[pnpgm] Game Update #74a - File #611 - Recap section only

Scott Adams longshot at cybermax.net
Tue Feb 23 08:42:23 CET 2010


      
  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, 

  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 #74a in sequence (file #511)      
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     Admin Notes: None. 
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     [Recap]


        GM: This is just a Recap update.  If you don't want to see GM
            comments then go to the next post.  There are comments
            for Whitney, Raban, Will, Kiet and Arawn. 



        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          OOC: just to be sure I understand this: Whitney is riding in the
          rumble seat outside the back of the wagon with a lantern on
          either side of him making sure he is well illuminated in case
          someone wants to take a pot shot at him as the wagon rolls by?
          And Arawn thinks it's a good idea?

          Well if that doesn't just give one a warm fuzzy feeling. :-)

          IC: as soon as the wagon starts moving and there's no one around
          to tell him different, he'll put the things out.
        GM: Ack. A paranoid feeling?  Gee whiz.  :)  The lanterns are
            as you sit facing back to your left shoulder about 2 feet
            above that at about 45 degrees from your shoulder at the
            corner (opposite side same thing).  But there is a slab
            of wood railing that is support for the inside ceiling just
            above the small box lanterns.  So in effect the light isn't
            showing on you.  The cone of line goes outward and down
            at about 45 degrees.  If anything if you spread your feet
            out the light would hit your boots but likely not your legs.
            So in reality your in the dark in this situation.  Hope that
            gives a better picture.  

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          Riding outside of the carriage, as soon as Arawn spots Whitney
          attempting to douse the lanterns he calls out in a low voice.

          "Leave them on or you'll risk a silent death from what is...
        GM: Ack.

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <Just a heads up from a player who does not know for sure...But
          I expect Arawn thinks having shadows is important for those
          fiends to attack so the bright light would help prevent them
          forming right next to you. Just a guess... Of course the light
          has drawbacks like making you an easy target for normal weapons.
          But since he has not said this the characters have to use their
          own judgment, isnt that fun ;)
        GM: Ack. Good observation.

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
         Forgot to add-

         "I'll explain later, when we're out of town."
         OOC: Update and info later on today
         [***Quote deleted for space ***]
        GM: Ack. 
 
        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          Whitney: "I'm risking that now. And you're not, so out they go."

          He puts them out. He's the only one on the firing line. He's not
          interested in other people's decisions about his safety. When
          it's their lives, they can decide.

          Seriously, he's lit up like an easy target. Silent death is
          more likely when he can been targetted clearly. In the dark,
          it's harder to hit him, not easier. The wagon is moving. It's
          not as though he's worried about a foorpad sneaking up behind it.

          He puts them out. no matter what anyone safe on the inside has
          to say about it.
          ---------
          Apparently Whitney is more worried about arrows than clouds that
          can outrace wagons. Of course, Shu had enough light to read a
          map, and it didn't help much.
        GM: Ack.  Well I have no problem with the argument. :) It adds
            spice and will help the villains win if you kill each other.
            Err. Wait ignore that part. :)

        From Will: [Re: Correction]
          Dang I meant to say gaze not glaze of course maybe by this time
          my eyes have glazed over.
        GM: Ack. I figured what you meant.  I don't spell check folk's
            stuff as I can't figure out what the meaning might be I don't
            mess with it.  It gets the gist around though.  No problem. 

        From Kiet: [Re: Correction]
          I dunno...being able to apply a steel glaze with a simple stare
          would be quite useful...is that an innate power?
        GM: Ack. I'd prefer a innate power to glaze a ham.

        From Will: [Re: Correction]
          Actually I believe it is a cinematic martial arts technique
          usually demonstrated late nights on the Kung Fu channel right
          before the protagonist punches trough the stone wall... the bad
          guys chest etc.
        GM: Ack. So Will has El40 skill in speaking fast with lips and
            then his words come out seconds after they stop moving?

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          I had thought Whitney's first attempt to put them out was after
          we left. Now we're back in time? Please. Whitney rides int he
          rumble seat, he's alone back there, everyone else is inside the
          wagon or up front. How do folks even know what he's doing?

          They're going out. As soon as the wagon start moving if not
          before. If you're that worried, take a lantern inside the wagon.

