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
  R1.Tom Corckett..........Caladan...........Wizard  Normal/Human  Ma
     ......................Ca.Lu.............Archer..................
  W2.Marcel Liberty........Chion.............Sailor..Normal/Human  Ma
  W3.Ryan Torres...........Farseeker.........Warrior.Normal/Human  Ma
  .........................Fu Sa.............Guard...................
  --.Tobie Bonahoom........Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry Fe
 *...........................................Child...................
  R2.Mark Murtha...........Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human..Ma
  .........................Swan..............Trader..................
  Do.David Sanders.........Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human  Ma
  R?.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
  .....................................Zhou's.Wife...................
  R4.Alex Koponen..........Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human  Fe
     NPC...................Zhou Kiwat........Noble...Normal/Human..Ma
     NPC...................Shu.Yeoh......Apprentice..Normal/Human..Fe
     John.Stowman.........."Will"............Hunter..Normal/Human..Ma

     Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Boyzdar [Wolf] (Strie'bog),
     * - Disguised 

     Game Web Site - http://www.funport.com/longshot/pbem
     Public posts/actions to pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl (mailing list)
     Private emails (not public actions) to longshot@darktech.org
                                               
     Game Update #7 in sequence (file #87)      
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
              
     Admin Notes: None. 
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [Recap]

        From Raban: [Re: Mana Sensing/Reading]
          <I personally rate the two differently based on how active they
          are? Mana Sensing should always be on and tell you there is magic
          inside its reach. It is a passive scanner that does not tell you
          much. In effect it is a literal sense. Mana Reading is much more
          active and thus should need concentration to use, its a minor
          issue but one that does make it harder to Read and cast spells
          or do other actions. Normally both were free of cost but I think
          our GM has some Enl costs and other limits on Reading because it
          is quite powerful... One thing I missed many times before is it
          never says it tells you WHERE the magic is? Not even a direction
          is mentioned, so all you know is its in range. Now that does not
          fit the letter of the description in many ways but it does not
          contradict it either. So technically its a GM's call as to
          functionality of its use. Mechanics can make the abilities quite
          useful or next to useless due to 'Noise'. Think about the quantity
          of magic items the party may have and how that could flood senses.
          Think about the more powerful items masking the weaker onesetc...
          It is here I would treat the innate user differently from the
          spell user. The innate user is more likely to have used it enough
          to deal with the noise and understand how to determine which
          items are which. But someone with high intelligence, empathy or
          other 'sense' abilities, should work it out well enough. Soul
          Sight is quite powerful and its cousin Insight as well, as the
          divine tell you more than the Arcane magics do. Defenses are
          basically Immunity items that lower effective El which reduce
          ranges or if powerful enough can shut it off. Detecting a person
          could use MDV but some aspects should not as magic should radiate
          outside the person. Any active power or spell should be easily
          detected, unused ones could be protected. Once more its an area
          that is not detailed and thus up to the GM to decide. The rules
          as written imply no MDV applies to detections but never say for
          sure... The Bad Part is defenses have to be greater than the
          detector as equal leave El0 which still works if close enough!
          So its unlikely to be safe unless its a high powered defense,
          El5+? Economics again, better detectors cost more and when prices
          are in Gold and you wish quantity its more likely they will use
          the weaker ones. Thus the common detectors are likely low El and
          thus can be blocked, but the more critical areas will have better
          ones as will special units. Fortunately Divine ones should be
          rare, more likely limited to a rare few people like Inquisitors.
          Just guess work, but should be fairly close ;)

          <Raban has Insight to test on people. It has not quite come up
          in RP yet. <Arawn or Frema should know a lot about everyone,
          their magic items and innates. At some point they should have
          scanned everyone with Mana Reading. They would know they have
          them though not necessarily what they are?
        GM: Ack. Pretty much same. Sensing-passive-on as a general sense.
            Reading must invoke not always on.  Costs and use are defined
            in the rules same for mep.  For me its an aura effect.  If
            can see it in LOS then its like an aura but general direction.
            If Fremea would to stare at Z'leyra with all her items she
            could be blinded and get a headache for a short term due to
            the massive aura around her. Some of your noise comments
            apply as well for me.  There are minor differences in the
            natural use (sidh for example) and the spell versions.  Slight
            aura views and such.  This is the divine touch aspect.  But
            the full details and limits are mundane and plus I rather not
            give all my secrets away. :)  It wouldn't be fun without some
            mystery.  The bottom line is the safest way to avoid detection
            is leave magic.  With that said those magic users or innates
            still have some aura.   So a full non-magic user party would
            be best, but not wise.  So in that regard least amount of items
            taken is wise.  The more the more aura.  The more detectable. :)
            
        From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
          Ben'Dar chuckles at Farseeker's "complicated" strategy of...

