[pnpgm] Game Update #161 - File #1149 - Alliances are formed
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Sun Apr 10 07:09:43 CEST 2011
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
R1.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,
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 #161 in sequence (file #1149)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet listens to the discussions about how to get out afterward
(making Chion the MVP should the Teleport method be chosen) but
is kind of abrubt about it.
"Sorry, but I don't need to teleport a horse. I can always...
----
Kiet's vote can be bought....for the right 'price'. (grin)
Honestly, as long as we can get to the DL and pick up my...um...
investments...then I'm fine (assuming I'll be alive to collect).
I just hope the HE (or his subordinates) kept an eye on the
Moneychangers like I asked. After that, Kiet doesn't really care
where we go, as long as snakes aren't involved.
Also, I can't rightly say I understood the IBT options. I can
say I didn't read them really closely, so it's my fault. So, if
someone wanted to 'sway' me, I might change my vote.
------
Kiet changes his IBT vote to #1....I finally had a chance to read
it thru....sheesh...
GM: Ack. If not alive your funds can be Willed to Zhou. I'm sure
he can use the coin. The IBT vote/options are hardest to
understand. Since its all a unknown factor at this point. Things
can change so drastically. I just tried to get ahead of it as
best I could. But it can still change.
From Will: [Re: Buying votes]
[*** Kiet's quotes deleted for space***]
So if one were to offer a belt snake repulsion for example....
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Arawn had been looking for signs of a trail, something that
indicated the regular passage of large creatures to and from the
Rising Mount as he scouted. He studied the cave with interest,
wishing he could take a closer look but, wanting to avoid the use
of magic, resigned himself to the limited view currently allowed.
When he noticed the barren land between the forest and the
mountain a thought occured to him.
"I wonder if the Vong have trapped some of the areas between...
Scott, do these unmarked barren areas seem to have a common tie,
like occuring on seeming 'blind spots' (where it would be
difficult to hide a Vong watchman) if one were to approach
Rising Mount?
GM: Ack. The field looks like a normal field from a long eruption
of volcanic ash and lava. While the forest covered up most
of the other lava and ash this has remained since the high
intensity of the chemicals (bad soil) prevented the forest to
take over.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea feels tired of vong dreams. Swants this business to be..
_____________________
At camp with dress on and no smile on her face, she watches...
GM: Ack. When you see text below I'm just pulling a fun thing.
I thought the death scene was fun. Not that it could
happen but I'd not say the contents of the cave are as
it was posted. Might be less or worse. :) As to the below
reference - think of Vader. :) It will be fully revealed
in detail eventually. Adventure Hook #1.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra wonders "Could a trap be set such that the fliers,...
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Scott, I'm assuming the interrogation is going on while Arawn
and the others are scouting. If it actually occurs after we
return (IF we return) can you let us know. Although it might be
nice to be part of the interrogations and be able to immediately
answer questions I know anything can happen between the time the
scouting begins and ends, assuming we all return and that the
captain is still with the party.
I'll answer the question posed to Arawn after I hear back from
Scott or after he actually arrives back at camp.
"So you have been watching that rock for between one and three...
OCC: I'm assuming that we also give a report to Unali about the
same time as fremea so that we get to hear her information and
she ours.
To Fremea: "How much of the top of the mount was a mana barren..
To Arawn: "Have you seen anything like it around the mount or...
GM: Ack. hmmm..second part was from Will but it was in your email.
I don't seem to have the original email. But will use it
here from Will. You came back to see when he was set free.
So the initial interrogation no. But there when talk starts.
Ahh. I see Will's post on the above now.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
LoL. I'm not sure how I missed it but just re-read Scott's post
and realized that Will and Arawn had returned to the camp at the
end of the post. It's what I get for reading things early in the
morning when half-asleep:)
Arawn surreptitiously studied the soldier and his aura after
arriving back at camp, trying get a feel for the man. Doing his
best to appear casual he waited until Farseeker had distracted
the captain before revealing the details of the scouting mission.
