live above their shops. Typical shops abound but unlike Sivas
> some shops are here rather than in Sivas. Tattoo shops for
> example was noticed by Will in his travel. The shops soon
> empty out into a large square marketplace full of stalls and
> vendors selling open air goods like meats, foods, drinks and
> everything from apples to zuchi trees spouted to rid the
> homes of bad spirits.
> 
> Soon the team pass through the markets and enter a less crowded
> area of homes and shops. Asking directions they finally get
> to the brass mug down a quiet street with only a dozen or so
> people on it. The Tavern itself is a two story structure with
> a overhang at least 2.5 feet out. The roof seems to be decorated
> in the style of birds with small figures on each corner. Above
> the main door is a wooden sign with a mug and the Katai words
> for Brass Mug.
> 
> Zhou looks around and sees a small stable along the right side
> of the tavern. Clearly for night customers. "Whitney, see if
> you can stable the horses then join us." Zhou states and then
> tosses a few silver coins to him. "If you think it would not
> be wise to leave the gear on the horses you can stay and I'll
> send someone out." The team dismounts and a boy runs out of
> the stable and takes the horses. The boy assures the team the
> horses will be safe and the stable has a locked door.
> 
> Zhou enters the bar after Farseeker checks it for danger as
> a guard would have done. Entering the tavern the team seems
> the place is dim even with light from the three forward windows.
> In the place are about 8 customers at the various tables with
> 3 being alone drinking. The team looks around and sees nothing
> special about the design. In the back is a door to a possible
> office or storeroom. Nearby on the rear wall is a set of stairs
> up to the second floor. To the right is the bar and one barkeep
> who is cleaning the bar with a rag. To the immediate left sitting
> alone leaning against the forward wall in a chair is a heavy
> muscled man that has to be the bouncer. He has a dagger on his
> belt but its clear he may not need it. He scowls at the party
> and examines each person with scrutiny.
> 
> "May I help you?" The barkeep places his cloth on his shoulder
> and walks over to the side of the bar nearest the team.
> 
> "Looking for the owner. Is he in?" Zhou asks.
> 
> "May I ask who is looking for him?" The Barkeep squints to eye
> the team but mostly keeps his eyes on Raban and the other guards.
> 
> "We come from a long way. Is he here?" Zhou asks.
> 
> The Barkeep stares for a few moments at Zhou and then briefly
> at the customers and the bouncer. Arawn, Farseeker and Raban
> can detect that meaning. Watch these guys is the implication.
> The team wonders if this place is more a front than a legal tavern.
> 
> "No. He's not here. But I'll send for him. But I'll need
> a name." The barkeep insists.
> 
> "Baron Zhou Wa of Dzhamou. Tell Mr Tiehul 'My Elder brings
> good wishes and misses the days of Farfella Falls.'" Zhou then
> turns and walks to a table. "We'll wait for him."
> 
> "He motions for the team to sit down and then urges them to
> order food or drink. Raban pulls out his chair but the tiny
> chair is made for smaller behinds. He places two chairs together
> and then sits down waiting.
> 
> The barkeep heads through a back door near the bar itself and
> likely into the stable. Whitney is just now walking the horses
> into stalls and notices the barkeep. Whitney figures him to
> be such from his apron and rag. The man whispers to the boy
> and the boy goes running out. Whitney frowns and the barkeep
> returns inside.
> 
> Actions? Comments?
> 
> Next Update...Monday...
> 
> GM: Website update - People and Adventure Timeline updated.
> 
> GM: For purposes of mechanics consider all to have the knowledge
> of Katai's history in the history section. Enough to at
> least recall it in some detail. The stuff on the houses
> aren't known or public information.
> 
> GM: For my memory so I don't have to keep checking:
> Unali, Arawn, Raban, Shu, Fremea,Whitney,Farseeker,Zhou-Tavern
> Ben'dar, Chion, Will, Z'leyra, Pirates - Jail
> Caladan, Kell, Kiet and Strie'bog - markets
> 
> GM: As we move on now that the party is divided it will be hard
> to deal in all parts. To coordinate the time and scenes
> effectively. Until the party is back all together. So
> some groups may be delayed in some updates while others
> are covered action wise. This is a problem of PBEMs but
> in terms of speeding things up in other ways it helps.
> No update monday as I went out of town to Savannah tuesday
> for a day trip. So had to go to bed early.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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