          ...fighting spears.  He'll also procure two sets of well-made
          leather horse barding and 2 sets of well-made leather armor
          for himself....

          On the voyage, if nobody wants weapon training, Ben'Dar will
          spend his time practicing with his scimitar.  If somebody does
          want spear training, he'll spend his time doing that instead.
        GM: Ack.  Tef'wo already has one set of barding.  You replaced
            it when his was ruined at Lake Oca.  Do you want 2 more
            and the barding/leathers will you pay yourself or use
            the High Elder's "favor" like the IBT favors?
                                                                
        From Will: [Re: Actions]
          Some may hear Will thanking Ki'ama for including him in...
        GM: Ack.  One suggestion if you don't mind.  Could you put all
            dialogue in "quotes"?  That way I know what will is saying.  I
            can infer from the posts but just to make sure what is said
            and what is thought via introspection.  Anything from you
            rather than Will just use OOC - out of character.  Thanks. 

        From Ben'dar: [Re: Actions]
          Ben'Dar ignores the strange-sounding Katai chattering.  When...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Will: [Re: Reply to Ben'dar]                       
          I like to think that I can take care of myself but he seems...
        GM: Ack. Looks like speaking.  Will assume that.
                                                                        
        From Kiet: [Re: Reaction to Will]
          One of the party members approaches 'Will' after the...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Reply to Will]
          Z'leyra will briefly translate the exchanges then add in...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Kell: [Re: Intro to Will]                          
          Kell also introduces himself to Will in Katai not nearly...
        GM: Ack. 

        Posts from Will: [Re: Multiple posts/introductions]     
          Will pauses and looks over the group as he considers his...

          Still looking over the group in a calculating manner....

          He pauses as her remembers his father mentioning this custom....
        GM: Ack.  I combined all of the minor posts into one file so
            posted just the first line of each above to show I got them.

        From Raban: [Re: Actions]
          <sorry misposted
          <After checking his new sheet I find Raban has Donaran not
          Xianese, maybe he has both? But Xian is considered a part of
          Donara so either works> <I am still trying to verify Raban's
          appearance. I am fairly sure I have the height weight correct at
          8' 403 pounds and that the effective build is correct for a wiry
          muscled dancer or acrobat, maybe a bit heaver than that is all
          and NOT an overly muscled hulk? If so the best approximate I
          have currently is 44" waist, 58" chest so he is fairly thin?
          Raban if seen at a distance without things to put in in
          perspective looks pretty normal. Closer is where his size makes a
          difference or when next to other things. Raban is very lean,
          very limber and far stronger than he looks.

          <And thats the problem... I think he was described as a much
          heavier build before? Or was that just perspective?
          <Part my own fault is I am tempted to play Hulk too easily.
          Though the TV Hulk was not too far off, other versions are way
          too bulky. <I need a proper description written up!
        GM: Ack. From my culture project file Cullang.txt I see Donaran
            20% speak Xianese so 1/5th of the population.  Xianese is
            a family language of Ced, Ravan and Thaliban.  But yes
            its part of Donaran.  More muscles than body fat.  There is
            a wrestler named The Big Show which reminds me of you.
            From what I've seen on talk shows he's like 7 foot and 500
            pounds or something.  

        From Kell: [Re: Reply to Will]
          [was unable to answer email until now.]                       
          Kell takes his hand and gently shakes it, giving a slight...
        GM: Ack. 

        From Z'leyra: [Re: Actions]
          Z'leyra not having the necessary go ahead from Chion to enable
          the option of staying and working then getting teleported to the
          action will go on board ship and bring Corona with her.
        GM: Ack. 

