Emails in Answer to Turn 51
----- Original Message -----
From: Vincent Roiron
Sent: Monday, December 07, 1998 1:32 PM
Subject: Mendi, turn 52
>
>
> I had an idea about water-finding: see below, unless the other have a
> better one. By the way, why do you allow only one of us to look for water,
> Fabian, lack of time ?
>
> Mendi looked around him, somewhat tired by his heavy use of the Way? the
> elf didn?t loose much time, however, and soon, while the wounded were
> tended by Aryus and Rayne, he used his hatchet and knife to skin the desert
> sharks. Once that done, he tried to recover what flesh he could, and,
> looking Tak : ? Do you think we can eat this ? ?
> He then cleared the skin with some sand, and then proceeded the extraction
> of the beasts jaws, which he put in the rolled skins. He then tied them
> with string and rope, and asked the stronger mul if she could carry them.
>
> This done, as the wounded were more or less patched, Mendi proposed to
> resume his scouting role. The elf soon outpaced the party, and was very
> careful for the weakened party would not resist another encounter with
> beasts like those sand sharks. Mendi ran back and forth, carefully making
> as little noise as possible, and moving half crouched when on the summit of
> dunes, using his elven sneaking skills as well as he was able to.
>
> Water finding :
> During the trip, he saw an outcrop of cacti which attracted his trained
> eyes. He left his intended route to approach the cacti, and was soon happy
> to recognise a species that held a lot of water in its core. Using his
> knife to etch a small incision in the biggest cactus, Mendi was soon
> rewarded by a trickle of greenish, but drinkable water, with which he
> refilled one of his now empty water-skins. The elf looked around, and was
> disappointed to see that this cactus was the only one mature enough to
> retain some water. The elf shrugged, and then resumed his scouting.
>
> Some hours later, he found a bush of acacia. With some swings of sword and
> hatchet, the place would make a good place near which to camp. Mendi ran to
> get the other members of the party.
> The elf came back, running tirelessly. ? I found a thicket of acacia. We
> could use them for some protection, and perhaps light a meagre fire, what
> do you think ? ?
>
>
>
> At camp :
> Mendi thanked Rayne, who had carried the shark hides during the day. He
> unrolled them, and once more used his skinning knife and some sand to clean
> them, while chatting lightly with whoever volunteered to help him. ? If one
> of us has some knowledge of leather-working, we could made some good armour
> out of these? or perhaps we?ll be able to barter them with Ptellac?s
> people? ?
----- Original Message -----
From: Fabian Benavente
Sent: Monday, December 07, 1998 2:17 PM
Subject: RE: Mendi, turn 52
> >I had an idea about water-finding: see below, unless the other have a
> >better one. By the way, why do you allow only one of us to look for water,
> >Fabian, lack of time ?
>
> Vincent, the idea for water is fine and all four characters are looking but
> only one has found any.
>
> As far as the jaws and skins of these animals, please bare in mind that
> these are "big" animals and it would really start to get cumbersome to carry
> everything. I am not saying that you should leave the stuff behind just keep
> in mind that these beasts are a bit bigger than a great white shark in real
> life.
>
> L8r,
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
>
----- Original Message -----
From: Trevor Sanders
Sent: Monday, December 07, 1998 3:37 PM
Subject: Koreth: Turn 51
> Koreth wiped the sweat from his eyes, as he lowered his sword until it's
> bloodied tip almost touched the sand. <Those were fearsome beasts!> he
> surveyed the desert from which the sand sharks had come <They paid
> highly for their lives...in our blood. I'd not want to face them
> again.> Koreth almost felt guilty, almost all of his companions lay
> wounded and yet he had not even a scratch. His will draining from his
> limbs, he felt exhausted. The sword in his hands drooped in his grip,
> the battle within him gone.
>
> "Blood and bloody ashes," He mutters as he turns to his companions
> "Gaigin, you can forget your promise of no camp chores." He looked
> about at his bloodied companions, his face sad. Digging in his belt
> pouch he produced a tattered rag. He slowly wiped the blood from his
> blade, his eyes still searching about for trails in the sand.
>
> "I'll do most of them tonight...." the words almost catch in Koreth's
> throat, as if his father's pride will not allow his son to bow so low.
> The words almost sound strange coming from a man raised in the comforts
> of nobility, used to having everything done for him.
> <It's the least I can do...> he thinks somberly <for...friends?>
>
> "With the beating those bloody beasts gave us, we had better find a
> place to camp soon." Koreth replaces the rag, and sheaths his blade
> "Otherwise we could find ourselves prey once again. All this blood is
> going to have every predator and scavenger for miles looking for an easy
> meal."
>
> Koreth surveys the horizon, his expression somber. The desert was cruel
> indeed, he had always know that. It was only at times like this, when
> the desert was reaching out to claim someone or something he actually
> cared about, that he took time to contemplate it.
