From pmoyer@jurai.net Sat Dec 23 01:24:52 2000
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 16:21:08 -0500 (EST)
From: Philip J. Moyer <pmoyer@jurai.net>
To: John Biles <ranma@falcon.cc.ukans.edu>,
     Amy "General Chaos" Borden <aborden@soltec.net>,
     Chris Angelini <frobozz@eyrie.org>
Subject: [Amber/TAMD] Hiko, Shizumaru -- Sailing, Sailing

Shizumaru oohs.

Naga falls asleep.

Shizumaru says, "We recognize your sacrifice. ~.~"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "So, y'all better be nice to me next time we see each other.  I was in the mood to Mack."

Shizumaru says, "I owe you a dance, then."

Corrine of Amber shall log for about an hour or so, before his body decides to collapse from overcoughing.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Damn straight."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... getting approp. log from yesterday..."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ready?"

Shizumaru OOCly nods.

Miki says, "I'm ready to rhumba."

*** Foxtrot goes IC. ***

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I didn't know you could dance, John."

Miki says, "OOC I took a ballroom dance class in college.  I know how to waltz, foxtrot, rhumba, meringue, jitterbug, two-step, polka, and a few other dances."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Recap for Drew: It's been established that Hiko is the one in command of this campaign.  The mast got two feet sliced off of it, thanks to Gabrielle.  And they're still talking strategy..."

Shizumaru OOCly saw the backlog from last night, yep.

=============================
=============================

Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself.  "Disguise then... as what?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I feel like I need to talk to Uncle Derith again... try and get more of a feel for what he saw."

Miki says, "Good question."

Shizumaru continues to talk quietly with Rimururu...his mood seeming rather lightened, by now.

Miki asks, "Perhaps some sort of sea monster?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Wouldn't that make them feel more threatened?"

Miki asks, "Hrm.  A large whale?"

Hiko the Firechilde looks around at the ship.  "Very large whale..."

Miki says, "I suppose you wouldn't have much experience with knowing what sea creatures look like, though."

Keiko exclaims, "OOC:  A GREAT WHITE WHALE!"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I lived inland for all of my life."

You page, "An idea of what I've been thinking for Castle Ember on Vesuvius -- http://www.eyrie.org/~aerianne/ember/ember.castle.b.jpg .  The stairs/elevator/ramps down to the Dungeons+Pattern Chamber/Dragon Weyrs/Elevator to "ground level" of Ember City are all physically seperate channels in the rock." to Akemi, Kima and Mercutio.
Mercutio pages, "interesting, if rough." to you.
You page, "Well, I worked on it in class this week. *wg*" to Mercutio.
Kima pages, "Nifty." to you, Akemi and Mercutio.
Akemi pages, "How will the flying creatures get into the Weyrs if they're underground?" to you.
You page, "There's two tunnels cut into the rock." to Akemi.
You page, "(it's mentioned in the Ember Castle plans, etc, I beleive.  One on the south face of vesuvius, the other on the north cliff-face." to Akemi.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "If you showed me via Trump or perhaps through a mental image, I could project one, I suppose."

Miki frowns.  "I suppose we would have to forget about disguises, then, as we don't have anyone else here with enough power to do such a thing."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, making her own mental assessment of what it would take.

Eventually, Shizumaru and Rimururu wander back toward the others, from their corner on the deck. Shizumaru still looks a bit somber, but not as saddened as before.

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'll try and see if I am up to such a task.  Next: reconnaissance.  Tsuwabuki?  Do you have any experience in that?"

Tsuwabuki says, "I have done scouting before, yes.  Assuming that the Keep has an actual day/night cycle, we'll want to approach it by night."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you want someone to go with you, or would you rather do it solo?"

He continues, "It would likely be a good idea if someone more mystically inclined than I came with me, given I have little ability to detect magic, pattern energies, trump energies, and so on."

Hiko the Firechilde nods again, then looks about.  "Miki, as you have the most experience with Trump energies, you should go with Tsuwabuki, to warn him should such beings approach."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shizumaru, did you bring the Seed of Hope with you?"

Miki says, "OOC Just a note as a gamer...rule #1 says never send the NPCs off by themselves to scout...:)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Well, damn, why not?"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Because they're likely to get captured?"

Shizumaru blinks. "Hm? Ah, no, Cousin...I left it in the vaults back at the castle. I did not see why I should bring it, as I have attuned myself to it, and can now draw on its power remotely."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Remotely... right."

Miki says, "OOC Because it means you can't influence what's going on, and because the players are the protagonists of the tale, so to speak :)"

Rod has connected.
>> Evil spelled backwards is live, and we all want to live, don't we?
Rod says, "oi"
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Game's on, Rod."
Rod says, "OOCly. oh, congratis"
Keiko gropes Shaft.
Rod says, "...  cock tease."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "That's just very wrong, Alan."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Good.  You and I are going to train on how to use it during this journey."

Miki says, "OOC Howdy, Rod."

Shizumaru nods solemnly. "A good idea, Cousin. I would appreciate your help in that."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "If anything goes wrong, we may need the power from both Icons to defeat our foes and escape."

Keiko says, "OOC:  Fine, be that way.  I'll have her sleep with Ramon, instead."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks.  "On second thought, perhaps either Shizumaru or I should go with you."

Miki nods.  "There may be magical defenses as well."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks.  (Trump and mental powers = Miki-san.  Working experience with Scouting = Tsuwabuki-san)

Hiko the Firechilde says, "We shall see how far you've progressed by the end of the journey, Shizumaru."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Is there anything you think I've left out, Uncle Miki, Tsuwabuki-san?"

Shizumaru nods. In a moment of insight, he asks, "Are you thinking of sending me as one of the scouting team, if I do become more accomplished with it, Cousin?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Perhaps, Shizumaru-san.  You're more accomplished at arms than I am."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm trying to figure out who would make up the most well rounded scout team."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Quick... need names for 'boob' in other languages."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "..."
Rod says, "OOCly ......."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "It's for a FRIEND okay?"

Tsuwabuki says, "Given how little we know of the place we are to be scouting, it is hard to be sure what will be necessary."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right.  I need to talk to Uncle Derith again."

Shizumaru OOCly says, "Chinese is 'boin gee'."

Hiko the Firechilde looks up at the broken mast.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "No way, Drew..."
Rod says, "OOCly .................."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Actually, Trish...."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Yeah, you're right. :D"

The crew has gotten the mast fixed and they're sailing along.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  BAPS Drew.
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Ow."

Miki says, "Well, you could always trump him."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Estimated time of arrival now?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I was planning on doing that later."

Tsuwabuki says, "We didn't take enough damage to really slow us down.  We've lost only maybe a half-hour or so."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Good.  I'll try not to contact Gabrielle unless it's necessary.  We don't want any more accidents."

Somewhere, Gabrielle flounces petulantly. o O(I _could_ have cut the ship in half.)

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Sorry, Gabrielle, but this is a vital mission..."

Somewhere, in another reality, Corrine thinks of her daughter.

Somewhere, in this reality, Shizumaru thinks about food. *growl*

Hiko the Firechilde hears a growling noise and winces.  "Have you not eaten, Shizumaru-san?"

Shizumaru sweatdrops a bit sheepishly. "Ah...I only managed to get a few slices of bread and cheese before coming out to the ship this morning."

Somewhere, in another reality, Juri thinks:  . o O (SpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoonSpoon)

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And you, Rimururu-san?"

Tsuwabuki says, "I will see about arranging a proper breakfast for all of us."  He heads off below decks.

Rimururu says, "I want to wait a while and make sure I don't lose the rest of my breakfast first."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "That would be wise."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Rimururu-san.  "If you like I can teach you the anti-nausea spell."

She sighs.  "I'm afraid I can only do ice magic."

"My powers are granted to me by my bond to my Kami, rather than being the sort of sorcery you practice."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hmm... well, I'll take care of your seasickness needs, if you like."

She bows to you.  "I would be very grateful, Hiko-san."

Hiko the Firechilde grins in return.  "Okay... let's break for breakfast, then I'm going to contact Uncle Derith to see what else I can learn about his experience there."

You all go and have what passes for breakfast on the ship...dried fruit and porridge.  The Queen Mary this is not.

But it is filling and prevents you starving to death.

Shizumaru does not much mind; he has lived on simple fare for most of his life.

Hiko the Firechilde makes sure that Rimururu gets at least some broth into her... if they have broth on the ship.

They can make some broth for her.  Good thinking.  She fills up on broth, so she doesn't spend the morning with an empty stomach.

Shizumaru . o O ( Thank you for your quick thinking, Cousin. )

Hiko the Firechilde shrugs at Shizumaru.  "I got sick a lot when I was younger.  I lived on broth, it seemed."

Shizumaru blinks. "Ah...I did not say anything...."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "You didn't?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "My mind must be wandering..."

Shizumaru shakes his head, sweating slightly.

Rimururu blinkblinks.

Hiko the Firechilde finishes her meal, then decides to retire to her room to contact Uncle Derith, as she needs her concentration if she is to share the event with him.

While you are doing that, Rimururu says to Shizumaru, "Would you be interested in a game of Go to while our time away?"

Shizumaru's eyes light up. "Go? You know the game as well?" He smiles, almost grinning widely. "I have not had a chance to play it in months. Not since the last time I met with Haohmaru-sensei. I would love to."

Foxtrot has connected.
>> We have arrived, you may kiss my foot, now.
Foxtrot has disconnected.
>> Byeeee!  It was really fun!
Shizumaru OOCly re's. YOu didn't miss anything.
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Except me and Rimu deciding to play a game of Go. :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Okay."

Hiko the Firechilde retires to her cabin.

She nods.  "We used to play it on those long winter nights which we have many, many, many of in my homeland."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Run this part by page, John?"
Derith says, "OOC Hai."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  moves to page mode
Corrine of Amber OOCly makes note to take Tea with him to Jeff's tomorrow.

Shizumaru smiles, then looks around the deck. Mmm. He points to some sturdy looking boxes near the mast. "We can set the board up on there."

Foxtrot stops prodding inn--- guilty authors and says, "He sick, too?" (to you)
You page, "Don't think so... more for me to brew and not mooch on his supply. ^_^ Usually, I drink aboyut 12-14 cans of Mountain Dew at one of Jeff's anime viewings." to Foxtrot.

You soon get the board set up and sit down to play.

Shizumaru plays with an air of enthusiasm around him. It has been quite a while; he never really had the time to find someone who knew the game in his adventuring. Or just the time to play, period.

Rimururu plays cautiously.  You get the impression she has some experience, but probably not as much as you.

You page, "*sigh* Kanna's not even ofifically BORN, and she already wants one : http://shop.actionace.com/isroot/ActionAce/Images/products/MEC7002100.jpg" to Akemi, Kima and Mercutio.
Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.
Mercutio pages, "Your second child is a large metal robot? Wow." to you and Kima.
You page, "*THWAP*" to Kima and Mercutio.
You page, "Nooooo." to Kima and Mercutio.
You page, "http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/2816/kanna.html -- Kanna Kirishima, the character template for Corrine's second daughter." to Foxtrot, Kima and Mercutio.

Shizumaru hmms. He decides to take it a little easy on Rimururu. He can probably beat her badly, but that would be...impolite. Best make it closer.

Rimururu plays her best, but you defeat her, though holding back prevents it being a massacre.

Shizumaru smiles and sits back. "A good match. Do you want to play again?"

She nods.  "Let's try again," she says, looking determined.

"Challenge accepted," answers Shizumaru, actually rather seriously. There is a small twinkle in his eye, however, and he starts another game.

Rimururu plays even more cautiously this time.

Shizumaru plays much as he did last time: holding back, but not too much as to be obvious.

Rimururu puts everything she has into it, and does better this time, but it still gradually becomes obvious she's going to die.

She wrinkles her nose.  "How did you get so good at this?"

Shizumaru chuckles. "With much, much practice. Haohmaru-sensei is an absolute master of Go. I still have not beaten him, actually, though in recent times, I have come closer and closer." He pauses, and looks at the board critically, then back up at Rimururu. "Would you like for me to coach you? Sensei has said that, by teaching, one can learn even more."

Rimururu nods.  "I would greatly appreciate that."

Shizumaru starts another game with Rimururu, and this time, suggests tactics to her as she goes along. Or tells her to think carefully before making a move at crucial points in the game. Not telling her what to do, but how to look at the situation.

Naga wakes up.

Hiko the Firechilde comes back topside, looking slightly peeved.

Rimururu waves to Hiko.  "How did it go?"

Shizumaru looks up from the game. "You look displeased, Cousin...."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not well.  He didn't tell me much that we didn't already know."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I dislike going into a situation without knowing all the pieces of the puzzle."

Shizumaru nods. "I understand, Cousin. But life is rarely so easy that we are fully prepared for any situation."

Her face darkens slightly.  "That is true.

Rimururu nods.  "Well, I think we're being sent to find out what the pieces are."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Rimururu.  "That is a good way of putting it."

"Rather than to assemble pieces we already have."

Hiko the Firechilde turns to Shizumaru.  "Do you wish to start training?"

Shizumaru looks across the board, then to Rimururu. "Well...would you like to pick up on this later, Rimururu-san?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "First, have you ever studied magic?"

Shizumaru shakes his head. "The only thing that would really approach it is...well, some of the words of power that my mother taught me."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Which ones?  Power Words feed off of your lifesource... they're like magic, but not really."

Shizumaru tilts his head, thinking. "One that will disrupt trump magic...one that disrupts sorcery and conjuration...one that disrupts the workings of chaos...one that addles another's mind, and one that strengthens my own mind."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Your mother did well to teach you protection words.  How do you feel after you use one?"

Shizumaru hmms. "Not much different. Well, perhaps after using some repeatedly, I do start to feel tired."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "After how many?"

Shizumaru simply answers, "Many. At least ten, even more."

Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself.

Hiko the Firechilde ponders some more.  "And you've not had any other experience with magic?"

Shizumaru shakes his head. "Not as such, until the Seed of Hope, really. Although perhaps the Broken Pattern counts to an extent."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ah... what did you use that for?"

"To walk through Shadow, though it was dangerous and Sensei recommended that I did not do so unless necessary."

Rod says, "clockin' out.  back later."
Rod . o O (And when I get back, Shaft'll be behind in the shag count again, right?  ;)
Rod has disconnected.
>> gute Nacht

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What did you feel when you drew upon it's power?"

Derith says, "OOC Sorry for the slowness, we're arguing in the Keep."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Not AGAIN!"
Foxtrot drops Vixxy.
Vixxy has left.

Corrine of Amber OOCly must bail now, as it's late, his body's tired, and he's got Jeff's tomorrow.  Should be back in the evening afterwards, tho.  Hopefully I'll be feeling up and operational then to game...
Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "So, G'night, folks."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I hope you feel better, too."
Miki exclaims, "OOC See ya!  Hope ya feel better soon!"
Naga says, "seeya"

Shizumaru thinks. "It was...a tremendous amount of ppower. I felt like I was connected with life--of trees and plants in particular."

==============================
==============================

Shizumaru OOCly says, "Later, Phil."
Corrine of Amber OOCly waves, hacking and coughing.  Dammit, High-Enduance folks shouldn't GET sick... [Corrine] You're confusing you with me and again, Playerboi.  Now go see Dr. Tofu and heal up.
Shizumaru OOCly o.o;
Corrine of Amber OOCly rolls his eyes at his character.  "Uh huh.  Bring him here, and I'll think about it."
Corrine of Amber OOCly waves and bails.


Philip Moyer----------------Qapla'-------------pmoyer@jurai.net 
"To boldly go where no one has gone before!"-Capt. J. L. Picard
"Roads? Where we're going we don't NEED roads!"-Dr. E. L. Brown
   "If it can be dreamed, It can be done."- ReRob Mandeville
"Someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection, The Lovers,
---------- The Dreamers, and Me."- Kermit The Frog ------------