[pnpgm] Game Update #37 - File #373 - Pirate ship sinks

Scott Adams longshot at cybermax.net
Fri Sep 18 08:29:39 CEST 2009


 
   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]
     Will       aka Sun Tzu       as hunt master         [F]
     Z'leyra    aka Kakita Junami as Healer              [F]
     Zhou       aka Zhou Wa       as 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 #37 in sequence (file #373)      
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     Admin Notes: None. 
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     [Recap]

        From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
          Kiet will not be taking any last-minute actions.  Time to hoard
          the mana.
        GM: Ack. Will send sheet then. 

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          [OOC - I don't remember the answer to this question so need to
          double check.  When is Chion teleporting magic gear and animals
          back to DL? Is he?  I want to know so I can address Squirt and
          Kell's items.

          Scott, what about the other potential new player you mentioned
          a while ago?]

          Ha'Kell doesn't air his thoughts about killing them, but may
          hint that it's not an entirely bad thing in his opinion.
        GM: Ack. Chion has been quiet.  This is normal for him but more
            so.  Not posted since 7/21 (2 months).  So I don't know if
            he is sick or busy or dead or what.  The High Elder did
            warn folks to leave stuff.  Now its hard to get them back
            to the citadel.  No one listens to the wise old man.
            Tsk tsk.  Now theres risk in the simple act of teleporting.
            The new player is here - Whitney.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]                                     
          Whitney smiles wryly, "All Zhou has really proposed to me...
        GM: Ack.  Zhou never said he'd kill you on the mission.  Only
            if you didn't respect the HE.  To the mission he'd simply
            detain you so not to let a possible source of leakage out.
            As to Zhou and the history.  In my world no one knows the
            true age of the HE.  While he has remained in power for
            so long its more a mystery of sorts.  Few may know of the
            true facts like the Sorceress or Zhou.  But the general
            population doesn't.  If they did they'd simply go in and
            take his amulet and kill him.  This is why its more a state
            secret and Zhou hates for Whitney to go about blabbing about it.
            Its one thing to be around for a long time due to magic but
            another to be around 800 years.  This was established in
            last adventure and start of this one at the Citadel.  But
            guess you missed that in the very early updates.  :)  As to
            the past of the DL most simply don't care.  They know they
            live in the DL now and don't like Katai as much as Katai
            likes the DL.  

        From Kell: [Re: Reply to Whitney]                       
          Kell looks at Whitney again, eyeing him up and down.
          "Centuries?  Is...
        GM: Ack. 
                                                                        
        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          Raban is concerned that the captive pirates can draw suspicion
          from Katai authorities but equally understands the Captains
          reasons. Raban was willing to kill, even to sinking their ship
          to keep the secrets, but it is a different thing to kill a
          captive. So he will wait and see, but also pray to his goddess
          that saving those men will not be our downfall.

          <Considered speaking to others on this topic but decoded he
          will wait and see what others say

          I think I mentioned asking if anyone had the languages associated
          with the barbarian tribes Raban's role portrays If so then he
          needs to see if he can learn them also outstanding is what
          instrument Frema wished to learn during this role and what is
          available

          Was outfits made to match the role?
          If not gotten in advance, Raban would have made sure there were
          material for him to make them during the trip

          Magic: Plan was to keep only the one undetectable item, if
          somehow Raban has others they should be sent back

          So if there is time to do more then continue working on his bow
          or other things as before?
        GM: Ack.  Guess no one knows the language if they haven't replied.
            The Kll'maun do know Katai slightly.    Any instrument I doubt
            could be learned in a few days.  This is not a IBT time but
            just a last minute action period.  Should've done the instrument
            learning during the IBT time.  As mentioned some Katai tailored
            clothes were made for you use.  That was in a update long ago.
            Thought you were taking the Mandolin as well?  Ok.  Will consider
            your last minute actions bowyer skill work.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          "The Balance Marches are a realm in the Upper World. The...
        GM: Ack. 
                                                                        
        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          [***Whitney quote deleted for space ***]    

          "I hope not too.  Besides, what can you do for the Upper....
        GM: Ack.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          "Um.... it's THIS world that needs attention...."
        GM: Ack. 

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          Will is puzzled by this undetectable item and asks if you would
          mind experimenting to see how undetectable it is?

          Will is not much of a merchant (and not to sure of the relative
          values) but he offers the Captain a mink pelt for one of the
          mermen daggers...as a memento of the voyage.  He also suggests
          that as skilled as a merchant as Kell is he maybe able to convert
          the the mink into more coin for the benefit of the sailors
          family.

          Will does have a wand that he was planing to leave in the
          secret compartment in the hold of the ship (though before doing
          so he would need to inspect it thoroughly) but he does have some
          other concerns.

          OOC:  This is close to his maximum ability so without the wand
          and or careful planing rest etc he probably wont be able to
          retrieve them.
        GM: Ack. He has in the past.  I assume this is OOC not quotes.
            Posted your comment on Julis 1st 3 days before pirate action.
            If you decide to jump let me know.  So we can start seeing
            what/who goes back.  With the deadline coming up and such.

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <So far no one else in the party has been able to detect it and
          thus no one knows what it is... though they should be able to
          guess ;) <Raban does not mind people trying, but I do not know
          how it would come up in RP at this point... Well maybe when
          there is talk of sending things out via teleport?
        GM: Ack.  

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          OOC:  This may be a bit of a laundry list but Will had a number
          of things on his mind.

          Will has nothing against turning in the pirates for a bounty but
          he wonders out loud (but out of the hearing of the prisoners).

          "What is to keep them from saying they were Innocent sailors... 
        GM: Ack.  Was covered in last update. :)

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <Not sure if there will be a reason to mention an undetectable
          item. But it is possible someone would do so. So with the right
          RP it is possible. Others could mention tests they made.

          <The item has been in plain sight quite often as well as during
          the tests.  Hidden items are a bit harder to detect I think but
          varies with how hidden.
        GM: Ack. 

        From Thomas: [Re: Wands]
          OOC: Oh, wands are easy to make. And Whitney's are things of
          beauty, to boot.  Staves may take him a day or so. In fact, he
          even has a quiver full of personally harvested wand blanks.
          Just in case.
        GM: Ack.  Arrows make poor wands as wands need to be thick enough for
            good rune decoration.  A pencil would make awful wand as you'd
            need a microscopic rune pencil. :)

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     [New Stuff]

        [Junaga 25th, 1634TH]

          Will offers his mink pelt to the captain for one of the Merman
        daggers.  But the Captain refuses.  "No.  The pelt is probably
        worth 3 or 4 of these things.  Just take one.  Keep the pelt."

          Later Arawn offers to make a figurehead for the Blue Moon.
        Arawn explains his intent, "As you are willing to allow such I'll
        will deal with the materials and crafting, either doing so myself
        or assisting others with the task. I think I can work a piece,
        with your help, that will both honor the gods while maintaining
        a level of discretion in an effort to keep your ship and crew
        safe. Unfortunately with the task at hand such will have to wait
        until our quest is finished. Then we can discuss the details and
        I will set to work on it."

          The Captain shows no expression, "as you wish.  Most in this
        area do not use figureheads.  The Fomorians are known for using
        them on every ship.  But in Katai there are simply too many
        ships that most just don't do it.  In Lemasa we do it but its
        not a powerful totem say as it is in Fomoria.  It is more a
        status thing.  In fact it can draw attention to a ship as a
        possible warship or rich ship for targeting.  A more modest
        figurehead can lessen those things but it depends on those who
        look upon it."

          Hours later when the metal of he tridents are spoken of.

          Hearing the captain's words on the research already done in
        regards to the underwater metal Arawn will rescind his offer,
        instead asking Kell if he might have a chance to share notes and
        study the trident in the future. "Thank you for the insight,
        Captain. It might be best to sell them to collectors for a bigger
        profit. Knowing that they can be found in your homeland perhaps I
        can travel there to purchase one in the future. In the meanwhile,
        I wouldn't mind sharing notes and studying your trident if you
        are willing, Kell."

          The Captain nods in agreement.


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


        [Julis 1st, 1634TH]

        [Time: 11:09pm]

          When the sailors are either asleep or on duty station, Will
        arranges with the captain to inspect the secret hold.  

          The Captain waits for the hall to empty before showing him.
        In fact the compartment isn't in the hold but behind the brig
        cell area on the hold deck.  Most would expect secret areas
        to be in the hold or the captain's quarters.  The secret hold
        is on the port side forward.  Entering the brig's wooden door
        its not seen from the forward angle.  The brig itself is
        very cramped at most 6 foot wide in one section and only 3
        feet wide on the port wall.  the forward wall slants to
        the port making the room smaller as the room moves portside.
        The compartment itself is a simple hallway 12 feet long but
        only 3 feet wide.  It takes a person to move sideways to
        move down and store/get items.  It won't hold great amounts
        of material as the compartment isn't made for that.