"... so, from what we could see, there might be two ways into...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will when he hears Z's idea comments:
"I like the idea of a trap I also like the idea of drawing...
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"I'm capable of casting the spell," Arawn replied.
-----
He listened as the others discussed options for a return to the
Dark Lands. When it seemed that teleporting was the likely choice
it wasn't surprising that questions began to arise regarding
their steeds. Having come to know and befriend the horses as much
as he has the others in the party Arawn was not prepared to
abandon them anymore than he would others in group.
"I know it's a bit early to figure everything out, especially...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Amulet]
Will does a double take then scratching his chin
thoughtfully... "so why aren't you using it"
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Arawn follows Kiet's gaze toward Kell.
"I know you're familiar with the elements of earth. If...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will thinking about what he learned from Fremea. "If they...
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
"Depending on the circumstances, I was planning on summoning...
[Was out sick for several days, or response would have been
sooner.]
GM: Ack. Not allowed to be sick unless Kell saves the day first!
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"The talisman is designed to enhance one's ability to summon...
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
Z'leyra will take the Katai soldier off to the side saying (in
Katai) "Honorable Sir, my humble apologies for the seeming...
GM: Ack.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: Earlier]
When the party arrive in the forest and dismount ready to
begin their exploration, details of after the battle are quickly
talked about. Plans for overland routes and teleport seem to
be the two main topics for how the party should flee in case
of certain good and bad situations.
Kiet listens to the talk of teleporting and glances to Chion
knowing the load would be on him. "Sorry, but I don't need to
teleport a horse. I can always buy, borrow or steal a horse later
should I need one. Besides, I was hoping to have Ben'dar show me
a selection at his ranch."
Ben'dar turns to Kiet and crosses his arms over his chest.
A dirty scowl comes to his face. The implication that Tef'wo
would be left behind like some draft horse. The gall that Tef'wo
could be replaced that easily!
Arawn listened as the others discussed options for a return to
the Dark Lands. When it seemed that teleporting was the likely
choice it wasn't surprising that questions began to arise regarding
their steeds. Having come to know and befriend the horses as much
as he has the others in the party Arawn was not prepared to
abandon them anymore than he would others in group.
"I know it's a bit early to figure everything out, especially as
we might end up too drained to teleport right away, but if I have
the power left after we're done here I can transform some of the
horses to ease the burden on Chion or translocate them under my
own power. But if we're too drained to teleport all of us on the
same day, I'll stay behind with the horses until it's possible to
translocate or teleport them."
He also pulls out a palm sized circular wooden amulet. A rune
is marked on both sides, a small emerald set in the center of one
of them. "This amulet holds magical energy that can be used to
power one's magic, a Mana Battery. If anyone here feels they might
have use for it feel free to carry and use it."
Will does a double take then scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"So why aren't you using it."
Arawn seemed to be pondering something before asking, "Does
anyone plan on summoning creatures during our time in Rising
Mount?"
"Oh, yes!" Kiet points over to Kell.
Arawn follows Kiet's gaze toward Kell. "I know you're familiar
with the elements of earth. If you plan on doing any summoning I
have something that could benefit you if you're interested," The
Alfar offered to the half-elf, his hand lifting up a talisman, a
triangle of wood with a silver circle inset about size of quarter.
"My elements of air and water will likely be less effective when
summoning elementals once we are underground and I can hand it
over to you just before we make our way underground." Arawn eyes
Kell's face to judge his reaction to the possible loaned item.
Kell gives a quick examination of the talisman. "Depending on
the circumstances, I was planning on summoning. Living Earth
Elementals. Very powerful, well, piles of rock that should work
well fighting the Vong. Thank you," Kell replies. "Can you
explain a bit more about this to me?"
Kell also uses his senses on the Talisman. With his finger
he traces the rune carefully.
Arawn nods, "The talisman is designed to enhance one's ability
to summon and dismiss entities from other realms of existence. It
should strengthen your influence over the Living Earth," The Alfar
answered before explaining the item in more detail.
