Post from Arawn on actions.... To: PnP Subject: Re: [pnpgm] Game Update #4 Arawn had sat in silence as Ki'ama and the group discussed plans for the mission. He turned his slightly as he regarded the various speakers along with a quiet but warm smile directed Kell's way before deciding to add his own voice to the mix. "I think the idea of a local noble is a fine idea but there are a few weak areas we should fix. Right now it seems that we only have three, maybe four, among the group that can pass for locals. Considering the size of the group we might wish to work on why there are so many foreigners amongst the entourage. Though guards, scholars, nobles, and even entertainers have been mentioned I do not feel that it is believable for a noble to hire so many outsiders when a noble would be more likely to pull the competent from the local flock. I suggest that one of us 'outsiders' should play someone befriended by the noble, or at least someone the noble wishes to befriend. The position should be one of apparent affluence. An outside noble would be expected to make for the capitol but I think a very wealthy and powerful foreign merchant could prove believable. The rest of the outsiders would be linked to the merchant as servants or even family. It would fit with a noble's background, bringing a powerful friend or ally along to show him or her the wonders of the noble's country. while still maintaing freedom of movement. As for our journey, I think the idea of coming in by boat to be the most reasonable. We are in a race for time with a completely unknown deadline. At the same time we must secure the believability of our ruse. Travelling by ship seems to be the best choice in my eyes, a balance between speed and covering our identity. In regards to the issue of magical items and threat of aural readings, I have no problem leaving magical items behind for this journey. In fact I actually relish the idea as an opportunity to practice my skills and abilities without the crutch of such tools. After all, one never knows when the option of magic could be stripped from us and we are left to fend for ourselves with only our wits and abilities. Still, it seems that some here strongly desire to have relatively easy access to their items for this journey. The use of mana shields is one option, though timing is key with this. Also, could everyone be covered in time? Oblivion has its own issues as has been discussed. I, for one, would opt for teleporting our items when we are aware that they will be needed. This minimizes detection, though without the use of shields some of our enchanters may yet be detected by their vast magical potential. The wagon is another idea though I can say from experience that a strong aura of magic could be detected even through several feet of stone so hidden compartments would likely be most useful for mundane searches but not against the mystic sensors. If we still wish a specialized wagon made perhaps with the use of Transmutation it can be brought over with a teleport, maybe switched out for another wagon if such is recorded. Personally though I think it best to leave items behind for now. At least until we get a better feel for things in Katai." He waited to see if there would be any replies before continuing. "As to the Vong, I would like to add a few more bits of information to help us decide on how best to approach dealing with them. In might be a good idea to have others continue research on the Vong in our absence, or with the judicious use of teleportation, perhaps some of us could do so, returning to the party afterwards or on a recurring basis during the party's travel. There has been talk of gateways between our worlds but a location has yet to be discovered. Before leaving Marentia Kaylle mentioned a scholar friend who had read a travel journal which described an odd skeleton wearing dessicated crab-like armor found in some remote mountain. She could not recall the book but she might have discovered something since we parted ways. This could fit with the image of the mountain I saw during a vision in which I sought further knowledge on the Vong." Arawn pulled out a scroll from a stone case, unfurling it to reveal a mountain that was skillfully drawn and painted. "I commissioned this after my vision to capture the image and perhaps help us locate it later on. It might not be connected but I have to wonder. On top of that Kaylle also mentioned that during an attempt to inquire about the Vong the Royal Archivest evaded the topic and seemed to be holding something back. She said that she would look into it if possible and I can only hope that she has pulled extra information since we last spoke. Beyond Kaylle, there are the stories of plains people. Someone had mentioned that some of the shamans were trained specifically to deal with the threat posed by the Vong. Would it be possible for one of us, Caladan or Z'leyra most likely due to background, to meet with such a shaman for further information or even training, if only briefly?" Passing the mountain scroll around Arawn then carefully pulled forth another scroll, singed in places, the air suddenly smelling of burnt wood when the case is opened. "We also have this, a scroll found in the cabin at the edge of the Vassa woods." OOC: For those who study it this is what you see- [The Scroll is slightly tanned and scared by the Heat spell. It is very wrinkled and crinkled in places. In some cases it seems the ink has been virtually evaporated or destroyed?] "The Plan is set in motion. Nom has seen to connections in ---- ---- (missing ink or destroyed]. The Brain is almost ready in