          The room is pitch black and the hallway in front of the
        brig is dark as well.  There is no lantern lit in this area
        unless one is brought nearby for that purpose.  This is to
        make the room darker.  The only light that might come down is
        from the stairs to the left.  Those who inspect the brig are
        hit by the smell.  The captain explains the smell of the hold
        when it gets wet and the stairs helps to dilute it from the
        other parts of the ship.  But it hits you when you open the
        door right away.  the captain explains he keeps it smelly and
        unclean so it deters inspectors and it has so far.  No one
        cared to inspect it beyond the door threshold.

          Those that inspect the room know the hold has to be here as
        that's where the captain takes you.  Those who might have
        good perception, skills for finding secret doors or smuggling
        might be able to find it.  But those without such aides never
        do.  In fact this night Will doesn't find it without the
        Captain showing him.

          On the port side wall niche a few feet wide he brings a
        lantern to show the area.  The wood here looks the same
        texture and design with no difference.  But he pushes a segment
        knot on the wall and the aft side section of the wall swings
        to the port wall revealing the hallway.  So facing aft with
        right side to the port wall you see the dark area.  The door
        swings from starboard to the port wall in a fast swing.

          Will finds a few minor items already there but doesn't look
        at them knowing the Captain might not wish that.  Of course
        only the Captain has the key to the room so it is probably his
        own personal stash.  Will glances at the area and finds it
        well made but if there was a hull breach right here the
        items would go to sea.  A risk one has to take.

          Later Will joins some of the party and considers the merits of
        the secret area. "This Hide of the Captains may be fine for magic
        items but what about the two critters there bound to attract
        attention and they look to much like a wizards famiilar to my way
        of thinking. I could try and take them back to the High Elders but
        I would need to leave soon so I could rest a bit afterwards.  I
        could also take other items back with me but no promises that I
        could make a second trip later."

          Farseeker nods, "well they did warn you guys back at that
        castle place about leaving all items behind and the animals.
        Should've listened to them.  The eagle could stay on ship
        assuming it stays in port.  The demon animal critter would
        likely end up in a kitchen if the rumors about Katai are right.
        I hear though they like eagle claws and beaks for some sexual
        things or something.  Not that I would need it of course..."

          Caladan grins then turns to Will,  "if ww knew the ship were
        to stick with us in one location I could simply make the
        animals sleep indefinitely.  But if we leave the city and go
        inland then the ship may have to leave?  Unless we can pay
        for him to stay a bit longer.  We are still a week to landfall
        so do need to decide on these things.  Chion has been quiet
        on the teleport issue so if you went back you might have to
        face possible dangers on the trip.  Its what, 2,000 miles
        from here.  That could take a few high level jumps.  Chion
        could probably do it in two.  But such a high level spell
        could be detected if within Katai territory if they are
        looking for such.   So there is that risk."




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


        [Julis 4th, 1634TH]
        [Winds: Average, Speed 6]
        [Distance this day: 30]
        [Weather: Clear/Sunny, No Event]
        [Temperatures: 54-83]

        [Time: 6:12am]

          The burning pirate ship is almost at a standstill with no
        sails now and smoldering on its deck.  It is unclear if below
        anything has caught on fire.  The wood is thick on top so
        may take some time to burn.

          Kell wonders about the treasure, if there is any.  His mind
        wanders to the beauty of gold and jewels, but is also saddened
        that it is pirate treasure.  It belongs to someone else.  People
        who had families and are now dead, fatherless children and widows
        left behind.  The vile pirates maybe even captured some and then
        sold as slaves.  That angers Ha'Kell, and he frowns.  Perhaps
        killing the captured pirates is..

          Deciding to speak his mind Kell adds, "We can turn the pirate
        scum into the authorities in Katai.  Maybe they can repay some of
        what they've taken.  If they give us any trouble, well..."
        Trailing off as Kell says that, a wicked looking and very sharp
        dirk appears in his hands and he starts cleaning his nails with it.

          Will considers the fate of the pirates.  "What is to keep them
        from saying they were Innocent sailors attacked by a ship of
        wizards and they collect the bounty for us."

          Caladan replies, "The Captain answered that and Unali confirmed
        who they are by their tattoos.  No one would wear such things
        without being a member.  By that sign on their arms they are
        marked and can't be innocent."

          Fremea stands watching the burning ship as the Blue Moon circles
        around it.  With the cloak she hides her wings and hopes her
        hair hides her ears.  She glances at the prisoners and hopes
        their blindfolds are good enough.  Upon hearing about possible
        treasure and worse - possible captives she decides to act.  When
        no one mentions going aboard to search she decides to do so.
        She removes her cloak and walks to the side of the ship.

          Nearby Caladan notices Fremea remove her cloak and comes closer.
        "You're not going over there are you? It is dangerous."  Then
        he sighs and nods.  "Good luck." He realizes the small fragile
        being can take care of herself and if she knows the risk must
        have a good plan.

