[pnpgm] Game Update #115 - File #890 - Low profile fun
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Fri Sep 3 07:06:08 CEST 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
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]
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.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 #115 in sequence (file #890)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Admin Notes: Whitney has been removed from the roster.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Recap]
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Sorry Arawn I misposted and left you out of this conversation.
Will mumbles half to himself
"Some of us left our 'toys' at home just to avoid this sort
of thing."
To Arawn he says "Don't let them rattle you... sometimes...
OCC: If it is mana from active spells they are tracking then
the magic items that some are carrying should be the easiest
thing to follow. An always on spell like permanent magic should
be like a candle in the dark ie visible for miles. If on the
other hand if it is just a detection for the mere presence of
magic users such as the one which detected us earlier at the
bridge then it wont make much difference. If the mana from a
spell or a magic item can be blocked by a physical barrier such
as the wagon then Arawn should be able to cast his spell in the
wagon just as safely as keep a magic item in there. Of course
it could be a combination of all of the above.
The display at the fair grounds on the other hand should have
looked like a bonfire. Chion's one teleport spell alone should
have been almost 40 mana. As far as talking to loudly I know
that Will has not said anything about magic to anyone outside of
the party and he has been reticent even about that.
Arawn should be the best person to know how the mana glow from
the magic items compares with the casting of a spell. speaking
of which....
"Arawn using any talents you might have what can you tell ....
Will will keep his own council on other matters and keep that
to himself.
GM: Ack. You are right detection of magic takes many forms. As
High Elder explained it could take on presence of mere mana
or mana imbued in a person. So the detector could look for
objects, people or the presence of only cast spells. A
tracker could search for invisible users or try to track of
a slew of spells or mana itself. The problem is groups are so
diverse they may use their own style of detection. Objects do
tend to block mana sources. So a amulet in a bag will not
likely be detected by sensors. But since all life and most
things have some aura of mana around them that is not easy to
block. So toys can be blocked but not people. People like
certain party members have high beacons of energy. If Arawn
were to open his senses to the party at first meeting the group
he'd find some are 5 times brighter in mana aura compared to
others. So combine that together a party of 10 makes a big
mana source. The problem comes down to which group uses which
sensor. Most city gates that have senses have been reported to
sense for magic items and presence of obvious magic like inviso
spells so wizards can't sneak in. Some spells track folks
without seeing like Tracking so even those spells could
be twisted into sensors thus Shu's style of magic. so don't
even have to see a person to detect them. You are right
some sensors could track better with longer higher mana
sources. So longer spells and higher mana allow the radar
to track things faster. The issue isn't use of magic
when needed like combat or to save a person. But to use
it for casual use like to start a fire to cook dinner.
That's the issue with some folks and Ki'ama's warning. The
coin comment will put in the alley scene section as I
think that's the reference you meant not the night talking
about use of magic.
From Raban: [Re: Posting]
<I am sorry, I do not feel up to any posts right now. If you
think any scene requires some feedback/posts please advise and
I will try to do it
<It is time for me to apply for disability I think. It has been
more than 30 years since I broke my neck and the pain has been
quite nasty lately making it hard to concentrate on anything.
GM: Ack. I don't mind if you need a break from reading or playing.
That's fine with me to get real life under control. Let
me know if you do. Likely won't be much for Raban to do for
a while anyways. Good luck on the back pain. Deal with that
and game when get life under control.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
I have to agree the bar fight was a lot of fun sorry I
missed it.
GM: Ack. Thanks. I had fun doing that scene. Most get tedious
and boring. I tried to imagine it from a modern 3d view with
the camera shifting from one spot in the room to another. Didn't
quite work out but was fun. This is a reply to another post?
You say you agree. But who do you agree to? I don't see
the original post this has to be in context to? I checked
the archives did someone else comment on this or was it email?
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Arawn smiled at Will's words. "I agree," he replied....
Scott, as Arawn's racial Mana Reading isn't a spell does it
detect as 'magic' to Mana Sensing or Mana Reading in his
experiences growing up/training? Would he know how it reacts to
other things like, Detection, based on experiences or from the
Metaphysics skill? Just wondering as Mana Sensing seems pretty
much always 'on' as it's a natural, extra sense of the Sidh so
not sure how much more noticeable Mana Reading would be in
comparison.
