GM says, "Scene is just as we ended last weekend. The
raiding party has just been routed."
GM says, "You've felled 7 of the 8 attackers. Four are
dead, three wounded."
GM says, "One Martian escaped."
GM says, "Teatum and Emsworth are wounded. Dr Price has
treated both of you."
GM says, "Buff still has one wound."
'Buff' Teatam gets up and starts looking for a good place to
set up an ambush himself. He moves kind of slow though. He is carrying his Henry
rifle.
---------New activity since 02:33:55 PM---------
GM says, "Your guide and two Gashaants are
missing."
GM says, "None of the rest of the group are injured. A
little rattled perhaps, but unharmed. In the distance you catch the first signs
of a windstorm developing."
Emsworth says, "Did anyone notice what way our gallant
guide went?"
GM says, "No one really had a chance to spot him,
everyone was closely involved with the fight to notice."
GM says, "One can assume south. You can try and track,
but he's got a big lead."
Hans [to Peracles]: Eh, just how long did the fight take?
GM says, "You can figure from the time you spotted the
attackers to the end of the fight and the time you noticed he was missing 20
minutes."
'Buff' Teatam will let the Colonel try to spy out the guide.
He can do more good keeping an eye out for those raiders. He sees the clouds on
the horizon though and worries. Then he realizes the horizon is a lot closer
here than home. "We have worse trouble than that. We got a storm coming
up. I lived in the desert enough to know not to monkey around during a storm.
We need some shelter."
---------New activity since 02:38:53 PM---------
GM says, "And almost immediately on that statement
Whittington calls out pointing at something nearby."
Emsworth says, "That sounds like your specialty,
Teatam. Can you find any?"
You say, "Only if they's some to be had, but I'll try.
"
---------New activity since 02:39:59 PM---------
GM says, "Roll your tracking."
---------New activity since 02:40:28 PM---------
Emsworth looks at where Whittington is pointing.
GM says, "The Grimes all run over to Whittington and
seem excited by what ever he as found."
You say, "Not widerness travel? :D"
---------New activity since 02:41:16 PM---------
GM says, "Tracking is it's own skill and you have it at
two."
Hans says, "Not Fieldcraft?"
GM says, "As you look toward Whittington, you see a
weathered ring of stone."
Emsworth goes closer.
GM says, "No fieldcraft is another separate skill that
buff has at a remarkable 4"
On 2d6, you rolled 8.
GM says, "The stones are a circular ring perhaps 20
feet in diameter."
You say, "Wait, who rolls what? We can't see you
pointing. :D"
GM says, "Maybe two, three feet high."
---------New activity since 02:43:31 PM---------
Emsworth says, "I know Fieldcraft is a separate skill.
It is about judging the lay of the ground. Just what we would need to find
shelter, I should think."
GM says, "Buff was rolling his tracking. You don't find
anything specific in the confusion of the fight."
Emsworth says, "Those stones look useful. If we spread
tarpaulins over them we should be able to huddle behing them."
GM says, "You all see the ring of stones."
'Buff' Teatam looks around for any materials to better
fortify the ring of stones.
You say, "AFK for a bit."
GM says, "However more inmortantly, in the center of
the ring is a hole in the ground, 3 feet in diameter"
GM says, "You find a large stone disc to one side. One
side heavily weathered like the rest of the stones, one side only slightly
dusty."
Emsworth says, "@emit Hans asks, "How much time do
we have before the storm hits us?"
GM says, "You look at the stones and quickly deduce
that these stones are not naturally occurring"
GM says, "The storm is perhaps 3-5 hours away."
Emsworth . o O ( Few stone circles are... )
GM says, "But that is a guess."
Emsworth says, "So how about it, Teatam, Colonel? Can
we build a shelter among those stones?"
Whittington beams as he preps his camera. "I guess
we'll have to thank those blighters for this discovery what? Probably would
have missed it otherwise.
GM says, "The circle is very low and would be poor
shelter at best."
GM says, "James Grimes and Whittington are trying to
get an idea of how deep the hole goes into the ground."
James Grimes barks gruffly. "Alexandra! A lantern
quickly, we need more light."
You say, "I'm back. ANy luck finding stuff to fix a
shelter?"
---------New activity since 02:53:14 PM---------
GM says, "Thomas Grimes brings over some rope and the
lantern is tied to the rope and lowered."
Emsworth says, "We need to find a hill or or bank or
bluff to shelter behind."
Hans [to Robert]: In your opinion the rocks will make for
poor shelter.
Robert [to Hans]: Thanks.