          The Captain rushes forward and looks to the water for more
        bodies.  When he overhears Caladan he turns around.  "I won't
        stop you but if they see you it is all over for us.  You
        realize that right?"  He speaks low enough so the bound pirates
        can't hear him.  "Treasure might not be worth the risk.  But
        if you are still going look to the back of the ship.  The
        Captain tends to hide treasure in his cabin usually in the
        rear and has the best windows.  Pirates go through their loot
        fast so other treasure is bound to be spent."

          Arawn having heard about captives and possible treasure also
        decides to act.  But he is a good 30 feet behind Fremea and
        doesn't notice her preparing her own agenda.  He turns away
        and heads down the stairs.  The smoke on the deck as the ship passes
        into the wind is awful and finding a good comfortable spot is
        below deck just down the stairs.  

          Fremea nods to the Captain and takes to the air.  Flying fast
        she circles the pirate ship and inspects it.  The rigging is
        all but destroyed.  At least 2/3rds of the deck is a blaze.
        The stairs down is barely seen in the smoke and flames.  She
        scans for another way in and finds a hatch down to what must
        be the hold.  Then she notices behind the rigging is a large
        hole in the deck itself.  Turn and ruptured when the rigging
        fell onto the deck.  In fact many boards are split due to the
        impact.  She counts at least 6 bodies dead or ablaze not moving.
        She lands on the deck at the hole made by the fallen rigging
        and peers down.  Its about a four foot hole and just big enough
        for her to slip through.  She tucks her wings in and slides
        down through the hall into the darkness.

          Below deck on the Blue Moon, Arawn attempted to cast a spell
        but fouled up the Sidh words when he tried to enhance its
        effects.  He recasts and both work this time making him invisible.
        He runs up deck and toward the side of the ship away from the
        prisoners so they don't hear him.  

          Arawn then speaks the words to form a pact with the air around
        the area.  He needs the great innate ability of the wind spirits
        to aid him.  When a large breeze blows his clothing like a big
        whirlwind he hopes the pact is form.  Glancing around he notices
        some inspecting the prisoners, some inspecting the burning ship
        and others doing other duties.  He glances to the sky and
        casts another spell speaking the words to have the air help him.
        Using the magic of flight, Arawn takes to the air and flies toward
        the burning ship. Arawn circles the ship to get a look for
        survivors but only finds bodies crushed by the rigging or on
        fire and likely dead.  He finds the stairs engulfed in fire due
        to the secondary explosion of oil.  He notices the fire is spreading
        fast.  While Sidh eyes are good seeing in the smoke is difficult.
        Arawn misses the hole that Fremea saw since the smoke is thick
        in that area.  But he notices the hatch and sees no thick smoke
        there.  Figuring it to be safe he hovers over the hatch and
        grabs onto a nearby railing.  Within a few seconds the spell
        is forced to end due to the length of time hovering.  Arawn
        gently lands on the deck of the ship and moves through the smoke
        toward the hatch.

          As Fremea moves below she finds a T hallway going forward
        and sideways.  Glancing forward the fire is spread in that
        direction and thick.  She figures the stairs must be in that
        area and it is too dangerous to travel.  In the side hallway
        going port to starboard she sees several doors that must be
        cabins or rooms.  From her circle of the ship she notices
        the best rear windows were almost dead center.  That has to
        be the captain's cabin.  She heads to what she estimates to
        be the door and finds it locked.  She glances all up and down
        the door and notices cracks.  This entire area must've been
        damaged when the spine of the rigging broke.  Looking up the
        bulkheads are splintered and some barely solid structure wise.
        She glances more at the door in the dim light and sees the
        door has a spiderweb of cracks.  She quickly spots what might
        be the weak point and steps back.  She doesn't have picks to
        pick the door so kicks it.  The door vibrates under her kick
        and breaks further forming more cracks.  She kicks again and
        the door breaks in pieces causing a big hole.  She reaches in
        and unlocks the door.  

          Top side Arawn almost stumbles over a body.  He leans down
        to inspect the pirate who has two arrows in him chest.  He
        checks the pulse of the man and finds him dead but not damaged
        from the fire.  Arawn glances around for more survivors but
        sees none he can get to easy due to the fire.  Wondering why
        he is on this doomed ship he stands and heads to the hatch.
        He checks it for heat and finds none.

