[pnpgm] Game Update #17a - File #178 - Recap update
pnpgm
pnpgm at comcast.net
Thu Apr 26 05:32:55 CEST 2018
v y HT Player Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
-- ------------------------------------------------------------------
FH.John Haight...........Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar... Ma
...Kevin Newark..........Dorhak............Warrior.Normal/Dwarf....Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe
--.Rachelle.Gauthier ... Ix........... ??????..Normal/Human ..Fe
W2.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma
...Don.Kerr..............Maelorna..........Dancer..Normal/Human....Fe
...Gilbert.Isla..........Mournath..........Sailor..Normal/Human....Ma
R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma
--.Bess.Hadley...........Raddok............Miner...Normal/Human ..Ma
R4.Wout Broere...........Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe
R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Zol Zim (Wolf) - Ix
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
Public posts/actions to pnpgm at list.powersandperils.org (mailing list)
Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #17a sequence (file #178)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Raddok: [Re: Actions]
Game #8 for Update #17 (1st note; if some dialog opportunities
come in, will send more)
OOC: Since we are covering more time for this next update, I'm
explaining things in general in this note & not writing specific
dialogue (unless get some before Saturday that spurs me to write
an immediate response)
[approx 11 a.m.]
Raddok will be uncomfortable if/when Arawn leaves the deck &
will stand ask him if he can accompany him, since no one else
seems to understand him (that he knows of).
He'll want to follow Arawn down to the 2nd deck & show him his
cabin & belongings, & even to the 3rd deck, if Arawn is with him.
He's naturally leery of being arrested if found alone down there,
however, in that miasma - he's in a foreign land & barely even
stepped off the ship here; he doesn't want to land in jail,
especially when he can't talk to but a few people who might have
a common language.
[below: whatever times work for these info points to come into story]
When asked (by whoever) if he reads Fomorian, he will say he
cannot read or write anything, but did learn to recognize a few
Fomorian words on notices, such as "mine," "rates," "fees,"
"fines," "warning - danger," and how to read the local currency
listings. He says he understands some 'spoken' Fomorian, having
spent almost two months there waiting on a ship, and doing odd
jobs to pay his way. He feels he speaks about as well as an 8-
10-year old child. (OOC: is this right for EL 24?)
He can explain he did some teamstering both in Donara & and in
other places, including Vahear, and was also been a miner in
Donara, south of Samma, where he et his first dwarves - a
contracted company to help open a new mine there. He learned a
lot from them, & respected their vast knowledge of stone.
He will add he also did some informal security - guard work -
while travelling with various mining & trading caravans on the
road in several places, as well as on board ship in the Sea of
Tears.
He will say that he's put a hand to the lines on ships when they
needed help, perhaps a few hours' experience - in storms &
suchlike - but never got official seaman's training, mostly just
an extra pair of hands.
If the two side missions develop, he's most likely, for the
same ' language' reason, to travel with Arawn, and to start
trying to learn the group's common language (what is it -
Marentian?)
OOC: When he dons his gear, he usually wears the sword to his
left with a cross-draw setting, the mace on his right (ready to
hand) & his shield on his back. If he has a horse provided, he
has a saddle & bridle, & will stash the sword by a special strap
on the left side of the saddle front & the mace on the right; the
shield he wears on his back, unless it's friendly/safe territory.
If the ship is going to be used in the future adventure, he will
leave his gear there in his cabin(anything cumbersome, like the
saddle, & his backrack/bags). He has no more gear than he can
carry, but his hands will be full if he has to hand-carry the
saddle & a weapon in his hands, backrack & s hield on his back.
If it's more convenient to the party, he will sell both saddle &
bridle, but not his personal belongings, most of which are on-
the-road camping supplies (necessary stuff).
How comfortable he will be in the city is to be determined by the
GM; he's pretty close, but not quite, a noobie, with only about 7-
8 weeks spent in one city (I sent Scott a question re subject)
Sorry this is so long, but I figure most of this info will come
out over four hours time (unless there's to be fighting - lol) &
it's natural for him to share it when he wants to help & this
group are the ones who seem to be taking action to solve the puzzle.
P.S> Thanks again for the welcome. Hi, everyone!
GM: Ack. Problem with posting ahead of time is it is hard
for GM to add each generic section into main body of text.
It is probably better to post after the update and to it
retroactive. So can add specific things. But as GM these
generic things are harder to coordinate. So I hope I did
it well and covered basic points of your post. Yes. Marentia
is common tongue. As to gear that may be decides in a few
weeks of our time.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
[Raddok knows of some of the sailor names and rattles a few of
them off...]
Arawn committed the information to memory (Memorization
skill), though he expected that Raddok would be at hand should
the druid fail to recall every detail. He then thanked both him
and Mae for their assistance with the wounded before alerting
Corsaya that all was now well on board the ship.
[Replies to Bess's post...]
The alfar smiled and gave the man a nod. "Most of my ...