-------------------
[Time: Minutes earlier]
On the east side of Rising Mount, Arawn scans the ash field around
the eastern side. He had been looking for signs of animal life
and tracks. It isn't a matter of finding any as they are easy
to find. But even the skilled woodsman Will knows that animals
skirt away from open areas due to predators. So the edge of
the forest will by default in any forest in any nation have
less tracks than would the interior places. Both men have
seen small tracks dot the land. But the wind in this valley
blows strong and the leaves, rain and wind all combine to
cleanse the land of tracks fast.
As to the ash field which looks like a snow field the lack
of tracks could be anything from the open nature of predators
to simply no food on the field. The very edge of the ash
and forest do show sings of animal tracks mostly birds and
rodent ones that scurry from plsce to place but not over the
ash field itself. Most animals like deer, bear or even the
small rabbits could tell the open field would yield little
food so why venture out when apples and plans abound in the
safe forest? The mountain itself has a few bushes on the edge
but nothing like the forest. The small bushes might hide a
bird or a rodent but nothing larger. The ash field itself doesn't
give much terrain to hide Vong or Human alike.
Arawn turns to Will to speak. "I wonder if the Vong have trapped
some of the areas between the forest and Rising Mount?," he
whispered to Will. "The lack of even animal tracks seems odd to
me. I'm half tempted to toss something out there and test to see
if something's lying just under the dirt but maybe it's best to
wait on that until we're done."
-------------------
[Time: Minutes earlier]
Sitting on the tree atop the mountain. Fremea shakes the cob
webs from her mind.
Fremea feels tired of Vong dreams. She wants this business to be
over and on to her own search. Not saving the world.
She rubs her head after the daymare and realizes it would not
be wise to go there alone. Damn that infernal Zhou.
Fremea heads back to camp through the top of the forest.
As she leaps off the tree she hovers briefly. There is something
she senses but can't place it. As if a distant memory can't
be recalled. She glances left and right then at the mountain.
Maybe its the mood and the sun but it is a strange feeling like
when back at the Faerry Hill in Vassa lands. Maybe she will
figure it out before its too late.
-------------------
[Time: 10:43am]
At camp with dress on and no smile on her face, she watches the
military man with her own special training. She also scans him
with her mana sense to see if there is anything missing or added
to him. After Zhou tells the guy that she lost a pet, she 'sulks'
over to a tree and sits there just watching and listening. If Unali
is there, she will tell her of what she found and the fact that
there is a lack of mana around the top of the mount itself.
Even though Farseeker attempts to distract the Captain he
continues to glance at the party as they gather around the
dark clothed one he called demon.
In tight whispers Will, Arawn and Fremea give their quick
reports on what they found including the spring, smoke/fog,
cave and forest areas. Will has to use a bit of Chion's
puff-perfume to get rid of the stink cloud Squirt gave him
as a present.
Arawn surreptitiously studied the soldier and his aura after
arriving back at camp, trying get a feel for the man. Doing his
best to appear casual he waited until Farseeker had distracted
the captain before revealing the details of the scouting mission.
Arawn senses the same thing that Fremea also obtains during her
own scan of the man. his aura is strong natured but not magical.
Empatheticaly Arawn can sense determination, strong willed,
and desperation. There is something behind that desperation the
Alfar can't sense. But maybe it is just desire to help his
nation against this threat or something else. Arawn doesn't seem
to sense deception or intrigue. He does sense confusion and
alertness at the party. Clearly the man isn't duped by the
story of these strangers. But for now the Druid can sense the
Captain will tolerate it.