          Standing over the hatch, Arawn speaks more magical words to
        cast another spell.  Mentally he selects wood as his target
        spell.  Instantly upon completion of the spell, Arawn becomes
        disoriented.  Suddenly the ship under his food disappears.
        His mind reels to the effect that he is standing where now there
        is no deck.  He can see the sea below.  Then his mind catches
        up and he blinks to clear his mind.  The spell to see through
        the wood works and he can see 1/3rd of the ship that he is
        around in the forward part of the ship.  He begins to circle
        around and looking down through the now ghost wood to see
        into the ship.  He sees structures that are confusing like
        liquids or food or nails as if floating in mid-air.  He figures
        them to be containers of some sort.  He looks to the stairs
        area and sees three bodies engulfed in flame with weapons nearby
        that have to be pirates.  Arawn continues to do a complete circle
        around his position to look for possible captives.

          Below in the aft section, out of view of Arawn's spell, Fremea
        enters the cabin.  The windows show twilight but with her eyes
        show enough of the room for her to quickly scan it.  A small
        candle lantern is lit on a nightstand showing the candle almost
        out of wax.  The bed has nice silk sheets and she notices a
        nice wooden chest in one corner.  In another a metal chest
        is to the right.  Not sure if this is a sailor's room she figures
        it has to be the Captain or Navigators.  On a table she notices
        a sextant so figures it has to be one of the two.  She moves
        to the metal chest and opens it to find nice clothing.  She
        rummages through it and finds nothing but clothing and boots.
        She then moves toward the other wooden chest and tries to open
        it but finds it locked.  She tries to open it but the lock
        is secure.  As she prepares to stand she hears a noise behind
        her.

          "Demon!  'Tis be mi ship!  You burn my ship an' my crew!"
        A male voice says behind Fremea in Katai.  While she isn't
        as good in languages as some she can get the gist of what
        he says in his rough uneducated accent.

          Smiling Fremea realizes this must be the pirate captain.
        With a right hand she deftly grabs her dagger from her belt
        and with left hand places it on the bed.  With wings out
        and clearly in sight in the dim light she stands with back
        still turned on the pirate.  When the pirate captain finishes
        his threat she is standing and turning.

          When Fremea turns she sees a 5 foot 7 human with a burned face.
        In fact his entire right side of his face is burnt so bad it
        looks like meat on a fire.  His eye is oozing something and
        his hair is mostly gone.  His right arm is also burn and most
        of his tunic is black from a doused fire.  His right arm looks
        limp for some reason but in his left hand he holds a dagger that
        looks to be sharp but not in his best fighting hand.

          "A child?!  Demon child?" the pirate captain laughs and Fremea
        can see his teeth are black from soot.  The man snorts and
        then lunges forward.

          Fremea simply jumps up and to the right onto the bed.  As the
        Captain moves forward to the rear of the room and the windows
        she turns and twists on the bed.   Fremea does a wild swing but
        fails to hit him since she had to spend most of her energy
        in the movement.

          The Captain hits the chest with his feet and gurgles a laugh.
        He moans and turns and thrusts his dagger at the winged demon
        he felt destroyed his ship.  The dagger hits Fremea in the
        right shoulder doing 2 points of damage past her leather.

          Fremea thrusts her own dagger out and hits him in the lower
        right chest doing 3 points to his burnt side.  The Captain
        roars in pain and staggers back.  He bumps into the wall and
        then stumbles forward again.  He swings his dagger back at her
        but fails to hit as the blade passes just under her left wing.

          Fremea then reaches out with her left hand and grabs his right
        burnt arm.  The Pirate yells while Fremea can't prevent a smirk
        on her face.  That's for the innocents.  She yanks his arm and
        he is pulled forward.  She then does a side kick and sends the
        captain flying toward the damaged door.

          The Captain staggers forward a few feet then turns around
        as if drunk as his blood cells disintegrate under the melted
        tissue of his body.  He growls and then turns around.  Fremea
        notices a piece of cheek skin dangle down over his lips and
        frowns at the disgusted sight.  She hops to the ground and
        retakes her fighting stance.

          The pirate captain is predictable and lunges forward swinging
        his dagger too high over her head as she easily ducks.  Fremea
        used this chance to pull back and kick the pirate forward.  That
        is for the merchants!  The pirate captain staggers back again
        a few feet.  She kicks the man this time in the groin and he
        drops his dagger to the floor.  That is for the children!
        Growling and grabbing his most important body part he tries to
        move forward and raise his limp arm but it fails to move.

          Fremea then does another kick having recently been shown moves
        by Raban and Arawn.  The blow is strong enough to knock the
        pirate through the door threshold into the hold and he lands
        on his behind on the floor.