[Unali notices Arawn checking the empty berths and briefly
explains the captain is dead...]
Arawn asked Unali for any further information, what...
[OOC: Assuming she tells him - Unali/Wout, let me know if
Unali would keep anything secret].
[Smuggler Skills and God's Eyes at max EL to search the ship
for any hidden rooms, compartments and such.]
[OOC: Later, once he's done below deck, he'll rejoin the others
to share any discoveries and ask about any they might have
discovered. He'll repeat his suggestions shared with Unali to
the group - Speak with the Dead, Akashic Record. I'll wait to
see what anyone might have to say
before attempting to speak with dead.
He'll also spend this time checking in with Mournath, Ix and
her wolf companion. Basically asking who they are (not Mournath
of course:), what their story is, languages, goals from here and
so on. Arawn will mention recognizing Ix from his time in Ba'ru.
He will also change out of his robes to begin the work of
cleaning the ship. If all is done before Damon's crew arrives
Arawn will cast Purification at max EL to remove any taint left
behind by the unsavory things done on board.
He will also speak to Damon regarding checking in on the dead
sailors remaining family so they can be compensated for their
loss and allow them a fair chance at a good life.
And Arawn will assist the crew using his Seaman skill when the
time comes to move the ship. He'll call Corsaya to come aboard
before doing so or else see her to a place of safety before doing
so.]
GM: Ack. Memorize ack but not critical to remember. Had to
divide up speeches in 3 parts since it made sense to
fit in the story. As to cleaning no it will take days
to clean the hold. Probably a half day for the top deck.
So won't finish at all before Damon arrives and plus you
will need to get supplies for it. Can't get rid of smells
too fast either. So since this may be weeks from now you
may need to remind me on this later. :) Damon doesn't have
time to sit and figure out who is alive and if they have
a dad or mom he'll simply deliver the sailors back to Ba'ru
city and dump them there. Up to them to go from there. You'd
have to go with him though ship may go elsewhere if that is
the case. ;)
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
I just saw that my post ended up in my Junk Email box again.
Can you post my reply so the others can see it just in case.
GM: Ack. I posted on that theory elsewhere. Rest of this post
was duplicate I just noticed I had twice.
From Raddok: [Re: Actions]
Game #8 - re Update #17
[OOC: I have seen posts where it seems that non-dwarves are
speaking Dvallin to Dorhak; I thought Dvallin was only spoken
between dwarves (per Book 3, Creatures Book); that's why Raddok
knows Dwarf Elder, their Elder language, which he learned as
became a Dwarf Friend, but not Dvallin. Is this the way you
play it, or not? I will go along with whatever works for the
story]
[reply to John's post]
Raddok shares what he knows about the dead sailors - ...
[If he's present during Arawn's spell-casting, he's going to
be a bit uncomfortable, but will not 'desert' the elf, unless
he's told to l eave. He will stand back, & would guard the door,
if the elf would like that. He's seen enough spell-casting to
not be scared about it, in general., having known a couple of
shamans and a few mages]
[He's willing to go with Arawn to help move the ship, unless
the elf recommends that he accompany some of the others on one
of the other missions. He'd like to see the dwarves start their
way home, but doesn't need to go with them - he feels the
dwarves' answer to their abduction lay elsewhere & that's
where he should be looking - with this company if that is also
their goal. He doesn't really think he can do anything much
alone, especially in a foreign land.]
[OOC: He has another odd gift, but not ready to share this yet,
as GM has not yet indicated whether it's going to effect the
story, but also because Raddok's rather reticent about it,
unless it's 'action' makes it obvious to others that something'
s d ifferent about him & makes it necessary to explain. I feel
this might happen later in the story, perhaps not far off?]
[Thanks for the quick notes, John! Fun to answer]
GM: Ack. Dorhak is a dwarf so they could share Dvalinn. :)
I just noticed that rule as well. So keep this in mind
a pc or another pc may know it as well so may have
to change things. :) Had to figure out which was IC and which
was OOC stuff. Like the spell casting comments I assume were
OOC so left here above. As to gift I don't recall this but
I may have missed it in the emails. :)
From Ix: [Re: Actions]
[Replying to Arawan's statement if he is still on deck]
"I will question the dead, at the least the captain as....
Ix frowns as she sets down the piece of fruit she was...
[In response to Damon talking about Ba'ru]
When Damon mentions Ba'ru and the possibility of...
GM: Ack. Liked how you gave reference to where to put this
stuff like the quote and such. :) It helps.
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet is rather confused but, oddly (for him), pleased...
He calls over to the man and says "Ho! Mournath! I...
Assuming Unali tells everyone about what happens below...
If Kiet is invited, he will use his Avian Command spell at
maximum EL to catch a pigeon or seagull and wring its neck,
then use that as the 'offering' to the crazy old coot.
GM: Ack. Did we have a IBT encounter with vily/wolf? I can't
recall. Notice that comment. :)
From Dorhak: [Re: Actions]
Dorhak is still talking privately with the other dwarves....
in Dwarf Elder, he tells them "it sounds like they are....