          Lights on, Whitney might die from an arrow or 40. Lights out, he
          might die from a supernatural critter. Shouldn't it be his choice
          which death he wants to risk? Not Arawn's?
        GM: Ack. Heh.  So which do you prefer so I know?  Death from a simple
            boring arrow or an exciting super critter? Let me know so I can
            plan your death better. :)  Seriously.  Your not alone.  Theres
            at any one time 2-4 other riders and 2 other lone horses back
            there.  Farseeker is one that rides behind so if anything theres
            up to 4 people behind you or up with you on the road.  I put
            this scene of argument minutes after leaving the second inn.
            I figure it took a few minutes for you to realize what could
            be at risk.  It fits for good story blocking for now.  Hope
            this is ok with you. 

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          Just prior to the party entering the carriage Arawn takes a
          bright    light and takes a careful look inside and under the
          carriage for    signs of anything unusual.

          "Actually I am, more so than you know. You have no idea what...

          If Whitney doesn't want to move position and still wants to put
          out the rear lights Arawn will attempt to block his action.

          Scott: If the above isn't feasible then Arawn will move towards
          the    other lantern, grabbing it and moving to the rear to keep
          as continual a circle of light around the carriage as possible.
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          Once out of the city Arawn seems to constantly scan the
          surroundings    before eventually sharing what he knows with the
          group.

          "Sorry about the mystery earlier but considering all the...
          --------------------------------------------------------------

          When the group finally decides to stop for a bit Arawn will
          perform    rites for the dead for Shu, as long as there aren't
          any non-party    witnesses. There is a look of distant sadness
          in his eyes as he does    so. He feels for the girl, her life cut
          short before she had a chance to experience it to the fullest but
          he held comfort in knowing that in time she would return and be
          given another chance to gain experience and grow in body and
          spirit.
        GM: Ack.  You're actually saving one person for the sake of all.
            The bulk of the party are on horses not in the wagon.  In
            fact the circle of lanterns really only protects those
            inside (Zhou, Fremea, Unali eventually) those outside
            Z'leyra and Kiet.  Those riding on horse are still in plenty
            of shadow and not full light.  For full protection one would
            have to ride right up against the wagon and that's not
            really practical.  The best method is for riders to carry
            torches though even that leaves shadows.  So by putting
            out the rear lanterns it really on affects Whitney.  Your
            smart enough to know this but personality wise you might
            just be too stubborn to say otherwise. :) Arawn not John. :)
            I have assumed the basic riding positions last time and those
            posted in the Wagon file on the site.  Ben'dar at point
            up front scouting with Kell/Kiet helping when not driving.
            Kiet/Kell/Z'leyra driving seat depending on who drives.
            Arawn/Caladan/Chion/Raban/Strie'bog/Will riding on horses
            along the sides (half and half 3 on each side).  Farseeker
            tends to bring up the rear.  Whitney in the rear seat.  Zhou,
            Shu, Unali and Fremea inside the wagon with empty seats for
            several others if need be.  Because of positions of the
            lanterns forward and back you'd need to mount an additional
            2 more on each side above the door to completely cover the
            wagon.  But then you're only saving those inside from such
            dark areas.  Those riding outside are still in shadow.  So
            the reality is the lanterns are doing little.  Sorry. 

        From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
          Actually Arawn rides outside of the carriage and is carefully
          studying the circle of light so he actually would be in the know.
          He's the one who spoke with Zhou about it in the first place so
          there's no actual backtracking of time.

          As to how Whitney wants to die, you're right, it is his choice.
          Unfortunately this isn't about Whitney, it's about the safety of
          the others.

          Arawn doesn't want to risk a shadow warrior or someone in shadow
          form just cruising through darkness undetected and hopping up on
          the rear or into the carriage. He's trying to make it more
          difficult for that to happen by forcing it out due to the light
          or at least giving others the opportunity to spot the shadow as
          it moves. If Whitney doesn't feel comfortable in the light at the
          rear of the carriage he's been given the option to move. Arawn
          isn't making it difficult for Whitney, Whitney is making it
          difficult for himself. You're call on whether to take cover
          outside of the light, either on horseback or in the carriage,
          both of which are far more comfortable than Whitney's current
          seat, or take the hard route and struggle with Arawn over the
          lights. To me it doesn't make sense for Whitney to be difficult
          if it's an issue of safety when he's been given an option for a
          better spot than his current one, light or no light.
        GM: Ack. I normally don't interfere with player interaction.  But
            I don't want this turning into a Greg vs Party situation like
            we had 4 adventures ago.  So let me just first say I understand
            you're protecting the party and that's great.  But if you don't
            know all the facts you're limited on the details.  I can envision
            the layout of the wagon and why I've posted those details also
            in the Wagon file on the website.  But you may not be aware of
            the visual picture.  So in effect after I've studied the wagon
            layout in my brain I've come up with the above comments to
            Whitney.  Those rear lanterns would only protect his legs.  So
            in essence it's not a big deal on or off.  He's in danger by
            either choice.  They'd have to be sitting on the same plank
            with him to really be effective.  You're smart enough (you
            often remind me of this :)) to know tactics wise one shadow
            warrior would be foolish to attack one person.  Sure they
            could pick folks off one by one.  But Whitney goes and
            Farseeker then he'd have to deal with the 3 on the side.
            Surely by then folks would know.  So while Whitney is vital
            he isn't a high target in such tactics.  Now of course if
            there were 20 shadow warriors sent then it would be different. :)
            Hope this clarifies a few things.  As well as other comments
            elsewhere.