        From Unali: [Re: Actions]                                       
          She likes the plan having Zleyra and Arawn stay behind and
          join later and will nod her consent if/when it is mentioned.
        GM: Ack. 

        From Fremea: [Re: Actions]                              
          Fremea listens to the others on her disguise. "Based on...

          She will detect Raban for his "items" as he has asked for
          someone to do so.
        GM: Ack.  I don't recall seeing him request that.  Was it private?
            I guess he wants public results? 

        From Will: [Re: Actions]                                        
          Will drifts off towards the back working on his best aloof...

          Will drifts off towards the back working on his best aloof cool
          superior stance. He closes his eyes as he mentally rehearses the
          events of the day.  He considers all of the discussion back and
          forth he witnessed in the illusion recording a(I.  Some things
          seem pretty simple such as the decision to travel by ship. The
          debate about how to test the magic detections that may be used
          was interesting especially the how tos of how to hide their magic
          items but he is not going to make that mistake again.  He
          considers his other preparation for the journey and concludes
          that he needs a horse as his donkey is not adequate either to
          the demands of the trip or the demeanor of there noble caravan.
          As he reviews all of the other things covered in the IR he
          smiles mischevioslly at the Ben'Dar dream sequence have to like
          him even if he is a big barbarian) mildly annoyed at the Katie
          subtitles.  At least they did not use those sing song Katie
          dubs found in cheap knock off IRs for Ben'Dar's booming baritone
          ... Then it hits him who added the subtitles to the dream
          sequence and how was the dream sequence included in the IR in
          the first place in mid chordal he nervously turns slowly and
          looks over his shoulder suddenly his head snaps forward as with
          a slight gurgling sound    he wakes.
          With a sigh of relief realizes it was just a dream,  or was it
          he checks over his shoulder again.
        GM: Ack.  I had to include the stuff above here.  I couldn't do
            it below.  The dream stuff was just that a dream and part
            of it a joke for april's fool.  So it wasn't recorded or
            actually taken place.  Ben'dar did nod off but that was
            to facilitate a couple of things.  Only that might have been
            recorded by the illusion.  :)

        From Kell: [Re: Actions]                                        
          "I am no seaman, and want to learn it first on the voyage....
        GM: Ack. 

     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     [New Stuff]

        [Time: 10:42am - Currently at the meeting...]

            Before the party leaves the meeting room in Ki'ama's manor
        Will is seen thanking Ki'ama for including him on this mission.
        Ki'ama nods and glances at the party as he shakes his head.
        Arawn notes a bit of apprehension on Ki'ama's face as he speaks
        to Will but then a smile comes and Ki'ama moves on toward the
        door to leave.  
                                                                        
            Zhou still sitting, shocked and dazed by this sudden turn of
        events stares forward.  He can't believe he has been tossed into
        a wild group like this and sent to a place where he could likely
        be killed for being with this group. He wonders to what he has
        done wrong or who he hurt.  He could've said no but his honor
        was at stake and this public challenge of his loyalty and honor
        was too much for him to not say no.  Ki'ama knew that and so did
        Zhou.  If it was done privately Zhou could've backed down with
        some dignity.  Will approaches Zhou and bows slightly to the Count
        soon to be a Katai noble.  Will speaks in perfect unaccented
        Katai and gives his greeting.  Zhou seems to nod absently and
        offers his handshake weakly.  Zhou is too distracted to notice
        but others do seem to notice Will's words and polite manners
        are a bit forced.

            Before the first of the party leave the meeting room, Will
        stands tall and addresses the party in Donaran.  "I feel fortunate
        to part of such a worthy group."

            Arawn being the empath he is seems to find Will a bit odd.
        He can't quite make it out why but he also got that first initial
        impression from others like Ben'dar and Kiet.  Maybe it is just
        the newness of the person to this group.

            Farseeker approaches Will, "welcome to the group.  I've seen
        many come and go over the years.  I am Farseeker member of the
        Marentian military and your typical kill-em person."

            Caladan glances at Will but instead of approaching him seems
        to glance at Ki'ama, Oby and others.  Then he just shrugs and
        moves on out the door.  He doesn't even introduce himself to the
        new person for some reason.  