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
>
----- Original Message -----
From: Vincent Roiron
Sent: Monday, December 07, 1998 1:44 PM
Subject: A question
>
>
> Hello Fabian...
>
> I'm still greatly enjoying myself... and I must say you are doing a great
> job !
>
>
> I have a question: did domination fail because I missed my roll, or because
> the sharks were too stupid to use that science on them ?
>
----- Original Message -----
From: Fabian Benavente
Sent: Monday, December 07, 1998 8:54 PM
Subject: RE: A question
>
> >Hello Fabian...
> >
> >I'm still greatly enjoying myself... and I must say you are doing a great
> >job !
> >
> >
> >I have a question: did domination fail because I missed my roll, or because
> >the sharks were too stupid to use that science on them ?
>
>
> Well, I'm glad you are having a good time. I must say I had a hunch when I
> invited you and Mendi has turned into one of the high points in the game.
> Keep up the excellent work. He will have a starring role pretty soon...
>
> I actually worked out the turn Sunday night supposing that Mendi was going
> to try and dominate the shark again. The funny thing is he succeeded but I
> then went back and changed the turn when you submitted the new response.
>
> Anyway, in the first turn, the shark made its saving throw and that was way
> domination failed. That power is not that easy. The mind must be opened, the
> attacker must make its MTHAC0 roll and the defender must fail its saving
> throw. On top of that, if the dominated creature is forced to do something
> against its alignment (like attacking its comrades) then he gets another
> saving throw.
>
> On other matters, Trial by Fire is really turning out good. I think Michael
> is doing a great job. Give him some feedback encouraging him every once in a
> while; he seems to "need" that like he isn't sure we are having a good time.
>
> L8r,
>
> Fabian
> Read the Turns!!! DS PbeM "Tyr and Beyond"
>
----- Original Message -----
From: Vincent Roiron
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 1998 6:00 AM
Subject: Mendi, turn 52, complement
>
>
>
>
> >I had an idea about water-finding: see below, unless the other have a
> >better one. By the way, why do you allow only one of us to look for water,
> >Fabian, lack of time ?
> Vincent, the idea for water is fine and all four characters are looking but
> only one has found any.
> * Thanks for the answer !
>
> As far as the jaws and skins of these animals, please bear in mind that
> these are "big" animals and it would really start to get cumbersome to
> carry
> everything. I am not saying that you should leave the stuff behind just
> keep
> in mind that these beasts are a bit bigger than a great white shark in real
> life.
>
> * Then they are huge, compared to what I had in mind... anyway we must wait
> and see whether or not Rayne (and perhaps some other of us) agree to carry
> the hides, or at least part of them. Here are some arguments from Mendi:
>
> "Rayne, this is for the whole party: those fights took a heavy toll on our
> armours, some of us will need to make new ones as soon as we can hole up !
> Since I'm a scout, and rather weak compared to you, I can hardly carry
> them... I'm sure that between you (Mendi pointed vaguely at the stronger
> members of the party), you can share the load, don't you ?"
>
> Since Rayne is likely to point that this is really becoming cumbersome,
> even for a strong mul like her:
>
> "I have an idea, we could make a couple of travois, the way some elvish
> tribes do! Then you and perhaps Koreth or Gaigin would be able to pull
> them... look! we could use a base of centipede chitin for the bottom, and
> we can use some bowels or plaited hide bands for hand holds... we could
> even have Tak ride one of them, and this way you'll tire less than carrying
> him!"
>
> If Rayne and the other agree:
> Mendi went back to the carcasses, and resumed his gory knacker's work. He
> was soon covered with blood, and more than somewhat smelly, but he worked
> quickly and efficiently nonetheless, cutting long bands of the softest
> hide, recovering some bowels and emptying them. He then plaited them into
> crude ropes, and, with the complement of some chitin, he then build two
> travois, one of them big enough to sustain a load and Tak (if he agrees, of
> course).
>
> Any help would be welcome, of course...
----- Original Message -----
From: Krista & Shane
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 1998 10:53 PM
Subject: Rayne: Turn 51
> The mul's first response was to reach down and pat the pouch at her side. <he's okay, good, so are we all it would seem> "Well that was a good fight to live through!" The mul smirks, trying to lift spirits." No sense in dwelling since we all made it out okay. My fellow pin cushion, care to join me in some healing? We could both use it?" With a jolly laugh more befitting his character than his somber mood lately, Elric approaches the mul and she takes them both into the mindscape to visit Marteu and heal some. (expend PSP's half and half)
>
> MENDI ASKING ME TO HAUL THAT STUFF
>
> "I see that some would benefit from using the hide, but I can't carry that much. I will haul one in a what-ever-yer-calling-it elf thingy. That should do fer you, Tak and any others that need it. If ye want more elf, carry it yerself." The mul begins to turn away, but hesitates her smirk coming to her face. "By the way - I'd call us more than even for the pouch now after this. Maybe ye even owe me one? This will slow me down more than Tak - who didn't slow me at all." Mendi begins to protest more at the mul's sharp tone, but she cuts him off. "I am wounded, tired and in the middle of the dessert. Do not try my patience with yer babble elf. I don't think ye know what an angry female mul is lookin' like. Let's leave it at this and keep me from a foul mood which I would more than likely take out on any who try me patience!"
