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Post by xerxez on Jan 6, 2024 19:51:36 GMT -6
"Haha, Fi'ru, I envy the joy you have found here! But I must tell you — I depart on another mission with my clansmen, from which I may not return. Neither may you, should you join me. But we have been through too much together for me to leave you in the dark. We embark in a few days, you have some time to think it over. "If nothing else, I will teach you to use a shield before I go." Fi'ru's eyes become serious and he rises to a sitting position, elbows upon his crossed legs. "Into danger again...and a boat? I've never traveled the sea, Master. I don't need to think I would follow you into the den of a Z'rne beast. Besides..I hate to be parted from my love so soon but if I am ever to gain status it must be among these Tsolyani as I have no clan back in Salarv'ya. I am na'kome. And I wish to become an Imperial citizen so Ta'ana and I can live together openly. I don't even know if me becoming a citizen will make that happen but I must try. Her clan would chastise her greatly if they knew of our meetings. Very well then, teach me how to use a shield!" Since the shield is not a professional warrior skill it is not necessary for Fi'ru to gain a level to learn it and Mi'kimu can acquaint the lad with a rudimentary but productive introduction into use of shield in fighting in the days left at hand.
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Post by xerxez on Jan 6, 2024 19:37:15 GMT -6
Balesh will purchase whatever stock of provisions is suggested by their patron, and a spear F'sal says that the boat will be stocked for the party and new provisions will be procured when they make landfall. The spear is easily come by.
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Post by xerxez on Jan 5, 2024 19:11:56 GMT -6
I understand. Thanks Finarvyn. If no bites for PbP on it, I'm thinking of trying to do some zine work with the idea.
I never thought I would enjoy PbP but alot of the people in this forum make it really fun.
You get a little more time to think things out, and I look forward to reading the dialogue of the player characters.
I really don't have the time or a crew to do any table gaming right now so its been my gaming fix.
Appreciate the interest and comments.
Also this has been a fun forum to turn to for many years so let me say I appreciate Finarvyn and other admins and the really awesome discussions and content I find.
Mr. Otus, I wish to say I have always been a big fan of your artwork, sir!
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 16:13:33 GMT -6
Mi'kimu wishes to speak to Fi'ru. As dangerous as our last mission was, this one might be worse. On the other hand, Mi'kimu would not deny the boy a chance at glory and service. So he would confer with him in private. Mi'kimu awakens next morning to find Fi'ru lying upon a rug on the floor with his hands behind his head, smiling as if in a pleasant dream, though wide awake, staring upwards. The Salarv'yani youth looks up at Mi'kimu as he rises and splashes water upon his face from the freshly poured laver... Fi'ru's face is one giant grin. "Good morning Master. I trust the feast last night was pleasant? Mine was! I was escorted by my Ta'ana out of the Foreigners Quarters last night. We had to meet in secret...though not of high clan, she is still Tsol'yani, so her clanhouse is off limits...but we shared a jug of wine and some cheese and bread in the Jakallan Gardens. La, why could I have not been born into a Jakallan clan? Ah well... her company is always sweet nonetheless."
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 15:56:46 GMT -6
Mohammad pays the man the coinage (ooc not sure if we split money from the last adventure) Haven't looked it up but I know you have plenty! You will barely feel 12 Kaitair...He smiles at the glittering gold. "I will have something for you, mark me!"
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 15:45:10 GMT -6
Hello. I'm already GMing a play by post game that I am enjoying... but I believe I could run one more concurrently...if that is accepted. This one would be from a setting of my own design inspired by science fiction and sword and planet pulp and films and maybe a nightmare. It's called Swords of the Vampire Planet. The beginning characters would all be spacemen/women/aliens who comprise a crew of a spacecraft pulled into the gravitation of a strange and remote planet by an electromagnetic energy field caused by meteoric debris which disables the instruments on their advanced ship and forces them to escape it's final descent by means of a survivor craft. Upon planet-fall, the castaways discover a world in ruins, once ruled by vampires in a feudal system of medieval nature, with the vampires now driven underground to live in caves beneath the crumbling cities wherein they once held court. An Iron Age culture of humans also exists, a people of wooden hill forts, warrior aristocracies and barrow mounds. Vampires are the devil in the mythology and lore of this Iron Age people, who recall all too well a time when they were the cattle of the blood suckers. Trapped upon the Vampire Planet and having limited energy to power their space age technology, and with the space disturbance also ruining much chance that they will contact or be found by the planet they have come from, the spacemen are forced to adapt to the horrifying conditions of a world in the grip of vampires who worship the Three Moons and consider the system's sun as a hostile god. If anyone is interested, I will decide on a rules system, something old school. What do you say?
