[pnpgm] Game Update #169 - File #1194 - Party enters Growing area
Scott Adams
longshotgm at netzero.com
Wed Jun 8 09:02:34 CEST 2011
HT Aliaver/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 #169 in sequence (file #1194)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Will: [Re: Actions]
Will gives a snort "reminds me of a two headed mule cant tell
which way it's going"
GM: Ack. Wasn't clear if this was OOC, personal thinking or
actual talking. Looks like personal insight.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
And here I actively waited for everyone else to post. My
waiting can't wait much longer!
GM: Ack. This is a common thing though if all wait then nothing
is posted. Best to just post what you think then backtrack
if you need to change things. Instinct is just a best move.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
True I liked Kells idea of putting our cards on the table and
actively scouting the way to the brain but since our grope cant
seem to decide on a strategy I'm at a loss as to what to do next.
Plus I don't like the idea of the captain at my back if he decides
he prefers the Vong to us. Maybe Unali will weigh in and we
can pick a direction.
GM: Ack. Theres always bad and good things when cover is blown.
Each must weight those risks.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
Agree with all your points.
Part of my post will be Kell giving Zhou a bit of his mind, aong
those same lines. If the capt doesn't like us, then we can either
tie him up and leave him or... Hopefully cpt realizes the vong
are worse than us so we get his help too.
Arawn can try the map, maybe it'll point to the brain.
Or Kell can go take on the whole room by himself. ;) It could
work...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
If we are going to charge out and attack the Vong lets put the
captain in front so he dies quick and at least that would be one
less thing to worry about.
Assuming we follow the same order and file out of the slit one
at a time Will continues to keep an eye on the captain.
GM: Ack.
From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions[
Encouraging the captain to go ahead. Z'leyra will step behind
(out of sight of) the captain , receive the Sending from Will,
then quietly cast spells in preparation for scouting.
[trigger Dark Vision, cast Invisibility, Levitation,
Insubstantiabilty... put away staff and ready sling] then go
scouting ahead.
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Not sure what's being said IC vs. OOC but if Arawn catches wind
that the map is needed he'll pull back a bit and take out the
Vong map and begin a search. He'll stop from doing this or end
it if the entire party is ready to move out.
Also, just in case an arguement begins with Zhou, Arawn will
quietly mention that now might not be the best time, as the Vong
are right around the bend.
After hearing the scouting report he comments,
"Unless the Vong leave the chamber soon I think a fight's....
OOC: Is Z'leyra trying to coax the captain forward and into the
vong cave?
GM: Ack. Not sure what she is doing away from the group really.
From Will: [Re: Actions]
OCC: I believe Z' was thinking that as we can only file through
one at a time and it only takes 12 seconds to cast her spells
and she is at the back of the line.... I like your idea about
coordinate our attack on the shapers. Do you want to use some
sort of a signal?
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"If this ends up being the plan and we want a simultaneous...
GM: Ack.
From Will: [Re: Actions[
With mana sensing wouldn't you know even if you cant see the
invisible party members when they are in rough proximity to their
targets?
GM: Ack.
From Kell: [Re: Actions]
[OOC - Dang, nice to see some other posts! :) ]
[to zhou on breaking cover]
Grabbing Zhou and pulling him close, "We should reveal...
[to Arawn]
"Can you use the map and get a rough location of the...
[on combat prep]
"Two groups are a good plan, but what about other ways?...
GM: Ack.
From David: [Re: Time away]
I'll be sleeping and travelling for the next 24-30 hours or
so, so likely can't respond until Thursday after noon London
time at earliest.
GM: Ack. Say hi to Chris he's out there!
From Will: [Re: Actions]
As Will and the others head toward the entrance to the next
cavern. "Arawn you must know some bird calls you could use...
GM: Ack.
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[New Stuff]
[Augado 10th, 1634TH]
[Location: Middle Katai Plains]
[ Mountains west of Pamau]
[Time: 12:48am]
It has been almost ten minutes the party finds themselves in the
large side cave. It is big enough all can stand and mill about.
But the tightness of the walls seem to bother some who are more
used to wide open spaces.
Fremea finishes up her report to the party. All the while she
glares occasionally at Zhou for the return of the dress.
Zhou seems to ignore he looks Fremea, Kiet, Kell and Will give
him as they do not agree with the decision to remain in cover.