            Ben'Dar ignores the strange-sounding Katai chattering.  When
        Will addresses the party, Ben'Dar stares back blankly.  He glances
        about to see if anyone else understood the newcomer. Once
        translations have been resolved, Ben'Dar introduces himself briefly
        as a Z'endan warrior of the Fel'oros tribe, though he now hails
        from Marentia and considers the party to be part of his tribe now.
        In what Will soon learns to be Ben'Dar's typical blunt style, he
        enquires, "Why does the old man want us to keep you safe?  You
        don't look like the type who needs a babysitter."

            Will replies to Ben'dar with a expressionless face, "I like
        to think that I can take care of myself but he seems to think there
        may be some friction between me and others of the party .  May be
        something about my particular Dark Lands heritage."  Ben'dar stares
        back but notices the hunter remains silent even after Ben'dar
        waits for more details.  When it doesn't come Ben'dar backs down.

            Ben'dar walks off to follow the others but knows how these
        things go.  There was friction when Chion, Raban, Kiet and others
        joined.  Not all personalities seem to mix well.  But it may
        just take time for this newcomer to be taken in fully by the party.

            One of the party members approaches 'Will' after the High
        Elder finishes the meeting.  This person is quite small compared
        to Will, almost a foot less in height.  He looks somewhat like
        these Dark Landers, but with lighter skin and some other subtle
        differences.  He speaks in fluent Katai and says "Greetings
        'Will'.  I am Kiet Sunan (Kee-ette Soo-nahn), the Kiet that our
        kind host mentioned earlier.  I am both acrobat and mage.  I am
        afraid I do not know this language you last used, but this group
        seems to be mostly comfortable with Katai and Marentian.  Perhaps
        you know Marentia better than do I?"

            "There are," Kiet adds, "several of us that are recent
        additions to this group, so you should not feel apprehensive about
        joining us.  At least you look like you can handle yourself.  What
        can you tell us about yourself? The more you describe the better
        and easier it is to integrate yourself with the members of this
        group."

            Will pauses and looks over the group as he considers his answer
        and then chooses his words carefully. "I speak a number of Katai
        dialects.  My mother was Katai and my father Donnaran.  I have made
        my living mostly as a hunter and trapper."

            At the mention of a Katai mother some in the group stop in
        place to glance at Will before leaving the room or moving about
        the room to meet Will.  A minor bit of information that might
        indicate some possible added help in Katai.  If things got
        desperate.  Some make mental note of this.  

            Kell also introduces himself to Will in Katai not nearly
        flawless, "Greetings Will, I am Ha'Kell and very pleased to meet
        you.  Many call me Kell so please take your pick."  Extending his
        hand in friendship.

            Will pauses as her remembers his father mentioning this custom
        then extends his hand in mirror image to Kell's unsure what happens
        next.  "Nie hou," the Katai greeting is given. 

            Kell takes his hand and gently shakes it, giving a slight nod
        and a smile.  "That is called shaking hands, something that is
        commonly done in the west.  Places like Marentia and Ba'Rual where
        I am from.  I too am new to this fine group, and welcome from me."

            Z'leyra will briefly translate the exchanges then add in Katai
        "Welcome to the party Will. The language that the party shares most
        is Marentian. If you do not speak Marentian I have an ensorcelled
        necklace I can loan you that should be able to allow you to learn
        the language within a few days. I am Z'leyra, a healer, shaman and
        enchanter. This is Ben'Dar, a doughty warrior and trainer of
        horses,..."  She briefly introduces the rest of the party as best
        she can before they exit the room.  Some who do not approach she
        simply identifies and gives minor details.  

            Still looking over the group in a calculating manner, Will
        replies to Z'leyra, "Greetings and thank you for the offer.
        Languages are an interest of mine.  I have never seen so many not
        from outside the Dark Lands or Katai in one group.  I was hoping
        that more among you would speak Donaran."

            Raban smiles, happy to greet someone closer to home, "Will, I
        speak Donaran fluently, and a number of others that I need to
        improve on, especially Katai. I have not been home in quite some
        time though so I am out of practice."

            Will bows to Raban, "Nie hou" 

            Unali approaches and meets Will in fluent Katai, "I am Unali
        and I was born in Katai," and she will switch to acceptable
        Donaran, "but Donaran is not a language spoken by many there."
        She will switch back to Katai, "You must be an interesting person
        that happens to live in interesting times." After that she raises
        her cowl over her head and hide her face in the shadows of her
        cowl.