OOC: John, I share your thoughts on the detection of things. As
some of the items the party is carrying seem relatively shielded
from mana sensing/detection by a simple cover (in one case a
simple smothering of mud) I'm trying to understand the basic
idea behind why one couldn't take some sort of cover to reduce
detection or why a spell cast is more likely to draw attention
than an item that continually radiates 24 hours a day. But, as
has been mentioned, the specific methods used to detect
wizards/items/spells are unknown and likely both varied in
nature and specialized. Scott, would Arawn's Metaphysics skill
allow him any useful insight beyond what is already known, at
least as far as methods to shield oneself? As the secret
societies exist Arawn assumes there's got to be a useful
techniques as he can't imagine they only cast spells in warded
areas.
Also, Scott, I read your reply- I'm confused, you say that...
Mana Shield is mainly for mental connection to the mind not
really to block spell or magic/mana detection. ... but the
write-up for Mana Shield (from the Mana Powers family of spells)
indicates otherwise. Here's it pasted from the PnP Index site.
MANA SHIELD The spell gives the caster a defense against Mana
Sensing, Mana Reading, Soul Sight, Divination and Detection. It
has no affect against the Shadow version of Soul Sight. Where
the user of these spells is using them innately (without formal
magical training) the affect of this spell is doubled. If the
caster wishes to place the spell on someone other than himself
he must pay double cost to do so. A protected person is
unreadable by the forms of detection above unless their EL
exceeds the EL of the Shield (or EL*2 if they use the talent
innately). Where the chance is expressed as a percentage not
an EL, subtract (EL+1)*15 from that chance. If the detecting
person is strong enough to see through the shield, he sees what
he can at his reduced range.EXAMPLE Vaj the Faerry is EL5.
The shield he looks through is EL3. If the caster is in range
to be read by an EL2 Mana Sensing spell Vaj can sense him. If
not he can’t. DURATION (EL+1)*5 turns (The caster may
increase this duration after success if he wishes. Per cost
to cast the EL paid, the duration doubles)
Scott, I'm wondering, is it possible you might have been reading
Mind Shield' (from the Telepathic Powers family of spells)
instead of 'Mana Shield' (from Mana Powers)? Just wondering
for clarification as'Mind Shield' seems to fit your quote '...
is mainly for mental connection to the mind not really to block
spell or magic/mana detection' while 'Mana Shield' seems
designed to specifically block efforts to detect magic and
wizardry abilities(based on spells currently listed in the
Index at the time). could you look into this and clear this
please:)
---------
"I think that we should give the pills and not attempt....
Arawn will also be willing to use tongs or gloves to attempt
to manipulate the growth with his hands and use fire as well.
GM: Ack. It is Innate ability power not a spell per se. But given
that it can be detected. As to it being always on it is
but it is like human vision. By sheer reflex a human adjusts
his eyes to bright and darkness. Its not a conscious thing.
So such is the mana sensing ability. This to me goes to
the filtering out the natural world of mana auras all the
trees and grass and such. If you extend or concentrate
the ability to read or direct sense then your doing it
on a conscious level and thus the ability is stronger.
Another sidh or person can sense that just like it would
be if it was pheromones with good smell. So if you try
to read Fremea then she can detect that quite easily as
a somewhat sixth sense or a aura affect around herself
and Arawn. But if Arawn tried to read Farseeker then he
wouldn't be able to detect it not having that natural
sensing ability. But if he had a device that detected
mana reading or sensing then quite certainly he could.
How can some dogs sense or smell cancer while people
can't? Its their natural sense. Yet given technology
man sense cancer. So think of it that way. Hope this
is understandable. Anything can be detected period.
Dirt, Body odor or spells with a simple detection
spell. So why this is so confusing is a bit confusing
to me. Detection is a huge open spell. If you want
to detect all brown rabbits poof make a talisman. There is
no general rule here. its what the person wants at the
time. Detection for Mana. Poof you have a sensor.
Detection for Mana Shielded minds poof a spell. You
just plant it into objects and you have a sensor. Group A
may detect for 30 spells while Group B may sense for
10 common ones while Group C hates teleporters and only
looks for them. Its not rocket science really. Given
enough time a sensor could detect everything in the
universe. Then there are special rituals like Shu's that
can detect not just line of sight but in uber ranges using
tools like maps. This isn't rare as there are Location
for sailors or Tracking for wizards for example. What's
to say some wizard with EL15 in such spells hasn't tweaked
their spells to track using a map? Thus Shu's ability
to track not mana but the reverse the LACK of mana and
thus the Vong. Ugh. You're right on the shield. There are
3 spells of the same name. I was tired having to rush due
to last minute posts to get it all in I got flustered. The
old spell the one I have from my archives and the v2 one.