"Unless the Vong leave the chamber soon I think a fight's
inevitable. I think the Shapers will pose the greater threat and
we should try to take them out quickly if possible. I'd suggest a
stealthy assassination for each but a simultaneous strike is going
to be difficult. Even if the assassins get into place and succeed
they're then separated and have to deal with the soldiers."
Kell looked to Unali and Fremea.
"Considering spacing between light sources, do you think it's
possible to take out the Shapers one at a time without drawing
attention as we move around the edge of the lake?"
Both females nod that their skills are better in darkness.
Farseeker considers the Vong and layout inside the cave.
"I don't think the Shapers will be a problem. They will be
lightly trained I suspect and with less gear. The warriors
will be the biggest threat."
Caladan nods, "Those female Shapers have those Vong toys.
They could be a threat that way. If they have some kind of
way to warn others or the Brain itself then we lose our
surprise. So a quick kill to each has to be done to each.
Those snake heads if they use them might be hard to get close
to or be some kind of warning for other Vong. We don't know
exactly."
Captain Lin recalls Farseeker's quick tutorial on the Vong.
"The warrior will be touch from what i suspect. Those two
at the door or whatever that is will have dealt with fast. Do
you think they'll warn others?"
Farseeker shakes his head. "No. I don't think so. I
could be wrong. But they love violence and even accept torture.
They'll likely attack rather than call an alarm. But if they
are outnumbered then they could do so. So a small group has
to handle each warrior."
Farseeker then adds, "I say we should divide up. Half go to
the north and half to this side. We can speed things up."
Unali likes the idea of splitting in two groups and trying to
head off any who escape the cave, but the entrance seems to be at
the far end. Far better to see if we can take out the shapers and
Vong in small groups. The suggestion of an assassination seems a
good one.
Zhou looks interested in to what is to come. "I'm happy that
this is a growing field. If they are still trying to grow
those Orb and Staff things then they are still arming. Unless
there's thousands already. So this may be a good sign."
"Two groups are a good plan, but what about other ways?
Integrate the assassins and hitting the Shapers first? Of course
I can summon my best friends too, they'll add a nice earthy
pounding on the Vong." Grinning broadly, "Or I can just take out
the room. I'd bet one gold to each of you I can do it!"
Laughing quietly, and wondering if anyone will take Kell up on
bet.
Zhou scowls at Kell for eluding to the summoning. Zhou is
glad that Lin seems to think it his brown pet.
Some like Will consider signals and those options.
"If this ends up being the plan and we want a simultaneous
strike, we can designate someone, perhaps the last person to reach
their target, to set off a flare or... something subtler," Arawn
added, his eyes shifting to some of the casters as at the end.
Farseeker shrugs, "If we see the signal then they might as well.
I think stealth is best and quick. Some who see better in the
darkness can try to see if the other side is ready then strike.
But I suspect it won't matter."
Kell glances at Arawn, "Can you use the map and get a rough
location of the brain? This may or may not help, but it's worth
a try."
"Fremea, up for it. I will take out the one to the right and you
target the other close by . We should make sure the entire group
is inside the cave and we have a backup close by, just outside of
the light. If Farseeker would come with me, and Raban helps you,
the others could stay together just behind Raban." Unali looks
to Fremea as she considers the assassin plan. She glances
briefly at the Captain to wonder why the small one some seem to
call her Fremea, is some form of assassin. But either the
Captain is distracted by the black clothing of Unali or doesn't
care about Fremea. "I suggest the main force goes along the
south, as the next warrior is closer there."
Unali adds, "If the first strikes go well, there is not much
need for exact timing. 60 seconds from now seems ok? After that,
each group has to see what happens and plan accordingly. If we
succeed in taking those two out in silence, we can go for another
try, otherwise it will be an all out battle, and the good captain
here will see all we are up to."
Zhou quickly adds, "meaning that we are here to kill the Vong!"
"If all agree, lets get through the gap and get into position."
Unali ignores Zhou's attempt of motivation speaking.
Arawn raises a eyebrow and grins. He digs into his pack of
gear for the map. Captain Lin looks intrigued and watches
the Alfar get the items out.
Grabbing Zhou and pulling him close, "We should reveal ourselves
now. Better to let him decided before we are attacking the Vong.
He may decide we're a bigger danger than the Vong and turn on us.
If he does, then we either tie him up and leave him or..."
trailing off and looking to the group for support.
