[pnpgm] Game Update #128 - File #953 - Curse or Fate?
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Tue Oct 26 09:00:54 CEST 2010
HT Alias/Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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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
W4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human Fe
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]
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 Baron Noble [HD]
Game Web Site - http://www.furvert.net/longshotgm/pbem/index.htm
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to longshotgm at netzero.com
Game Update #128 in sequence (file #953)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Unali: [Re: Actions]
"I will try to find some contacts in town tonight and...
GM: Ack.
From Kiet: [Re Actions]
Kiet's simply steamed with Arawn right about now. This is
simply too much to bear. We were warned...by the High Elder,
no less...THE most experienced mage we know about...yet this
fool of an Alfar seems to simply ignore the warnings. May his
gods...or parents...curse him for such foolishness. And may the
curses be accurate and not land on those of us around him!
Kiet wishes for the 100th time that they had a Vong detector of
some sort. It'd be great except that the magic of the detector
would be detected...hey! Wait one minute. If there are bounty
hunters running around Katai with detectors, and they detect
magic, then they'd all be detecting each other...so...maybe
detectors are not detecting magic but something else?
"You know...if we had a Vong detector, it would make our...
GM: Ack. Normally would include above below. But wasn't sure
if fully OOC or IC and how to edit it to fit in a story
format. :<
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
- "Let us hope that he proves to have something useful. As....
- "It might worth asking them what they might know regarding...
- "Personally I don't think it will help much. The hunters...
After all this Arawn will take some time to look over the Vong
map/scroll. He's hoping to find any unusual markings or symbols
that were overlooked or blended into the symbols/writings in
hopes of finding the proverbial 'X marks the spot' before
departing to question the Peace Brigader before the
Transmutation ends.
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Augado 5th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Pamau Province, Pamau City]
[Time: 6:22pm]
Arawn glances around and realizes two hours have past. The
rock that is the prisoner would need to be dealt with before
another two hours. But the discussion and theories being
tossed around is very interesting material to consider.
Now treated but not healed, Unali sits at the table and
finishes her own meal. She recalls the encounter with Nom
Amor to the party. She theorizes that the square fire blast
was a distraction to get Nom out of the city.
Farseeker perks up, "the thing he flew like a flying bat
or whatever it was. He could've escaped anytime at night
with that though. I don't think it was an attempt to escape.
But you may be right. If he was as bad as we think with
little regard for human lives than he might have used it as a
backup plan for that purpose. But the scrolls do not seem to
indicate that here."
Unali also mentions it could be to move materials around
the city. At that many do regard that likely. As that time
of day business is rounding down and most would be not
wanting work for the fun at the square.
Unali also mentions the powder trick Nom used on her.
This doesn't cause much surprise even to Unali who has seen
it before.
"Dirty people do dirty tricks." Farseeker nods. "Get a man
on the ground and about to die he'll either kick you in a place
you don't want or throw sand at your eyes. It is a old trick
to blind an enemy. But you're lucky it wasn't some bug powder
to do far more damage."
Unali glances out the semi-dirty windows seeing dusk fast
approaching. She glances at Kiet, "Can you find out what kind of
establishment the Red Dice is, and where it is located. A lady in
my position could hardly ask I feel, so you will need to do
this."
Zhou grins and Kiet knows the man is loving this. OF course
when it comes to a later time, this servant thing will be long
gone from the acrobat's skill set for awhile. Kiet nods and
stands to head to the bar to ask the barkeep.
"Another glass of wine also." Kiet takes the empty wine
glass and starts off. Zhou stops him again, "Ask if they
have a shoe shine service." Kiet nods and turns but cringes
when Zhou says another thing. "Also don't forget to ask about
feeding our horses." Kiet this time doesn't turn around but
quickly rushes off. "hurry son I'm thirsty!"
Kiet soon returns with the information for Unali and the
glass of wine for his master. The barkeep knew of the Red
Dice inn as most barkeeps tend to know other places in town.
Kiet gives her rough directions.
While Kiet is explaining directions the barkeep himself
comes over to deliver a basket of fresh grapes and fruits.
"These just came in. Who wanted to go to the Red Dice Inn?"
He glances around but then continues. "No matter. It is
a okay place. But people of your standing should be careful
as it is mostly a men's place I hear." He leans over the
table and whispers. "It also has gambling and other things
I hear." He shrugs and just walks away.
"You should take a bodyguard. But I know you wish to be alone.
I know you can deal with things. But now that we know where
you are going we can find you if things go bad." Zhou taps
her arm in a odd gesture he hasn't done before.
Unali ignores the barkeep's comments. "I will try to find
some contacts in town tonight and see if we can have them watch
Baron Ka's place. We are too exposed to do so ourselves , but if
any Vong try to find out what happened to Nom, we might get a
lead there. Any other information that we need, so I can ask?"