          Fremea walks calmly forward to finish him off.  When she notices
        the man isn't moving she searches his pocket.  A few keys on
        a chain.  One must be to the wooden chest.  She suddenly hears
        a crack and looks up to see the wood deck smoldering under more
        fire that has spread over the hole she came in.  The bulkheads
        are ripping apart slowly.  A long crack forms up the side of
        three bulkheads above.  Fearing a collapse she backs up into
        the room.

          Just in time to see the Captain wake up and raise up on his
        elbows.  He glares at Fremea in the room and then looks up
        to see the wood crack himself.  When he sees the danger he
        tries to roll away but in that instant the roof collapses.
        Fire, wood, nails, wall and debris all cave in.  Fire and smoke
        engulfs the hallway and the captain screams are muffled within
        two seconds as he perishes from the fire and material.

          Fremea turns around as smoke pours into the cabin.  She rushes
        to the chest and unlocks it.  When she does she discovers piles
        of coins and some weapons.  Some gems and jewelry must be the
        captain's private stash.  Smiling she closes it and realizes
        her escape route is gone.  The windows are too small so she
        has to cast some spells.

          Meanwhile back top side, Arawn doesn't locate any bodies that
        seem to be moving.  All look to be male and either dead or
        unbound.  From the forward section of the deck he sees no
        captives.  He opens the hatch and finds a hold.  He climbs
        the small ramp down that is steep and into the small hold much
        smaller than the Blue Moon's.  He goes to the far aft wall to
        glance to the section he might've missed.  He begins to
        scan from port to starboard.

          Fremea casts insubstantial while touching the chest.  It
        is too heavy to lift but holds onto the ring holders.  She
        becomes insubstantial.  Levitating her formless body begins
        to move slightly up.

          Arawn sees two more bodies one in the hallway and another
        under a mass of floating nails and odd looking material. With
        the wood "gone" he guesses the roof must've collapsed in that
        section.  He sees some rooms with beds and chests and other
        things but sees no other captives.  He doesn't see Fremea
        an she now has no form.

          Arawn turns around to inspect the room.  He notices floating
        sections of liquids where the wood should be and assumes them
        to be barrels.  Smoke begins to pour in through holes in the
        wall.  Arawn sniffs the air and moves toward one scent. As
        he gets near flames break through one wall and move into the
        hold.  Arawn turns around and suddenly a rat leaps from the
        barrel into Arawn's face.  Scared by the flames and smoke it
        knocks the Alfar down onto the deck.  Arawn takes minor
        scratches as the rat the size of a small cat it seems runs
        away into another corner of the room away from the flames.
        Arawn glances right and sees the flames pouring into the room
        faster and faster.  Figuring no way to get into the hall to
        explore the back.  He moves toward the crates and barrels to
        see if there is treasure.  As he lifts one ghost wood lid he
        sniffs the barrel and finds a strong scent of tar.  he opens
        another and frowns at the scent of oil.  Then he realizes
        oil, tar can explode.  Cursing he begins to climb up the ramp
        toward the deck.  As Arawn climbs out and gets to the deck
        he glances down to see the flames reach near the crates and
        barrels.  He begins to move toward the front of the ship
        to cast another flight or just jump overboard.  

          Below Fremea casts a teleport spell but it fails.  As flames
        start to burn the carpet toward her she quickly recasts and
        poof she is back onto the deck of the Blue Moon with a nice
        wooden chest.  Coughing from the smoke she inhaled she attracts
        the attention of the others who all turn to face her.

          At that instant the oil in the hold of the pirate ship explodes
        in a third explosion.  Arawn is thrust forward into the forward
        part of the ship and into the railing as shrapnel fly in every
        direction.

          Below from the debris and explosion a hole is formed in the
        two deck pirate ship.  Water begins to pour in and quickly
        douse the fires that would've caused another explosion from
        the tar and other materials.  But soon the room is flooded.

          Gasping for air, Arawn turns around and notice white smoke
        roll out of the hatch typical of flames doused out.  Suddenly
        the ship pitches forward as the ship takes on massive amount
        of water in three places in three holes.

          Arawn's back is thrust onto the forward railing and suddenly
        Arawn loses his balance and falls over the low now heavy weakened
        railing into the water.  As those on the Blue Moon they notice
        the railing break and soon a splash into the water but see no
        in the water.  Confused they continue to watch.

          Soon they notice water splashing about as if a fish is flailing
        in the water.  Bows are drawn ready to fire in case its a pirate
        trying to escape or get onto the ship.  As arrows are loaded
        suddenly Arawn becomes visible in the water struggling.

          Ropes are thrown out to Arawn and soon he is lifted up onto
        the ship by Raban and some sailors.  

          Farseeker looks at Fremea, "I know the pirates might have
        a few coins in their pockets but going diving after them is
        a bit foolish you know Arawn."