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 13:04:52 GMT -6
Mohammad will get supplies for the mission and will hire members to search for Dakota at either one of the brothels or the church of sin. What supplies?Mohammad: The day after the meal where the voyage of F'sal was discussed you are in the common room of the hostel of Amiyala. In conversing with other patrons (inconspicuously, of course) you meet a suitable type- a foreigner who works for a low clan in Jakalla making dyes and grinding pigments for several brothels and sometimes even the Temple of Dla'melish. The dyes and pigments are used in various ways, mainly in make-up for the brotel hosts and hostesses but also for paintings upon the walls. "It's dangerous for a foreigner to be too inquisitive in the Great City," he says. "But I do hear things from time to time. For twelve Kaitar, I will seek information about this Dakota for you." His name is Gigrek. Short, portly and hailing from the isles in Tsol'ei in the sea of Ash'ul.
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 11:17:47 GMT -6
Ker nods and quietly rouses the party, taking time to watch the halls and balconies to see if should any manor dwellers see him at the different doors. To all who answer, he tells them "Strange things are afoot in the cemetery. Suit up and arm--Palandar has made a means of invisible exit to the lower grounds from the window in his room."
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 11:07:44 GMT -6
Before we continue to the day of the voyage, is there anything anyone would like to do in Jakalla in the upcoming week?
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 11:06:46 GMT -6
I will observe as much as I can of F'Sal and his discussion throughout dinner. Comment to be socially polite, but absorbing as much as I can of what to expect. Will F'Sal be providing provisions (food, water, basics such as torches, exploring equipment - ropes, spikes, ladders, poles)? Beyond that, I have no other needs. I've PM'd you a question. He is willing to provide all food and a good deal of equipment. You suspect he has received some advance payment...
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 11:05:08 GMT -6
"This task brings me joy! Does the Shen join us? For honor, I would fight alongside it." Ba'ak Suul strikes the table thrice, another Shen gesture. "Aye, warrior. We shall tread that land together and gods help any d**n fool A'hoggya who even scratches his belly near his weapon." He pours Ma'ash generously in his mug and that of Balesh and Mi'kimu, and drains it in one gulp.
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 10:59:32 GMT -6
Balesh remarks "Patriotic, and self-advancing? It sounds like our duty" F'sal smiles. "A fine estate is best enjoyed in a secure state. War is coming, and I believe my own nation will fight beside the Petal Throne when Yan Kor makes its move. They are a barbaric people with abhorrent customs, which I begrudge no people, mind you, if that is their custom...but to think of Yan Kor becoming a real power and subjugating other nations and sweeping away real civilization is unthinkable."
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Post by xerxez on Jan 4, 2024 10:51:46 GMT -6
Balesh remarks "Patriotic, and self-advancing? It sounds like our duty"
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Post by xerxez on Dec 31, 2023 23:58:48 GMT -6
Mi'kimu still ponders the offer. "F'Sal, I commend discretion, but I must ask the nature of this mission — do we rescue? search? explore? pilfer? defend? slaughter? If nothing else, knowing the nature of the mission will help us prepare. Please enlighten us, as you may." "Pilfer, my good man. I am in possession of knowledge of a location in these lands where, long forgotten, there lies a place of the Ancients. I seek to bring back some of their power to serve agents who will reward us richly and make sure the balance of the Empires is not disrupted by the Yan Kori threat in the North. It's obvious to all who dwell in the Five empires those devils will soon engage in open war with the Petal Throne. We are not to be mere thieves...no, what we will find shall tip the scales of the near future. If we grow rich from it, it is a reward for true service to civilization."