>
> CAMP:
>
> Once the cores were done, Rayne almost falls into the sand. Letting the worm out for a meal and a stretch, Rayne keeps a close eye on the cub to make sure it does not take a liking to the worm. After telling Tak she is too tired to continue with her lessons this evening, Rayne approaches Koreth. Sitting beside the warrior, the mul seems hesitant and a bit shy. Finally she utters her question. "Ye said a time back that ye once lived amongst the dwarves. I know nothing of me ancestors, but have a hunger fer that knowledge. Could ye tell me of them? I know it is a touchy subject fer ye, this is why I have waited some time, but me curiosity tears me apart sometimes." Sighing from finally uttering the words, she sits, apprehensively and holds her breath, not sure what the noble's response will be.
>
> Krista
----- Original Message -----
From: Robin G. Bierworth
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 12:09 AM
Subject: Chit-Zik: Turn 51
> A soft thud is heard as Chit-Zik fails in his first attempt to stand. He
> inhales sharply as he hits the ground, then wheezes at the sand and silt he
> just breathed in.
>
> Chit-Zik mumbles something about his own selfishness as he proceeds to
> heal himself (cure light wounds on himself three times). Once healed, he
> strains to stand again, sruveying the battlefield.
>
> "It is lucky Mendi and I were still close to the pack. Maybe we should
> stay with the pack. We are now to hurt to go alone anyway." Chit-Zik says
> to the others. "We should still try to move fast."
>
> Larry
----- Original Message -----
From: Krista & Shane
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 12:42 AM
Subject: RE: Chit-Zik: Turn 51
> OOC: Okay, don't make fun at how short this response is. I wanted to acknowledge Larry's statement.
>
> IC:
> "It is lucky Mendi and I were still close to the pack. Maybe we should
> stay with the pack. We are now to hurt to go alone anyway." Chit-Zik says
> to the others. "We should still try to move fast."
>
> The mul nods her agreement with the Thri-kreen. Seeing his injuries are as bad as Elric's Rayne approaches Chit. "After I have had time to meditate and rest, I will help ye mend yer wounds. Ye take it easy, it was a good fight." Nodding again to the fellow hunter she felt sure that the kreen understood her words, even though she could not read his face - not being accustomed yet to the way his antlers and mandibles move for different expressions.
>
> Krista
----- Original Message -----
From: T.R. Curll
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 1998 10:23 PM
Subject: Gaigin, Turn 51
> After the Battle:
>
> Jabbing his spear one last time into the body of the sandshark, Gaigin
> raises his mask and spits on the carcass.
>
> "Gith-spawned shark, ye picked the wrong lot o' prey this day. Ye
> tasted me blood, anbd paid with yer life."
>
> Wrenching his spear loose from the corpse, Gaigin turned away from the
> ruined bodies of the sharks and sighed. Leaning heavily on his spear,
> he limps over to retrieve his pack and begin binding his wounds with
> strips torn from the hem of his robe, which is now little more than a
> long tunic. Sipping water slowly, Gaigin watches Mendi prepare the
> sharks.
>
> "I'll take one of the jaws, and a piece o' hide, elf. I'm hurt, but I'm
> strong enough, and me own pack's light in any case." Gaigin chuckles,
> "Besides, if I can make some armor out of the carcass of this beast, I
> might not be such easy prey next time we meet one in battle."
>
> At Camp:
>
> Gaigin staggerd into camp and sat down heavily, dropping his load and
> sitting back, sipping greedily from his waterskin. His wounds had
> stopped bleeding, but the crude battle-dressings would not stop
> infection were they left to long. Still, plenty of time for healing
> when the others were well. Dragging himself out of the sinking
> drowsiness that threatened to overtake him, Gaigin moves over to
> Ptellac.
>
> "Well, Ptellac, ye fared better'n most of us against those sharks. That
> spear suits ye and ye use it well." Gaigin rests to take another sip of
> his skin.
>
> "I learned long ago that pain and injury are no excuse fer missing yer
> lessons. If ye aren't to exhausted, I'd continue me lesson. I've much
> yet to learn, and the desert grows no younger."
>
> Ignoring the pain in his hip and arm as best he could, Gaigin
> concentrates fully upon the lesson, using the phrases of the Pterran
> tongue as a meditative mantra to keep out the pain. After a few hours
> of teaching, Gaigin surrenders to his exhaustion and sleeps almost where
> he sits.