Glad that Captain Lin is distracted, Zhou looks at Kell. "I
believe it will be best for now to stall. We know if one
is distracted by this he could be a bad helper. Farseeker
can admit this that warriors should not get bad news before
a big fight. it makes them distracted and they lose their
best concentration. I feel that soon enough it will be
a time to learn. But we haven't even drawn blood yet. Once
we get into a business of killing the Vong then his mindset
will be more ready to change. Plus we have to consider the
army in the area. He alone is no match. but if the army
comes and shows up the army is a match for us. If Chion
died and we can't escape quickly enough then hiding our
cover could mean the difference between life and death."
Zhou looks to Unali to see how she agrees or comments on this.
But Zhou continues, "give it a bit more time. Think of
this if his troops are also captured here we need to free
them as well. What then if we suddenly get 20 of his pals
to help us and he tells them we are bad?"
Kell tries to do a poll to see how others vote on this cover
or no cover nonsense. He figures Caladan, Zhou and Farseeker
seek to want cover. Fremea, Kell, Kiet and Will seem to
want the captain to know all. But the rest of the party seems
to have no direct comment on it.
Since no one specifically stated which group to belong in,
two groups are divided up. Unali, Farseeker and Zhou quickly
fill in with certain reasons the groups. For example Raban
would be best with Fremea to guard her and to conceal his large
form in the southern darkness.
Arawn pulls out the map with the fascinated face of Captain Lin
looking over his shoulder. Arawn tries to explain it is some
Vong animal and quickly iterates it is not magic. Captain Lin seems
to accept this explanation.
Arawn places the map bugs on the map and tries to pulls out the
word list. One bug looks a bit sluggish and may be dying from
proper care, Vong care that is. Arawn doesn't actually have the
words "brain" in the list. Arawn suspects that no Vong would have
spoken their important words to the Peace Brigade. What did
Farseeker call them "command and control" words. Speaking of such
intelligence would make Vong weaker to humans. If they knew the
Brain could hinder it all it would be a secret even to their allies.
Arawn doesn't give up so quickly though. There are words like
"leader" and "controller". Likely the Vong may have talked about
the leaders and warrior caste. First to test things, Arawn
asks where the Vong are. The bugs seem to shiver and the map
is redone in its bug waste material. The map the group saw on
the outside is shown. This time the Rising Mountain is drawn
around the Vong. This seems to confirm that. He wonders if the
mountain didn't give as much detail as before due to ore or such
the Vong may have. But clearly the interference is gone.
Arawn then asks the maps the words of leader and control. The
bugs shiver their bodies and antennae shake. but nothing else
shows up. Arawn asks again a few of the words. Still nothing
changes on the map. Frustrated, Arawn asks about Orbs since they
are nearby. Still nothing changes on the map.
Caladan who seems to have one of the best awareness of animals
and leans on his staff. "Maybe they can't close in this detail.
No scale like on maps. It may be for large scale areas."
Arawn nods and glances the list of words. The word for scale
is also missing. Frustrated, Arawn begins to cup the bugs.
But then Captain Lin taps his shoulder.
"Ask for humans in the area." The Captain waves to the wall
to mean the outside.
Arawn agrees and does so. The maps do shift and this time there
is a clump to the north west of the valley. But again there
is no scale so it is difficult to tell how far away.
"That must be my friends in the army. But can't tell how far
away." Captain Lin scratches his chin.
The map also demonstrates humans in Rising Mount. But the
scale is bad enough they might not detect the party unless
the Vong are looking which is doubtful, thinks Arawn. Arawn
places the map back onto his bag.
Zhou speaks softly to the others avoiding the Captain. "We
must be aware of their Vong technology. We saw how bugs can
detect invisible ones. They may have adapted since they have
been here from capturing many other wizards. Those dog like
beasts even seemed to detect Fremea from far away. If they
can do that then other tricks may fail. Just be warned."
"All right let's go." Captain motions for the slit. Will
keeps an eye on the Captain not trusting him.
"One more thing." Farseeker raises a hand. "I suspect we'll
find human captives. We must be prepared to kill for mercy
those people. If we can rescue them that's fine. But those
with those implants may be beyond help." He glances at Arawn
specifically. "We must look to the greater good here. We can't
help each person that may be suffering and dying." He then turns
to the others hoping they also understand the situation.