Arawn nods, "It might worth asking them what they might know
regarding recent events around the closed mine, why Nom might
suddenly lose interest. Also, see if they know anything about
Rising Mount. It was mentioned it the letter and could be a Katai
name for a peak in the western range."
Arawn quietly asks who wishes to join him with the prisoner
to question him. Zhou has suggested taking it away from her
in case it is detected or tracked. It best to question him
in some alley away from the group for denial purposes.
Kiet sits steams listening to Arawn. He can't believe how
bold some are. How with warnings they can still use magic
in a Empire where magic is a death sentence. High Elder Ki'ama
did warn it would be a test not only for the survival of the
party but also of each person. Kiet glances around the table.
Some are more dependent on magic and toys than others. He
find it interesting Z'leyra who loves her toys would have been
one of the hardest to test in this situation. But aside from
magic at the carnival grounds and some healing there isn't
a great amount from her. In fact aside from the big magic events
at the carnival grounds most have been somewhat calm. Aside
from Arawn and maybe Chion using teleports. Even when the
bounty hunters found the party some still continue using magic.
Sure they found the group from the generic aura of magic
at the Shantou bridge but still found them indirectly.
Kiet wonders if being son of a god makes you see things
differently? Gods break the rules or even invent new ones.
So wouldn't Alfar do the same? Maybe their mind set isn't
the same as humans. But then again that is almost a certain
thing. He is young to this world and its ways but you would
figure with the warnings he would've listened. Maybe the
bad results will come down to teach the party a lesson?
Zhou decides on the assignments. "Tun Au, Captain Mai,
Fu Sa and Kiet can go on this side situation. Captain can be
the patron here in this land and can pass for a native since
Unali will be gone soon. Fu Sa will serve as protector. Kiet
can be there to help with the duty of questions if needed."
Kiet will have to take some gear with him in case he wishes
to question the peace brigader with amore influential way. But
then he starts to consider the purpose of detectors and a possible
Vong detector. He wonders how Group A can track Group B so
easy or not so easy.
"You know...," Kiet speaks up, "if we had a Vong detector, it
would make our lives much, much easier. AND, we could always
claim that our detector is simply a device used to find 'special
effects' and that we are simply bounty hunters too. Instead of
wandering around blindly as we are. If the Katai bounty hunters
are using detectors, why aren't they always running into other
bounty hunters and mistaking them for folks with special
abilities? Just a thought."
Arawn adds to this, "Personally I don't think it will help much.
The hunters seem unorganized on a national scale. They each seem
to work for different nobles, groups, or entities and their methods
seem to vary just as wildly. Besides if carrying a device to pose
as a bounty hunter was effective I'd imagine that Society members
would already be using that ploy on a large scale. But who knows.
If anything I'd imagine the seeming relative lack of national
organization on this is a boon. If all fronts coordinated their
efforts things would be much more unpleasant. Thank goodness for
oversized beauracracies and political squabbles and intrigues."
Zhou frowns at this and looks down. "I'm afraid Shu was the
only one who could detect them. At least in a large sense.
We know they have a life absence effect. But we don't know the
methods for finding that. Not without some serious experimentation.
Most of us could do a detector but we'd have to be careful to
find the right thing. If we make one to detect their staff we
could find the nearest snake instead. I think if we had time
at the grounds we could've experimented but we had to leave
quickly. As to how hunters avoid others. Don't forget they
work in set areas and regions. So a hunter would not overlap
without some caution. As well as many likely know each other
in some fashion. But this is only a guess."
"Maybe if we find another Vong we can do some experiments
or use something of theirs." Caladan adds.
Will who has been quiet a bit lately recalls the head he
wanted to keep but Zhou found it too offensive. He simply
shakes his head in dismay.
Arawn recalls what Farseeker said of the party's curse of
learning info from prisoners. That likely nothing will be
learned useful. But he is human and not Vong so shouldn't be
a problem to break him quicker.
Arawn speaks to this point. "Let us hope that he proves to have
something useful. As is Zhou's group was lucky to have stumbled on
to the papers. I apologize for the concern but I couldn't have
known if any of the groups would have discovered anything useful
so I took a risk to try and procure a lead if the others search
turned up empty," Arawn replied calmly. "If anyone has questions
for him feel free to join or pass it on to me to ask. I'll speak
to him somewhere distant unless someone wants to have the
conversation in a room upstairs or close by."
"Not here. Must do elsewhere." Zhou reminds Arawn.
"The idea to bring a prisoner is a good one. You didn't know.
I just think some here consider the idea of the method in
doing so and then carrying him here in your pocket is a bit
much. Might as well have left special lights behind your
feet." Caladan tells Arawn implying the magic point of view.