When Arawn hears talk of possible ways in he adds some of
his thoughts in mid thought. "... so, from what we could see,
there might be two ways into the mount, a small cave on the north
side and the spring. Though we weren't able to see much on the
south side as the lay of land made it difficult to see what was
causing the steam or mist without moving in close. I'm guessing
the cave Fremea spotted is the main entrance but it might be
possible to use the small cave to enter the mountain, though it
would be difficult to tell if it connects to any main chambers
without magic or actually entering it. As for the spring, it seems
to lead right up into the mountain. If the tunnel is large enough
and we're willing to risk magic it might be a possible back way
in, though knowing this for sure poses the same problem as the
cave. I'm willing to explore them further if the rest of you
decide it is worth it. I can swim the spring or summon an
elemental to investigate it and see if it's wide enough for us to
use and if it connects to a major tunnel. The other option, I can
seek guidance from the Gods to determine which of the paths before
us would be the best option to allow us entry and a measure of
stealth to best slip inside the Vong base."
Z'leyra wonders "Could a trap be set such that the fliers,
presumably flying out of the cave entrance run into a net cabled
to an anchor below the entrance so the flier runs into the net
then swung around an arc and slammed into the mountain wall?
Perhaps with spare nets ready to place for the next flier?
Alternatively a boulder placed there in their flight path but
somehow concealed so they don't notice it, perhaps the boulder
hung from a cable? I doubt that running into a boulder would do
much good for a flier."
Caladan shrugs and leans on his war staff watching the Captain.
"Who has nets? We have plenty of rope but not much nets that I
know of. It is a good idea with the boulder but those odd things
on front and back might just goggle it up like a pig in a trough.
It might not stop it one bit."
Will gives a grin and watches Squirt squirm in Kell's arms.
He'll have to repay the beast for his kindness. He glances
over to Z'leyra. "I like the idea of a trap I also like the idea
of drawing them out and having a few surprised for them. If as
Z'leyra suggests that we find a way to hit them when they are
venerable or even if we could just keep them busy. Perhaps Chion
could teleport from mountain top to mountain top keeping them
distracted chasing him while we slip in and destroy the brain....
How many people here know the thunder head spell?"
Arawn turns to Will and adds his view on the spell. "I'm capable
of casting the spell," Arawn replied. "A distraction would be
great as well, though I think poor Chion might end up too tired
to teleport everyone out of here," he chuckled.
Chion simply grunts and crosses his arms. The group isn't
sure if he agrees or is insulted that his great powers would
be so weakened. The sailor-mage remains silent.
Caladan cleans a few scales of his firesnake and speaks softly.
"I can do the thing as well." Caladan has been seen to cast
lighting with his staff and his hands so likely knows the
basic storm family of spells.
Zhou raises a hand to Will and shushes him. He frowns at the
woodsman. How can he even just say the word spell even in
a whisper. He glances to the Captain to see if he notices. After
a moment he shakes his head. "We are so far good for a surprise
attack. Once we do a trap or distract them we lose our greatest
weapon."
After listening to Z'leyra's idea for a boulder trap Arawn
chimes in. "It would be interesting, if we could pull it off,
but I'm not sure how feasible it would be. If someone comes up
with a plan for it though, I'm in. However, it does make me wonder
if we could somehow choke it, the odd opening, maybe a mouth of
some sort, with rocks. Other than that, the fliers seem to have
been avoiding the storm. Perhaps they are vulnerable to lightning
strikes. Of course, as the Vong haven't been seen in days, they
might simply be holed up in preparation for something."
Fremea also goes into detail explaining the cave itself. That
it at places maybe 6-8 feet tall and at most 6-8 feet wide maybe
10-12 it might not allow much room for flyers. She explains while
she had a good view of the cave the angle and shadows might distort
what the actual dimensions are. So it be smaller or slightly
larger than she describes. She also explains it had a signature
typically faint of natural rock. So it must've been there
centuries from water erosion rather than Vong formed.
The flyers the party saw are bulky and at least too big
to fit well in the cave. It might not be impossible but it
would be expert flying if so.
Fremea straightens out her dress, a bit upset that she has
to wear it again. She was just getting back to normal. She
glances at the Captain as the other talk of Z'leyra's plan.