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
As they journeyed through the bowels of the ship Arawn...
"Don't worry about your horse. If need be I can bring...
GM: Ack. Good post like how you described your gear as to the
new players this info is not known.
From Dorhak: [Re: Language]
I’m pretty sure that Dorhak is the only person speaking Dvallin,
and that only to the other dwarves. It might get ugly should
anyone else utter Dvallin. Well, uglier than Dorhak already is.
dorhak is a good dwarf and would never stand for mere humans to
speak the sacred tongue.
GM: Ack. Tru dat! As the kids say when it was hip about a decade
ago. I guess I need more hip terms. But your fleet!
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
OOC: I'm sending this out to the group email and your private
ones until this bouncing issue is resolved. My posts keep going
to my junk files and I'm not sure if this is still the case with
everyone but once I hear that everyone's receiving it normally
then I'll just send to the group address.
Arawn pursed his lips in reaction to Ix's revelation.
"A pity that, for our sake and possibly the innocent souls....
--------------
As time passed, Arawn cleaning as the party awaited Damon's...
"I remember the two of you, in Ba'ru City. An interesting...
OOC: Tonah Tongue, just to say hello and share names - though
he'd do his best to communicate with the zehani wolf as best he
could if it has questions) before continuing his conversation
with the seemingly blind shamaness.
GM: Ack. If it is on your side through a email program rather than
using say a web email program reading email from a ISP then it
might be fixable. If its web based/isp email junk folder
than best to contact them. Sadly if its the freebie emails like
google or yahoo then not much can do as talking to that ISP is
like pulling teeth. If its your side on your actual physical
pc then it could be fixed and may need to track down the reason
why its being tossed into junk. For example I use Eudora for
email client. I never get Junk but if I have a oddball subject
line or some text that might be 'offensive' it will tag it and
warn not to send. But I send it anyways. :) Since Eudora is
a bit too sensitive for a 20+ years old program. :) Removed
Ba'ru city to Ba'ru as technically it wasn't the city it was
far outside in country side.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"It might be worthwhile to begin in the few minutes...
GM: Ack. There is issues with this spell for this type of
investigation. No sound heard. Even if Z saw the papers
its still gibberish if she doesn't know the language. :)
From Mournath: [Re: Actions]
[NOTE: I see people are having issues with bouncing emails,
but I'm also having issues that are perhaps a little different.
I've sent in two 'actions' for Mournath and they have not
appeared in the updates. Nothing important so if THIS one is
seen, carry on.]
Hail Kiet! Yes, news of my death were greatly....
GM: Ack. You have sent stuff? Did you check the Archives? As I've
said year after year the List Archives are instant. So if you
post it will show up there in seconds after posting. My site
may take longer since its manually loaded. I check archives
for missing posts that don't come via list. But as far as I've
seen 99.9% of posts sent to list go to archives but maybe only
95% sent to archives don't get to my email so this I why I
check. :) As said before its the free email clients like
google, hotmail, yahoo that has issues with lists. I checked
the last and only post aside from above is March 20th. Post
123.txt on my site. So yeah if posted after 3/20 never got it.
I see your using Gmail and again gmail has quirks it has spam
and issues with spam policy and such. This is why I use
my ISP account not a free account. :) Tell you what send
me a Skype msg when you DO post even if you want post your
post in skype and I'll get it there. Would that help? I
added quotes for speech since I think you were talking here?
From Kiet: [Re: Actions]
Kiet is a little confused..."When the gods involve...
GM: Ack.
From Mae: [Re: Actions]
As the guards are ignoring her that she can tell,....
GM: Ack. Like the second section. :)
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
Arawn welcomed Mae's presence with a congenial...
"This is Raddok. if you haven't been introduced,"...
GM: Ack.
From Ix: [Re: Actions]
"I couldn't see the object, but I heard it. It made...
If baths are in order, Ix will definitely take the chance at
that, as well as give her wolf one while she’s at it. She
cleans up quite nicely and looks much better now that her
facepaint isn’t smeared to all hell and her hair has been
cleaned and brushed.
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"If they've been shunted to the Land of the Dead...
OOC: Apart from anything Arawn detects when looking at the item
using Mana Sensing/Reading and his Scholar (Metaphysics) skill
he will use the Baru Priest Divination at max EL to try and get
an omen regarding whether casting Dark Knowledge to question
the captain's soul will be dangerous (well, more dangerous than
normally doing so) - scrying the water, reading the passage of
birds, or even just a psychic sense. In addition to the
Awareness EL boost he'll also use his wand to increase his
chance of success, rerolling once if things get jumbled. I'll
wait to cast it until we get more information on the burnt
papers unless asked to do so before then. However he will
request that the captain's body be set aside so he can 'examine'
it later. Of course if the Divination basically says, 'Danger'
or 'Don't waste your time', then Arawn will heed the oracle and
ignore trying to use Dark Knowledge.