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at
----- Original Message -----
From: Trevor Sanders
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 12:03 AM
Subject: Koreth's reply to Rayne: Turn 51
>
> >Once the cores were done, Rayne almost falls into the sand. Letting
> the =
> >worm out for a meal and a stretch, Rayne keeps a close eye on the cub
> to =
> >make sure it does not take a liking to the worm. After telling Tak she
> =
> >is too tired to continue with her lessons this evening, Rayne
> approaches =
> >Koreth. Sitting beside the warrior, the mul seems hesitant and a bit =
> >shy. Finally she utters her question. "Ye said a time back that ye =
> >once lived amongst the dwarves. I know nothing of me ancestors, but =
> >have a hunger fer that knowledge. Could ye tell me of them? I know it
> =
> >is a touchy subject fer ye, this is why I have waited some time, but me
> =
> >curiosity tears me apart sometimes." Sighing from finally uttering the
> =
> >words, she sits, apprehensively and holds her breath, not sure what the
> =
> >noble's response will be.
>
> Koreth smiles over at Rayne, turning himself in her direction. <A woman
> that deadly in combat, shy? Interesting.> Putting aside the rag with
> which he had been wiping the gore from his helmet, he takes a second to
> admire the helm. Koreth then turns his gaze and infectious grin towards
> Rayne, hoping his smile will ease her nervousness.
>
> "I revel in the memory of my dwarven friends, it is only their cruel
> deaths that bring me pain." his grin turns somewhat melencholy for a
> moment "The dwarves that I know the best are those who lived near the
> outpost, in one of the smaller villages in the area. Clan Uhrk. It's
> houses were crafted of fiery red mudbricks and painted with all manner
> of earthy browns, reds, and yellows. The only exception to this was the
> stone temple where they worshipped the earth. It was crafted of large
> blocks of pinkish stone crafted from the boulders that surround and
> protect the village and carved with the angular patterns of which they
> are so fond of. A large stone cistern sat in the main square, free for
> anyone of the village or guests there to fill their skins or drink."
> Koreth twists the helm about in his hands a bit, his gaze drifting to it
> then back to Rayne. <How long has it been since I earned this helm?> he
> thinks to himself as he looks to see if she is listening.
>
> "The dwarves themselves were a good bunch of people. Duego and Nodi
> were the two I knew best, grandsons to the uhrnius himself and both
> excellent stonemasons. The uhrinus is a dwarven clan chief, and in the
> case of Vikul their spiritual leader as well. He was a stern and wise
> dwarf, and a good two hundred years of age!" Koreth takes a small sip of
> his water skin, passing it over towards Rayne.
>
> "It was during the yearly ritual baazrag hunt where I earned this
> helmet. You see, every year the warriors of the dwarves go out and hunt
> baazrag in a ceremony celibrating the life the earth had provided them
> the year before and to guarantee the same in the year to come. In my
> time at the outpost, I had become almost a part of the clan. That is
> because I respected them, and respect and honor are very important
> things to dwarves. I had helped them dig a new well, I had learned not
> only to speak their difficult tounge but I would speak to them solely in
> it. It is always considered an honor to converse with a dwarf in their
> tounge for long periods, and as you already know, it is very gutteral
> and tends to dry out your throat." He pauses, taking a small sip from
> his skin. He looks over to Rayne, seeing if she cares to take the skin.
>
> "In return for the respect I had shown his clan and his faith, Vikul
> repaid me with the honor of the Dhru hla kul. Hunt of life in the trade
> tounge, a rough translation at best. During this hunt, the warriors
> paint their bare chests, backs and faces with all manner of designs.
> Each warrior takes a spear with him, tied onto which are ribbons of the
> same earthy colors used in their paints." Koreth grins widely as he
> remembers himself bare chested and painted, towering at least two feet
> over all the other warriors "We set out along a path used every year
> through the boulder fields and into an area of stony barrens where the
> baazrag could be found. The sun was mercilous on my skin as I remember,
> burning and blistering my back before the hunt was done. There were no
> baazrag to be found in the normal places, so we ventured farther into
> the barrens. As an honor, I was in the front. Honor went to the
> warrior to first find the sacrifical baazrag and also to the warrior to
> slay it. Several miles past the usual hunting grounds, Vikul himself
> spotted a potential lair. As we crept closer, a baazrag larger than I
> had ever seen came out of that lair. It was nearly eight feet long!
> Vikul yelled a deep gutteral battle cry and we all moved to surround the
> beast. I stayed near Vikul, who grinned happily at me. 'It's not often
> we are favored with such a portent!' he told me. Several dwarves,
> mostly the younger and more brash, jumped in one at a time to try their
> luck. Many had their spear shafts bounce from the creature's tough
> carapace, and Jerik had his spear snapped in half by the creature's
> strong jaws. A few spears had drawn blood, and the baazrag circled
> around in rage. It turned in my direction, pawing the ground as it
> looked at me with it's beady yellow eyes. I lowered my spear as it
> charged. Dust flew up as it came at me with a speed I didn't think it
> had. I braced myself and my spear, the exhiliration of the hunt flowing
> in my veins. The beast slammed into my spear with a force that shook my
> arms and sent me hurling into the large rock behind me. I pulled my
> spear free as the beast stumbled back, blood decorating more than two
> feet of the spear's shaft. The baazrag stumbled back, it's blood
> staining the sands as it's legs wobbled. Jumping on the chance, I
> thrust my spear again into the beast. It quivered, fell down and moved
> no more. I pulled my spear free, and Vikul was at my side. He produced
> several small ceramic bowls, which he set down on the sand near the
> slain baazrag. He held each to the wound and gathered a little blood in
> each bowl, passing the first to me. Part of the ritual is to drink of
> the life of the baazrag, who represets the earth in the ritual. I drank
> the mouthfull of warm and salty liquid, as did every dwarf there."