She opens her senses and scans the man. His aura is bright
for most humans meaning only that he is likely very active
physically and mentally like most of the party. But there
is no unusual signatures or definite detections of magic
presence or mana on his person. There is also the unique
non-lack of mana so he is not Vong. Though she didn't get
a look at Nom in his Vong disguise she isn't sure the disguise
can fake mana auras but she is doubtful it could.
Fremea notices the Captain's hands are deft and graceful.
Physically he could match Caladan but likely be outmatched
by Ben'dar and Farseeker. This shows him more to be a quick
agile fighter than a grunt fighter. Her training also shows
to her that his hands are likely attuned for daggers and
close at hand combat than swords. But the sword on his hip
seems to conflict with that. She figures he is likely trained
in stealth and the dagger for his primary scouting missions.
Will brings Fremea out of her reverie. "How much of the top of
the mount was a mana barren did you notice anything similar about
the cave?"
Fremea shakes her head. She explains the cave again had some
form of natural aura. Even Arawn confirms this from the small
niche he saw. But Arawn never saw the top except from the
passage top. Then it was shrouded by the sheet of rain and
light fog. But Fremea explains the top is about 1,000 feet
in diameter. She explains the top looks natural in its knobby
rocky top. But when she opened her senses to the environment
before her she was shocked to see the rock with not even a faint
gray or black aura. It had nothing. She explains the lip
of the mountain around the center circular area did have some
form of signature. The Mount top lip portion is maybe 5-6
feet wide in areas but the rest is this strange surface material.
It almost looks like a lumpy meat pie with occasional white-tan
potato like rock boulders. Again the angle and distance is hard
to tell actual height even with her magical scope. But the
protrusions seem to go as high as 4 feet with boulders at
times 1-3 feet. It almost reminds her of a teen's pimply face
who hasn't bathed in weeks.
Will thinking about what he learned from Fremea. "If they are
not going in and out of the cave then they must be leaving from
the top of the mount since I did not see any other way in and
there are no tracks on the ground. Was Lake Oca a mana dead zone
and does anyone know if there are any difficulties casting magic
near that zone?"
Fremea takes a second to answer Will. "I did fly up to see more
of the mount top." She explains the last mountain gave the same
level of detail as the one she discovered the top was some Vong
surface. As for the cave, there did not seem to be anything I
could really tell about it, other than it was about the right
size for a person, not one of the huge flying things. I say it
could be a great way in, though it may have something waiting in
there too."
Fremea shivers a bit thinking of her daydream. She wonders
if it could've been even a prophecy? She has known that
Arawn has had one or two of those things. But why would they
start now? She shakes the distracting thoughts out of her
mind. Distractions cause failures. It is likely just a bit
over imagination. She hopes at least.
Zhou nods, "that has to be a Vong created surface if not a
Vong creature of some sort. That has to be how the Flyers
also exit and enter. Maybe the surface moves or separates or
slides or something?"
Strie'bog shakes his head. "Lake Oca was waning in aura
but it had some. It appeared the small brain was starting
to affect it rather than fully affect it or drain its life
force or whatever it was doing." He glances deeper into the
forest. He also recalls the dead zone in the forest where
his father was killed. Before the Vong were even a threat
or known. He doubts it was a connection but he hopes his
mother has control over that dead zone and has been able to
cure it of the ills it suffered. He knows one quick cure
then isn't enough over a few seasons. He hopes this past
winter it was cured and this spring regrows.
Z'leyra will take the Katai soldier off to the side saying (in
Katai) "Honorable Sir, my humble apologies for the seeming rudeness
of the others for chatting in a foreign tongue. Some do not speak
or understand the great tongue of Katai well enough, so the others
must use the language that they do know. We are discussing the
scouting reports and hope to have scouted a route by which we can
lead your mighty army to defeat these invaders. We will, of course,
assist in the slaughter of the villains that killed our friend."
Z'leyra finally asks, "Is there anything you would wish me to
translate for my friends?"
Captain Yong glances at Z'leyra then turns to stare intently.