The group goes back to looking over the scrolls. Zhou makes
a point to reserve the table for the rest of the night. In
doing so he leaves a good tip for the staff.
[Time: 6:53pm]
Unali decides to leave at this time since it is good and
dark outside. She head's upstairs to change into more easy
to wear clothing - her black outfit. She notices a small
tear where Nom stabbed her and will have to get it tailored
up soon. She bids the table farewell and leaves during a lull
when the staff isn't watching.
[Time: 7:11pm]
"We need to go before I get a bigger buzz on. " He stands
and motions for Arawn to follow. Zhou nods to the others and
Kiet and Chion also leave with Arawn.
Going through the dark streets the four notice street lamps
have already been lit up. But while this part of the city
hasn't seen the best of times lately there should be traffic.
In fact it is light traffic. There is the occasional sole person
or a merchant going this way or that. But even in a area where
there are shops you'd expect to see higher foot traffic.
"Must be some worried citizens. Maybe they decided more
attacks might come and stayed indoors tonight. This will help
and hinder us. We should move fast so not to draw more eyes."
Farseeker motions the group onward.
After a bit of time the group finds an area even devoid of
street lamps. It appears to be a small business warehouse
district and manufacturing center. The buildings are all dark
and secret. Chion finds a small wooden shack and picks the
lock or gets it open by some means. The four enter and find
it a brewer's storage shop of some kind. It is well away
from the street maybe 300 feet and even if there has to be
some loud painful noises it shouldn't bring attention.
Arawn with his night eyes looks around and finds it full
of crates and barrels. It smells of cheap beer and ale. He
wonders if it is a good thing to even light a torch in here
with the fumes. But he notices a wall vent that must allow
the fumes to leave a bit. Chion risks it and lights a candle.
Arawn places the rock onto the floor and warns the man could
be still holding a small blade. Kiet should be ready to tie
him up and bind him once he is awake.
After a bit of time exploring the shack and ensuring no one
followed them or there is no guards on patrol here the
group gets down to business and waits. Soon the rock changes
back into the human.
The man remains motionless and the four watch in case he
is faking. Farseeker gives him a light kick in the ribs
hoping to wake him. Arawn leans down to inspect his chest
and stomach area where he got most of the burns. The burns
are still there and blisters have formed but it shouldn't
be life threatening.
Chion leans down to check his neck for a pulse and his eyes
for reaction. After a few seconds Chion shakes his head
and leans back on his knees.
Dumbfounded Arawn begins a quick series of checks to see if
he can save the human. Could he have not been able to breath
in the rock form?
Farseeker comes to the other side on the man's left and
views the body. He then shakes his head. He grunts and
leans down with a gloved hand. He shifts the head to the other
side so it displays his left neck. Then that is when everyone
notices a hole in his neck.
Arawn leans in closer to inspect and it seems the hole is
the size of a human thumb fingernail in diameter. There is
a spot of blood on the ground and his neck. But it seems since
the heart has stopped the bleeding did as well. Arawn sighs
and examines the hold closer. It isn't a dart or blade
wound. It is as if one part of the hole is serrated while the
other sections of the hole are smooth as if blown out. It
almost looks like...like a bug eating its way out of a sack of
flour. Arawn shakes his head in dismay. Did this happen in
the warehouse? Did he even notice it in the thick smoke?
Could it have happened before he was dragged out or while
he was outside the warehouse?
Farseeker sheaths his sword and crosses his arms. "The
curse continues." Then he walks to the door.
Upset Arawn by reflex slams his fist onto the man's chest.
He decides to get a good view of his fist tattoo for a
change and then stands up.
Farseeker then uses the hilt of his great sword to bust open
one small portion of a barrel and then tips it over. The
beer begins to pour on the floor. He then walks around and
finds a ice pick type tool for opening the same barrels. he
then walks over and plunges into the man's neck and leaves
the tool lying on the side. "They'll think he was killed by
some other thief when they broke in here. Let's go. We
won't learn anything here."
Chion then blows out the candle and heads to the door.
On the way back Arawn tries to go over the situation. Something
left his body. Likely a bug. Likely a Vong bug. So does that
mean all Brigaders have such bugs? Do they even know they have
such implants? But why did it leave the body? It had to fed
on something in the body. The bug must've found the body
dead and thus useless. So was he dead before the fire spread
or before he was a rock? It is difficult to tell from the body.
The bug was on the main neck artery making it a quick kill
if it bore out.
Then a odd theory comes to his mind. If the bugs the Vong have
can sense magic then the Vong could put the bugs in their
allies to ensure safety. If the brigade are sought after by
magic users it kills them? So once magic is used on them they
are killed. Arawn curses under his breath. Does that mean
once he was fascinated it was over at that time? A very
devious plot the Vong have. Prevent their allies to succomb to
magic and selling them out.