> Holding the skull before him, Koreth looks it over a bit more before
> passing it to Rayne. He takes a sip as she looks upon it. The bone was
> a clean white, intricate angular dwarven patterns etched all over it's
> surface.
>
> "Vikul gave to me the right of the first prise, an honor for slaying the
> beast. I chose it's skull, which Noka crafted into the helm you have in
> your hands. Noka is the crafter of weapons and arms for the clan, he has
> a fine hand and a good eye for detail. Getting back to the hunt...we
> took the baazrag back to the village. As we marched back, Vikul told me
> that the baazrag was what is called a boneclaw. To have found and slain
> such a large beast was a good omen for the village and for myself. In
> the village itself, we took the baazrag to the temple, where it was laid
> upon a stone altar. Vikul removed the creature's heart, which was
> sliced into pieces and cooked. Each dwarf in the village, male and
> female, young and old ate a small piece. The body was burned in a
> magnificent fire, along with fragrant herbs and other plants." Koreth
> smiles, watching Rayne's eyes as he tells his tale "To the light of the
> fire, they danced and drank a thick barley beer well into the night. I
> will alway remember that day with pride and happiness. Vikul told me
> that by slaying the boneclaw, he knew that I would do great deads in my
> life. I belive him." Taking a mouthfull of water, Koreth grins at
> Rayne. Night is fast approaching and the first watch would start soon.
> "I hope that I have given you a good glimpse into dwarven life," he says
> "and show you what a proud people they are." Koreth looks off into the
> sky, the sun setting in a brilliant display of red. <And it felt good to
> remember and tell of them> he thought <I miss them all, living and
> dead.>
>
> "The most convincing lie is the truth you never question."
>
> Trevor Sanders, DM of Arcana PBeM
>
----- Original Message -----
From: John C.E. Bardwell
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 1998 11:39 PM
Subject: Elric: Turn 51
> ooc - Very fine post from all so far. I wish I had time to do them justice
> but I am called out on a Business trip and fly out first thing in the am.
> Here is a quick one and hopefully I will be back in town before the next
> turn is out or maybe I will be sending in my turn from some other city
> probably in another state, but the show must go on.
>
> IC - Elric walks over to stare down at the young tagster. As he watch the
> cub shakes and chews at one end growling toward the dead sand sharks. His
> cloak was ruined now for sure, best make the best of it. Reaching down Elric
> cuts a strip from the remains of the cloak and begins fashioning a bandage
> to wrap his side. Taking what was left from the cloak Elric ties knots into
> it until it is little more than a 3 foot length of knots. Elric shakes the
> "cloak" before the cub then tosses it to him. (Him? Her? Dm help!) Smiling
> as the tagster chews on the cloak "Little one that was indeed a battle not
> for you, not for me either it would seem."
>
> Staggering to his feet Elric joins his companions. "I have no strength
> to carry any extra but if Tak is willing I may be able to ease the travel a
> bit." Moving toward Tak "In the Living Structure of your ancestors I cast a
> spell to shrink myself. I could if you are agreeable reverse that and
> enlarge you. It will make it easier for you to keep stride with the group."
>
> - Tak Agreeable - Elric reaches out and slowly begins to gather the
> strength for a spell. In these desert surroundings the power is spare but in
> time Elric opens his eyes. Tak hesitates as he sees the aura of strength
> behind Elric's eyes. Motioning in an arcane dance of motion Elric forms a
> web of magic about Tak. Slowly increasing his size.
----- Original Message -----
From: Vincent Roiron
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 5:48 AM
Subject: Re: Chit-Zik: Turn 51
>
>
>
>
> A soft thud is heard as Chit-Zik fails in his first attempt to stand. He
> inhales sharply as he hits the ground, then wheezes at the sand and silt he
> just breathed in.
> Chit-Zik mumbles something about his own selfishness as he proceeds to
> heal himself (cure light wounds on himself three times). Once healed, he
> strains to stand again, sruveying the battlefield.
> "It is lucky Mendi and I were still close to the pack. Maybe we should
> stay with the pack. We are now to hurt to go alone anyway." Chit-Zik says
> to the others. "We should still try to move fast."