            Fremea looks Will over with a very discreet eye. Checking to
        see if there is anything out of place on him. Something that
        would not fit  with what he says. She understands him in both
        languages, however  she does not respond either way. If she is
        introduced, she will nod  her head, and speaking in Faerry Sidh,
        "It is not that I don't trust  you directly, it is that I really
        don't trust many people anymore.  " With that she will then sit
        and listen to everyone else and watch  the interactions.  A man
        speaking Donaran?  A place she fled from slavery.  Could this
        very man be tracking her?  Fremea will have to keep her eye
        on the man for a while. 

            For those willing to greet Will he gives a short bow to each
        person.  To some he gives hand shakes and replies in uncomfortable
        hand gestures to meet their customs.    

            As the last of the party leave, Zhou and Will sit down to
        watch the illusionary recording of the meeting.  A feat in itself
        with obvious strong magics involved.  A half hour or so later
        the two men leave and join the others outside. 



                        -------------------------


        [Time: 12:01pm - Later after the meeting...]

            Ben'Dar chuckles at Farseeker's "complicated" strategy of
        simply charging enemies.  "A good attack is always more fun than a
        good defense!"

            Farseeker replies back, "yes.  Trust me, some Marentian Generals
        believe full offense and think defense is battlefield clean-up or
        politics with king Maros."

            After Caladan and Farseeker give their cover story names,
        Ben'Dar replies later to Farseeker and Caladan with a roguish
        grin, "And I will be Ben'Dar, warrior of the Z'enda."

            Z'leyra suggests "All that don't know the seaman skill should
        learn it the first two weeks we are at sea. If we can't get one of
        the crew to teach us or someone who is very skilled I will teach
        it though I am not very skilled. If we end up fighting at sea the
        skill WILL be needed."

            Fremea listens to the others on her disguise. "Based on what
        Zhou has said, I will go only as the child of a nobleman, being
        that I can hide even better that way and not draw any extra
        attention about with the betrothed piece. However, because I will
        act as a nobleman's daughter, I see two possible ways to go about
        it. I could either be very shy and almost as if my "father" has
        hidden me from the world. Probably easy for me to play really."
        She just smiles to herself, that this seems almost too easy to
        play. "Or, I could go as a spoiled brat that gets everything her
        way. I have seen this played up before from my many encounters,
        even with the ones I did not wish to have. Either way, I believe
        that Raban would be a good bodyguard for her." She smiles keenly
        at Raban, seeming to show her actual beauty, instead of hiding
        behind the darkness that works to consume her. "I am not sure he
        should be dressed up ugly, but made to fit that of a guard that
        would bring more of an honor to the beautiful daughter of a
        nobleman Katai. We can discuss this more on the way down."

            Caladan speaks up to this, "I think it might be best depending
        on the city.  Maybe one city the shy one and the other the spoiled
        brat.  Depending on how the guards treat us."

            Will speaks to the party, "I have no magic items to leave
        behind but I will need a riding horse both to keep up appearances
        and keep up with the rest of the party."

            Oby replies to Will, "some of the others have donkeys as well
        since they can't ride as well.  Even donkeys are common in
        Katai so if you need a horse it can be done but keep what you
        can only ride."

            Kell considers the aspect of sailing a long time, "I am no
        seaman, and want to learn it first on the voyage.  Since it appears
        we are all going, will be bring magic on the ship and leave it
        there or in some cache, or leave it all here in the Citadel?"

            Kell's friendly and active mood reminds Unali,  she approaches
        him and replies on an old meeting topic, Lake Oca, "I have never
        heard of such a place."  She reminds him of the question of such
        a Lake Oca like place in Katai.  

            Oby shrugs and raises his arms in a show that it is up to
        each person to decide.  