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

        [Time: 7:16am]

          Minutes later as Arawn dries off the crew and party watch as
        the ship sinks into the ocean.   There was little hope of
        salvage and at least from what was explored no captives were
        on board.

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


        [Time: 7:20am]

          The four pirate prisoners are placed into the brig cell bound
        and under guard away from the party.  

          Fremea and the party open the chest and pull out the contents.
        Bags of coins and coins all in the chest are found.  Eventually
        the coins are counted and stacked.  The large sea chest has
        a wooden small statue of a male that the sailors figure has to
        be the Emperor.  Most art forms of statue are typical of him
        and few are allowed otherwise.  A fur stole, two crystal plates,
        drinking brass cup, A small bag of two gems, 1 jewel and several
        pieces of jewelry.  There are some throwing daggers, darts,
        two scimitars, 3 ring mail suit, 1 brigidine suit and 1 full
        helmet.

          Captain Sung whistles, "nice for a private stash.  Too bad
        other treasure couldn't be found.  Most pirates tend to spend
        it fast and drink it all away."

          The party waits to see if the captain demands the treasure.
        But he does not or ask for any part of it.  The sailors do
        look curious and clearly show they deserve some of it.  As
        a group all took the danger though some more than others.

          Later Will inspects one of the tattoos and finds it quiet
        artistic.  Having some experience in inking it appears to be
        made with low skill likely from another pirate on the ship
        rather than some ink artist.  


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


        [Time: 7:41pm]

          Hours after the Blue Moon departs the now sunken pirate ship
        Kell approaches Whitney later that day, right after dinner when
        the sun is setting over the ocean.  "Thank you again for helping
        with the mermen attack.  For a librarian, you are very handy with
        an axe." Looking to the side out over the water, enjoying the view
        and not retching as he did at the beginning of the voyage, Kell
        continues, "Have you thought more about Zhou's proposal and the
        mission?  We will be there soon.  After these past weeks on the
        ocean, I would have you join us."

          Whitney smiles wryly, "All Zhou has really proposed to me is
        that I agree with his opinions, or he kills me. If he actually
        goes home, he's in for an exile as the best of result, and a
        bloody and very public execution at the worst. He hasn't really
        left the High Elder a choice. Still and all, I suppose the tear
        into the Balance Marches can wait a bit longer.  It's been raging
        unchecked for several centuries already. I can take a detour and
        help on the more immediate problem.

          "But it's worth remembering I was branded as a Wizard by the
        locals simply for picking the wrong medicinal herbs.  It would be
        a very good idea of the sheer volume of magical items this group
        of exotic foreigners is packing were to...go away before landfall.
        Every last item, down the merest wand or enhanced gem."

          Kell looks at Whitney again, eyeing him up and down.  "Centuries?
        Is that how long you've been there or how long for the tear? And
        what is a tear in a balance marsh...  No need to answer now, but
        I'd love to hear the story sometime."  Taking Squirt off his
        shoulders, he rubs the back of the cuddly critter's head.  Squirt
        jumps down and starts playing at their feet.

          "The way I see things, you should join our mission. Whilst Zhou
        may be the appointed leader and the noble, we're all in it
        together.  All it takes is one to blow the whole story.  Everyone
        of us has a part to play.  That can include you.  You've seen Zhou's
        bravery firsthand." Showing a wane smile at that thought Kell pauses
        and again looks over the ocean.  The sun shining on the water is
        brilliant and Kell finds he likes the ocean now.  This is
        definitely much better than hanging his head over the side like
        he did so much of the first few days of the voyage.  As Squirt
        goes climbing up the mast.

          Turning back to Whitney, "Almost everyone in the group has some
        magic or is magic.  I myself am a minor wizard and half-elf, and
        if the Katai find out I'm sure they'll try to take me to jail.
        Try."  Snorting at the thought, "I know I'll help everyone in our
        group to not end up in jail and hope they'll do the same for me.
        Just don't go openly picking herbs."  Kell claps Whitney on the
        shoulder at that, a friendly clap.

          Several sailors yell to get the beast off the rigging.  But
        as Squirt climbs, Corona stares at the beast.  Soon Corona
        flies off to the back of the ship avoiding and frustrating the
        animal.

          "I," Kell continues, "plan to not have any magic gear, and even
        my trusted pet Squirt will not be going into Katai.  I don't want
        him ending in someone's cookpot."

          Whitney replies to Kell, "The Balance Marches are a realm in the
        Upper World. The tear has been there since the worlds were split.
        It's just been unmonitored and unchecked for the last few
        centuries. Since my people relocated."