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Post by xerxez on Dec 26, 2023 17:39:27 GMT -6
I hope everyone had a great holiday or at least weathered it soundly! And Happy New Years Eve and an awesome 2024.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 24, 2023 5:41:00 GMT -6
I forgot to mention that in your goings about Ja'kalla, we need not necessarily role-play every action, we can post summarily.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 23, 2023 18:16:04 GMT -6
I'll observe Amiyala to see if she has any reactions to all this, while nodding to F'sal and appearing to contemplate his words. Her face remains as her poise, demure and calm, but you note she is a tough one to read. As you glance, there is a strange "sensation" at the edge of your mind, as though your mind was you standing by a window in a house as a passerby strolled by and glances in....it is not invasive or strong. You are able to betray no reaction to your having felt this, and you are unable to reach a source for the phenomenon as it is gone as quickly as it came....you feel confident, however that the inlooker did not "see you"... GM NOTE: The dinner continues and you may question or interact with anyone at the table you wish and we can hold this scene until it everyone has had a chance to act/speak to satisfaction.
Whenever the dinner is over you will all have one week...if you go on the voyage..to go where you will and do what you will in Ja'kalla. I remind you there is a Map uploaded of the city. Though our Nuroabites are only allowed to leave the Foreigner's Quarters with an escort (which Mistress Amiyala is willingto do), anything or anyplace you are interested in within the city is there for you to explore until sea-leave.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 22, 2023 16:01:32 GMT -6
F'SAL: "A man who sets business in order from the start is wise. I can promise each person who comes 800 Kaitar ...individually...plus all traveling expenses and a share in any incidental treasure.
There is a human settlement, I can say that, with a relatively safe harbor and an Imperial presence.
Our voyage will take us there and from thence we will travel into the lands of the A'hoggya...steaming swamps where travel will mostly be by boat and filled with scattered settlements of the creatures on patches of islands.
It will be extremely dangerous, even setting aside the A'hoggya. That's why I seek a sizeable party with good fighting men and magic users or priests.
Where we are going, Gas Belly informs me Ser'udla dragons are sometimes encountered in the swamps...and many other terrible things.
It sounds like these Outlanders are in...Amiyala can vouch for my business practices. I would be honored to have a member of Exalted Flame accompany us, but I won't lie...some or all may not see the return voyage.
Letters will be written up and a contract- it will detail what shall be done with any remains of unfortunates, burials and last wishes, which will be honored where it is within my power to do so...or, if I am among the fallen..my clan back in Salarv'ya."
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Post by xerxez on Dec 21, 2023 9:52:55 GMT -6
Tek (chicagowhiz) : No, F'sal's companions don't seem surprised. They appear to have a history together judging by their apparent affinity and easy manners. As far as you can tell, the others present (the tribal Outlanders) are unacquainted with the merchant except in very brief manner but they seem to possess some standing here as warriors and, of course, the priest. You are curious as to why na'kome..clanless foreigners...have such footing here but surmise there must be a reason.
Mohammad (dtspurrier): The Pygmy creature nods at you.
"Well," N'fret says. "That is unfortunate. Perhaps you can offer money for her safe return? She must be very beautiful if the Green Lady's people have taken her."
Mi'kimu (flightcommander) Be'van seems to fall into a trance, which to the less attuned might seem owing to the drink but which Mi'kimu recognizes as an indication of falling into his psychic powers....
F'SAL: "The guide whom I have hired is an A'hoggya whose working name is Char'gonga. A mercenary..the creature has served in several campaigns of the Empire and is as distinguished for its martial valor as its...well, why sugar-coat it..revolting manners and habits. A true A'hoggya, eh?
I dined with it once..I could not eat for two days afterward. Belly Gas, I now name it.
That said, Char'gonga is a capable warrior with two sword-companions of the same kind...I think one or perhaps both are its mate or mates.
With A'hoggya, once can never tell.