GM: Ack. You know how I feel about Div spells. Its not that clear
cut. Div to me is more visual not bells and whistles. :) But
if you want to still do it remind me next update since your
waiting till after info is shared/learned.
From Mae: [Re: Actions]
Maelorna smiles and curtsies formally as Arawn states...
GM: Ack.
From Raddok: [Re: Actions]
Raddok, having been listening to this beautiful woman's...
GM: Ack.
From Arawn: [Re: Actions]
"If Gniled appears then he'll be dealt with. Though...
GM: Ack.
From Mae: [Re: Actions]
Maelorna gives Arawn a wistful smile, "I'm human...
GM: Ack. Interesting therapy but this might be best
during travel time. If this was a movie it'd be first
5 min. :) Gotta wait for the travel sequences that
are a montage!. Filler. But good stuff.
-------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Marqi Frisda 23rd, 1636TH; Sivas, Marentia]
[Time: 11:10 am]
Before Damon leaves he says he can ship the dwarves to
Ba'ru using his own ships.
When Damon mentions Ba'ru and the possibility of shipping
the dwarves back, he caught Ix's attention, since she was now
looking straight at him. Should she ask to be brought back?
She wasn't sure, but there was someone she needed to get in
contact with. She doubted any of them would travel to the
middle of nowhere away from the docks to deliver a message.
She would just have to find some other way.
Kiet is rather confused but, oddly (for him), pleased to see
Mournath again. He had essentially written him off as dead
before, and there was already too much of that.
Kiet calls over to the man and says "Ho! Mournath! I thought
you were dead, like Snake Plissken. By the gods, man! How did
you end up here?"
Mournath grins at Kiet, "Hail Kiet! Yes, news of my death
were greatly...exaggerated. To be speaking plainly and with as
much truth as I understand, I can't rightly tell you what DID
happen to me. I found myself near here, far from where we last
parted ways. I took, what I thought, was a simple job for the
Captain of that ship, not knowing they were slavers. I stand
ready to help these fellows who were so roughly treated though,
and am glad to see you my friend!" [thinking] "I REALLY would
have liked the time to go through the captains quarters better.
What WAS that strange object?"
Kiet is a little confused..."When the gods involve themselves
in our lives it can only mean trouble...wait!...What strange
object...
But Kiet shrugs at the mention of a object. It is not talked
about it for a few minutes until Ix and Arawn speak.
Kiet also notices the short blind girl. With a wolf, none
the less. A strange wolf. Kiet knows to be wary of them from
his earliest days. Sure wouldn't want to cause a Vily to
strike him dead because of a stupid wolf.
Kiet calls out to his...well, friend is a bit much...um,
acquaintance, that well armored Dorhak. "Dorhak! What's the
story here? Where did these Dwarves come from? And who is
this blind girl with them?"
Ix turns to the acrobat's voice and frowns.
[Time: 11:12 am]
Arawn asks if Raddok knows the names of the sailors just
after the healing is done and sailors taken away.
Raddok shares what he knows about the dead sailors - a few
that had families, where those families are, & a couple stories
from sailors who had either lost or left their families, denying
family anymore.
In reply to Arawan's reassurance he'll be able to talk with
his compatriots, Raddok relaxes, feeling perhaps he's making
the right choice in joining with these folk & that he'll feel
less lost than he thought he might.
[Time: 11:18 am]
Arawn checks below deck briefly but not a full search
and notices the captain's quarters door open. Unali
briefly explains the captain is dead.
Arawn asked Unali for any further information, what had
been discovered so far.
Unali waves a hand in concentration as she goes over the
papers. She explains she will advise everyone top side
so not to repeat things.
Moving into the hold de took advantage of his medical training
to study the bound man, to ensure he truly was dead and to try
to identify exactly how he died.
The three dead in the hold were clearly beaten by two of the
dwarves based on blood trails from cells to the bodies.
The officer with full sailor-style yet non-politically
aligned uniform looks like a first mate or navigator. He
was bound by ropes and based on the mark on his head by
a nice subtle dagger this is Unali's doing. But it looks
like the man was kicked numerous times and then strangled
by large hands.
[Time: 11:19 am]
Dorhak is still talking privately with the other dwarves. He
listens to what this new human is telling the group and
translates to them what he means.
s In Dwarf Elder, he tells them, "it sounds like they are
turning over this boat to us. I don’t know about you, but I
don’t know anything about sailing, and I’m not sure I ever want
to!" He smiles at them. In Dvallin, he quietly asks them. "So,
since you and I were all harmed by these humans, shall we simply
sell this boat and split the proceeds equally amongst us? I do
so pledge."
The dwarves begin to quickly use a form of sign language.
To confer on their own. Then the elder dwarf turns to
Dorhak. "I speak for the others when we say we did not
earn this ship. You and your friends saved us. While we
would not ignore any such profits we feel honor bound that
such profits should be divided up among your group."