GM says, "The shaft is unnaturally smooth and
featureless. The shaft is about 35 feet deep and opens into a chamber not fully
in view."
'Buff' Teatam continues looking for better shelter. If that
guys hasn't enough sense to come back on his own then hang the feller.
---------New activity since 02:55:20 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Don't you think we should concentrate
on finding shelter while we have the time, Grimes? The hole isn't going
anywhere."
GM says, "And speaking of hanging, you have the three wonded
Hill Martians."
Emsworth says, "Price patched them up, didn't he?"
---------New activity since 02:56:43 PM---------
James Grimes frowns. "You haven't even looked inside
yet man. Do you not have any curiousity about you? The storm is going to be on
us before we can reach anyplace.
GM says, "They have been stabilized, but none can
move."
'Buff' Teatam considers whether the area of the ambush
offers any place to hide from the storm.
---------New activity since 02:58:25 PM---------
James Grimes calls to his brother. "Thomas, bring one
of that Gashant beasts over here and hold it steady, I'm going down to see what
our man Whittington has found.
Emsworth says, "I believe in first things first,
Grimes. Survival would seem to me to be a little more important than
archeology. In four hours we should be able to find a hill to shelter behind.
Or do you want to abandon all our gashants while we huddle in a hole?"
James Grimes sneers "You sir may do whatever you like.
Excuse me." He ties off a loop in the rope and his brother slowly lowers
him into the hole.
Emsworth . o O ( What a moron! )
Alexandra frets "Oh James do be careful."
Emsworth says, "Well, Teatam, what do you think? You're
the outdoorsman."
GM says, "James Grimes quickly reaches the bottom of
the shaft."
'Buff' Teatam returns from his search and shakes his head at
Emsworth. "I think you're on the money, Bertie. Find shelter first. If we
loose the gashants we're done for. That hole ain't going nowhere. <dang
fool>."
James Grimes shouts back up. "Extraordinary!
Whittington you're going to love this. And tell that nurseman Emsworth I've
found his bloody shelter.
Emsworth says, "How does the fool propose to get our
gashants down that hole?"
Thomas Grimes murmers. "These beasts evolved out here.
They can handle the storms just like camels can back on earth. I'll stay up
here to make sure none slip their tie downs.
Emsworth shrugs.
GM says, "Whittington grabs his camera and is lowered
down the hole. "
'Buff' Teatam grumbles. "Fine. And I'll stay here to
make sure them Hill Martinas don't cut your throat if they come back."
Emsworth says, "Maybe we should leave that to the
colonel and his man?"
Thomas Grimes smiles "That's quite noble of you my good
man, but in a storm how are they going to find me?"
You say, "Well, they evolved out here like the
gashants. What makes you so sure they cain't?"
"Per=" is not the name of any player.
Your message has been sent.
Emsworth says, "OOC I thought the reason the stones
were inadequate was that the gashants couldn't huddle behind them. To shelter
humans three feet rocks should be more than enough."
Whittington yelps. "Oh my this is simply smashing!"
You then see the flash of his camera.
GM . o O ( You could shelter here, but it will a miserable
time. The gashants once properly tied, will be more than capable of weathering
the storm. )
Emsworth says, "Well, that's a different story, then.
Let's unload the gashants and put the gear safe behind the rocks, then what ho
for the hole!"
GM says, "The storm rapidly approachs, but you get your
gear stored and the gashants carefully ground staked with more than enough
time."
You say, "Am I staying or going?"
GM says, "Thomas Grimes, however stands by his claim to
stay with the gashants."
GM . o O ( that is your choice Buff. )
Hans says, "Let's keep the party together, Robert.
Wilkins makes up a parcel of provisions to bring along.
You say, "Awright. I guess them Hill folks won't be out
in all this, but you keep your eyes peeled Mr. Grimes. What are we doin' with
those scoundrels?"
Hans says, "Watching the horses is the proper work of
NPCs and absentee PCs. ;-).
Whittington screams out. "Bloody hell!" and you
hear the sound of gunfire.
Emsworth says, "Rig a shelter by the stones and let
then lie there."
Log file not selected, logging not initiated.
Emsworth curses, then grabs his rifle and runs towards the
hole.
Emsworth . o O ( Carbine, not rifle. )
'Buff' Teatam runs for the rope tugging his gloves as he
does.
GM says, "You look down the hole, but can not see what
is occuring."
You say, "OOC Who reaches the rope first?"
---------New activity since 03:14:43 PM---------
Emsworth says, "You first, then me, the Wilkins. The
colonel and his man stays up here."