Yes it does block detection but guess what the shield itself
is a spell that can be detected. Make a sensor to detect
shields and that's spell. That wizard is then assumed to
likely be using other spells. That's the balance part. My
point is even protection spells can be detected and so
as the HE wisely said nothing is foolproof other than doing
no spells at all but folks have ignored those words. :) To
sum up anything can be detected magic users, magic items,
mana, lack of mana, heartbeats or body odor given enough
time and energy. Best way to prevent most of detection
is no spells period. Then only have to worry about the
magic items and presence of your body as mana beacons. If
need further details I can reply outside the update in
general posts so not to bore folks with this talk since
they don't cast magic. This is my quick and dirty reply
as it would bore others.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Julis 24 - Augado 5]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
The party leaves from Shantou City heading to Pamau City
in hopes to follow up on their leads about the Vong. During
the 12 day long trip the party takes their down time seriously
to train and relax.
Ben'dar spends the 12 days of travel which is actually sped
up by the highway to learn more Plains survival. He has
various instructors to help him during this time. His Zen'da
plains skills show him to be a fast learner. But he soon
realizes that Katai plains are not quiet the same as Zen'da
plains. Here the soil is fertile in most areas. But on the
home plains they are brittle and dead for the most part. He
learns that even some of the plants are different. But even
with that water and food detection skills are basically the
same here. During this trip he learns even more expertise
from the skill and gets to the point where at this time he
can't learn anything more from it.
Caladan on the other hand spends time on two skills. For
the first 5 days he learns with the help from Z'leyra and
Unali more sign language practice. In fact he soon learns
all the tricks and becomes a master of the skill. he feels
he can't learn anything more from it. The other 7 days of
the trip he spends sneaking around the camp at night trying to
fake pounce on people who are on sentry duty. Trying to
practice his Stealth skill is hard as it seems there is no
other instructor. For most nights he does sneak up on the
sentries except for the Sidh who have better hearing. At
a few times he gets within a foot of Ben'dar and Raban to
tap their shoulder as they patrol the camp.
Chion takes the time to just relax and do nothing. he
doesn't practice any skills or spells.
Farseeker learns more words from Unali, Chion and those
who gained some powerful magical knowledge of the Katai
language. He learns quickly and gets far more skilled than
he would just hearing it. He especially enjoys certain
more colorful words and slurs from Chion. He tries to urge
Ben'dar to learn the language but he remains silent.
Kell uses the time to learn hand to hand combat skills. From
Farseeker, Raban and Arawn mainly he learns unarmed combat
for wrestling, tangle fighting, fist fighting, shoulder
bumps and rolls among other techniques. It is clear from
his instructors the trader hasn't learned the basics. So
a new course of study is given. He quickly learns the basics
and finally learns the basic fighting stances. After 8 days
of learning he finally can fight Farseeker without tripping
over his own feet. For Raban he finally learns how to balance
himself against blows and not be a punching bag. He is quite
happy to learn this new skill and should be able to brawl like
in those fabled bar fights he has heard about. If only he
would get the chance.
For the last four days of the trip Kell learns Martial Arts
from Arawn. Fremea watches since she is slightly interested
in the skill as well. Since Kell just learned how to fight
hand to hand, Arawn knows it will be a challenge. Arawn begins
to teach the basics. But by the time the group reaches Pamau
there isn't enough for Kell to use. Arawn warns the trader
not to try it as unskilled martial arts use can damage the
body. But Kell is good to use basic unarmed combat. At this
rate Kell will need another month or less to learn the skill.
Kiet uses his time mostly in the wagon driver's seat While
Z'leyra and Kell can also drive he mostly is given the privilege
of driving. His down time is resting as driving horses takes
concentration, coordination and stamina. By a full day's
travel arms and hands are tired from tension. But for the 12
days he actually gets pointers from Kell who has known the skill
for some time. But Kell quickly realizes that Kiet surpasses
his own skill. in fact of the three Kiet becomes the best
teamster of the party. While Kiet is sad not to practice
other skills like weapons or rope making Zhou tells him that
driving a wagon skillfully could save the party. If the party
has to travel through the mountains it will take an expert to
drive not to hurt the horses and wagon. In fact Kiet is
considers a full professional in the skill. Any wagon
company would easily hire him for his skills.