> * Uncomfortable, as usual when spoken directly by the kreen, Mendi needed a
> moment to quiet down before he answered. "I am not hurt, I will scout in
> front of the party... a surprise attack from those sharks would probably be
> worse anyway.
>
> (Before or after, while speaking with Rayne:)
>
> "I see that some would benefit from using the hide, but I can't carry that
> much. I will haul one in a what-ever-yer-calling-it elf thingy. That
> should do fer you, Tak and any others that need it. If ye want more elf,
> carry it yerself." The mul begins to turn away, but hesitates her smirk
> coming to her face. "By the way - I'd call us more than even for the pouch
> now after this. Maybe ye even owe me one?
>
> * "You owe Elric, not me. He paid for the pouch", answered Mendi, who
> looked somewhat confused by the mul's speech.
>
> This will slow me down more than Tak - who didn't slow me at all." Mendi
> begins to protest more at the mul's sharp tone, but she cuts him off. "I
> am wounded, tired and in the middle of the dessert. Do not try my patience
> with yer babble elf. I don't think ye know what an angry female mul is
> lookin' like. Let's leave it at this and keep me from a foul mood which I
> would more than likely take out on any who try me patience!"
>
> * Mendi chuckled, obviously not much afraid by the mul's short temper.
>
> "I'll take one of the jaws, and a piece o' hide, elf. I'm hurt, but I'm
> strong enough, and me own pack's light in any case." Gaigin chuckles,
> "Besides, if I can make some armor out of the carcass of this beast, I
> might not be such easy prey next time we meet one in battle."
> * "That is what I have in mind, all right. I don't know how to make
> armours, however, so I hope somebody from Lost Scale will be able to help
> us. If you don't mind, I'll also make a travois for you: this will be
> easier to haul this way, and should we meet more hostile creatures, you
> will be able to instantly discard the encumbering bulk !"
>
> He finished the two travois, the larger for Rayne, the smaller for Gaigin.
> (Vincent speaking: I'm quite sure this will be easier than carrying the
> hides and the jaw, Polonius)
> This done, Mendi resumed his scouting role, running and zig-zaging some two
> hundred yards in front of the party.
----- Original Message -----
From: Krista & Shane
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 11:52 PM
Subject: RE: Koreth's reply to Rayne: Turn 51
>
> Koreth smiles over at Rayne, turning himself in her direction. <A woman
> that deadly in combat, shy? Interesting.> Putting aside the rag with
> which he had been wiping the gore from his helmet, he takes a second to
> admire the helm. Koreth then turns his gaze and infectious grin towards
> Rayne, hoping his smile will ease her nervousness.
>
> Rayne relaxes at Koreth's grin, realizes she has not overstepped any boundaries.
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Rayne listens intently as Koreth begins his tale. <oh it sounds like a beautiful place>
>
> "The dwarves themselves were a good bunch of people. Duego and Nodi
> were the two I knew best, grandsons to the uhrnius himself and both
> excellent stonemasons. The uhrinus is a dwarven clan chief, and in the
> case of Vikul their spiritual leader as well. He was a stern and wise
> dwarf, and a good two hundred years of age!" Koreth takes a small sip of
> his water skin, passing it over towards Rayne.
>
> Rayne accepts the skin and takes a sip.
>
> "It was during the yearly ritual baazrag hunt where I earned this
> helmet. You see, every year the warriors of the dwarves go out and hunt
> baazrag in a ceremony celibrating the life the earth had provided them
> the year before and to guarantee the same in the year to come. In my
> time at the outpost, I had become almost a part of the clan. That is
> because I respected them, and respect and honor are very important
> things to dwarves. I had helped them dig a new well, I had learned not
> only to speak their difficult tounge but I would speak to them solely in
> it. It is always considered an honor to converse with a dwarf in their
> tounge for long periods, and as you already know, it is very gutteral
> and tends to dry out your throat." He pauses, taking a small sip from
> his skin. He looks over to Rayne, seeing if she cares to take the skin.
>
>
> Rayne shakes her head no, but smiles a thanks - not wishing to speak and interrupt the story that has her enthralled.
>
> <SNIP>
> Koreth smiles, watching Rayne's eyes as he tells his tale "To the light of the
> fire, they danced and drank a thick barley beer well into the night. I
> will alway remember that day with pride and happiness. Vikul told me
> that by slaying the boneclaw, he knew that I would do great deads in my
> life. I belive him." Taking a mouthfull of water, Koreth grins at
> Rayne.
>
> Rayne absentmindedly pets the worm as it stretches out, lighting the noble and ex-slave in it's eerie light. Returning his grin, the mul sighs. "To know such people, they sound wonderful! Ye are a lucky man Koreth." The mul sighs and looks distant. "I hope to someday find me mother's family and find out about them and her, but this helps. Marteu kept me away from dwarves, I think he missed me mom too much. Or maybe the dwarves were mad at Marteu fer takin' her away. Whatever the reason, I have no idea where to begin. Thank you fer indulging me with yer tale. I am afraid ye are such a good story teller that I wil ask ye to tell me more!" Rayne chuckles and gives Koreth her usual smirk.