GM says, "A rapid descent on the rope is a difficult
Agility roll which is a 12."
GM says, "Roll Agility to see who gets to the rope
first."
---------New activity since 03:15:49 PM---------
Hans says, "No need, I think Buff should go first. His
revolvers will be more useful than a longarm."
You say, "OOC Also I have gloves to slide down the rope
faster."
GM says, "There is a piercing human scream and several
more shots."
GM says, "Then silence."
'Buff' Teatam reaches the rope and grabs it wincing from
some pain. He grits his teeth and jumps in hanging on for dear life.
---------New activity since 03:17:59 PM---------
GM says, "ROll Agility"
Emsworth goes down right after Teatam, but slower, more
controlled.
On 5d6, you rolled 12.
'Buff' Teatam dohs.
---------New activity since 03:18:29 PM---------
Emsworth . o O ( Just enough! )
James Grimes bellows "For the love of god get the
doctor down here!"
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (City folk.)
GM says, "You land cleanly and enter a scene of bedlam.
Gunsmoke clouds the air, the sharp coppery smell of blood also taints the
air."
Wilkins says, "Mr. Grimes would like you to go down
there, Dr. Price."
GM says, "You find Whittington sore wounded and pinned
by the body of a Teshuwaan. A shaken James Grimes stands nearby with an empty
pistol."
James Grimes barks, "Don't just stand there man help me
get that horrid thing off him.!
Hans says, "I'll roll for Bertie's descent. As I said,
he's taking it a bit slower than Buff.
Hans rolls 3d, and gets a 8.
Dr Price skillfully grips the rope and easily descends into
the hole.
'Buff' Teatam draws his own gun and says, "See to your
brother. I'll cover you." He looks about for a target. Then with his free
hand begins tugging at a scaley leg.
GM says, "Emworth takes his time and safely enters the
shaft."
GM says, "The teshuwaan is too heavy for one man to
move."
Once Emsworth is down he takes his carbine from his shoulder
and says, "Give a hand, Teatam, I'll stand guard. You're stronger than
I."
GM says, "James Grimes shakes off his shock and moves over
to help you move the beast."
GM says, "Roll Strength."
On 3d6, you rolled 13.
GM says, "Combined with Grimes the creature rolls off
of Whittington."
Emsworth says, "How is he, doc?""
Dr Price moves in to see what he can do to bind
Whittington's wounds.
GM rolled 5d6 and got 16.
'Buff' Teatam draws his gun again and picks up the lantern
to look around.
Dr Price smiles grimly. "He'll live, but he took a
pretty serious mauling.
GM says, "You are in a room that is 12' by 12' and has
three passages two head south one east"
Emsworth looks relieved.
GM says, "The walls are the same smooth seamless stone
as the shaft."
You say, "What way did that gator come from?"
---------New activity since 03:30:48 PM---------
GM says, "Next to Whittington you notice the shredded
remains of what was once a Canal Martian. The Teshuwaan has an obviously broken
leg."
Emsworth says, "A canal martian? Here?"
GM says, "It lloks like the Martian pried of the disc
covering the hole."
GM says, "You see that his rope has broken, so that's
how he got down here and stranded."
Wilkins ties the rope to his bundle of provisions and lowers
it whereupon he descends himself.
Hans rolls 3d, and gets a 11.
GM says, "The teshuwaan smelled either him or his
carcass and fell down in the chamber and was trapped as well."
You say, "I guess that gator fell down here and
shredded that martian. Let's see if this feller had anything we can use."
Emsworth says, "So we can hope that was the only
one."
GM says, "The Teshuwaan was obviously starved and
attacked as soon as it could."
---------New activity since 03:33:46 PM---------
GM says, "Wilkins also makes a safe descent."
Emsworth says, "Do canal martians carry identification
of any kind, usually?"
GM says, "Alexandra drops down next."
GM says, "Thomas Grimes, the colonel, and his batman
stay up with the gashants."
Emsworth says, "And Leeghwater comes with us."
GM says, "It wasn't common even on earth for people to
carry ID."
You say, "I was thinking more of maps or gear, Bertie.
I wonder what he was doing out here alone?"
---------New activity since 03:36:04 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Anyone examining my body would find my
signet ring."
GM says, "The Martian's gear being mainly leather, has
been gnawed to uselessness except for his cutlass and a knife."
Emsworth hefts the cutlass, then puts it down with a sigh.
"Too heavy for me," he mutters glumly.
You say, "Mebbe he came off a sky galleon? Could he a'
moved that stone cover by himself?"