As Will and the others head toward the entrance to the next
cavern. "Arawn you must know some bird calls you could use to
signal when we are all in position (OOC I'm sure they don't know
the difference between a European and an African swallow
especially one carrying a coconut). Use a three prong attack
north wall south wall and the third to ambush the shapers.
Fremea and Unali are the first to exit out. Then others
slip through. Some have to take gear off to slide it through
the tight slit. Captain Lin looks back at Raban and shakes
his head. But Raban grabs his fist for rock pounding time.
Then the elite Katai guard slips through.
Farseeker grabs Raban's arm. "I don't like Fremea killing
the Vong on their own. I'm sure she is capable but it has to
be instant blows. I need you and the others to ensure this."
Then he slips out into the larger dark cave.
Will and Z'leyra begin to cast their spells as Raban and
Chion to work on the "rock pounding" trick. Zhou moves
the away so the large men can do their tricks.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Friday...
GM: If you want to change groups do so by next update. Since this
is coming out Wednesday it only gives 1.5 day to the next
time to work on it. I'll try to work on a small tiny
update if I can. Will do the first attacks on the two
shapers. If you want to do actions let me know or if you
wish to help in combat. but looks like on Unali's orders
it will be her and Fremea doing the first strikes. I'm working
on a chart for the website. It will note Mana, Energy and
health so you can track it as is. Its going to be a bit
of upkeep but with my own combat charts should be ok except
for covering the %'s. In fact I'll just note in the sheets
all % now so I can figure out that 12 mana is 1% for X person.
Stay tuned for that. I have to end her tonight. I need
to figure out how to handle Z'leyra being ahead of the
others. If she triggers traps even insub the time will shift
so will be possible 3 timelines.
GM: Unali emails that she will be a bit distracted due to thinks.
So like Raban I will try to deal with her as NPC. But
as with leader decisions or such will not do much. Just
basic actions.
GM: IC/OOC: Just reminder if something is posted without "quotes"
then its OOC or some action direction. If its something
from a player then its OOC. if its from a player like how
you move or act then its In Character. If you use quotes
then it will be added to body of update as speaking IC as
well as IC actions. For OOC still it will be only in recap
section.
GM: Waiting for posting. Like Mark suggests some wait for
others to post before you post. This is common. I can
name 4-5 others who do that. So if all do this then
nothing is done. So I suggest just to do what you feel
the first gut instinct comes to mind. You can always
change it later. This will speed things up.
GM: For this cave groups divided up
With Unali: Farseeker, Caladan, Strie'bog, Ben'dar, Kell
and Arawn
With Fremea: Raban, Kiet, Zhou, Chion, Will, Captain Lin
and Z'leyra
GM: Map of Growing Area
1 Row = 10 feet
1 Column = 10 feet
1 2 3 4 5 6
123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
------------------------------------------------------------
%%+%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%+%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%+%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
%7 %% %%%%%%% %%%+% %%% %%% %%% A
%%%% B %%% %% B
%8 +% C 5 %%% %% C
% 3 DE 4 +% %%% D
%%% .......ssss....ooo.......ssss........... %% E
%%+ oo.....sssss....oooo.....sssssss........ssss. %% F
% ooo.....................................sssss. %% G
%%% ................................................ +%%%% H
%%%% ...sss....................................... %%%% I
% ...sss....................................sss %%% J
% ....sss...................................ssss6 %% K
%%%%+ 9 ........................................sss %% L
%%%% ooo......................................... % M
% %% oo..sss..............ssss....ooooooo........ %% N
% 2 .sss..............ssss....oooooo........ +%%% O
% ..................sssss.....ooooo...... %% P
%%+ .oooo A 1 .. % Q
% +%%% +%%% . %%%+ F` R
% %%%% %%%%%% %%% . +%%%%% %%% % S
%%%%%%%%%%+%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%.%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
------------------------------------------------------------
/}\= Water source?
% = Rock/cave wall
` = Party's inner cave = [R60]
s = Amphistaff growth fields
o = Orb growth fields
. = Actual water/pond surface
+ \ Torches set along the wall
Vong =
Shaper - #1 - [Q32] #2 - [O22]
#3 - [D29] #4 - [D35]
#5 - [C37] #6 - [K54]
Warrior - #7 - [A2 ] #8 - [C2 ]
#9 - [L7 ] #A - [Q20]
#B - [B38] #C - [C22]
#D - [D22] DE - [D23]
Party - R59 in Air about 10 feet up. Other in immediate area
about 20 feet away from slit.
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