>
> Night is fast approaching and the first watch would start soon.
> "I hope that I have given you a good glimpse into dwarven life," he says
> "and show you what a proud people they are." Koreth looks off into the
> sky, the sun setting in a brilliant display of red. <And it felt good to
> remember and tell of them> he thought <I miss them all, living and
> dead.>
>
> "I must meditate now however, I should be rested well when it comes time fer my watch." Seeing the noble's content face, Rayne feels good for asking him to share his past. Feeling rather elated, the mul sits and falls into a deep meditation. (four hours) Once Rayne awoke from her meditation, she snuggled up with the worm - whom she would put away when she awakes for her watch - and falls into a happier sleep than she has had in a while.
>
> Krista
----- Original Message -----
From: Matthew Nippert
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 1998 10:22 AM
Subject: Tak': Turn 51
> Tak' swayed beneath the hot sun - the massive wound at his side bleeding
> profusely - the stink of his lifeblood and the gore of the sandsharks
> filling his nostrils. The lack of blood made the slight halfling
> queasy, and he leaned over, retching quietly, shuddering with pain with
> each movement. Trying to right himself, Tak' fell down, landing in a
> sitting position, looking at the Shark he had felled with the might of
> but one mental powerful storm.
>
> <By Gaea!> Tak' thought to himself <I am weak! I dropped the beast
> with but one blow - but it nearly did the same to me>. Checking his
> wound - Tak' gasped, but was inwardly relieved. Several ribs were
> broken, but apart from a lot of surface bleeding, there was nothing
> life-threatening.
>
> Still, he could hardly walk in his current state.
>
> MINDSCAPE:
>
> Tak' retired to his forest glen, stretching out before the small stream,
> letting the scents, sights and sounds of the peaceful forest flow
> through him. The energy of the life around him was absorbed by Tak',
> and with careful manipulation the halfling hunter put this energy to
> good use.
>
> Broken ribs fused together, and ruptured blood vessels were closed. In
> the physical world, the little halfling stopped bleeding. While the
> gaping wound at his side still looked ghastly, it was no longer a threat
> to the little ones' life.
>
> Getting up gingerly, his wounds still aching, Tak' stretched, looking
> out over the industrious elf, busy trying to extract value from the
> slain behemoths which had threatened all their lives but few moments
> ago.
>
> Mendi:
> <<Once that done, he tried to recover what flesh he could, and, looking
> at Tak : he asks "Do you think we can eat this.">>
>
> Taking on a thoughtful look, and prodding at the still-warm carcasses
> with his spear, Tak' nodded, "Probably. But why would you want to do
> so? The erdlu-meat we have will feed us until we reach Ptellacs
> village. Unless we spend considerable time and dry the meat it will all
> spoil before we get around to eating it."
>
> Turning away, his green eyes scanning the horizon, Tak' adds, "let what
> is Gaeas be given to Gaea. This meat will enrich the scavengers and
> plants of this region - and eventually us as well."
>
> Before the group decides to leave this battlefield, Tak' stands before
> the Shark he slew - taking out his life-dagger. With some precision and
> care, Tak' extracted what he was after - 5 teeth - each as long as his
> middle finger - triangular and sharp beyond belief.
>
> Rubbing them with his sack-cloth until the teeth were free of blood and
> flesh, Tak' wrapped his treasures in a strip of cloth and placed them in
> his sack. Smiling, despite the pain of his wounds, and the exhaustion
> in his soul Tak' knew that he had earned his right to live another day.
> He had passed another test, and was learning the lessons of Gaea well.
>
> <<Staggering to his feet Elric joins his companions. "I have no strength
> to carry any extra but if Tak is willing I may be able to ease the
> travel a bit." Moving toward Tak "In the Living Structure of your
> ancestors I cast a spell to shrink myself. I could if you are agreeable
> reverse that and enlarge you. It will make it easier for you to keep
> stride with the group.">>
>
> Tak' looks suspiciously at the warlock, his eyes narrowing in distrust
> of an art none of his people know of or care for. "Normally I would
> shun such a request - even being dishonorably carried by friends
> compares favourably to being enchanted with magicks. For we halfling
> both value our stature - and our independence from the life-draining
> forces."
>
> Sighing, his wounds evident, Tak' continues, "However, this is not
> normally. We are sorely wounded, and I would not want to slow the pack
> down. If you promise with your heart and soul Elric that this will not
> harm or change me permanently, I agree."
>
> [Assuming Elric does so]
>
> Elric reaches out and slowly begins to gather the strength for a spell.
> In these desert surroundings the power is spare but in time Elric opens
> his eyes. Tak hesitates as he sees the aura of strength behind Elric's
> eyes. Motioning in an arcane dance of motion Elric forms a web of magic
> about Tak. Slowly increasing his size.