---------New activity since 03:38:01 PM---------
Emsworth says, "I didn't try to move it. How heavy
would you guess it was, Grimes?"
James Grimes ponders. "Hmm I have to admit I never
looked that closely at the disc.
Emsworth says, "Anyway, I think we should explore it
immediately. We may want to leave quickly once the storm abates. No telling
when that nomad will return with reinforcement. We can't count on more grace
than what the storm will give us."
Emsworth . o O ( 'it' = 'the cave' )
Alexandra Grimes exclaims. "Oh my look at this!"
Emsworth looks.
JHG materializes out of thin air.
JHG has made JHG's local name Leeghwater
JHG has made JHG's local description Gijsbrecht Corneliszn
Leeghwater is a young man in his twenties wearing practical clothes, which are
bordering on the edge of respectability. He speak with a foreign, Germanlike
accent. He has brown eyes and brown hair and is very slim. He's carrying 3
books. One is a notebook in which he is constantly doodling, one is a Dutch
book titled De Kleine Johannes, and the third one is titled The Strange Case of
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Leeghwater says, "Evening"
Peracles [to JHG]: Greetings!
---------New activity since 03:41:40 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Evening, Leeghwater. That must have
been some serious speculation you were immersed in!"
GM says, "Alexandra is looking to the eastern passage
and there is a gallery of statures."
Leeghwater says, "Indeed it was."
GM . o O ( gist is storm brewing above. Find hole in ground.
discover some sort of martian made earthworks. )
You say, "I suggest we stay together, and use scat guns
or pistols, a ricochet down here could be plum ugly. What'd you find
ma'am?"
GM . o O ( hungry critter mauled whittington. )
Emsworth says, "Let's leave the doctor to watch over
Whittington."
GM says, "You look to the east and see a U-shaped
passage 2 x 12 yards, 2 by 10 yards and a final 4 x4 yard section that meets
back at the orginal chamber."
Emsworth slings his carbine over his shoulder and asks
Wilkins to hand him the shotgun.
GM says, "You find 32 brightly painted full scale
statues"
Leeghwater makes some hasty sketches of the statues
Emsworth says, "What happened to Whittington's
photographic apparatus? Anyone know how to use it?"
GM says, "They seem to be Canal Martians but are
dressed oddly by modern standards with elaborate headdresses and metallic
necklaces."
GM says, "You find Whittington's camera next to him and
it appears undamged."
'Buff' Teatam nods at Bertie and gives him a grin. Then he
brings the lantern closer to see the statues. He still keeps the pistol ready.
"You best stay back ma'am. It could still be dangerous," he says to
Mrs. Grimes.
GM says, "It will take a Mechanics roll of 8 to figure
out how to operated it."
Hans asks, "Are the necklaces painted on or real?"
GM says, "Each stature has several words hand painted
on the pedestal of each statue"
Leeghwater scribbles the words next to eash sketch
GM says, "Roll observation."
Emsworth says, "Leeghwater, can you figure out this
camera?"
Hans rolls 5d, and gets a 17.
Leeghwater rolled 4d6 and got 13.
Leeghwater tries to figure the camera out
JHG [to Peracles]: Can I roll mechanics 8 for that?
GM says, "The necklaces are metal, but inlayed into the
stone. You do find one statue that has an ornamental cane in his hand that
slides freely."
GM says, "Leeghwater easily figures out how to load and
operate the camera."
Emsworth says, "Let's leave that in place until we can
get photographs."
You say, "Why don't we have a look south before we poke
about here further?"
Leeghwater photographs the statues
GM says, "The second southern passage leads to stairs
that head downward."
Hans says, "And the first passage south was the other
end of the eastern passage, right?"
GM says, "The stairs are odd in that regular steps
these are all tiny, maybe 2 inches tall"
Peracles [to Hans]: Coreect.
Emsworth says, "How deep are the steps?"
Robert [to Hans]: tall=deep. :)
GM says, "The stairs turn to the right after dropping
about 5 feet, so you don't know how far down they go yet."
Emsworth says, "No, tall = tall. How broad, if you
like."
GM says, "The stairs are two yards wide and 2 inches
deep. Very tiny steps."
GM says, "Ceilings seem to be a uniform 7feet
tall."
'Buff' Teatam ahs.
Emsworth says, "If I place a foot on a step, does it
fit?"
You say, "Kinda low ceilings for Mars folks. Was the
statues of Canal or Hill Martians?"
Leeghwater says, "Canal"
GM says, "Canal."
GM says, "A bit low for an tall martian."
GM says, "Yes they are as long as a normal step, just
dozens of small steps instead of the regualr 6 inch step."