[Time: 7:40pm]
The four grim faced interrogators return to the tavern. By
now Caladan and Strie'bog are gone. They must be back at
the wagon for now. Unali is still gone.
"That was quick. How did it go?" Zhou asks.
Farseeker drinks a stale ale still on the table and shakes
his head. Arawn sits at the table to try to explain things.
[Time: 9:12pm]
Some time later Unali finally returns to the tavern. By
this time Caladan, Strie'bog, Farseekr and Chion are missing.
She sits at the table and brushes her hair to the side due
to the damp night. It is rather hot out tonight and walking
fast makes you hotter. She takes a drink from the bar wench
who is about to go off duty. In fact she warns the barkeep
and staff will be off duty very soon. To the others it looks
like she simply slept in her room. The rooms are also a bit
hot in this late summer night. But her face shows calm and
a sense of rest as if she had slept.
"I have found some information that may help us. It seems the
mine that Baron Ka and Nom Amor were involved with had been out
of operation for some time, with miners scared off and such, but
is back in regular operation again now. That sounds like Nom had
a base there for some time, but the base has shifted to elsewhere.
Unfortunately, I have no clue where. The shack looks like something
we really need to investigate to find new clues."
"The peace brigade has a local headquarters, and we could
investigate there, but we must do that tonight, and even then I
am not sure if we will learn anything there. Anyone in favor or
against? I could go myself as it is my area of expertise so to
say?"
"And I say we have to do it tonight, as I learned that we are
under scrutiny, or will be very soon. An extremely tall guy," she
looks at Raban, "has the interest of authorities. And they somehow
connected him with a group travelling by wagon. So starting now or
early in the morning at the latest, ALL wagons will be searched
top to bottom and tall strong men are up for questioning."
"So I propose we leave as early as possible without getting
undue attention, but the wagon should be empty of ALL items and
persons that must not be found in this city and lands. Anyone or
anything based on undesired forces, as the risk is just too
great." She moves her eyes to Arawn.
"Luckily, there is an escape route we can use. I propose I take
those who should not be here, and all items, on horse out the safe
way. the wagon will not pass, though. My loyal husband, his
servant and bodyguard can drive the emptied wagon out. There may
be some fuzz, but you should be safe, my husband, as always."
"Raban, Kakita and Lin Mong should go the safe way for certain.
Others as they desire. Outside the city we will regroup and find
the shack. Any remarks from you?"
"Brigade base? This is good news. But our ultimate mission
are the visitors. It might gain us more info on their other
allies in this land but I don't know much. If some go tonight
it would be risky. Obviously not all should go. I'd only
suggest the more stealthy ones go like you and you." He
points to Unali, Fremea, Kell and Kiet. "the more that
go would draw some possible attention. I think once the
Vong are taken care of the brigade will dissolve without
their new friends. I think others could take them on and
explore their power base in this Empire. But I will abide
by your decision and those who wish to go." Zhou finishes
and watches the bar as they seem to be the last group up
at this time. A early hour for a bar but the day's events
aren't a time for celebration.
Raban shakes his head in dismay. In most cases he likes
attention. His looks and body get that all the time. At
first it was tedious but over the years he uses it to his
advantage. But now in this land of short people it is a
liability.
Zhou continues, "As to when to leave. I think we need
at least one good night's rest. Unless we have evidence
they know we..." He stops and looks back at the bar. They
noticed Raban. Could the staff relay that information to
friends in some awe natured fun? "We'll actually I better
talk to the staff about Raban." He stands and smoothes his
clothing. "I would prefer we rest and leave a hour or even
two hours before sunrise using the escape route."
"If we have to go near the river and likely from there the
mountains or back here then we should leave the wagon here.
The wagon will be a problem moving in the mountains. We can
leave it here and Tiehul can send for it." Zhou takes a sip
of his wine and then adds, "But I defer to your judgement on the
danger my lovely wife."
Zhou then heads to the bar to the staff huddled around doing
final clean up. He must be going to do some talking or bribery
of the staff to keep quiet.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Enough for tonight. A big update with some info. Now.
The leader (Unali) has been given the right to either
go to the PB base to investigate and who to take with
her. If you are interested in going let her know and
she can decide. If it is decided not to go then next
update we can move the party out of the city all on
horses this time.
GM: I had planned once all left the city I'd send the updated
character sheets. So I may do that this week or next
depending on free time. You can update with new gear
or such at that time if needed. Remember if you want
the sheets at ANY time let me know. I can send one
a week if you want. I just have to edit out he GM
notes and best ways to kill you and all that sort of fun
notes at the bottom. Then just hope I send you the right
sheet to the right person like John (3 johns boy). So
stay tuned for new sheets.
GM: I'm off Thursday but likely may do some prep work or
bigger work depending on behind scene replies into the
update Wednesday night.
y
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