        From Whitney: [Re: Actions]
          As far as I can tell, the option came after we'd left, so it's
          moot without a little retroactive editing. Which means this whole
          discussion shouldn't be happening, Whitney doesn't have the option
          to change seats on the move, not can see him putting out the
          lights, nor get to him to say anything about it, etc. So the
          lights go out

          Nor is there room, in back, for two people, as I recall, so that
          would mean that Arawn, if outside suddenly, would be in front
          with the driver. And still the lights go out.

          It's OK the let the other players make a decision or two on
          their own. Really. Whitney is a PC, not an NPC, and, based on
          everything I've heard about the rear seat to date, he's quite
          alone.

          The lights go OUT.

          While I find your stubborn streak admirable, I have one too.
          More importantly, if continuity keeps getting altered to prevent
          some of the players from reacting as they feel appropriate, then
          the players tend to feel at the least unneeded, at the most quite
          unwanted. Most certainly they feel in the way.

          So I'm wrong, Whitney is wrong. What's the worst that happens? I
          get a chance to actually play my character appropriately, and we
          have an encounter. Another fight? isn't that what these games
          are about?

          And maybe I'm right, the smoke either doesn't come, or can't
          catch up. Nothing happens. Or maybe we have a normal encounter.
          Still part of the game.

          This is day three of a rather silly argument. Let it go. It's ok
          for someone else to have an idea and act on it.
        GM: Ack. Time wise Arawn started inspecting the wagon at the noble
            Inn.  But Zhou rushed the exodus so fast that Arawn didn't
            have time to set the rear lanterns.  So I moved it up to the
            non noble inn.  I then assumed Whitney would help out with
            gear and when gone they were set.  So it adds some more
            realistic stance to it.  Arawn would be riding on the side
            (usually a 50/50 random for my POV). I will assume the
            lights go out based on many of the stuff I talk about above.
            Unless Arawn actually uses force to stop you then you do
            have a right to put them out.  Though from his POV you
            endanger those inside.  Its good interaction but can get
            folks upset so rather not have that happen.  :)


        From Kell: [Re: Actions]
          [OOC - I read the update and need time to think and respond,
          and there are about 13 emails.  Very nice!]

          As Farseeker pushes past Kell says quickly to Farseeker, "Well...
          -----

          The half-elf goes to his room and begins to pack, checking all
          the Lockes to make sure they are whole. He can't be too careful.
          [  He he.  Lost is great.  ]
          ----------
          During all the back and forth between Whitney and Arawn a smile
          creeps across the handsome half-elf's face.  He fixes a steeley
          gaze on the  both of them and remarks, "Does it matter? We...
          don't know why it happened
          [Dreaming of punching through a wall, and then the monster's
          chest, then the tree, then six feet deep into the cliff wall,
          then...]
          ---------------------
          After hearing Arawn's explanation Kell opines, "So the Night...

          Becoming serious again and with a very steeley gaze he confronts
          Zhou, "Now is the time to tell us everything you know....
        GM: Ack.

        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          Will will take up his usual position he will be keeping to the
          light as he does not have the ability to see magical creatures
          in the dark that some do. He gives a half smile at the squabble
          over the light thinking it would be nice if they could come to a
          conclusion and quit 'fliping' it off and on.  So for now he will
          ride near the front of the wagon as the light is more consistent
          there.

          OOC: The decision for Whitney might be moot if the night is clear
          with sufficient moon light as we would then be easy targets for
          any body in a darkened window or shadowed ally with or without
          the light.
        GM: Ack.  I don't mind anyone selecting their position around
            the wagon like forward right or middle left.  Those kind
            of things.  It does help.  


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     [New Stuff]


        - End of Part 1 - Next post is actual update
 






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