Hans sighs in relief.
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (This place has treasure written
all about it, and I'm working on the clock. Dang it.). He asks, "How many
lanterns have we?" holding his out into the staiway and checking for any
wind or bad air.
James Grimes frowns. "Well man lets see what's down
there."
GM says, "You have a half a dozen lanterns."
You say, "Mr. Grimes living long enough to learn from
my experiences is a hobby of mine. You was right about the shelter but we
already seen a man mauled through charging ahead. Take it slow."
Emsworth says, "We can go two abreast. Teatam, let us
go first. Wilkins and Leeghwater can follow with lanterns."
Leeghwater takes a lantern
James Grimes gruffly responds. "As you say Yank. Lead
on."
'Buff' Teatam hands a lantern back to Wilkins and smirks a
bit at the name. He proceeds gun drawn, moving very quietly and alert.
GM says, "You head down the tiny steps and as you turn
the corner, you find bas-relief sculptures worked int the walls."
Emsworth examines the bas-reliefs.
GM says, "Anyone with geology may roll an easy task of
4, if you don't have geology roll a moderate observation of 8"
On 2d6, you rolled 5.
Hans rolls 5d, and gets a 25.
Leeghwater rolled 2d6 and got 5.
Emsworth says, "That was for observation."
You say, "OOC I want Hans to roll for me from here on.
;)"
Emsworth says, "i can roll for geology too, if you
like?"
GM says, "You spot one of the carvings showing the
entire canal network of mars. You think about it a second and see that it
includes several that are now dry"
Emsworth points the canal map out to the others.
Emsworth says, "Get a photograph of this,
Leeghwater."
Leeghwater nods and take a photograph
---------New activity since 04:06:36 PM---------
GM says, "You continue down the steps, they turn back
northward and please back another observation roll."
Emsworth says, "How many photographic plates did
Whittington bring, by the way? Do we need to be careful about how many we
use?"
'Buff' Teatam keeps his gun pointed down the stairs.
Hans rolls 5d, and gets a 22.
On 2d6, you rolled 5.
Leeghwater checks the number of photographic plates
---------New activity since 04:07:36 PM---------
Leeghwater rolled 4d6 and got 11.
GM says, "You see he brought down two dozen plates. he
may have more with his gear."
Emsworth says, "you realize what that map means, don't
you? This place was probably built by the canal builders!"
Leeghwater probably used up 4 on the statues and one on the
map here.
GM says, "You find another bas-relief showing a symbolic
drawing of the solar system. Leeghwater please roll your Intellect."
You say, "You have plenty a' paper to make rubbings of
the carvings Kais-brek. WHy don't you hold up shooting pictures till we see
everything there is to see?"
---------New activity since 04:11:39 PM---------
Leeghwater rolled 5d6 and got 22.
GM says, "You stare dumbfounded for a bit as you
realize it shows nine planets."
Leeghwater peers at the solar map
Leeghwater takes his sketch book and makes a copy of the map
in it.
GM says, "You find the stairs zig-zags several times
before opening into a large room."
JHG [to Peracles]: How many are known in 1889? All 8? or 7?
Emsworth says, "Nine? I thought there were only
eight?"
JHG [to Peracles]: Doh! Nevermind
GM says, "Oddly shaped 10 by 14 yards and dominating
the room in a recessed corner a tomb."
Emsworth says, "Neptune was discovered in 1846 by John
Couch Adams."
---------New activity since 04:13:06 PM---------
GM says, "That is right there are only eight known
planets."
Emsworth says, "A tomb? What sort of tomb?"
Leeghwater starts to think about the mysterious ninth planet
GM says, "Its large 8 feet by 4 feet. unlike the
statues, it is not one piece of moulded stone. This has a separate lid."
Hans wonders what happened to the tenth planet. Not in this
universe, seemingly ;-)
Robert [to Hans]: The tenth planet is continued on the next
tomb :)
GM says, "The sarcophagus is vividly painted and
emsworth please roll observation"
Hans rolls 5d, and gets a 13.
GM says, "You recognize the face painted on the lid, it
is the same as that statue with the loose cane."
Emsworth says, "Hmm. Interesting."
You say, "Are we going to open it?"
Leeghwater says, "Of course not!"
GM says, "It is very heavy and will take two or three
of you to do so."
Emsworth looks the sarcophagus ove to see if there are any
openings wherein loose cane would fit.
Leeghwater says, "Desecrating the last resting place of
any mortal is a sin!"
Emsworth says, "What!?!"