Raban decides to share his time with two skills. This of
course causes his concentration to waver slightly. As a result
he will not learn as much as he would doing just one skill. For
the two days he gets pointers and tips on horsemanship use from
the expert riders like Ben'dar. It is clear he is slightly
awkward on the horse still even after the trip. He isn't
just experienced enough to fight from a horse. not without
falling off and breaking his back and the horse's back. Maybe
another two weeks of learning and he might finally be able to
do that.
But at night he works on arrow making techniques. This
skill he shows his expertise. While he is good he isn't expert
like Will. Will helps to suggest ways to trim the feathers and
best efficient use of the wood. Will also has to change his
skill slightly to work with the larger arrows needed for Raban.
Raban learns that arrow shafts have to be very tough. While
Raban could tear a ship timber from its placement with both
hands given time a arrow shaft is like a toothpick to him.
So they tend to break if handled wrongly. Raban learns a good
amount of practice with the skill.
Strie'bog spends half his time learning Hand to Hand combat
from the other bard, the giant Raban. Strie'bog is much more
skilled than Kell and learns quickly. Strie'bog also learns
the last half of the trip Bowyer skill from the giant man. Raban
is three times better than Strie'bog but the Vassa native learns
some tips and picks up things fast.
Unali spends the 12 days to practice her two weapon fighting
combat moves. She can't find a instructor willing to help
or the others do not know the skill. So she stands alone
usually in the dark with her two daggers and practicing the
moves her own instructors taught here long time ago. Several
in the party quietly watch her and find her moves fascinating
and graceful. While some like Farseeker can wield a heavy
sword and kill a man with a single hit this unsuspecting woman
can kill a man with a simple dagger. Who is more deadly in
the long run?
During the trip Whitney like Chion doesn't do much on the trip
aside from wood carving and looking worried or bored.
Will spends the entire trip learning basic first aid techniques.
But Z'leyra explains that learning such techniques isn't easy
and takes time. On his own it could take 2 months. With
a teacher it could take a month. So Will will not know the
full procedures by the time the Vong combat likely comes about.
Z'leyra goes over the basic first aid skills most involved in
combat have to understand. Even Farseeker knows the basic
of field treatment of bandaging a wound, clean a wound and
stopping blood loss by pressure. But First aid is bit beyond
normal traing and more intensive instruction on how be's to do
those things and everything but cutting into a body itself.
Will learns fast and Z'leyra estimated he could become just as
good as her, which says a lot, when he learns the skill at
full potential.
Z'leyra teaches during the trip First Aid to those who
are interested like Will. Others do sit by and watch but
do not openly take part like Farseeker, Caladan and even
Zhou watches. For her personal training she decides to learn
tailoring skill. Raban and Will could teach her but Will decides
to help her out directly. It takes six days to learn the simple
skill and techniques. In fact it really only takes 5 with his
good instruction. Once she learns the basic techniques she can
now work in a tailor shop. In fact Will finds her mind and wisdom
allows her to surpass his own skill to a professional level. He
realizes some learn fast and surpass their teachers. She quickly
becomes a professional level tailor and can't learn much more from
Will at this point but minor tricks.
Fremea spends her off day hours and a lot of night time hours
in the wild of the plains. She uses her sentry duty to take
this time away from camp. She explores the plains for plants
and herbs practicing her herbalist skills. She collects some
or throws others away. Also while the baroness is in her tent
and folks are eating or chatting she decides to spend a couple
hours each night privately in the wagon. What she is doing
inside is not known. But she asks for folks not to burst inside
as she needs to concentrate and meditate.
Arawn learns from Z'leyra the technique of Healer for Humans
while she teaches Will First aid. Arawn knows it will take
a long time to be skilled in it and using it now could cost
lives at his current experience in it. It would likely take
two more months to learn the skill.
****************
[Julis 29th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains, Shantou Province]
[ Around 60 odd miles south of Shantou city]
[Time: 10:35pm]
The group discusses the use of magic in Katai and the ever
present danger of such activity.
Will mumbles half to himself. "Some of us left our 'toys' at
home just to avoid this sort of thing."