          Chion walks by the two talking.  Upon hearing the bits about
        the tear he smirks and continues on his way from the private joke.

          "What say you friend Whitney?" Kell asks Whitney again about
        joining the group.

          "Oh sure, as I said, Marob has been waiting. A few more weeks
        won't matter much. I hope." Whitney notices the sailors trying
        to get Squirt off the rigging.  He finally jumps off and runs
        down the ramp.  Several sailors glare at Kell.  

          "I," Kell wonders about the Upper World, "hope not too.
        Besides, what can you do for the Upper World from here?"

          Whitney nods, "Um.... it's THIS world that needs attention...."

          Kell gets back to the subject, "I really must hear more about
        the Balance Marches.  And your people? What are your people?  You
        aren't human, or fully human?"

          Whitney blinks, then blinks again.. "Um... I'm human. From the
        same country as poor Zhou, in fact. Unlike Zhou, however, my social
        stratas both tend to remember our history We.....relocated from
        Southern Katai a few dozen generations back."

        Actions? Comments?

        Next Update...Monday...

        GM: Reminder - Final voyage actions deadline 9/25
            For Julis 1-7th.

        GM: Congrats - Raban +1 CEL/OCV/DCV due to pirate action

        GM: Sending out sheets - some notes.  I've updated languages
            those learned but also Marentia and Katai upped some.
            Since the party would likely speak Marentian for the first
            half then Katai second half.  So most got 40 points each
            to the languages by simple casual use.  Assuming you have
            these languages.  Also those who got Seamanship also got
            Max Ocean survival. Let me know if this is missing but
            all should have it that got seamanship.

        GM: Last minute voyage pre landfall actions.

               Player  Status    Player   Status   Player     Status
            Arawn       Need   Ben'dar    Need    Caladan     Done
            Chion       Need   Farseeker  Done    Fremea      Need
            Kell        Need   Kiet       Done    Raban       Done
            Strie'bog   Need   Unali      Need    Whitney     Need
            Will        Need   Z'leyra    Done

            If no actions by deadline will do sheets up from Julis 1-7
            and be ready to send out. 

        GM: updated character sheets sent out

               Player  Status    Player   Status   Player     Status
            Arawn      To do   Ben'dar    Sent    Caladan     Sent
            Chion      To do   Farseeker  Sent    Fremea      To do
            Kell       To do   Kiet       To do   Raban       To do 
            Strie'bog  To do   Unali      To do   Whitney     To do 
            Will       To do   Z'leyra    To do               

        GM: Treasure - Inside wooden chest
            Coins - 462 BB, 902 CC, 118 SC, 175 GC [All Katai]
            Statue - 9 pounds, wood, statue of emperor? value unknown
            Fur - Stole, exceptional quality, 16 SC estimated value
            Two crystal glass plates, 2 SC estimated value
            Drinking cup (1), brass with decorations, 1 CC
            Gem, Small, Slight flaws, average clarity, Jacinth, worthless
            Gem, Large, Min flaws, Dull clarity, Turquoise, 2 SC
            Jewel, Min. flaws, Fine clarity, Emerald 48 GC

            Jewelry, Small, Min Flaws, Cloudy, Agate  4.8 SC
              Platinum bracelet 2SC
            Jewelry, Small, Min Flaws, Fine,  Serpentine 12 SC
              Platinum armband 3 SC
            Jewelry, Small, Nearly Flawless, Fine, Sapphire 72 SC
              Copper amulet 3cc
            Jewelry, Small, Flawless, Fine, Jet, 12 SC Brass Ring 1sc
            Jewelry, Medium, Flawless, Fine, Jacinth 10 SC Lead amulet 1 CC
            8 Throwing daggers
            2 Darts
            2 scimitars             Aside from Fur all gear is standard
            1 Scale mail            quality.  
            3 Ring Mail
            1 Bringidine
            1 Full helmet

        GM: Will try to send out sheets this weekend.  But its really
            a waste as will need to do final actions.  Some have theirs
            already.  If no actions by deadline will reconcile sheets
            and finalize them.  Treasure - first come first serve
            on claims.  But arguments will have to be dealt with for
            conflicts.  If no claims are done the treasure will be sold
            and divided up when landfall is made.  If no one wishes to
            share with the sailors equally let me know.  There are
            16 in the party and 12 sailors for a total of 28 equal
            shares unless someone doesn't like that.  If so let me
            know by the action deadline next week.  Was going to do
            a bit more in this update but need to wait on some behind
            the scenes things to be resolved.  So gives me more to do
            for monday.  This is enough for now.  Only Arawn and Fremea
            posted (email) they would go to ship so did them. 







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