Leeghwater says, "I would not want Martians opening my
coffin"
Emsworth says, "Of course we're going to open it. It's
an archeological discovery. "
Emsworth says, "If I was ten millenia dead I wouldn't
mind all that much."
Leeghwater says, "It's defilement"
Leeghwater says, "I can not participate in this and
still face God when I pray."
Emsworth says, "It's scientific work."
Emsworth says, "Well, what's it's going to be? One for,
one against. What do the rest of you think?"
Alexandra Grimes speaks up. "Um Mister Leeghwater,
perhaps we could go back to those bas-reliefs and record them."
GM says, "James Grimes wants to open it."
Emsworth says, "Teatam?"
GM says, "Doctor Price is still upstairs with
Whittington."
Wilkins keeps quiet.
I don't understand that.
If you are trying to speak, prefix your words with a double
quote (") or the word SAY, i.e. SAY Fnord. For more help on communicating,
type HELP COMMUNICATION.
'Buff' Teatam watches the exchange with some amusement.
"Way I see it... it won't hurt to have a look. Besides this poor feller
would be forgotten if it weren't for us."
Emsworth says, "It's three against one, then."
Leeghwater shakes his head in disgust and stalks of to look
more closely at the solar map, whilst praying for the soul of the poor Martian
Emsworth suggests that he, Wilkins, Teatam, and Grimes each
take one corner of the lid and lifts it off. Carefully, of course.
You say, "If General Lee was forgot a thousand years
from now, it'd be obliging him to have some feller look him up and remind the
world of him. Even Grant would deserve as much."
Alexandra goes with Leeghwater. "It is for science, I
believe they won't take anything beyond photographs, surely that isn't too
great a sin."
Emsworth . o O ( Sin? )
Emsworth shakes his head bemusedly.
GM says, "Everyone opening the lid, please roll
strength."
Emsworth says, "Perhaps we should examine it carefully
firt, to see if there are any traps."
GM says, "Roll observation."
Hans rolls 5d, and gets a 23.
GM says, "You check it carefully and find no other
seams beyond the lid."
Emsworth says, "It looks clear. Grab hold,
everybody."
GM says, "Go ahead and roll strength."
'Buff' Teatam sets the lantern down and removes his jacket
before setting to work. "Good idea. Say, this is the point in the dime
novels where the deceased rises to get his revenge on the trespassers." He
smirks a bit at his observation.
Hans rolls 2d, and gets a 6.
On 3d6, you rolled 8.
---------New activity since 04:27:31 PM---------
Emsworth says, "For Wilkins:"
Hans rolls 4d, and gets a 17.
GM says, "The heavy stone pulls free reluctantly, as it
does, there is a sudden, noiseless rush of wind through the tomb, up the
staircase past Leeghwater and Alexandra, up the stairs, to Dr Price where it
disapates."
Emsworth says, "Strange. It appears the sarcophagus is
connected to the outside world somehow."
'Buff' Teatam looks to the lanterns for signs of the flames
failing.
---------New activity since 04:31:39 PM---------
GM says, "The sudden rush takes everyone by surprise. A
pregnant pause as everyone waits for something else to happen."
GM says, "But nothing does."
GM says, "You set the lid down and find the perfectly
preserved body of a canal martian."
GM says, "It's not wearing the head dress like on the
coffin, but the necklace is around the body's neck."
'Buff' Teatam removes his hat and bows his head for a moment
before looking closely.
Emsworth says, "THAT should be worth a photograph. If
Leeghwater can get it over his concience to take one."
---------New activity since 04:34:54 PM---------
James Grimes perhaps we can prevail upon your friend to let
us use the camera. It belongs to Whittington and he was sent out here to record
this sort of thing.
'Buff' Teatam sets his hat back on his head. He says with a
shrug, "Ain't his fault he has religion, Mr. Grimes. No one is
perfect."
---------New activity since 04:36:04 PM---------
Emsworth says, "It's your expedition, Grimes."
GM says, "As you ponder what to do next, you spot
points light reflecting from the lantern light. You look closer and see there
are several dozen gemstones of an unknown sort embedded in the walls of the
tomb."
James Grimes snaps "Actually this is my brother's fool
idea. I'll go get the camera." He then storms off.
Emsworth examines the gemstones closely.
GM says, "You look closer at the necklace on the body
and see it has they same sort of gemstones embedded in it."
Emsworth says, "Did you bring the magnifying glass,
Wilkins?"
Wilkins says, "I regret not, Sir."
'Buff' Teatam whispers to Emsworth, "That Grimes is
primed for a kick in the pants." He looks at the gemstones curiously. It
isn't a diamond. Beyond that, he couldn't say.
---------New activity since 04:39:06 PM---------
GM says, "As Emsworth looks at the gemstones he notices
finely inscribed writings etched into the walls"
---------New activity since 04:40:12 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Wilkins, ask Mr. Leeghwater for the
loan of a piece of paper and a pencil."
GM says, "Grimes returns with the camera and takes
three pictures of the body."
Wilkins goes.
---------New activity since 04:41:08 PM---------
Leeghwater gives a sketch book and a pencil to Wilkins
Emsworth says, "By rights the body should be conveyed
to a museum in Syrtis Major, but I don't think we can transport it that
far."
---------New activity since 04:41:39 PM---------
Grimes rolls up his sleeves again. "Unless you have
anything else you'd like to do, I suggest we go ahead and reseal this blighter
up."
Leeghwater [malt]: Het was even druk vandaag. Wederom de
hele dag zitten Munchkinen. Nu met 4man tegelijkertijd!
As Wilkins returns with the paper Emsworth carefully traces
the writing.
Grimes whispers to Emsworth. "I concur, but this bloody
desert trek would destroy it and Thomas will never agree to return early
without his bloody tiger pelt.
Emsworth says, "OOC You KNOW that necklace is going to
be important, Robert!"
GM . o O ( I certainly hope we aren't :-) )
Leeghwater says, "Translated that to English: 4 people
played 8 hours of Munchkin today."
Emsworth says, "well, anything we leave behind will be
looted by the nomads. You know that, don't you?"
You say, "No, we don't. They didn't b other this place
afore. They might be superstitious. In any case we can't bear the body. But,
the necklace and that cane could be taken for safekeeping."
---------New activity since 04:45:29 PM---------
Emsworth says, "I say we spend all the photographic
plates documenting this place and take anything that's easily portable."
Grimes thinks for a moment. "You know this thing is
well hidden. We can drop that disc back in place and with some careful camoflague
we can keep the wogs from finding this place."
Emsworth says, "You're right. They MAY be
superstitious. Or they may just not have known about this place before. They
certainly do know about it now."
GM . o O ( That last part is not necessarily true. The one
survivor fled before you found it. )
GM . o O ( the only question is the three wounded hill
martian. )
Emsworth looks thoughtfully at Grimes. "You're
forgetting the three nomads right above us, four feet from the hole. At least,
I hope you' forgot about them."
You say, "If they're anything like the Utes or Apaches
they know every inch of their territory. But doing as we've said is the best we
can do."
---------New activity since 04:48:00 PM---------
Emsworth says, "I agree. Let's get on with it."
Emsworth says, "We take the necklace and the cane
along. Make rubbings of the writing and the more interesting bas-reliefs. And
photograph all we can. Do we find anything esle interesting?"
GM says, "OOC What do you decide about the necklace and
cane?"
GM says, "You find nothing else portable."
GM says, "You expend the dozen plates you had, and take
extensive rubbings and notes as the storm ages over head."
Emsworth says, "Let's wrap the necklace and the cane up
real good and hide it in the luggage be."
'Buff' Teatam considers prying a gem from the walls. Then he
decides that wouldn't be what he'd want people to do with General Lee's tomb.
Grant's maybe.
---------New activity since 04:50:37 PM---------
Peracles [to JHG]: Do you choose to dispute the taking of
the items?
Leeghwater says, "Nope. "
GM says, "It takes about three hours to get everything
recorded. You bed down for the night and spend a fairly good night up in the
entrance chamber."
Leeghwater prays before going to bed. More then he normally
does.
'Buff' Teatam sticks his head out of the hole every so often
to check things topside.
---------New activity since 04:53:02 PM---------
GM says, "However your dreams are all disturbed by
sights and sounds of canal martians in regal garb. You hear their words but do
not know what ehy mean."
GM says, "Whittington regains consciousness and is
overjoyed at the rubbings and notes you've taken."
GM says, "In the morning you climb back out of the
chamber using the gashants to pull you all up."
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (One of your own people found
this place. We were forced to take this course by circumstance, not greed.)
Then he wakes with a start.
---------New activity since 04:56:01 PM---------
GM says, "Thomas Grimes, the Colonel, and his batman
each greet you. They did not have as good a night as you did, but if you
mention they dreams, they do not know what you are talking about."
Emsworth says, "Is there anything to see on the horizon
except mor steppe? Some mountains away in the distance?"
Emsworth says, "That was Hans asking the GM."
GM says, "One of the Hill Martians has not survived the
night. Leaving two."
You say, "Can those scoundrels walk?"
---------New activity since 04:58:05 PM---------
GM says, "Even with your field glasses you see nothing
but steppes or desert."
Emsworth says, "Did anyone bring a sextant?"
GM says, "One of them seems to be able to move the
second does not."
GM says, "The grimes do not have one. They have relied
on their map and compass."
Leeghwater did npt
Emsworth says, "What good is a map with no recognizable
landmarks?"
Emsworth asks the grimes if they will be able to find their
way back here?
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (It's like fate wnats us to keep
the dang necklace and cane.)
---------New activity since 05:01:39 PM---------
Thomas Grimes taps his tooth with a fingernail. "It
will be duecedly tough old man. You know how poor these Martian maps are. I
know I can get us back to Moeris Lacus, but finding this needle in a haystack?
I don't know.
Emsworth says, "Where are we in relationship with the
canal? North of it, right?"
GM says, "Yes about 220 miles."
Emsworth says, "It seems hopeless. Can we afford to
stay until noon, do you think?"
You say, "We can't leave markers. The nomads would
track them back to the tomb, and know where to lay an ambush."
---------New activity since 05:04:54 PM---------
Thomas Grimes blinks. "Noon why noon? We've already
lost two days."
---------New activity since 05:06:10 PM---------
Emsworth says, "When I decided to go to Mars, I bought
a very fine watch and had it calibrated for Mars. It shows the time in Syrtis
Major. If we wait until noon we will at least have a longitude. Without a
sextant we can't get a lattitude too, but a longitude is a start."
Leeghwater wonders if his mappings skills can be of any help
'Buff' Teatam looks about for any sort of landmark, like a
dry river or big rock.
---------New activity since 05:08:17 PM---------
GM says, "Emswoth you'e going to have to roll eloquence
for a difficult task to get Grimes to wait another half day."
Emsworth says, "OK, here's what I suggest. We go
straight south for at least half a day. We'll keep a sharp lookout for
landmarks. Come noon I'll note down what my watch says. I think that's the best
we can do."
Hans says, "Wilkins has a better chance of persuading
anyone of anything than Bertie ;-).
Thomas Grimes blinks again. "South? First you want to
wait a day, then you want us to backtrack? I'm sorry Mister Emsworth I can't
agree to that.
You say, "I have an idea. We can take the dead Martian
with us and bury him alongside the canal to mark where we struck north. No one
would think a grave is a marker. Not even his pal here."
---------New activity since 05:11:13 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Backtrack? You plan to go on with the
hunt?"
Grimes looks at you incredulously. "And why shouldn't
we? We are still less than half way through our 6 week expedition."
---------New activity since 05:13:12 PM---------
Emsworth says, "This discovery is the archeological
find of the century and you care more about getting a rug for your fireplace
than for preserving it for posterity?"
---------New activity since 05:15:15 PM---------
Grimes shakes his head. "You've got photographic
evidence, those two trinkets, rubbings, and extensive notes. That IS preserved
good man. This is a hunting expedition, not an Archeological one. I'll mark it
on my map and you can fund a return if you like later. That is if another
sandstorm doesn't cover it up."
Emsworth shrugs helplessly. "You're a philistine,
Grimes, but you're also the expedition leader. What do you propose to do?"
GM says, "You look about and see the sandstorm has
almost completely covered the ring of stones."
'Buff' Teatam frowns. But Grimes paid good money for him. He
sighs with resignation.
---------New activity since 05:17:32 PM---------
GM says, "I propose we continue northeastwards. The
Tiger was heading that way when we lost him.""
---------New activity since 05:17:58 PM---------
Emsworth says, "Very well."
GM . o O ( One last question. What do you do with or to the
two surviving hill martians. )
Emsworth does an about face and start to saddle his gashant.
Wordlessly Wilkins begins to fasten the gear to the pack gashants.
---------New activity since 05:20:11 PM---------
Leeghwater mounts Gilsolde
Emsworth says, "Well, if one of them can't be moved, we
don't have much choice. I say leave them some water and let them lie. And hope
they won't plunder the grave."
Leeghwater agrees with Emsworth on this
Emsworth says, "BTW, is Whittington able to move?"
GM says, "The conscious Martian eyes you suspiciously
and barks at you in his language in what can only be a curse."
Whittington smiles grimly. "I'm still game old
man." He mounts his gashant wincing to mask the pain, but his eyes are
clear.
GM says, "With that, you mount up and head off into the
endless steppes."
GM . o O ( And I believe this would be a good place to end.
)
Emsworth says, "Right you are."