            As the party finishes up their initial plans and a pile of
        item is laid out on tables to be left behind, Ben'dar stares
        and watches for awhile.  While others add a item or two some
        add many items.  Ben'Dar shrugs and tosses his dragon armor, pike,
        one of his daggers, and his belt into the pile to be left behind.
        He looks at the jeweled collar around Tef'wo's neck and thinks it
        may cause trouble, but he makes no move to remove it, as he knows
        the big horse will likely not let him.  Ben'Dar will bring along
        his bow, scimitar, 2 fighting daggers, plenty of arrows, and 3
        fighting spears.  He'll also procure two sets of well-made leather
        horse barding and 2 sets of well-made leather armor for himself.

            Farseeker adds his magical belt to the pile of items to leave
        behind.  Caladan leaves his magical war staff as well in the
        pile of items to leave.  He will take his bracelet in case he
        needs it and can hide it better than a war staff.  

            Kiet and Kell are seen going off toward the market together.
        They whisper all the way and occasionally glance back at the
        party and continue their quiet discussions.  

            As folks disperse, Fremea and Raban stand to the side.  Raban
        asks Fremea to scan her. She opens herself for sensing and quickly
        finds magical auras around the Mandolin and his iron gauntlets.
        But otherwise it seems he is "clean" that is obvious.


                        -------------------------

        [Apris 15th, 1634TH] 
        [Location: High Elder's domain - Citadel, Dark Lands, Forest]

        [Time:  2:45pm]

            As everyone does their thing to prepare, little over two
        hour pass.  Oby and Zhou direct various villagers to help the
        group prepare.  A party of this size is hard to keep secret
        that a expedition is about to take place.  A group this size
        is also near impossible to elude detection in the forest.  So
        a cover story is formed by Zhou and Oby.  Rumors are spread
        that the party is heading north east to Novasa's land for
        an inspection with Zhou.  There are suggestions of a possible
        naval inspection of the coastline or altering course to Sven's
        domain in the north west.  It should cause enough confusion
        for awhile.  Most spies from the Chaos domains like Itom's
        shouldn't enter the Shadow Domain as Novasa is no fool and
        has it warded for such things.  Chion grew up knowing that
        the Shadow Domain was so elusive and pardon the pun, shrouded
        in shadows, that most avoided it out of ignorance.

            Around this time the party starts to form up with horses
        and donkeys laden with gear.  Zhou nervous mounts his own horse.
        As the party ensure all ropes and bags are secure they notice
        a female striding with Oby toward the group.  She is pulling
        a horse by a lead rope.  From her bearing she is at least higher
        than most peasants yet not noble looking as she walks.  The party
        is shocked to see she must be barely 18, standing only 5 foot 4
        and around 140 pounds.  She is dressed in simple yellow and red
        riding tunic and brown pants.  On her waist she carries a bag
        and a dagger in her belt.  She doesn't seem as good looking as
        even some of the others in the group, some might even say more
        ugly than the others.  She has a full saddle bag and a grim face
        of concentration.  She stares briefly at the party but keeps her
        eyes low in deference.  Some become unnerved at her youth and
        her clear nervous stance.  

            Oby in Marentian and Katai speaks, "This is Shu Yeoh, she
        is apprentice to one of our fine masters here.  She is the only
        one that knows the region spell the High Elder spoke of earlier.
        She is a bit shy but you will have time to get to know her.
        We, that is all of us, hope you keep her safe."

            Shu mounts up on her horse and doesn't say a word even well
        beyond the party leaving.  Raban is finally happy a true weak
        person to defend and guard.  She may have a few muscles on her
        but doubt she could punch out Fremea if the Faerry was drunk.
        Unali fears for the girl's safety but if she is the only one
        to know the spell then it must be done.   Oby did explain that
        the master could not join the group due to his obligations here
        and his one leg handicap.

            By 3pm the party heads out, only five or so hours after learning
        their new mission.  A mission not only to save the Dark Lands but
        also to save their very homelands abroad.

        Actions? Comments?

        Next Update...Monday...

        GM: All right.  I have worked out the math for the ship trip.
            I estimated 42-78 days.  Well I was close :).  It ended
            up to be 79 days of being on ship.  I will still consider
            the 30 days of IBT time as free time.  The other days
            before and after days will be like for bad storms, heat,
            exhaustion, crew needing this portion of the deck, etc.
            Plus 30 is just a nice easy round figure for me to deal
            with.  Also allows all mages to be at 100% when landing.