Zhou nods. "Just so. This is why it was strongly recommended
to do so by the High Elder. He may be old but he is wise. We
had a quick private conservation. It was interesting to see
who might still bring their toys. Who would give them up and
so on It tells a lot of a person's character and his use
and dependency on such toys. It was fascinating to see how
the core fighters or even the mages who do a lot of personal
fighting left their stuff. While those who only stand back
and use magic kept theirs."
Caladan turns to Chion who did leave most of his gear all
but the Gnarish staff. "By the way have you contacted or
been contacted by the High elder lately? With the staff?"
Chion shakes his head in silence. The staff attached to his
horse has been virtually destroyed by paint, mud and other
things to make it look like a stick than a staff now. Chion
realizes though that it doesn't mean he hasn't been watching
the party through the staff.
"I know he said that to take the staff was not required.
But to take it with you seems unlike you Chion. You left
your magical sai which you used quite often in the past, amulet
and other things behind and were the first to volunteer to
do so. It shows you do not depend on such things. That is
good. So many apprentices especially the Chaos ones love
their rings and amulets. The Law wizards love their staves
and wands. Out of the great majority of wizards in the Lands
there is only one I know who uses no magic items. He rules
one of the Law regions. Not even armor or anything. He
is respected by all but the Chaos ones and quite wise and
powerful. Yet the vast majority of apprentices who fail
in magical duels are the ones who use wands or rings of
power or such toys. They panic and quickly go to their
toys rather than what they themselves can do from here." He
points to his temple. "But I am not one to talk as I'm
not trained in the arts."
Will leans toward Arawn, "Don't let them rattle you...
sometimes you have to take risks."
Arawn smiled at Will's words. "I agree," he replied.
****************
[Time: 10:45pm]
Arawn considers the use of the pills and the words of various
others in the group then replies. "I think that we should give
the pills and not attempt anything at first, if only to see what,
if anything, happens. If nothing happens I'd suggest using music,
with the bards playing music along a sliding scale of notes,
starting as high as possible and working down while we study any
reactions. We can always supplement with mystical music if
necessary, with others holding instruments as cover."
*************
[Julis 30th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Around 60 odd miles south of Shantou city]
[Time: 12:13pm]
*************
[Augado 2nd, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Crossroads town]
[Time: 4:49pm]
The group led by Chion as patron and Strie'bog, Kell and
Kiet enter the second market. Kiet glances down to his shopping
list made by others. "Some good herbs," he thinks to himself
for Arawn. What makes up good herbs?
It takes three herbalist shops but Kiet discovers a Amaranth
bag but it only has 5 seeds in it. Because of the healing
effects the merchant wants 30 silver from it. Kiet finds
this to be a common price. Kell tries to haggle with the man
but clearly has no herbalist skill to even know what he is
saying. The merchant agrees to reduce it to only 28 and
that price is set due to demand. The seeds are a recent
delivery and may be gone soon.
Kiet finds several timber shops and finds piles of scrap
wood made for minor items. There are plentiful items of
small common pieces of wood including the 1' long sticks he
desires. The merchant sees the pieces as worthless but
if he wants to buy some he can donate a few brass bits.
As Kell visits a leather hat shop, Kiet visits a clothing
shop that mostly sells middle and upper class clothing. He
tries on many pairs of good quality clothing and pays for some
as well.
Visits to Jewel shops find most of the places have pieces
for common people from rings, bracelets and necklaces. Most
are common everyday gems and jewels with minor flaws just enough
to be worthless for magic users. Of course the group doubts
any sane shop would have good high quality items lying around
their shops. This would put a target on their own heads. But
Kiet looks nonetheless for Smarag but fails the entire afternoon.
Kell finds a general shop and buys five vials and some minor
cooking spices. These are so common everyday items that the
merchant doesn't haggle for such items unless your a common
customer.
Kell finds one shop selling some gauntlets, gloves and
bracers. Most of the items are high priced things for
military officers and nobles. But he finds some leather
and metal bracers of decent quality but are simple made.
the leather bracers are 1 CC and the metal bracers sell
for 6 CC after haggling with the dealer.
The group finds a nice wine shop that is full of wine shelves
and high priced ale bottles. Some can be affordable to middle
class but you will find no peasants in here. Those shops are
the common liquor variety. Kell inspects the wines and finds
some from nearby nations as well some as far as the
Cerulean empire. But they are decently priced and appear
to be in good shape. The merchant offers free samples and
some cheese if they wish to. One merchant who is inspecting
a 300 year old bottle pays 15 silver for it likely for some
event he is having.
A few weapon and armor shops are also found. Some vendor
in open markets sell light weapons and limited armor but
the best variety are indoor shops. Kell takes this chance
to teach Kiet a bit of how to spot good quality weapons and
armor. He was told by great weapon smiths that if you klink
with your finger certain areas on the weapons especially if
made from iron then the sound call tell its quality. Also
the sound of it moving in air and the weight balance. Katai
is no stranger to weapons and so Kell regards their spears.
he finds them of moderate to high quality as would be expected
for a nation that the military uses spears often enough.
Since Katai uses their own metals mined nearby the ore seems
expertly made. But even Kell is a bit biased by Ba'ru made
weapons. Of course the Kameri smiths are also highly skilled
as seen with Z'leyra's weapons.
At various chances during the shopping chances are given to
ask discreetly about the black markets. Even with Chion
asking the merchants are reluctant to speak of them. They
give hints but no directions are actually given. the implication
is that if you have to ask then you shouldn't. Only one time
does a merchant finally give directions. But there the street
looks like just any normal market. Though there seems to be
a bit more thug presence around. the items are just like
most places already visited today. Of interest is weapons,
jewel and possible hidden magic shops. The one display that
is of possible rare jewels are flawed items but super priced
that have to be stolen. None seem to be magic user quality.
The merchants do offer access to magic items stolen or
found but must require a reference from someone they trust
as well as a large down payment of gold. Sadly this would
take time to setup and the party will be gone tomorrow.
*************
[Time: 8:15pm]
Before leaving the alley Will asks Arawn about the visitor
and now apparent ally. "Arawn using any talents you might have
what can you tell about the 'skills' of our friend here... for
that matter how about this coin thing."
Arawn tries to recall from his memory. He didn't even have
time to read the man. He assumes it was a man in fact. the
dark alley was too hard to tell. The mana did have a slight
aura but it was only a minor section. the man clearly knew
what he was doing by using a cowl and hood. He also hid
using a stacked set of crates to hide all but one half of his
face. That led any sense of who he was lacking. The only
thing Arawn could tell about the aura section was that it was
strong. Strong indication of a magical user which is common
for wizards. But other than that Arawn learned nothing not
even his orientation in time.
Arawn glances briefly at the coin as they walk back to the
tavern. It has little or no aura. Maybe if he can find time
to study it he might read more. But it is dangerous to do
so in the street tonight.
*************
[Time: 7:52pm]
Farseeker, Unali, Zhou, Arawn and Will show up at the
camp. They wait for the others to arrive before going into
details of their trip. But it doesn't take long.
[Time: 8:18pm]
Kell, Kiet, Strie'bog and Chion finally arrive carrying
bags, sacks and for Kiet his own tired arms. Though he
carries most in his backpack for the last half mile he
made a show of carrying supplies in his arm to make Zhou
feel happy that he is doing his servant duties.
[Time: 8:22pm]
Caladan breaks the news about Whitney missing and gone.
Zhou shakes his head and looks to the darkness. "I warned him
he shouldn't flee but I think he'll keep our secret. He knows
what we are capable and up to. I just don't think he is up
to this fight. Too bad. I was getting used to him."
Arawn and Will goes over the details of the alley incident
with the mysterious wizard.
"The man disappeared before I could sense much, much less speak
to him. As to the coin, I think I'll wait until we're out of the
city before attempting delve into its mysteries. But I'll
definitely let you know what I discover when I do."
Caladan leans on the side of the wagon and smiles. He pats
his stomach from the food Z'leyra made. She had been cooking
for hours and was getting impatient about the people not
showing up. But she held supper warm even if folks told her
they ate at taverns. After he pats his stomach he speaks to
Arawn. "If a wizard wishes to remain secret and not known
and walk around town with a special coin don't you think there
would be methods to prevent discovery? You delve into the
coin could lead to a backfire in your face. There could
be booby traps or even a self destruction ward on it hidden.
If these guys are as good as they seem then there is no trace
left after you delve into it. So be careful. Just warn me
so I can step away from you."
Kell, Kiet and Chion stand side by side and explain the bar
fight. Zhou like some military commander paces from one person
to the other and goes around the trio as if he is on an
inspection of the trio. He shakes his head as the trio
give their details. Farseeker sitting nearby giggles slightly
as if in memory as he has done this inspection like march
around new people in the military. Zhou stops at Kell and
sighs. "Low profile huh?" He then moves to Chion. "I
don't care about your past. But it seems you have enemies
in Katai. That isn't too shocking. Just we'll have to be
careful. Maybe we should leave before sunrise. " Zhou
steps back and looks at all three.
"A bar fight...you're lucky the city guards didn't catch
you. Tell me about some of the rumors you heard at least.
I hope its more useful than the fight was." With that he
sits down to drink some water.
Before Kell goes into the rumors, Unali steps from
the darkness of the wagon changed from her noble dress
to more night clothing suitable to a noble riding a horss
with her riding tunics. Seeing everyone around she goes
into details of learning a few things from her own day's
interesting activities.
Before she begins she ensures no one is around but the
park is wide open. The nearest wagon a family wagon for
6 with hooded back is about 200 feet away. Satisfied of
no one hearing she goes on with her story. She doesn't go
into detail on how she got the info only the information she
learned.
"Apparently Baron Jiu Ka is behind most of the warehouses
being bought in Shantou, Katai and a few eastern cities. He
sends wagons with coffins around Katai and stores Vong goods in
warehouses. It could be they are a staging point for their armor
and weapons. One such shipment was recently raided near Shantou
by people I trust. They informed me that three coffins contained
Vong. They killed two and captured a third. Then they found out
that torture does not yield information."
"BUT their ally the wagon driver was not so lucky. He quickly
caved in. These allies are Katai traitors. I don't know how many
there are. But there must be hundreds in various cities. They
call themselves the Peace Brigade They believe they are doing
Katai good in keeping the creatures from taking over and doing
more damage to the Empire. They seem to believe they will be
friends to these creatures. Many can be identified by a tiny
tattoo on their back upper right shoulder. It shows a clenched
fist punching forward from left to right. It is rather simple
but seems to identify them to each other."
"I also learned that Baron Ka who is located in Pamau may be
dealing with a Vong. The person he is dealing with is named Nom
Amor. But he may be going by another name. The peace brigader
said Nom sends them orders through other contacts but hasn't
ever seen him. There is evidence that this Nom character may be
housed in Pamau, but that is uncertain. If he is in league with
Baron Ka then he may meet with him often."
Zhou places his right hand through his hair in frustration
and exhales several times. He shakes his head and looks to the
ground frustrated. "Great." He stands tall and picks off things
with his fingers one by one. "First we have the leadership of
Katai from the Master General to the city guards after us. Second,
we have these bounty hunters after us. Third we have secret
society magic haters after use. Fourth we have secret society
magic allies watching us who are paranoid about us. Now we
have these peace brigade traitors and their noble traitor
friends working against us. This gets better and better."
"Sounds like a fair challenge. A few million versus a dozen
of us. A fair fight." He grins wildly at the thought.
Zhou glares at him but ignores the comment. "At least we
have a solid lead who to find in Pamau. So the Vong can't
move around easily so need the coffins to move around and
likely the warehouses to store their odd items." He pauses
a few moments then continues. "We should leave just before
sunrise and the morning activity picks up."
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Monday....
GM: Whitney is officially off the game grid. I made it so his
character now in npc mode would just wander into the city
since the danger level was too high for him. I gave Thomas
ample chances to return to the game and honestly he still has
the chance to rejoin. But of course once the party leaves the
town then it will be harder. He is off the roster for now.
Still didn't see why he left but he had issues with comments
it seems directed to and around him not really like Greg way
back on game rules. But if he ever wishes to return I'll allow
it. Just hate to see a good character leave but at least it
was on friendly terms.
GM: Travel IBT deadline was posted 2-3 updates ago and has
passed on 9/1. Since none have put in more actions in
weeks or some have not put in any at all then went and
did the deadline earlier than arrival at Pamau. The
results are above and below.
GM: Stats below are updated. So only Will and Fremea are the
only ones to recover some more mana. But keep in mind this
is Julis 30 (3 days later is the town Crossroads so likely
at full mana by then). I only keep the stats locked for
the 30th for the future Baroness healing event.