Suffice it to say this one has agreed to not only guide us upon landfall but also to act as an agent of parley...it apparently has some status there, having grown up in the place to which we voyage.
If we were to trespass that land without an A'hoggya to vouch for us, we would likely die a most hideous death.
My reason for going there must as yet remain unknown.
The ship is set to sail a week from now...I can promise you danger and riches or death."
F'sal smiles thinly.
"What say you?"
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Post by xerxez on Dec 21, 2023 9:09:56 GMT -6
xerxez I want to give a huge THANK YOU for the illustrations, which are really fabulous. The portrait of Amiyala is great, and the tableau of the various personalities at supper is just spectacular. Such a treat to see. Thank you for sharing your artwork with us! I am humbly grateful for your kind words, flightcommander! I try to draw something every once in a while and our ongoing story/game is an inspiration, so I get to scratch two itches at once. I also welcome any art from any of our players if anyone else draws!
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 23:41:22 GMT -6
One of the pygmy Folk ...N'fret...looks upon Mohammad.
"You are fine featured, Outlander.
Are you a devotee of Hiri'hyal or Dla'melish, the Green Eyed Lady of Sins?"
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 23:33:31 GMT -6
"Mohammad! The light of your eyes brings me joy!" Mi'kimu rises to embrace the priest. @dtspurrier Mi'kimu then turns to F'sal, with a brief side-glance towards Be'van, and speaks. "F'sal: my countrymen and I are experienced mariners — we have built our ships from trunks we have shaped, from ropes we have worked, from canvas we have cut — and we have fought from them with javelins, and blades. If it is experienced sea-men you seek, you have found some. "You say this journey takes but two weeks — but when might we return? My heart longs to see the dark and empty sky above the whale-road. All the same, perhaps you might elaborate on your plans?" F'sal regards Mi'kimu with a smile. "The dark sea road is a friend indeed, for those who love it. Only the two moons and the winds guide the sailor at night...but there is something in the lap of the waves against the hull, the seabirds as they follow, and even the rolling wave of the storm that richly satisfies the soul of a mariner. Aye, I know it. I cannot compromise my mission by speaking freely. In the Imperium, eyes watch and ears listen. I can say that we will travel into a hostile land, a boggy expanse inhabited by a warlike race, and there we will seek a treasure of the Ancients. And I have a guide into that land who shall join us upon our voyage. His people dwell there with little heed of the Petal Throne...they are of deemed of no importance. But within their realm is a prize of great importance to me...and others. We may be there for a week, maybe two...maybe longer. Then we return. I can promise you tremendous wealth. And even favor, in that day when you may apply for citizenship in the Empire of the Petal Throne. Your skills and courage are welcome." Be'van smokes his pipe and listens, his eyes closed as the merchant speaks. When the man is done, he opens his eyes, looks at Mi'kimu and nods.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 21:18:35 GMT -6
I recently got my hands on Carse in fine condition and I love it. Could run a city campaign easily with it. Also, props on whoever came up with the NPC and establishment names. There are hundreds and they sound completely real.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 14:13:56 GMT -6
Knowing it a breach of manners to come late to a meal but also knowing the regard in which he is held by Amiyala, Mohammad, the Priest of Qon enters the meal chamber with a two-fold bow of apology, and sits upon the floor in silence.
F'sal regards him curiously.
Amiyala bids him join the table, though.
"Mohammad, welcome," she says. "F'sal, another friend and ally of Karunaz."
F'sal nods graciously, while Tek senses another spell-caster has entered...though he would say nothing of it.
(dtspurrier has rejoined our game! Yay!)