He begins to scan her from foot to head. He notices the fine
craftsmanship of some of her gear including belt and boots. He
then eyes her drum with the strange markings and studies it for
what must be a few seconds. Z'leyra shifts from foot to foot
and places an arm in front of it to distract the man. Finally
the man looks at Z'leyra's eyes. "Katai is made up of many
languages. No translation is needed at this point. I know
your group has to talk and plan. But now it is time we do
it as a group." The captain glances back to Farseeker and nods
to him as if exiting a fine discussion on military tactics.
Suddenly the man breaks away from Farseeker. "We don't have
time to talk military battles or compare tactics of various
lands." He glances over his shoulder at Farseeker. "We need
to form some plans."
Will turns from the group to speak to the Captain. "So you have
been watching that rock for between one and three days. What kind
of movements have you seen of the flying things or of grey headed
creatures? Have you seen any leave the mount an if so where from?
When they attacked how did they use the flyer's... and the troops?"
Captain Yong raises a hand in the air, "those flying things
would suddenly appear and fly almost from no where. They
would also fly back and seem to cross over the top. I could
never see where exactly where they came from or went to. I don't
even know if they even stayed or landed anywhere if those
things can land."
Will nods and Fremea realizes the scout is good but didn't
get the advantage she had with her scope. The scout must've
only seen from his low angle the flyers go over the rim and
to his view disappear. This would fit in if they used the
top to land or take off from. To the scout he couldn't
confirm they landed or not.
Captain Yong looks grim as he recalls the attacks on his
fellow troops. "They would swarm and swoop down usually
in packs of 3 or 4 of those Heretical style vile things.
They would shoot their balls of fire out like some dragon
of old legend. The horses and men were just...vaporized
in place...poof..it was awful. We had no defense against
it. We had no siege weapons and until we could get cover
they had free reign over us." He pauses as he recalls the
names of those he knew. Then after a few moments he
continues. "The gray things would then empty out of their
bellies while landed or hovered or whatever they did. They
then finished off the men using those rod things they hold. "
He crosses his arms in disgust. "We were ordered forward so
I couldn't see more than a minute of this. We had to
escape in order to save the rest of the men and the mission."
Chion glances over at the Captain in slight dismay. He
can't believe the military would leave their brothers behind
unless they had direct orders. Katai are known for their
somewhat stiff nature but they are loyal to their friends.
It would've have to been a desperate last action.
Captain Yong pulls Zhou a bit away from the others for
a quick question. He lowers his voice. "Your group seems
capable. Some even qualified." He glances to Raban and
Farseeker. "But some of the others...seem less qualified to
be here."
Zhou gives a sly smile, "they look that way but they can
be quite a surprise. My body-servant there..." He points to
Katai. "Got lucky and took down a flying monster all by himself."
Zhou watches Kiet and doesn't mention it was with magic. "Some
of the others have their own skills. If anything I'm the
weak link in this group. But do not fear of these people."
Captain Yong glances to the one in the dress. "But your
daughter should not be entering that viper's nest."
"Actually she is a unique person. She looks young but she
is actually much older. The Healers at the House say she
was stunted in her growth and body. But her age is almost
as old as you." With that Captain Yong's eyes widen a bit
in some shock. Then Zhou continues. "She looks frail but he
is actually a well skilled fighter in martial arts. She could
teach you a few things. This is her advantage. While she
looks young she can betray the enemy before they suspect
anything." Zhou glances over at Fremea who clearly looks
grumpy in her dress not wanting to wear it. He knows it
is one thing to fake some childhood disease to prevent her
growth but it is another to explain her wings. That he doesn't
think he could even fast talk his way out of.
Captain Yong studies the group a few more moments then
nods. Zhou breaks off and walks back to the group. He
turns around and raises his voice. "We must work together
for the better of Katai until the Captain's partner can
fetch his men. That could take a day or two. But we
simply do not have time to wait. The enemy could be on
the verge of a large attack at any moment."