GM: Happy Memorial day! I couldn't get to the pills baroness
thing as I planned to due to some last minute emails and
posts. I will get to it this weekend. I'm off Sunday
so may work on it then a bit. I'll then post the results
of the possible cure or death or whatnot in Monday's
update. Monday's will likely be a shorter update since
folks may be out of town and busy. Then next Friday
I'll move the party out of the city toward Pamau so
if any last minute things for the city let me know. I
will assume Raban and maybe Fremea will attempt things
as they did in the past with mustic and sound? But
wanted to make sure.
GM: Current day - Julis 30th Stats - Event: Baroness healing
Player Health Energy Mana Notes
Caladan 100% 100% 100% ----
Strie'bog 100% 100% 100% Minor wound left
Z'leyra 100% 100% 100% ----
Chion 100% 100% 100% ----
Raban 100% 100% 100% ----
Whitney 100% 100% 100% ----
Ben'dar 100% 100% -- ----
Farseeker 100% 100% -- ----
Unali 100% 100% -- ----
Kiet 100% 100% 100% ----
Kell 100% 100% 100% ----
Fremea 100% 100% 84% ----
Will 100% 100% 72% ----
Arawn 100% 100% 100% ----
Health - % of Max (if 100 hpv, at 50 hits would be 50%)
Energy - % of Max (if 100 enl, at 50 enl would be 50%)
Mana - % of Max (based on daily energy level casting limit)
GM: Reminder of trip time
Julis 30 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Julis 31 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Augado 1 - All day - 30 miles travel to Crossroads
Augado 2 - 7am-3pm - 20 miles Arrive at Crossroads
Augado 2 - Day/Night - Likely stay in town overnight
Augado 3 - All day - 20 miles Travel to Pamau
Augado 4 - All day - 20 miles Travel to Pamau
Augado 5 - 7am-3pm - 20 miles Arrive at Pamau
GM: Final IBT Results
Player Notes
Ben'dar Plains Survival - 24 points +1 EL now Maxed
Caladan Sign Language - 10 points +5 EL now Maxed
Stealth - 7 points
Chion None earned - None Defined
Farseeker Katai Language - 24 points +9 EL
Kell Unarmed Combat - 16 points 0 EL now learned
Martial Arts - 8 points ---- Learning
Kiet Teamster Skill - 24 points +8 EL
Raban Horsemanship - 12 points
Fletcher - 12 points
Strie'bog Hand to Hand - 12 points +1 EL
Bowyer - 12 points +1 EL
Unali 2 Weapon fight - 12 points
Whitney None earned - None Defined
Will First Aid - 24 points ---- Learning
Z'leyra Tailor - 12 points ----- Learned skill
Fremea Herbalist - 6 points +1 EL
Private skill - 6 points +1 EL
Arawn Healer (Human) - 24 points Learning
GM: IBT Results details -
Ben'dar - Your at Max EL for Plains survival. Do you
the 10 points over to be pooled in case/when stats change
to go to a possible new Max EL or go to elsewhere?
Actually would be 5 or 10 points depending on where
you put it and instructor - 5 days worth basically.
Kell - Will take time to learn Martial Arts to EL0 26 days
with instructor.
Raban - Since got 2 skills to learn got half the points
could've earned. So 12 each not 24 each.
GM: Shopping Notes:
Amranth Seeds [Found] - 5 seeds - 28 SC - Kiet buy?
Small 1' wood [found] - Many - Few BB - Kiet buy? How many?
Clothing [Found] - Many - ???? - Kiet buy? How many?
5 Vials [Found] - 5 - ???? - Kell what type?
Leather Bracer [Found] - 1 pair - 1 CC - Kell buy?
Metal Bracer [Found] - 1 pair - 6 CC - Kell buy?
Healing herbs [Found] - ??? - ???? - Arawn buy?
Smarag [Not Found]
Kiet may remind me what the wood is for in email or here.
So I can figure out prices and weights and amounts what
particular items of clothing to buy?
Kell - What type of Vial? There are 4 types of vials. just
want to make sure. See Book 1 v2. Looks like only
look at the wine and spears no buying.
Arawn - Healing herbs? Healing Supplies? A bit vague. Do
you have particular list of items in mind? Otherwise
looks like just 1 healing herb to me. :)
Raban/Fremea - Arrows picked up and paid for.
Wasn't there folks looking for Jade and Pearl? I can't
find those notes. But I can't recall who it was.
If there is something on the list let me know. If
items are to be paid for let me know.
More information about the pnpgm
mailing list