The elder adds, "we are not sailors either we are simple
dwarves with mining and smithing experience."
In Dwarf Elder), "the humans are being told to move the boat
to a less conspicuous location. I trust them not to steal it."
He looks to the Elder Dwarf and says in Dvallin, "if I take you
all to a place you can get cleaned up, will you promise to not
leave that place until all of you and I leave together to go to
the boat? Also, will you stay with me all the way to the boat?"
The elder dwarf nods, "we can do such. Maybe we could use
some of that fine ale while we wash up?"
He rubs his chin then asks, in Dwarf Elder, "you seem to care
about the blind human. Is there something you wish to share
with her?" "It also seems like the humans are making plans to
return you to your homes. I pray Dvallin has kept your families
safe while you have been gone."
Dorhak will be happy to take care of his kin, getting them
and their clothes washed. He will pay for it. "It sounds like
the boat will be leaving shortly. Let’s go below and grab
whatever gear you might want."
Dorhak will ask Damon where this new docking point will be,
and agrees to meet there with the other Dwarves.
Damon gives a general direction. It is a semi private
dock used by middle level citizens. More restricted boardwalk
and access to the general public. He gives the info to
all and ensures names will be granted to the dock master
for access to the docks.
[Time: 11:22 am]
Raddok watches as 2 guards enter ship again and go below
to find the other bodies they skipped. While a rider goes
off to get another wagon and blankets.
Raddok watches as Dorhak and others around him seem to become
relieved with the man in street clothing appears and then
comes back on deck to advise them of things. Still unsure
what was all said the guards come back up on deck holding
noses as they found the 3 bodies in the hold.
Raddok notices Arawn has gone below with confidence and is
uncertain of things for himself. Then Arawn returns with a
female he never saw before. One with daggers on her hips.
Was she a prisoner as well?
Unali waves the group together - Kiet, Arawn, Fremea, Pyan,
Z'leyra, Dorhak and with some hesitation Mae. She looks around
and waves for Mournath to join if he wishes. To uanli though
the blind girl, Raddok and other dwarves are not close but
she also doesn't make whispers.
Unali explains what happened in the captain's quarters
including the ashes, map and strange item which remains
below deck. While she does not go into detail of who Vox
is or how she knows the man, she does explain what he has
requested. That the ship be moved to a more discreet place.
That in order to disassociate with Marentia that the ship
be taken away so it doesn't muddy down Maren's politics.
She explains there is some evidence the ship may be headed for
Vahear based on evidence and some things Damon found. She
explains that at least 2 people might help to determine more of
the evidence. First is a merchant who reads Fomorian - if it
is indeed Fomorian and a hermit recluse that is said to have
the ability to piece together ashes. A method that intrigues
Arawn and Z'leyra. But it seems giving such secrets away
won't happen.
Kiet wipes his forehead in frustration. Fomorians? Why
them of all people.
Unali then turns to Dorhak who has begun to day dream upon
hearing the ship is booty! She explains that this is his
mission to lead as he has been dragged into it and the center
of it literally.
Dorhak looks around surely this ship is worth a couple
hundred gold? Then he frowns at the sight of all the blood
on the deck and based on smell from below that could be a major
issue for buyers. He dreams of the stacks of coins and almost
doesn't hear all of what is said by Unali. Then he hears
the end of her speech and nods.
Arawn suggests, "Z'leyra may be able to pore over the Akashic
Record in the captain's chamber in the moments before papers
were burnt and his untimely demise. It may reveal some useful
clues, either words uttered or information on the papers
burnt."
Z'leyra nods in agreement to the suggestion.
Arawn adds, "It might be worthwhile to begin in the few
minutes leading to Fremea's attack. The captain may have uttered
something of use to us while he was in the cabin. Plus it might
give us more time to see what was on those and possibly other
papers as well, just in case Unali's connection is unable to
restore the documents."
Arawn then looked down at the blood and gore, grimacing.
"And a thorough purification will be needed after this place
has been scrubbed clean. Too much death and misery... it can
draw bad energies if not taken care of."
Arawn briefly glances at Fremea but she is watching the
dwarves as they seem be curious to her.
Unali leaves the ship to find her horse and see f she can
find a item or two from her pack. Arawn heads back down
but is stopped by Raddok.
Raddok stops Arawn before he heads below. Raddok asks if he
can join Arawn and the Elf nods explaining that the guards will
be leaving soon.
The alfar smiled and gave the man a nod. "Most of my companions
speak Salaqi so communication shouldn't be a problem. But your
more than welcome to accompany me. As I take it that Marentian
isn't something you're familiar with, what other languages do
you speak? Though I wouldn't worry over much about the barrier.
If you travel with us we have ways of speeding up your
linguistic education, starting with Marentian."
As he walked across deck he paid attention to anything Raddok
had to say before stopping to alert the guards to keep an eye on
Corsaya. He then called out to the rest of the party on deck.