Captain Yong then raises a hand to silence Zhou. "I need
to make one point clear. The Military have authority and
jurisdiction here. Once they get here you will need to
evacuate the area. It will be up to the General to see
if he will allow your vendetta to continue. I only accept
it because I need help. I too suspect they are up to
something. Their patrols have lessened and I've not seen
much of them lately. Common military practice is to build
up your force, prepare and attack. If we knew their plans
and time frame we could wait. But I think we have little
time to spare."
Zhou nods in agreement. "We know there are several points
of entry into the mountain." He notices some glares his
way but he knows the Captain already likely knows these
things so its no secret. "The cave on the northside is high
several hundred feet up. It is a sheer cliff and would take
some intense climbing. With hard climbing it could be done."
Inside Zhou knows Fremea could just fly up and lodge some
rope at the top and increase the speed. But explaing that
to Yong is dangerous for now.
"We have a report of a spring that may lead by way of
underwater tunnels to and possibly inside the mountain.
Then that strange south face steam area may have a hole
or something inside. What do you say Captain?" Zhou asks
in a strong but soft voice.
Captain Yong glances toward the Mount, it is blocked by
the distance and trees but his mind's eyes sees it. "The
cave is the logical choice. Last night I did explore that
south face. It was a slow struggle to ensure no sentries
saw me. But I was lucky that time. It was dark and I
had faint vision from the stars. But the steam seems to
come from a niche in the rock. It is surrounded by a small
shallow area not seen except up close. It gives off some
warm air and looks like it might be a small cave entrance
but it is very small. It may have to be crawled into rather
than walked into. I dared not use my torch in case it
would be seen."
"This girl you found in the forest. The one you sent back
with your partner. Did she give info on the mount like
any old explorations of the cave?" Farseeker asks the Captain.
"No. She did mention that animals have gone in the south
entrance but never come out. Mostly a dog or two. Locals have
not explored it. They fear the heat might be leading to
a possible volcanic chamber or something." Captain Yong turns
back to Zhou. "The high cave will take time to get to and
the danger of being seen is high. We don't know if they
have sentries on the top. From the nearby mountains I've
seen the top but not seen any of the gray headed beasts."
Fremea dares not mention her senses and the discovery of
the Vong top itself. Zhou seems to sense this and shrugs.
"Captain. We must assume the flying heretic things are
inside. They can't just get in through the cave. It sounds
too small. So logically it must be the top." Zhou pauses to
study his reaction.
"The top? It is rock." Captain Yong squints in concentration
to see if his eyes have deceived him.
"My house is near the great Choshai forest. One of their
major naval ports is hidden by outsiders. The few traders
that have seen it report the port is heavily disguised. They
will use things that look like the forest or green cloth or
such to hide the area. We've seen hunters do the same thing.
They'll create..what is it called..." Will speaks up to say
the word, "blind." Then Zhou nods and continues. "Yes, thank
you. They look like a tree or bush. What is to say the
top isn't some brown cloth?" He pauses to study the new
reaction at this news.
"It is possible..but it would be huge..." Yong places a finger
to his chin in thought.
"These creatures seem to use nature and bugs and things
like this in nature. To them this might be a simple thing
to do." Zhou shrugs as if it is a every day thing for some
1,000 foot in diameter brown cloth to exist.
"So if that is the case then the top would be a possible
entry point. But the climb is still dangerous. It is early
but if we wait till night then they might launch their attack.
Those flying evil things might use the cloak of darkness to
do their dirty work." Yong then lowers his hands and glances
to Zhou. "So what is your plan?"
Zhou suddenly becomes silent and glances toward the others
and especially toward Unali. He has heard plans to trap
a Flyer though that could make their sneak attack lose its
advantage. The four possible entry points are cave, top,
steam vent and spring. But each has their own risks He
glances to Farseeker and passes the buck. "You have the
tactical skills..."
Farseeker shrugs, "the underwater route is dangerous in that
who can breath for that long..without help....the top and
cave have exposure issues. But going to the steam has exposure
issues by simply walking to it. We've not seen any sight of
sentries but we don't know they don't exist. We must choose
one entry method. If we lure some of them out and try to
question them that will be useless as they'd enjoy the torture.