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 13:56:40 GMT -6
"Jinx," says Tethwan, "Shall we return to the others now?" Yet the thief looks around for a small volume of any quality that might not be quickly missed.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 19, 2023 13:32:03 GMT -6
Musing upon old friends, Mi'kimu does enjoy seeing N'rasa from time to time staying at the guest house, but she and Mohammad have been occupied in exploring the Temple Districts and questioning adherents and priests about the more detailed doctrines of the various sects. Charbok's whereabouts remain a mystery that troubles him...yet he feels some certainty the priest escaped the tombs alive... As the party enters the pillared alcove within Amiyala's house to sit at table over the glorious aroma of roasted H'melu meat and onions, served with simmered squashes, potatoes and green vegetables, Amiyala is heard making apology to Tek that the seating arrangements here do not reflect his status but graciously seats him next to her. Balesh and Mi'kimu sit next to him, across from F'sal and the Pygmy Folk, while Bak Su'ul sits near Mi'kimu and Be'van, who is directly across from the Mistress. Seeing Mi'kimu's deferential attitude, the Shen claps the warrior twice upon the back, not roughly, a sign of courtesy among equals in Shen'yu. "No need for that, sword-brother," he growls. "You and Balesh are my equals now. We Shen acknowledge the courtesy of status and rank in manners only to appease dignities... within we only honor the brave and the fierce." As the meal commences, the bottle is passed and the spirits poured, Amiyala pouring for Tek as well as serving him. Small talk and idle chatter quickly passes and Amiyala brings the table deftly and politely to buisness. After she relates to F'sal Tek's interest, the merchant seems a bit surprised. F'SAL: "I suppose that given our inquiries upon the harbor docks word must have traveled quickly. Yes, I am hiring a ship's captain to take us abroad on a voyage across the sea to the Southern Continent. A voyage of two weeks. And I am looking for some men..or women...of mettle...to come along. However, I require great discretion. The exact location of of our voyage will not be revealed until we are well underway, almost there, in fact. I will say it will be nothing short of peril and perhaps terrors to make a Shen think twice...even my close associates here do not know the exact nature of this adventure's cause. I need experienced sea-men, capable warriors, and sealed lips. I am willing to answer some questions, and hear any offers from any present here to join...I know I sit among stalwart souls. One who has fought with the Legion of Red Devastation in the Emperor's service is an esteemed attendant...(he nods to Tek)...my companions are going as well...and the toughness of these Nurobites is well attested. So...let us speak of business, shall we?"
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Post by xerxez on Dec 18, 2023 18:30:54 GMT -6
The day passes and there is some stir as F'sal, Bak Su'ul and the Pygmy Folk return.
Mi'kimu feels much recovered, and indeed has some appetite when word is sent of dinner and perhaps council...
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Post by xerxez on Dec 18, 2023 18:28:05 GMT -6
(OOC note: Chirine had noted that I had "over 100 Kaitars" but I'm not sure if that was starting coin or a reward from our adventure, of if that's even a lot of money. If you're OK with it, I'll assume I have 100?) I bow again at the waist to Amiyala. "I am honored and accept, both the room and your gracious invitation. It's good to know that my information is correct on the opportunity." I'll wait for the servants to finish, bow both to Amiyala and Balesh, and retire to my room to dress appropriately and rest for the meal. I'll also, as is common for one expecting to possibly be set upon by rival clans, temples or societies, check for traps, possible murder holes and potential exits (for myself) in the room. 100 Kaitars seems reasonable for your level, I will assume that you are in possession of the money.
A thorough search of the quarters you are left to seems to Tek to indicate nothing nefarious or out of order...no traps. There is a window which can be shuttered and barred from within, and he is on the 2nd level of the guesthouse. When open the window overlooks the front courtyard and some of the streets beyond the walls of the property.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 17, 2023 21:15:25 GMT -6
Amiyala smiles politely but her eyes are serious as she calls for other servants and bids them prepare Tek's room, if he will have it.
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Post by xerxez on Dec 17, 2023 20:59:29 GMT -6
AMIYALA: "Exalted Flame is well known to me...they have a great clan-house in Fasil'tum.
Yes, I know F'sal. He may be looking for men and women for guardians of his caravans.
He and his entourage will return tonite.
If you would like a room with a private bath, it is 2 Kaitar a week.
There will be a meal tonite, I could introduce you.
Balesh, wold you see if Mi'kimu and Be'van coud join us again, along with you, if the warrior has healed?
Perhaps there are mutual interests to speak over good brandy and food."
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