"Raddok and I will be going down to see what's left to
discover and if anyone else is in need of help. If anyone wishes
to join us they're welcome. But we should reconvene shortly to
discuss our discoveries before anything else gets muffed up,"
Arawn suggested before making his way down the steps.
"I'll accompany Raddok here and scan the ship for any other
hidden compartments. I'll rejoin everyone on deck afterwards
and we can begin to piece things together." Arawn adds.
Arawn adds, "I will question the dead, at the least the
captain as well as guard you had left alive in the hold," he
said, following her as she checked on the latter. "But not until
we've collected all the other information we can. I'd prefer to
make wise use of the limited time I'll have to call up their
souls."
While Unali explained things it wasn't really secret
as the voices weren't whispers. But even so some distance
away Ix hears Arawn speak in Marentian. It must be true
what they say of the blind their hearing is keen.
Ix frowns as she sets down the piece of fruit she was
holding, turning her head to look in Arawn's direction, "Don't
waste your time. You won't get anything out of this ship's
dead. They are no longer with us. There was a shamanic fetish
in the captain's room that was tampered with and it banished the
souls of those perished on board."
Z'leyra looks at the girl then at the wolf. She takes
a closer look - sure enough there it is, a drum. So this
girl is a shaman? Then the wolf must be a friend or a tonah?
"A pity that, for our sake and possibly the innocent souls as
well. If it's truly a banishment do you have sense as to where
and are you certain it's shamanic? What exactly were you able to
discern regarding it... details?," he queried the shamaness
Arawn stood in silence as she replied, his features shifting
to dour thoughtfulness as he processed both her revelation and
the possibility of rescuing the sailors souls if they might be
in some hellish place.
"Someone went to a lot of trouble to ensure the secrecy of
their mission, enough so as to silence the dead. But if it is a
shamanic device that gives us some insight into the possible
culture of this foe. Still, we're not completely bereft. Aside
from what the sailors f might know there is at least one
guard that died off ship. If we can get access to the body I can
question it," he said, looking towards Unali as he finished.
Ix replies, "I couldn't see the object, but I heard it. It
made a sound like a snake’s rattle. There were faint drums and
a soft breeze, and there was a red light. My best guess is they
were sent to the land of the dead. Whoever gave it to the
captain did not want him or anyone else talking about any of
this."
When questioned by Arawn again, she bites her lip somewhat,
"My name is Ixkin. I was on my way back
” Should she call it
home? It felt like it, sort of, she was welcome there, even
though she felt she might have overstayed her welcome with Kaz.
“H-home. I'm not from Ba’ru, but I was staying outside of the
city. I tried to take a shortcut and was captured with one of
the dwarves. The captain kept asking me questions, but I didn’t
answer them
I couldn’t answer them.
Arawn answers, "If they've been shunted to the Land of the
Dead then I may still be able to call on their souls. I'll seek
an oracle before doing so. Calling upon the dead holds risks and
the magic released by the fetish might make it even more so."
Kiet listens to Unali explain things. Kiet grimaces At the
news some thrice damnable Fomorians might be at the heart of
this trouble. Fomorians! Pfah! Never an end to their
causing misery. Mu take them all!
"So...are we all going to be in any expected danger soon, do
you think? I don't have any of my gear, and not even armor.
At least Dorhak was smart enough to armor up. Will we need to
send someone for our stuff?"
"I'd go to the meet with the 'odd' old gent. Sounds kinda
interesting. Besides, maybe I can help provide the 'dead thing'
for him to, play with."
Kiet glances at the possible sources of danger like the wolf
and the dwarves and their odor that alone could kill a giant.
But at least there are no snakes aboard.
To the others of his companions, Dorhak asks, "so, who can go
with Kiet? And who can go to the other person that can read this
other human language?"
To Ix, Dorhak asks in Marentian. "And what of you, lassie?
What are we to do with you?"
To Raddok, Dorhak says in Dwarf Elder, "what about you?
What will you be doing? Maybe you should stay on the boat while
it's moved"
Arawn allowed Raddok to guide him, first to his cabin to
allow the man to gather his belongings before moving on to the
other decks. As they moved along he continued to ask Raddok
about both himself and what he knew about those who had sailed
with him. Besides allowing him a better sense of the man it
might also provide him with some valuable insights into the
mystery set before the party.
As the guards are ignoring her that she can tell, Maelorna
gives a knowing smile. Noting as she can potential marks,
playmates, victims, predators, and ultimately meals. The last
starts the voice laughing 'Oh the Princess will simply adore
you,' it taunts. 'How about that one? He's strapping enough,
I bet he's a bull in the bed, that captain, oh how he makes you
shiver and the thought of his hands upon your flesh makes you
shiver with desire, he might be more pleasing.' it continues a
running commentary about the virtues of each guard she spots,
all of which she has to ignore and it was getting harder.
The wolf still worried her and she wondered if she could kill
it before it's companion would respond. She gives a glance
towards where the disgusting one went, 'Why am I helping the
dwarf again?' she asks herself as chances were, she would have
to touch the creature before all was said and done. At least
this time, she wasn't hungry and having to worry about
feeding.
She can hear Arawn warn what he was doing and after a moments
thought, makes a decision and moves with a dancers grace as she
quietly and carefully steps where she can to follow them both,
she didn't need a guild to prove she was a thief, moving was
enough and hopes her paranoia for once is unfounded as she
carefully runs her fingers over her crossbow slung on her
shoulder.
Arawn welcomed Mae's presence with a congenial smile as
she joined Raddok and himself on their journey below.
"This is Raddok. if you haven't been introduced," he said,
nodding towards the erstwhile 'apple-man'. "Mae," he continued,
introducing her in turn.
"Aside from gathering his gear we're searching for anything
that might remain hidden on the ship," he informed her as they
walked. "How have things been since I last saw you?"
Arawn is shown the berth where Raddok was across the hall
from Mournath which was also the Navigator's and First
mate's bunks. He finds all of his gear still there and in
tact.
While Raddok grabs his gear Arawn asks if he knows Fomorian.
Raddok explains not for the language or writing. But does
understand some minor words.
Raddok answers what questions he can, explaining he speaks a
little Xianese, and has recently learned Fomorian & had a
spattering of Cerulean.
Raddok explains his teamster experiences in Donara and other
things but Arawn is too distracted. He just can't believe that
Fremea just up and killed so many. Leaving only a few sailors
who are likely clueless and onto the ones they need to question.
The Alfar hears some words Raddok speaks but is distracted as
he looks left and right down the hall. Arawn hears that Raddok
has some sailing experience and that could be useful to remember
for later.
Arawn comes to his senses and stands tall. Arawn decides to
enter the small cabin to look for hidden areas.
Raddok tells him, as he gathers his gear, his favored weapon
is his mace, preferred since he had learned the shield a few
years ago, but that the great sword was also a comfortable
weapon. He says he can rent a horse if they have to travel
overland, or he'll sell his saddle & bridle if they believe he
won't need it, since he had stabled his horse in Ba'ru when he
took the mining job. He stops & says to himself (out loud),
"Actually, I shipped him to Sivas, to be stabled there until
this job was over. The Captain said he had no room for him.
Now I understand why." & he shakes his head with some anger.
As they journeyed through the bowels of the ship Arawn
exchanged some information with the man. Though their
conversation was in Raddok's primary language he exchanged
a few words in Fomorian and Cerulean as well it became apparent
that these languages were something they had in common.
While Raddok discussed his choice of arms the man would have
noted Arawn's robes, a pristine grey in color though marked
with minor red, green, and blue stripes and some cosmological
symbols, a white cloak over them. As to what lay beneath, that
remained hidden, though a finely crafted elvish blade and dagger
could be seen sheathed at his sides.
"Don't worry about your horse. If need be I can bring it here
if it turns out we'll be traveling together."
While searching one of the cabins for hidden storage, he
asks, hesitantly, after being sure no one else was in hearing
range - & since the subject might be a sore one - "Do you know
the Faerry? I saw her show up just after the arrows had seemed
to stop flying out of the sky - I thought they were coming from
the crow's nest, but couldn't see anything." He looks at the
elf directly. "She looked absolutely furious - I was terrified
when she looked at us. But she never fired her bow at me - after
I saw her, anyway. Then she went below deck - & seemed calmer
when she came back up. Is she a part of why you're here?" He
set his gear down to check along drawer edges & panels to
check for hiding places. "Don't get angry. I'm not saying
anything; I have no proof that she did anything," he looks
again at Arawn. "But a few good men died out there." And he
waited for an answer - any kind of answer.
When Fremea was brought up as a topic of discussion the
alfar appeared troubled.
"Do I know her? Yes. Her name's Fremea and she's an ex-
slave. Furious you say? Odd yet not out of line," he said,
wondering if she had left her magical sapphire at home - the
magic of the item should have suppressed her anger. "I do not
know her part. But I can guess. Though I hope I'm wrong.
Because innocent men were killed, their families left to suffer
for it, and if this were my jurisdiction it would be my duty
to investigate and judge." His demeanor grew quite serious and
troubled.
Maelorna smiles and curtsies formally as Arawn states his
name and she looks at him appraisingly with hunger filled eyes,
maintains her composure, "It's a pleasure to meet you, even if
under such conditions. Perhaps later we could speak more freely
and in friendlier surroundings, I've found at least one Inn that
knows me," She looks at Arawn and smiles, "I've managed to
find a place to live within the city and I think I can see a
future there, if at least I can avoid Master Gniled, if all
else fails with the group and you ask me to leave, I honestly
do not want to, I.. I know he doesn't trust me, I don't blame
him, I.. I just hope we don't wind up in that situation
again. It's a brothel, oddly, it's rather fitting and they
were willing to take me in, even allowed me to indulge as I
desired. I was able to sate my hunger and as you requested,
only those who harmed others I fed upon," as she holds up a
preserved eye on a thong, "He was one such, from my past, he
thought to take advantage of me. He learned his lesson," she
smiles evilly, "but as for the brothel, I hope if this is over
and I manage it, I would love to own it, I could see making a
living there and thriving," as she pauses and looks at Raddok,
"My apologies. I haven't had a chance to speak with Arawn for
several months, and I'm being rude. My name is Maelorna Vess,
or Mae, if you prefer. I have, " as she gives Raddok a playful
smile, "certain proclivities that I enjoy indulging in," as she
sighs and looks at Arawn, "It's been troublesome, I .. I found
one like me, not a true sister, but a fox woman, I had hoped
honestly to make a friend of her, but she wasn't willing, I."
as she sighs, "I killed her when defending myself, I didn't want
to, I thought I had found a kindred that might be willing to at
least talk and help me figure out what I am or how to hunt in a
manner that is not as dangerous. I'm hoping once the dwarf is
satisfied I am not a threat and this is over, to find another,
either a full sister, instead of a halfbreed like myself or
another like the fox woman, she was a very pretty," she says
with a wistful smile. "Back there, with the sailor," she asks
as she looks back the way they came "I don't know why I...wanted
to kill him," she says nervously.
Raddok listens to the two speak in that strange language
he doesn't understand. Arawn at the end does translate
a bit of it but not the full speech.
Raddok, having been listening to this beautiful woman's
amazing, somewhat terrifying conversation with Arawn, suddenly
blinks when she acknowledges Arawn's introduction. He is
standing alertly, trying to hide how startled he is, but
manages a polite smile and a slight bow to the lovely redhead,
while thinking this was the oddest group he had even known.
Then, as she started talking with Arawn again, he smiled quietly
to himself, remember in some of his recent friendships over
the last couple of years, & that others might have thought some
of his friends very odd, too.
"If Gniled appears then he'll be dealt with. Though it might
be worth crafting something in the future that can alert us if
he should surprise you," Arawn said as the trio began their
exploration. "But who doesn't trust you? Dorhak?," he then
asked, unsure who Mae feared might wish her ousted from the
company.
The news that she had drifted to a brothel was expected as
was her desire to one day own it. It fit with her nature and
was a perfect means for her to maintain satiation lest hunger
drive her down a dark road.
"A fox woman? Likely she saw you as competition, being
another race and all."
Arawn seemed to ponder something, his lips twisting in
thought.
"I've an idea as to a possible mentor. Mind you it's just
a possibility, nothing more. The ones I have in mind are a
very rare breed and would not be found anywhere near here. But
I'll leave word with those I know and see if one can be found,
one who'd be willing to teach you how to deal with your...
urges. As to the sailor, you didn't, did you? And to kill, not
just feed, any idea what might have triggered that?"
There they go speaking in that odd language. Raddok rolls
his eyes as he listens to the gibberish.
Maelorna gives Arawn a wistful smile, "I'm human enough to
feel pride and when something like that ignores me but rather
wants you or one of the other males it's a bit grating. I
would have killed him, had you not sent him away," as she smiles
and brushes an errant hair out of her eyes, "Considering he's
only the second I've managed to make into a toy, or not, I can't
tell if they become a toy or not. Unless they immediately
start acting like Zim had and decide right then and there they
wanted me," as she sighs, "For that I thank you, sending him
away might have saved me more than him," as she tries to ignore
Raddok's presence, wanting to talk more with Arawn but can't.
"The dwarf yes, would rather I not be here, more now than before
I tried to kill him,"
She smiles hopefully, "Please, if it's possible, without
harming another, I would desire such. Even if I needed to
work for it,"
Maelorna looks at Raddok, "If you are traveling with us?
Do I tell you or show you or leave it be for now?" she asks
with a playful smile, her emerald green eyes alight with
mischief, "Mishaps over a meal and drink, but I promise,
nothing more than talk," she smiles warmly, all the while the
voice is screaming at her to shut up and stop flirting with the
meal.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Saturday?
GM: Part 1 of 2. Believe it not this is what I call Recap
update. The very top the first 400 lines is all your posts
(a ton! - there are times when
have 0 posts and other 25 posts).
Below that section is all those posts combined into one story.
I did add SOME new stuff but not much. The new actual
new update stuff will be part 2. But I figure at 1k lines it
is a good place to break it up. I hope the combined dialogue
and story links makes sense. It was a bit hard to figure out
which parts go where. So hope it makes sense.
GM: My website I manually write up the description of each
link. I wanted to explain my style. I do not read actions
unless its 1-2 lines ahead of time. I do that during the
actual update writing. As a result I find the first few
lines of each post and use that as a link description. So if
its going to the outhouse then I say something like that.
Even though bulk of it may be something important. I just
don't have time (like this update with 17 posts) to go
line by line and figure out the best link description.
So this is the reasoning behind my madness. :) FYI.
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