>
> CAMPSITE:
>
> With a somewhat relieved nod, Tak agreed with Rayne that lessons in the
> Way would be put off for an evening. Instead, Tak' sat his tired and
> battered body near the fire, and pulled out his small bag filled with
> several needles and small pottles.
>
> Carefully selecting a pot - and heating one of the needles in the fire,
> Tak' dipped the end of the bone tool into a black liquid, and proceeded
> to pierce a patch of unmarked skin on his left arm.
>
> With care, diligence, and not a little skill, Tak' spent time and
> created several images to show his deeds of the past few days. There
> were several stick figures - small in stature, but black in colour. A
> green and red beast, with two abstract heads. Finally the image of a
> beast with no legs, and a gaping maw finished off Tak's burst of
> artistry.
>
> With a approving glance, and a hum of satisfaction, Tak' carefully
> washed his new tattoos, and packed away his precious tools. Instead, he
> took out and carefully unwrapped the teeth he had salvaged from the Sand
> Shark.
>
> Polishing them carefully, grinding down the sharp edges so they would
> not cut, Tak' changed what was once teeth used to cut and rend into
> simple, yet striking, pieces of bone, with a distinctinve shape and
> colour. Tak' had in mind a simple necklace - all he needed now was a
> short length of cord, and a tool to drill holes. Perhaps the Pterrans
> could help him with that - but until then, his artwork would be
> unfinished.
>
> [Before nightfall, Tak' will offer to heal the PC (or NPC) who is most
> wounded with Cell Adjustment]
>
> -Tak'Nak'Raq
> aka Matthew Nippert
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at
----- Original Message -----
From: Ayrus
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 1998 12:34 AM
Subject: Aryus Turn 51
> OOC: Sorry that my response is so late and that it is short. I didn't have
> that much time to work on this turn. I'll try to make it up next turn :)
>
> Aryus collapses in exchuastion as the battle ends. He was a bloody mess and
> the pain was numbing his body completely. The windmage was only glad the this
> nightmare was finally over. Looking around at his companions, he sighed in
> relief to see that they were all alive. Aryus them moves over to tend to the
> wounds of the needy.
>
> On Water Finding:
>
> "I'm afraid my water has run out, but I'm not so sure that spliting up to find
> water is such a great idea. Considering that we are all critically wounded and
> considering the dangerous encounter we just had, hardly seems a great idea to
> send people out to find water. I do have some magic that may create so water,
> as soon as I get a chance to use it." (Player Note: Fabian, I will re-memorize
> my spell list to forget the spell Deep Breath and memorize Create Food or
> Water. I'll cast that at the first chance avaliable when we rest)
>
> Camp:
>
> Aryus was not in a conversation mood this night. He cleaned his wounds as best
> as he could and dressed them with the tattered pieces of his blood stained
> cloak. Using a few of the z'taal scales he bought in Tyr, he cut a few shreds
> of cloth to wrap around his body. Then with a heavy sigh, he collapses into a
> deep sleep.
>
> Rive
----- Original Message -----
From: Vincent Roiron
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 1998 7:10 AM
Subject: Mendi to Tak
>
>
>
>
> Mendi:
> <<Once that done, he tried to recover what flesh he could, and, looking
> at Tak : he asks "Do you think we can eat this.">>
> Taking on a thoughtful look, and prodding at the still-warm carcasses
> with his spear, Tak? nodded, "Probably. But why would you want to do
> so? The erdlu-meat we have will feed us until we reach Ptellacs
> village. Unless we spend considerable time and dry the meat it will all
> spoil before we get around to eating it."
>
> *"That was precisely what I had in mind. The meat spoils quickly in the
> desert's hot days, so I thought we should take some of this meat to replace
> spoiled erdlu meat."
>
> (Matt, you live in Australia, right? Ever been to the desert? I have, in
> Algeria, I can tell you I'd not eat meat that has spent a full day in
> hoven-like temperature! I think a piece of meal will spoil in one day with
> a temperature of 45 or 50 degrees (celsius))
> Turning away, his green eyes scanning the horizon, Tak? adds, "let what
> is Gaeas be given to Gaea. This meat will enrich the scavengers and
> plants of this region - and eventually us as well."
> *"We could replace some of the erdlu meat with some meat from those beasts.
> I'd prefer to eat fresh meat to potentiallu spoiled one. We can always
> leave the erdlu meat to the scavengers... I know that some of us can heal
> wounds, but I'm not sure they can heal disease. Some masters of the School
> of Thought, who were able to heal diseases, told me that there were things
> similar to those 'taxens' your spectral halfling spoke of. They called them
> 'humour', and some of them can kill you if they poison your blood." (Note:
> taxen for toxin is on purpose)
>
> Note for Fabian: Whatever the decision of the others, Mendi will take his
> share of meat for the evening's meal, and for the next day's morning, and
> not eat any more erdlu meat. He will once more rely on his dryed meat
> afterward, unless the party hunts some fresh meat.