Their sentries are either at the cave or the top. If they
are hidden we can't see them. So going those routes is
dangerous in itself. But the steam vent would need a sentry
from the top to look down. From what we've seen that isn't
done from the south side of the top. At least not that we
can tell." He glances to Will, Arawn and Fremea to see if
they concur. Fremea and the others nods slightly. Fremea
had great detail and saw little on the top that moved except
a stray bird flying over it. She almost hoped it would be
better to see one of them.
"So you think the steam vent?" Zhou nods and takes note.
Caladan sighs and nods. "I agree with the vent. It might
lead to a cave of lava and kill us all. But I think it has the
least risk. If we can ensure no sentries are around."
Strie'bog says he is a good swimmer. Might be able to hold
his breath for 2 minutes if he has some time to prepare. But
getting caught in a water tunnel is extremely dangerous. It
would however be little risk of being seen by a sentry from
the Mountain itself. So his vote seems to be the spring.
Zhou turns to the others to see their reaction.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update...Friday...
GM: Ok. Finally done. I was so brain dead last Monday I couldn't
work at all. Then tried to work a bit tuesday but didn't
go far. Then the posts came in and that slowed catch up
time. Finally I'm done (Saturday). Sorry for the delay
but it happens. Plus the Dwarves heard the government would
shut down so wanted to cash their tax refunds in vegas and
get their social security checks they steal from old ladies
to waste in vegas. So staff gone was rough for work.
GM: I had to put the above in three parts. I hope it works
and the timeline fits. I had to add bits and pieces here
and there as new posts came in and changed the thread
a bit. So hope it all makes sense.
GM: Raban - You out there? Been nothing for almost 2 months
so was checking in. I figure your busy and out of town
still but just curious.
GM: Unali - you had the email about exploring the river/spring.
Wasn't sure if you still wanted that posted dialogue and
consider that? If so I still have the info. But wasn't
sure if the Captain being here changed those plans. If
need reminder I can resend the segment you posted.
GM: Will - I couldn't figure out where to place this dialogue.
I couldn't figure out the reference or quote. The "like it"
I couldn't figure out the IT so place it in the update:
To Arawn: "Have you seen anything like it around the mount or
anywhere else for that matter?"
Sorry. But its out there for Arawn to reply if needed.
GM: Schedule of events - Consider this one the Monday Update
(4/11). So this will be out a day early. I'll still
try to work on a Friday update. But the extra day may
allow you guys to reply faster. If so may start the work
Wednesday night some. You guys can still plan and discuss
the possible plans but I figure this is a good start
to continue the debate. I'm not rushing the actions
on entry. Once the plan is formed we'll move on.
GM: Generic map of area in rough form.
/I\ = North
1 Row = Half a mile [around 2640 feet]
1 Column = Almost 1/10th mile [Around 410 feet each column]
4 Miles by 4 miles
1 2 3 4 5
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
____________________________________________________
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I A
I %%%%%%%%%%%%% % %%%% 7 I B
I6 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%% %%%%% 4 I C
I %%%%%%%%%%%%% X %%%%%%%%%%% I D
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% i E
I5 %%%%%%%%%%P%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I F
I %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% I G
I 3 2 1 I H
----------------------------------------------------
X = Rising Mount [D24] - 1,000 feet high, 1,000 feet wide
1 = Mountain [H37] - 10,000 feet high
2 = Mountain [H22] - 8,700 feet high
3 = Mountain [H9 ] - 5,600 feet high
4 = Mountain [C42] - 8,000 feet high
5 = Mountain [F1 ] - 6,900 feet high
6 = Mountain [C1 ] - 6,400 feet high
7 = Mountain [b32] - 8,450 feet high
% = Forested area major tree area
P = Party place [F18] Forest ground
Party is now about 2,000 odd feet to the Rising
Mount inside the forest. Can move deeper if needed.
Party is about 500 feet from edge of clearing at this
point.
All heights are estimates.
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