        GM: Next update I will do travel to the ship.  If there is no
            serious encounters then we'll move the party out to sea
            and then to the first sea encounter that requires interaction.
            I have already figured out the full sea trip in terms of
            days and the winds.  I have also rolled up the encounters
            for the sea (but not the land trip).  For the most part
            it (sea trip) should go swiftly.  There are 3 days that
            could wreck this entire mission though in terms of storms.
            I have to research that and hope the ship doesn't sink. :)
            At any rate here is what the next update will have:

            Apris 15th, 3pm - 6pm - Travel NE, camp at night
            Apris 16th, all day   - Travel NE, camp at night
            Apris 17th, 6am- noon - Travel NE, arrive at docks at noon

            So this is about a 33 hour trip with normal night camping. 

        GM: Just a quick suggestion.    With the new folks here we have
            increased the posting amount.  As clearly old timers have
            noticed.  This means a great new load to wade through.  It
            is great to see.  For me though it can be time consuming.
            For each post I have to extract to file, edit, copy to
            my directory, copy to website, edit website file, then when
            work on update collect those files.  So it adds up.  This
            update for example 2 nights just on the posts and little on
            the new stuff.  :)  No.  I'm not saying to stop posting.  I
            enjoy it!  But you might hold off instead of doing a one
            line reply to person X why not read the posts that are
            out and then post once and just cut/paste the folks you
            want to reply to?  That way the 5 posts from X to Y would
            be one post? Does require more work but if you know how
            to cut/paste and such it might be good.  Only a suggestion
            NOT a requirement. For those folks who are busy like
            Robert or Wout and others you might want to just read the
            updates and skip the posts.  The update will always have
            the posts in them so you can read it all at once and then
            reply that way.  Might spend less time that way.  If your
            busy.  I know with the amount of folks some will be free
            and some busy.  This large a group allows for all of that
            without issues.  So don't worry about explaining why you
            were busy.  A note saying that your going on a 1 month
            arctic vacation though might be good. :)  I know enough
            of some of the old timers to play their characters well
            enough for combats and such.  For new folks I don't.  Just
            a suggestion to ignore or take. :)

        GM: Below are just references for me.  Done for Magic items
            means I got the basic info.  Have for IBT means I have
            the info but not completed it yet.  If its just one
            thing like Ben'dar then it will be listed.  I will get
            to it sooner or later.  You will notice I added deadlines.
            This gives 3 weeks.  If you need more time let me know.
            If your doing magic that's the tough part.  For skills
            for the 30 days well that's easy to do in five minutes.
            Also the magic item part applies for ANY gear you wish
            to leave behind.  If you don't want to carry two things
            of chainmail then leave it.  It'll be safe.  So if you
            need this done let me know.  If nothing is posted will
            assume all is taken.  For those folks who need to buy
            gear keep this in mind.  For the past adventure some of
            you asked for things.  You are smart enough to know if
            the HE offers it could come with strings or favors
            later on.  It could be 100% innocent but you never know.
            So if you take free gear keep this in mind.  If you pay
            for stuff let me know.  It will be assumed paid for by
            you unless stated otherwise for new gear.  Of course for
            mundane things like clothing, food, water there is probably
            no strings.  But for things like weapons or armor that
            costs a bit who knows. :)  Everyone, heck even Raban :),
            might be smart enough to figure out politics.  

        GM: Magic Item info
            If not supplied will assume all items are taken.

            Ben'dar   - Done.        Caladan   - Done.
            Farseeker - Done.        Kiet      - Done.
            Chion     - Done.        Fremea    - Done. 
                                                                        
            Deadline: May 30, our time. 

        GM: IBT actions - If none posted will assume no actions.
            [30 Days IBT time on ship]

            Ben'dar -   Scimitar - 30 days
            Kiet    -   Have.
            Kell    -   Have.
            Z'leyra -   Have. 

            Deadline: May 30 our time.  

        GM: Lastly I have files and emails from Kiet, Kell, Z'leyra.
            I will reply to those when I can.  It piles up.  So don't
            fear I got them just no time to get to them yet. :)
            Oh I will accept questions to the HE/Oby up until the ship
            docks in Katai.  I will accept retro actions like on
            meeting or other scenes till then as well.