Rising Mount. The House is supportive. Major operations [burnt text here but looks like word "are"] are in action. Soon the time of [---destroyed text---]-Harla will be set. Product will be expected in one season. Be careful of locals. Kill anything that hinders Product. Nom will sent Attendant to collect Product. You are only to oversee Product development not interfere in operations of Growers. No contact should be made unless in extreme emergency. Chu Yu" [At the bottom is some symbol of what could be a animal wrestling another animal as if in a circle one on top of each other. ?] After allowing everyone to see it, including the High Elder, Arawn adds, "A Katai man in military clothing was present in the cabin in which this was found. This leads me to believe that at least some part of military is involved in dealings with the Vong. As for Rising Mount, possibly the mountain discussed earlier, and the mention of Harla, they remain a mystery to me but perhaps our esteemed host, the High Elder, might have some insight. If not then our contact will hopefully grant some insight. I have been told Chu Yu is a common name but if the military is involved we might be able to further narrow our search. However, our greatest clue to narrowing things down might be the sigil at the bottom (the wrestling animals). Is this familiar to anyone?" _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl To: PnP Subject: Re: [pnpgm] Game Update #4 - File #35 - More travel plans are made.. [ Kell changes the subject back to the Vong, "What about the poison from the spears. Do we have a supply of antidote to bring? Do we know if we can use the vong spears and armor against them?"] Waiting for the High Elder to finish speaking Arawn replied, "Aside from magical items we may or may not have ready, it is within my power to cure the taint of poison. Of course I can only deal with so many at a time." He finished his sentence with a pensive look, some idea seeming to form in his mind. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In reply to the High Elder previously- [ High Elder Ki'ama then takes one final sip of his wine and turns to the group. He approaches each person as close as he can and stares them in the eye as he speaks to each one. "Arawn, now you see why we had to warn you. The information about the gods not knowing everything or being all-powerful might offend or disturb you. I hope you understand that even gods had some origin. If they knew everything then there would only be one god why need others? Whoever the First was he clearly made more than one for Balance. So even they may not know of the Vong. If they do know then it may be obvious they do not wish to know. When you travel to Katai your face wrap will not be possible to wear. That is the thing bandits do. You will be stopped at every post and street there are guards. As to your..." he lifts a finger to his ears, "a hat might be best for that. Many down there wear straw large hats so that's more common."] Arawn dipped his head graciously, acknowledging Ki'ama's advice. At the same time he thought over the words directed toward him in regards to the omnitraits, or lack thereof, of the gods. Most seemed to think he would fall into the common mindset shared by the immortals that danced in the higher realms, both as an alfar and as a mouthpiece and hand for them considering his druidic training but he did not. He had always been different from his brethren, in more ways than one, and his views both alienated him to some and endeared him to others. "Thank you for insight, High Elder Ki'ama. In truth I have never shared such an outlook. The gods represent various forces of existence and serve a great purpose upholding, representing, perhaps even creating some aspect of reality. That there continued existence impacts various parts of the three worlds cannot be doubted, nor the importance they serve in maintaining the fabric of existence. Nevertheless, while I respect the power and wisdom of those in my home realm, with great deference to my parents of course, I have always recognized that they are neither omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent, though some seem to come close. I am keenly interested in the primordial to better understand the nature of things and believe in a higher state of being than even that of the gods. Mother Dana and her peers created the world yet I wonder, from whence did they come? What lay before them or above them? I strongly believe that with proper enlightenment all beings can eventually ascend to higher states of existence, such as those mortals who have been elevated to the ranks of the divine, but I think there are higher levels still. Some, like the gods, are closer to such a potential ascension than, say, mortals, but there are pros and cons to both. Mortals may have a longer, more difficult road to travel but the gods have great responsibilities to the world and its inhabitants that occupy their time in addition to the danger of becoming side-tracked by the danger of hubris through their own extreme knowledge and power. I seek enlightenment, and what I learn I hope to share with those that are ready and to heal the hurts of the worlds and perhaps bring them together once again in a golden age of peace. Difficult as this might be I will work steadily at this, using the ancient wisdom passed down amongst the Sidh and shared with men as well as learn what wisdom there is to be found in this world as well. I can only hope for the best and trust that those I travel with strive for a better world as well." _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm